Sand Springs Board of Education approves hiring of new baseball coach

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Northwoods principal Laura Hamilton is presented with a Coin of Excellence by Board of Education Chairman Rusty Gunn.

The Sand Springs Board of Education met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the Sandite Performing Arts Building. 

Northwoods Fine Arts Academy principal Laura Hamilton was presented with a Coin of Excellence. "Under pressure, this girl is amazing," said Superintendent Sherry Durkee in reference to a high-speed police pursuit and shooting that occurred on school grounds last year. Prior to being promoted to Principal, Hamilton was also the site teacher of the year for the 2012-2013 school year.

The Sand Springs Pilot Club and Sand Springs Women's Chamber were also presented with special recognitions for their contributions to the school district. 

Superintendent Durkee discussed the school partnership with Daybreak for mental health services. "They've been a really healthy partner...we have a councilor in every building." She also talked about Sandites Teaming for Academic Results (STAR). School administrators will hold more frequent meetings with site representatives throughout the year.

According to Assistant Superintendent Kristin Arnold, the district doesn't expect to receive the results from Spring testing till October, while A-F report cards won't be received till March.

The district is working towards having enough chrome books to follow students from grade to grade.

Durkee also discussed the possibility of having a new sound system installed at the Ed Dubie Field House. The court was recently repaired and new LED lights are soon to be installed. "It's our premier 6A facility for three sports," said Durkee.

The Lady Sandite basketball team won a conference title and made the State Semifinals this past season while the wrestling team won both State and Dual State titles. The Boys' Basketball team fell a few games short of a winning season, but is demonstrating consistent growth and improvement under fifth-year head coach Eric Savage. The Volleyball team also had one of their best seasons in school history under Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year Janna Green. 

The high school is without full-time security officers on staff for the first time in years and administration doesn't have any immediate plans to hire new officers. According to Durkee, the school has gotten by fine in the past year while the previous officer missed substantial workdays due to health issues. The Sand Springs Police Department will continue to assist with security during sporting events, but for the time being the district will consider the potential cost-savings of eliminating the position for the foreseeable future.

The Board unanimously approved the filling of twenty-two positions, including that of Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Baseball Coach. Former Edmond Memorial Head Coach James Garrison will take over the reigns from retiring coach Bill Hutson. He will be joined by new pitching coach Matt Brown, also from Edmond Memorial.

James was an assistant coach at Union for two State Championship seasons. He spent one year at Edmond Memorial and amassed a 14-19 record. His contract was terminated after the season.

Sand Springs's Janet Johnson named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist

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Sand Springs's own Janet Johnson is one of twelve finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. The candidates were announced today in a ceremony at Yukon High School.

Johnson teaches science at Clyde Boyd Middle School, a position she has held for 16 of her 19 years in education.

“Classroom teachers are the heart and soul of education, and research tells us they are the most important person in the schoolhouse,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “Each of these 12 men and women represents the best of the best of those who have devoted their life to among the most noble and life-changing of professions.”

All finalists are teachers of the year for their districts and were selected after their application packets were reviewed by a panel that included educators, members of the business community, legislators and nonprofit partners.

The 2018 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be revealed Sept. 19 in a ceremony at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

The 2018 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will remain in the classroom for the 2017-2018 school year. Beginning July 1, 2018, the honoree will assume full-time Teacher of the Year duties, which include speaking engagements and serving as Oklahoma’s teacher ambassador, encouraging others to enter or remain in the profession. The 2017 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Jon Hazell of Durant, will continue to tour the state until July 2018.

Other Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists include:

  • Jill Andrews teaches high school English at Claremore High School in Claremore Public Schools. She has been an educator for 19 years and has held her current position for 12 years.
  • Neeli Boyd teaches first grade at Wiley Post Elementary School in Putnam City Schools. She has been an educator for eight years and has held her current position for two years.
  • Sarah Carter teaches mathematics at Drumright High School in Drumright Public Schools. She has been an educator for five years and has held her current position for five years.
  • Rob Davis teaches history at Yukon High School in Yukon Public Schools. He has been an educator for 15 years and has held his current position for three years.
  • Betty Deen teaches English at Oologah Middle School in Oologah-Talala Public Schools. She has been an educator for 24 years and has held her current position for 19 years.
  • Donna Gradel teaches science at Broken Arrow High School in Broken Arrow Public Schools. She has been an educator for 29 years and has held her current position for 21 years.
  • Chad Harper teaches STEM at Mustang High School in Mustang Public Schools. He has been an educator for 18 years and has held his current position for 18 years.
  • Dionne Liebl teaches English at Deer Creek High School in Deer Creek Schools. She has been an educator for 17 years and has held her current position for five years.
  • Shala Marshall teaches Spanish at Jenks High School in Jenks Public Schools. She has been an educator for 16 years and has held her current position for four years.
  • Christine Mueller teaches band at Moore Central Junior High School in Moore Public Schools. She has been an educator for 23 years and has held her current position for 18 years.
  • Laura Smith teaches band and music at Byng Elementary, Byng Junior High and Byng High School in Byng Public Schools. She has been an educator for 15 years and has held her current position for nine years.

In addition, OSDE named four “Rising Star” teachers. Each is a district Teacher of the Year winner with fewer than seven years in the classroom who demonstrated great skill and potential in their applications.

The Rising Stars are:

  • Colby McGee teaches agriculture at Allen Public Schools. He has been an educator for two years and has held his current position for two years.
  • Haley Price teaches English at Newcastle High School in Newcastle Public Schools. She has been an educator for four years and has held her current position for four years.
  • Jessi Ross teaches second grade at Mooreland Elementary School in Mooreland Public Schools. She has been an educator for seven years and has held her current position for five years.
  • Madison Wingate teaches pre-kindergarten at Pierce Elementary School in Oklahoma City Public Schools. She has been an educator for four years and has held her current position for four years.

This Week in Sand Springs (7/10 - 7/16/17)

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Monday

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber Open Forum
    • Tulsa Technology Center
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard
    • Speaker: Uwe von Schamann, Communications and Development for The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital
  • 1:00 p.m. Dustin Reudelhuber - The Balloon Guy! at Charles Page Library
    • 551 East 4th Street
  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education Meeting
    • Performing Arts Building
      600 North Adams Road
    • Special recognition of Sand Springs Pilot Club, Sand Springs Women's Chamber, and Laura Hamilton.
    • Click here to view full agenda.

Tuesday 

  • 11:00 a.m. Visit with Sand Springs Fire Department at Charles Page Library
    • 551 East 4th Street
  • 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sandite Volleyball Fundraiser at Charlie's Chicken
    • Eat at Charlie's Chicken in Sand Springs and a portion of your purchase will be donated to CPHS Volleyball.
    • 440 West Wekiwa Road

Wednesday

  • 11:30 a.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Thursday

  • 1:00 p.m. Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry at Sand Springs Museum
    • Dust Bowl Exhibit and Blood Drive
    • 9 East Broadway Street.
  • 4:00 p.m. Canister Rockets - Presented by Tulsa Children's Museum at Charles Page Library 
    • 551 East 4th Street
  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
  • 5:30 p.m. Airport Advisory Board Meeting
    • 3200 Airport Road
      Conference Room - Airport Terminal Building

Friday

  • 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. Starry Night at POSTOAK Lodge
    • Solar and Lunar gazing with the Tulsa Astronomy Club. Free to attend, donations welcome.
    • 5323 West 31st Street North, Tulsa.

Saturday

Sandite of the Week: Police Chief Mike Carter works to build police-community relations

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Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter was selected as our Sandite of the Week for his eagerness to involve the police department in the community and his efforts to build a highly-trained and effective police force.

Click here to view previous Sandites of the Week.

Last week, local business owner Joni Sporleder posted in a Sand Springs Facebook group with an idea to have an Independence Day parade downtown. Because it was too late to secure the necessary permits to block off a City street, Chief Carter organized a parade around the Clyde Boyd Walking Trail. SSPD officers manned their bikes and led more than a hundred citizens around the trail on everything from bikes and wagons to horses. After the parade, the department handed out free popsicles and awarded new skateboards to children with the most decorative bicycles and outfits. 

Also last week, Carter presented the new 2017 Policing Plan to City Council, who in turn voted unanimously to approve the document. The 24-page plan identifies policies designed to build trust, engage the community, reduce crime, increase officer training and education and to promote safety.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs adopts new 2017 Policing Plan

Under Carter's leadership the department has made moves to increase the number of warnings and reduce the number of fines issued during traffic stops. Officers have been issued business cards with their name and badge number. A department Facebook page has been created to directly engage with the community, creating dialogue, and informing citizens about ongoing crime problems, trends, and investigations. 

Officers are all trained in Fair and Impartial Policing, which centers on the belief that all people have some implicit bias. The SSPD became the first department in the State to formalize an agreement with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to allow the OSBI to conduct any and all investigations into officer-involved shootings resulting in injury or death, as well as in-custody deaths.

 The department recently launched the "Pop With a Cop" program where officers and City officials hold monthly meetings in each of the City's Wards to meet with citizens and discuss police policy and city issues.

Last year the department held its first-ever "Food for Fines" program, allowing citizens to pay off up to $200 in fines with non-perishable food donations to Sand Springs Community Services.

Carter was promoted to Chief of Police in May of 2015 following an eleven-year stent as Deputy Chief. His promotion came on the heels of former twenty-year Chief Daniel Bradley's hiring as Assistant City Manager.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief, Carter worked in Crisis Negotiation on the Sand Springs SWAT team. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University, graduated from the FBI National Academy, and completed the Police Executive Development and Leadership Curriculum at the University of Tulsa. 

Carter has been with the department since 1993 and is a recipient of the Medal of Valor, two Life Saving Awards, the American Red Cross Everyday Hero award, the City of Sand Springs Employee of the Year award, the Sand Springs Police Department Officer of the Year award, and the Sand Springs Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year award. 

Jaguar Club's EuroMotor Expo raises more than $600 for Sand Springs Animal Welfare

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Sand Springs Animal Control Officer J.E. Schmidt is presented with a check from the Jaguar Club of Tulsa. SUBMITTED.

The Jaguar Club of Tulsa resurrected their annual EuroMotor Extravaganza in downtown Sand Springs this year after a five-year hiatus. The event drew nearly fifty entries and raised $607 for the Sand Springs Animal Shelter.

In addition to the beautiful cars, the event also included a silent auction to benefit the Sand Springs Animal Shelter and an awards banquet and wine bar. The club successfully raised $607, the most they've ever raised according to Vice President Clark Frayser.

Click here to view our full photo gallery of the event.

The Euro Expo first arrived in Sand Springs in 2007 and set a precedent of giving back to the community by donating all proceeds to the Sand Springs Home and the Shriners' Transportation Fund. It ran annually for six years before having its final event in 2012.

A pair of classic Austin Healeys at the 7th Annual EuroMotor Extravaganza. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

This year the club picked up right where they left off, packing out the downtown parking with Fiats, Volvos, MGs, and more. A gorgeous blue sky with a slight breeze and high of 85 degrees made for near-perfect conditions for the festivities. 

Jaguars were the best-represented vehicle at the show with a dozen entries, closely followed by the Italian Alfa Romeo with ten entries. 

There were fifteen total classifications in the event, with trophies awarded for first through third place in each category. 

The oldest vehicle at the show was Todd Coady's 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre, followed by Les Neidell's 1938 Gulf Miller Indy Roadster. The newest vehicles were a pair of 2017 Fiat 124 Abarths. The 1928 Bentley won Best of Show.

Todd Coady's 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre won "Best of Show" and was the oldest vehicle in the Expo. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

2017 Euro Expo Winners:
Richard Salamon - 1955 Jaguar XK140MC
David & Judy Nichols - 1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible
Scott & Linda Young - 1974 Jaguar XJ6-L
Glenn & Carol Larson - 2004 Jaguar XKR
Clark Edwards - 1978 Fiat 124 Spider
Svenskraft - 1983 Saab C900
David Simmons - 1967 Alfa Romeo SS
David Simmons - 1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal
Richard Salamon - 1954 Austin Healey 100M
Paul Jennings - 1955 MG TF1500
Todd Coady - 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre
Ben Anderson - 1965 Citroen 2CV
KL Mayfield - 2001 BMW Z3
Les Neidell - 1938 Gulf Miller Indy Roadster
Glenn & Carol Larson - 1960 Triumph TR3A

This Week in Sand Springs (7/3 - 7/9/17)

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Monday

  • 10:30 a.m. Nature Walk and Bird Watching at Charles Page Library.
    • 551 East 4th Street, Sand Springs.
  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
  • 6:30 p.m. Parks Advisory Board Meeting CANCELLED.
  • 7:00 p.m. Pop With A Cop Independence Day Parade.
    • Clyde Boyd Walking Trail.
    • 301 West 35th Street, Sand Springs.
    • Pedestrians, bicycles, wagons, etc. Free popsicles. Meet SSPD officers and City officials.

Tuesday - American Independence Day

Thursday

  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
  • 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Who Played it Better? Superhero Movie Discussion at Charles Page Library.
    • 551 East 4th Street, Sand Springs. 
  • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dog Night at Tulsa Botanical Garden
    • 2900 Tulsa Botanic Drive, Tulsa.
    • Free for garden members, Regular admission + $4 per dog for non-members.

Friday

  • 6:00 p.m. American Legion Post 17 Steak Dinner
    • 500 North Main Street, Sand Springs.
    • Steak, baked potato, salad, Texas toast, dessert, and a drink for $16.
    • Click here to pre-order.
  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan live at 5 West Outpost - Free Concert.
    • 5 West 41st Street, Sand Springs.

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days.
    • Bring tree limbs up to 2" in diameter for free chipping. Also pick up free mulch and firewood.
    • 8620 West 21st Street, Sand Springs.
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Keystone Ancient Forest Open Hike Day.
    • 160 Ancient Forest Drive, Sand Springs.
  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Pup Party at Whiteside Park.
    • 4009 South Pittsburg Avenue, Tulsa.
    • Fundraiser event for Puppy Haven Rescue.
    • Music, hotdogs, games, photo booth, and adoptable pets.
  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan live at 5 West Outpost - Free Concert.
    • 5 West 41st Street, Sand Springs.

Sunday

  • 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Janeway Castle Stone Estate and Venue Open House.
    • 16162 West 61st Street, Sand Springs.
    • Come see the grand opening one of Sand Springs's finest wedding and special event venues.

City of Sand Springs accepts $2 million donation, sets date for upcoming bond election

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Nine-time State Champion Cheyenne Walden receives the "Heart of the City" award at Monday night's City Council Meeting.

The Sand Springs City Council held a regular meeting Monday night at the City Municipal Building. 

Mayor Mike Burdge presented recent Charles Page High School graduate Cheyenne Walden with a Mayoral Proclamation and the first-ever Heart of the City award for her accomplishments in competitive running. She is the most decorated athlete in school history and will run for Oklahoma State University in the fall.

SEE RELATED: Cheyenne Walden receives "Heart of the City" award from Mayor Mike Burdge

The City formally accepted a $2 million check from Mike and Pat Case. The Cases pledged the donation last year to help with the River City Park renovation. The park will be renamed Case Community Park at its grand re-opening this fall.

Click HERE to view recent photos of the park construction.

Human Resources Director Amy Fairchild gave a brief educational presentation regarding her department. According to Fairchild, the City has 199 full-time, thirteen part-time, five seasonal and one contractual employee. There are currently seven vacant positions, including three in the police department.

Click HERE to view open positions in the City of Sand Springs.

The Council unanimously approved the use of $99,474.00 to purchase four police pursuit units. The department will purchase two Ford Police Interceptor SUVs and two Dodge Chargers.

Council unanimously voted to approve the Parks Advisory Board's recommendation to terminate the Use Agreement with the Sand Springs Round Up Club. They also declared the rodeo grounds as surplus, allowing them to auction off valuables and demolish what's left.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Round Up Club petition hopes to reverse eviction from City park

Council unanimously approved a Deed of Dedication by the Sand Springs Home, officially dedicating South Lincoln Avenue as a public road. The City has been maintaining the road for a number of years under the assumption that it was a public road.

Council approved a new one-year contract with the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority (MTTA) in the amount of $49,368. 

Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for a complete update to the City Comprehensive Plan. The plan has not been updated since 2002.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs approves new comprehensive plan for next fifteen years

Council unanimously approved the renaming of two park sites. The City Garden Park will be renamed the Inez Kirk Garden Park in honor of former City Manager Inez Kirk. The Inez Kirk Soccer Complex will also be renamed. City Officials are waiting to announce the new name pending the notification of the namesake's family.

Council unanimous approved a resolution adopting the 2017 Sand Springs Police Department Policing Plan.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs adopts new 2017 Policing Plan

Council unanimously approved a resolution creating a new fireworks discharge permit classification. Previously the City only allowed the use of Class 1.3G (large professional) fireworks by organizations, and the use of Class of 1.4G (small consumer) fireworks by private individuals at a residential address. The new permit allows for organizations to hold public fireworks shows with 1.4G fireworks. The Class 1.4G individual use permit is $20, the Class 1.4G entity use permit is $40, and the Class 1.3G use permit is $100.

Council approved November 14, 2017 as the date for the 2017 General Obligation Bond election. The State of Oklahoma is already holding a Special Election that date to fill legislative vacancies.

SEE RELATED: City Council prepares for upcoming bond election, discusses new roads and economic incentives

The Sand Springs Municipal Authority met immediately following the Council meeting and approved the use of $58,770 to purchase a Ford F550 pickup for use in the Water Maintenance & Operations department.

Several citizens were appointed to various advisory boards. All positions are three-year terms with the exception of the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board, which is a one-year term.

  • Nancy Riley was reappointed to the Board of Adjustment by unanimous vote.
  • Troy Cox was reappointed to the Development Authority by unanimous vote.
  • Joe Shelton was reappointed to the Planning Commission by unanimous vote.
  • Jason Mikles was reappointed to the Planning Commission by unanimous vote.
  • Mary Eubanks was appointed to the Economic Development Authority by unanimous vote.
  • Ronald G. Cloud was appointed to the Parks Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Elizabeth Gray was appointed as an alternate to the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board by unanimous vote.
  • Dr. William Tom Campbell, Jr. was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Robert J. Flennor was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Dr. Mark Manahan was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.

City of Sand Springs adopts new 2017 Policing Plan

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Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter speaks at a City Council Meeting.

The Sand Springs City Council recently approved the 2017 Sand Springs Policing Plan. The department created their first policing plan in 2016 following national discourse on race, bias, and social injustice. The plan identifies six pillars that will help the department to better serve the public while effectively enforcing the law and promoting social justice.

Pillar 1: Building Trust and Legitimacy

In 2015-2016 the Sand Springs Police Department greatly increased the amount of warnings given during traffic stops to help combat accusations of "revenue  collection." According to Police Chief Mike Carter, nearly half of all traffic stops result in warnings instead of fines.

"There will always be traffic citations because that's what we're out there to do; enforce traffic laws," said Carter. 

SSPD officers will participate in and achieve the certification levels offered by CLEET.

The department will take steps to ensure that citizens may file a complaint for investigation. 

All SSPD officers have been issued business cards which identify them by name and badge number. The cards are given out on routine contacts as well as to anyone who wishes to file a compliment or complaint. 

The department aims to keep a more formal appearance to encourage approachability. Officers are allowed to utilize external body armor, but weapons are not allowed on the front of the vest. 

The department prides itself on its transparency. A seventeen-year span with zero shooting incidents came to an end in 2015, and video footage of the two incidents that year were released to media within three days. They have a policy of not charging fees for electronic document requests.

New officers are under immediate probation for a twelve-month period.

The department has had only one grievance filed since 1993.

The department is proactively working with local businesses to combat drug manufacturing and aggressive panhandling. 

The department employs a Spanish-fluent officer on the Hispanic Affairs Commission.

Regarding immigration enforcement, Carter says that "we're not a sanctuary city, but we are here to serve all people, even undocumented, if they are the victim of a crime." When responding to a report of a crime, SSPD officers will not inquire as to the immigration status of the victim. 

Pillar 2: Policy and Oversight

The department has two instructors who attended the Fair and Impartial Policing - Train the Trainer program that was sponsored by the COPS office of the Department of Justice. These officers in turn train all SSPD officers in anti-bias policing. The training centers on the belief that all people have some implicit bias.

The department has adopted a policy of consulting with non-police community members for input regarding complaint review. These representatives receive Use of Force training before participating.

The SSPD became the first department in the State of Oklahoma to formalize an agreement with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to conduct investigations into any officer-involved shooting resulting in injury or death, and in-custody deaths.

Pillar 3: Technology and Social Media

The SSPD has been using body cameras since approximately 2008. They were deployed department-wide in 2014.

The SSPD launched a Facebook page in March of 2016. The page has just under 4,000 "likes" at press time. The department uses the page to educate the public about ongoing crime problems, crime trends, and investigations in which the public's involvement is helpful. 

All officers carry a non-lethal weapon at all times and all patrol units are equipped with a Stinger tire deflation unit to help end pursuits. The department will also cease pursuing suspects if the situation begins to pose a likely danger to the community. 

The SSPD recently helped the Sand Springs School District obtain and install security cameras and a Lobby Guard system that requires all school visitors to scan a valid Oklahoma ID. That scan immediately identifies sex offenders and violent crime offenders. 

Pillar 4: Community Policing and Crime Reduction 

The SSPD participates in a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team with the cities of Bixby and Sapulpa, called South-West Area Tactical. The SWAT team employs a full complement of crisis negotiators with training in advanced levels of mental health. During the team's history, they have never injured or killed any subject.

The SSPD has a philosophy of community involvement through positive contacts. Officers participate in Neighborhood Watch and HOA meetings to hear first-hand concerns from the community. 

The SSPD recently launched the "Pop With A Cop" program where officers and City officials hold meetings in each of the City's Wards to meet with citizens and talk about the city.

The SSPD has never worked on quotas or taken fine revenue into account as it relates to enforcement efforts. The department claims some of the lowest fines in the metro area and looks to minimize increases. 

The department held its first-ever "Food for Fines" program last year, allowing citizens to pay off up to $200 in fines with non-perishable food donations to Sand Springs Community Services. The event granted temporary amnesty to individuals with outstanding warrants, allowing them to set up payment plans and get back in good standing with the department. The department also allows for community service to reduce or eliminate their fines.

The department also partnered with State Representative Jadine Nollan and State Senator David Rader on House Bill 2159, which sought to keep people out of jail while still holding them accountable. 

The department has instituted a policy of limiting officers in how many citations they may issue during a single traffic stop. Officers are required to attain supervisor approval before issuing more than three citations to one individual.

Individuals held in municipal jail on open charges are released within 72 hours as a matter of policy to prevent the risk of causing individuals to lose employment, as well as family strife, medical issues, etc. 

Pillar 5: Training and Education

Approximately 75% of all Sand Springs patrol officers are currently trained in advanced mental health techniques such as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model of police response to mental health situations. The department aims to have all officers trained by the end of 2017. 

All SSPD officers attend use of force simulator training instructed by the Oklahoma Municipal Insurance Group. The training covers shoot-don't shoot simulations, verbal interventions, and non-lethal force simulations.

All SSPD officers are trained in Verbal Skills, with focus on de-escalation and officer approachability. All SSPD officers attend annual training on the topic of custody and control techniques. Current policy discourages the use of force on children, elderly persons, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. All officers are required to train and certify twice  year in firearms training. Officers are required to score 84% on a more complicated course than is required by the State of Oklahoma.

The department is training dispatchers and jailers in suicide prevention. The new jail facility is being designed free of potential hanging points with attention to any other ways that a suicidal subject may use the facility while in crisis. 

The department has a goal of achieving National and State Accreditation. 

Pillar 6: Officer Wellness and Safety

The department aims to ensure that officers receive the best training available and equip them with the best tools and resources. Every officer is equipped with body armor and tactical tourniquets. Body armor and seatbelts are required.

Any citizens arrested for resisting arrest or assaulting an officer are remanded to State court instead of municipal court. The department maintains that citizens who view an arrest as unjust must express their concerns through the judicial system, not during the arrest. 

SSPD officers are provided with gym membership and access to the city fitness center. Officers are physically tested by University of Tulsa students in the Exercise and Sports Science Program. The program tests officers for Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. 

The SSPD has authorized pay increases amounting to nearly $10,000 that will propel Sand Springs to the third-highest paying community in the Tulsa Metro area. Previously Sand Springs was eighth.

The department is also making changes to their hiring process and standards that have kept some potential applicants from applying. The department requires either 64 hours of college or time served in the U.S. Military. Previously they required four years of service, but that number is now reduced to two years.

The department will also lessen restrictions around visible tattoos due to the culture change and greater acceptance of body art. 

2016 Sand Springs Police Department Statistics

Calls for Service: 21,178
Traffic Citations: 4,077
Written Traffic Warnings: 2,065 - does not include verbal warnings.

The following statistics refer to reports of crimes only, and does not indicate crimes resulting in a conviction.

Homicide: 1
Rape: 4
Robbery: 7
Assaults: 210
Burglary: 88
Larceny: 508
Motor Vehicle Theft: 68

Use of Deadly Force: 0
Tactical Vehicle Intervention: 0
Impact Weapon Use: 0
Less Lethal (non Taser) Use: 0
K-9 Bites: 0
Taser Use: 6
Physical Control: 5
OC Spray Use: 1
Pursuits: 11
Excessive Force reports: 0

The Mission of the Sand Springs Police Department is the protection of constitutional rights, protection of lives, reduction of criminal activity and fostering of community partnerships. This shall be accomplished by each employee being empowered to provide the best service possible. Our relationship with the Citizens of Sand Springs shall be the foundation for this success. Our legacy within this community will be service with honor, treatment of people with dignity and dedication to excellence.

Residents give their opinions on Sand Springs in online survey

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In the fall of 2015, the City of Sand Springs launched an online survey for residents of Sand Springs. More than 600 individuals responded, representing more than 3% of the population.

43.9% of residents view the image of Sand Springs as Good. 19.7% of residents have a negative view of the City. 44.5% of residents believe non-residents have a Below Average view of the City. 55.4% of residents believe non-residents have a positive image of Sand Springs.

28.4% of residents rank the quality of life in the city as High, 66.9% ranked it as Moderate, and 4.7% ranked it as Low.

79.8% over residents rank the quality of Public Safety as above average. 1.2% rank it as below average. 82.9% of residents are satisfied with Police services in Sand Springs while 1.8% are dissatisfied. 90.6% of residents feel safe while walking alone in their neighborhood. 71.3% of residents feel safe walking in downtown Sand Springs at night.

85.9% of residents are satisfied with Fire response services. 84.9% of residents are satisfied with the Emergency response service provided by the Fire Department.

49.3% of residents would definitely support a funding mechanism to hire additional police and fire personnel. 44.5% would possibly support it, and 6.1% would not support it. 

85.4% of residents are satisfied with the variety of housing for sale. 63.9% of residents are satisfied with the variety of housing for rent. 81.6% of residents are satisfied with the overall condition of housing.

76.5% of residents have a favorable view of the appearance of downtown. 74.7% of residents are satisfied with the appearance of the business areas outside of downtown. 

89.9% of residents sited Additional Retail/Restaurants as the primary development need in Sand Springs. 75.4% of residents listed Hardware/Home Improvement as the top retail need in Sand Springs. 93.2% of residents desire more Sit-down Establishments. 49.3% of residents visit Tulsa to eat very frequently. 

46.3% of residents would definitely like to see an increase in establishments providing night life opportunities. 71.1% of residents would definitely support the redevelopment of old industrial areas as something else other than industrial.

47.5% of residents definitely support the construction of the Sand Springs Dam, 43.9% would possibly support it, and 8.6% would not support it. 64.3% of residents would definitely support development of the Arkansas River, 30.9% would possibly support it, and 4.8% would not support it.

51% of residents definitely support a system of city-wide trails, 41.2% would possibly support it, and 7.8% are opposed. 

35.9% of residents would like to see additional Residential Development West of town, 31.6% said South of town, 24.4% said North of town, and 8.1% said East of town. 70.3% of residents are in favor of the annexation of additional lands into City Limits. 34.8% of residents support additional multi-family apartment complexes, with 24.9% opposed. 

25.7% of residents are dissatisfied with the Sand Springs Parks and Recreational Opportunities. 36.1% are dissatisfied with the quantity/quality of parks in Prattville. 33.5% are dissatisfied with the quantity/quality of parks on the North side.

73.6% of residents cited a need for the demolition or redevelopment of blighted areas. 35.4% of residents said the Street and Road Conditions were in the greatest need of public improvement. 59.8% of residents believe Sand Springs road conditions are the same as other communities, while 27.6% believe they are better and 12.7% believe they are worse.

If public funding is required to improve the city, 66.1% of residents would support a dedicated sales tax, 33.1% would support a revenue bond, 31.2% would support a property tax, 21.6% would support development fees, and 15.8% would support a surcharge on utilities. 

City of Sand Springs approves new comprehensive plan for next fifteen years

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The Sand Springs City Council recently voted to adopt a new "Sand Springs 2030 Land Use Master Plan," updating the city comprehensive plan for the first time since 2002. City employees first began the new plan in fall of 2015 and it was approved by the City Planning Commission in May.

The plan hopes to anticipate future development and provide a flexible tool for evaluating development proposals. 

Chapter I: Community History and Background

The first chapter of the plan is taken from Carl E. Gregory's The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. The chapter recounts the tale of Charles Page's acquisition of wealth and land, his charitable exploits, and his steps to develop the community that would become Sand Springs.

The town began with the relocation of a failing orphanage, the construction of the Sand Springs Home, the founding of the eighty-acre Sand Springs Park, the formation of the Sand Springs Railway, and finally the incorporation of the City in 1912 with approximately 400 citizens. 

Charles Page's generosity included the offering of free land to citizens and a $20,000 relocation bonus for companies. In 1918 he established a "Widow's Colony" alongside the Home. He recruited the relocation of the  Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company, Commander Mills, Southwest Box Company, and Sinclair Prairie Refineries. Less than ten years after its incorporation, the community had grown to more than 4,000 individuals.

In 1965 the City annexed the Prattville community on the south side of the Arkansas River, and in 1969 the City chartered a Council-Manager form of government.

Chapter II: Plan Development

In the fall of 2015, the Planning Department launched a community survey that received more than 600 participants. In the summer of 2016 an interactive map was presented to the community, allowing them to identify what type of development they would like to see in which parts of the community. It received over a hundred suggestions, including a revitalization effort along Charles Page Boulevard and a desire to see the site of the former Gerdau Steel Mill utilized.

Following the community surveys, input was also requested from each of the City departments regarding their needs and desires. Community property owners were contacted regarding their desires for undeveloped properties under their ownership, as well as developmental challenges and difficulties they have encountered. The public school district was consulted regarding future plans for growing the district. 

Chapter III: Social and Demographic Factors

The 2030 projected population by INCOG (Indian Nations Council of Governments) is 23,083 in Sand Springs. At the 2010 Census, Sand Springs had a total population of 18,906 residents, an increase of 8.3% from the 2000 population of 17,451. 

In 2010, the median age of Sand Springs was 36.5 years. The population was 81.8% white, 2.4% African-American, and 8.8% Native American. The average household had 2.63 occupants. The city had a higher employment rate than Tulsa County, Osage County, and the Tulsa Metro. The median household income in 2013 was $54,381, also higher than the Tulsa Metro, Tulsa County, and Osage County.

Chapter IV: Goals and Action Plan Strategies

Land Use

Goal 1: "Sand Springs will be a well-coordinated and planned community with uses that complement and support infrastructure improvements."

Goal 2: "Sand Springs will utilize sound land use planning principals that encourages the appropriate placement of a variety of housing, commercial, recreational, entertainment, and employment options throughout the community."

Goal 3: "The City will maintain land development regulations to manage future growth and development in a manner that protects environmental resources."

Quality of Life

Goal 1: "Sand Springs will be a community that encourages people to be active and healthy and that promotes healthy living and sustainability. This will be accomplished by providing opportunities for active living to all ages year round."

Goal 2: "Sand Springs will have a network of trails, sidewalks and bicycle transportation systems that safely connect parks, schools, libraries, neighborhoods, shopping areas, museums, and other historic sites."

Goal 3: "Sand Springs will be a community that has access to expanded health and wellness care, in addition to attempting to increase the availability of health food choices available to the community."

Goal 4: "The City shall be an aesthetically pleasing community based on a solid foundation of code enforcement and in seeking opportunities to improve zoning and development codes."

Goal 5: "Sand Springs shall have desirable/appealing parks offering recreational opportunities for the community."

Goal 6: "The City will strive to have park equality by providing its citizens throughout the City parks that are well manicured, maintained, and functional for optimal enjoyment."

Goal 7: "Develop Case Community Park into a regional destination by implementing strategically planned park improvements and enhancements, thus creating a public space that is inviting, functional, appealing, and sustainable."

Goal 8: "Continue to develop the Keystone Ancient Forest into a premiere nature preserve/hiking venue in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area."

Goal 9: "Develop City-owned Sports Facilities into premiere venues with top quality playing surfaces, lighting, and amenities."

Infrastructure

Goal 1: "The City of Sand Springs strives to meet or exceed requirements of the EPA and ODEQ regulations at all times in constructing, maintaining, and operating all Water Treatment Pumping, Distribution and Storage Facilities and Systems."

Goal 2: "The City of Sand Springs strives to meet or exceed requirements of the EPA and ODEQ - for providing contemporary and adequate treatment facilities & operations to meet or exceed effluent discharge quality requirements, while making appropriate accommodations for conveyance and collection systems for treatment.

Goal 3: "Plan for new street improvement projects that provide for priority replacements & upgrades to maintain the best possible drivability with sufficient number of lanes, and include provisions for maximum feasible multimodal mobility."

Goal 4: "Plan for rehabilitation/new improvement projects that provide for priority replacements & upgrades to maximize stormwater detention and drainage efficiency and capacity."

Goal 5: "Plan to be a City that takes preventative measures to prevent damaging of the Earth's ecosystems and in order to maintain a high quality of life Sand Springs citizens and the Tulsa Metropolitan Area by managing and disposing of their waste efficiently and safely."

Downtown Area

Goal 1: "Sand Springs shall have a lively, active, and pedestrian oriented downtown with a mix of uses such as restaurants/bars, boutiques, shops, offices, and housing.

Goal 2: "Reinforce and enhance the City's downtown as one of the primary focal points of the community."

Public Safety

Goal 1: "Sand Springs Emergency Services will have excellent law enforcement/firefighter customer service that meets the needs of the citizens now and in the future."

Goal 2: "Sand Springs shall be a community with safe neighborhoods, shopping, and employment areas."

Goal 3: "Sand Springs will proactively maintain/replace public safety technology, equipment, and fleets in order to provide an effective capable workforce."

Goal 4: "Develop, Design, and Construct a Municipal Safety Facility."

Goal 5: "Develop and Maintain a Community Policing Plan."

Economic Development

Goal 1: "The City of Sand Springs will strive to promote local commerce, trade, and commodities by strengthening working relationships with the local/regional Chamber of Commerce, existing businesses, and institutions."

Goal 2: "Aggressively pursue new local, regional, or national restaurant and retail businesses."

Goal 3: "Identify and complete projects that will beautify Sand Springs, assisting with marketing and economic development."

Goal 4: "Evaluate and consider the acquisition of real estate for future development purposes."

Goal 5: "Encourage and engage Subdivision and Multi-Family Developers/Developments."

Goal 6: "Develop an Economic Development website resource hub and strive to educate and advance the objective of all involved with the City to be involved in assisting with economic development as possible."

Goal 7: "Sand Springs will have a strong independent local economy that compliments the surrounding region but is not dependent on it."

Chapter V: Future Development Plan

"The Plan is a policy document that lays out the blueprint of how the community should grow over time and where certain uses should be placed relative to their intensity. Other factors such as underlying zoning patterns, adjoining communities land use plans, and future capital improvements also played a role in determining where the land use categories were placed. However, the plan is a plan and is not inflexible or concrete. From time to time, there will be certain uses that are proposed that will merit additional evaluation and create the possibility for Plan amendments."

Sand Springs Round Up Club petition hopes to reverse eviction from City park

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The Sand Springs City Council moved forward Monday night with a plan to evict the Sand Springs Round Up Club (SSRUC) from River City Park and to demolish the rodeo arena. Nearly two dozen individuals from the SSRUC turned out to observe the regular meeting. Two spoke in defense of the organization, but the Council voted unanimously to confirm a unanimous recommendation from the Parks Advisory Board.

In a staff report presented to the Council, the Parks Department reported that “the situation has eroded at the Sand Springs Round Up Club’s (rodeo) facility to a point where they are no longer viable…with near record high use in the park…the time has come to dedicate the approximate 3 acres of space to future ‘higher and best use.’ Additionally, the City can no longer support the expenditure of public (taxpayer) dollars to support the club’s activities. In the short term, mixed use, multipurpose sports fields are planned there.”

Richard House, president of the club since January, spoke in protest of the decision. “We’re working, we’re trying to grow this club. This is a partnership. This is a group that’s been around for 71 years…we have to work with the City and with the Park’s leadership. The club is financially successful. We’re not insecure, we’re a viable club. We have 28 events on our schedule. We were busy driving that membership, creating new events, driving more participation.”

House and City leaders were at odds on almost all facts of the situation. Mayor Mike Burdge objected to the age of the organization, its level of participation, the state of the grounds, and the amount of time that the organization has been on a downturn.

According to the staff report, “At the October 2016 meeting of the Parks Advisory Board (PAB), all clubs provided reports on their activities. Concerns were raised about the SSRUC’s lack of events, attendance and maintenance. They were asked to ‘step it up.’ At the April 4, 2017 PAB meeting…the PAB moved to allow the club approximately 90 additional days (including a big rodeo event on Memorial Day) to show good numbers, statistics, improve maintenance and the overall look of the grounds and more.”

House stated that the organization was given only 60 days, not 90, and that they nearly doubled their membership during that period. Mayor Burdge said that the problems with the club have been going on for years.

According to House, “the Use Agreement specifically states that the City will maintain the safety of the facility. That stopped happening a year ago.” He also alleged that Parks Director Grant Gerondale inspected the bleachers just a half hour before the Andy Downs Memorial Day Rodeo, during which a spectator partially fell through a rotten board in the stands. Gerondale denied performing any sort of inspection and said he was only there for a few minutes to photograph the crowd. He stated that it is the responsibility of the SSRUC to inform the Parks Department of any maintenance needs.

Section 4 of the Use Agreement states that “The City shall maintain grounds to ensure public safety.” It also says that the SSRUC “shall be responsible for any damages occurring to City property that are a result of USER volunteers, coaches, players, board members, or by the general public during USER events. “ According to City finance records, the bleachers are 35 years old and are fully depreciated.

House also claimed that Gerondale’s tally of 121 attendees was taken half an hour prior to the rodeo and did not accurately reflect on the number who showed up right at event time.

The PAB met on June 5, 2017 and voted 7-0-0 in favor of terminating the agreement. The City Council also voted 7-0-0 in favor of approving the request by the PAB. The SSRUC will be given till October 31 to finish their season, then will have until December 31 to remove all of their property from the facility. Council also approved up to $10,000 to demolish the facility if needed.

Despite the unanimous vote, the SSRUC has begun circulating a petition on change.org to save the arena. Organized by Jared Brown, the petition has garnered 637 supporters at press time with a goal of 1,000.

“Sand Springs has a heritage of rodeos in this arena and there are plenty of citizens that would like to see that tradition continue,” states the petition. “I am hoping that this petition will help communicate how important it is to the people of Sand Springs.”

Click here to view the petition.

Sand Springs City Council to vote on removing Round Up Club from River City Parks

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The Sand Springs City Council will meet in a regular monthly meeting Monday night at 7:00 p.m. in the City Municipal Building. Immediately following the Council meeting, the Sand Springs Municipal Authority will meet in the same room. Council and Municipal meetings are open to public attendance and commentary.

One item on the Council's Consent Agenda is a recommendation from the Parks Advisory Board to terminate a Use Agreement with the Sand Springs Round Up Club (RUC).

The RUC is a nonprofit organization originally founded northwest of Sand Springs on Shell Creek Road in 1946. It was relocated to River City in 1971 during the administration of City Manager Royce Hunter.

According to the staff report filed with the City Council agenda, "the situation has eroded at the Sand Springs Round Up Club's (rodeo) facility to a point where they are no longer viable." 

"At the October 2016 meeting of the Park's Advisory Board (PAB), all clubs provided reports on their activities. Concerns were raised about the SSRUC's lack of events, attendance, and maintenance. They were asked to 'step it up.'"

"At the April 4, 2017 PAB meeting staff requested a notice to terminate the Use Agreement with the SSRUC. The PAB moved to allow the club approximately 90 additional days (including a big rodeo event on Memorial Day) to show good numbers; statistics, improve maintenance and the overall look of the grounds and more."

"The Memorial Weekend (Andy Downs) rodeo event was uneventful, with 121 counted attendees in the stands and a mere dozen more in the arena."

The Parks Board cited the growing success of other park tenants, most notably the West Side Alliance (WSA) and Sand Springs Soccer Club (SSSC). The annual WSA Cup regularly packs out both River City Parks and the West Bank Sports Complex in Tulsa.

"With near record high use in the park; with WSA Soccer Cup performing at the highest level to date and with requests by SSYFootball leaders and more for additional space the time has come to dedicate the approximate 3 acres of space to future 'higher and best use.' Additionally, the City can no longer support the expenditure of public (taxpayer) dollars to support the club's activities. In the short term, mixed use, multipurpose sports fields are planned there."

The Parks Board voted unanimously to recommend terminating the Use Agreement Contract no later than October 31, 2017. City Council will make the final decision Monday evening.

If the Use Agreement Contract is terminated, the RUC will have to remove all of their property from the facility and the City-owned property will be declared as surplus. Declaring the property as surplus will allow the City to demolish the the facility and auction off any valuable materials.

Other items on the agenda include:

  • Presentation of Mayoral Proclamation to Cheyenne Walden, recognizing her unprecedented success as a Charles Page High School Cross Country runner.
  • Acceptance of a $2 million check from Mike and Pat Case to be applied to the River City Park Improvements Project.
  • Purchase of four Police Pursuit Units for $99,474.00.
  • Appointments to various city boards and commissions.
  • Approval of a complete update to the City Comprehensive Plan.
  • Renaming of City Garden Park as Inez Kirk Garden Park.
  • Renaming of Inez Kirk Soccer Complex as the Roger S. Bush Soccer Complex.
  • Adopting the 2017 Sand Springs Policing Plan.
  • Approval of November 14, 2017 as the election date for the 2017 General Obligation Bond election.

This Week in Sand Springs (6/26 - 7/2/17)

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Monday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting.
    • 100 East Broadway Street, Sand Springs.
    • Presentation of Mayoral Proclamation recognizing Cheyenne Walden.
    • Proposal to rename Inez Kirk Soccer Complex and City Garden Park.
    • Proposal to adopt 2017 Sand Springs Policing Plan.
    • Proposal to remove Sand Springs Round-Up Club from River City Park.
    • Click here to view full agenda.
  • Sand Springs Municipal Authority Meeting.
  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
    • 500 North Main Street, Sand Springs.

Tuesday

  • 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime with Miss Alice at Charles Page Library.
    • 551 East 4th Street, Sand Springs.
  • 11:30 a.m. Tulsa's Channel 8 Reads at Charles Page Library.
    • 551 East 4th Street, Sand Springs.
  • 6:00 p.m. Walnut Ridge Neighborhood HOA Meeting - Pratt Library.
    • 3219 South 113th West Avenue, Sand Springs.

Wednesday

  • 1:30 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting - Guild Mortgage.
    • Location to-be-decided.

Thursday

  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).

Friday

  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan live at 5 West Outpost - Free Concert.
    • 5 West 41st Street, Sand Springs.
  • 6:30 p.m. 600 Point Weekend at Sand Springs BMX - Friday Night Lights Single Points Race.
    • 2600 South River City Park Road, Sand Springs.
  • 9:30 p.m. Edgewater RV Park - Keystone Lake Independence Day Fireworks Show.
    • 676 Edgewater Drive, Cleveland.

Saturday

  • 10:30 a.m. 600 Point Weekend at Sand Springs BMX - State Race Qualifier - Double Points.
    • 2600 South River City Park Road, Sand Springs.
  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan live at 5 West Outpost - Free Concert.
    • 5 West 41st Street, Sand Springs.
  • 9:00 p.m. Independence Day Fireworks Show - Pier 51 Marina - Keystone Lake
    • 1926 South Highway 151, Sand Springs.

Sunday

  • 10:30 p.m. 600 Point Weekend at Sand Springs BMX - Gold Cup Qualifier - Triple Points
    • 2600 South River City Park Road, Sand Springs.

European Car Show returns to downtown Sand Springs after five-year hiatus

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A pair of classic Austin Healeys at the 7th Annual EuroMotor Extravaganza. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Jaguar Club of Tulsa resurrected their annual EuroMotor Extravaganza in downtown Sand Springs this weekend after a five-year hiatus. The event drew nearly fifty entries and cordoned off the Triangle through much of the afternoon.

Click here to view our full photo gallery of the event.

The Euro Expo first arrived in Sand Springs in 2007 and set a precedent of giving back to the community by donating all proceeds to the Sand Springs Home and the Shriners' Transportation Fund. It ran annually for six years before having its final event in 2012.

This year the club picked up right where they left off, packing out the downtown parking with Fiats, Volvos, MGs, and more. A gorgeous blue sky with a slight breeze and high of 85 degrees made for near-perfect conditions for the festivities. The Sand Springs Animal Shelter was the recipient of the event's proceeds. 

Todd Coady's 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre won "Best of Show" and was the oldest vehicle in the Expo. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

Jaguars were the best-represented vehicle at the show with a dozen entries, closely followed by the Italian Alfa Romeo with ten entries. 

There were fifteen total classifications in the event, with trophies awarded for first through third place in each category. 

The oldest vehicle at the show was Todd Coady's 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre, followed by Les Neidell's 1938 Gulf Miller Indy Roadster. The newest vehicles were a pair of 2017 Fiat 124 Abarths. The 1928 Bentley won Best of Show.

2017 Euro Expo Winners:
Richard Salamon - 1955 Jaguar XK140MC
David & Judy Nichols - 1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible
Scott & Linda Young - 1974 Jaguar XJ6-L
Glenn & Carol Larson - 2004 Jaguar XKR
Clark Edwards - 1978 Fiat 124 Spider
Svenskraft - 1983 Saab C900
David Simmons - 1967 Alfa Romeo SS
David Simmons - 1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal
Richard Salamon - 1954 Austin Healey 100M
Paul Jennings - 1955 MG TF1500
Todd Coady - 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre
Ben Anderson - 1965 Citroen 2CV
KL Mayfield - 2001 BMW Z3
Les Neidell - 1938 Gulf Miller Indy Roadster
Glenn & Carol Larson - 1960 Triumph TR3A

POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat opens new Willow Cafe

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The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony for the new Willow Cafe at POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat in northwest Tulsa Friday morning.

POSTOAK lies just a mile outside the Sand Springs fenceline in the Osage Hills area at 5323 West 31st Street North, Tulsa.

While the lodge specializes in large events like weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats, they are also available for single night and weekend rentals for "leisure guests."

The Willow Cafe is the latest in a long list of amenities including a year-round outdoor swimming pool with two hot tubs, horseshoes, putting greens, croquet, basketball, volleyball, fishing, and a zip line tour with six lines totaling 3,865 feet. The facility is situated on more than 1,000 acres of hiking grounds.

POSTOAK is just ten minutes from downtown Tulsa, surrounded by rolling hills with bicycle lanes, and a short drive from the Gilcrease Museum and Tulsa Botanical Gardens.

"Our mission is to deliver first class service everywhere, every day," said General Manager Trisha Kerkstra. "We have a vision to be Oklahoma's number-one desired lodging destination. We try to work together for the good of our guests."

The Cafe is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It carries baked goods, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, ice cream, alcohol, and coffee products.

POSTOAK will also be hosting a Labor Day Weekend Wine & Jazz Festival. Tickets are $15 for adults, with free admittance for children 17 years and younger.

14th Annual Rotary Bass Tournament returns to Keystone Lake this weekend

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The Fourteenth Annual Sand Springs Rotary Bass Tournament is this weekend on Keystone Lake and you aren't likely to find a better excuse to go fishing. 

Rotary Club claims a motto of "Service Above Self" and has a ninety-year history of meeting both the local and the international community's needs through student loans, scholarships, donations, and fundraisers.

In recent years they have held fundraisers for Sand Springs Community Services, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Boy Scouts, the Tulsa Boys Home, Senior Celebration, Relay for Life, Sertoma Club, Special Olympics, and the Sand Springs Home. 

The bass tournament is sponsored by Bill Knight Automotive and Collision Repair, and is held at the Prairie View Boat Ramp in Mannford. There is a $100 entry fee per two-person team, and a $1,000 Big Bass prize sponsored by Blackbeard Marine. Smaller prizes include marine oil, hitches, gas, reels, tackle, t-shirts, and more. There will also be free hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, and beer.

The bass tournament is just one of many annual fundraisers put on by the Rotarians. They also hold an annual bean dinner, chili cookoff, 5K Run, and golf tournament. 

In just three months, Rotary Club will host the Tenth Annual Downhill Derby soapbox car race in downtown Sand Springs. Downhill Derby offers a day of family-friendly fun that attracts hundreds of spectators and participants every year.

For more information on the fishing tournament, contact Mike Luttrell, Tournament Director, at 918.633.0666 or 918.526.2510.

Click here to register for the event.

7th Annual EuroMotor Extravaganza returns to Sand Springs this weekend

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The Jaguar Club of Tulsa will host the 2017 Seventh Annual EuroMotor Extravaganza this weekend in downtown Sand Springs. The three day festivities will be held in and around the downtown Triangle Park, with the main show being held on Saturday, June 24th. 

There will be a 5:00 p.m. registration for this event at the Hampton Inn the day before, on the 23rd, and a Tailgate Party with BBQ to follow.

There will also be an 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. registration on the day of. This time frame also includes setup of the cars. At 10:30 a.m. all cars will be in place and there will be Participants Choice judging from then until 1:30 p.m. After the car show there will be an awards banquet at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Sand Springs from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

It is $30 to register one car and any additional cars are $10 each. The awards dinner is $20 per person. A link to the registration form can be found here.

This car show is in benefit of the Sand Springs Animal Shelter. There will be a silent auction going on during the show, all proceeds from it will go to the animal shelter. To donate to this auction please contact the shelter at 918-246-2543 or animalcontrol@sandspringsok.org 

This Week in Sand Springs (6/19 - 6/25/17)

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Monday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Parade of Homes 
    • 160 N. Old North Pl. Sand Springs
    • 204 W. 54th Ct. Sand Springs
    • 5318 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 5321 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 1719 W. Pine Pl. Tulsa
  • 4:00 p.m Planning Commission Meeting - Sand Springs Municipal building. 
    • Click here for the full agenda. 
  • 5:00 p.m. Summer BINGO - American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17
    • 5:00 p.m. Doors Open
    • 6:15 p.m. Minis ($7 for 7 games)
    • 7:00 p.m. Regular Session ($26 for regular pack or $15 for half pack)
  • 6:00 p.m Board of Adjustment Meeting - Sand Springs Municipal building. 
    • Click here for the full agenda. 

Tuesday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Parade of Homes 
    • 160 N. Old North Pl. Sand Springs
    • 204 W. 54th Ct. Sand Springs
    • 5318 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 5321 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 1719 W. Pine Pl. Tulsa
  • 6:00 p.m Museum Trust Authority meeting - Sand Springs Museum. 
    • Click here for the full agenda. 

Wednesday

  • 9:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m USAW Junior Dual Nationals - Cox Business Center. 
    • Click here for the full event schedule.
  • 10:30 a.m. Music with Will Parker - Charles Page Library
  • 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Parade of Homes 
    • 160 N. Old North Pl. Sand Springs
    • 204 W. 54th Ct. Sand Springs
    • 5318 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 5321 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 1719 W. Pine Pl. Tulsa
  • 4:00 p.m Development Authority Meeting - Sand Springs Municipal building. 
    • Click here for the full agenda. 

Thursday

  • 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m USAW Junior Dual Nationals - Cox Business Center.
    • Click here for full event schedule. 
  • 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Parade of Homes 
    • 160 N. Old North Pl. Sand Springs
    • 204 W. 54th Ct. Sand Springs
    • 5318 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 5321 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 1719 W. Pine Pl. Tulsa
  • 5:00 p.m. Summer BINGO - American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17
    • 5:00 p.m. Doors Open
    • 6:15 p.m. Minis ($7 for 7 games)
    • 7:00 p.m. Regular Session ($26 for regular pack or $15 for half pack)
  • 7:00 p.m. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - Tulsa PAC
    • Presented by the Sand Springs Community Theater

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m USAW Junior Dual Nationals - Cox Business Center. 
    • Click here for full event schedule. 
  • 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Parade of Homes 
    • 160 N. Old North Pl. Sand Springs
    • 204 W. 54th Ct. Sand Springs
    • 5318 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 5321 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 1719 W. Pine Pl. Tulsa
  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan performing - 5 West Outpost
  • 7:00 p.m. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - Tulsa PAC
    • Presented by the Sand Springs Community Theater

Saturday 

  • 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m USAW Junior Dual Nationals - Cox Business Center
    • Click here for full event schedule. 

  • 10:30 a.m Euro-Expo car show - Downtown Sand Springs Triangle

  • 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Parade of Homes 

    • 160 N. Old North Pl. Sand Springs
    • 204 W. 54th Ct. Sand Springs
    • 5318 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 5321 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 1719 W. Pine Pl. Tulsa
  • 6:00 p.m. Work Day & Open Ride Night - Sand Springs Round Up Club
    • Bring your horses, weed eaters, lawn mowers, and elbow grease!
  • 6:30 p.m Comedy Night - 5 West Outpost
    • Bob and Alta Courtney, Pastor Pudge, Sister Sludge, and Redneck Revival, with Mark Staggs and Halo Jordan. 
    • Free music and comedy in a family-friendly Christian atmosphere.
  • 7:00 p.m. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - Tulsa PAC
    • Presented by the Sand Springs Community Theater

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Parade of Homes
    • 160 N. Old North Pl. Sand Springs
    • 204 W. 54th Ct. Sand Springs
    • 5318 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 5321 Skylane Dr. Sand Springs
    • 1719 W. Pine Pl. Tulsa
  • 2:00 p.m. Play Day - Sand Springs Round Up Club
  • 2:00 p.m. Olympic Day Free Race - Sand Springs BMX
    • Try out the sport of BMX for *NO CHARGE* at Tulsa's only BMX 
  • 7:00 p.m. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - Tulsa PAC
    • Presented by the Sand Springs Community Theater

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum
    • Tulsa Technology Center, Sand Springs campus.
  • 6:30 p.m. Parks Advisory Board Meeting
    • Click here to view the full agenda. 
  • 7:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting
    • Coin of Excellence will be presented to Shannon Chapman.
    • Sandite Spirit Award will be presented to Sylvia Fooshee. 
    • Garfield Elementary students will do a presentation of "Shark Tank".
    • Click here to view the full agenda for this meeting.  

Thursday

  • 10:30 a.m. Monty Harper performing at the Charles Page Library. 
    • Click here for the full event information. 
  • 2:00 p.m. Choogie Kingfisher at Charles Page Library.
    • Traditional Cherokee flute music, myths and legends. 
    • Click here for the full event information. 
  • 5:30 p.m. Airport Advisory Board Meeting
    • Click here to view the full agenda.

Friday

  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan performing at 5 West Outpost.
  • 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Class of 1967 - 50 Year Reunion
    • Click here for the full event information. 

Saturday 

  • 12:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Class of 1967 - 50 Year Reunion
    • Click here for the full event information 
  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan performing at 5 West Outpost.

Harper's Hut demonstrates true corporate citizenship and culture of giving

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Jarrett Sabelo serves snow with a smile at the 2016 Harper's Hut Summer Kickoff. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

William Nozak wasn't born or raised a Sandite, and before 2014 he didn't have any ties to the Sand Springs area. A graduate of Victory Christian Center and Oral Roberts University, Nozak dabbled in a number of fields before ending up in shaved ice. To an outsider, there's no apparent reason why he wound up in Sand Springs.

With a Masters in Business Administration, Nozak taught at Tulsa Community College, Platt College, Career Point College, and Kaplan University before serving four years as the Director of Education at the American Institute of Medical Technology. He self-produced three albums, owned a disc golf store, and owned three Oxi Fresh franchises in Northern California.

So how does a singing professor with really clean carpet end up running a snow cone stand in Sand Springs? He cites the Holy Spirit as his influence.

Of course, as an experienced entrepreneur, he did his homework. "I had a war report on my wall of every snow cone stand in Tulsa. I didn't want to go to an area already being served," says Nozak. But despite having lease opportunities in growing cities like Owasso and Broken Arrow, where he was living at the time, he still found himself opening shop in Sand Springs just a mile and a half down the road from an established competitor with a decade of experience.

Within a month of opening, Harper's Hut Shaved Ice was voted the "Best in the World" by readers of the Tulsa World. Since then, his business has expanded to Mannford and Glenpool and he has opened successful coffee and marketing businesses as well.

Despite having two little ones to take care of, Nozak still finds plenty of time and resources to give back to the community that has supported his businesses these past three years.

Every year, the Hut hosts a Summer Kickoff, a Summer Block Party, and a Classic Car Show. All three are free and open to the public. Both the Summer Kickoff and the Block Party feature inflatable jump houses, obstacle courses, games, toys, prizes, face painting, food, and, of course, snow cones.

The Hut isn't just a snow cone stand to Sand Springs, it's a neighbor. It's a family member. It's everywhere. It can be found at Sandite football games, at Chillin & Grillin Festival, at Herbal Affair, in the River City Parks concession stand, in Terry's Classic Coneys.

You can have the Hut at your birthday, or have your birthday at the Hut. They cater weddings and other celebrations. They have ice chests full of flavored snow that you can order, they do snow ball fights for Church that Matters and other organizations, and they do free summer movie nights on their inflatable big screen. 

Most importantly, they've been a valuable contributor to the Sand Springs community these past three years and they have even bigger plans on the horizon for the town that they've adopted. Since opening their doors three years ago, the Hut has raised more than $25,000 for local charities, schools, and other organizations. 

Harper's Hut makes their values clear in their mission statement, "to improve our communities by providing affordable desserts, family-fun events, and by supporting non-profit organizations promoting family, and Christian values."

This Saturday is the 2017 Summer Kickoff, and once again Harper's Hut is putting their money where their mouth is. This year 100% of sales will be donated to James Mission, a Tulsa charity that benefits foster children, orphans, widows, and displaced families. As always, the event will be filled with free festivities like inflatables, games, face painting, music, and giveaways. 

Click here for more information on the Summer Kickoff!