Sand Springs to unveil new downtown LED lights next Tuesday

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs will unveil its first LED (light-emitting diode) package during a commissioning event on Tuesday, April 17, in downtown Sand Springs. The LED lights will be put into service at 8:00 p.m. following a brief ceremony at 100 South Main Street at the US412 underpass. 

"This project was approved by our City Council a few years ago as part of our Vision 2025 community enhancement master project," stated City Manager Elizabeth Gray. "The Case Community Park was a major component of our overall project. With this light commissioning event we are pleased to offer this unique roadway lighting for our citizens and area businesses. This is another example of the Vision2025 funding program, which has enhanced quality of life efforts throughout Tulsa metro, and we wish to thank voters for their support."

The lighting system addresses one of the darkest underpass areas in Sand Springs.

It is designed to improve public safety at night, and will help bridge the pedestrian space between downtown Sand Springs businesses and the Riverwest shopping district.

"We're excited to bring this colorful, artistic light display to our community," said Community Development Director Grant Gerondale. "The LED lights have an automated calendar holding various lighting scenes which will reveal different colorized scenes throughout the year. For example you'll see red, white and blue for major holidays like Independence Day; red and green for Christmas; and the bridge underpass will go pink during Cancer awareness month in October. It's a creative way to add lighting safety and bring a splash of color to our town."

The last remaining round of Vision 2025 funding will be provide visual highway enhancements in Sand Springs. Following a vegetation clearing phase this spring, highway travelers can expect to see additional white vinyl rail fence installed around Sand Springs.

Sand Springs breaks ground on new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center

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The City of Sand Springs broke ground on the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center Wednesday morning. 

The $10.7 million facility will house the north-side police and fire stations, 911 operations, a jail, and court rooms. It will be approximately 40,000 square feet and is located in the Sheffield Crossing development.

The facility is named for Sand Springs native Billie Allen Hall, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1966. A special forces medic, Hall was stationed at Camp A Shau when it was attacked by North Vietnamese regiments. After losing both legs to a mortar strike, Hall refused treatment and instead worked to treat other soldiers and coordinate medical efforts until he succumbed to his injuries. He was 26 years old at the time.

Hall has been honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1967 and inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2007 the American Legion Post 17 in Sand Springs unanimously voted to rename the Post in his honor, and the organization continually works to have Hall awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. There is also a memorial dedicated to Hall at the local Woodland Cemetery.

Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge invoked President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, quoting, "We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract." 

"That's true of this property too," continued Burdge. "Every police officer and firefighter who enters this building will see and know the story of Billie Hall."

Burdge also celebrated the Sand Springs public safety forces, saying "we have one of the best police departments and fire departments in the (Tulsa) Metro Area."

Hall's widow, Janice Bellew, gave a heart-wrenching speech on her lost beloved. "We both grew up in the Widow's Colony...they were the first people we met when we moved in there."

"He would take the shirt off his back to give to anybody or help anybody out," she said through tears.

"He was three years old when his daddy died. My daughter was three years old when he died. It's just hard losing somebody. My daddy was killed in the Navy before I was born so I never got to know him. It's been a hard life for all of us, but you have to carry on.

"I remarried. I've got a son, two great grand kids. So we have a good life, even though I don't have Billie anymore that doesn't mean I've forgotten him. I lived too many years growing up with him."

City Manager Elizabeth Gray spoke briefly, saying "We want to thank the citizens for their vote of confidence that they gave us to do this. We want to thank the fire and police officers for bearing with us as we work to get them a facility they deserve." 

Police Chief Mike Carter expects the center to be completed in about a year. City officials have also discussed the possibility of a veterans' memorial on the grounds. 

Braum's Ice Cream and Burgers holds ribbon cutting in Sand Springs

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After six months of closure, the Braum's Ice Cream and Burger shop is back in business in south Sand Springs. The store held a grand opening and ribbon cutting Tuesday afternoon.

The store completely demolished its old building and parking lot, rebuilding from the ground up to offer a larger, better organized building with more parking and a quicker drive-through. 

The new building reopened last Tuesday and will be celebrating all this week with giveaways. Items such as high-definition televisions, gaming consoles, computers, and free store merchandise and food can be won with scratch cards inside the store. 

On Saturday, April 14th, free cones will be handed out to kids age fifteen and younger, accompanied by a parent, between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

According to the store manager, the new marquee is the first of its kind in the whole organization and is an original design by Bill Braum.

Sand Springs Chamber launches new Small Business Initiative

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The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce introduced a new Small Business Initiative at their Monday afternoon luncheon. The three-year program aims to present new businesses with resources for opening, growing, and becoming profitable quickly.

"The Chamber recognizes and appreciates the vital role that small businesses play in our community," said Chamber President Kristin Valentine. "These businesses are the engine of job creation and economic growth for Sand Springs."

"The Chamber wants to ensure that all businesses are equipped with the resources they need to grow and prosper, by providing the right climate for entrepreneurial and small business owners to succeed."

Businesses that have been open for five years or less and that have ten or fewer employers are eligible for the program, which includes reduced membership rates and sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, the program has created a Small Business Advisory Council that will provide direction for acquiring loans, filing corporate taxes, applying for permits, etc.

Lisa Miller, Jo Wells, John Fothergill, Danielle Myers, and Valentine comprise the council. Miller is the owner of Yellow House Market and Boutique, Wells owns Coble Flowers, Myers owns Myers Marketing and We Are Sand Springs, and Fothergill represents the office of Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, who is sponsoring the initiative. Fothergill is also a former Sand Springs City Councilman and Vice-Mayor.

"We are very excited about it," said Valentine. "It's already brought in several new Chamber members. The response has just been phenomenal from the small businesses here in town."

Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Sand Springs unveils new playground

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The Sand Springs branch of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club officially unveiled their new playground Thursday afternoon with a ribbon cutting and prayer dedication.

"An incredible effort was made by this community," said Captain Ken Chapman. "The community here in Sand Springs is unbelievable."

The playground cost about $150,000 and was funded through donations and two annual Army of Stars banquets.

The Boys & Girls Club of Sand Springs is located at 4403 South 129th West Avenue and offers After School Care, Out of School Care, Summer Day Camp, Youth Basketball, Youth Volleyball, Youth Swim Lessons, and Water Aerobics. For membership pricing, contact the club at 918-245-2237. 

The club recently vowed to provide a Free Educational Alternative during the upcoming teacher walkout, beginning April 2nd.  

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Schools to close Monday for teacher walkout, possibly longer
SEE RELATED: Salvation Army banquet raises $21,000 for new playground

 

City of Sand Springs to purchase additional land for Keystone Ancient Forest

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The City of Sand Springs held a regular City Council Meeting Monday night and approved the purchase of twenty acres adjacent to the Keystone Ancient Forest at a value of $100,000.

The property sits next to the entrance to the existing nature preserve and is not bound by the same rules as the preserve. Community Development Director Grant Gerondale hinted at the possibility of biking trails in the future.

The land is currently owned by the H. Sam Childers Trust. Childers was a crucial player in the development of the forest before his death in January of this year. Council also approved Childers as the recipient of the 2018 John M. Hess Municipal Award for Outstanding Citizenship. The award will be presented this May.

The acquisition will bring the forest to 1,380 acres total. The land features 300-year-old post oaks and 500-year-old cedars, and was the site of an exploratory expedition by famed Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving in 1832.

The forest has multiple hiking trails, including a 0.6 mile ADA-compliant paved trail named in Childers's honor. Voters approved a general obligation bond issue this past November that will fund a visitors center and observation platform at the forest. The Childers Trust has pledged to donate $7,500 for naming rights to be applied to a future lobby or entrance area of the visitors center.

In other news: 

Council unanimously approved a measure of support for public school teachers. SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council approves resolution of support for teachers

Council awarded a bid of $88,165 to Play By Design, Inc. for seven shade structures at Case Community Park. Four will be installed near the Great Lawn and three will be placed at the Rotary Super Splash pad. 

Council approved resolutions of dilapidation and public nuisance against properties at 118 North Franklin Avenue and 808 North Franklin Avenue. 

Council approved $28,838 for the purchase of a new unmarked detective vehicle for the Police Department, as well as $10,117 for tasers and pepperball launchers, and $38,286 for audio logging equipment

Council approved an agreement with Keithline Engineering Group at a cost not to exceed $45,740 for beautification of the City Water Treatment Facility.

Council declined to vote on a request for detachment from City limits by Smithee Holdings at 7298 West Charles Page Boulevard.

Council approved a bid of $1,062,555 to Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc. for a rehabilitation project at the Northwoods Chloramine Booster Station.

Council approved the use of public funds for Oklahoma Municipal League membership, Mayors Council of Oklahoma membership, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce membership, Tulsa Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce membership, Indian Nationals Council on Government Coalition of Tulsa Area Government membership, and Homebuilders Association membership, as well as participation in the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium, and OneVoice Day at the Capitol.

Colton's Steak House & Grill holds grand opening in Sand Springs

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Colton's Steak House & Grill officially opened for business Monday morning in the Sand Springs River West development after a Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony with City and Chamber of Commerce officials.

The restaurant is the only steak house in Sand Springs, and only the second Colton's in Oklahoma. It joins McDonald's, IHOP, Starbucks, and El Maguey Mexican Grill & Cantina at River West.

Based in Arkansas, Colton's has 37 restaurants in eight states, including Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Oklahoma's first Colton's is located in Muskogee.

Colton's Steak House & Grill
32 West Alexander Boulevard
(918) 245-1000

Sand Springs Progress Report: What's new and what's changing

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The Automatic Spotless Car Wash at 3300 South Highway 97 was demolished in January to make room for new development. The car wash opened in 1979 and was sold to Yocham Enterprises, a Sapulpa-based construction company, in 2011. 

A hardened-room storm shelter is under construction at the Case Community Center. City Council approved a $136,000 contract with Lambert Construction in November of last year, using funds generated by a public safety sales tax. Designed by Studio 45, the room is rated to withstand 250 m.p.h. winds with an occupancy load of 97.

Josh Butts Creative Services is wrapping up a new mural on the side of Yesterday To Now at 224 North Main Street in downtown Sand Springs. The City authorized up to $49,500 for two murals in March of 2017, with funding from the Economic Development Capital Improvement Fund. The first mural, at 11450 West Highway 51, has yet to be completed due to obstructive power lines. 

A new trail is under construction along Sand Springs Park Road, stretching from Adams Road to the Sand Springs Lake. The project is partly locally funded, along with a $620,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. 

Atwoods Farm and Home Store at 730 East Charles Page Boulevard is undergoing an extensive expansion project after taking over the storefronts previously occupied by Stage Department Store and CrossFit 1055. The company opened its Sand Springs location in 2002. 

Colton's Steak House & Grill is opening for business Monday, March 26 at 32 West Alexander Boulevard in River West.  SEE RELATED: Colton's Steak House & Grill holds ground-breaking ceremony in Sand Springs

Ground work has begun on the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center at Sheffield Crossing. The 40,000 square foot facility will house the City's Police Department, north-side Fire Department, municipal courts, jail, Emergency Operations Center, and 911 Communications operations. SEE RELATED: New Sand Springs Public Safety Facility to be named in honor of war hero Billie A. Hall

Three new housing developments are under construction in Sand Springs. Rivercrest has twelve lots ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 at 3123 South 113th West Avenue. Teal Ridge offers 115 lots ranging from $270,000 to $400,000 on 41st Street. Capital Homes is developing 87 lots at 700 West 51st Street.

Framing has gone up at the new $1.5 million Fire House No. 2 at 4101 South 113th West Avenue. The building will replace an outdated adjacent station built in 1967. The project is funded with Vision 2025 sales tax and is slated to be completed in August. SEE RELATED: Sand Springs breaks ground on $1.5 million Fire Station in Prattville

Plans are underway for a Main Street Renovation Project that will connect Highway 97 to Main Street and add a frontage road connecting Main Street to the Highway 412 at the Lincoln Avenue on-ramp. The project is funded by a 50/50 agreement between the City and ODOT. Additionally, a G.O. Bond-funded road will be constructed atop the levee separating Case Community Park from Sheffield Crossing.

Sand Springs Flowers has relocated to 26 East Broadway in the old trolley station building next to Napolis. The century-old business was recently purchased by Jessica Hendricks. Coble's Flowers is renovating the old location at 206 North Main Street and is expected to move in this April. SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Flowers to relocate under new ownership

St. Francis Health Systems unveiled a new $2 million Warren Clinic facility at 102 South Main Street in River West earlier this month. SEE RELATED: New Saint Francis Warren Clinic receives blessing, opens in Sand Springs River West

Myers Marketing and We Are Sand Springs are moving into a new building at 118 North Main Street on the ground floor of a building housing Crescent Lofts and Doug's Rebuilders, the former location of Blush Hair Salon. They will hold their grand opening April 21st during the 29th Annual Herbal Affair and Festival. 

The QuikTrip convenience store at 2 East 41st Street is nearing completion and finishing the parking lot and sidewalks this week. 

The Braum's Hamburgers and Ice Cream shop at 3950 South Highway 97 is complete, and is currently hiring and training new employees before opening.

Sandlot Sno-Balls will be opening a new Prattville location at 3 West 41st Street this summer. 

ZegART Studios recently opened at 700 East Charles Page Boulevard and offers family friendly art classes in many different mediums. SEE RELATED: ZegART Studios opens in Sand Springs

The passage of G.O. Bond Proposal No. 3 last November paved the way for the construction of a visitor's center and observation tower at the Keystone Ancient Forest. City Council will also vote on whether or not to purchase twenty additional acres for the forest on Monday. The $100,000 property sits adjacent to the preserve's entrance.

New Saint Francis Warren Clinic receives blessing, opens in Sand Springs River West

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Saint Francis Health System held a grand opening and blessing ceremony Monday morning at the new Warren Clinic location in the Sand Springs River West development. The new facility will house the primary care services previously located at 796 Charles Page Boulevard, and will add an urgent care clinic as well. 

Sand Springs native entrepreneur-philanthropist Mike Case, who serves on the Saint Francis Board of Directors, spoke at the event, as well as CEO Jake Henry Jr. and Vice President Charley Trimble. 

Sister Mary Benedicta led the blessing rites and Father Todd Nance, Pastor of Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Sand Springs, gave the prayer of blessing and consecrated the facility with holy water. 

Primary Care and Pediatric services will open Monday, March 5th at 1:00 p.m. Urgent Care will also be open with limited services. Urgent Care will be available Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Warren Clinic joins El Maguey Mexican Restaurant and ALDI grocery store as the latest newcomers to the River West development, which also features an IHOP, Starbucks, and Holiday Inn Express. Colten's Steak House is also under construction and will open later this Spring. 

Warren Clinic Sand Springs
102 South Main Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
918-245-2286

ZegART Studios opens in Sand Springs

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ZegART Studios held a grand opening Sunday at Atwoods Plaza in Sand Springs. The art studio is owned by Carey Zegart and Darla Satterfield Zegart and houses work from dozens of local artists.

Darla comes from a family of artists and has had a lifetime interest. She taught elementary math, science, social studies, and art for sixteen years in Keene, Texas before arriving in Oklahoma nearly seven years ago. She taught for Tulsa Public Schools and Broken Arrow Public Schools before retiring and opening the studio. She has also published two holiday-themed books that can be found on Amazon.

When relocating to Oklahoma, the Zegarts were initially looking for a home in Broken Arrow. They were accidentally rerouted to a house in Sand Springs that had the same address of the one they were planning to see. Darla credits the fluke as an act of God. 

"My passions are God, people, and art, in that order," says Darla. The studio aims to be a Christian-based, family-oriented, community-conscious establishment. In addition to providing a venue for local artists to sell their work, they also plan to provide the community with a place to learn and explore their own creativity. 

Artists are welcome to simply sell their works at the shop, or to become a ZegARTist and take a more involved role in the studio and the community. ZegARTists are featured on the website and promoted in the studio, and can be found in the studio teaching classes or working on their own pieces. Current ZegARTists include Sand Springs's own Kayla Adams, Marcos Fernandez, Leslie Reed, and Jane "Jezz" Strutt.

It's not just painting and drawing. Many mediums of art are taught and sold at the studio, including: stained glass, matting and framing, scrapbooking, scherenschnitte, woodburning, wire and metal, papier mache, and more. 

In addition to regular classes, the studio also welcomes large parties for events such as birthdays, bridal showers, and team building. They will host community fellowship on the first and last Saturday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On the second Saturday of the month they will offer free classes for Super Seniors (Age 70+). 

ZegART Studios
700 E. Charles Page Blvd.
Sand Springs, OK 74063
(918) 704-4979
www.zegartstudios.com

HOURS
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - Noon, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SSPS Board of Ed discusses upcoming bond election, new Ninth Grade Center

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Board of Education President Bo Naugle administers the Oath of Office to Rusty Gunn. 

The Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education met in a special meeting Monday, February 20th, to discuss an upcoming bond election, as well as to swear in board member Rusty Gunn.

Gunn, the lead pastor at Church That Matters and chaplain for the Sandite football team, filed unopposed for reelection last year and was sworn in for another three-year term. Gunn was previously the Board President, and was replaced by Bo Naugle. Each year, the Board rotates positions. Jackie Wagnon was elected as Vice President and Krista Polanski was named Deputy Clerk.

The biggest single issue discussed by district officials was a new Ninth Grade Center building, attached to Charles Page High School. The current building was constructed in 1923 in downtown and housed Sand Springs High School until CPHS was constructed in 1959. Of the 420 students who currently attend CNGC, 319 are shuttled to classes at the high school every day.

In addition to the ninth grade center, the district also hopes to add a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) lab. Phase One of the construction would see an expansion made to the existing CPHS lobby with an interior entrance to four new STEM classrooms. The addition would be two stories, but the second floor wouldn't be built out until Phase Two.

In Phase Two, the district would construct the ninth-grade building immediately behind the STEM lab. It would sit flush with the high school, but the two would only be connected through the front lobby. The addition would connect to the STEM building and would build out the second floor for a total of 22 new classrooms and a cafeteria exclusive to the freshmen. Food would be cooked in the primary cafeteria and carted over to the freshman cafeteria. That process is currently utilized at the Sixth Grade Center and Clyde Boyd Middle School.

New administrative offices would also be built, as the district does not plan to consolidate staff from the two schools. More parking would also be created. District Architect and Bond Projects Manager Jeanie Kvach is behind the designs.

Other issues that the district is considering for bond measures include new sound systems for Memorial Stadium, the Sandite Baseball and Softball stadiums, and the Ed Dubie Field House. The baseball program has been asking for new equipment for several years, and the field is severely in need of grading. The wrestling team, which won State and Dual State titles last year, is in need of new mats. The Pratt Elementary teacher's lounge has been operating without water, leaving faculty without a sink or coffee pot. 

All of the bond issues are still in the discussion and planning stages currently, and nothing is finalized. Community input is always encouraged at District Dialogue meetings and Board of Education meetings. The next District Dialogue meeting will be March 5th at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Board of Ed meeting at 7:00 p.m. Both will be held in the Performing Arts Building at the CPHS campus. 

Sand Springs golf course ranked among top-ten Best Value courses in United States

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Sand Springs, OK -  The City of Sand Springs' Canyons at Blackjack Ridge Golf Course has been named one of the top golf courses not only in Oklahoma, but in the U.S. The recent rankings come from Golf Advisor (golfadvisor.com) an online golfing review source, using feedback from golfers themselves. The 2017 rankings reflect online voting by golfers around the region and the results showcase the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge as the #3 rated top golf course in Oklahoma and among the Top 10 Best Value courses in the United States.

"We've been working on the course for more than ten years, and we're pretty pleased to be noticed in this manner," stated Brian Talley, Director of Golf for the City. "Our course has added many recent improvements like new tee boxes, pond features, beautiful vistas and our greens have been consistently strong."

The Canyons is a USGA sanctioned, 18 hole course overlooking the beautiful Tulsa skyline.  Each year tens of thousands of sports tourists play the course and enjoy the Sand Springs community. Talley says there are no shortcuts in producing the consistently strong product that is the Canyons golf course.

"Many hours are spent by staff every day monitoring the greens, irrigation and nutrient inputs which come together to create a fantastic golf experience for people", Talley added. "With many choices for people to play golf, we go the extra mile with great customer service and competitive rates to keep people coming back."

The Canyons boasts natural rolling topography and small canyons laid out across the course, providing unmatched natural beauty. In recent years the course's #12 hole was voted by Tulsa World readers as one of "Tulsa's Best Holes of Golf" with its dramatic cliff setting and nearly 200' vertical drop to the green below. 

The Canyons offers memberships, tournaments and lessons from PGA professionals. To make a golf reservation call (918) 246-2606 or visit www.canyonsatblackjackridge.com. 

For more information on the Golf Advisor resource, check out: 

 https://www.golfadvisor.com/best-of/

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit  www.sandspringsok.org and www.seesandsprings.com and follow the City on Face Book for the latest updates.

Sand Springs City Council candidates speak at Chamber forum

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Incumbent City Councilman Brian Jackson and former City Councilman Harold Neal spoke at a Chamber of Commerce forum Monday morning at the Sand Springs Tulsa Tech campus. The two are running for the Ward Six seat and the election will be held Tuesday, February 13th.

Jackson, 35, is in his third three-year term on the Council. He graduated Charles Page High School in 2002 and Oklahoma State University in 2007 before taking office in May of 2009. He is currently the Development Manager at Junior Achievement of Oklahoma.

Neal, 65, was a four-term councilman from Ward Five, serving from 2003 to 2015 before moving to his current ward. He graduated Liberty Mounds High School in 1970 and currently serves on the Sand Springs Planning Commission.

Jackson pointed to teamwork among the existing Council as pivotal to the recent community successes such as ALDI and Starbucks. According to Jackson, he first suggested that the City work to put a splash pad on the South side of the river at Pratt Civitan Park. 

Neal says he was recruited to run for his first term by current Mayor Mike Burdge. "I had a big interest in this city as far as the golf course. I was in that business for thirty years." According to Neal, he was an advocate for the golf course at a time when it wasn't as popular, pointing to the sales tax it generates at local convenience stores and eateries from out-of-town visitors as immeasurable. 

Jackson said Angus Valley Park is in need of new equipment but that the passage of a recent general obligation bond will pave the way for a new playground by Spring of 2019. 

Neal identified sidewalks as an area of concern in the ward and said he would advocate for more neighborhood sidewalks if he is elected. 

"I wish more people would call their councilmen when they have complaints," said Neal. "I've never failed to go to the City if one of my voters had a problem. I go to the City and take care of it for them."

City Councilperson is an unpaid position. The City has six wards and one At-Large position. Click HERE to view a map of the City wards. Only residents of Ward Six will be able to vote. The winner of the election will be sworn in at the May City Council meeting.

"Brian's always been a good friend of mine," said Neal. "We worked on the City Council together...I don't feel like I'm running against him. If he beats me that's fine, that's not a problem."

Sand Springs Flowers to relocate under new ownership

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Sand Springs Flowers held a grand opening Thursday evening in downtown Sand Springs, but the business is anything but new. Though it has changed hands a few times over the years, the business traces its roots back to before the city was officially incorporated.

Jessica Hendricks took over the shop after previous owner Carolyn Short announced her retirement in December. Short ran the business for more than two decades before closing its doors in January. Hendricks opened them right back up.

Originally owned by Sand Springs founder Charles Page in 1908, the business was moved to its current location in 1987. Three decades later, the shop has plans to move once again. Hendricks is currently renovating a storefront previously occupied by The Book Box at 26 East Broadway in the building with Napoli's Italian Restaurant.

Sand Springs Flowers will continue to offer the same quality floral arrangements it has been providing for over a century, but also looks to add new opportunities for the community. 

"We're now offering an art journaling class," says Hendricks. "I'm in the works on getting a glass-staining class. We've talked about trying to get a calligraphy class going, a floral design class, we've got all kinds of things in the works right now."

The store is now an exclusive carrier of Glacier Confections, a Tulsa-based chocolate company. Their flowers come from Green Leaf Florists in Tulsa and they're also carrying hand-painted signs by Hendricks's sister-in-law.

The store caters to patrons of all budgets, with Valentine's Day candy and balloon bouquets as cheap as $5.00. The store will also deliver throughout Sand Springs and Tulsa. 

Sand Springs Flowers is currently located at 206 North Main Street and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The store can be reached at 918-245-9511.

Sand Springs Progress Report: What's new and what's changing

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ALDI grocery store is holding its grand opening this Thursday at 8:00 a.m. The store is located at 101 West Alexander Boulevard in River West.

SEE RELATED: ALDI grocery store to hold grand opening Thursday in Sand Springs

The QuikTrip convenience store at 2 East 41st Street is nearing completion. The existing building was demolished in November of last year to make way for the larger, newer facility. 

Braum's Ice Cream Shop & Burger Restaurant at 3950 South Highway 97 was demolished in October of 2017 to make room for a larger, newer facility with a full fresh produce selection.

Construction nears completion on the new Warren Clinic facility in the River West development near downtown. The building will house the relocated offices currently at 796 Charles Page Boulevard. It will also add a new urgent care clinic.

SEE RELATED: ALDI and St. Francis Urgent Care to open new locations in RiverWest Development

Colton's Steak House broke ground in River West in October of last year and is expected to open this spring.

SEE RELATED: Colton's Steak House & Grill holds ground-breaking ceremony in Sand Springs

Sandlot Sno-Balls will be opening a new Prattville location at 3 West 41st Street this summer.

This mural by Josh Butts Creative Services is currently unfinished and will eventually wrap partly around the eastern side of the silo. Located just west of the intersection of Highway 51 and Avery Drive.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs commissions mural for abandoned Monarch Cement silo

Another mural by Josh Butts will be going in on the side of Yesterday to Now at 224 North Main Street. The project will begin this spring and will take about a week to complete. 

SEE RELATED: Plans unveiled for new mural in downtown Sand Springs

ZegART Studios is renovating the building at 700 East Charles Page Boulevard in the Atwoods Shopping Center. Formerly a Radio Shack, the storefront will now house a studio for local artists.

Construction has yet to begin on this City Council-approved "hardened room" storm shelter at the Case Community Center. Other improvements coming to the Case Park area include G.O. Bond-funded paved parking at the Jerry Adair Baseball Complex and a road will be constructed over the levee for easier access to the park. 

Demolition continues at the old Gerdau Steel Mill and future Sheffield Crossing development. The City of Sand Springs recently purchased eighteen acres from OmniTRAX with the long-term goal of providing a good location for a hardware store such as Lowe's or Home Depot. The City hopes to develop the land to incentivize one of these businesses as well as provide the infrastructure for other shopping/dining options nearby. 

The Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center will break ground this spring along Morrow Road inside the Sheffield Crossing development. The facility will house the Sand Springs Police Department and Municipal Courts as well as replace the existing Fire Station No. 1.

SEE RELATED:  New Sand Springs Public Safety Facility to be named in honor of war hero Billie A. Hall

Progress continues on the new Fire Station No. 2 at 4101 South 113th West Avenue. Construction is expected to be complete in August.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Fire Station #2 to receive $1.5 million new facility

Atwoods is currently undergoing a major expansion into the building space previously occupied by Stage department store and CrossFit 1055. Both of those businesses relocated to bigger and better facilities.

The old Spotless Car Wash at 3300 South Highway 97 was demolished this week to make way for new development.

Several upgrades were recently approved for the Keystone Ancient Forest. With passage of General Obligation Bond Proposition No. 3 in November, voters provided the funding for a new observation platform and visitors center.

Top: The Teal Ridge development at 8600 West 41st Street offers 115 lots with homes priced from $270,000 to over $400,000.
Middle: The Rivercrest Development at 3123 South 113th Avenue West offers twelve lots with homes priced from $200,000 to $300,000. 
Bottom: This Capital Homes development near the intersection of 51st Street and 129th West Avenue will hold 87 houses. 

Church That Matters recently purchased the Prattville Market at 3 West 41st Street. They also opened the Lee's Charburgers food truck at the same location. Both serve as fundraisers for the church's ministries. 

It's a Girl Thing Boutique opened recently at 4106 South 113th West Avenue.

El Patron Cocina Mexicana recently opened in The Shops at Adams Road at 536 Plaza Court.

The House of Hair and Boutique recently opened at 407 East Broadway.

Sand Springs Leader closes downtown offices

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The Sand Springs Leader newspaper is closing the doors on its offices and will be consolidating staff with the Tulsa World. Despite the closing of its local building, the paper will continue to be published from the downtown Tulsa World location. 

The century-old newspaper was purchased in 2015 by Berkshire Hathaway Media Group and brought under the umbrella of the Tulsa World. 

Print newspapers have been on the decline and numerous Oklahoma publications have closed their doors in recent years. 

The Leader absorbed the Mannford Eagle in 2011. In 2012 the Glenpool Post merged with the Jenks Journal and the Bixby Bulletin to form the South County Leader, which closed its doors two years later. The Catoosa Times ceased publication in December of 2013. In September of 2016, the Wagoner Tribune and Coweta American were consolidated as the Wagoner County American-Tribune. The Broken Arrow Ledger closed its offices in February of 2017 and ceased printed publication. 

 

ALDI grocery store to hold grand opening Thursday in Sand Springs

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Sand Springs - ALDI grocery store will be holding a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony Thursday, January 25th in the Sand Springs River West development at 101 West Alexander Boulevard. 

The public is invited to attend the event, which will begin at 8:00 a.m. Following the ceremony, the first 100 customers will receive a golden ticket, each containing ALDI gift cards of various amounts. Customers can also tour the store, sample ALDI exclusive brand products and enter an on-site sweepstakes for a chance to win a year's supply of ALDI produce. 

“We value our customers in Sand Springs and we’re excited to open our new Sand Springs store to continue offering high-quality groceries at prices they love,” said Mark Bersted, Olathe division vice president for ALDI. “We’re proud to offer shoppers a variety of fresh produce, USDA Choice meats, organic items and gluten-free choices, all at affordable prices that our competitors can’t match, in an environment that’s easy and quick to navigate.”

The new store is part of a $3.4 billion investment plan to expand from 1,600 stores in 35 states to more than 2,500 stores by 2022. The Sand Springs location will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. All ALDI stores nationwide accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

As part of its accelerated growth and expansion across the U.S., ALDI plans to add 25,000 new jobs in stores, warehouses and offices. ALDI was recently named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers and offers employees generous wages and benefits that are higher than the national average for the retail industry. ALDI staff working at least 25 hours per week receive full health insurance benefits and dental coverage, and all ALDI employees are invited to participate in the 401(k) program.

Located adjacent to the historic downtown commercial district, the River West development currently is home to McDonald's, Starbucks, IHOP, CVS, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Centennial Baptist Church, and El Maguey Mexican Restaurant. Colton's Steak House and Warren Clinic are currently under construction and expected to open this Spring. 

A look back at Sand Springs's biggest stories in 2017

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Sandites enjoy a free concert from The Rogues Five at Riverfest.

From high school athletics to a growing economy and quality of living improvements, the history books will look on 2017 as a pivotal year in Sand Springs. Here's a look back at some of the biggest stories around town. 

Jan. 19 – USDA rolls out new Rural Development loan opportunities for Sand Springs area. – Read More.

Jan. 19 - CPHS Wrestling team pins entire U.S. Grant team in fourteen minutes and two seconds, setting national record for fastest dual won entirely by pin. - Read More. 

Feb. 01 – Ray Brown Park receives $37,000 renovation. – Read More.

Feb. 11 - CPHS Wrestling team wins first-ever Dual State Championship 40-26 over Broken Arrow.  - Read More.

Feb. 25 - Riley Weir, Daton Fix, Jack Karstetter, Beau Bratcher, and Payton Scott win individual State Titles and lead Sand Springs to their first State Wrestling Championship since 1971. - Read More.

Feb. 27 - ALDI grocery store and St. Francis Warren Clinic & Urgent Care announce plans to open new locations in River West Development. ALDI is new to community, Warren Clinic is relocating from Charles Page Boulevard. - Read More.

Mar. 02 - CPHS Womens' Basketball wins Area Championship to advance to State Tournament for first time since 2011. - Read More.

Mar. 06 – Rusty Gunn elected as Board of Education President, Mike Mullins sworn into new term on Board. – Read More.

Mar. 22 – Chinowth and Cohen opens new Prattville location.

Mar. 27 - Sand Springs City Council authorizes new murals and $1.5 million Prattville Fire Station. - Read More.

Apr. 04 – Payless ShoeSource announces shuttering of Sand Springs and Sapulpa locations. – Read More.

Apr. 05 – CPHS Winter Percussion wins State Championship. – Read More.

Apr. 19 – El Maguey Mexican Restaurant relocates to new building in River West. – Read More.

Apr. 20 – Tim Wright, Larry Hurst, and Dr. Stacey Butterfield are inducted into Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame. – Read More.

Apr. 22 – Herbal Affair co-founder Sandi Byerly receives Hometown Hero Award. – Read More.

May 02 - Individual Career Academic Plan bill authored by Jadine Nollan is signed into law. - Read More.

May 08 - Mike Burdge elected to 12th term as Mayor, Beau Wilson elected as Vice-Mayor. - Read More.

May 12 - Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise. - Read More.

May 13 - Aden Baughman wins 800-meter Track State Championship, Cheyenne Walden wins eighth and ninth State Championships. - Read More.

May 13 – Sand Springs graduates 392 in Class of 2017 – Read More.

May 16 - Hannah Rose releases More Than Conquerors EP. - Read More.

May 21 - CPHS Fishing Club wins Oklahoma Bass Nation State Championship. - Read More.

May 26 – Dog and Duck Antiques opens at 21 East 2nd Street, expanding from booth space in Vintage Stables on Main. – Read More.

Jun. 01 – The Ground Floor Salon opens at Village Square.

Jun. 06 – State Senator Dan Newberry resigns seat seven months after reelection. – Read More.

Jun. 08 – OSU Medicine opens in Shops at Adams Road.

Jun. 24 – EuroMotor Extravaganza returns to Sand Springs after five-year hiatus. – Read More.

Jun. 24 – Historic Twin Cities Elementary is demolished after nearly a century. – Read More.

Jun. 26 – Sand Springs City Council evicts Round Up Club from River City Park. – Read More.

Jul. 09 - Janeway Castle Stone Estate & Venue opens in Sand Springs. - Read More.

Jul. 10 - Sand Springs's Janet Johnson named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist. - Read More.

Jul. 11 - James Garrison hired as new CPHS Head Baseball Coach.- Read More.

Jul. 21 – Carter Young wins Cadet Greco-Roman National Championship. – Read More.

Jul. 29 – Aden Baughman wins National Championship in 800-meter run. – Read More.

Aug. 01 – Daton Fix wins Junior Freestyle World Championship. – Read More.

Sep. 09 – Case Community Park unveiled with all-day Riverfest celebration after $6.2 million renovation. – Read More.

Sep. 13 – Edward Jones agent Casey Loper relocates Sand Springs office to new building. – Read More.

Sep. 30 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique relocates to historic downtown Chastain’s building, buying out DejaVu Décor.

Oct. – Prattville Braums and QuikTrip are demolished, work begins on larger, newer facilities. – Read More.

Oct 11. – Colton’s Steak House and Grill breaks ground in River West development. – Read More.

Oct. 21 – CPHS Boys’ Cross Country team qualifies for State for first time in school history. – Read More.

Oct. 27 – Payton Scott sets school rushing record with 507 yards against Bartlesville. – Read More.

Nov. 02 – Stage department store relocates to former May’s Drug Warehouse building. – Read More.

Nov. 04 – It’s Just a Girl Thing Boutique opens in Prattville.

Nov. 08 - OkieSpice & Trade Co. celebrates grand opening in Sand Springs. – Read More.

Nov. 14 – Voters approve $18 million in General Obligation Bond packages. – Read More.

Nov. 14 – Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman wins Senate District 37 seat vacated by Republican Dan Newberry. – Read More.

Nov. 28 – Downtown Sand Springs hosts inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. – Read More.

Nov. 28 – WSB Homes opens in downtown Sand Springs. – Read More.

Dec. – Philip D. Smith publishes new book, From Praha to Prague. - Read More.

Dec. 01 – Rod’s Books and Relics hosts inaugural Christmas Parade of Books. – Read More.

Dec. 12 – Sand Springs breaks ground on new Prattville Fire Station. – Read More.

Dec. 17 – The House of Hair and Boutique opens on Livi Lee’s Corner. 

Dec. 27 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique, Sarah and Kyle Baumann win inaugural Sandite Pride Christmas Light Contest. – Read More.

Dec. 29 – El Patron Cocina Mexicana opens in Shops at Adams Road. – Read More.

El Patron Mexican Restaurant opens for business in Sand Springs

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El Patron Cocina Mexicana held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning in Sand Springs to commemorate its opening. The new Mexican Restaurant opened its doors for business Thursday, December 28th after an extensive renovation in The Shops at Adams Road. 

Located at 536 Plaza Court, the new restaurant is in the former location of El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, which relocated to the River West shopping center earlier this year.

After El Maguey vacated the building in July, owner Ricardo Munoz spent six months upgrading the facility with new modern decor and a more open-concept layout. The restaurant is managed by Munoz's brother, Ramon. 

El Patron carries an extensive menu of appetizers, fajitas, steak, seafood, and build-your-own nachos, quesadillas, and burritos, They offer create-your-own combos, a la carte, and a kids' menu.

Hours
Sunday - Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

El Patron Cocina Mexicana
536 Plaza Court
918-246-7474
www.elpatroncocinamexicana.com
 

City Council moves forward with plans for improved infrastructure, new safety facility

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Stormwater and Utilities Technician Jon Odle speaks at a regular City Council meeting. 

The Sand Springs City Council held a regular meeting Monday evening and granted Mayor Mike Burdge and City Manager Elizabeth Gray authority to approve various components of the building process at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. Because the project has several elements going out for bid separately, the City hopes to expedite the approval of the contracts without having to go before Council each time. 

The safety facility will feature a new police station, fire station, emergency dispatch, as well as municipal courts. It will be built in the new Sheffield Crossing development on the southwest corner of the Morrow Road-Highway 97 intersection. City officials hope to break ground on the new facility in January.

Council also authorized Mayor Burdge to sign off on all documents related to the Main Street Reconstruction Project. The City has a 50-50 fund match from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Main Street will be reconstructed from 1st Street to its southern terminus. An additional stretch of Main Street will be constructed to connect it to Highway 97 and new traffic lights will be installed at the intersection. An expressway frontage road will be constructed from Main Street to the existing Lincoln Avenue on-ramp.

In other news, City Stormwater Technician Jon Odle gave a presentation regarding ongoing issues with the City stormwater system. According to Odle, the City wastes countless man hours clearing out stormwater drains from illegal dumping such as leaves and grass clippings. 

The City affirmed dilapidated public nuisance findings for properties at 2807 South Maple Drive and 918 1/2 North Franklin Avenue. Hearings were held for both properties and neither was contested. A resolution was passed authorizing the demolition of structures on both properties on or after Monday, February 5th with the expenses being the responsibility of the property owners. 

The City approved $28,725.00 for the purchase of a new 2018 Dodge Durango SSV for the police department, so that an existing unit can be used by the new Community Development Director. The existing vehicle was expected to be replaced as soon as July of 2019.

The Council approved $7,000 to purchase a Toro Stand On Sprayer. The funds were generated by maintenance fees collected from the Baseball, Soccer, and Softball programs. 

Mayor Burdge nominated Judy Treat and Michael Miller for appointments to the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority. He also nominated Vicki Sisney and Grady Whitaker for reappointment to the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority. All four candidates were unanimously confirmed.