Wilson's Call: Missions are not an event, they are a way of life

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The following is a monthly newsletter shared by Michael and Baylee Wilson. The full-time ministers are from Sand Springs and consider Word of Life to be their home church. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH

Fontil now has his own 6X10 room, sleeping on a bed, receiving meals on a regular basis and hearing about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

Fontil

You remember Fontil? One of our Haitian friends found him sleeping on trash under some banana leaves and cardboard exposed to the elements. She moved him to Lascahobas to keep a better eye on him. He seems to have dementia. There are times we see him and he doesn't know where he is or what's going on around him. When we met him he was sharing a 6X6 room with another man and sleeping on the floor not knowing where his next meal is coming from...

Fontil now has his own 6X10 room, sleeping on a bed, receiving meals on a regular basis and hearing about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

From Death to Life

The Bible says to go lay your hands on the sick and pray for them to be healed. Today we saw that happen. We walked down a steep windy trail, walked along a river bank into a group of houses really close together. As we navigated through these houses we came to THE house we were looking for. We walked in to a man struggling to breath. We went in to pray for him and he accepted Christ and he gave his last breath right after we finished praying. God took him from glory to glory. He is healed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

After he passed, we walked out of the house and 3 voodoo priest came running up. They said that "Voodoo" told them to hurry before he dies so they can save him. They were late because our God is always one step ahead and this world offers what only God can give. Jesus Christ has defeated death and he stole the keys to the grave. God is so good! 

His Hope Ministry Growth

We are so excited to let you all know that we are now feeding eight abandoned elderly a week and increased to three feedings a week! 

We are still believing to start a home/living facility for our elderly. We know this may be a long way off, but we believe with God and your help, we can make it happen. To give them a place to live means we will be able to give them the care that they need on a daily basis, feed them every day, allow them to spend time with others their age, and be able to share the gospel in their every day lives. Please join us in prayer about this. 

Celebrate

Baylee and I celebrated two years of marriage in our favorite place, as well as Baylee's 23rd birthday!

We are so happy to share these joyful moments with the amazing people of Haiti. We look forward to a lifetime of happiness and serving together!

Michael will be doing a monthly Facebook live video where we will talk about everything missions. We will talk about Haiti, local & global missions, what it means to be on mission and everything else under the sun!

There will be an episode on the first Monday of every month at 6pm (CTD). I am excited to see how God uses this to be glorified. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP. Would you please send suggestions for what you would like to hear about? Simply message Wilson's Call on Facebook to share your thoughts.

Prayer Request

In Haiti you pay for your rent a year at a time and at the beginning of the year. We are believing that God will provide it all this month so that we can have a year of housing behind us and another amazing year of ministry in front of us here at RTS Missions! This would free up resources to be used in other ways to further the kingdom of God in Haiti for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord. We're believing that God is going to show up in a big way!

Would you consider joining our mission team with a one time donation this month? Thank you all for your continued prayer and support! We could never tell you how much we thank God for each and every one of you!

For more details message Baylee or myself or follow these steps
(all donations are tax deductible)
1. Go to www.rtsmissions.com
2. Click the red "donate" button
3. Create an account
4. ***click the scroll down arrow and select "Michael & Baylee Wilson"***
5. Enter and donate the amount God puts on your heart to give.

Praise Reports: We had our first ever Game Day at our house for those in the His Hope ministry, along with some other elderly in the neighborhood. We ate together, played bingo, sang a few songs, and prayed together. It was an amazing day and they all had a great time. We are working on putting together our next event for them and they are looking forward to it. 

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to pay for the first year of kindergarten for a little girl whose mom and dad left her whens she was a baby. She means the world to us and we were blessed to be able to do this for her. She is enjoying school and we pray that she makes many friends and learns more each day. 

Senator Mike Schulz releases Senate GOP budget plan

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz on Monday released the Senate Republicans' plan to address the $215 million hole in the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget.

“This plan not only addresses the immediate need of $215 million for critical health care agencies that was struck down in court, but it also provides recurring  revenue streams to help us address the long-term stability of the budget and prevent further cuts to core government services,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

“Oklahoma Senate Republicans have proven our willingness to address the state's long-term budget problems by passing a similar revenue package during the regular session. The elements of this plan for special session were fully vetted by the Senate during the regular session, and all received the necessary votes to pass constitutional muster. I’m confident Senate Republicans, if given the chance, again will put Oklahoma’s interests first and will be able to pass this responsible revenue plan that ensures education, public safety, transportation and other core services avoid further cuts.”

The Senate plan is as follows:

  • $1.50 per-pack increase in the cigarette tax, which generates $128.9 million in Fiscal Year 2018 and leaves $122.4 million for FY’18 appropriation;
  • a six-cent increase in the motor fuels tax, which generates $71 million in FY’18 and leaves $67.45 million for FY’18 appropriation; and
  • the elimination of the wind manufacturer sales tax exemption, which generates $10.97 million in FY’18 and leaves $9.87 million for FY’18 appropriation.

Because FY’18 collections are for less than a full fiscal year, the Senate plan also calls for a drawdown of $15.2 million from the Rainy Day Fund to entirely plug the hole in the FY’18 budget.

The governor’s call for special session included other issues like a teacher pay raise and finding more efficiency in government spending. Schulz said while the immediate need is addressing the FY’18 budget hole, Senate Republicans were open to considering those issues during the special session.

“Senate Republicans have said all along we must first address the short-term budget issues before acting on a teacher pay raise plan. Once we take care of the budget, Senate Republicans would consider a teacher pay plan that includes a permanent funding source,” Schulz said. “Additionally, Senate Republicans will keep working on making government more efficient and effective. We’ll keep pouring over agency spending and look at options like consolidation to improve the quality and delivery of services. There’s no doubt agencies can be more efficient in spending taxpayer dollars, and Senate Republicans will keep working on behalf of Oklahomans to make sure that happens.” 

OPINION | Does protesting the protesters make you a crybaby too?

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The following is the opinion of an individual. It does not reflect the opinions of the company, the Editorial board, or the company owners. Opinion pieces from differing viewpoints are welcome, so long as they are written respectfully.

"I don't personally believe that black people are persecuted in America. I don't believe that there is still systemic racism in America. I have seen no evidence of it. I could be wrong. But the fact that there's a large amount of my fellow countrymen who feel persecuted, denigrated, and unfairly treated is concerning to me. It should be concerning to you. If you call yourself an American, you should care about all Americans. You should care about unity, understanding, and constructive discourse.

Rioting, looting, vandalism; these are all still present in our society. So when someone chooses to make a silent, peaceful protest that doesn't harm anyone in any way, we should applaud that.

I attend sporting events every week. Usually 2-3 a week. I see young people and adults, athletes and fans, casually standing during the anthem, not paying attention, looking at their phones, whispering to their neighbors, etc. I was raised to stand at attention, hand over heart, eyes on the flag. When the music starts you drop everything, get your hands out of your pockets, and take off your hat. I'm more annoyed by someone pretending to be patriotic but not actually paying attention than by someone kneeling, being quiet, and respecting those around them.

Many of the NFL athletes who kneel during the anthem have made statements that their actions are in no way intended to be disrespectful to the men and women who fought for our country. They simply want to bring attention to something that concerns them, and something that should concern all of us.

Our country has a problem that needs to be fixed. Maybe we have a problem with systemic racism. I don't know. But I'm 100% confident that we have a major problem with communication. People are too hostile. Both sides of the fence. Conservative, Liberal, Moderate, Christian, Atheist, Black, White: I have friends and family of all labels. The one thing that I consistently see in all of them is an inability to separate emotions from logic and listen to opposing viewpoints.

I've had friends who portrayed the stereotypical snowflake liberal, who think 50% of the country and everyone who voted for Trump is a disgusting racist. I've had friends who portray the stereotype of a hypocritical christian bigot. I've seen church employees talk about cleansing the world of Muslims who are unwilling to convert.

I also know a lot of loving and accepting people, both Christian and otherwise, who try to be compassionate to everyone.

There was a time when the radicals were a slim minority fringe group. The silent majority was middle of the road. Maybe it's the prevalence of social media. Maybe it's manipulation by the mainstream media. Maybe it's politicians, Hollywood, the NFL, whatever. Or maybe it's all of us. No politician, actor, or news reporter can force me to hate. They cannot force me to discriminate, stereotype, or make inflammatory statements. 

It's time for the American people to take responsibility for the condition of our country. Our economy is changing, our culture is diversifying, our values differ wildly. We can't keep pretending that our way is the only way, my way or the highway. We can't keep expecting people to settle for the status quo when they're not the ones benefiting from it.

The fact is, both sides are patriots. One side believes themselves to be defending their country from disrespect. One side wants to improve their country and see it move forward and succeed. There's no reason to be so bitter towards each other. The fact is, you can love your country and still see its flaws. America has done horrible things. Japanese internment camps, native American genocide, slavery, Red Scare trials, Salem witch hunts. America has also done incredible things. We defeated a world power to gain our independence and stand up to tyranny. We defeated the Nazis, we fought a war to end slavery, we fought a culture war to end segregation. 

There are people who actually hate America and want to see it fall. People who are actively plotting against us. Instead of condemning people who want to make America better, why not condemn people who actually want to see America fall?

Abortion, Confederate heritage, economics, nationalism, religion, sexuality. The number of controversial topics grows every year. People need to understand that it's human nature to feel threatened by the unknown. To be opposed to change and difference of opinion. But what separates humans from animals is our ability to use reason, to empathize with our neighbors, and to work together to make this country better for everyone, not just a few. 

The next time you see something that offends you, breathe. Relax. Don't waste your time being offended. It doesn't change anything. Take the opportunity to learn about someone else's viewpoints. You don't have to agree with them. You're not going to catch a disease. Stop freaking out on people, calling them racist, bigot, idiot, libtard. We used to spank our kids for calling people names. Nowadays it's grown adults treating each other like children, lashing out at people in anger with no goal of understanding them. Choose to be an adult today."

State Party leaders comment on upcoming Special Legislative Session

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin issued an executive order last week calling for a special session of the Oklahoma Legislature for lawmakers to address the shortfall in the current fiscal year budget as well as develop long-term solutions to government inefficiencies and fund a pay increase for public school teachers. The legislature will convene Monday, September 25th. 

Oklahoma Senate Prop Tempore Mike Schulz issued the following statement last week.

"All along, I've encouraged lawmakers to put Oklahoma's interests ahead of their own political interests. I'm encouraged by the ongoing work of the Senate and House toward reaching a budget agreement. I'm also encouraged by the public comments of the House Minority Leader who indicated ample members of his caucus would support a cigarette tax bill. I hope he is serious and that he can deliver. If given the chance, I'm confident the Senate can pass a cigarette tax bill. This is the clearest option available to address the $215 million budget hole. It's an idea that's been thoroughly vetted and one that could be considered quickly during the special session to help shore up funding for three important health care agencies. Additionally, the cigarette tax would improve health outcomes by reducing smoking rates and stopping young Oklahomans from ever lighting up - two things that will save money in the long run. The Senate continues to prepare for the special session and is ready to get to work to solve these problems."

Falling today issued the following statement on the upcoming session:

“This special session is an opportunity for lawmakers to solve lingering, critical structural problems in our state budget. I am hopeful lawmakers will consider thoughtful, realistic solutions in a timely manner. Many ideas have been fully vetted over the past couple of legislative sessions, so it really should be a matter of taking care of unfinished business.

“Certainly, the most pressing need is to address the immediate budget shortfall created by the loss of the $215 million cigarette fee revenue. The cigarette tax alone will not fill this year’s hole because it would be implemented much later in the fiscal year than originally proposed. We will need to identify other revenue sources to make up the difference. If we do not, additional cuts to core government services will occur.

“Additional cuts to agencies will further harm state services. I will veto a proposal that calls for cuts to state agencies. Also, sending the cigarette tax to a vote of the people is not an option. The earliest the issue could be decided by voters is June, the last month of the current fiscal year. It doesn’t fix the budget hole because it would not generate any revenue for this fiscal year.

“I hope lawmakers do provide a long-term solution to the state’s continuing budget shortfalls. It is apparent that rapid changes in our economy have created unsustainable and unpredictable revenue collection patterns. We need to seek long-term sustainability and stability as opposed to unpredictability and volatility. Our legislators must work to make more recurring revenue available, stop balancing our budget with one-time funds and come up with a teacher pay raise.  Because of the use of one-time funds to balance this year’s budget, we are anticipating a $500 million shortfall next year. The limited focus and attention of a special session can allow us to address these long-term structural issues.

“My staff and I have been talking for many weeks with legislative leaders from both parties, and I will continue to work with them until an agreement is reached. Our challenges in front of us are difficult, but I am hopeful that, with great resolve and statesmanship, we will succeed.”

The Oklahoma Senate Democratic caucus issued the following statement through Senator John Sparks.

“The Senate Democrats have spent the last several weeks meeting with those involved in the upcoming special session of the legislature as well as those affected by the decisions made in this special session.

“Members of our caucus have held meetings with constituents concerned about potential cuts to core services or regressive taxes which will burden them disproportionately, we have engaged in negotiations with the Governor and her staff, Senate Republicans and House Democrats, and we have held a caucus meeting where we heard from the heads of the healthcare agencies facing the possibility of running out of money before the end of the year and being forced to cut services to some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable people.

“After all these meetings, we are more sure than ever that this special session of the legislature needs to be swift and certain with real plans for recurring revenue for our state. Now more than ever, we know that the numbers don’t lie. We cannot simply show up on Monday, decide that finding hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue is ‘too hard,’ waste hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money on a special session with no plan and no direction, and settle on across the board cuts that affect millions of hard working Oklahomans and their families.

“Now more than ever, we are certain that this is the time for a plan of action, actual compromise, true accountability and real results. This is the time for leadership and a long-term plan for our state and its people.

“We owe it to our constituents to focus on a long-term budget solution which protects the most basic, core government functions and services without balancing the budget on the backs of the poor and the vulnerable. This is what our constituents demand of us and what they deserve from each and every one of us, with no exceptions and no excuses.”

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce looking for new Chamber Ambassadors

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The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its Chamber Ambassador program and looking for new allies in recruiting community-involved members. 

The Chamber of Commerce has been working since 1946 to bring together area businesses and organizations for the betterment of the community and local economy. Chamber members work together to host events such as the Taste of Sand Springs, Chillin & Grillin Festival, and Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. 

Members enjoy benefits including: monthly forums with speakers such as local politicians, business owners, and other important regional figures, a weekly "What's Happening in Sand Springs" newsletter, a listing in the online Chamber directory, ribbon cuttings for new businesses and businesses that have changed ownership or location, and participation in Chamber events. 

Anyone interested in being a Chamber ambassador can contact Chamber President Kristen Valentine by Friday, September 29th to RSVP for a Tuesday Kick-Off meeting at noon in Crescent Cafe. 

Kristen can be reached at Kristen@sandspringschamber.com or at 918-245-3221. 

This Week in Sand Springs (9/18 - 9/24/17)

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Tuesday 

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Stillwater (A).
    • Couch Park
      800 East 12th Avenue
      Stillwater, OK 74074
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Bixby (A).
    • Whitey Ford Sports Complex
      601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority meeting.

Wednesday

  • 4:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Broken Arrow (H).
    • Sandite Sports Complex
      508 West 55th Street
  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority Meeting.

Thursday

Friday

  • 9:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball at Stillwater Tournament.
    • Stillwater High School Field House
      1224 North Husband Street
      Stillwater, OK 74075
  • 12:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball at UCO/OCU Tournament.
    • Oklahoma Christian University
      2501 East Memorial Road
      Edmond, OK 73013
    • University of Central Oklahom
      820 University Drive
      Edmond, OK 73034
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs Sapulpa (A).
    • George F. Collins Stadium
      1201 East Lincoln
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. Sandite Bass Fishing at Tenkiller Lake
    • Tenkiller Lake - Chicken Creek
      West Chicken Creek Road
      Cookson, Oklahoma 74427
  • 9:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball at Stillwater Tournament.
    • Stillwater High School Field House
      1224 North Husband Street
      Stillwater, OK 74075
  • 10:00 a.m. Sandite Cross Country at 32nd Annual Holland Hall Invitational.
    • Holland Hall High School
      5666 East 81st Street
      Tulsa, OK 74137
  • 2:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball at UCO/OCU Tournament.
    • Oklahoma Christian University
      2501 East Memorial Road
      Edmond, OK 73013
    • University of Central Oklahom
      820 University Drive
      Edmond, OK 73034

Sunday

  • 7:00 a.m. Sandite Bass Fishing at Lake Tenkiller.
    • Lake Tenkiller - Chicken Creek
      West Chicken Creek Road
      Cookson, Oklahoma 74427

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • $5 fee for for-profit events.

Former Jenks City Councilman Brian O'Hara wins Republican Primary for Senate District 37

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Brian O'Hara speaks at a Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Republican Party of District 37 nominated their choice for State Senator Tuesday in a crowded primary election with seven candidates. Former Jenks City Councilman Brian O'Hara won the special election with 41.86% of the vote. He will take on Democratic nominee Allison Ikley-Freeman in a November 14 general election.

O'Hara has worked as the Deputy District Director for Congressman Jim Bridenstine in Oklahoma's First District for the past four years. In the past he has served as a Jenks City Councilman and an Oklahoma Aquarium Board Member.

O'Hara was endorsed by Congressman Bridenstine, who called O'Hara "a friend, a conservative, and a man of integrity." 

Ikley-Freeman ran unopposed in the Democratic Party and will be a heavy underdog in the general election. In the 2016 election, Republican Dan Newberry handily defeated Democrat Lloyd Snow by more than 15% of the vote in a three-way election. 

Second among Republican candidates was Sand Springs City Councilman Phil Nollan with 32.13% of the vote, followed by Sand Springs Municipal Judge R. Jay McAtee with 11.12%. Nicole Nixon received 6.75%, Rick Hardesty received 5.21%, Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson received 2.33%, and Grady Grant received 0.6%.

Case Community Park unveiled with all-day Riverfest celebration

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The Rogues Five reunited in their home town to headline the Riverfest celebration. 

Click here to view Riverfest photo gallery.

Riverfest appeared to go off without a hitch Saturday in Sand Springs as the community gathered together for an all-day festival celebrating one of the largest park projects in town history. Following a $6.2 million renovation, the former River City Park was officially rededicated as Case Community Park in honor of Mike and Pat Case who donated $2 million to the project. 

Fifteen hours worth of festivities provided a little something for everyone this weekend. The party kicked off at sunrise with the launching of three hot air balloons. The balloons returned later that evening and touched down on the Great Lawn, providing spectators with a light show of burning helium.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the nearly two acre Great Lawn was a great parking lot for 119 entries in a car, truck, and motorcycle show. Two vehicles driven by Sand Springs native and World Champion racer Bennie Osborn were also on display. 

Representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball organization unveiled the new Thunder Cares three-on-three half court to much fanfare. Kids were able to shoot hoops with the team mascot, Rumble the Bison. Big Blast Inflatables hosted a kids' zone, and the Rotary Super Splash Pad was also open for business with a brand new playground. 

The Sand Springs Pokemon Go! club hid nearly a hundred Pokemon-themed painted rocks throughout the park for a scavenger hunt they hope will become an annual tradition. A chalk-art contest was also held, attracting a few dozen competitors.

There was plenty of food and drink available. Food vendors lined River City Park Road, including Short Bus Sandwiches, Rib Crib, El Jarocha Mexican Street Tacos, Purple People Feeder, Kona Ice, Harper's Hut Shaved Ice, Kingdom Concessions, and more. Monster Energy gave out free samples of their new soda, and Blue Bell Ice Cream passed out free vanilla cups to everyone.

The Charles Page High School Gold Pride Marching Band kicked off a ceremony to dedicate the park, followed by a mini performance of the Oklahoma! musical play. City Councilwoman Patty Dixon footed the bill for the production and starred in the performance alongside Travis Dixon, Mat Govich, Scott McQuade, Josh Westbrook, Shelby Eicher, and Ethan Eicher among others.

Local band The Rogues Five performed after the Oklahoma! production and covered classic hits from the 60s and 70s. The band is comprised of I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, Bard Coats, and Jamie Oldaker. The band attained regional prominence during their high school days in the 1960s when they opened for The Doors. Ganem, Ess, and Oldaker have continued in the music industry ever since. Ganem and Ess's sons also performed with the band. Morgan Ganem is considered the sixth Rogue and closed out the night as a solo performer. Ess described his son, Dylan, as a Rogue-in-training. 

Morgan Ganem performed a long set of electronic dance music, including both original music and remixes of modern and classic hits. The end of his set coincided with a massive fireworks show performed by Imperial Fireworks, the company that puts on shows for the Tulsa Drillers. The younger Ganem was a hit with the kids and after playing a remix of Justin Bieber's "Despacito," the stage was overflowing with children showing off their wildest dance moves for the rest of the show. 

City of Sand Springs commissions mural for abandoned Monarch Cement silo

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Final concept for a mural designed by Josh Butts Creative Services. (Courtesy photo).

The City of Sand Springs recently commissioned a mural to be painted on an abandoned silo formerly owned by the Monarch Cement Company. City Council authorized $49,500 to go towards supplies, designs, and the painting of the silo mural and another mural at a currently undisclosed location.

The silo property is currently owned by Ray and Emile Tucker and is located along Highway 51 just west of the Avery Drive intersection. The land also houses the Riverview RV Park.

The money for the project was taken from the Economic Development Capital Improvement Fund. The City contracted with Josh Butts Creative Services, a Tulsa-based artist. Butt's design was approved by both City officials and the Tuckers before painting began.

The Tuckers agreed to the placement of the design and to use their best efforts to maintain the design in a good condition for a minimum of five years. At the conclusion of the five-year period, the property owners will have the right to remove, replace, or retain the design at their discretion. The City is also authorized to install a parking area if it should be deemed necessary. 

After conducting his own research on the City of Sand Springs, Butts concluded that "it is impossible to separate the character of Sand Springs from the character of its founder, Charles Page...Charles Page believed in his own destiny - that the world can be yours if you exhibit vision and a strength of will."

"In effect, in style and in intent - this mural communicates the same sense of vision and will. It depicts Charles Page opening the curtain to a bright and vibrant future. By creating this mural, the City of Sand Springs is claiming its own manifest destiny," says Butts.

The project was originally expected to take six weeks to complete and is already under way. Butts says that it's coming along nicely and moving very quickly.

This Week in Sand Springs (9/11 - 9/17/17)

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Monday

  • Patriot Day

Tuesday 

  • 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Republican Primary Special Election for Senate District 37.
  • 10:30 a.m. Build A Reader Storytime/Stay and Play.
  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs Ponca City (H).
    • Sandite Sports Complex
      508 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs Owasso (H).
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 10:30 a.m. My New Friends + Stay and Play
  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Broken Arrow (A).
    • Broken Arrow Softball Complex
      2200 North 23rd Street
      Broken Arrow, OK
  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Airport Advisory Board Meeting.
  • 7:00 p.m. Pop with a Cop
    • Share a soda with Sand Springs Police officers and City officials. Get to know your town's leaders, ask questions, and learn about the upcoming General Obligation Bond proposals. Coloring books and stickers will be provided for children while adults will be given handouts about the bond vote. Free gun locks will also be available. 
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Free screening of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs Putnam City West (A).
    • Putnam City Stadium
      5300 North West 50th Street
      Oklahoma City, OK 73122

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 17th Annual Keystone Fire Department Car Show & Vendor Fair
    • Keystone State Park
      1926 State Highway 151
  • 10:00 a.m. Sand Springs BMX Track Work Day
    • Painting finish line poles, general clean up, and other routine maintenance projects.
    • 2600 South River City Park Road
  • Sand Springs Rotary Downhill Derby postponed till March 31st, 2018.

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • $5 fee for for-profit events.

Pokemon Go! to the park this Saturday!

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The Sand Springs Pokémon Go Club is teaming up with the Sand Springs Parks Department to bring a painted rock scavenger hunt to Case Community Park Saturday morning. The event is just one of several activities that park-goers can participate in as the park celebrates a $6.2 million renovation with an all-day Riverfest.

The park opens at sunrise with a hot air balloon launch. Festival attendees will have until 3:00 p.m. to find the rocks. They can either collect the rocks and turn them in, or take a picture and leave it for someone else to find. 

A check in station will be located near the softball complex for participants to turn in rocks or tally photos. 

Riverfest will also be having a car, truck, and motorcycle show, a concert with Morgan Ganem and the Rogues Five, a sidewalk chalk-art contest, a fireworks show and other festivities throughout the day. 

Parking is limited and a $10 fee will be charged in the afternoon. 

Oklahoma ACT participation increases to 100% with average score of 19.4

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OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 7, 2017) – Oklahoma increased its ACT participation by 29 percent in one year – the largest gain of ACT-tested graduates in the country. Oklahoma joins the collection of states identified by ACT as having 100 percent of 2017 graduating seniors taking the national college entrance exam. Of those states, Oklahoma tied for 10th place for the top average composite score. Accompanying the dramatic influx of test-takers, Oklahoma’s average ACT score dropped only one point, from 20.4 to 19.4.

In 2017, participation grew to 42,405 students from 32,854 in 2016. This change reflects efforts of a statewide 2016 pilot program in which the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) gave all high school juniors an opportunity to take the exam free of charge. The graduating class of 2017 was the first to participate in the voluntary program.

“By opening up the college entrance exam to all students, including those who otherwise might not have had access to the ACT, we are not only providing them an on-ramp to postsecondary education, we are gaining valuable insight into the skills gap we must overcome for our young people to be competitive nationally,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said.

Achieving a benchmark score in an ACT subject area indicates a student has a 50 percent chance of obtaining a B or higher or a 75 percent chance of earning a C or higher in a corresponding course in college. The four ACT benchmark areas are English, reading, mathematics and science. Subject-area benchmark scores range from 18 to 23.

The 2017 data reveals that 42 percent of Oklahoma graduates did not meet any of the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks, while 16 percent met all four.

“This is the first time we have had a complete picture that can predict graduates’ readiness to compete in the global marketplace. Before now, our state ACT scores did not measure the needs of the ‘hidden’ student – be it a low-income student who could not afford a college entrance exam or a rural student who could not reach a testing site. Now we can pinpoint which students need help to bolster their skills before graduation,” Hofmeister said.

Hofmeister said the more comprehensive Oklahoma Academic Standards in mathematics and English language arts, which were implemented last school year, will help boost student achievement. More complex assessments measuring those new standards were first given to students last spring, and results are expected later this fall.

The state’s new standards and assessments are part of OSDE’s strengthened efforts to ensure students are nationally competitive and able to achieve academic excellence, one of four overarching pillars in the state’s eight-year strategic plan. The strategic plan is a central element of the consolidated state plan OSDE will submit next week to the U.S. Department of Education, as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA.

In addition, one of the goals of the state plan is to reduce the need for college remediation in math and English language arts by 50 percent. Currently, 38 percent of all first-year college students in Oklahoma require remedial courses before earning college credit, costing Oklahoma families an estimated $22.2 million each year.

“We must prepare students for the next step once they graduate from high school. We are confident those efforts will be reflected in higher numbers of college and Career Tech enrollments and in reduced college remediation numbers,” Hofmeister said.

Oklahoma’s average composite ACT score of 19.4 was identical to Arkansas, which also had 100 percent participation. Colorado and Missouri were higher-scoring regional states with 100 percent participation.

Nationwide, the average composite ACT score increased slightly, from 20.8 to 21, while the number of test-takers dropped by about 60,000 students.

In Oklahoma, nearly half (47 percent) of the test-takers expressed an interest in science, technology, engineering and math careers.

This Week in Sand Springs (9/4 - 9/10/17)

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Monday

Tuesday 

Wednesday

  • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Silo Center Open House
  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sand Springs Pokemon Go Rock Painting Party
    • Sand Springs Triangle Park
      4 East Broadway
    • Help paint Pokemon-themed rocks for an upcoming scavenger hunt at Riverfest.
    • Bring your own paint/rocks if you have them. Some materials will be available to share.
    • Come and go as you please!

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Stillwater (H).
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      405 West 55th Street.
  • 5:30 p.m. Anderson School District Board of Education Meeting.

Friday

  • Lady Sandite Softball at Bixby Tournament (A).
    • Bentley Park
      8505 East 148th Street
      Bixby, OK 74008
  • 8:00 a.m. Rock Fire Department Annual Auction & Garage Sale.
    • 11313 West 48th Street North
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs Choctaw (H).
    • Memorial Stadium
      500 North Adams Road.

Saturday

  • Sunrise - 10:00 p.m. Riverfest
  • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days
  • 8:00 a.m. Rock Fire Department Annual Auction & Garage Sale.
    • 11313 West 48th Street North.
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
  • Lady Sandite Softball at Bixby Tournament (A).
    • Bentley Park
      8505 East 148th Street
      Bixby, OK 74008

Sunday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Community Picnic & Ice Cream Social
    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road West

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • $5 fee for for-profit events.

This Week in Sand Springs (8/28 - 9/3/17)

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Monday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council meeting.
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Municipal Authority meeting.
    • Immediately following Sand Springs City Council meeting.
    • Sand Springs Municipal Building, Room 203
      100 East Broadway
    • Click here to view agenda.

Tuesday 

  • 7:30 a.m. Breakfast with County Commissioner Karen Keith, presented by Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce.
    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue
    • Eat breakfast with Tulsa County Commissioner for District 2 and award-winning journalist Karen Keith.
  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Jenks (H).
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      405 West 55th Street.
  • 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Elementary & Middle School Cross Country Sign-Ups.
    • Revolution Running & Fitness program for children from Kindergarten through 8th grade. View poster with more information below.
  • 6:00 p.m. Walnut Ridge Home Owners Association Meeting.
    • Pratt Library
      3219 South 113th West Avenue
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs Bishop Kelley (H).
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sand Springs Pokemon Go Rock Painting Party
    • Sand Springs Triangle Park
      4 East Broadway
    • Help paint Pokemon-themed rocks for an upcoming scavenger hunt at Riverfest.
    • Bring your own paint/rocks if you have them. Some materials will be available to share.
    • Come and go as you please!

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Sapulpa (A).
    • Sapulpa Softball Field
      631 North Brown
      Sapulpa, OK 74066
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Coweta (H).
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road.

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs Pulaski Academy (H).
    • Memorial Stadium
      500 North Adams Road.
  • 8:00 p.m. Red Shook Labor Day Memorial Rodeo
    • Sand Springs Rodeo Arena - Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road
       

Saturday

  • Sand Springs City-Wide Yard Sale.
  • 8:00 p.m. Red Shook Labor Day Memorial Rodeo
    • Sand Springs Rodeo Arena - Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • $5 fee for for-profit events.

Sand Springs Parks ANNOUNCES "Chalk-A-Thon" sidewalk art contest

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 Sand Springs, OK-Looking for a family outing at Riverfest?  Do your kids like to draw and create?  How about decorating the new Case Community Park for FREE at this year's "Chalk-A-Thon" chalk-art contest!

"We are calling on parents, grandparents, students and artists from all around the Sand Springs area to join us at this family-friendly event and get creative!" stated Sand Springs Parks' Joy Turner.  "If you like to draw, or just need to express your creative side- we have a great event for you!"

To enter, simply print off the registration form on the Sand Springs Riverfest Face Book page, or stop by the parks offices at the Case Community Center.  Register early as spaces are limited!

You'll be assigned a 10' x 10' asphalt area and colored chalk to create your masterpiece from one of four great contest categories: Case Community Park, 3D Art, Original Art and Super Hero.  Prizes will be given to winners in each category!

"Contestants are encouraged to bring a 10” X 10” tent to keep their artwork covered from the weather and to just stay cool, " added Turner, "Bring a friend and enjoy creating together in this newly finished park."

For late registration on September 9th (if spaces remain), stop by the information tent at Riverfest beginning at 8:00am.  Contestants can create their masterpiece anytime between 10:00am-4:00pm.  Judging begins at 4:00m with 1st place prize winners announced around 5:00pm.  There are many other attractions to enjoy while you wait for results.  Whether you’re a spectator or a contestant, check out Riverfest Chalk-A-Thon on Saturday, September 9th, 2017.

State Superintendent announces student contest to design new license plate

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OKLAHOMA CITY – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister recently announced a student art contest to design a new specialty license plate benefiting education. Proceeds from the purchase of the specialty plates will be used to bolster teacher recruitment efforts in Oklahoma. 

In the License to Educate contest, students in Pre-K through 12th grade may submit original artwork, with the winning design ultimately selected by Oklahomans in an online vote.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) will accept education-related artwork for the plate through Sept. 22. Students may submit entries digitally through the OSDE website or by mail. Entry forms are available on the OSDE website.

The agency will narrow down submissions based on creativity, aesthetic appeal and relevance to public education in Oklahoma. Finalists’ submissions will be posted online Oct. 9, and the public will be able to vote for their favorite through Oct. 20.

Hofmeister kicked off License to Educate at a Tuesday news conference at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. 

“It seems only fitting that our schoolkids be the ones to design the specialty plate that benefits the very education system in which they are learning. We are excited to see their submissions and are confident the judges will have a difficult choice selecting the finalists,” Hofmeister said.

“The arts are vital to a well-rounded education, and there is a proven correlation between art and academic achievement. A child who spends even a few hours a week on art projects is exercising creativity and self-expression, building critical thinking and problem-solving skills and fine-tuning motor skills.”

The Oklahoma License to Educate license plate was created through legislation authored earlier this year by state Sen. Stephanie Bice and Rep. Ryan Martinez. The license plate will cost $35 and be available for pre-order shortly after Nov. 1.

For more information, visit the License to Educate web page.

This Week in Sand Springs (8/21 - 8/27/17)

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Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission meeting.
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment meeting CANCELED.

Tuesday 

  • First day of class for Sand Springs Public Schools.
  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Putnam City North (H).
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      405 West 55th Street.
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs Jenks (A).
    • Frank Herald Fieldhouse
      311 East B Street
      Jenks, OK 74037

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Sapulpa (H).
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      405 West 55th Street.
  • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Open House and Meet the Teachers.
    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Football scrimmage vs Claremore (H).
    • Memorial Stadium
      500 North Adams Road.
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Community Theater Fall Audition Prep Workshop.
    • Kids from 3rd through 8th Grade are invited to a two-hour course on auditioning for school plays, community theaters, etc. For more information visit this link.
    • First Christian Church
      501 North Main Street.

Friday

  • 9:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball at Broken Arrow Tournament.
    • Oneta Ridge Middle School
      6800 East Quincy Place
      Broken Arrow, OK 74014
  • 12:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball at Stillwater Festival.
    • Couch Park
      800 East 12th Avenue
      Stillwater, OK 74074
  • 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. Sacrifice: A Women's Prayer Gathering

Saturday

  • 10:00 a.m. Free Rodeo Clown Clinic
    • Case Community Park - Round Up Club Rodeo Arena
      2500 South River City Park Road
  • 10:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball at Broken Arrow Tournament.
    • Oneta Ridge Middle School
      6800 East Quincy Place
      Broken Arrow, OK 74014
  • 5:00 p.m. Sand Springs Ducks Unlimited Diner
  • 5:00 p.m. Dylan Whitney Band live at Blues Challenge 2017 
    • Sand Springs graduate Dylan Whitney will be performing at the annual fundraiser for the Blues Society of Tulsa non-profit organization. The winning act will earn a trip to the International Blues Competition. Kids 12 and under are free. Concert begins at 6:00 p.m., Whitney is expected to take the stage at 8:00 p.m.
    • Cain's Ballroom
      423 North Main Street
      Tulsa, OK 74103
  • 8:00 p.m. Hannah Isabella Rose live at the Coffee House on Cherry Street.
    • Sand Springs's own Hannah Rose will be performing a free acoustic session.
    • 1502 East 15th Street
      Tulsa, OK 74120

Sunday

  • 2:00 p.m. Sand Springs Round Up Club Play Day
    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • $5 fee for for-profit events.

Murder at Case Community Center! 11th Annual Sertoma Murder Mystery Dinner

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Left to right: Brian Patten, Jenny Burke, Justin Tockey, Cliff Salas.

More than 200 Sand Springs residents came together Saturday evening at the Case Community Center to eat dinner, bid on silent auction items, and help solve a murder. The murder was fictitious, the food was delicious, and the event raised thousands of dollars for the Sand Springs Sertoma Club and Quota International Club.

Sertoma stands for "Service To Mankind" and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with hearing disabilities. The club sponsors community events such as the annual July 3rd fireworks show at Case Community Park (formerly River City Park). Quota International is a women's organization helping those with hearing and speech impairments. 

At the Eleventh Annual Murder Mystery Dinner, attendees were fed by Klein's Catering Service out of Perry, Oklahoma. Nearly a hundred items were donated to the auction, ranging from cookbooks to alcohol, candy baskets, jewelry, and more. The theme was "I Loathe A Parade" and participants competed in an American-themed costume contest.

The participants worked together with their table to solve the murder of Joe Possumz, mayor of the fictitious city of Elmtown. Possumz was a polarizing politician who died under mysterious circumstances during the town's Independence Day Parade.

Each table was given a newspaper article and each participant was given a clue. The suspects made their way around the room taking questions at each table over the course of the evening. At the conclusion of the interrogations, each table filled out a paper with their suspect, method, and motive.

Suspects included Rhonda Ripley (Jenny Burke), owner of Horsebalm Stables, who stood to lose half of her ranch to imminent domain if the Mayor's proposed new four-lane road was approved. 

Rockwell Kenmore (Justin Tockey), AKA Rocky the Clown, planned to run against the mayor in the upcoming election. Rocky leveled allegations of corruption against Possumz, and was excited that the City would be able to move forward under new leadership. He blasted the mayor in the face with a super soaker not long before his death.

Mona Minski (Patty Dixon) is an ex-girlfriend of the mayor's and is head of the Elmtown Marching Mommas. She admitted to spraying the mayor with itching powder that was concealed in one of her pompoms. 

Albert Ames (Cliff Salas), owner of Ames Chimney Sweeping and Fireplace Service, was regularly coated in chimney soot containing toxic materials. He was good friends with Vern Fullerton, who also handled his dry cleaning. 

Dottie Pinewood (Debbie Nobles), the mayor's assistant, was the daughter of a former mayor and may have been offended by Possumz's claims that he was the best mayor in town history. She gave Possumz a hot dog shortly before his death, and endorsed Kenmore during questioning. She claimed that Possumz was underhanded and hoped that Kenmore would win. 

Vern Fullerton (Brian Patten), part time weatherman for a local tv station, was Grand Marshall in the parade, and predicted that the mayor would "get the soaking of a lifetime" during the forecast the day before. He accused the mayor of bullying him in high school and had a fondness for Ripley.

The story and scripts were written by Jack Pachuta of www.mysterypartyhost.com. 

Also starring in the production were Ryan and Sue Price as Detectives Blew and Spangle, respectively. 

Patty Dixon as Mona Minski.

Debbie Nobles as Dottie Pinewood.

Meet The Sandites Thursday at 7:00, pregame tailgating at 5:30

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The Charles Page High School football season is soon to kick off, and with it comes the local traditions of Meet the Sandites and pregame tailgaiting. 

Every year the season kicks off with Meet the Sandites, a preseason celebration of Sand Springs athletes. Sandite fans will be introduced to the Sand Springs football, softball, cross country, and volleyball teams, plus the cheer and dance squads. Not just the varsity teams either. The Sand Springs Youth Football and Cheer teams from elementary on up will get to storm the turf with the big kids in a preview of their future high school careers.

Prior to each football game, the award-winning Holy Smokers from Church That Matters host a tailgate cookout event with hot dogs, burgers, chips, and drinks as a fundraiser for the various Sandite athletic programs. The fundraisers routinely generate as much as $10,000 every season. 

The first fundraiser will be held on Thursday, August 17, prior to Meet the Sandites. Proceeds will go to benefit the football program. 

On Friday, September 1 the Sandites will host Pulaski Academy from Little Rock, Arkansas. That tailgate will help fund the volleyball program.

On Friday, September 8, the Sandites will host Choctaw and the tailgate funds will go to the cheer team.

On Friday, October 13, the Sandites will host Muskogee for Homecoming. The wrestling team will receive that tailgate's proceeds. 

On Friday, October 27, the Sandites will host Bartlesville and the boys' basketball team will be the fundraiser recipient.

The last tailgate will be on Senior Night before the Bixby game. The dance team will receive those funds.

The tailgating begins at 5:30 p.m. and costs $5. Meet the Sandites will officially begin at 7:00 p.m. Student athletes are asked to arrive early and begin lining up at 6:35. 

21st Annual Sand Springs Education Foundation Golf Classic set for Sept. 18

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The Sand Springs Education Foundation is looking for team sponsors, hole sponsors, and participants for the upcoming 21st Annual SSEF Golf Classic. The fundraiser will be held on September 18th at the Tulsa Country Club.

The SSEF is a non-profit 501c3 organization formed in 1989 with the goal of collecting and distributing contributions from the private sector for the benefit of the Sand Springs Public School district. 

For more information, contact the SSEF at 918-245-6779 or email ssef@att.net.