Donate blood with OBI this summer for free admission to Safari Joe's H2O water park

Don’t Roam, Give Close to Home: Keep it Local by Giving Blood with Oklahoma Blood Institute May 17 – August 31.

Oklahoma Blood Institute is urging blood donors to “Keep It Local” by giving blood close to home. Oklahoma Blood Institute is proud to partner with Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park, featuring Reptile Rush Slides & Rapids Water Roller Coaster as well as reptile and animal attractions.

Between May 17 and August 31, each donor who gives blood at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donor center and mobile drives will receive a voucher for two to Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park in Tulsa.* 

Donors will also receive a free “Keep It Local” t-shirt featuring a unique design of Oklahoma’s state animal, the bison. Healthy adults, age 16 and older, can give blood.**

“There is no substitute for blood for patients who need life-sustaining treatments,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “Donors who give in Oklahoma can be sure that their blood donations will save the lives of their own neighbors, friends or family members.”

Sand Springs musician Morgan Ganem has residency at Safari Joe's this summer and will be performing more than 30 dates this season. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

As the region’s leading blood provider, Oklahoma Blood Institute relies solely on volunteer blood donors to meet the needs of patients at more than 160 hospitals and medical facilities statewide. Those with negative blood types are especially urged to give. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, funds will be donated to Global Blood Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping secure supplies and bloodmobiles for blood centers in developing countries.

Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by visiting obi.org or calling (877) 340-8777.

*Vouchers good for two free water park admissions. Vouchers are valid until end of 2017 swim season. Must provide photo I.D. and proof of blood donation on voucher to redeem.

 **16 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys Golf Regionals - Bailey Ranch Golf Course, Owasso
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls Tennis Regionals - Yukon High School
  • 6:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board Meeting - Case Community Center
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education Meeting - CPHS Fine Arts Building

Tuesday

  • 7:00 p.m. Clyde Boyd Middle School Spring Concert - CBMS Auditorium

Wednesday

  • 9:00 a.m. 6A Girls Golf State Championship - Ponca City Country Club

Thursday

  • 9:00 a.m. 6A Girls Golf State Championship - Ponca City Country Club
  • 11:30 a.m. CPHS Baseball vs Jenks - Regional Playoff at Jenks
    • Winner plays at 4:30, Loser plays at 6:30

Friday

  • 100 Mile Yard Sale
  • 8:00 a.m. 6A Girls Tennis State Championship - Oklahoma City Tennis Center
  • CPHS Baseball - Regional Playoff at Jenks
    • Possible games at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. depending on Thursday results

Saturday

  • 100 Mile Yard Sale
  • 7:30 a.m. OKUSA Wrestling East Regional Tournament - Sapulpa High School
  • 8:00 a.m. 6A Girls Tennis State Championship - Oklahoma City Tennis Center
  • 9:30 a.m. Track and Field 6A Regional Championship - Claremore High School
  • 10:30 a.m. Chandler Park Lost City Climbing Competition 
  • 1:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Regional Playoff at Jenks
    • Depending on Thursday and Friday results

Great Raft Race returns to Sand Springs, registration opens May 3rd

Photo: Austin Evans.

The Great Raft Race is returning to Sand Springs for the third-straight year this Labor Day, and registration for the event opens May 3rd. 

The historic Tulsa-based event ran from 1973 through 1991 and returned to the Arkansas River in 2015.

Participants will be able to race down the river in three categories of vessels.

  • Purchased watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and inflatables.
  • Small to mid-sized home-built rafts (max size of 8 feet by 10 feet).
  • Mid to large-sized home-built rafts (max size of 12 feet by 16 feet).

The Raft Race launches at River City Parks in Sand Springs and concludes at River West Festival Park in Tulsa. Prizes will be awarded both for the race itself and for best raft theme and costumes. 

Corporate sponsorships are available, ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 and include registration for one raft along with shirts for your team. 

Click here to view our 2015 Raft Race photo gallery.
Click here to view our 2016 Raft Race photo gallery.

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Tennis - Union Tournament
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - Bartlesville Tournament
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - Home game vs Deer Creek
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - Home game vs Deer Creek
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game at Owasso
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting
  • 8:00 p.m. Sand Springs Municipal Authority Meeting

Tuesday

  • CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - Regional Tournament at Westmoore
    • times TBA
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Tennis - Union Tournament
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf Regionals - Broken Arrow
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Home game vs Owasso

Thursday

  • 4:00 p.m. Frontier Valley Conference Track Meet - Union
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game at Tulsa NOAH

Friday

  • 4:00 p.m. CPHS Tennis - Rotert Night at Home
  • 4:30 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Road game at Booker T. Washington

Charles Page High School Band raises $9,835 through mattress fundraiser

Charles Page High School Band Director Kyle Wright was recently presented with a check for $9,835 from Dennis Gentry of Custom Fundraising Solutions at the band's Spring Concert.

The money was raised through the First Annual Sand Springs Band Mattress Fundraiser.

Click here to view our photo gallery from the concert.


CPHS Spring Concert Program

Adrift - Andrew Markworth
(Winter Drum Line)

Concerto No. 2 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(Jake Thompson, Horn. Pam Eubanks, Piano.)

Andante & Rondo - Antonio Capuzzi
(Dawson Allen Tuba. Pam Eubanks, Piano.)

Cole Minor Blues - Jeff Jarvis
(Jazz Band II, feat. Jacob Collins.)

What a Wonderful World - Rick Stitzel
(Jazz Band II, feat. Ethan Beard, Hannah Farias.)

Four - John Berry
(Jazz Band II, feat. Nathan Hall.)

Modulation - Jeff Queen
(Carter Nance, Snare Drum.)

A Cricket Sang & Set the Sun - Blake Tyson
(Tim Carroll, Marimba.)

C'Mon Back - Lennie Neihaus
(Jazz Band I, feat. Nathan Hall and Matthew Burton.)

Jamie - Sammy Nestico
(Jazz Band I, feat. Angela Firey.)

Confusion - Lennie Niehaus
(Jazz Band I, feat. Jacob Collins, Savanna Darland.)

Ecossaise - JN Hummel
(Mikeale Becraft, Kira McDonald, Rebekah Sutterfield.)

Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child - Rick Hirsch
(Matthew Burton, Joshua Stukey, Spencer Wright, Colby Neace.)

American Overture for Band - Joseph Willcox Jenkins
(CPHS Concert Band)

Black Horse Troop - JP Sousa
(CPHS Concert Band)

Exaltation - James Swearingen
(CPHS Concert Band, feat. Matthew Burton.)


NBDA Honor Band Members:
Josh Stuckey
Andrew Willhite
Jake Thompson

All-State 2nd Round
Josh Stuckey
Andrew Willhite
Jake Thompson

All-State
ake Thompson

State Solo & Ensemble
Bailey Delay
Emily Finnegan
Jillian Landers
Mikeale Becraft
Kira McDonald
Rebekah Sutterfield
Matthew Burton
Josh Stuckey
Spencer Wright
Colby Neace
Jake Thompson
Carter Nance


Concert Band

Flute
Victoria Baker
Kallie Cox
Bailey Delay
Emily Finnegan
Ben Hunt
Jillian Landers
Klaire Pinson
Haley Stuckey

Oboe
Stephanie Ayala

Bassoon
Elie Summar

Clarinet
Mikeale Becraft
Jamey Dorris
Kaylee Looney
Mira McDonald
Kayla Simms
Rebekah Sutterfield
Deanna Whitney
Breanna Wright

Bass Clarinet
Rebekah Schuler

Alto Saxophone
Dylan Bruton
Matthew Burton
Jordan Dirck
Xavier Kilgore
Zak Kizer
Brandi Sigala
Mason Singleton
Alexus Stevens
Amberly Watson
Elizabeth Whittington

 

Tenor Saxophone
Addison Baker
Josh Stuckey
Spencer Wright

Bari. Saxophone
Colby Neace
Tonja Pipes

Trumpet
Natalie Anderson
Erika Baker
Jacob Collins
Dathan Conder
Megan Conley
Bailee Dotson
Kristyn Fields
Nathan Hall
Jackson Noble
Miguel Palma
Kallie Rice
Chris Spellings
Ben Stowell
Jacelyn Trotter
Stephen West
Andrew Willhite

French Horn
Ethan Beard
Jake Thompson
Alexis White
Clayton Wright

Trombone
Chandler Blake
Hannah Farias
Garrett Lincoln
Montana Pitre
Lindsey Prince
Carson Scantling
Gabriel Wakefield
Anabeth Wiebe

Euphonium
Lauryn Barnes
Jasmine Schneider
Brian Scott
Luca Vaca

Tuba
Dawson Allen
Tyree Baker
Kristen Bolte
Sam Keiper
Laura Loomis
Griffin Slane

Percussion
Andrew Berryman
Stormi Blevens
Timothy Carroll
James Collins
Korbyn Cowan
Savanna Darland
Steven Dorris
Angela Firey
Zach Gougler
Jason Hall
Kellie Johnson
Evan Krall
Chrystian Marshall
Danny Murray
Carter Nance
Hanna Nelson
Nikole Sandberg
Izzy Smith
Blakely Staton
Erin West
Hallie West


Winter Drum Line Members

Front Ensemble
Angela Firey
Zach Gougler
Sara Nance
Quinn Paden
Kellie Johnson
Izzy Smith
Hannah Nelson
James Collins
Bryce Gregory
Elie Summar
Erin West
Steven Dorris
Korbyn Cowan
Meghan Charles
DJ Harper

Battery
Tim Carroll
Savanna Darland
Carter Nance
Blakely Staton
Chrystian Marshall
Nikole Sandberg
Danny Murray
Hallie West
Evan Krall
Jason Hall
Stormi Blevins
Jake Thompson
Clayton Wright
Jackson Noble

Winter Guard Members

Lauren Barkdull
Hannah Callahan
Kenzie Cypert
Trininty Dobson

Holle Keith
Rebekah Schuler
Adrianna Tapp
Ashley Tate


Jazz Band One

Natalie Anderson
Adison Baker
Lauryn Barnes
Jordan Dirck
Sam Keiper
Tonja Pipes
Blakely Staton
Luca Vaca
Ethan Beard
Jacob Collins

Jamey Dorris
Hannah Farias
Angela Firey
Nathan Hall
Braden Kizer
Samantha Pidcock
Brian Scott
Chris Spellings
Rebekah Sutterfield


Jazz Band Two

Chandler Blake
Haley Stuckey
Elizabeth Whittington
Dawson Allen
Matthew Burton
Tim Carroll
Jacob Collins
Savanna Darland
Angela Firey
Jason Hall
Nathan Hall

Chrystian Marshall
Colby Neace
Jackson Noble
Lindsey Prince
Griffin Slane
Josh Stuckey
Jake Thompson
Gabe Wakefield
Andrew Willhite
Clayton Wright
Spencer Wright

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission - regular monthly meeting
  • 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Oklahoma Blood Institute blood drive
    • Sand Springs Church of Christ. 4301 S. 113th W. Ave, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment - regular monthly meeting was CANCELED
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game
    • Bartlesville High School. 500 S Madison Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006

Tuesday

  • State and Federal Taxes are due
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf - Union Tournament
    • Lafortune Park. 5501 S. Yale Ave. Tulsa OK 74135
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - road game
    • Union Intermediate High School. 7616 S. Garnett Rd. Tulsa OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - home game
    • Sandite Baseball Complex. 405 W. 55th St. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority - regular monthly meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Band Booster Club - meeting and elections
    • Charles Page High School. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
    • Positions up for election: President, Vice President, Secretary, Co-Treasurer, CPHS Representative. Appointed coordinator positions also open.
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Wednesday

  • Sand Springs Development Authority - regular monthly meeting

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - 6A State Preview
    • Karsten Creek Golf Club. 1800 S. Memorial Dr. Stillwater OK 74074
  • 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Guns n' Hoses Community Challenge Blood Drive
  • 4:30 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game
    • Cascia Hall. 2520 S. Yorktown Ave. Tulsa OK 74114
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - double header road games
    • Jenks High School. 1561 N. Birch St. Jenks OK 74037
  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame dinner
    • Ed Dubie Field House. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Friday

  • 3:00 p.m. CPHS Choir Trip - Branson "Music in the Park" Choir Contest
  • 3:00 p.m. CPHS Track and Field - Muskogee Track Meet
    • 3200 E. Shawnee Rd. Muskogee OK 74403
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - home game
    • CPHS Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - home game
    • CPHS Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Saturday

  • 9:00 a.m. 28th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival
  • 10:00 a.m. Sand Springs OKUSA Freestyle/Greco-Roman Wrestling Tournament
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School. 305 W. 35th St. Sand Springs OK 74063

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Home game
    • 405 W. 55th St. Sand Springs OK 74063

Tuesday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - Bishop Kelley Tournament
    • Lafortune Park Golf Course - 5501 S. Yale Ave, Tulsa OK 74135
  • 4:00 p.m. CPHS Tennis duel
    • Edison High School, 2906 E. 41st St, Tulsa OK 74105
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Road game
    • Union High School, 6636 S. Mingo Rd, Tulsa OK 74133
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - Home game
    • 500 N. Adams Rd, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - Home game
    • 500 N. Adams Rd, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - Jenks Festival
    • 1610 N. Birch, Jenks OK 74037
    • 10:00 a.m. vs Broken Arrow
    • 12:30 p.m. vs Southmoore

Wednesday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf - Sapulpa Tournament
    • 1200 W. Dewey Ave, Sapulpa OK 74066
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Tennis duel - Highway 97 Rivalry home game
    • 500 N. Adams Rd, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 10:30 a.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Thursday

  • 8:00 CPHS Girls' Golf - Del City Tournament
    • Trosper GC, 2301 SE 29th St, Oklahoma City OK 73129
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - Road game
    • Bixby High School, 601 S. Riverview Dr, Bixby, OK 74008
  • 6:30 p.m. Estate Planning Seminar by Monica L. Maple
    • Green Tree Assisted Living, 4402 S. 129th W. Ave. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 7:30 p.m. CPHS Band Spring Concert
    • Ed Dubie Field House, 500 N. Adams Rd, Sand Springs OK 74063

Friday

  • 2:30 p.m. CPHS Track and Field - Booker T. Washington Track Meet
    • 1514 E. Zion St, Tulsa OK 74106
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Road game
    • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - Road game
    • Westmoore High School, 12613 S. Western Ave. Oklahoma City OK 73170
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - Road game
    • Westmoore High School, 12613 S. Western Ave. Oklahoma City OK 73170

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Case Community Park River Run
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf - Frontier Valley Conference Tournament
    • Indian Springs GC, 16006 E. 131st St. S. Broken Arrow OK 74011
  • 10:00 a.m. Maxx Roofing 4th Annual Special Needs Bass Tournament
    • Mannford Lake Prairie View Boat Ramp
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Prom

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Golf - McAlester tournament
    • McAlester Country Club, 1500 Country Club Rd. McAlester, OK 74501
  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Tennis - Bartlesville tournament
    • Hillcrest Country Club, 1901 Price Rd. Bartlesville, OK 74006
  • 5:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Baseball - road game
    • Muskogee High School, 3200 E. Shawnee Rd. Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 6:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board Meeting
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education Meeting

Tuesday

  • 4:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Softball - Highway 97 Rivalry home game
    • Sandite Softball Complex, 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 5:30 p.m. Charles Page High School  Baseball - home game
    • Sandite Baseball Complex, 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium, 500 North Adams Rd. Sand Springs, OK 74063
  • 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium, 500 North Adams Rd. Sand Springs, OK 74063

Wednesday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Golf - Sapulpa Tournament
    • Sapulpa Municipal Golf Course, 1200 W. Dewey Ave, Sapulpa OK 74066
  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Golf - Bartlesville Tournament
    • Adams Municipal Golf Course, 5801 Tuxedo Blvd. Bartlesville, OK 74006

Thursday

  • 1:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Baseball - BA-Bixby Tournament
    • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
  • 2:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Track Meet
    • Moore High School, 300 N. Eastern Ave. Moore OK 73160
  • 3:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Baseball - BA-Bixby Tournament
    • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
  • 6:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Softball - road game (double-header)
    • Berryhill High School, 2901 S. 65th W. Ave. Tulsa OK 74107

Friday

  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Baseball - BA-Bixby Tournament
    • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Soccer - road game
    • Putnam City North High School, 11800 N. Rockwell Ave. Oklahoma City OK 73162
  • 7:00 p.m. Chillin 'n' Grillin' Festival
    • Pogue Airport, 101 John Hess Dr. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 7:00 p.m. Unity Praise 2017: Pathway to Greatness
  • 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Soccer - road game
    • Putnam City North High School, 11800 N. Rockwell Ave. Oklahoma City OK 73162

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Golf - Owasso Tournament
    • Bailey Ranch Golf Course, 10105 Larkin Bailey Blvd. Owasso OK 74055
  • 10:00 a.m. Chillin' 'n' Grillin' Festival + Harper's Hut Classic Car Show
  • Charles Page High School Baseball - BA-Bixby Tournament
    • 11:00 a.m. Fifth-Place Game
      • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012
    • 1:00 a.m. Seventh-Place Game
      • Bixby High School, 601 S. Riverview Dr. Bixby, OK 7400
    • 1:30 p.m. Championship Game
      • Bixby High School, 601 S. Riverview Dr. Bixby, OK 7400
    • 1:30 p.m. Third-Place Game
      • Broken Arrow High School, 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow OK 74012

Free community events are free to list and advertise with Sandite Pride. 
Submit information below, or email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com to send posters

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

  • 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - road game
    • Bixby High School, 601 S. Riverview Dr., Bixby OK 74008
  • 7:00 p.m. Regular Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Tuesday

  • 9:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Boys Golf Tournament
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge. 1801 N. McKinley Rd., Sand Springs 
  • 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - home game
    • 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs
  • 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Softball - home game
    • 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Varsity Soccer - road game
    • Booker T. Washington High School. 1514 E. Zion St. Tulsa OK 74106
  • 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Varsity Soccer - road game
    • Booker T. Washington High School. 1514 E. Zion St. Tulsa OK 74106

Thursday

  • 9:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Girls Golf Tournament
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge. 1801 N. McKinley Rd., Sand Springs
  • 4:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Softball - road game
    • Broken Arrow High School. 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Friday

  • 4:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Track and Field
    • Stillwater High School. 1224 N. Husband St. Stillwater, OK 74075
  • 4:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - Highway 97 Rivalry home game
    • 405 W. 55th St. Sand Springs
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Girls' Soccer - road game
    • Enid High School. 611 W. Wabash Ave. Enid, OK 73701
  • 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Boys' Soccer - road game
  • Enid High School. 611 W. Wabash Ave. Enid, OK 73701

Saturday

  • 12:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - home game
    • 405 W. 55th Street, Sand Springs

Free community events are free to list and advertise with Sandite Pride.
Submit posters and information to SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

  • Regular monthly meeting of the Sand Springs Planning Commission has been canceled. 
  • 6:00 p.m. Regular monthly meeting of the Sand Springs Board of Adjustments
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - road game
    • Moore High School, 300 N. Eastern Ave, Moore, OK 73160

Tuesday

  • 4:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Softball - Highway 97 Rivalry road game
    • 631 N. Brown, Sapulpa, OK 74066
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - home game vs. Moore
  • 6:00 p.m. Regular monthly meeting of the Sand Springs Museum Trust Authority

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Varsity Golf
    • Page Belcher Golf Course, 6666 S. Union Ave, Tulsa OK 74132
  • 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Softball - home game vs Barnsdal
  • 6:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Soccer - home game vs Muskogee

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Varsity Tennis - Muskogee Tournament
    • 3200 East Shawnee Bypass, Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Varsity Golf - Jenks Tournament
    • South Lakes Golf Course - 9253 S. Elwood Ave. Jenks, OK 74037
  • 4:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Varsity Track & Field - Broken Arrow meet
    • 1901 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - Bartlesville/Collinsville Tournament
    • 2400 W. Broadway St., Collinsville, OK 74021
    • 11:00 a.m. vs Rogers
    • 4:00 p.m. vs Parkhill Christian Academy
  • Charles Page High School Varsity Soccer - Stillwater Tournament

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Boys' Varsity Tennis - Claremore Tournament
    • 2001 N. Sioux Ave, Claremore, OK 74017
  • 8:00 a.m. Charles Page High School Girls' Varsity Tennis - Muskogee Tournament
    • 3200 East Shawnee Bypass, Muskogee, OK 74403
  • Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball - Bartlesville/Collinsville Tournament
    • 2400 W. Broadway St., Collinsville, OK 74021
    • 12:30 p.m. vs Hillcrest
    • 5:00 p.m. vs Fort Osage
  • Charles Page High School Varsity Soccer - Stillwater Tournament

Free community events are free to list and advertise with Sandite Pride.
Submit posters and information to SanditePrideNews@gmail.com 

Oklahoma Senate Republicans announce 2017 legislative agenda

Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz and members of the Senate Republican Caucus announced their 2017 legislative agenda Thursday at the state Capitol. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz and the Senate Republican Caucus on Thursday unveiled a 2017 legislative agenda with a focus on long-term solutions to build a more prosperous Oklahoma.

“This agenda is our vision of how we’ll make an already great state even better. Because the decisions we make at the Capitol have a long-term impact, it’s important we have a plan of where we want to guide Oklahoma in 5, 10 and 20 years. Senate Republicans are united in our desire to implement ideas and policies that will help our state’s economy grow and put us on a long-term path to prosperity. Helping our economy grow means more good-paying jobs for Oklahoma families and more resources to fund core government services without raising taxes,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

Senate Republicans unveiled the agenda at press events in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

“With a bold vision and leadership, our state can be a model that shows free-market, conservative ideas can empower the individual and foster a thriving economy. There are challenges ahead in the short term, but we want Oklahomans to know we are planning for the long-term and are working on policies that will benefit Oklahoma families and businesses,” said Majority Floor Leader Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

The 2017 Senate Republican Agenda:

 A MORE PROSPEROUS OKLAHOMA

  • Streamline and eliminate excessive regulations to stimulate job creation and economic growth.
  • Provide more stability, reliability and transparency in the state budgeting process.
  • Promote economic development and the diversification of the state’s economy.
  • Support transportation infrastructure including the eight-year plan.
  • Identify job-creating tax incentives, and eliminate ineffective tax incentives by supporting the work of the Incentive Evaluation Commission.

 INVESTING IN FUTURE GENERATIONS

  • Respect and support teachers by removing obstacles that interfere with a teacher’s ability to help students learn and achieve.
  • Reduce administrative costs and overhead in an effort to increase teacher salaries.
  • Allow parents, taxpayers, and local school boards to more closely direct and increase the quality of education in the classroom.
  • Ensure accountability measures provide parents and taxpayers a useful and accurate reflection of school performance and student achievement.

A SAFER OKLAHOMA

  • Support law enforcement officers and the rights of the citizens they are sworn to protect.
  • Monitor the implementation of criminal justice reforms.
  • Provide oversight of law enforcement agencies and promote cooperation to eliminate duplication.

A HEALTHIER OKLAHOMA

  • Promote access to quality health care services especially for rural and underserved areas of Oklahoma.
  • Encourage “block grant” programs from the federal government that empower Oklahoma to infuse free-market principles into health care plans.
  • Reduce waste and duplication at health care agencies, and utilize innovative health care delivery methods.
  • Work with private and public sector partners to address mental health and substance abuse issues.

PROTECTING CHILDREN AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES

  • Improve foster care and adoption services in Oklahoma, and strengthen support for foster families.
  • Reform social service programs so they offer economic mobility and help end dependency on government assistance.
  • Eliminate restrictions on non-profits and faith-based organizations that help fill the gaps in social services.
  • Continue Oklahoma’s commitment to defending the sanctity of life.

SUPPORTING VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

  • Work to minimize licensing challenges for military spouses due to relocation.
  • Support public-private partnerships to develop a comprehensive health care system.
  • Ensure Oklahoma veterans are connected with existing mental health and social service programs.
  • Increase protection of service members’ financial and contractual rights when mobilized or deployed.

Free movies and concerts this week in the Tulsa area

Coming to theaters this week:

Lights Out (PG-13)
Star Trek Beyond (PG-13)
Ice Age: Collision Course (PG)
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (R)

Guthrie Green will be showing Disney's Cars Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

Harper’s Hut Shaved Ice & Java will not be doing their weekly Movie and a Sno Cone due to extreme heat. 

Sapulpa’s Kelly Lane Park will be screening The Parent Trap (PG) Saturday night at dark.

Wednesday 7/27. My Rock Duo at Los Cabos in Jenks. This concert is outdoor, all ages, and free of charge. It starts at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday 7/28. Sand Springs's own Jacob Dement will perform at Los Cabos in Jenks. This concert is outdoor, all ages, and free of charge. It starts at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday 7/28. Swunky Face Big Band at Utica Square. This event is all ages, outdoor, and free of charge. It is from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Friday 7/29. Aviators at Los Cabos in Jenks. This concert is outdoor, all ages, and free of charge. It starts at 7:00 p.m.

Friday 7/29 and Saturday 7/30. Halo Jordan at 5 West Outpost in Sand Springs. This event is free for all ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 7/30. The Detonators at Los Cabos in Jenks. This concert is outdoors, all ages, and free of charge. It starts at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 7/30. Starr Fisher at the Riverwalk in Jenks. This concert is outdoor, all ages, and free of charge. It is from 7:00-9:00 p.m.


Have an upcoming event you'd like us to advertise? Free public events are free to list! Low-price advertising options are available for for-profit events. Contact Sanditepridenews@gmail.com for more information.

Monsters have invaded Sand Springs and Millennials are loving it

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The streets of Oklahoma have been invaded twice this week. First by monsters, then by Millennials.

Many parents may have thought their pokemon days were behind them once their child grew up and moved out, but now you might very well have a Vulpix living in your bathroom. 

Nintendo and Niantic Labs released the newest evolution of the Pokemon franchise last Wednesday in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand in the form of a smart phone app for Apple and Android users. Pokemon Go utilizes GPS imaging and the users' cameras to render an "augmented reality" that directly mirrors the real world.

What does that mean? It means that nerds actually have to leave the house and get some exercise now. For Pokemon trainers to "Catch 'Em All," they have to travel and seek out the desired "Pocket Monster" using a low-tech radar that only informs you if you're getting closer or further away, but doesn't actually point you in any specific direction.

To load up on Pokeballs and other necessary inventory, trainers must visit Pokestops at various local landmarks such as the Sand Springs Triangle Clock Tower, the Sand Springs Lake, or the Herbal Affair Mural. Pokemon can be caught anywhere, including the middle of the street, causing some potentially dangerous habits among die-hard collectors. 

In addition to the Pokestops, there are also Pokemon Gyms at Earth and Soul, the statue of Charles Page on the Triangle, Crossfit 1055, Saint Matthews Episcopal Church, and more. Gyms can be taken over by players on any of the three teams: Valor, Mystic, and Instinct. Players can combat enemy trainers at hostile gyms, and can train their own pokemon and level up friendly gyms that belong to their team. 

What's great about Pokemon Go is that it's not just a kids' game. While the app is sure to reach an entire new generation of children, its biggest target audience is the nostalgic young adults who grew up on the original Gameboy games in the 1990's and 2000's. The augmented reality aspect of the game is not only encouraging young people to be more active, but the uniqueness of it has enticed numerous adults well into their thirties and forties to take up the activity as well. 

The "Tulsa Pokemon GO: Team Valor" facebook group already has 231 members, "Pokemon GO-Team Instinct Tulsa" has 368 members, and "Tulsa Team Mystic" facebook page has 261 "likes." "Sand Springs Team Valor" appears to be the only team with a Facebook group in Sand Springs and it is currently sitting at 35 members.

This is far from a small niche market. The app quickly surged to the number one position on the Apple marketplace Top Charts, ahead of Snapchat, Messenger, Google Maps, and Spotify. The company hasn't released official numbers yet, but App analytics company SensorTower estimates more than 7.5 million downloads in the U.S. alone. The popularity of the app has caused numerous server issues that have frustrated many users, but the laps in coverage seem to be getting less frequent and game play is rapidly becoming less problematic. Unfortunately for most of the world, Niantec has already indefinitely delayed the rollout to the rest of the world until the server issues are resolved.

Don't expect users to get bored and quit playing any time soon. The app's debut only features the 150 original first generation pokemon, and future releases are expected to make an additional 570 pokemon available as well as allow players to trade their catches.

Sandite Pride News activated a "Lure Module" at the City Garden Park on Broadway Sunday, which draws rare pokemon to the area for a period of thirty minutes. Within ten minutes, players who saw the lure on their map were flocking to join us in the garden. Five vehicles with close to two-dozen trainers answered our call over the brief window, and there was another lure module going off at the Triangle which attracted dozens more at the same time. 

Needless to say, you can expect to see a lot more people walking around town with their face in their phone in the foreseeable future, so be vigilant not to hit any pedestrians who aren't paying attention to their surroundings. 

Sandite Pride is currently divided with two of our staff members choosing Team Valor while a third is on Team Mystic. Whether the rest of the staff joins the fun remains to be seen, but Executive Director Morgan Miller and I invite you to join us on the Sand Springs Team Valor facebook group and get active! The game isn't just for us nerds, but anyone who wants to be active and see more of the city will be sure to enjoy the app.

Safari Joe's H2O water park set to open Memorial Day Weekend; big changes in store

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Oklahomans everywhere felt the sting of saying goodbye to yet another Tulsa icon when news broke last August that the Murphy family was selling Big Splash. It hadn't even been ten years since Bell's Amusement Park closed down next door.

Unlike Bell's, which now maintains a handful of kiddie rides located at Swick's Saturday Market in West Tulsa, the former Big Splash is actually seeing major renovations and upgrades under new ownership.

Matthew Estes, who also owns a wildlife sanctuary in Adair, is the new owner and is putting a fresh spin on the park with several new additions. The Wave Pool, Lazy River, Master Blaster, Flumes, and other classics remain. The iconic Silver Bullet is gone, but in its place will be three new slides, dubbed the "Reptile Rush." 

Exotic birds, Shelly and Sheldon the tortoises, and other wildlife will be one of the biggest new attractions for the kids, but the adults will get a new treat as well. 

Peg Leg Pizza and the Ocean View Cafe will be joined by the Shark Beach Bar. Safari Joe's looks to tap into the adult market with Adult Night every Thursday. Only adults 21 years and older will be admitted and there will be live music weekly. 

Also in the works is a June 19 Fathers Day event titled "Hot Rods & Reptiles" which will feature a car show and "pin-up girl" contest. Contestants must be 18 or older to enter, but all ages are admitted.

The park will have its Grand Opening on Saturday, May 28th. Season passes are on sale for $75, but are Buy One Get One Free till 11:59 PM Tuesday night and can be purchased HERE

Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Tulsa area

By: Morgan Miller, Executive Director

Thursday is Cinco de Mayo and Sandite Pride News took the liberty of putting together a list of celebrations in the Sand Springs area, along with a little history.

In 1862 the Mexican army claimed victory over France in the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo (or the fifth of May) is a holiday that celebrates this victory. While it is a relatively small holiday in Mexico, this holiday has become a large celebration of Mexican culture in the United States.

This year, there are plenty of great events going on in the Tulsa area. 

• Elote Café and Catering is holding their annual Chihuahua races and Cinco de Mayo Street Festival this year. This event will start at 7:00pm on Thursday at their restaurant located at 514 S. Boston Ave Tulsa OK 74103.

• El Guapo’s will be having a Cinco de Mayo celebration from 12:00pm-1:00am. It is located at 100 S. Elgin Ave and is expected to draw 1,000 people. There will be live music from Dirty Monkey’s and Flux Capacitor and a game called “Plinko de Mayo” that can be played for a chance to win prizes. 

• The Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has organized a Cinco de Mayo Festival that will be held in East Tulsa at 14009 East 21st Street Tulsa, OK. This event will be taking place on May 6th-8th from 5:00-10:30pm on Friday, 2:00-10:30pm on Saturday, and 12:00-6:30pm on Sunday. It is expected to draw more than 5,000 participants and will have music, food, and entertainment.

• There will be a Cinco de Mayo Carnival from May 5th-8th at 14007 E. 21st St. On Thursday it will be from 5:00-10:00pm, Friday from 5:00-10:30pm, Saturday from 12:00-11:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00-8:00pm.

From all of us at Sandite Pride News, have a fun and safe Cinco de Mayo!

“American Ninja Warrior” coming to Oklahoma State Capitol

Sen. David Holt, the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gov. Mary Fallin, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, and House Speaker Jeff Hickman announced today that “American Ninja Warrior” is coming to Oklahoma for the first time and will shoot on the south plaza of the Oklahoma State Capitol.

The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services has approved a request by the producers of the hit NBC television show to shoot at the Capitol from May 6 to 17. The approval of the application represents the culmination of a months-long recruiting effort led by the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, with critical support from Holt, Fallin, Bingman, Hickman, Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, the Film and Music Office, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, and the Department of Public Safety.

“American Ninja Warrior” is an obstacle course competition show that is entering its eighth season on NBC with rebroadcasts on the Esquire Network. It is one of the highest-rated family shows on television. As part of its format, different cities each season serve as hosts for “city finals.” Oklahoma has never been the site of a “city final.” Serving as a host city leads to a direct economic impact from the influx of crew members, participants and fans. It leads to an indirect economic impact through the positive exposure for the city and state throughout the “American Ninja Warrior” season. In this unique instance, the shoot will also highlight Oklahoma’s State Capitol as it undergoes renovations and prepares for its centennial.

“It’s exciting that Oklahoma, and especially our state Capitol, will be showcased on ‘American Ninja Warrior,’” Fallin said. “This will allow viewers to get a glimpse of all the impressive things that are going on in Oklahoma City.”

“I think this is great. ’American Ninja Warrior’ is a popular, long-running prime-time show on a major network. It’s fun to watch,” Bingman said. “I think it’s very positive for Oklahoma and we’re looking forward to having the show here at the Capitol."

"We have been working to preserve our beautiful Capitol building which is a treasured gift from previous generation of Oklahomans,” Hickman said. “This national focus on our state, our capital city and the Capitol building will introduce millions more Americans to this special place we call Oklahoma."

“We are so excited and honored to be selected as an ‘American Ninja Warrior’ city for season eight,” said Sue Hollenbeck, Director of Sports Business for the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.  “Having a national TV shoot in Oklahoma City is not only a significant economic impact, but this is a great opportunity to show off our amazing state and specifically, our beautiful Capitol building. We are looking forward to working with the incredible production company and NBC to make this the best ‘American Ninja Warrior’ yet!”

“This past summer, my kids were obsessed with ‘American Ninja Warrior’, and I wondered at the time how we might someday get it to Oklahoma,” Holt said.   “Little did I know that the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau was already hard at work.   When they came to me last year seeking assistance at the Capitol, I was thrilled to help, and I commend all the state leaders and entities that also rose to the occasion.   The arrival of ‘American Ninja Warrior’ will present a fantastic opportunity to highlight our city, our state, and our Capitol.”