First Tuesday on the Triangle concert draws crowds to downtown Sand Springs

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The "First Tuesday on the Triangle" concert series kicked off this week in downtown Sand Springs and organizers are calling the first event a success despite unseasonably high temperatures that may have kept some Sandites at home.

Let Slip The Dogs battled the heat with some cool tunes, performing a broad selection of covers ranging from The Cure to Stevie Wonder.

Local shop owner Stormy Miller opened up the show with guitarist Brian Parker. Though he didn't play any instruments, Miller was instrumental in getting the event organized. His store, The Harvest World Market, sponsored the concert stage and helped secure sound equipment.

Several local food trucks were on hand, including Mannford-based Kingdom Concessions with Mexidogs, elote, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Jeremy and Tammy Myers served up Sonoran-style hot dogs, wrapped in bacon, and topped with refried beans, pico de gallo, and their secret Mexisauce. 

House District 66 candidate Rusty Rowe used the opportunity to meet local constituents, while his Democratic primary competitor, Angela Graham, took the evening off from campaigning and enjoyed the show with her son.

Several local businesses and organizations set up booths around the Triangle, including the Sand Springs Women's Chamber, who works to promote child literacy. The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum was also on hand, taking donations and selling raffle tickets for the Blue Dog Art Exhibit. 

SEE RELATED: Blue Dog art takes Sand Springs by storm

The concert series has an off-and-on history in Sand Springs, being organized by different organizations throughout the years.

The current face of the downtown revitalization is the Sand Springs Small Business Coalition, founded in 2017 by Joni Sporleder (Joni's on the Triangle Hair Salon), Susan Whitley (Yesterday to Now Antique Mall), and Jennifer Barretto (Chinowth and Cohen Realtors). 

The Small Business Coalition worked together with the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sand Springs to host the inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which drew over a thousand people in December. The Tuesday on the Triangle series is the first event that the Coalition has hosted entirely on its own.

While the Chamber of Commerce works hard to improve the overall economy of the city, the Coalition, which includes several Chamber members, aims to host several events throughout the year to try and increase foot traffic into local restaurants and retail shops. 

First Tuesday on the Triangle won't be held in the month of July, due to the Sertoma Fireworks Show on July 3rd at Case Community Park. The concert will return on August 7th, followed by September 4th, and October 2nd. 

The Coalition is also working on festivities for various holidays as well as a poker run and car show in the near future. 

This Week in Sand Springs (6/3 - 6/10/18)

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Monday

  • 11:30 a.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum - House District 66 candidates.
    • Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Bord meeting.

Tuesday

  • 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 1st Tuesday on the Triangle.
    • Free Concert featuring Stormy Miller with Brian Parker and Let Slip The Dogs.
    • Sand Springs Triangle Park
      4 East Broadway Street

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Friday Flicks: "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle."
    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

Saturday

  • 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 28th Annual Kids' Free Fishing Derby.
    • Sand Springs Lake
      1401 East Park Road
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
  • 2:00 p.m. 15th Annual Sand Springs Rotary Bass Tournament.
    • Keystone Lake - Prairie View Boat Ramp

Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tulsa Boys' Home Equine Demonstration.
    • Tulsa Boys' Home
      2727 South 137th West Avenue

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This Week in Sand Springs (5/27 - 6/3/18)

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Monday

  • Memorial Day.

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days.
    • Bring tree limbs up to 2 inches in diameter to the Street Department for free chipping. Free wood chips and firewood while supplies last. City water/refuse bill required.
    • 8620 West 21st Street.

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This Week in Sand Springs (5/20 - 5/27/18)

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Monday

Tuesday

  • 7:30 a.m. Breakfast with County Commissioner Karen Keith.
    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue

Wednesday

  • 8:30 a.m. Garfield Elementary 4th Grade Awards Assembly
    • Garfield Gymnasium
      701 North Roosevelt Avenue

Saturday

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Blue Dog art takes Sand Springs by storm

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Blue dogs have invaded Sand Springs, Oklahoma. No, nobody is dyeing their pets. Louisana artist George Rodrigue's interpretation of the Cajun werewolf has migrated northwest thanks to the efforts of a local art teacher and the Sand Springs Small Business Coalition.

The Blue Dog series catapulted Rodrigue to international acclaim in the 1990's when it was used in ad campaigns by Absolut Vodka and Xerox Corporation.

The dog's fame hasn't tapered off a bit in Sand Springs, where students at Northwoods Fine Arts Academy create their own Blue Dogs every year in Jennifer Barretto's class. 

Student paintings have been on display around Sand Springs this past year as the town has made increased efforts to patronize the arts and celebrate the efforts of the kids. The works have made their way into various businesses as well as the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum.

The Sand Springs Small Business Coalition recently held an Art in the Park showcase on the downtown Triangle Park with vendors, food trucks, and live music. That event raised more than $1,000 to help bring an authentic Blue Dog exhibit to the Sand Springs Museum.

Barretto is working to raise $18,000 to bring original Blue Dog paintings to the museum from November through February. The money will cover transportation, insurance, new security for the museum, and a full time security guard for the length of the exhibit. 

Many local business owners believe that bringing Blue Dog to town could be a huge economic stimulant, attracting thousands of art connoisseurs who would also spend money at local shops, restaurants, convenience stores, etc. 

On Tuesday, May 15th, Barretto will be hosting a "Paint Your Own Blue Dog" event at Northwoods. She will provide canvas and supplies for $25 as a fundraiser for the exhibit. She plans to host another painting session as more of a date night in the near future with hors d'oeuvre and wine. 

The exhibit funding is closing in on $5,000, and an anonymous donor has pledged to match that amount which would bring the total to $10,000. The full amount must be raised by September.

Sand Springs City Councilman and House District 66 candidate Brian Jackson has called on his fellow Oklahoma Rotarians to support bringing Blue Dog to Oklahoma for the first time. 

In addition to a Go Fund Me account, Barretto is also selling raffle tickets for an original Blue Dog print, which will be given away during the grand opening of the exhibit. 

Barretto is heavily involved in the community, working as a realtor in addition to teaching. She serves on the Small Business Coalition, the Museum Association Board, and is helping to launch an Art Council in Sand Springs.

For more information on the Blue Dog exhibit, contact Barretto at jennifer.barretto@sandites.org or 918-850-1902.

This Week in Sand Springs (5/13 - 5/20/18)

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Sunday

  • Mother's Day

Monday

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

Tuesday

  • 4:30 p.m. Sandite Freshman/Summer Baseball Tryouts.
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Paint your own Blue Dog - fundraiser.
    • Cost $25/person.
    • Northwoods Fine Arts Academy
      1691 Old North Road
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority Meeting.
  • 6:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Band Banquet
    • Charles Page High School Cafeteria
      500 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority Meeting.
    • Agenda not available by press time.
    • Sand Springs Municipal Building, Room 203
      100 East Broadway

Saturday

  • 6:00 a.m. 3rd Annual Wounded Veterans of Oklahoma Fishing Derby.
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pokemon Community Day.

Sunday

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Board of Education approves new wrestling and girls' basketball coaches

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The Sand Springs Public School District Board of Education presented more than twenty awards during their Monday night regularly monthly meeting.

Remington Wagner was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award in recognition of her All-Region Cheer Team achievement. Wagner is signed to cheer at Southwestern Christian University next year and will study Kinesiology. 

Colt Savage was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award for his success with the boys' basketball team. Savage concluded his high school career as a four-time All Conference player and was named the 2017-2018 Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year for Region 7. He led his team in scoring for two seasons and averaged 20.58 points per game as a senior. He will play for the University of Central Oklahoma next season. 

Eric Savage was presented with a Pacesetter Award in recognition of his success with the Sandite Basketball Team. Savage wrapped up his fifth season as Head Coach with the first State Tournament appearance for Sand Springs since 1963 and was named the Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He holds a 65-62 record in Sand Springs and a career record of 370-155. After winning three 5A State Titles at Tulsa Memorial High School, he took over a Sandite program that had only won one game the year before. 

Jeff Cooper was presented with a Pacesetter Award. Cooper was awarded the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association "Friends of Basketball" award and was named the Region 7 Junior High Coach of the Year.

Barbie Jackson was presented with a Pacesetter Award for her work with the Sand Springs Education Association during the last legislative session and teacher walkout. "(Jackson) worked tirelessly to keep everyone informed," said Board member Krista Polanski. "Barbie has a big heart and she puts all of her heart into everything she does."

Shawn Beard, Sherry Durkee, Karen Biggs, Laura Hamilton, Ernie Kothe, Angelia Noel, Nancy Ogle, Sean Parker, Sherry Pearson, Renee Plant, Russell Ragland, Danese Tanner, Stan Trout, Kristin Arnold, Rob Miller, and Greg Morris were all presented with Sandite Coins of Excellence for their work during the teacher walkout. 

Superintendent Sherry Durkee spoke on the difficulty the schools are facing regarding the teacher pay raise package passed by the Oklahoma Legislature during the last session. 

The political action group Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite has filed a veto referendum petition to put House Bill 1010xx to a vote of the people. If the petition garners 41,000 signatures by July 18, Oklahoma voters will decide whether to approve or veto the bill, which provides funding for a $6,100 average pay raise for Oklahoma teachers. 

HB1010xx is expected to raise $447 million in revenue by increasing the gross production tax to 5% on all oil wells, increasing the cigarette tax by $1 per pack, increasing the gasoline tax by three cents, and increasing the diesel tax by six cents. 

If the petition succeeds, the question of whether to approve HB1010xx won't appear on ballots until the November election. With the school year beginning in August, schools are waiting on an Attorney General ruling on whether or not the districts should enact teacher raises for this school year.

If schools enact raises in August and voters reject HB1010xx in November, it would create a massive revenue shortage for districts across the state. Teacher pay raises will cost the Sand Springs district nearly $3 million in the next school year.

In other news:

Charles Page High School will host a new interior design program in partnership with Tulsa Tech during the next school year. 

Superintendent Durkee said she's pleased with the applicant pool the district recently had for several high profile positions. The District recently began accepting applications for Head Girls' Basketball Coach, Head Wrestling Coach, Head Volleyball Coach, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum. 

The Board approved the hiring of new Head Coaches for Wrestling and Girls' Basketball.

Tobey Nightingale will take over the Lady Sandite Basketball team after coaching Hennessey High School to a 9-16 record at the 3A level last season. The Lady Sandites are coming off an 18-8 season and back-to-back State Tournament appearances. 

Jarrod Patterson will take over a Sandite Wrestling program that placed third in the State Tournament in 2018 and won State and Dual State titles in 2017. The Sandites finished last season with a 13-4 dual record and won 25-straight duals over two seasons. 

Ryan Skaggs, owner/operator of Precision Outdoor Services, spoke regarding the bidding process for lawncare services in the school district. According to Skaggs, his company underbid the existing provider by $6,000, but his competitor was allowed to rebid to undercut Precision. Skaggs called on the district to go to a sealed bidding process in the future. 

The district is in the process of implementing "Crisis Go," an emergency system that alerts staff, students, parents, and law enforcement of any potential threat on campus. Durkee expects to have the system fully online by the next school year. 

Assistant Superintendent Rob Miller is in his last month with the Sand Springs district and will be taking over as Superintendent of Bixby Public Schools on June 1st. 

The Charles Page Class of 2018 graduation ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center.

This Week in Sand Springs (5/6 - 5/13/18)

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Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis Regionals (A).
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 8:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A Golf State Tournament.
    • Forest Ridge Golf Club
      7501 East Kenosha Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74014
  • 8:30 a.m. 38th Annual Frank R. Rhoades Golf Classic.
    • Benefiting Tulsa Boys' Home in Sand Springs.
    • The Patriot Golf Club
      5790 North Patriot Drive
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum.
    • Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council meeting.
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education meeting.

Tuesday

  • 8:30 a.m. 38th Annual Frank R. Rhoades Golf Classic.
    • Benefiting Tulsa Boys' Home in Sand Springs.
    • The Patriot Golf Club
      5790 North Patriot Drive
      Owasso, OK 74055

Thursday

  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Airport Advisory Board Meeting.

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A State Tennis Tournament.
    • Oklahoma City Tennis Center
      3400 North Portland Avenue
      Oklahoma City, OK 73112
  • 10:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A State Track Meet.
    • Yukon High School
      1777 South Yukon Parkway
      Yukon, OK 73099
  • 7:00 p.m. Movie on the Lawn: "Coco"
    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hike With Your Dog Day!
  • 8:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A State Tennis Tournament.
    • Oklahoma City Tennis Center
      3400 North Portland Avenue
      Oklahoma City, OK 73112
  • 11:00 a.m. 2nd Annual Sand Springs Women's Chamber Tea Party
    • First Presbyterian Church
      222 North Adams Road
  • 12:00 p.m. OSSAA 6A State Track Meet.
    • Yukon High School
      1777 South Yukon Parkway
      Yukon, OK 73099
  • 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Graduation.
    • Mabee Center
      7777 South Lewis Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74171
  • 10:00 p.m. Senior Celebration.
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

Sunday

  • Mother's Day.

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This Week in Sand Springs (4/29 - 5/6/18)

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Sunday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Country Craft Show
    • Pleasant Valley Farms
      2350 West 71st Street South

Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Golf Regionals (A)
    • Bailey Ranch Golf Course
      10105 Larkin Bailey Boulevard
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis Regionals (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Tuesday 

  • 7:00 p.m. Clyde Boyd Middle School Band Spring Concert
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School - Auditorium
      305 West 35th Street

Wednesday

  • 8:40 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. Welcome to the Sixth Grade meeting
    • Sixth Grade Center
      305 West 35th Place South
  • 9:00 a.m. Girls Golf State Championship (A)
    • Hillcrest Country Club
      1901 Price Road
      Bartlesville, OK 74006
  • 12:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Sapulpa (Regionals)
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 3:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Owasso (Regionals)
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055

Thursday

  • National Day of Prayer
    • 7:00 a.m. Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance prayer meeting
      • Word of Life
        1402 North 81st West Avenue
    • 8:00 a.m. Sand Springs Small Business Alliance prayer meeting
      • Triangle Park
        4 East Broadway
  • Time TBA - Sandite Baseball Regional Tournament Day Two
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 9:00 a.m. Girls Golf State Championship (A)
    • Hillcrest Country Club
      1901 Price Road
      Bartlesville, OK 74006

Friday

  • 100 Mile Yard Sale
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer Booster Club Yard Sale
    • 3 East 32nd Place
  • 11:00 a.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Road

Saturday

  • 100 Mile Yard Sale
  • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days
    • Free chipping of tree limbs up to 2 inches in diameter.
      Free mulch and firewood while supplies last.
      Must bring water bill as proof of residency. 
    • Sand Springs Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer Booster Club Yard Sale
    • 3 East 32nd Place
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
  • 9:30 a.m. Sandite Track & Field Regional Tournament (A)
    • Tahlequah High School
      591 Pendleton Street
      Tahlequah, OK 74464
  • 1:30 p.m. Tulsa Boys' Home Run for the Roses

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. Tulsa Jolt Jackpot Golf Classic
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Avenue

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Rain hinders but can't stop 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Inaugural Westival

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The 29th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival was a dreary event Saturday in downtown Sand Springs. The steady downpour may have turned away casual attendees, but the Sandite faithful didn't fail to turn out for one of the city's biggest traditions.

Local businesses like OkieSpice & Trade Co., Keys & Memories, Mile High Designs, and Riddle Plant Farm were joined by nearly a hundred plant and craft vendors from across Oklahoma and even some neighboring states.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church provided free plant sitting at several stations throughout the downtown area and Church That Matters hosted a Kids Zone with games, free snow cones, and a petting zoo.

A variety of food was on hand, including root beer from Sand Springs Boy Scout Troop 507 and a full wine garden in the newly dedicated Inez Kirk City-Garden Park.

Musicians such as Monica Taylor and Anna Massey entertained on the Triangle Park stage, including Sand Springs natives Janet Rutland and Shelby Eicher. 

Jack Younger was presented with the annual Hometown Hero Award by Vice Mayor Beau Wilson and State Representative Jadine Nollan. Younger recently retired as the Sand Springs Youth Football Association President after thirty years with the organization, which also serves basketball and cheer. 

The Sand Springs Museum was open throughout the event, showcasing a collection of collectible lunch boxes and aprons, as well as art by Sand Springs Public School students. 

OkieSpice added to the festivities with the first installment of what plans to be an annual tradition. Westival featured free samples of salsas, BBQ sauces, spices, and other OkieSpice products. OkieSpice suppliers traveled from far and wide to showcase their creations.

Pearl Snap Salsas held a challenge with their various volatile cocktails, culminating with the Atomic 12 which is certified at 79,100 Scoville Heat Units and requires a signed waiver to consume or purchase. Sand Springs's own Ruly Sanchez won the challenge.

Jack Younger named Hometown Hero at 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair

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Recently retired Sand Springs Youth Football Association President Jack Younger was recognized as the 2018 recipient of the Hometown Hero Award.

SEE RELATED: Rain hinders but can't stop 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Inaugural Westival

Vice Mayor Beau Wilson presented the award at the 29th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival Saturday at noon and Younger was given a commemorative key to the City. State Representative Jadine Nollan also recognized Younger with a citation signed by herself and the Speak of the House.

Younger spent thirty years with the youth sports organization which also supports youth basketball and cheer teams. Dustin Little was announced as Younger's successor in March.

 

This Week in Sand Springs (4/22 - 4/29/18)

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Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis Tournament (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Tuesday 

  • 7:30 a.m. Breakfast with County Commissioner Karen Keith 
    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue
  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis Tournament (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 8:30 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Regional Tournament (A)
    • Muskogee Country Club
      2400 North Country Club Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 12:00 p.m. No. 17 Lady Sandite Softball vs. Norman (Regional Tournament)
    • Southmoore High School
      2901 South Santa Fe Avenue
      Moore, OK 73160
    • First game loss, play No. 3 Southmoore at 1:20 p.m.
      First game win, play winner of Southmoore vs. Norman at 2:40 p.m.
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Southmoore (A)
    • Southmoore Baseball Stadium
      2901 South Santa Fe Avenue
      Moore, OK 73160
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Spring Concert
    • Charles Page High School - Auditorium
      500 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. SCORE Women's Leadership Breakfast 
    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue
  • 5:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Booker T. Washington (A)
    • Booker T. Washington High School
      1514 East Zion Street
      Tulsa, OK 74106
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame Banquet
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Pop with a Cop
    • Sand Springs Municipal Building
      100 East Broadway
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Friday

  • 1:00 p.m. Inaugural Diamond Girls Classic golf tournament
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Road
  • 4:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Southmoore (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Audition for Little Old Ladies In Tennis Shoes
    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Country Craft Show
    • Pleasant Valley Farms
      22350 West 71st Street South
  • 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Student Art Contest
    • Triangle Park
      4 East Broadway
  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Audition for Little Old Ladies In Tennis Shoes
    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street
  • 6:30 p.m. Blue Dog: The What & Why
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

Sunday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Country Craft Show
    • Pleasant Valley Farms
      2350 West 71st Street South

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Myers Marketing celebrates Grand Opening of new downtown location

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Myers Marketing Management and We Are Sand Springs magazine celebrated the grand opening of their new location Saturday morning during Herbal Affair.

Myers Marketing is owned by Sand Springs locals Danielle and D.A. Myers. The company offers Social Media Management, Website Design, Search Engine Optimization, Brand Development, Video Production, Logo Design, and many other forms of traditional and modern marketing.

Myers' bimonthly magazine We Are Sand Springs provides 32 pages of full color stories, articles, and special features highlighting life in Sand Springs. They promote the aspects of Sand Springs that make the town unique, such as its history and founding by Charles Page, its beautiful parks, generous businesses, and successful schools. Copies of the magazine are mailed directly to Sand Springs homes free of charge, and can be found at businesses throughout town. 

We Are Sand Springs also publishes a calendar each year filled with coupons and important dates such as festivals, holidays, and the Sand Springs Public Schools and Chamber of Commerce calendars. 

The new office space for the company is located at 118 North Main Street and offers a place for locals to hang out and rest their feet while shopping downtown Sand Springs. They offer Dip 'n' Dots ice cream, games, and showcase local art. Sand Springs artist Jade Crawford is currently showcasing her work and sales of the art will go towards a summer mission trip to Tanzania with Asking For the Nations.

Sand Springs dedicates Inez Kirk park in honor of former City Manager

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The City of Sand Springs rededicated the City-Garden Park at 101 East Broadway Street in honor of former City Manager Inez Kirk.

Kirk was the City Manager for Sand Springs from 1977 to 1986 and died in office on January 23, 1986.

Kirk's family and friends planted a pink rose bush in honor of her nickname, the Iron Rose. A group of more than thirty family members, friends, and former coworkers turned out to honor her and celebrated her life with her favorite candy, licorice. 

"This park is very special to me," said current City Manager Elizabeth Gray. "I came here and prayed before I went in for my interview (for City Manager)." 

"I remember what Sand Springs used to be compared to what it is today," said Mayor Mike Burdge. "Inez was very instrumental in changing the character and the integrity of government in Sand Springs. 

The Soccer Complex at Case Community Park was named in her honor for many years, but City leaders decided it would be more appropriate to recognize her with the park next door to the City Hall building she worked at. 

"Mom loved her family, and the people at City Hall were also her family. She loved each and every one," said Kirk's daughter, Pat McConnell. "Her passion was for this city. I can tell you that mom would be overwhelmed by the fact that the City has chosen to honor her like this, and she would be amazed at how many people still remember her and talk about her."

2018 puts the "chill" in Chillin & Grillin Festival

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The Seventh Annual Chillin & Grillin Festival didn't exactly go down without a hitch, but it was still one for the history books.

A frigid wave of winter weather brought the festivities to an early end, but the event also got started a day early. The Chamber of Commerce festival expanded to three days this year and added a carnival to the already busy schedule of activities.

Great Plains Amusement brought out classic carnival rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Zipper, the Musik Express, a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round and many other rides for both kids and adults.

Non-competition food vendors were on hand for the first time, feeding carnival-goers for the two days prior to the barbecue contest. Lee's Charburgers, 3 Feathers BBQ, Raphael's Southern BBQ, and Not Your Grandma's Cupcakes were all available, as were carnival classics like funnel cake, shaved ice, and chocolate-dipped cheesecake.

Student jazz bands from Mannford, Berryhill, and Charles Page High School provided the entertainment Thursday evening. Sand Springs local Jennifer Marriott headlined Friday and Midlife Crisis entertained on Saturday. 

The Third Annual Harper's Hut Classic Car Show partnered with Chillin & Grillin for the second year and was a crowd favorite. Richard Blair's Ford pickup won Green Country Federal Credit Union Best In Show. Robert Chesney won the Women's Pick with a Ford Galaxy 500, Nicholas Hancock won the Men's Pick with a Chevy Nomad, and Robin Riley won the overall Chillin & Grillin Best in Show title with a 1958 Chevy Corvette. 

The Kansas City Barbecue Society portion of the grilling competition was canceled this year, but the People's Choice Awards went unhindered. Keystone Chevrolet's "Smoking on the Line" team dethroned the defending champs from the Sand Springs Parks Department, who settled for runners-up.

2018 saw the festival's return to the newly renovated Case Community Park. Chillin was held at River City Park for its first five years, then moved to Pogue Airport last year while the park underwent a $6 million renovation and was renamed. 

CPHS Percussion places second at State Championship

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The Charles Page High School Band took second place at Saturday's Winter Guard and Percussion of Oklahoma State Championships in the Scholastic Marching competition.

The Sandites came in runner-up to Edison Preparatory with a total score of 80.45 to Edison's 81.5. Coweta came in runner-up at 79.1.

Clyde Boyd Percussion was the only school to enter the Middle School competition and brought home the first place trophy. 

 

This Week in Sand Springs (4/15 - 4/22/18)

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Sunday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Band Mattress Sale Fundraiser
    • CPHS Performing Arts Building
      600 North Adams Road

Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Jenks (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street

Tuesday 

  • 8:30 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Union Tournament (A)
    • LaFortune Park Golf Course
      5501 South Yale Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135
  • 1:30 p.m. Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board Meeting
  • 4:45 p.m. No. 14 Lady Sandite Softball vs. No. 2 Union (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 6:15 p.m. No. 14 Lady Sandite Softball vs. No. 11 Tahlequah (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Jenks (A)
    • Jenks High School Baseball Field
      809 North 3rd Street East
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Owasso (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 8:00 p.m. Sand Springs LED Light System Unveiling
    • Sand Springs Expressway Overpass
      100 South Main Street
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Owasso (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 3:00 p.m. Inez Kirk City-Garden Park Dedication
    • Inez Kirk City-Garden Park
      101 East Broadway Street
  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority Meeting
    • Sand Springs Municipal Building, Room 203
      100 East Broadway
    • Agenda not available by press time.
  • 5:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Muskogee (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street

Thursday

  • 4:00 p.m. No. 14 Sandite Softball vs. No. 4 Broken Arrow (A)
    • Jenks High School Softball Complex
      1701 North Birch Street
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Norman (A)
    • Norman Sports Complex
      270 24th Avenue Southeast
      Norman, OK 73071
  • 7:30 p.m. No. 14 Sandite Softball vs. No. 10 Jenks (A)
    • Jenks High School Softball Complex
      1701 North Birch Street
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Norman (A)
    • Norman Sports Complex
      270 24th Avenue Southeast
      Norman, OK 73071

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Frontier Valley Conference Championship (A)
    • Adams Municipal Golf Course
      5801 Tuxedo Boulevard
      Bartlesville, OK 74006
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 7:00 p.m. "Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene"
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School Drama production
    • $5.00 admission.
    • CBMS Auditorium
      305 North 35th Street 
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival
    • Downtown Sand Springs
  • 2:30 p.m. "Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene"
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School Drama production
    • $5.00 admission.
    • CBMS Auditorium
      305 North 35th Street 
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Sapulpa (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 7:00 p.m. "Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene"
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School Drama production
    • $5.00 admission.
    • CBMS Auditorium
      305 North 35th Street 

Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. "Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene"
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School Drama production
    • $5.00 admission.
    • CBMS Auditorium
      305 North 35th Street 

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival set for April 21st

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs announces its plans for the 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival in downtown Sand Springs. The event occurs on Saturday, April 21, and runs from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This year's event showcases more than 100 plant, herb, arts, crafts, food and wine vendors from around the four-state area. In addition to all of the gardening enthusiast items, this Herbal Affair features a half-dozen live musical performers on the historical stage at Charles Page Triangle Park in the heart of the downtown district. 

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs 29th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival

"This year's event is slightly larger than in the past, with a few more vendors adding to the diversity of our event," stated Grant Gerondale, Community Development Director for the City of Sand Springs. "What began as a small gathering of gardening enthusiasts with Ruth Leib and Sandi Byerly in 1989 has grown into Oklahoma's premier herbal festival."

With the positive growth seen this past year at the City's Riverwest Development just south of downtown, parking options at that site no longer exist. Event goers should rely heavily on the free parking and shuttle service at Charles Page High School (500 N. Adams Road) and utilize on-street parking around the downtown area. The free shuttle service will run from 8:00 a.m. until shortly after 4:00 p.m.

Each year the Sand Springs Herbal Affair offers shoppers a unique variety of tomatoes, herbs, annual and perennial plants and an assortment of arts, crafts, foods and wines. Visitors also enjoy the announcement of the "Hometown Hero" award, presented to a deserving Sand Springs citizen each year on the stage.

"This year's event brings in some new items and also goes back to some of the traditional roots of the festival," Gerondale added. "We'll feature eclectic gardening features like worm soil casings, a soil amenity for your garden, and we'll also see trendy hydroponically grown tomatoes. On the musical side of things we'll have the traditional sounds of the Shelby Eicher Trio, but we'll also bring back Dulcimer Magic which played the event for years. To end the day we've added the Sand Springs Community Band which did a fantastic job during last year's Riverfest grand opening at the new Case Community Park. I really encourage locals to come out and enjoy this great live music."

When you do come out, you'll be joining nearly 30,000 other visitors who make the annual trek to Sand Springs to get their fill of outdoor gardening plants, arts, crafts, and good food. This year's event features nearly 20 food operations to satisfy hungry strollers. 

"Who doesn't like the Amish chicken and noodles, right?" asked Gerondale. "You'll find old standby herbal affair foods and treats like fresh roasted nuts, but you'll also see some offerings like succotash and pitas."

This is a family and pet (on a leash) friendly outing as folks mingle amidst the historic downtown triangle of Sand Springs. Parents will want to check out the kidz-zone on the west side of the event area. Church That Matters is again hosting a variety of activities including a Radio Control Car display, kids petting zoo, snow cones and the chance for some Home Depot wood building kit activities. All of those activities are free to children.

The Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum will also be open and offers a great walk-through for interpretative displays and features a fine example of 1920's art-deco architecture.  The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Is there a wine lover in your home? You won't want to miss the small wine-garden located immediately across from City Hall. Five area wineries will have small taster samplings on hand as well as a variety of their products for sale.

The City of Sand Springs encourages all event goers to step into the fun-filled shops that line the downtown streets of Herbal Affair. Unique and hard to find antiques, apparel and small treasures can be found in many of our small businesses in downtown Sand Springs.

Want to learn more? Check out our Facebook page in the days leading up to the April 21 event to find informative Herbal Affair event videos and details.

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit  www.sandspringsok.org and www.seesandsprings.com.

This Week in Sand Springs (4/8 - 4/15/18)

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Monday

  • Sand Springs Public Schools closed for teacher walkout. 
  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis Tournament (A)
    • Hillcrest Country Club
      1901 Price Road
      Bartlesville, OK 74006
  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf (Owasso Invitational)
    • Bailey Ranch Golf Course
      10105 Larkin Bailey Boulevard
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 5:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Ponca City (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 5:00 p.m. No. 14 Sandite Softball vs. 5A No. 8 Kellyville (H, Double Header)
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      412 West 55th Street

Tuesday 

  • Sand Springs Public Schools closed for teacher walkout.
  • Times TBA - Lady Sandite Softball at Jenks Festival (A)
    • 1701 North Birch Street
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 5:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Ponca City (A)
    • Ponca City High School
      927 North 5th Street
      Ponca City, OK 74601
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Shawnee (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 8:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Shawnee (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 8:30 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf Tournament (A)
    • Sapulpa Municipal Golf Course
      1200 West Dewey Avenue
      Sapulpa, OK 74066
  • 11:30 a.m. Sand Springs City Council Special Meeting

Thursday

  • 1:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Muskogee (A)
    • Spartan/Tiger Turf War Tournament
    • 601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008
  • 4:30 p.m. No. 14 Sandite Softball vs. No. 16 Sapulpa (H, Double Header)
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. CPR, AED, and First Aid Training Class
  • 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Chillin & Grillin Festival
    • Case Community Park
      2500 River City Park Road

Friday

  • 10:15 a.m. Sandite Track & Field (Yukon Classic)
    • Yukon High School
      1777 South Yukon Parkway
      Yukon, OK 73099
  • 3:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Jenks (A)
    • Spartan/Tiger Turf War Tournament
    • 601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Bixby (A)
    • Spartan/Tiger Turf War Tournament
    • 601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008
  • 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Chillin & Grillin Festival
    • Case Community Park
      2500 River City Park Road
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Union (A)
    • Union High School
      6636 South Mingo Road
      Tulsa, OK 74133
  • 7:00 p.m. Free Movie Night: Wonder (2017)
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road
  • 8:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Union (A)
    • Union High School
      6636 South Mingo Road
      Tulsa, OK 74133

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Green Country Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
    • Elks Lodge No. 2553
      546 Imperial Boulevard
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
  • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tulsa Women Veterans Serenity Retreat
  • 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Chillin & Grillin Festival and Harper's Hut Classic Car Show
    • Case Community Park
      2500 River City Park Road
  • 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CPHS and CBMS Bands at Percussion State Finals
    • Broken Arrow High School
      1901 East Albany Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 1:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. TBA (A)
    • Spartan/Tiger Turf War Tournament
    • 601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008

Sunday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Band Mattress Sale
    • CPHS Performing Arts Building
      600 North Adams Road

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Board of Education meeting focuses on teacher walkout and school closures

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The Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening and spent most of the session discussing the ongoing Oklahoma teacher walkout.

Superintendent Sherry Durkee discussed HB1010xx, HB3705 and other pieces of legislation from the current session. The Oklahoma legislature recently passed bills generating teacher pay raises averaging $6,100, but failed to satisfy Oklahoma Educators' Association demands for general classroom funding.

A majority of the Sand Springs teaching staff is participating in a statewide walkout at press time and Thursday will mark the fourth day of school closures due to understaffing. Many district employees are lobbying at the Capitol and scores of supporters have been occupying street corners at major intersections in Sand Springs, holding signs in support of the walkout. 

"I think that we have a great set of staff that love kids and are trying really hard to do the right thing and make it better for our kids," said Durkee.

The district has two unused "snow days" left, so students can miss school till Tuesday without having to extend the school year. If the strike lasts past that point, the district may add additional days to the school year, and could add extra time to the school day. Teachers will have to make up each missed day in professional development even after the students are dismissed for the summer, regardless of snow days.

The Board also presented four Sandite Spirit Awards and two Pacesetter Awards.

Mason Turgeon received a Sandite Spirit Award for building a set of wooden stairs for an elementary school ball pit as part of his Eagle Scout project. 

Jacelyn Smith, Juliana Shipman, and Erin Smith received Sandite Spirit Awards for helping a fellow student. The girls noticed one of their classmates' shoes were falling apart so they purchased a brand new pair of shoes from their own money. 

Andrea Bays, Caroline Brown, and Janet Thompson were presented with Pacesetter Awards. The three teachers head up the Charles Page High School Business Professionals of America and helped raise $750 for Sandite Special Olympics at their annual fundraiser.