Everything you missed at last night's busy City Council meeting

View fullsize

Mayor Burdge reads and presents a proclamation recognizing L. Merle Parsons for his service

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The City of Sand Springs held a busy City Council meeting Monday night, filled with informative presentations, recognition of service, mayoral appointments and proclamations, and much debate.

Mayor Mike Burdge read and presented a proclamation to L. Merle Parsons, recognizing his twelve years of voluntary service to the City Planning Commission. He has served as the Chairman of the Commission since 2009 and is resigning as of June 30th. 

Mayor Burdge then proclaimed the summer of 2016 to be a "Summer of Reading" in the City of Sand Springs. Click here to read the full story.

The Council approved numerous measures under the consent agenda including the use of $30,036.50 for the purchase of a Trailer Mounted Patcher for the Street Department. The patcher will allow the Street Department to maintain asphalt temperature during transportation from the plant to the repair sites, making it easier to work with and mold to the existing streets. The current process involves transportation on an open flatbed work truck, meaning the asphalt has cooled by the time it arrives and is less pliable when filling potholes. 

View fullsize

Parsons gives a farewell address to the Council

The Council also approved a contract of $38,597.20 to Direct Traffic Control for road striping in various sections of the city considered "average to poor." This includes sections of Park Road from Adams Road to 81st West Avenue, sections of Morrow Road from Highway 97 to Adams Road, and sections of 41st Street from Highway 97 to 129th.

The Council had scheduled to consider approval of a contract with Dewberry Architects for design of the new Public Safety Facility, but tabled it for the next meeting.

By request of Parks Director Grant Gerondale, the City approved an amended ordinance concerning overnight stay in Parks facilities. Currently, overnight camping is prohibited in City Parks. Exceptions for events such as Oklahoma Freewheel (SEE RELATED) and Chillin and Grillin Festival (SEE RELATED) must be taken to City Council. The amendment will allow for that decision to be made at the Parks staff level. The Council also approved a recommendation to close large sections of River City Park from Sunday September 4th through Monday September 5th to allow Great Raft Race organizers to properly prepare for the event and finish setup before the Labor Day launch.

View fullsize

Parks Director Grant Gerondale addresses the Council.

A Studio 45 representative gave a presentation showing upcoming parks projects. A full story will be posted soon. Councilman Phil Nollan gave a presentation on USDA Rural Development, a full story on that is to come. Alan Ringle of Ringle Development, LLC gave a presentation regarding his requests for de-annexation of two housing developments.

Vice Mayor John Fothergill was appointed to the District Six seat on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Municipal League. Councilmen Fothergill, Jim Spoon, and Beau Wilson were appointed to the Council Legislative Committee. Councilmen Fothergill, Wilson, and Nollan were appointed to the Council Public Works Advisory Committee.

Mayor Burdge was appointed to the Indian Nations Council of Governments Board of Directors with City Manager Elizabeth Gray as an alternate. Councilmen Burdge and Fothergill were appointed to the INCOG General Assembly. Mayor Burdge was appointed to the INCOG Legislative Consortium with Gray as an alternate. Councilman Brian Jackson was appointed to the INCOG Tulsa Metropolitan Area Transportation Policy Committee. 

Appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Development Authority, Personnel Board, and Parks Advisory Board were tabled for a later meeting. Councilwoman Patty Dixon and former Councilman Harold Neal were appointed to the Planning Commission.

City Financial Director Kelly Lamberson presented the regular monthly Financial Reports. According to Lamberson, overall revenue for the past month is down 2%, but the City spent 16.2% below projections. The Pogue Airport performance was up 4.5% from the prior month. 

Gray reminded the Council that Arby's is the restaurant of the month for July as part of the City's Purchase with a Purpose Campaign. 

According to Gray more than 100 homes registered with the City-Wide Yard Sale Map--double the number that participated last year. SEE RELATED.

In the Municipal Authority meeting the Board appointed Gray as an alternate to the Sand Springs-Sapulpa Joint Board and tabled the appointment of Airport Advisory Board members for a later meeting. 

The Council retired to Executive Session "for the purpose of conferring on matters pertaining to economic development within the River West development area and for the purpose of conferring on other economic development projects in which public disclosure of the matter discussed would interfere with the confidentiality of the business...(and) for the purpose of conferring on matters pertaining to appraisal or acquisition of property for economic development purposes...and for the purpose of discussion related (to) possible claims against the Tulsa County Commissioners and/or Tulsa County Sheriff concerning jail operations..."

City considers joining 100 Mile Yard Sale in 2017

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The City of Sand Springs hosted their second-annual City-wide Yard Sale on June 18.

At the City Council regular meeting Monday night, City Manager Elizabeth Gray called the event a big success and pointed out that over 100 households registered with the City to appear on the official event map. Only 50 households appeared on the map in the event's inaugural year.

Gray visited the QuikTrip location on the South Side of the river on the day of the event and employees claimed to be slammed throughout the event. 

The City is looking at the possibility of either moving the event to a cooler part of the year in the future, or hosting two events.

If they decide to split the event into two, the City will partner with the 7th annual Oklahoma 100 Mile Yard Sale Tour for planning of a May event. This year the 6th annual Tour included Cleveland, Hominy, Ralston, Pawnee, Yale, Cushing, Oilton, Sapulpa, Mannford, Jennings, Hallett, Terlton, and Fairfax. The second event would be held solely by the City sometime in the Fall. 

This week in Sand Springs: City Council Agenda and other news

Crosspoint VBS

Crosspoint church will be holding their vacation bible school program from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Monday, June 27th through Thursday, June 30th. The theme is "Cave Quest" and there will be games, music, science, experiments, and more. This is completely free, you must register on their website.

Fireworks permits on sale now

The City of Sand Springs has made Fireworks Discharge Permits available online for the first time.

For $20 Sand Springs residents may purchase a Class 1.4G Common Fireworks permit for use July 2nd through 4th. 

Tickets may be purchased at the City’s website.

Sertoma Fireworks show set for July 3rd

The Sertoma club's annual fireworks display will be on July 3rd, at 7:00pm in River City Park. The show will begin at dusk and is free of admission. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on and get there early so that you can get a good parking spot seat! River City Park is located at 2500 South River City Park Road Sand Springs, OK. This event is always a crowd pleaser, so invite your family and friends!

Solace Church Kids Summer Celebration

Solace Church is having their Kids Summer Celebration from Monday, June 27th to Wednesday June 29th. The fun will be from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm and will be for children from the age of 3 years old to 6th grade. This celebration will be in the theme of "Winter Extreme" and is completely free with no registration required. There will be a time of worship, snacks, skits, and more. The very last night of this event will be for the whole family and there will be pizza provided for everyone. On the last night it will start early and pizza will begin to be served at 6. For more information please call the church at 918-447-9991 during office hours. 

Snow for Senate Watch Party

 Superintendent Lloyd Snow has invited the community to join him for an election day watch party at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Tulsa Hills.

Snow for Senate will be meeting at the 7004 South Olympia Avenue, Tulsa location from 7:00 till 10:00 pm to watch the Oklahoma primary results come in. Election day is Tuesday, June 28.

City Council Meeting

The Sand Springs City Council will hold their regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. The public meeting will convene at 7:00 pm in room 203.

Mayor Mike Burdge will present a Mayoral Proclamation and plaque recognizing L. Merle Parsons for his 12 years of service to the Sand Springs Planning Commission and the citizens of Sand Springs.

Mayor Burdge will present a Mayoral Proclamation to a representative from myON supporting and proclaiming the summer of 2016 as “Summer of Reading” in the City of Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

The Council will consider approval of a contract with Dewberry Architects for design of the new Public Safety Facility. They will also consider approval of an ordinance amending existing city rules banning overnight camping in City parks. The new ordinance will allow the Parks Department to grant temporary permission to overnight campers for special events, without having to go through the City Council. The Council will consider approval of a series of capital improvements for the Sand Springs Parks.

The Council will consider de-annexation of two subdivisions within the City limits. Alan Ringle of Ringle Development, LLC requests that the city detach two properties “Oak Ridge” and “The Ridge.”

The Council will consider approval of a resolution for the appointment of Vice Mayor John Fothergill to the District Six Seat on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Municipal League.

The Council will consider the appointment of representatives to various local boards and organizations.

At the conclusion of the City Council meeting there will be a brief hiatus before the Municipal Authority meeting begins.

The Municipal Authority board will consider appointments to the Airport Advisory Board as well as the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board.

Hibbett Sports opens its doors in Sand Springs

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

In a town that has seen the State Championship finals in three sports in the last year and has multiple national-level athletes, one would think it would be fairly easy to find a premium sporting store. Not so, until today.

For years, the only option for sporting goods in Sand Springs was Wal Mart, or a road trip to Sapulpa or Tulsa Hills. Friday morning, however, Hibbett Sports opened its doors for the first time in the Springs Village Shopping Center on the Prattville side of town. 

Hibbett already boasts over 1,000 stores in the United States, and Sand Springs will likely be a worthwhile addition to their fleet. The town is home to the large and growing wrestling club Team Big, as well as the highly successful West Side Alliance soccer league and the Tulsa Roller Derby league. The town has nationally ranked wrestlers, runners, little league baseball teams, soccer teams, and more. The High School Softball team, Football team, and Wrestling teams all came in runner-up at the State Championships this past year.

The store typically employs a staff of about eight full-time and part-time positions, and is currently hiring. Hibbett carries a large selection of athletic footwear, apparel, and team athletic equipment. 

First Annual Taste of Sand Springs boasts delicious dining experience

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The first annual Taste of Sand Springs was a success Thursday evening at the Charles Page High School cafeteria. The Chamber of Commerce event served as a fundraiser for the organization Junior Achievement. 

The dining started off with some delicious sliders from Osage Casino. Napoli's Italian Restaurant provided pasta. Reasor's deli had broccoli salad and deviled egg potato salad. Rib Crib served colossal portions of baked beans and mac and cheese with bacon. Charlie's Chicken had hearty portions of green beans and broccoli grape salad. Gander Mountain Vineyard provided open-faced roast beef sandwiches and mushroom casserole with key lime cheesecake for dessert. 

Other sweet options included Harper's Hut Shaved Ice, Sandlot Snoballs and brownies from Meadowlake Ranch. Livi Lee's donuts had a delicious treat called "Strawberry Fields," consisting of a glazed cake donut with strawberries and whipped cream. Also on hand were sixth-graders Taylor Blackwell and Sydnee Porter selling lemonade to raise money for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson was the spokesman for the evening and entertained the customers with periodic giveaways including car detailing certificates, Starbucks packages, Crescent Cafe gift cards and more. Jackson serves as the Development Manager at Junior Achievement of Eastern Oklahoma and is currently running for the Senate Seat 37.

Money raised from the event will benefit more than ten CPHS students participating in the Junior Achievement life skills programs.

“Just a short 15 years ago, I was a junior at CPHS and I had the fortune to be inspired by my community classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement.  That classroom time gave me direction to live out my American Dream alongside my wife and daughter,” said Jackson.

SS Police open doors to private transactions

The Sand Springs Police Department announced via Facebook recently that they are in the process of registering with www.safetradestations.com as a Safe Station for private transactions.

Citizens engaging in person-to-person transactions via Craigslist, Facebook groups, etc. can now meet in the lobby of the City Municipal Building for safety . The station has cameras inside and outside and police are always present in the event of an incident.

City Councilman Brian Jackson sounds off on Senator Dan Newberry

Incumbent Senator Dan Newberry faced harsh words from City Councilman Brian Jackson at a Chamber of Commerce forum Monday afternoon.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted an open forum Monday for Senate seat 37 candidates. All seven candidates were invited, five attended, but the awkward drama between three of them stole the show. Outgoing Sand Springs Superintendent Lloyd Snow is running for the democratic nomination for the seat, and he's found an unusual ally from the other side of the political spectrum. 

Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson is a Republican, but doesn't hesitate to endorse Snow as the best alternative to incumbent Dan Newberry, should Newberry win the Republican nomination. Jackson has even gone so far as to go canvassing with Superintendent Snow. 

Jackson, whose wife is a third-grade teacher, makes it clear that should he be defeated in the Republican primary on June 28th, his campaign won't end there.

"I believe public education is the cornerstone to our democracy, and should be guarded from politicians that want to inflict harm. I do not support any measure such as vouchers that would divert or direct tax dollars away from public education," said Jackson, an obvious jab at Newberry who failed to publicly oppose SB609, which would have redirected funds from public education to private schools. The high-profile bill received major public backlash from the education community before dying in committee. Many District 37 residents expressed frustration that Newberry failed to reply to any emails or phone calls regarding the bill, and never publicly declared his position, should it have been heard on the Senate floor.

Outgoing Superintendent Lloyd Snow will likely carry a large backing from Sand Springs residents with ties to education, but his biggest obstacle to election will be proving his qualifications in non-education fields. 

"Many politicians, including one in this room, will stand behind false over-inflated words that teachers should receive a medal for the work they do. This is merely smoke and mirrors and does not reflect a genuine thought." Jackson also claimed to have overheard Newberry rudely dismiss a Sand Springs educator's concerns on a past trip to the Capitol. "This disrespectful action will not be tolerated and I am honored to not be alone in this race to unseat the disrespectful actions of this politician." 

Newberry has faced a lot of backlash from the education community. Political Action Committee "Oklahomans for Public Education" rated the Senator as "Dangerous" and "Not Supportive of Public Ed" in their most recent list of 2016 candidates. Jackson and Snow, meanwhile, were endorsed as "Pro-Public Education." 

Newberry's not without some high profile supporters, however. Victory Christian Center Pastor Sharon Daugherty, Sand Springs City Councilman Jim Spoon, and former Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce President Mary Eubanks have all starred in promotional videos endorsing the Newberry campaign. Sand Springs Vice-Mayor John Fothergill has also expressed his support via Facebook. 

In defense of Newberry's education record, he did coauthor HB3218 to eliminate End of Instruction Exams, but it was far from a divisive bill. Twenty-seven other senators coauthored on the bill, as did forty-seven house representatives. The legislation cleared the House 95 to 1 and the Senate 45 to 1.

While Newberry faces heavy criticism from the education community, Snow and Jackson face criticism from just about everyone else. Supporters of Newberry have pointed out that while Education is crucial, it is not the only pressing matter for a Senator to deal with. Newberry's challengers have been accused of inadequately addressing the numerous duties a Senator must perform.

"Our state education system, along with other core areas of state government, including transportation, infrastructure, corrections, and mental health, is grossly and recklessly underfunded," said Jackson. That was all he said about the issues before continuing on in his pro-education spiel. 

Superintendent Snow fared about the same when it came to diversifying his platform. "It breaks my heart that we're going to have fifty-one fewer employees in Sand Springs schools next year." Snow failed to touch on anything other than education in his speech.

The Democratic challenger does have his standpoints on some key issues listed on his website. He promises to fix income inequality between equally qualified men and women working the same job. He touches on creating quality jobs and diversifying the state economy, supporting police and firemen, and giving individuals more control over their personal healthcare. Jackson, meanwhile, has no political ideology listed anywhere on his Facebook page or website, except for a brief mention that "illegal aliens-if they want to live here, they need to go through the proper procedures for citizenship." 

"It's not personal with me, it's performance," said Snow. "This past legislature--and I've got good friends there, it's not personal--it was a side-step. It wasn't a step up. Band-aid, band-aid, band-aid. Folks, this budget's gonna fail."

"It's not my ambition and it never was. But I feel an obligation...I may not tell you what you want to hear, but I will always give you 100% every day."

Sand Springs City Council adopts series of goals for economic growth

The Sand Springs City Council unanimously approved Resolution CC-1641 Monday evening at their bi-weekly meeting at the City Municipal Building. The resolution identifies a series of ambitious goals and objectives compiled by City Planner Brad Bates.

1. "The City of Sand Springs will strive to promote local commerce, trade, and commodities by strengthening working relationships with the local/regional entities, existing businesses and institutions.
   1. Maintain a list of Top 10 employers and actively engage them to evaluate workforce objectives and collaboration with other local businesses.
   2. Support local businesses through shopping and dining campaigns/programs, including but not limited to the purchase with a purpose campaign.
   3. Promote shop local campaigns and events
   4. Provide links to local hospitality, dining and retail establishments on a Sand Springs website.
   5. Pursue alternative methods of internet driven traffic through search engine providers and promote usage of local businesses.
   6. Produce marketing material for distribution at trade shows and conventions.
   7. Expand the local business manager's quarterly meeting with City officials to discuss concerns, achievements and future suggestions for how the City can help improve local business success.
   8. Collaborate with schools and non-profit organizations on workforce development to create a sustainable workforce in Sand Springs
   9. Create a one page handout on "What shopping local means to you!" Have facts on how much taxable sales to fund one police officer. So if it's $40,000 average for a police officer that requires $2,000,000 in taxable sales of .02 sales tax that goes to the general fund.
2. Aggressively pursue new local, regional, or national restaurant and retail businesses. 
   1. Create an inventory of City and privately owned properties that will be made available to interested parties.
   2. Actively work to broker/initiate development deals and transactions.
   3. Have strong code enforcement of existing properties by strengthening property management codes and regulations.
   4. Attend regional and national trade shows, expos, and conventions promoting the City of Sand Springs.
   5. Update the City's incentives policy to direct the long-term process of economic development.
   6. Explore and employ non-traditional incentive methods where appropriate, with specific attention to fostering small businesses and entrepreneurship. 
   7. Expand and grow the City's population through development of new single-family, multi-family, and elderly housing, in addition to actively encouraging annexation of property.
   8. Continue to monitor and evaluate the City's permit fees and development process to stay competitive with other Tulsa Metro communities.
   9. Have a team ready of citizen ambassadors to call upon to meet with prospects.
3. Identify some projects that will beautify Sand Springs and assist with marketing and economic development and complete those projects.
   1. Develop a highway corridor improvement plan or concept for implementation as part of the Vision 2025 approved project and funding.
   2. Create a timeline for corridor improvements and being implementation accordingly.
   3. Identify beautification projects that serve a multipurpose through enhancing properties or businesses that simultaneously improve the public image.
   4. Engage local civic organizations, schools, and neighborhood associations to organize cleanup efforts or beautification projects.
   5. Continue renovation and construction projects for city owed properties with functionality and aesthetics being considered in design.
   6. Review city ordinances on landscape requirements for development with possible modifications of requirements strengthening and encouraging property beautification.
   7. Have work days more often and announced early enough that people can plan ahead.
4. Evaluate and consider the acquisition of real estate for future development purposes.
   1. Determine the need and identify areas for property acquisition to help drive development transactions.
   2. Formalize a process for which property can be bought by the City in a timely and efficient manner.
   3. Develop a criteria for real estate purchasing as a form of a development incentive.
   4. Initiate land use workshops with staff to engage primary land owners in goal accomplishment.
5. Encourage and engage Subdivision and Multi-Family Developers/Developments.
   1. Work with developers to identify properties that are available for development.
   2. Continue to monitor and evaluate the City's permit fees and development process to stay competitive with other Tulsa Metro cities.
   3. Expedite processes when possible to speed up the overall development time.
   4. Evaluate infrastructure development as an incentive when deemed appropriate and beneficial.
   5. Attend Tulsa Home Builders Association meetings and gatherings to promote Sand Springs as a community.
   6. Contact and meet with Multi-Family Developers to inform them about Sand Springs and promote the need for additional housing options within the community.
   7. Make incentive policy options available for subdivision and multi-family developments.
6. Develop an Economic Development website resource hub and strive to educate and advance the objective of all involved with the City to be involved in assisting with economic development as possible. 
   1. Set a public launch date of the seesandsprings.com website and begin to promote the site through social media platforms. 
   2. Create handout materials (cards, flyers, etc) that can be distributed to businesses, developers, brokers, and citizens promoting seesandsprings.com
   3. Create and maintain an inventory of available city owned properties for development
   4. Provide links to active real estate professionals/organizations listings in the area.
   5. Provide Demographic and Market Profile information for easy review and utilization, updated annually. 
   6. Provide Economic Development Incentive information, policies, and guidelines once developed and implemented.
   7. Provide links to zoning/building regulations, building permit forms and guidelines, engineering design criteria, and the Sand Springs Comprehensive Plan.
   8. Provide digital links to zoning and comprehensive plan land use maps.
   9. Provide links to State of Oklahoma Business Resources (ie: Small Business Incentive, Department of Commerce, etc)
7. Sand Springs will have a strong independent local economy that compliments the surrounding region but is not dependent on it.
   1. Collaborate with local and regional partners regarding economic development opportunities.
   2. Encourage the development of offices, professional services, and industry in appropriate locations within the City. 
   3. Continue to support and promote the downtown commercial area.
   4. Develop a new economic development grant program for downtown development.
   5. Promote housing rehabilitation, revitalization and infrastructure improvements within neighborhoods in need.
   6. Increase retail/shopping and dining availability within Sand Springs.
   7. We should encourage and find sights that may be appealing to both developers and citizens."

Patty Dixon sworn into Sand Springs City Council and other Council news

City Municipal Judge Mike King swears in Councilwoman Patty Dixon for a three-year term.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Councilwoman Patty Dixon was sworn into office at the Sand Springs City Council meeting Monday night, taking over the Ward 2 seat from Dean Nichols after running unopposed. Nichols served three terms after joining the Council in 2007 and asked Dixon to file for his seat after deciding not to pursue a fourth term last December.

Dixon had previously served on the Council for two terms from 1990-1996 and encouraged Mayor Mike Burdge to run for her seat when she stepped down twenty years ago. Dixon has an extensive resume including time served with the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board, Museum Association, HEAL committee, Sertoma Club, Oklahoma Municipal League, and First Christian Church, and is a retired 26-year employee of the Tulsa County Parks Department. She has also served as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society. Along with her husband, Tim, Patty owns Dixon Auto Glass in Sand Springs.

In other news:

• Councilman Phil Nollan was nominated and unanimously approved as the Council representative to the Parks Advisory Board and Daniel Comer was nominated by Councilwoman Dixon to continue his term and unanimously approved.
• Precision Lawn was unanimously approved to take over citywide mowing services beginning in July. 
• The Council unanimously approved Resolution CC-1641 adopting "a series of goals and objectives related to economic development for the City."
• On recommendation from the Parks Advisory Board, the Council unanimously approved an adjustment to the existing park shelter rental rate from $25/half day to $40 per two-hour block reservation for special events. Citizens are not required to pay a reservation fee to utilize the shelters, but it does guarantee the spot on days with high demand.

Salvation Army banquet raises $21,000 for new playground

Montie Box is honored by the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club with an award.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Sand Springs honored longtime Sand Springs entrepreneur and philanthropist Montie Box with a banquet at Hillspring Church Tuesday night. The event also served as a fundraiser for new playground equipment for the Salvation Army facility and succeeded in raising over $21,000.

Stan Clark, founder and owner of Eskimo Joe's, was the keynote speaker, and several other community leaders also spoke at the Army of Stars Banquet. 

Eskimo Joe's founder Stan Clark was the keynote speaker at the Army of Stars Banquet.

Advisory Council Chairman Bob Anderson introduced the man of honor and read off his seemingly never-ending list of accomplishments. Box was then presented proclamations from the City of Sand Springs and the State of Oklahoma from Mayor Mike Burdge and Councilman Phil Nollan, respectively. Nollan presented the State proclamation on behalf of his wife, District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan, who was away at the Capitol. Senator Dan Newberry also gave an address honoring Box. 

Attendance at the event was $40 a chair and had more than 100 in attendance. The event concluded with a silent auction that generated more than $4,000 in addition to donations taken earlier in the night. 

Morgan's Relax Packs are handcrafted customizable heat/cold packs designed for maximum relief at affordable pricing.

Montie Box is a long-time Sand Springs resident with more than half a century of real estate experience. He founded Montie Box Co. in 1958 after graduating from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. He served in the army during the Korean Conflict with the rank of First Lieutenant. 

In 1973 he was named Oklahoma Realtor of the Year. In 1988 he was awarded the Sand Springs Education Association Friend of Education recognition. He was a founding member of the Sand Springs Education Foundation in 1990. In 1992 he was given the honor of life membership on the Tulsa Boys' Home Board of Directors as well as the SS Education Foundation. That same year he was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Hall of Fame. In 1995 he was named Sand Springs Hometown Hero. In 1998 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Realtors, which is considered to be the highest honor a realtor can receive and he is a member of the NAR Hall of Fame.

Senator Dan Newberry addresses the crowd and honors Montie Box. Newberry is currently running for reelection against City Councilman Brian Jackson.

He served as a regent for Tulsa Community College from 1995-2006 and was the Chairman from 1996-1997. In 2009 he received the Vision in Education Award from TCC. 

His involvement with the Salvation Army goes back 61 years. He was instrumental in getting the new facility built in 1978 at its current location in Sand Springs. He is a life member of the Sand Springs Advisory Council, which is a prestigious appointment only available to members with a minimum of 15 years of outstanding service. He is a former coach and manager of Tulsa and Sand Springs Pee Wee Wrestling and he has served as Ringmaster at the Tulsa State Fair Livestock Auction. 

Lieutenant David Brittle also announced that Box had been confirmed as the 2016 recipient of the prestigious William Booth Award, which is one of the highest honors given by the Salvation Army. He will receive that award in the near future.

Montie Box honored at Salvation Army banquet

Montie Box is honored by the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club with an award.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Sand Springs honored longtime Sand Springs entrepreneur and philanthropist Montie Box with a banquet at Hillspring Church Tuesday night. The event also served as a fundraiser for new playground equipment for the Salvation Army facility. 

Stan Clark, founder and owner of Eskimo Joe's, was the keynote speaker, and several other community leaders also spoke at the Army of Stars Banquet. 

Eskimo Joe's founder Stan Clark was the keynote speaker at the Army of Stars Banquet.

Advisory Council Chairman Bob Anderson introduced the man of honor and read off his seemingly never-ending list of accomplishments. Box was then presented proclamations from the City of Sand Springs and the State of Oklahoma from Mayor Mike Burdge and Councilman Phil Nollan, respectively. Nollan presented the State proclamation on behalf of his wife, District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan, who was away at the Capitol. Senator Dan Newberry also gave an address honoring Box. 

Attendance at the event was $40 a chair and had more than 100 in attendance. The event concluded with a silent auction that generated more than $4,000 in addition to donations taken earlier in the night. 

Morgan's Relax Packs are handcrafted customizable heat/cold packs designed for maximum relief at affordable pricing.

Montie Box is a long-time Sand Springs resident with more than half a century of real estate experience. He founded Montie Box Co. in 1958 after graduating from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. He served in the army during the Korean Conflict with the rank of First Lieutenant. 

In 1973 he was named Oklahoma Realtor of the Year. In 1988 he was awarded the Sand Springs Education Association Friend of Education recognition. He was a founding member of the Sand Springs Education Foundation in 1990. In 1992 he was given the honor of life membership on the Tulsa Boys' Home Board of Directors as well as the SS Education Foundation. That same year he was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Hall of Fame. In 1995 he was named Sand Springs Hometown Hero. In 1998 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Realtors, which is considered to be the highest honor a realtor can receive and he is a member of the NAR Hall of Fame.

Senator Dan Newberry addresses the crowd and honors Montie Box. Newberry is currently running for reelection against outgoing Superintendent Lloyd Snow.

He served as a regent for Tulsa Community College from 1995-2006 and was the Chairman from 1996-1997. In 2009 he received the Vision in Education Award from TCC. 

His involvement with the Salvation Army goes back 61 years. He was instrumental in getting the new facility built in 1978 at its current location in Sand Springs. He is a life member of the Sand Springs Advisory Council, which is a prestigious appointment only available to members with a minimum of 15 years of outstanding service. He is a former coach and manager of Tulsa and Sand Springs Pee Wee Wrestling and he has served as Ringmaster at the Tulsa State Fair Livestock Auction. 

Lieutenant David Brittle also announced that Box had been confirmed as the 2016 recipient of the prestigious William Booth Award, which is one of the highest honors given by the Salvation Army. He will receive that award in the near future.

Holy Smokers win fifth-straight at Chillin & Grillin, Harper's Hut gives away 400+ snow cones

View fullsize

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce put on their annual Chillin' and Grillin' Festival this past weekend, and if you didn't make it then you sure missed out!

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java gave out more than 400 free snow cones throughout the event, including signature favorites such as Harry Potter Butterbeer and Volcano. 

Jambo Pits was named Grand Champion of the event by the Kansas City Barbecue Society with Okie Q BBQ coming in as Reserve Champion.

Jambo Pits took first place in brisket, Moving the Chains BBQ took first in pork, Buffalo's BBQ took first in pork ribs, and Fatt Mikes took first place in chicken.

Church That Matters' Holy Smokers won their fifth consecutive People's Choice Award. Light My Fire BBQ won the "Anything But" competition.

View fullsize

This year included a baking competition with two categories and two division. Katie Gonzales won the Student division in Cookies. Jacie Taber and Cameron Clemons won the Student Pies category. Andrea Brice won Adult Cookies and Debra Bunch won Adult Pies. 

Charles Page High School graduate and blues musician Dylan Whitney was the entertainment for the evening, along with the Charles Sisters.

Senator Dan Newberry was on the scene to present awards and publicize his upcoming re-election campaign. Sand Springs's own Josh Turley was also campaigning at the event. Turley is running for the position of County Commissioner. 

The full Sandite Pride gallery from the event is now available at https://sanditepride.smugmug.com/Community-Events/2016-Chillin-and-Grillin/

27th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair is this Saturday, April 16th

View fullsize

Photo by: Morgan Miller

Sand Springs, OK- The City of Sand Springs hopes you will join us on Saturday, April 16th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 27th annual event. More than 100 vendors will be on site selling herbs, perennials, natives and heirloom plants, along with herbal products, gardening supplies, outdoor décor and so much more.

“Each year this event grows,” says Kasey St. John, Marketing Manager for the City of Sand Springs. “What started as a downtown street sale now has 105 vendors offering a variety of local and unique products.”

This year’s festival features many of the same vendors that keep visitors coming back but also includes several additional areas:

Kid Zone

Sponsored by The Church That Matters, the Kid’s Zone features interactive and educational activities that are fun for the whole family plus, a special entertainment stage with local performances by Miss Tirita’s dance students. All free of charge!

Basil Street Theater

8:30-9:30 a.m. Casey and Minna
9:30-10:30 a.m. CBMS Jazz Band
10:30- Noon. Spring Street
Noon-12:30 p.m. Hometown Hero Presentation
12:30-2:00 p.m. Janet Rutland Trio
2:00-3:00 p.m. Seven Feathers
3:00-4:00 p.m. Turtle Creek Cloggers

Wine Garden

Have a taste and sit a spell while in the Oklahoma Wine Garden located in the City Garden Park at Broadway and McKinley.

Food Trucks

Are you a foodie that enjoys the best of the Tulsa region’s food truck scene? Look no further than Herbal Affair. The food truck court features some of the area’s most popular food trucks with delights ranging from Mediterranean, Vietnamese fusion, desserts to traditional local fare.

Plant Sitters

Manned by local Catholic parishioners at St. Patrick’s Church, the Plant Sitters Booth will watch over your purchases free of charge while you explore the festival.

Free Shuttle Service

Park and ride the free shuttle service from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Charles Page High School located at Park and Adams Road, just two blocks north of the Adams Road exit from State Highway 412/64/51.

Maps and T-Shirts

Maps of the festival will be available at the welcome sings at festival entrances, as well as the Information Tent located at City Hall (corner of Broadway and McKinley.) T-shirts will be available at the Information Tent for $15.

Visit the Herbal Affair Web site for more information on this festival, www.herbalaffairandfestival.com. 

Mark your calendars for the 27th annual Herbal Affair

View fullsize

Story and photo by: Morgan Miller, Executive Director

If you are from Sand Springs or one of the surrounding areas, chances are you have been to or at least have heard of the Herbal Affair. If you have not heard of this festival, it is an annual herb and garden event held in downtown Sand Springs. The city’s website states that “this event was founded in 1989 and began as a simple downtown street sale. Since then it has grown tremendously and now attracts over 25,000 people each year. It has also led to other communities hosting similar events, but remains the “queen” of herbal festivals.” This event consistently attracts people from all over the state, and even people from surrounding states as well.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Kasey St. John, the Marketing and Special Projects Manager for the city of Sand Springs. St. John has organized this special event for Sand Springs for the past two years. For most of its life, the Herbal Affair was actually run by a committee, but a few years ago it was adopted by The City of Sand Springs.

The Herbal Affair has a huge economic impact on Sand Springs. In fact, St. John mentioned that Riddle Plant farm claims the day as their biggest day of the year. With thousands of people being attracted to Sand Springs from out of town, it is bound to impact the economy in a big way. This event drums up business for Sand Springs’ shops in downtown, the hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

About 25 to 40% of the vendors at the Herbal Affair are from the Sand Springs or Tulsa Metro area. While a little under half are from this specific area of the state, about 90% of the vendors are from Oklahoma. People know what they are going for when they go to the Herbal Affair. Almost all of the vendors are there year after year and that is one of the things that makes it so unique. The herbal affair has maintained a certain standard and character over the years and that, as well, is what makes it so incredibly special. When you go out to the Herbal Affair, you are truly supporting your friends and neighbors.

This event has something for just about everyone. Held in the heart of downtown Sand Springs, there are many unique shops and boutiques, like The Silver Linings Boutique which is on Broadway. The Herbal affair’s vendors don’t only sell plants and herbs, either. There are also craft vendors, as well as food and drink vendors. There will be entertainment for all ages, such as musical performances and a “Kid’s Zone” put on by volunteers from Church That Matters.

If you would like to attend this incredible event, it is being held this year on April 16th, from 9am-4pm, rain or shine! All of the information for the festival can be found at herbalaffairandfestival.com and also on the Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival Facebook page. 

The entertainment schedule for this year is as follows:

2016 Entertainment Schedule

8:30-9:30       Casey and Minna
9:30-10:30     Clyde Boyd Middle School Jazz Band
10:30-Noon   Spring Street
Noon-12:30   Hometown Hero Presentation
12:30-2:00    Janet Rutland Trio
2:00-3:00      Seven Feathers
3:00-4:00      Turtle Creek Clogger

Vendors at the event include community favorites such as: Whispering Vines Vineyards and Winery, Tomato Man, The Jelly Lady, Sugar Sisters, Sparks Vineyard, Rosemary's Kitchen, Riddle Plant Farm, Red Dirt Salsa, Pita Place Mediterranean Grill, Okie Dirt, Kountry Kitchen, and Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java. The complete list can be found on the city website. 

Patty Dixon to inherit City Council seat from Dean Nichols after running unopposed

View fullsize

Patty and Tim Dixon have been married for 31 years and  have three children and three grandchildren. The two own Dixon Auto Glass in Sand Springs.

The following is a submitted letter addressing the City of Sand Springs citizens, in particular those residing in Ward 2, from soon-to-be City Councilwoman Patty Dixon. Current Ward 2 Councilman Dean Nichols issued the following statement on his Facebook page on December 23rd, 2015. 

"To my family, friends and neighbors of Ward 2. I have decided not to run for re-election for Ward 2 Council position. It has not been an easy decision, but as I near retirement after 34 years of public service, along with the last 8 1/2 years on the council, I felt that maybe it was time to let another Sandite speak on the behalf of Ward 2.

Patty Dixon, who I encouraged to run for this office gratefully signed up. Patty, who I have known for more years then either one of us want to admit to, has the passion, love and volunteerism for the City of Sand Springs that I greatly admire and support.

I'm not done yet, but once I have completed my term in office, I plan on exploring other volunteer opportunities, like Patty Dixon, I believe in service above self.

Again, thank you for letting me serve as your councilman, it has truly been an honor. 
To all the City employees, you make me proud and thank you for your professionalism and dedication." --Dean Nichols

"When I moved into Ward 2, I was recruited for the City Council seat by the Incumbent, my good friend and classmate of CPHS 1971, Dean Nichols. Dean has served the city well but has decided to pursue other volunteer opportunities. Having been elected to and serving for two terms on the council from 1990 - 1996, I too had recruited a friend, Mike Burdge, to consider serving on the council when my work schedule did not warrant the time for my children’s activities and council meetings.

Now, retired with 26 years at Tulsa County Parks, I studied Vision and Four to Fix tax plans. The past 12 years I have served on the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) conference committee through my position as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society and have met many of the City Councilors from other towns through that professional organization. I certainly don’t know everything I need to but my experience as a City Councilor, County employee, OML committee member and Sand Springs small business owner gives me solid ground to represent Sand Springs and learn more about our current challenges. My time on the park board, museum association, HEAL committee (under a previous city manager), Sertoma Club and First Christian Church is evidence of my desire to be involved and connected to Sand Springs. 

I want to be an educator of how city government works in collaboration with the County and State. There are many things a councilor is responsible for but I am very serious about being a watch dog for the Vision Funds, understanding the River West Development and participating in efforts for the beautification of Sand Springs. We have a charming, peaceful community and I am excited about the good things on the way. 

Many times, serving on the council is not something that comes to mind when you consider “volunteering” because of the subsequent “election”, or in my case, filing unopposed. 

Perhaps there is someone else in the Ward who has never considered city council but is a perfect fit. I hope to meet you in the next three years. 

Someday you may be recruited to put your name on the line."

--Patty Dixon

Ward 1 City Councilman Michael Phillips seeks fourth term

View fullsize

Photo: Public headshot from www.sandspringsok.org

The following is a submitted letter to the citizens of Sand Springs Ward 1 by incumbent City Council Candidate Michael Phillips. Phillips is running for reelection in opposition to challenger Phil Nollan. Election will be held Tuesday, March 1st.

I am graduate of Charles Page High School and attended the University of Tulsa. I am a member of the Rotary Club and MENSA, am a leader in the local district of Boy Scouts of America, and belong to Sand Springs United Methodist Church. I have lived in Sand Springs nearly my entire life and am proud to call Sand Springs my home, along with my wife Dianna and son Walter. I own Technology Consulting Services here in Sand Springs.

For the past 10 years, I have represented you on the Sand Springs City Council, where I serve on the Public Works Committee, Legislative Committee, and the HEAL Committee. I serve as a Board Director for the Oklahoma Municipal League, where I also serve on the Reserve Fund Committee and the Service Fee Committee. I am a member of the National League of Cities Small Cities Council. I believe in representing everyone in the community and balancing sustained growth with the needs of our residents. We need to constantly evaluate the city budget and ensure that we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely. I support offering new incentives for existing businesses and industries to expand and new ones to relocate. As a City, we have achieved momentum in attracting retailers to locate in Sand Springs. We are working with Gerdau Ameristeel to market their manufacturing property, and with other landowners and stakeholders to market Sand Springs to not only retail businesses, but to manufacturing interests as well. We have streamlined the permitting process for residential development, and have worked to improve the "customer service" perspective of ALL of our employees. We have made strides to improve the quality of life in Sand Springs, from parks and recreation improvements (the Case Community Center, the 2 new spray parks, and new amenities for our soccer and baseball users, with many more improvements to come) to the refurbishment of our outstanding Page Memorial Library building (which houses our Cultural and Historical Museum) to our soon-to-be-started Billie A. Hall Public Safety Facility. We have undertaken a multi-million dollar project to improve our Waste Water Treatment Plant. As well, we have made continual improvements to our Water Treatment Plant, treated water storage facilities, and to the Skiatook Raw Water Conveyance System to ensure the availability, quality, and safety of our drinking water, and have consolidated most of our various Public Works sections to the new Spring Lake Public Works Facility.

The election March 1st is only for Ward 1, which encompasses the additions of Osage Hills, Osage Hills Country Club Estates, Shadow Creek, Village Estates, Cambridge Park, North Ridge, Lakeside, Lakeside Park, Lakeside Ridge, Renaissance, Edgewood at the Gables, the Sand Springs Home Family Village, portions of Oak Park, and Highland Crossing, Sullivan's Landing, and Gable Hills apartments. A map of the ward may be found at http://sandspringsok.org/DocumentCenter/View/49.

I humbly ask for your vote this Tuesday, March 1st.

To discuss municipal issues or concerns, I can be reached by e-mail atSSWard1@SandSpringsOK.org, or by Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/MichaelLPhillips.SS, or by phone at (918) 245-6430.

Michael L. Phillips

"The Citizens of Sand Springs, also to include the City's 150+ mile fence line, need to stand behind Michael Phillips, there is absolutely no need nor cause for change. Michael is a seasoned and well versed Councilman, who gives 100% of his efforts towards maintaining a strong economic development program, public safety, and quality of life for the Citizens of Sand Springs." - E. Bruce Ford, former SS City Councilor, Mayor, and Assistant City Manager.

See Related: Phil Nollan running for City Council for Ward 1

Phil Nollan running for City Council for Ward 1

View fullsize

SUBMITTED: Parks Advisory Board Vice-Chair Phil Nollan with wife, House Representative Jadine Nollan.

The following is a submitted letter to the citizens of Sand Springs Ward 1 by City Council Candidate Phil Nollan. Nollan is challenging incumbent councilman Michael Phillips. Election will be held Tuesday, March 1st. Nollan's wife, Jadine, is the Oklahoma House Representative for District 66 which encompasses Sand Springs.

Hi Neighbor!

I’m running for Sand Springs City Council and would like to introduce myself.  I married my college sweetheart, Jadine Cox Nollan, 35 years ago and we have three adult children Kristin, Kasey, and Kurt who attended Sand Springs Public Schools and graduated from Oklahoma colleges.  I’ve always looked for ways to give back to my community by serving in our church’s children, youth, and college ministries or by coaching little league sports teams and volunteering for Sand Springs non-profits and community events. 

I’m a nationally-certified project management professional who has served on the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board for five years as well as Board President and officer of the Tulsa Project Management Institute for ten years.  I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University and an executive master of business administration certification from the University of Tulsa.

I’m currently serving as Vice-Chair on the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board.  As a Board we have completed the Case Center, built a Skate Park, expanded the Keystone Ancient Forest, and developed the bond plans for two new Splash Pads and Museum renovations. And I’m very excited to say that the Pratt-Civitan Splash Pad and the Sand Springs Rotary Super Splash Pad and Soccer/Baseball Concession will be open for business this summer!  A lot of good things are happening for Sand Springs through our City Parks Department!

I’d like to see the City carry this same positive momentum into other opportunities that will help make Sand Springs more attractive to families and businesses.  Some of the opportunities include doing everything we can to help get new sit-down restaurants, add business service providers and manufacturers, provide for faster economic development of the Sand Springs corridor and a quicker resolution to pressing issues.

We know our tax base is shrinking when we lose businesses like Cox Furniture, Morrow Gill Lumber, Kmart and Walgreens. I believe my project experience in the Fortune 100 corporate world can offer a valuable perspective to the management of Sand Springs Vision 2025 tax extension projects. In addition, my experience in housing construction, small business, and commercial leasing may serve to benefit the River West development.

Our community is really special and I love living here.  We have great schools and a beautiful natural landscape for building and development.  We just need to maximize our opportunities to help make our wonderful city even better and more attractive for our young families.  If elected, I will be a listener and a voice for my friends and neighbors in Ward 1.  We are Sand Springs and I’m proud to call myself a Sandite!

For further information email PhilNollan@cox.net, call my cell at 918.407.4201 or reach out on Facebook.  I would appreciate your vote on Super Tuesday, March 1st.  Thanks and God Bless!

See Related: Ward 1 City Councilman Michael Phillips seeks fourth term

The fireworks stand that's changing the world

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

In Tulsa, on West Skelly Drive, sits the TNT Fireworks Supercenter. It is a large indoor facility with gravel parking, air conditioning, heating, and restrooms--a far more comfortable option than the roadside stands and tents that people clamor around in the sweltering July heat and December freeze. 

But it's not just the amenities that make this stand unique, because it's not just a fireworks store. The business is merely a front. In reality, TNT is a ministry. 

None of the workers at TNT get paid. Instead, all of that money goes towards missions. In fact, many of the workers pay to be there. Once the bills are paid and the franchise fees are covered, the rest is pocketed by Future Vision Ministries International.

The ministry was founded in 1999 by long-time Sandites Terry and Linda Scott. The couple had been serving as the youth pastors at Word of Life Church in Sand Springs at the time. Now, Linda is the church Administrator and Terry serves as the church's Associate Pastor.

FVMI operates year-round from their office in downtown Sand Springs, facing the Triangle. 

"Our heart is to train young people and adults to understand how ministry and missions work.  To develop them as leaders, so they can lead others and be planted in ministry and missions around the world.  Our summer program, “Nexus” is one of our primary training opportunities.  We bring in young people from around the world for the summer and train them.  Then they actually go out and do ministry."

Nexus is a paid internship that costs $1400 to join. It may sound like a lot, but that covers your food and lodging, gas, airfare, and other travel/living expenses for nine weeks. In that time, interns will be working at the fireworks store from June through July 5th, working in several churches putting on Vacation Bible School for the children, and many other ministry opportunities. Currently the organization plans on traveling to Guatemala and the Philippines this upcoming summer.

I myself have worked well over a hundred hours per summer at TNT in years' past, though I wasn't able to participate these past two summers. In 2012, the summer after I graduated high school, I was blessed to be able to travel to New Orleans with FVMI. There we were able to help in renovating a school in an impoverished area.

TNT Fireworks Supercenter does more than just sell fireworks. They change lives. They invest in people of all ages across the world and have been helping people realize their dreams of ministry for decades. Ciara Calderon, a former member of Word of Life in Carlsbad, New Mexico, has worked with Future Vision for years and is now the Children's Pastor Intern at Word of Life Sand Springs. 

When you purchase your fireworks from TNT, you're not just getting great deals with a "no dud guarantee," you're guaranteeing that your money will be making a difference in the life of more than just some corporation.

So go swing by TNT Fireworks today and buy yourself some New Year's rockets, roman candles, or sparklers. Whatever you're looking for; if it's legal, they have it. They'll be open till midnight tonight and from 10AM-5PM Friday.

TNT is located at 5401 West Skelly Drive, Tulsa, OK 74107. You can reach them by phone at (918) 445-6174.

Gerdau Ameristeel considers closing Sand Springs steel mill

Gerdau Ameristeel Corp. (NYSE: GNA) said it is suspending production at its Sayreville, New Jersey steel mill and closing its rolling mill in neighboring Perth Amboy, New Jersey due to lower demand for its products resulting from the downturn in the economy.

The company said it expects the moves to occur gradually over the next several months. The company indicated that it would restart operations at the Sayreville facility “when business conditions warrant.”

Gerdau Ameristeel said it is also entering into discussions with the United Steel Workers regarding the potential closure of the company’s steel mill located in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

The company said that service to its customers will be uninterrupted and will be provided by production from Gerdau Ameristeel’s network of steel mills in the United States and Canada. The Sayreville facility will continue to carry a range of products in inventory available for shipment or customer pickup until production resumes.

In connection with the actions, (and depending on the outcome of the Sand Springs discussions), the company expects to incur an after tax charge from around $80 million to $140 million related to these closures.

Of these amounts, between around $15 million to $30 million are expected to be cash costs for severance and facility closure expenses. Depending on the outcome of the Sand Springs discussions, the company expects to realize annualized pre-tax cash savings of around $35 million to $70 million as a result of the moves.

Gerdau Ameristeel said it anticipates some of these charges to be included in the three month period ended June 30, and some to be included in the three month period ended September 30.

Tampa, Florida-based Gerdau Ameristeel is a mini-mill steel producer in North America with annual manufacturing capacity of around 12 million tons of mill finished steel products.