Senate District 37 candidate Brian O'Hara speaks at community forum

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Brian O'Hara, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"It's fantastic to be here, and what's even more fantastic is the fact that my wife and I have been married 34 years (points to McAtee and Nollan), 36 years, 35 years. That says a lot about the candidates that you have running for this office. 

There are certain people that when they run for office, they're a part of your community. I have been incredibly blessed to have been a part of your community. That's why I decided to run. Like Phil and others, I've had the opportunity to hear what you guys have to say. Not only on the doorstep, not just for the last two or three months, but for the last five years.

Working for Congressman Bridenstine, I've had to hear your concerns. I've had to listen. It's a privilege to know what you guys are talking about. Yes, education clearly is the first and foremost thing on most of your minds.

I want to set your minds at ease right now. I know people ask me, and they often ask me because they know where the congressman stands, 'where do you stand on education?' Well let me explain to you. I have five children, all five of them went to public school. My last just graduated from Jenks. I've had six exchange students come into my home. All six of them went to public school.

I was a PTA president. My wife has been a part of the PTA as well. My mother taught, my brothers teach - one has passed away - so I have a real desire to work on education. My youngest son's going to go to UCO and what he wants to do is be a teacher. Again, I have a vested interest because I don't want him coming home.

I say all this to say this. Congressman Bridenstine, and some of you may know this, does support vouchers. I met with a very conservative group, and I knew where they stood on vouchers. And they asked me point blank, where do you stand on vouchers? I said I don't support them, and I explained why.

One, the money. Two; when you allow City government, State government, Federal government to come into your classrooms, whether it be home schooling or private school, then you have the ability to have those entities tell you how to educate your children. And most of you are sending your children to private school or home schooling because you don't want that.

The budget is the second thing I hear on the doorstep, and you hear often. I've been saying this for two and a half years. The budget needs to be our priority. I owned a business, I owned a couple of Subways before I came to work for the congressman. It is ludicrous for us to consider the last two weeks of the session what we're supposed to do in the beginning of the session.

As a businessman, if I wanted to say my subway sandwiches, this is what I need to sell, at the end of the month rather than the beginning of the month, I would have gone broke. So I understand how important that is.

I was a City Councilman in Jenks. Look, Elizabeth (Grey) will tell you, we need to find a way to help fund them. The safety districts is something I will support. And what that does is give you the opportunity to decide what you want your money to go to.

Going back to education, one of the things I'd like to start seeing us do on education is to allow you, the individual voters, the people in the school districts to decide. We have an antiquated system that's thirty years old on how we fund schools. We need to look at that. We need to give off-the-top dollars, your dollars. Only about 78% of the money you use, you pay in taxes, actually goes to your school district. We have to change that. We have to allow you guys to decide where you want your money to go. So I would advocate that we change the funding to allow you guys to have your schools in better shape.

There are a lot of other things going on. Those are just three areas where I think I can be of benefit to you. But the main thing is, Phil said it, is relationships. I've built relationships over the past five years. With each and every one of you. I've come to your events. I've come to Chillin' and Grillin'. I've come to Boo On Broadway and I've had the opportunity to meet you individually, so I know who you are. I know where you stand on the issues. Now also note, that unless we build relationships what we do at the Capitol won't matter. 

So I'm asking for your support. The Republic primary is September twelfth. I would love for your vote. My cards are out there, my personal cell phone is on them. Any questions you have, I'll answer. And sometime's it's not going to be the answer you want, but it'll be an honest answer, it'll be a truthful answer, and I appreciate your support."

Senate District 37 candidate Phil Nollan speaks at community forum

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Phil Nollan, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"I'm used to being the guy in the background, doing the research. I know a lot of you out here in the audience already, and you know our background as a family. Maybe you don't know that I grew up in Tulsa and went to Tulsa Public Schools. I graduated and went to Oklahoma State University where I met my lovely, and through some miracle - I'm not sure how - I managed to talk her into marrying me, and we've been married thirty-six years ourselves. 

What was neat about that is, she brought me back to Sand Springs at a home football game when John Blake was still playing football. When Barry Switzer was recruiting him I saw him in a big fur coat down on the sidelines. But what was neat about that was the home town feel that we had here in Sand Springs, in the stadium. When Jadine walked around, she knew everybody. That's something I didn't get in Tulsa. I said, 'Jadine, when we get married I want to move back to Sand Springs and I want to raise our kids here.' That's what we've done. 

We have three kids, two grandkids, and we're blessed to have our two grandkids living close to us. I love being a papa, it means more to me than anything else.

Now a bit more about me and my career. I got a computer science degree at OSU when computer science was not the cool thing to get. I went to work for the oil and gas industry. I've been in the industry about thirty-five years as an information technology professional.

I'm a nationally-certified project manager. I think during my process of my early years I learned how to manage projects and programs, I learned how to lead teams, learned how to work on big IT budgets, learned how to deliver things as promised - on time and under budget. 

My recent employment with EMC, I had to work with Fortune 100 customers like Chesapeake, Devon, Williams, Conoco, Phillips 66, OU, OSU, and a lot of companies here in Oklahoma. What I found in working with those companies is, they had big demands like I know this job has. Like I know the job that my wife has to do. Meeting those demands is not going to be easy, but you've got to keep your word. You've got to keep your promises, and you have to do the best you can do to make it happen.

You've got to develop relationships with people in the organization. You've got to develop relationships with the people up in the House, and in the Senate. You have to develop relationships in the business community and in the school community. I think that's maybe an advantage that I have a little bit at least in the Sand Springs and West Tulsa and Berryhill area, because I've knocked on a lot of the doors that Jadine's knocked on. I've heard the concerns of the people at the door.

The number one polling issue is education and education funding. That is the number-one polling. What's number two? The State budget. How do we fix the State budget. Then public safety and health follow that.

Those are the big issues, and they're glaring everybody in the face. Everybody has answers to them. There's a lot of opinions on both sides of the aisle. There's even opinions within the caucus itself, and that kind of fragmented everybody to try to come up with a solution this past year which we didn't come up with too many good solutions this past year.

My wife and I, we've served all our lives in the community. We enjoy serving. We're at a stage in life now where our kids are grown up. This is something that I could do full time. I could be your State Senator full time.

I have a personal passion for education. My wife was on the school board for eleven years. I worked closely with her behind the scenes doing research and working with the schools. Heck, I was on the committee that helped build the stadium that we have now after fifty-seven years of the rock stadium that we had before. What a great project that was for Sand Springs. Our new stadium that we have and the track out there and our fine arts center. Those are some of the things that we've done.

We've got a lot of good things happening in Sand Springs in our community business-wise with the Vision 2025 corridor, our parks, our quality of life projects have really stepped up. We've had a lot of new things.

I want to take that excitement and that energy to the State Capitol. I want to say there are a lot of great things we can do, all we have to do is get together. We've got to come together, we have to stop this bickering between the aisles. And really, the Republican caucus is so big, there's bickering within the caucus itself. Those don't all work good together.

I'm just excited to be here. This is so much fun. I've been on the sidelines for seven years and I've wanted to get in the game. Coach, call me in! And I haven't had a chance. This is an opportunity and I'd appreciate your vote on September twelfth."

Senate District 37 candidate Nicole Nixon speaks at community forum

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Nicole Nixon, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of her opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"My name is Nicole Nixon. I'm a mom. I live in Southwest Tulsa.

Three of my community schools were consolidated. The schools that were consolidated; they'll have you believe that it was because we have low enrollment numbers. They'll have you believe that we have too many schools out there and we're spending too much money on them. The truth is, the more that I dug into this, the more their numbers were skewed, and the more none of this made sense. 

I was told that they were going to consolidate North Tulsa schools but because of the Betty Shelby case, that they didn't want to have a riot on their hands. So they attacked Southwest Tulsa. 

As far as the funding, Tulsa Public Schools is the second largest school district in Oklahoma. Tulsa Public Schools is not properly utilizing their funding. And the second-largest school district in the state not properly utilizing their funding is sending a message to the legislature that none of the public schools are adequately utilizing their funding. It makes all of us look bad. And when they stand their and they point their finger at the legislature, half of the reason that they have problems is because they put themselves in that. It's not acceptable. 

I used to be a metal salesman. I worked in the steel industry. I am familiar with hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots. I worked with tons of manufacturing businesses: aerospace, defense. I have the ability to negotiate.

I want to have a voice when it comes to my children's education. I want all of us to have a voice when it comes to our community and what is going on in our legislature. It's not acceptable what they're doing.

We have leaders that are not being leaders. A good leader makes more leaders. They have tried to blame it on the freshman legislators. But when in actuality, they haven't reached out and tried to help them learn or pulled them on the team. They've been using them as pawns. 

I decided to run because I'm tired of it, as most of us are. As far as job growth and our economy, education comes number one. We have a great education, we attract businesses, we have a well-educated workforce.

Some of you may have seen me on the news. I was down in Oklahoma City at the Capitol, fighting for our schools. If you visit my website, there's media links to all the reports of me standing up and fighting. Tonight I'll be at the Tulsa Public Schools Board meeting, like I am at most of those board meetings.

Without a presence by the parents and the people, we have no chance of making government accountable to the people. We've got to step up, join our PTAs. You don't have to have a student that goes to school there to join. We have to make a bigger presence. 

As far as bringing more voter awareness, I think the key to that is having a solid election day every year. From school board all the way up, we need to create a culture where people know 'today is voting day and I'm gonna go vote for this candidate, but I know there's going to be a whole bunch of other names on that list and I don't want to get it wrong.' We need to have them looking at our school board members. We need to have them showing up. We've all got to do this together.

I humbly ask for your vote. Give me a voice. I just want to be able to help my children and your children and our state. I want to have the opportunity to get in there and find out what is going on and start fixing the root of our problems rather than treating symptoms."

 

 

 

Senate District 37 candidate R. Jay McAtee speaks at community forum

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R. Jay McAtee, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"My name is R. Jay McAtee. Today's my anniversary, I've been married to my wife thirty-five years today. I love you dear.

I'm a lawyer in Tulsa and a judge here in Sand Springs. I've been a municipal judge for fifteen years, it's taught me a lot. I've represented businesses and families for thirty-five years. I represent workers' compensation businesses and insurance companies, defending workers' compensation claims. 

I've been living in South Sand Springs (Prattville) since 1990. I live on Overholt Drive off 51st Street. Raised my two kids there, my wife and I did. We call Sand Springs home. I attend First Presbyterian Church, I'm a Clerk of Session there. I've been attending First Pres for sixteen-seventeen years. That's my church home.

That's who I am. Now why am I running for State Senate District 37? It's not for the money. I don't need it. I'm a successful attorney, I've got a good practice. My wife asked me 'why are we doing this?' I told her because I'm fed up of forty-eighth or worse. It's time I give something back to this state, and I think I've got the ability to do that. 

Just yesterday, what was in the Tulsa World? 'Deep-pocketed non-profits use dark money to sway Oklahoma elections.' Oklahoma is controlled by special interests. That's not right. We need to take Oklahoma back. We need to give it back to the citizens of Oklahoma. And I don't intend to let special interests dictate my vote. I truly believe that special interests have caused Oklahoma's problems.

The legislature needs to take the budget and make it their number one item on day one, February 8-9, 2018 and they need to not attend to any other business until that budget is addressed. Folks, you can't cut forever. I'm a businessman. You cannot cut down to the bone. If you get to the bone, you're done. So we have got to figure out how to meet Oklahoma's budgetary needs.

Gross production tax - yes I made the oil industry mad at me last week when I went in front of the State Chamber's lobbyists and I said this. First thing out of their mouth was 'where do you stand on gross production tax?' Well folks, the reality of it is, the horizontal drilling is robbing us. That horizontal gross production tax is for the first three years. You know what they get in the first three years? They get all that they're gonna get out of that well. 

The vertical drillers are paying 7%. They're getting robbed. And we're getting robbed by out-of-state interests - big oil - and it's time for them to step up and help fix Oklahoma.

We can't pay our teachers until we figure out how to do the budget. I am absolutely in favor of paying teachers. My mother taught in Laverne, Oklahoma, out in the panhandle thirty-plus years. She had her Master's in English. I believe in teachers. It's a profession just like lawyers, just like anything else. There's good, there's bad, there's mediocre, and there's excellent. I think teachers generally are excellent, because they're responding to a calling, and we need to support them.

We need to support roads and bridges, we need to do a lot of things, but none of it's going to happen until we have bold leadership that's ready to step up at the Capitol and say 'no, we are going to stop the special interests from dictating to Oklahoma what Oklahoma needs.' 

I hope I get your vote. We have a lot of good candidates running against me. It's gonna be a fun race."

This Week in Sand Springs (8/7 - 8/13/17)

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Tuesday 

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Last chance to view "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit.
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.
  • 2:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Claremore (A).
    • 1910 North Florence Avenue, Claremore OK.
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs Bartlesville (A).
    • 1700 S.E. Hillcrest Drive, Bartlesville, OK.

Thursday

  • 4:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Booker T. Washington (H).
    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street.
  • 5:30 p.m. Airport Advisory Board Meeting
    • Airport Terminal Building Conference Room
      3200 Airport Road.
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Booker T. Washington (H).
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road.

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Free Movie Night - The Lego Batman Movie
    • Case Community Center
      1050 W. Wekiwa Road.
  • Times TBA: Lady Sandite Softball at Broken Arrow Tournament

Saturday

  • Times TBA: Lady Sandite Softball at Broken Arrow Tournament.
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day at Keystone Ancient Forest.
  • 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. All Around Nutrition Back to School Bash
    • 430 West Wekiwa Road
  • 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dog Dip Day at Chandler Park Pool.

Sunday

  • 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Back 2 School Bash
    • Tulsa Technology Center
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard.

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

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

Senate District 37 candidate Rick Hardesty speaks at community forum

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Rick Hardesty, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"What I'm hearing is, we need to get our schools better funding. We need to get more money into our education system. To me that makes sense as a small business owner in needing to have a viable workforce and things like that...The reason I started running, the main reason, was I sat and watched...and they have practically closed every school over there and it kind of got me angry.

Normally I'm not that politically involved, but after seeing all this going on I decided that our legislators that we currently have in Oklahoma City aren't really doing the job that they're supposed to be doing. That's looking out for the best interests of our state, not just a few corporate entities. 

The reason I think I can do a fairly good job over there is that I also do real estate, and in real estate we negotiate stuff every day. That's what real estate is. If I take a contract with a customer to sell their house or sell their business, I'm gonna get them the exact highest price we can get. And vice-versa. If I'm working with a buyer, I'm going to get them a property as cheap as I can. So every day, we're negotiating and I'm good at it. 

It's gonna take the citizens in the community to get together with public forums and let them know exactly how you feel.

We have over 75 different business tax incentives in Oklahoma in the name of promoting new business. They're not working. Very few of them give us a return on our investment and that's by their own studies. We have a tax incentive commission and they randomly pick different ones. And of the last report they did, ten out of the eleven that they did had a negative impact on our state. The businesses that are taking advantage of the tax incentives are the larger corporate people who are trying to hit a home run. 

I think that we had the opportunity to get our horizontal well drilling credit back to 7% and we missed out on it. In Oklahoma they've been paying 1%. Now it's 2%, which is far below the national average. If they go to Texas they're going to pay 11-13%. If they go to North Dakota they're going to pay 13%. In Oklahoma they pay 2%. I think it's time to do away with that. That was set up in times for if oil prices dropped below $15 per barrel. That's costing us hundreds of millions of dollars a year that could go toward other things. 

In all the surveys that are taken to attract businesses into Oklahoma, good education system was the number one answer to attract corporations and companies to start businesses in Oklahoma. It's not tax incentives. We need to get our priorities straight, put money back where it matters. That's my goal."

House Representative Jadine Nollan appointed as State Director for NFWL

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ALEXANDRIA, VA – Representative Jadine Nollan has been selected to serve in leadership for the nation’s oldest non-partisan organization addressing the needs of elected women at all levels of government.

Nollan was recently appointed to serve as the 2017 Oklahoma State Director for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL).

“I am excited and feel very honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Oklahoma State Director for the National Foundation for Women Legislators and look forward to working with the organization to help promote leadership development and effective governance at the state, county and municipal level. This organization serves as a valuable resource for women in elected positions and I am pleased to have been appointed to serve in this capacity.”

“We are so proud Representative Nollan has accepted a leadership position in our Foundation,” stated Minnesota State Senator Carrie Ruud, NFWL’s 2017 Chair. “NFWL’s theme for 2017 is leadership, and Representative Nollan exemplifies this theme. She will play a key role in aiding elected women in Oklahoma, as we continue to grow as an organization.”

Nollan begins serving in her new position immediately and will hold this office through the end of 2018.

Sand Springs park officials announce details for upcoming Riverfest event

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Sand Springs Parks Department officials held a press event Tuesday morning at River City Park to announce the details of the upcoming Riverfest event. The park will be officially rededicated as "Case Community Park" with a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, September 9th. City Council members will be on hand along with Mike and Pat Case, who donated $2 million to the park renovation.

"For those of you that don't know Mike Case, you should because he is a fantastic guy. He stands behind the community," said I.J. Ganem, a musician who will be performing at the event.

"About a month from now the park will be completed, and it will be open for business. We're very excited about that," said Parks Director Grant Gerondale.

The festivities will last from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will include a car show, hot air balloons, sidewalk chalk art contest, free hot dogs, live music, fireworks, and more. 

Local band The Rogues Five will provide the entertainment for the event. The group of Sand Springs alumni charted regionally in the 1960s and opened for Jim Morrison and The Doors at the peak of their success. The band is comprised of I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, Bard Coats, and Jamie Oldaker.

"What we tried to do as a committee in planning this party was reach out to all ages, to all genders, and I think we're doing that with the selection of these two artists," said Park Facilities Manager Jeff Edwards.

The Rogues will open up the show with classic rock music, while Morgan Ganem will perform during the evening festivities. Morgan is the son of I.J. and a prominent solo performer with residency at Safari Joe's H2O. 

(Left to right): I.J. Ganem, Morgan Ganem, Joy Turner, Jeff Edwards, Grant Gerondale.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs musician Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise

"It's a great community," said I.J. Ganem. "I remember actually being here at the river parks...with my father for the very first raft race...Today is actually my wife and my 36th anniversary and we had our first semi-date here." The Great Raft Race will return to the park Labor Day weekend.

"Anytime our city gets behind what we're doing, it's a big honor," added Morgan.

The Oklahoma City Thunder basketball organization will send representatives to dedicate a new "Thunder Cares" basketball court. The park renovation also features new playgrounds, horseshoe pits, an 18-hole disc golf course, improved infrastructure and parking, and additional multi-use athletic fields. The amenities are anchored around the 1.94-acre Great Lawn and amphitheater.

Parking is limited and a $10 fee will be collected in the late afternoon. The parking ticket will also serve as a raffle ticket for a television giveaway.

"We have a brand new entrance. A lot of people didn't even know we have a park here, and a lot of people didn't know how large the park is," said Edwards. "There's something for everybody...Whether Riverfest happens around this time of year, or if it happens at a different time, I think what we're going to do is build the excitement to have a large community-sized event. An all day thing that families can come out to enjoy and use the quality of life features that we have in the park for them."

Existing features within the park include the Case Community Center, Inez Kirk Soccer Complex, Jerry Adair Baseball Complex, Rotary Super Splash Pad, Will Ramsey Softball Complex, volleyball courts, a BMX track, and a rodeo arena.

The rodeo arena is slated for demolition this winter, while two new park improvements will be on the ballot in November. In a November 14 special election, Sand Springs residents will vote on five general obligation bond propositions. Proposition One calls for a new roadway to be constructed over the levee separating the park from the Sheffield Crossing development. Proposition Three will provide funds for a new paved parking lot at the baseball fields.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council approves General Obligation Bond vote for November

This Week in Sand Springs (7/31 - 8/6/17)

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Tuesday 

  • 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime with Miss Alice (Stay and Play).
    • Charles Page Library
      551 E. 4th St.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Movie.
    • Charles Page Library
      551 E. 4th St.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit.
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.
  • 6:30 p.m. August Racing - Sand Springs BMX Association.

Wednesday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit.
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.
  • 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School.
    • Sand Springs Church of the Nazarene
      516 N. Cleveland Ave.

Thursday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit.
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.
  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
  • 5:30 p.m. Anderson School District Board of Education Meeting.
  • 6:00 p.m. Pole and Barrel Series - Sand Springs Round Up Club.
  • 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School.
    • Sand Springs Church of the Nazarene
      516 N. Cleveland Ave.

Friday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit.
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.
  • 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School
    • Sand Springs Church of the Nazarene
      516 N. Cleveland Ave.

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. Connor's Classic 5K and Fun Run.
  • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days.
  • 9:00 a.m. Free Barrel & Pole Clinic.
  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit.
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.
  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Museum Association Annual Meeting.
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum.
      9 E. Broadway St.
    • Election of Association Officers, speakers, entertainment, and last chance to tour "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone By" exhibit.
  • 7:00 p.m. Eighth Annual Tulsa Central Alumni Party.
    • Sandite Billiards & Grill
      7822 W. Parkway Blvd.
      Tulsa, OK 74127

Sunday

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

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

Sand Springs City Council approves General Obligation Bond vote for November

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Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter discusses the department's need for updated dispatch software at a Monday night City Council meeting. (Photo: Emigh).

The Sand Springs City Council unanimously approved a series of bond propositions at Monday night’s regular monthly meeting. The five propositions will appear on the ballot November 14th at the same time as the Senate District 37 special election. Each proposition will pass or fail on its own, and will require a simple majority of 50% plus one vote.

Proposition One totals $3.505 million for the purpose of improving street conditions and constructing new roadways. “The City has always made an effort to make streets and roadways here in Sand Springs a priority,” said City Manager Elizabeth Gray. $1.445 million will be used for street overlays and repairs, while $2.06 million will go to a new roadway over the levee separating Case Community Park from the Sheffield Crossing commercial development.

Proposition Two totals $2.27 million for the purpose of purchasing new public safety equipment and software. The money will be used to replace a fifteen-year-old Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software for the Sand Springs Police Department, as well as the Records Management System. A new ladder truck will also be purchased for the Sand Springs Fire Department. The new unit will be able to navigate tighter spaces and will have a ladder approximately 30 feet longer than the current unit.

Proposition Three totals $3.765 million for the purposes of beautifying, renovating, and generally improving public parks, lands, recreational facilities, etc. $592,250 will go to paving the parking lot at the Jerry Adair Baseball Complex inside Case Community Park. $203,000 will go to Museum building improvements, $420,500 will go to park improvements, $231,750 will go to neighborhood trail improvements, $2.06 million will go to improvements at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, and $257,500 will go towards improvements at the Keystone Ancient Forest. KAF improvements will include a watch tower and a new visitor’s center.

Proposition Four totals $2.625 million for the purpose of improving municipal facilities and assets. $412,000 will go to purchasing a vacuum truck, $1.9055 million will go to City-wide beautification and landscaping, and $307,500 will go to City-wide computer hardware and software upgrades. According to City officials, the current vacuum truck is utilized daily and is one of the most heavily used piece of equipment in the city.

Part of the beautification and landscaping funds will go to the City Water Treatment facility on the corner of Morrow Road and Wilson Avenue. “We want to make sure that we don’t have an eyesore that people can see anymore,” said Gray. "The water tower is coming down, it’s already funded. The water treatment facility isn’t going to be moved, it’s just too expensive. We want to make sure that our city looks as good as it can.”

Proposition Five totals $6.180 million will go to acquisition, improvement, and development of lands for future economic development projects. “Our citizens still have wants that they want to see locally, and we want to see that happen,” said Police Chief Mike Carter. “Look no further than Walmart and Webco. Those would not have happened if the City didn’t have those resources.”

Under the proposal, the city millage rate will be kept to $13 per $1,000 of property value. According to City officials, the most Sand Springs citizens have ever paid was $13.5. “Even when we go to 13 mills, our millage rate will be below Bixby, Jenks, Sapulpa, Broken Arrow, and Tulsa,” said Councilman Phil Nollan. “It was intentional,” added Mayor Mike Burdge. 

In other news:

Council approved a renewal of their ten-year sales tax rebate agreement with Reasor’s, LLC. The 1% agreement caps at $2 million and is currently at $1.022 million after five years.

Council approved a $251,708 annual subsidy of EMSA services.

Council approved a contract of up to $190,000 with Dewberry Architects for expenses relating to the new Public Safety Facility.

Council approved the closure of the Southern half of Case Community Park from Sunday, September 3rd through Monday, September 4th. The park will serve as the launching point for the Great Raft Race that Monday. The park will also be closed to normal operations on September 9th and 10th due to the Riverfest Grand Opening event. 

Council approved a transfer of $20,000 for a sidewalk improvement project in Concord Estates.

Council approved an ordinance rezoning the formerly-planned Arms Estates housing addition from RS-2 to RS-3. Arms Estates was originally planned in 1958 but ceased development after a single home. The property is located between East 31st Place and East 32nd Place off South 113th West Avenue.

Alan Betchan of AAB Engineering plans on developing a twelve-lot subdivision named Rivercrest. The new zoning allows the lots to be as little as 60 feet wide, as opposed to 75 feet minimum under RS-2. The lots are expected to be about 70 feet wide and 9,000 square feet. The addition will include single-story homes approximately 1800 square feet, and two-story homes approximately 2200 square feet. They are expected to range from $200,000 to $300,000.

Council voted to create an exemption from the Sand Springs Parks Fee for new buildings on lots that have been previously developed as residential.

Council voted to approve current plans for a hardened room (storm shelter) to be constructed at the Case Community Center. Preliminary designs have been drafted by Studio 45 for a 40x14 room with an occupancy load of 97, able to withstand 250 mph winds. “This is simply a place for occupants of the building, this is not a community shelter” said Parks Director Grant Gerondale. The project will go to bid this fall.

Council awarded a $715,710 contract to Circle P Welding, Inc. for the replacement of the South McKinley Hills Water Storage Tank.

Councilman Brian Jackson announced the acquisition of several surplus books from the National Library of Congress that have been gifted to Sand Springs Public Schools.

The Sand Springs Museum Association will hold an annual meeting on August 5th that is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Connie Fisher, a museum volunteer and nationally acclaimed storyteller, will provide entertainment.

This Week in Sand Springs (7/24 - 7/30/17)

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Monday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School
    • Word of Life
      1402 N. 81st W. Ave.
  • 1:00 p.m. American Indian Dances and Storytelling with Mike and Lisa Pahsetopah
    • Pratt Library
      3219 S. 113th W. Ave.
  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting
    • City Municipal Building
      100 E. Broadway Room 203
    • Must sign in to speak
    • Presentation, hearing, and potential adoption of General Obligation Bond Election.
    • Click here to view full agenda. 
  • Sand Springs Municipal Authority Meeting - Immediately following City Council

Tuesday 

  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School
    • Word of Life
      1402 N. 81st W. Ave.
  • 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime with Miss Alice (Stay and Play!)
  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.

Wednesday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School
    • Word of Life
      1402 N. 81st W. Ave.
  • 10:30 a.m. Disc Golf with Mr. Richard 
    • Charles Page Library
      551 E. 4th St.
    • Professional disc golfer Richard Why, team member for Fossa, will hold a children's golf clinic.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.

Thursday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School
    • Word of Life
      402 N. 81st W. Ave.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.
  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
  • 6:00 p.m. Pole and Barrel Series - Sand Springs Round Up Club

Friday

  • Sand Springs Public School Enrollment Center closed due to alarm testing.
  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School
    • Word of Life
      402 N. 81st W. Ave.
  • 10:00 a.m. Touch a Truck - Presented by Pratt Library
    • Explore fire trucks, police cars, and military vehicles at the Sand Springs Church of Christ.
    • 4301 S. 113th W. Ave.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.
  • 9:00 p.m. Astronomy Night at Keystone Ancient Forest
    • 160 Ancient Forest Drive

Saturday

  • Pirate Day at Pier 51 Marina
    • 1926 S. Highway 151
  • 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball - Pancake Breakfast
    • Masonic Lodge #475
      3201 S. 113th W. Ave.
    • $5 per person
  • 10:00 a.m. First Annual CPHS Slow-Pitch Alumni Softball Game
    • Sandite Sports Complex
      412 W. 55th St.
    • No cover charge, donations encouraged. 
  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. "Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry" exhibit
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 E. Broadway St.

Sunday

  • 4:00 p.m. Barrel and Pole Series - Sand Springs Round Up Club
  • 6:00 p.m. Fourth Annual CPHS Alumni Football Game
    • George F. Collins Stadium
      1201 E. Lincoln
      Sapulpa, OK

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

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

Sand Springs Animal Shelter is full, in need of adoptions and fosters

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The following animals are available for adoption at the Sand Springs Animal Shelter as of 7.20.2017. According to welfare volunteer Stacey Zahn, the shelter is nearly full.

Photographs are courtesy of Snapdragon Photography and Stacey Zahn.

Adoption cost is $65 and covers spaying/neutering, vaccination, deworming, and a general health examination. You must be 18 years or older to adopt. 

Healthy/adoptable animals are held for three days for owners to claim them before being posted for adoption. 

In emergency overcrowding situations, the Sand Springs Animal Shelter may have to euthanize some animals. 

Anyone looking to support the shelter can join the Sand Springs Animal Shelter Support Group on Facebook, or volunteer with Sandite Team Animal Rescue.

Sand Springs Animal Welfare
8620 W. 21st St.
Sand Springs, OK 74063
918.246.2543
animalcontrol@sandspringsok.org
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday

Snapdragon Photography
Sand Springs, OK 74063
918.625.6853
renae@snapdragonphotography.net
www.snapdragonphotography.net
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This Week in Sand Springs (7/17 - 7/23/17)

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Monday

  • Summer Bingo at American Legion, Billie A. Hall Post 17.
    • Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
    • Minis start at 6:15 p.m. ($7 for 7 games).
    • Regular session at 7:00 p.m. ($26 for a regular pack or $15 for a half pack).
  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission Regular Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting
  • 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night at Sandite Billiards & Grill
    • 7822 Parkway Boulevard
    • Free to play, winning team gets free burger baskets. Teams up to 6 players.

Tuesday 

  • 11:00 a.m. Recycle Craft for a Better World
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority Regular Meeting
  • 6:30 p.m. Sand Springs BMX Racing
    • 2600 South River City Park Road
    • $10 per night or $60 annual membership.

Wednesday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority Regular Meeting

Thursday

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

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. American Legion Yard Sale
    • Billie A. Hall Post 17
    • 500 North Main Street

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. American Legion Yard Sale
    • Billie A. Hall Post 17
    • 500 North Main Street

Downtown Sand Springs experiencing growth and restoration with several new businesses

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YellowHouse Market and Boutique is the newest business coming to downtown after buying out Deja Vu Decor. 

A city's downtown business district is often considered the heart of the community. In Oklahoma, where municipalities are almost fully dependent on sales tax revenue for general operations, a healthy downtown can be paramount to a healthy economy. 

If City officials and local businesses have their way, Sand Springs will soon be one of the premier downtowns in the State to spend the weekend shopping and sightseeing. 

In the recently-approved Sand Springs 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the City identified having an assorted variety of downtown restaurants, businesses, and services as vital to creating a sense of place within a community. The plan sets a goal of enhancing the downtown area as one of the primary focal points of the community.

Beau Wilson Insurance.

In the past, downtown Sand Springs has struggled with attracting both patrons and quality business establishments. Vice-Mayor Beau Wilson attributes the lack of customers to lack of quality retail, the curb appeal of many older buildings, and a failure to market downtown as a destination for Sand Springs. He also says that this is beginning to change.

"Downtown has a number of thriving boutiques and antique shops," says Wilson. "We are beginning to see citizens reinvest in our historic downtown." Beau Wilson Insurance opened in the historic Boone-Rose Building at 17 East 2nd Street this past November. The building was constructed in 1924.

"When I was looking to relocate my business to Sand Springs, there was no other location but downtown in my opinion. My wife, business partners and I were fully committed to finding a location in downtown...and it has been an honor to restore and revitalize a piece of our town's history." 

Dog and Duck Antiques.

Just two doors down from Wilson, Chris and Julie Bedokis opened Dog and Duck Antiques at 21 East 2nd Street on Memorial Day weekend. The couple already had a small booth at the Vintage Stables on Main Street but decided to open their own facility. The store didn't open with much fanfare initially, and is tentatively planning on a Grand Opening event later this year.

Another newcomer to the downtown area is YellowHouse Market & Boutique. Lisa and Mike Miller first opened YellowHouse at the Livi Lee's Shopping Center in October, but just nine months later they're already planning on relocating to a larger facility in the downtown business district. 

The new YellowHouse location will be at 122 North Main Street in the former Chastain's Department Store building. "We did buy a new building. It's a larger space. It's going to help us reach Sand Springs with more clothes, more goodies, and lots of fun," said Lisa Miller in a Facebook Live announcement. The Millers plan to stay open in their current location until the new building's remodel is complete.

The Chastain's building, constructed in 1931, has been owned and operated by Laurie Joslin for the past two decades. At one point she owned the Kindred Spirits novelty shop in the front and The Back Porch Cafe in the back. The Back Porch Cafe acquired a front porch after Joslin purchased the building next door and relocated the diner. She rebranded as The Lunch Box, then rebranded again as Chastain's Casual Cafe and Catering. Eventually the buildings were separated and Joslin opened DejaVu Decor while the old restaurant building was purchased by Boomarang Cafe.

Joslin and her husband, Mark, have plans to relocate their business to The Antique Depot in Skiatook, but will still reside in Sand Springs. They plan on featuring their house in the 39th Annual Pilot Club Parade of Homes later this year.

Chip and Annette Stacy opened Stacys' Resale Shop at 12 East 2nd Street in September of 2016 and recently expanded to their neighboring storefront for a music and guitar shop. The store boasts a large array of modern and classic comic books, records, 8-track cassettes, CDs, jewelry, knives, home decor, furniture, and more. 

The shop is filled with dozens of classic Les Pauls, German fiddles, and other unique instruments and collectibles. Looking up at the walls is like a trip through a museum. Original Black Sabbath, Jim Morrison, Joan Jett, Elvis, Willie Nelson, and other vinyl records wallpaper the store.

Troy and Stephanie Cleveland opened The Vintage Stables on Main in 2016 and performed one of the most notable restorations in recent years. The bright red barnstyle building could easily serve as a stop sign, telling drivers to pull over and shop. 

WSB Designs, LLC.

It's not all shopping in downtown, either. After the passing of Reverend Terry Scott in October, Future Vision Ministries closed their office on the Triangle and sold to local builder William Bell. Bell recently showcased a house in the Tulsa Parade of Homes and is still renovating his new studio. The front of the building pays homage to its prior resident with a quote from Scott. 

Unfortunately, not all classic buildings can be saved. In April of 2012, a fire devastated a historic building housing the Sand Springs Beauty College and Covington Credit. The skeleton remained until 2016 when it was demolished by the Sand Springs Home and construction began on a new retail/office building.

Left, damage from the 2012 fire is cordoned off with caution tape. Right, a new building is erected in the same location.

"The City has made tremendous strides in the past few years to give downtown its identity and purpose," says Wilson. "Under the excellent leadership of City Manager Elizabeth Gray and her staff, we will continue to see downtown prosper."

"As a city, we have some of the most talented employees. Many of whom donate their own time and particular talent and skill-sets to make Sand Springs better. Take the Triangle for example. Jeff Edwards and Grant Gerondale and the entire Parks Department took on that project making it what it is today...it truly is our employees who make the difference and will be the engine behind fueling the growth of downtown."

"I can remember a day when I was a kid when downtown seemed like a ghost town. Especially when all of the growth and emphasis was to the south of Sand Springs...Urban renewal and suburban sprawl were the catch phrases of the day. Rather than restore old buildings, it was easier to tear down and build something new, or reface old buildings with a new modern facade, losing that building's history entirely."

As to the future, Wilson says that the current City Council is committed to saving Sand Springs history. He would like to see downtown business owners take a more active role in beautifying their buildings, with further investment by both the city and its businesses. 

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Sand Springs Board of Education approves hiring of new baseball coach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists include:

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

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

The Rising Stars are:

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

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

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Monday

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

Tuesday 

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

Wednesday

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

Thursday

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

Friday

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

Saturday

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

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

Click here to view previous Sandites of the Week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Monday

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

Tuesday - American Independence Day

Thursday

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

Friday

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

Saturday

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

Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click HERE to view recent photos of the park construction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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