City officials hold ground breaking ceremony in River West Development

View fullsize

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Sand Springs City Council members and other City officials held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new El Maguey location Wednesday evening in the River West Development. 

Owners Rogelio and Norma Ayala and their two children were visibly excited about their new property and the progress being made. The Ayalas have been renting their current facility at 520 East Plaza Court for the last fourteen years and are expected to move into the new restaurant next summer. 

View fullsize

The new restaurant will feature the same menu, but the Ayalas look to improve service and atmosphere while adding quality patio seating. 

The thirty-acre River West property was purchased with Vision 2025 funds approved in 2003 and development began in 2007 but stalled out due to the Great Recession. 

View fullsize

Centennial Baptist Church and McDonald's have been present in the area since 2000. In 2010 IHOP opened as the first sit-down restaurant in the development and in 2012 an existing O'Reilly Auto Parts location relocated from within the property. In 2013 a CVS pharmacy opened on the former site of the Booker T. Washington High School and Kindergarten Center. Holiday Inn Express opened a new location in 2015 and Starbucks opened a small location the same year. El Maguey will be the second restaurant to join the fast-growing development.

Sand Springs musical duo to play Margaritaville opening weekend

Pictured: Jacob Dement and The Sellouts play at Los Cabos-Jenks.  

The first of four grand openings of the resort's $365M expansion

(TULSA, OK) - Officials at Muscogee (Creek) Nation announced the grand opening of the first phase of their historic $365M expansion of River Spirit Casino Resort Thursday. At 5:00 p.m. on August 25, after an official ribbon cutting ceremony with Muscogee (Creek) Nation, state and local dignitaries, the much-anticipated Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant opened to the public.

Musical duo Jacob and Vashni Dement will be playing the opening weekend Sunday night from 9:00 p.m. through 1:00 a.m. They will be only the fourth musical act to ever play at the new facility. Jacob is a Charles Page High School Class of 2004 graduate and is also a member of the Sand Springs-based band The Sellouts. 

After breaking ground in 2013, with heavy construction beginning in fall 2014, the Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant complex is the first of four phases of the massive expansion to be completed. In addition to Margaritaville Restaurant & Casino, the first opening includes the new resort grand entry and lobby, 30,000 square feet of meeting space, a Margaritaville Coffee Shop, Margaritaville retail store, resort gift store, new connectivity entrances to the River Spirit Casino, valet parking under the new porte cochere, and an expanded 3,000-space parking facility with a climate-controlled walkway.

A 27-story luxury resort tower will open in December 2016, followed by The Paradise Cove theater and Ruth's Chris Steak House in January 2017, and the LandShark Pool Bar, resort pool deck, outdoor event space and new River Parks Trail opening in Spring 2017.

"This is a game-changer not only for River Spirit Casino Resort, but the entire Tulsa region," said Pat Crofts, chief executive officer of Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos. "We've built an incredible destination resort and the entire region will benefit from the added jobs and boost to the local economy."

The economic impact over the two-year construction phase is approximately $303.5 million for the region and has created 4,100 unique construction jobs. Currently, more than 650 construction workers continue to work onsite daily. When all openings are complete, the expansion will provide 1,000 new direct jobs and will support an additional 1,200 indirect jobs in the region. According to the Tulsa Regional Chamber, the ongoing regional economic impact is $135.1 million annually.

The brightly-lit Margaritaville Casino is 50,000 square feet of island fun with 850 of the latest gaming machines and 27 live table/poker games; connected by portals to the existing casino and hotel lobby.

Complementing the casino is Jimmy Buffett's iconic Margaritaville Restaurant, which features multiple bars on two levels, a flavorful menu of island-inspired dishes and hand-crafted cocktails, weekend live entertainment and a margarita -erupting volcano. The 400-seat restaurant also includes two outdoor decks with spectacular views of the Arkansas River.

"This particular development marks the largest restaurant and casino complex within our portfolio, and we are excited to bring all the fun and escapism of Margaritaville to the banks of the Arkansas River and the Tulsa community," said John Cohlan, chief executive officer of Margaritaville.

Enhancements to the existing casino were also made, including a complete re-facing of the current exterior to complement and integrate with the expansion areas, as well as new signage, and a complete remodel of the Visions buffet.

Since the groundbreaking, other completed project milestones include: the addition of Johnny Rockets inside the existing casino, the newly remodeled Scoreboard, River Spirit's sports bar that features 22 flat-screen televisions (includes a 102-inch plasma television) and the opening of Jimmy Buffett's 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar at River Spirit last summer. The most recent addition was the remodel of Elements Steakhouse into Fireside Grill, an upscale grill featuring gourmet takes on American cuisine in a contemporary setting.

The 27-story resort and convention center, slated to open in December, will feature 483 guest rooms, including 54 suites, and the upscale spa resort. The convention / meeting venue will include 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom and a pre-function area overlooking the pool deck and casino.

Project partners in construction include Manhattan Red Stone and Program Management Group, Native.

"We are one step closer to our expansion becoming a reality," said Andy Langston, chief operating officer for Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos. "It has taken a Herculean effort by everyone involved to get us to this point, to what will end up being a transformative project for our entire region."

City Council approves contract for new safety facilities and other news

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. 

Brian Carr with the Tulsa Area United Way gave a brief presentation regarding the 2017 United Way Campaign in which the City of Sand Springs participates. 

The Council planned to present a plaque to AEP/PSO employees for their recent volunteer work in removing and replacing netting at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course. A lot of the netting was damaged in the March 2015 tornado that also devastated a pair of mobile home parks and the Jerry Adair Baseball Park. Several AEP employees volunteered their services to the extensive project over the last year. 

Blake Little, Jake Kinman, James Cooke, Ben Bryan, Chuck Bunch, and Joe Chambers worked on the project. "That's kind of what Sand Springs is; people just jump in and help when they're needed," said City Manager Elizabeth Gray. The volunteers were unable to attend the meeting but the Council plans to find another day to meet with them and thank them.

The City voted to unanimously approve the consent agenda which included six items considered to be routine. Part of the agenda included approval of a renewed contract with EMSA for emergency medical services. The cost of EMSA's services will increase by approximately 17.89%, but it is not expected to impact the City at this time. The City expected and budgeted for the increase in Fiscal Year 2016, but the increase never came to fruition. 

According to Mayor Mike Burdge, 4-5% is the typical increase. This year the increase is so high "due to general increases in operating costs and the impact of Medicaid cuts on patient receipts," says EMSA Chief Financial Officer Kent Torrence. Fire Chief Mike Wood still considers it to be a good deal compared to other options. 

SEE RELATED: Keri Fothergill appointed to Sand Springs Planning Commission

The Council approved a new 2017 Calendar Year schedule of regular meetings for the Council and Municipal Authority. The new schedule will have the Council meeting once per month, which will total twelve regular meetings as opposed to the current schedule of nineteen. This year the Council has meet twice per month with exception for the summer months (June July and August) and holiday months (November and December).

The meetings are to be held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., the same time and day as they currently are. The meetings will be January 23rd, February 27th, March 27th, April 24th, May 22nd, June 26th, July 24th, August 28th, September 25th, October 23rd, November 27th, and December 18th. December 18th is the third Monday of the month, as the fourth Monday falls on Christmas Day. There will also be a special session held Monday, May 8th to swear in new council members.  

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council members help fund Elementary field trip

The Council unanimously approved “a resolution affirming dilapidation public nuisance administrative hearing findings and authorization for the bringing of any action necessary in District Court.” The resolution applies to three dilapidated buildings slated for demolition sometime in October. The ten-day administrative appeals process expired without any appeals received and the property owners now have thirty days following the approval of the resolution to challenge the decision. The properties are located at 714 N. Washington Ave., 301 N. Franklin Ave., and 223 N. Industrial Ave.

SEE RELATED: Capital Homes to develop 87-lot housing addition in South Sand Springs

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council approves new ordinance relating to false alarms

City Council unanimously approved a contract with Dewberry Architects for design of the new public safety facilities. In September of 2015 the citizens of Sand Springs voted to pass a dedicated sales tax to build new police, fire, courts, and 911 facilities.

The City is still looking at 129th and Wekiwa as the optimal location for the new facilities, but is open to other locations should a better situation present itself.

The Council unanimously approved Resolution 17-02, related to park funding and improvements.  

City of Sand Springs launches economic development Web site

Sand Springs, OK- The City of Sand Springs has launched www.SeeSandSprings.com, a Web site focused on economic development. The new site features data and resources geared to business, development, visitors and tourist attraction to Sand Springs.

“We are thrilled to make See Sand Springs available to the public,” said Elizabeth Gray, City Manager. “Our staff has worked very hard researching and developing this site to help realtors, Chambers and brokers guide interested parties to the type of information a national chain or industry looks for.”

The See Sand Springs site started as a graduate student project in the summer of 2015 and has since been adopted by staff and City Council as a part of City Council’s recent Economic Development Resolution.

“The See Sand Springs site is an excellent example of what cities should be doing to further economic development,” said Charlotte Howe, Northeast Regional Development Specialist with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Data gathered for the site grew from partnerships with local agencies like the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG,) Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC,) regional and local chambers. The site was compiled as a graduate project by Sand Springs Public Information and Marketing Manager, Kasey St. John.

City staff will begin marketing the site this fall at national events and conferences.

For more updates on development and City happenings, please visit www.sandspringsok.org.

Sand Springs City Council members help fund Elementary field trip

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council considered a request from Councilman Brian Jackson to help fund a field-trip for Sand Springs Elementary students Monday evening at their regular August meeting. The outcome wasn’t what Jackson was hoping for, but it was still a positive result.

Jackson submitted a request that the City add Junior Achievement BizTown to Resolution 16-30, which authorizes the City to make arrangements for funding and participation of City officials in public events that are in the best interest of the City and promotes the goals and objectives of the City.

There are currently nineteen events/expenses that are authorized by the resolution, including Oklahoma Municipal League conferences, National League of Cities conferences, Mayors Council of Oklahoma conferences, The Oklahoma Academy, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce membership, and Tulsa Metro Chamber membership.

Adding BizTown to the list would allow the City to redirect funding from the Hotel/Motel tax reserve to the Economic Development budget. Had the resolution passed to add BizTown to the list, Council would then consider a request by Jackson that a total sum of $3,625 be given to Sand Springs Public Schools for the purpose of sending 145 students from Northwoods Fine Arts Academy and Garfield STEAM Academy to BizTown in January, 2017.

BizTown opened in Tulsa in March 2003 under the name “Exchange City.” A city within a city, BizTown is a 6,500 square foot facility that houses a miniature “city” ran by fifth grade students. BizTown students spend approximately four weeks preparing for their trip, learning curriculum centered around financial literacy and work readiness. On January 17th and January 20th, students from Garfield and Northwoods respectively would visit the BizTown facility for a total of four hours where they will work jobs, collect a paycheck, and live like adults.

Some of the career-fields available inside BizTown include banking, working for a newspaper, policing, working in the food industry, City Government careers and more.

The BizTown program costs Junior Achievement $50 per student. The schools provide half of that cost and Junior Achievement raises the other half. Local philanthropist Mike Case, of Case and Associates, donated $3,625 to Junior Achievement to help fund the Garfield and Northwoods students, but the schools still have to raise their half of the funds.

While the Council recognized the quality learning environment that BizTown provides, their concern was that it wasn’t the place of the City to use Public funds in such a manner. “I’m not quite sure it’s a city responsibility,” said Councilwoman Patty Dixon. She went on to suggest that local civic groups and businesses should be contacted for help, and that the Council could help in being a voice for the program.

Councilman Jim Spoon was more direct in saying “I can’t see that it’s not a charitable donation.” The resolution specifically states that charitable donations are not allowed to be made with the funds.

“I see it as a partnership opportunity with our public schools that are hurting,” said Jackson. Jackson, who is the Development Manager for Junior Achievement, had also attempted to get BizTown on the resolution when it was initially passed in April. The Council voted to pass the resolution as-is by a vote of 5-2-0 with Jackson and former Councilman Dean Nichols voting against.

Council also pointed out that this money has already been budgeted, and rather tightly. “If we’re going to do something like this, we need to find a better way,” said Councilman Phil Nollan.

Nollan, Burdge, Dixon, and Councilman Beau Wilson each voluntarily committed to sponsoring four kids apiece out of their own pocket. David Charney, President of Capital Homes was also present at the meeting for an unrelated matter and personally pledged to sponsor ten kids.

With twenty-four kids down, Sand Springs schools still needs to find donors for the remaining 119. Citizens wishing to make a donation can send checks to the Board of Education building at 11 West Broadway, Sand Springs, OK 74063. Please note "Garfield/Northwoods JA Biztown" in the memo line.

This week in Sand Springs

Museum Trust Authority Meeting

The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority is scheduled to meet Tuesday, August 16th, at 6:00 p.m. in the museum.

The Board will consider approval of the FY 2017 Budget, naming Ginger Murphy as Museum Director, reallocating space for museum operations, and will discuss the July financials.

Development Authority Meeting

The City of Sand Springs Development Authority is scheduled to meetWednesday, August 17th at 4:00 p.m. in the Sand Springs Municipal Building.

The Board will receive an update on Sand Springs’s development opportunities. No action is expected to be taken during the meeting.

Sand Springs Elementary Meet and Greets

Pratt Elementary is hosting their Meet and Greet event on Thursday, August 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The PTO will have a table set up for memberships and new spirit wear will be available for purchase.

Northwoods, Limestone, and Garfield Elementary will hold Meet-n-Greet events Monday, August 22nd, the day before school starts. Northwoods and Garfield will last from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Limestone will last from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 City Council and Municipal Authority Meetings

The City of Sand Springs City Council is expected to meet Monday, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the City Municipal Building. The Municipal Authority meeting will follow immediately after. No agenda has been provided at this time.

Tulsa County Court Clerk Runoff Election

The Tulsa County Republican Party will have a runoff election Tuesday, August 23rd.

Registered Republicans will choose between Donald Newberry and Ron Phillips for their November candidate.

Newberry is a US Air Force veteran with an Associate’s in Business, Bachelor’s in Psychology, and Masters in Business Administration.

Phillips is currently the Special Projects Director for the County Clerk’s Office and holds a business administration degree.

The winner of the runoff will take on Democratic nominee John R. Andrew in November.

Newberry won the June Republican primary with 35% to 33%.

Sand Springs Public School students return to class Tuesday, August 23rd

Meet the Sandites will also be held this day at 6:00 p.m..

Back to School in Sand Springs

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Several community organizations are hosting Back to School events in the coming weeks.

Trinity Baptist Church will be hosting a Back to School Bash from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 13th at 13 West 40th St. in Sand Springs. The church will be providing games, food, inflatables, and free haircuts. It is also a gym in the hit game Pokémon Go!

The Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance and Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host a Back to School Bash Sunday, August 14th at the Tulsa Tech campus at 924 East Charles Page Boulevard.

The event will last from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will offer free haircuts and school supplies.

Sand Springs Community Services is hosting a three-day Back to School program in which they will be distributing backpacks, school supplies, and clothing vouchers. The program is only available to Sand Springs, Anderson, and Keystone students with proof of enrollment and proof that the child received free lunches las year.

The event will take place Monday, August 15th through Wednesday, August 17th. SSCS will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day, and on Tuesday will reopen from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Angus Valley Elementary is having their Back-to-School Night Monday, August 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to meet your teacher and the principal, Mrs. Noel. You can also fill out applications for free and reduced lunches, as well as sign up for the Salvation Army’s after school program.

Pratt Elementary is hosting their Meet and Greet event on Thursday, August 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The PTO will have a table set up for memberships and new spirit wear will be available for purchase.

Northwoods, Limestone, and Garfield Elementary will hold Meet-n-Greet events Monday, August 22nd, the day before school starts. Northwoods and Garfield will last from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Limestone will last from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Changes to Sand Springs bus routes has parents scrambling

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Two citizens in the Anderson School District expressed concerns at the Sand Springs School Board meeting Monday night regarding the Board’s decision to eliminate some bus routes into neighboring school districts.

Districts such as Anderson, Keystone, Pretty Water, and Allen Bowden, that do not offer full K-12th grade classes, send students to Sand Springs schools on an open transfer once they reach a certain age.

In the past, the Sand Springs school district has bused those students into the district, but budget cuts have eliminated some of those routes.

Sand Springs is asking parents to drop their kids at bus stops within the Sand Springs district boundary, but some parents are finding that difficult and asking the Sand Springs Board of Ed to postpone their decision to the next school year.

For parents whose work schedules prevent them from taking their kids to school in the morning, the change would have some kids walking miles to the nearest bus stop. Extreme heat and winter weather, coupled with shoulderless roads and the possible threat of unsavory strangers, has many parents concerned.

Anderson School District is having a bond election on August 23rd that, if passed, will provide $250,000 for transportation equipment amounting to three new buses. At this time, however, Anderson schools haven’t addressed if the new buses would allow for routes into the Sand Springs school district in the future.

In other news, Superintendent Sherry Durkee informed the Board that the Twin Cities facility has had an interested party, but no offer has been made as of this time.

The Pratt Elementary playground is expected to be completed this week.

Board of Ed President Mike Mullins has been selected to be the recipient of the 2016 Oklahoma State School Boards Association Distinguished Service Award later this month. The award is given to only one individual a year at the annual OSSBA/CCOSA Conference in Oklahoma City. Mullins is a twenty-year veteran of the Sand Springs Board of Ed, and was nominated by Superintendent Durkee.

Upcoming Free Concerts and Events in the Tulsa area

View fullsize

Garfield Elementary receives new name to go with new improvements; district embraces STEM initiative

View fullsize

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting Monday evening. The session was held at Garfield Elementary in the newly finished Lloyd Snow Media Center. The Board held a ribbon-cutting ceremony prior to the meeting.

The school itself has been undergoing extensive remodeling over the summer and is nearing completion. In addition to the new library, the remodel also includes a new music room, four new kindergarten classrooms, and a new dining space and kitchen. The project is part of an $8.8 million bond election, with $6.5 million going to Garfield.

The remodel is accompanied by a slight rebranding. Garfield Elementary will now be known as “Garfield STEAM Academy.” STEAM is a slight modification of the acronym STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, with the addition of the Arts.

This fall will see all Sand Springs elementary schools participating in the STEM initiative with curriculum from Project Lead the Way. The initiative will cost the school district approximately $65,000. That money isn’t coming from the schools, however, but from donations from community businesses and education foundations. Most recently, Webco made a $10,000 donation to the initiative, leaving the district just $4,000 short of their goal.

The district is also increasing the number of STEM electives available at Clyde Boyd Middle School and Central Ninth Grade Center.

View fullsize

Monday night’s meeting included presentations from three groups of STEM involved students.

Zachary Sprague, Connor Tanner, Isaiah Uebelhart, Grant Shelton, and James McDougal presented one of their creations. Subtitle Glasses for the Hard of Hearing were created as a solution for hearing-impaired movie-goers. By wearing lightweight plastic glasses, similar to the glasses one would wear for a 3D movie, an individual can see subtitles on screen that are invisible to the naked eye.

Aden Baughman and Greg Bodi presented a holographic projector that they built with their group including Aaron McKnight, Will English, Chase Smith, Nathan Richards, and Stephen West.

Samantha Pidcock, Ayden Meade, Breanna Biggs, Alesha Milsap, and Mason Curren presented an improved design for CNGC’s electromagnetic door locks.

Sandite Spirit Awards were given to Dana Weber and Kristen Valentine for their work in STEM Initiative fundraising.

First Annual Harper's Hut Block Party is a blast!

View fullsize

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The First Annual Harper's Hut Block Party is currently underway and there's a lot more to be excited about than just shaved ice. Several businesses in the 1100 block of Charles Page Boulevard have pulled together in what's expected to be the first of many annual end-of-summer block parties full of free activities. The event will last till 9:00 p.m.

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java is notorious for putting on big parties and celebrations throughout the year, and now many businesses in the area are joining them to give the summer a big send off before kids go back to school.

View fullsize

Sand Springs Autosource, Master Lube & Wash, Green Country Federal Credit Union, and the U.S. Army Recruiting Station are the official sponsors of the event and pooled together to provide an inflatable bounce house, obstacle course, and many other fun activities for all ages. 

The Army office provided games and pull-up and push-up contests. Autosource's "Money for Megan" event is offering the chance to hit a car with a sledge hammer for $1.00 per hit to raise money for an Autosource customer who was paralyzed from the neck down after an accident. The Little Lighthouse is also collecting donations. The Little Lighthouse is a Tulsa school for children with special needs. 

View fullsize

Crosspoint Church, which is located on 41st street on the Prattville side of town, is giving out free popcorn. DJ Dusty Hope of Inkwell printing is laying down some fresh beats and selling Inkwell T-Shirts. There is a petting zoo with a donkey, rabbit, and goats, as well as a small classic car show and a face-painter. Green Country Federal Credit Union is handing out ice cold water bottles for free, along with piggy banks, and Jayz BBQ is on site serving up assorted barbecue and smoked corn.

New restaurant headed to Sand Springs River West development

View fullsize

Courtesy.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

El Maguey Authentic Mexican Restaurant will be relocating its Sand springs location to the River West Shopping Center.

The Mexican grill and cantina has been at 536 E. Plaza Court since 2002 and, according to building permits list on the City of Sand Springs' website, will be relocating to 51 W. Alexander Boulevard. 

According to a news release, the project will take approximately nine months to complete with construction slated to begin in August.  The new location will feature patio seating.

This week in Sand Springs

View fullsize

Joint City Council-Municipal Authority Meeting Monday

The Sand Springs City Council will hold a regular meeting Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the Sand Springs Municipal Building, immediately followed by the regular Municipal Authority meeting.

Police Chief Michael Carter will provide a presentation regarding the Policing Plan for 2016.

The Council will consider approval of a renewal of the agreement between the City of Sand Springs and Reasor’s for the Fiscal Year 2017.

The Council will consider appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Development Authority, Parks Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Personnel Board, and Airport Advisory Board.

The Council will consider renewal of an agreement with the Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.E.T.) to continue providing current recycling services through the next year.

August 23rd election voter registration deadline approaches

Friday, July 29th is the final day to register to vote in time for the August 23rd special election.

Tulsa County Republicans will vote in a runoff between Donald Newberry and Ron Phillips for County Court Clerk. Independents are not eligible to vote in Republican primaries.

Newberry is a US Air Force veteran with an Associate’s in Business, Bachelor’s in Psychology, and Masters in Business Administration.

Phillips is currently the Special Projects Director for the County Clerk’s Office and holds a business administration degree.

The winner of the runoff will take on Democratic nominee John R. Andrew in November.

Newberry won the June Republican primary with 35% to 33%.

Highway 97 Rivalry Alumni game moved to Sand Springs

Sand Springs Memorial Stadium will host the third annual Highway 97 Alumni football game for the second year in a row due to ongoing construction at the Chieftains’ stadium.

Registration is Monday the 25th at 5:30 p.m. with the first practice to follow at 6:30 the same day. The game will be held Saturday July 30th at 7:30 p.m.

The series is tied 1-1 with Sand Springs winning last year’s game 35-0.

Local couple brings Harper's Hut to River City Splash Pad

View fullsize

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The newest addition to the Harper’s Hut franchise opened this past weekend at the concession stand in River City Parks.

The new building opened last Friday under the management of Kim and Jeremy Herrington. Located immediately next to the new Sand Springs Rotary Super Splash Park, the concessions stand features a plethora of snack options including the famous shaved ice options from Harper’s Hut, as well as ice cream, hot dogs, Lil’ Caesar's pizza, and other food and drink.

View fullsize

The Herringtons are heavily invested in River City Parks as major contributors to the local youth soccer programs. Jeremy is the President of the Sand Springs Soccer Club and treasurer of the West Side Alliance soccer club. The couple doesn’t take home any profit from their new venture into the food industry. All funds raised by the stand go directly to benefit the youth soccer programs that they oversee.

Kim runs the stand throughout the week and Jeremy relieves her on the weekends when he’s not busy as VP of Operations at Cust-O-Bend, Inc. in Sand Springs.

“We’re all about Sand Springs,” says the Charles Page Class of ‘88 graduate. “I believe in service. See the flag, hear the music. That’s us, we’re here to serve you.” 

The couple may have a lot on their plate, but that doesn’t stop them from showing up at the splash pad every day full of energy and excitement at the opportunity to give back to their community.

View fullsize

When I arrived at the splash pad Saturday, Jeremy was making his rounds to visit with all the parents, introduce himself, and get to know people. The couple has purchased Frisbees, balls, and other toys for the splash pad visitors to play with, all out of their own pocket.

“The City has given us a gift,” says Kim. “The Parks Department has been above and beyond wonderful.”

“I see the smile on the kids’ faces...that’s why I’m doing this.” said Jeremy.

Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:00 AM — 8:00 PM
Sunday 12:00PM — 6:00 PM

This week in Sand Springs

Photo by Morgan Miller

Board of Adjustment

The City of Sand Springs Board of Adjustment will be meeting Monday, July 18th at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Room at the City Municipal Building.

The Board will elect a new Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary.

The Board will also discuss and consider the possible approval of a variance to the Sand Springs Zoning Code relating to the construction of a single-family residence on the Prattville side of town.

Planning Commission

The City of Sand Springs Planning Commission will not be holding their regular monthly meeting Monday due to a lack of agenda items.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 15th.

Museum Trust Authority

The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority will be meeting Tuesday July 19th at 6:00 p.m. in the Sand Springs Museum building at 9 E Broadway.

The Board will review the Fiscal Year 2016 financials with no action to be taken.

The Trustees will consider proceeding with interior repairs and improvement of the museum.

The Trustees will consider appointments to various museum committees and the committee chairs will present the monthly reports.

 Development Authority Meeting

The Sand Springs Development Authority will hold their regular monthly meeting in the City Municipal Building Wednesday July 20th at 4:00 p.m.

The Trustees will elect a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, receive an update on Sand Springs’ development opportunities, and will consider entering an executive session to confer on matters pertaining to economic development.

SSPS Enrollment begins Monday

Students of Sand Springs Public Schools may begin enrolling as early as July 18th for the upcoming school year.

The enrollment center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every business day but Wednesday. On Wednesdays the hours are the same, except it is closed from noon to 1:00 p.m.

For information on medical records, identifications, and other materials necessary for enrollment, contact the center at 918.246.1448.

OSU Big Three Field Days

The longest-lasting relationships from high school are typically those built through extra-curricular activities. Sand Springs students are able to do just that through Future Farmers of America. FFA is about much more than showing livestock and farming, it is also a great vessel to teaching students about things such as leadership and public speaking. There are approximately 230 members in Sand Springs FFA, and some of them will be attending the OSU Big Three Field Days from Tuesday, July 19th to Thursday, July 21st. This event is held at the OSU Animal Science Arena and hosts about 1,300 to 1,400 students each year. The first day of this event is the Sheep field day, the second is the Beef field day, and the final day is the Swine field day. For a complete list of events you can go to http://sandsprings.theaet.com.

Chandler Park is “Just For Tots” on July 23rd

Trying to find something fun for the little ones to do this summer? Just for Tots Day at Chandler Park is a day just for the small children! It will be Saturday, July 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be plenty of entertainment for the little ones, including toys to play with, games, crafts, goodie bags, and door prizes. Lunch will also be included! There will be a $5 entry fee at the door for each child, but parents will be admitted for free. For more information contact Tracy Hardy-Wade at918.591.6053 or thardy-wade@tulsacounty.org.

SSPS staff changes for upcoming school year

As of July 1st, Sherry Durkee has officially inherited the Superintendent position from Lloyd Snow, and Rod Sitton inherited the Athletic Director position from Ed Garrett.

Both Snow and Garrett have been long-time staples in the SSPS community for decades, but their replacements are far from outsiders. Durkee and Sitton have been with the community for years and are expected to be great fits in continuing the Sandite tradition of excellence.

Sand Springs shows love of PD after Dallas shooting

The tragic attack on Dallas Police officers on July 7th had a profound emotional impact on police officers and their friends and family across the country.

Hillspring Church presented the SSPD with a large banner this past week stating “Hillspring Church loves and supports you!”

The Sand Springs Jeepin’ group also presented the SSPD with gift cards to Sweetie Pies to show their appreciation.

Sand Springs Board of Ed overcomes financial challenges, increases school security and hires new staff

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Board of Education handed out three Coins of Excellence at the regular monthly meetings Tuesday night. Jamie Guthrie received a coin for her appointment to the Executive Committee for Oklahoma Directors of Special Services. Clyde Boyd Middle School teacher Janet Johnson was recognized as an Outstanding Middle Level Science Teacher. Board member Bo Naugle was recognized for his services on the board and formerly as Board President.  

Superintendent Sherry Durkee had the reigns for the first time since officially moving into her new position as of July 1st.

Durkee walked the meeting through the new mandates concerning student evaluation since the passage of House Bill 3218 which eliminated the controversial End of Instruction exams. Incoming classes will still have evaluation exams, but the tests won't impede graduation for students who have satisfied curricular requirements. 

The Garfield Elementary renovations will be done by the end of July according to Durkee, and the district is actually ahead on budget, allowing them to green-light several additional items.  

The 2016-2017 school year will feature a new security feature across the district, called "Lobby Guard." Lobby Guard will allow school visitors to scan their drivers license or state-issued ID upon entering the school. The program will run visitors' ID through a database of sex offenders and other potentially dangerous individuals. Visitors cleared for entry will then receive a photo ID sticker allowing for easy identification by teachers. On a lighter note, the program will also allow for easier tracking of volunteer hours.

The district is looking at a general fund of about $3.8 million dollars compared to $4.3 million the prior year, but is still above worst case scenario predictions. According to Treasurer Greg Morris, the district was at one point looking at a general fund of $2.9 million before the repercussions of the latest legislative session balanced out.  

The board approved the hiring of eleven new employees for the new school year. The new employees will be filling positions vacated since the previous school year and are not newly created positions. Despite the new hires, the district will still be down 51 personnel since the last school year.  

CBMS will gain three new employees in Tiffany Golightly, Sarah Thayer, and Baine Wise. Golightly will teach sixth grade English, Thayer will teach sixth grade English as well as coach the eighth and ninth grade Cheer teams, and Scott Patton will be the middle school Head Football Coach and In-School Intervention Supervisor. 

Pratt Elementary gained Special Education teacher Haleigh Mattingly. Angus Valley Elementary gained Speech Language Pathologist Kama Wilson. Limestone Elementary gained kindergarten teacher Megan Kernell and second grade teacher Kristina Medina. 

Charles Page High School will add Amanda Lair, Jason Thomsen, and Blaine Wise. Lair will teach History, Thomsen will teach Special Ed, and Wise will teach History as well as coach Football and Golf. 

Lloyd Snow clinches Democratic nomination, will face Newberry in November

View fullsize

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Outgoing Sand Springs Superintendent Lloyd Snow has the Democratic nomination for Senate District 37 all locked up after a landslide victory over Cory Gage and Andrew Nutter. Snow has been serving the Sand Springs community for sixteen years, and looks to continue doing so in a new field.

After sixteen years as the City Superintendent, Snow's era will come to an end on June 30th when Sherry Durkee officially takes over the office. While Snow initially intended to retire upon leaving the Superintendent position, dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the Capitol lead him to launch a campaign for the Senate District 37 seat in April.

When he launched his campaign he stated "I am frustrated, disappointed, and discouraged with the challenges our children, families, citizens, and communities continue to face due to devastating budget reductions and poor policies in the areas of public education, health, safety, and transportation."

In December Snow talked to Sandite Pride about his reservations in running for office and his desire for any other worthy candidate to step up. When nobody came forward for Snow to rally behind, he filed his candidacy as "an obligation to be a voice of reason, common sense, and responsibility for our families and communities."

Snow has a long history of recognition for community service. In 1997 he was named the Oklahoma Administrator of the Year. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame in 2013 and received the Medal for Excellence in Administration. Most recently he was issued a proclamation from the City of Sand Springs for his service to the community in May and received the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration Lifetime Achievement award earlier this month.

Two and half months of campaigning led to a massive victory over the Democratic field, but Snow was quick to acknowledge that it's only the beginning. In the Tuesday night primary, Snow won 77.04% of the vote against Cory Gage with 12.95% and Andrew Nutter with 10%. 

Snow gave a victory speech at the Snow For Senate Watch Party at Hampton Inn and Suites in Tulsa Hills, expressing his desire "to make it better for kids, to make it better for people that have health needs...to make it better for Oklahoma...for better roads and bridges and infrastructure. Trying to craft a budget that can be sustained and actually work for people and for families and for communities.

"We as a State are at that point in time where enough is enough. I am a different kind of candidate in a lot of ways because this is not my life ambition. I've lived my life ambition, my passion. Now it's more of a purpose, it's more of an obligation. It's more of what I consider to be, 'how are we going to solve the problems we face?' And the solutions are having more people vote, more people in campaigns, have more people participating. I'm going to be at this full time."

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. 

Mayor Burdge proclaims "Summer of Reading" in Sand Springs

View fullsize

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

In a regular Monday night meeting of the Sand Springs City Council, Mayor Mike Burdge issued a proclamation to a representative from myON declaring a “Summer of Reading” in Sand Springs.

“The community, family and school, play (a) critical role in their children’s school success from birth through career and college readiness…the educational success of Sand Springs’s children is essential for the future of the city.”

According to the proclamation, “students who read four to six books a month during the summer months are significantly less likely to experience academic loss than students who don’t read…Access to books is crucial to a child’s success. Sand Springs Public School in partnership with Muscogee Creek Nation provides students with access to myON, providing them with twenty-four hour access to more than 8,000 digitally enhanced books.”

myON is an imprint of Capstone Publishers, a Minnesota-based company that seeks to help “children develop a love of reading and learning, no matter their ability level…” The Muscogee Creek Nation Literacy Program has partnered with myON since 2013 to “help with challenges that our students might face in regards to being proficient in reading, comprehension and vocabulary.”

To read the full proclamation, click here.

 SEE RELATED: Tulsa County Library Summer Reading Program encourages reading at all ages