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.

Chillin & Grillin' expecting biggest year yet, still needing more BBQ contestants

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The Seventh Annual Chillin and Grillin Festival is expected to be the biggest one yet, says Chamber of Commerce President Kristin Valentin, but organizers are having a hard time finding enough competitors for the BBQ contest.

Chillin & Grillin is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, and is a major economic driver for the City of Sand Springs. The festival will be held at Case Community Park from Thursday, April 12th through Saturday the 14th. After six years of hosting an official Kansas City Barbecue Society event, the Chamber decided to forgo the prestigious, but expensive, partnership. 

There are four categories of competition with a $1,000 grand prize and $500 reserve. The contest judges brisket, pork, ribs, and chicken. There is also a People's Choice category and a Kid's competition. Only four teams have committed to the full contest, and Valentin says they may have to cancel it if they don't get ten teams by Friday.

People's Choice will proceed unhindered and already has eight entrees. Visitors can pay $10 to eat their fill on Saturday and vote for their favorite overall team. The Church That Matters Holy Smokers won the first five People's Choice Awards and were dethroned by the Sand Springs Parks Department last year. 

In addition to barbecue, Lee's Charburgers, Not Your Grandma's Cupcakes, and Kettle Treats will also be on hand, as will numerous vendors of arts and crafts, clothing, cooking and barbecue supplies, and more. Yellow House Market and Boutique, Okie Spice and Trade Co., Cutco Cutlery, and BJ's Pit Stop will be setting up shop and Janicelynn Yazzie will be selling traditional Navajo jewelry and blankets. 

The festival has expanded to three days for the first time and will have a full carnival as well. Entry is free all three days. Carnival wristbands are $20/day in advance or $25 at the gate and can be purchased at Prattville Market, Verizon Wireless, and Green Country Federal Credit Union. The wristbands will provide unlimited rides on either Thursday or Friday. Rides are $3 apiece on Saturday. 

Food trucks, carnival rides, live music, and a beer garden will be on hand all three days, and the Harper's Hut Classic Car Show will be on Saturday with five Best in Show categories and unique custom trophies made from actual car parts. 

Student jazz bands from Mannford, Berryhill, and Charles Page High School will provide the entertainment Thursday evening. Sand Springs's own Jennifer Marriott Band will perform on Friday, and Midlife Crisis will play on Saturday. 

Parking will be free all three days.

"This year we are already ahead of the game and we're very excited about it. The sponsorships of the companies in this town that are supporting us and this event are amazing," says Valentin.

"We truly feel that these events are economic development in its purest form because it brings people to Sand Springs, gets people out of their homes and doing something that isn't very expensive. We're very conscious of making it moderately priced so that people can absolutely come out and enjoy it."

To enter the barbecue contest, contact Kristen Valentin at (918) 245-3221. To enter the car show, contact William Nozak at (918) 671-6352. Car show entrees are $15 in advance or $20 day of. 

Event sponsors: Green Country Federal Credit Union, OmniTRAX, City of Sand Springs, Webco Industries, Church That Matters, Cecil & Sons Discount Tires, Keystone Chevrolet, Osage Casino Hotel, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Sam's Club, United Rentals, The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, KRMG, Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service, Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores, PepsiCo, and Reasor's. 

Sandlot Sno-Balls employee has phone and tip jar stolen

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An employee at the Sandlot Sno-Balls shaved ice stand at 250 South Highway 97 was the victim of theft Saturday afternoon, according to company owner Brad Crain.

The perpetrator reportedly visited the stand earlier that day and ordered a snow cone, then returned later in the day for another. After ordering and paying, he swiped the stand's tip jar and an employee's iPhone while she had her back turned. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident can reach the Sand Springs Police Department non-emergency line at 918-245-8777.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

El Patron Mexican Restaurant opens for business in Sand Springs

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

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

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

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

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

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

CPHS Winter Fine Arts Showcase set for this Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

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Charles Page High School will host the 2017 Winter Fine Arts Showcase this Thursday evening, featuring performances by the Sand Springs Community Band and the High School Choir, Band, and Drama Departments.

The evening will start with a $5.00 Spaghetti dinner at 5:00 p.m. and the Community Band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a basket raffle taking place throughout the evening.

OkieSpice & Trade Co. celebrates grand opening in Sand Springs

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OkieSpice & Trade Co. held a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting Wednesday afternoon with much fanfare from local business owners and city officials.

Representatives from the City of Sand Springs, Tulsa County, Sand Springs Community Services,  Sand Springs Home, and Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce all came out for the ceremony to wish owners Kim and Steve Zieg good fortune in their new venture. 

Located at 501 West 2nd Street in the former Roary D's Hair Emporium, the new store specializes in spices, seasonings, salsas, and other cooking and novelty items. The products are about 75% made-in-Oklahoma according to Kim. There are smoked cheeses, bottled sodas, summer sausages, candy, decor, and more. 

The Ziegs hope to be a valuable addition to Sand Springs and to draw visitors to their hometown. In addition to renovating a long-vacant building and giving it a fresh curb appeal, they have also commissioned a mural on the side of their building and are members of the Chamber of Commerce. 

The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed Sunday and Monday. You can reach OkieSpice at 918.514.0045 

SEE RELATED: OkieSpice & Trade Co. to open in north Sand Springs this winter

Sweetie Pie's Bakery owner, employee recognized by Sand Springs City Council

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Mayor Mike Burdge presents Robin Porter with a Mayoral Proclamation. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Sand Springs City Council had a busy regular meeting Monday evening. Mayor Mike Burdge presented two Mayoral Proclamations, two new police officers were sworn in, and a presentation was given on the new City Public Safety Complex.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Police receive new officers, equipment; partner with Creek Nation

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

Robin Porter was recognized for her work in creating Sweetie Pie's Bakery as a place of employment for an individual with disabilities. Porter employs Steve Scott at her popular downtown eatery and was recently awarded the 2017 Governor's Disability Employment Award of Excellence. Scott was awarded the 2017 Governor's Disability Employee Award of Excellence. He not only works at Sweetie Pie's but is also a frequent volunteer at the Sand Springs Senior Citizens Center. Both Porter and Scott were commended by Governor Mary Fallin in a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion. They also received Mayoral Proclamations from Mike Burdge.

Mayor Mike Burdge presents Steve Scott with a Mayoral Proclamation. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

Council approved a resolution for Notice of Election for electing City Councilors from Ward 5, Ward 6, and At-Large. The filing period will be from December 4th through 6th. Candidates must filed their declaration of candidacy with the City Clerk at the Sand Springs Municipal Building. A primary election will be held on February 13, followed by a general election on April 3.

SEE RELATED: Three City Council seats up for election this February, filing period set for December

Council approved a dilapidated public nuisance notice for an uninhabited and fire-damaged home at 1000 N. Birch Avenue. Following a 30-day challenge period, the building will be eligible for demolition on December 6th. 

Council approved an ordinance closing a 15-foot Sanitary Sewer Easement on the property of Braum's Hamburgers. The restaurant was recently demolished and will soon be rebuilt as a larger facility with more services.

Council approved a $38,328 expenditure to Ruhrpumpen for the manufacture of a submersible wastewater pump and motor. 

Council awarded a $62,477.56 contract to J.E. Dirt Wurx for a sidewalk improvement project in the RiverWest Development. 

Kenny Tate, Don Chatfield, Ryan Walker, and Mary Eubanks were each appointed to the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority (SSEDA). 

Council authorized Pogue Airport to pursue various State grants and approved up to $432,750 to match any awarded grants. 

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

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City of Sand Springs officials held a formal ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday morning at the site of the future Colton's Steak House and Grill. Also on hand was franchisee Mark Dean and representatives from the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant will be located on the Southeast corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue, across the street from El Maguey Mexican Restaurant. 

"This is a big day for Sand Springs," said Mayor Mike Burdge. "We were given charge several years ago by the population of Sand Springs. They told us what they wanted and it wasn't an easy task. Most of the kudos goes to staff. They were the ones who really went to work on this and worked with the developer and put this thing all together."

 "We're real excited about coming here," said Dean. "We looked at several towns here in Oklahoma and thought that this was the best fit for sure...We're going to come here and do you a good job."

Dean said that they would be breaking ground next week with the expectation of opening in mid-March. 

The upcoming Sand Springs location will be the second in Oklahoma and 37th location overall for the eight-state franchise. It is the fifth eatery to join the River West development, following McDonalds, IHOP, Starbucks, and El Maguey. Other businesses in the development include Holiday Inn Express, O'Reilly's Auto Parts, CVS pharmacy, and Centennial Baptist Church. 

Colton's Steak House was founded in 1996 in Conway, Arkansas and is named for Texas Ranger J.T. Colton, a character created for the Colton's brand. The steak house traces its fictitious roots to the late 1800s when Colton won the Tin Star Saloon from Sheriff Matthew Dillon in Dodge City, Kansas during a game of poker. 

Two other businesses are currently under development in River West. Warren Clinic's existing Sand Springs offices will join a brand new minor emergency clinic when construction is finished in River West. Groundwork on a new ALDI grocery store also began recently.  

The Sand Springs Retail Market Area encompasses more than 104,000 people, 40,000 households, and a Median Disposable Income of $38,583, according to a report generated by the Indian Nations Council on Government (INCOG). The Sand Springs population was 18,906 at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census, and INCOG reports more than 5,000 commuters to Sand Springs from outside communities. 

Franchisee Mark Dean speaks at the Colton's Steak House groundbreaking ceremony.  

City officials hold ground breaking ceremony in River West Development

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

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

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

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

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

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

 

First Annual Taste of Sand Springs boasts delicious dining experience

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The first annual Taste of Sand Springs was a success Thursday evening at the Charles Page High School cafeteria. The Chamber of Commerce event served as a fundraiser for the organization Junior Achievement. 

The dining started off with some delicious sliders from Osage Casino. Napoli's Italian Restaurant provided pasta. Reasor's deli had broccoli salad and deviled egg potato salad. Rib Crib served colossal portions of baked beans and mac and cheese with bacon. Charlie's Chicken had hearty portions of green beans and broccoli grape salad. Gander Mountain Vineyard provided open-faced roast beef sandwiches and mushroom casserole with key lime cheesecake for dessert. 

Other sweet options included Harper's Hut Shaved Ice, Sandlot Snoballs and brownies from Meadowlake Ranch. Livi Lee's donuts had a delicious treat called "Strawberry Fields," consisting of a glazed cake donut with strawberries and whipped cream. Also on hand were sixth-graders Taylor Blackwell and Sydnee Porter selling lemonade to raise money for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson was the spokesman for the evening and entertained the customers with periodic giveaways including car detailing certificates, Starbucks packages, Crescent Cafe gift cards and more. Jackson serves as the Development Manager at Junior Achievement of Eastern Oklahoma and is currently running for the Senate Seat 37.

Money raised from the event will benefit more than ten CPHS students participating in the Junior Achievement life skills programs.

“Just a short 15 years ago, I was a junior at CPHS and I had the fortune to be inspired by my community classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement.  That classroom time gave me direction to live out my American Dream alongside my wife and daughter,” said Jackson.

Unlimited Free Snowcones all day Thursday at Harper's Hut!

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SUBMITTED. Harper's Hut recently raised nearly $200 to help send special needs students to prom.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor in Chief

Just when you thought Harper's Hut Shaved Ice and Java couldn't get any more generous, they find a way to up the ante...this time with some help from their neighbors.  

Beginning Thursday at 12:00 PM, the local snow cone stand will be giving away free minis all day long at their Charles Page Boulevard location in Sand Springs. The Third Annual Summer Kickoff event is bigger than ever before thanks to help from the Akdar Shriners, Green Country Federal Credit Union, Auto Source, and Master Lube.

From Noon to 10:00 PM, mini sized snow cones will be free, or you can get a larger size minus the price of a mini. Green Country will be giving away free hot dogs, the Shriners Pop Corn Wagon will be giving away free pop corn, and the Hut will be doing giveaways every fifteen minutes. 

The party will benefit The Little Lighthouse in Tulsa, which is a nationally recognized development center for children with special needs. The nonprofit organization doesn't charge tuition and operates entirely on contributions from private donors such as Harper's Hut.

The popcorn and hot dogs will be available from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, during which time the Little Lighthouse will be accepting donations in exchange for Harper's Hut raffle tickets. The prize drawings will go on all day and will include shirts, hats, Snow-Yo's (free snow cone cards), and even a Cold Card, which grants the recipient free snow cones all season long.

The party will feature live music from a DJ, tons of games, including an Xbox Kinect hooked up to a giant screen, and three bounce houses. Harper's, Master Lube, and Auto Source will each be providing a bounce house for the event. 

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java to donate 20% of Wednesday profit to CPHS Special Needs Prom

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java is known for making headlines with their generosity and community involvement. Just two weeks ago they gave away more than 400 free snow cones at the Sand Springs Chillin' and Grillin' festival.

Their latest contribution is planned for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 27th. 20% of all net sales from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM will be donated to the Charles Page High School Special Needs program for use in the 2016 Prom, which is scheduled for May 7th. 

The offer is valid only at the Sand Springs location at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard, and you must present the official flyer for credit. 

"Prom Promise" is an initiative that began six years ago that exists to ensure students with special needs will be able to enjoy the same prom experience as those without disabilities. The program works to provide tuxes and dresses, tickets, dinner before the dance, and transportation to Prom via party bus. The goal is to raise about $2000 by a May 3rd deadline. 

The group has already raised $490 via a "gofundme" account at https://www.gofundme.com/e8v69jgk and they're also accepting checks payable to "Prom Promise" that can be dropped off at the high school office. 

Harper's ties to the special needs community run deep. Harper's is owned by William and Lindsay Nozak who have several family members on staff at The Little Lighthouse in Tulsa, which is a nationally recognized development center for children with special needs. Lindsay, herself, is the Waiting List Coordinator. According to the company, "LLH does not charge tuition and receives money only from private sources, such as foundations and grants."

Harper's Hut is a frequent contributor to the organization and often brings shaved ice for the children throughout the year. "Our family is extremely involved in the lives of our special needs community," says William Nozak. This commitment comes directly from the Harper's Hut core values, which pledge "support toward non-profit organizations promoting family, and Christian values." 

Harper's hosted an entire day of free snow cones last May to raise money for LLH and plans on doing the same this year on May 19th. Harper's was able to reinvest more than $8200 into the community last season and has already contributed more than $2000 to local charities, organizations, and other community centered events this year, not even a quarter of the way into the season. 

Bill & Ruth's is Sand Springs's best kept secret

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By Morgan Miller, Executive Director

Whenever I walk into a restaurant, I fully prepare myself for the possibility of not being able to find something to eat there. I have multiple food allergies and they make eating outside of my home nearly impossible sometimes. When I walked into Bill and Ruth's, I was completely prepared to have to walk away and find somewhere else to eat, but that was not the case.

As soon as we entered the restaurant we were greeted with genuine enthusiasm by the owner, Walid Mustafa. He then asked us what we would be eating, and I told him of my predicament. That did not phase Mustafa in any way though. He immediately began making suggestions and actively trying to find things that I would be able to eat. He offered to make a dish in an alternative way to avoid using an ingredient that I couldn't eat. It ended up being the perfect solution, and we decided that the grilled catfish with steamed vegetables was a meal that I could safely eat!

After we paid and went to sit down, Mustafa began personally preparing our food. He got all of it out very quickly and it was wonderful. The food was plated very well, and the portions were large. I ended up taking more than half of it home! Finally, the restaurant was very clean and welcoming. It was a completely positive experience for me. 

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I would highly recommend anyone to visit this restaurant, there is a wide variety of foods and the service is always excellent. Bill and Ruth's is located at 351 East 2nd Street, Sand Springs, Oklahoma. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:30am-9:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm, and closed Sunday. If you would like to make a to-go order you can call the restaurant at 918-245-3782.