Sand Springs City Council passes Morrow Road widening project

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The Sand Springs City Council unanimously approved a resolution to begin the Morrow Road Widening Project at their Monday evening regular meeting.

Council awarded the $1.407 million bid to Crossland Heavy Contractors. The existing two-lane asphalt section of Morrow Road between Highway 97 and Broad Street will be completely removed, the sanitary sewer main will be relocated, and a new three-lane road will be constructed with a central turn lane. The City hopes to have the project completed in time for the opening of the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center in the Spring of 2019.

The new public safety facility is under construction in the 400 block of West Morrow Road in the Sheffield Crossing development. It will be approximately 40,000 square feet and will house Police, Fire, Municipal Court, Jail, Emergency Operations Center and 911 Communications operations. 

Council also approved a contract with GH2 Architects for the remodel design and conceptual master planning of the current Sand Springs Municipal Building in the downtown Triangle District, and for construction oversight of the project. The Municipal Building will continue to house administrative, financial, human resources, marketing, planing and zoning, and other departments.

In Other News:

Council unanimously voted in favor of an honorary street naming in recognition of Webco Industries founder, William Weber. Webco is the largest employer in Sand Springs.

Council unanimously approved the installation of tower grounding and antenna systems for the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. Total Radio Inc. will execute the project for $34,644.

Council unanimously voted to purchase a 2017 Peterbilt 348 Series dump truck in the amount of $117,000.

Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending licensing requirements for sale of alcoholic beverages.

Council unanimously approved the use of the 2018 Community Development Block Grant for a project in Ray Brown Park. The $94,748.11 grant will be used for a paved walking trail through the park from 10th Street to 6th Street, as well as a swing set and ADA-accessible playground equipment.

Sand Springs Salvation Army celebrates 40 years of doing the most good

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Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge and the Sand Springs City Council presented the Sand Springs Salvation Army Corps with a Mayoral Proclamation Monday evening, recognizing their forty year anniversary at their current location. Read the full text of the proclamation below. 

 “Whereas, the mission of the Salvation Army is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination; and

“Whereas, the Salvation Army helped found the Sand Springs Home and the Widow’s Colony in 1911; and

“Whereas, the Salvation Army opened a Home and Hospital for Unwed Mothers in Sand Springs in 1928; and

“Whereas, in 1930, a Salvation Army Corps opened in Sand Springs with the generous assistance of founder, Charles Page, and former Salvation Army pioneer Captain B. F. Breeding; and

“Whereas, the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence; and

“Whereas, in the 1970’s the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs began to flourish and grow in Sand Springs and

“Whereas, on September 24, 1978, the Sand Springs Salvation Army Corps Community Center, in memory of Charles Page, opened its doors for the first time; and

“Whereas, the Salvation Army in Sand Springs is now celebrating 40 years in its present location on 129th W. Ave; and

“Now, therefore, I, Mike Burdge, as Mayor of the City of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and on behalf of the City Council of the City of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, do hereby recognize and celebrate a long history of meeting the needs of our children and citizens in partnership together with the Salvation Army.

“Dated this 24th day of September, 2018.”

Sand Springs Fire Department unveils new state of the art facility in Prattville

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The City of Sand Springs held a grand opening ceremony for their new Fire Station 2 facility Saturday afternoon in Prattville. The station is located at 4347 South 113th Avenue West.

HillSpring Church Pastor Brent Kellogg provided a blessing for the building and several key government officials attended and spoke at the ceremony.

The building replaced an older facility on the same location. The previous building was a sort of Frankenstein’s Monster, having been remodeled and expanded several times over the decades. The roof leaked, the quarters were small, there was only one communal bathroom, and the fire trucks couldn’t even get in and out anytime there was snow on the ground. The project was funded by an October 2015 sales tax initiative.

“It’s just a building at the end of the day, but it represents one heck of a fire department,” said former International Association of Fire Chiefs President Thomas Jenkins, who headed the Sand Springs department before current Chief Mike Wood.

“The building behind me is probably the most significant investment in public safety in this community in about three decades,” said Jenkins. It will only hold that honor for a few months, however, as the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center is currently under construction north of the river. That building will house the City’s police and fire departments, as well as municipal courts.

According to Wood, the $1.66 million facility was completed $22,000 under budget. The building is only 640 square feet bigger than the old facility, but the layout is purpose-built and single story.

This Week in Sand Springs (9/23 - 9/30/18)

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Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sandite Varsity Dance Mini Clinic.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

    • See attached poster for more information.

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Stillwater

    • Couch Park
      800 East 12th Avenue
      Stillwater, OK 74074

  • 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting.

Tuesday

  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sandite Varsity Dance Mini Clinic.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

    • See attached poster for more information.

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Collinsville.

    • Collinsville High School
      2400 West Broadway
      Collinsville, OK 74021

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:15 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Bixby.

    • Ed Dubie Fieldhouse
      600 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sandite Varsity Dance Mini Clinic.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

    • See attached poster for more information.

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Oologah.

    • Sandite Softball Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Claremore.

    • Ed Dubie Fieldhouse
      600 North Adams Road

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Muskogee.

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

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HillSpring Church paints downtown storefront to help attract new businesses

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HillSpring Church slapped a fresh coat of paint on the downtown Sand Springs Triangle District early Tuesday morning, helping the City clean up one of the first buildings you see when entering downtown on North Main Street.

The City of Sand Springs received a “Fresh Paint Days” grant from Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, with the stipulation that they use volunteers for the painting and not City employees. H.I.S. Paint donated materials, and the Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality donated cash stipends to the program.

The City reached out to HillSpring Church, who frequently assists with Community Serve Days and other City events. A team of about a half dozen volunteers spruced up the building with the goal of attracting a new business into the vacant storefront.

According to Tulsa County Assessor records, the 107 North Main Street building was built in 1920 and is 3,500 square feet. It is currently owned by Frank and Catherine Suraci and managed by Bauer & Associates. Anyone interested in renting the facility can contact 918-665-1210 or visit www.bauertulsa.com.

Catherine Adkins-Suraci curated Gallery 107 art studio from 2003-2005. Their exhibits drew visitors from across the country, with the most notable being work from the late Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Frank “Skip” Suraci operated his law office out of the building for many years.

The building’s most recent tenant was The Parlour Hair and Ink. They opened in 2009 as MainStream Tattoo and Body Piercing and moved to 100 North Garfield in 2016. It has also housed Eagle Eye Collectibles and Antiques and I Believe in Yesteryears antique shop in recent decades.

HillSpring meets on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at 8801 West 41st Street South.

Sand Springs Mayor and City Attorney receive Oklahoma Municipal League honors

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Sand Springs, OK - Members of the Sand Springs Council and City of Sand Springs administration received state honors last night during the annual Oklahoma Municipal League Conference held in Oklahoma City. Mayor Mike Burdge was awarded the Don Rider Award by the OML for his outstanding leadership among municipal governments in the state.

Burdge is also a 2015 inductee into the OML Hall of Fame for his long-standing service and commitment to statewide municipal work as well as to the Sand Springs community.

The OML also awarded David Weatherford the honor of induction into the league’s Hall of Fame during the honors banquet. Weatherford has served as the City Attorney for Sand Springs since 2002, and has provided specialized legal counsel and training for many years to multiple municipalities across much of Oklahoma. In addition to serving the Sand Springs community, Weatherford assists the City of Mannford and recently assisted the City of Coweta.

The honors reflect both recipient’s long-standing commitment and work toward improving municipal government and addressing issues which can affect daily lives for citizens in Sand Springs and Oklahoma.

The OML was created in 1913 to create a statewide municipal organization to bring public attention to the issues confronting city and town officials and their impact on Oklahomans. The City of Sand Springs is a member of the Oklahoma Municipal League.

This Week in Sand Springs (9/16 - 9/23/18)

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Monday

Tuesday

  • 7:30 Breakfast with County Commissioner Karen Keith.

    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Stillwater.

    • Sandite Softball Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. Museum Trust Authority Meeting.

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Owasso.

    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055

Wednesday

Thursday

  • 8:30 a.m. SPUR Model: Facilitator Training Workshop

    • Tulsa Boys Home
      2727 South 137th West Avenue

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Cascia Hall.

    • Cascia Hall Preparatory School
      2520 South Yorktown Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74114

  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Broken Arrow.

    • Broken Arrow High School
      1901 East Albany Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Friday

  • 8:30 a.m. SPUR Model: Facilitator Training Workshop

    • Tulsa Boys Home
      2727 South 137th West Avenue

  • 1:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Choctaw.

    • Edmond North High School
      215 West Danforth Road
      Edmond, OK 73003

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Yukon.

    • Lawson Softball Complex
      2501 East Memorial Road
      Edmond, OK 73013

  • 7:30 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Shawnee.

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 9:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Newcastle.

    • Lawson Softball Complex
      2501 East Memorial Road
      Edmond, OK 73013

  • 12:30 a.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Deer Creek.

    • Edmond North High School
      215 West Danforth Road
      Edmond, OK 73003

  • 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fire Station No. 2 Grand Opening.

  • 6:30 p.m. Edmond Tournament Championship Game

    • Lawson Softball Complex
      2501 East Memorial Road
      Edmond, OK 73013

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

City of Sand Springs to host Fire Station Grand Opening Saturday

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs Fire Department will host a Grand Opening celebration of the newly constructed Fire Station No. 2 on Saturday, September 22. This event will take place at 4201 South 113th W. Avenue in Sand Springs, beginning with a presentation and speakers at 12 noon followed by a ribbon cutting at approximately 12:45 p.m. Members of the media and the general public are invited to attend.

Following those ceremonies, the public is invited to enjoy tours of the new fire station, FREE hot dogs and children’s activities (including inflatables) at the station until 4 p.m. Fire Chief Mike Wood and his staff are excited to share this state of the art public facility and invites families to meet their neighborhood firefighter.

“We’re looking forward to meeting some of the citizens of Sand Springs again to not only share with them our appreciation for their support of this new facility, but to also offer tours of the station and meet some of our firefighters,” stated Chief Wood.

The new facility was funded through a Sand Springs Public Safety Tax, which dedicates funding support for facilities such as the new fire station but also for critical equipment for both police and fire. With public improvements such at this, the City continues to demonstrate its commitment to investing in the community and improving public safety.

“Fire stations like these only come along once every few decades for any community”, stated City Manager Elizabeth Gray, “and we are eager to show the citizens the results of their support and the well thought out professional design and construction that went into this new facility. We’re pleased to show them the added safety value for surrounding neighborhoods and the larger Sand Springs community.”

Sand Springs Fire Department staff moved into the facility on July 23 and began operations there immediately. The older station was demolished shortly afterwards.

Board of Ed recognizes Susan Cox for donating kidney to CPHS cheer coach

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Sand Springs Board of Education member Rusty Gun (left) and Charles Page High School Cheer Coach Carrie Schlehueber (center) present Susan Cox (right) with a Pacesetter Award.

Click here to view full photo gallery.

The Sand Springs Board of Education handed out a handful of awards at their September meeting.

Susan Cox was presented with a Pacesetter Award for donating a kidney to Head Cheer Coach Carrie Schlehueber. Cox is the Director at DaySpring Villa, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking.

Board of Ed member Rusty Gunn described Cox as “someone who is selfless in their life,” even before donating her kidney.

According to Gunn, Cox heard that Schlehueber was in need of a kidney and went in to find out if she was a match without even being asked. “That kidney was always hers,” said Cox. “I was just holding it for her.”

Schlehueber is expected to return to work on October 1st.

The Charles Page High School Student Council was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award for their work prior to the 2018-2019 school year, decorating the hallways and working around the school every day in the week before the year began. The Council consists of Stephanie Ayala, Logan Bateman, Caleb Bundy, Katie Gonzales, Chloe Graves, Savana McCabe, Abigail McGehee, Emily Phifer, and Kristen Taylor.

“When you see these kids that are here tonight, you see that public education works,” said CPHS history/leadership teacher Frank Cooper. “Every one of these kids is a product of public school education and they are competitive, academically motivated, engaged, enthusiastic.”

The Sand Springs Rotary Club was presented with a Sandite Pacesetter Award for helping to provide school supplies to teachers. The Rotary Club also hosted a luncheon recently for new teachers and gave every new teacher $70 worth of gift cards to local restaurants.

Sheila Bright was presented with a Pacesetter Award for offering her facilities at Bright Morning Farm to the school faculty for a conference before the school year began. Not only did Bright provide her facilities for two days free of charge, she also brought in a yoga instructor on day two.

This Week in Sand Springs (9/9 - 9/16/18)

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Monday

  • 12:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Open Forum - Speaker: Deputy County Commissioner John Fothergill.
    • Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard
  • 3:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Putnam City North.
    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

Tuesday

  • Patriot Day.
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Union.
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road
  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Ponca City.
    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Broken Arrow.
    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO
    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Small Business Coalition meeting.
    • Yesterday to Now
      224 North Main Street

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Greenwood.
    • Smith Robinson Stadium
      440 East Gary Street
      Greenwood, AR 72936

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Connor's Classic 5K | Case Cross Country Invitational.
  • 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. SalsaFest.
    • OkieSpice and Trade Co.
      501 West 2nd Street

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. Vicki Boyd Softball Dedication.
    • Will Ramsey Softball Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

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

This Week in Sand Springs (9/2 - 9/9/18)

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Monday

  • Labor Day

  • 8:00 a.m. Great Raft Race.

    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

Tuesday

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. First Tuesday on the Triangle presents "Sand Springs Sings."

    • Triangle Park
      4 East Broadway Street

  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Bishop Kelley.

    • Bishop Kelley High School
      3905 South Hudson Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education meeting.

Wednesday

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Women's Chamber of Commerce meeting.

    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Stillwater.

    • Couch Park
      800 East 12th Avenue
      Stillwater, OK 74074

  • 5:30 p.m. Pogue Airport Advisory Board meeting.

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Putnam City.

    • Putnam City Stadium
      5300 Northwest 50th Street
      Oklahoma City, OK 73122

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. 27th Annual Rock Volunteer Fire Department Garage Sale.

    • Rock Volunteer Fire Department
      11313 West 48th Street North

  • 5:30 p.m. Back to School BINGO.

    • Harry T. Pratt Elementary
      301 West 35th Street

  • 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Girls Night In with CPHS Varsity Cheer.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days.

    • Free chipping of limbs up to 2" in diameter. Free wood chips and free firewood while supplies last. Must have current City of Sand Springs water bill.

    • Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street

  • 8:00 a.m. 27th Annual Rock Volunteer Fire Department Auction & Garage Sale.

    • Auction begins at 8:30 a.m.

    • Rock Volunteer Fire Department
      11313 West 48th Street North

  • 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. City-Wide Garage Sale.

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hike With Your Dog Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 9:30 a.m. Sandite Cross Country at Broken Arrow.

  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pokemon Go: Moltress Raid Day.

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Kevin Stitt, Jadine Nollan win Republican nominations in runoff

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Four-term incumbent Jadine Nollan won the Republican nomination for House District 66 in a runoff Tuesday evening, defeating Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson.

With all precincts reporting, Nollan defeated Jackson with 59.87% of the 3,125 total ballots cast. Jackson received 1,254 votes. 

Nollan is a Sand Springs native, Charles Page High School and Oklahoma State University alumni, and former Sand Springs Board of Education President. She will meet Democratic nominee Angela Graham in the November election.

Gateway Mortgage executive Kevin Stitt defeated former Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett with 54.56% of 302,077 ballots for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Former Party Chair Chris Powell won the Libertarian Party nomination with 59.07% of 926 votes over Rex Lawhorn. They will meet Democratic nominee Drew Edmondson in the general election.

Matt Pinnell defeated Dana Murphy with 58.14% of the vote for the Lieutenant Governor nomination. State Senator Anastasia Pittman secured the Democratic nomination in June and the two will also face Independent Dr. Ivan Holmes, former chair of the State Democratic Party. 

Cindy Byrd defeated Charlie Prater in a close race with 50.17% for the State Auditor and Inspector Republican nomination. She will face Libertarian nominee John Yeutter.

Incumbent Mike Hunter won a close race for the Attorney General nomination with 50.05% over Gentner Drummond. He will face Democratic nominee Mark Myles.

Incumbent Superintendent of Public Education Joy Hofmeister handily fended off Linda Murphy with 56.68% of the vote. She will face Democratic nominee Dr. John Cox and Independent Dr. Larry Huff. 

Leslie Osborn defeated Cathy Costello with 52.35% of votes for the Commissioner of Labor nomination. She will face Democrat Fred Dorrell and Independent Brandt Dismukes. 

Bob Anthony attained 53.61% of the vote for the Corporation Commissioner Republican nomination over Brian Bingman. Ashley McCray won the Democratic nomination with 65.08% over Blake Cummings. They will face Independent Jackie Short in November. 

McDonald's franchisee Kevin Hern defeated former Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris with 54.92% of the vote in the U.S. Representative Republican runoff for District 1. Tim Gilpin won the Democratic nomination with 59.38% over Amanda Douglas. 

Incumbent Republican District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler defended his nomination against Ben Fu with 56.61% of the vote in District 14. He will face Democrat Jenny Proehl-Day in November. 

Sand Springs City Council approves new parking lots for Case Park

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The Sand Springs City Council approved a new parking lot plan for Case Community Park at their regular monthly meeting.

The design, by Studio 45 Architects, provides for approximately 211 paved parking spaces in two locations, as well as curbs, guttering, and sidewalks. About 175 spots will be paved at the Jerry Adair Baseball Park, which is currently gravel.

An additional 36-space lot will be constructed at the Rotary Super Splash Pad, replacing an existing dirt parking area. A vehicular bridge was constructed over the creek during a recent park renovation, but funding didn’t allow for the completion of the project and the bridge was blocked off for pedestrian use only. The existing dirt parking area can’t be paved without the construction of an extensive retention wall.

Council approved the closure of a sixteen-foot wide alley between West 8th Street and West 7th Street and North Franklin Avenue and North Industrial Avenue. The applicant claims to currently be the only abutting land owner maintaining his share of the right-of-way, and has had to maintain the entirety of the alley. He hopes to take his case to District Court and receive ownership of the undeveloped alley so he can fence it in.

One abutting property owner objected due to her use of the alley for backyard access. Her backyard is tiered with a retention wall preventing riding lawnmower access to much of her land. City Staff recommended closing the alley while the City Planning Commission recommended maintaining it. Councilors Jim Spoon and Phil Nollan voted against the closure, while Beau Wilson, Patty Dixon, and Brian Jackson voted in favor. The closure only forfeits the City’s claim to the alley, and District Court will have the final say on whether to grant the land to the applicant or not.

William “Tom” Meshek was recognized with a Mayoral Proclamation for his fifteen years of volunteer service on the Sand Springs Development Authority.

Council approved a $30,673.00 expenditure for the purchase of a new ladder truck for the City Fire Department.

Council passed a resolution bringing the City codes in line with the recently passed State Question 783, legalizing the sale of refrigerated wine and beer at retail liquor stores.

Council approved a resolution eliminating language from Code of Ordinances Chapter 9.36 that will qualify the City for up to $20,000 in federal grants. The language does not change the intent or execution of the ban on tobacco or vapor on City property.

William “Tom” Meshek was recognized with a Mayoral Proclamation for his fifteen years of volunteer service on the Sand Springs Development Authority.

This Week in Sand Springs (8/26 - 9/2/18)

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Monday

  • 6:30 p.m. Pratt Elementary PTO Meeting.
    • Harry T. Pratt Elementary
      301 West 35th Street
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council meeting.

Tuesday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Jenks.
    • Jenks High Softball Stadium
      1210 North Birch Street
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 5:30 p.m. Deadline to Enter Sand Springs Sings - September 4th Concert. 
    • Entry form attached.
    • Contact 918-245-2787 for information.
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Back to School Night
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:00 p.m. "HomeTown Holiday: A Christmas Celebration" town meeting.
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Muskogee.
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 3:30 p.m. Sandite Cross Country at Owasso Relays.
    • Mohawk Park Polo Fields
      5701 East 36th Street North
      Tulsa, OK 74115
  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Sapulpa.
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      408 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO
    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Coweta.
    • Coweta High School
      14705 South 305th East Avenue
      Coweta, OK 74429
  • 6:30 p.m. Sandites in Stride Booster Club Meeting.
    • 815 North Lincoln Avenue

Friday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road
  • 2:00 p.m. Retirement Party for Assistant City Manager Daniel Bradley.
    • Sand Springs Municipal Building
      100 East Broadway
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Mansfield Summit.
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

  • 8:30 a.m. Sandite Cross Country at Sapulpa Chieftain Meet.
    • Westside Sports Complex
      1611 South Wickham Road
      Sapulpa, OK 74066
  • 9:00 a.m. Vets That Matter.
    • Open to veterans and emergency responders. 
    • Broadway Barber Shop
      27 East Broadway Street

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

This Week in Sand Springs (8/19 - 8/26/18)

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Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission meeting.
  • 5:00 p.m. Northwoods Fine Arts Academy Meet and Greet.
    • Northwoods Fine Arts Academy
      1691 East Old North Road
  • 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Angus Valley Elementary Back to School Night.
    • Angus Valley Elementary
      412 West 55th Street
  • 5:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Putnam City North.
    • Putnam City North High School
      11800 North Rockwell Avenue
      Oklahoma City, OK 73162
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment meeting.

Tuesday

  • 1:30 p.m. Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board meeting.
  • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Central Ninth Grade Center Back to School Night.
    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority meeting.
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Muskogee.
    • Muskogee High School
      3200 East Shawnee Bypass
      Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 7:00 p.m. Meet The Sandites
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • First day of classes at Sand Springs Public Schools. 
  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Sapulpa.
    • Sapulpa Softball Field
      631 North Brown
      Sapulpa, OK 74066
  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO
    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Victory Christian.
    • 7700 South Lewis Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74136

Friday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road
  • Lady Sandite Softball at OSU Festival.
    • Time and Location TBA.
  • Lady Sandite Volleyball at Broken Arrow Tournament.
    • 11:00 a.m. vs. Broken Arrow - Court #1 (Field House)
    • 12:30 p.m. vs. Norman North - Court #1 
    • 3:30 p.m. vs. Edmond Memorial - Court #2 (Auxiliary Gym)
    • Broken Arrow High School
      220 North 23rd Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
  • Lady Sandite Volleyball at Broken Arrow Tournament.
    • 10:30 a.m. vs. Bartlesville - Court #2 
    • 1:30 p.m. vs. Edmond North - Court #2
    • 3:00 p.m. vs. Southmoore - Court #2
    • Broken Arrow High School
      220 North 23rd Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 4:00 p.m. Deadline to Enter Sand Springs Sings - September 4th Concert. 
    • Entry form attached.
    • Contact 918-245-2787 for information.

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

Gubernatorial candidate Chris Powell vows to oppose Federal government on gun restrictions for marijuana patients

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Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Chris Powell responded to reports that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation intends to enforce federal laws that would prevent individuals legally using marijuana under state law from possessing a firearm, saying "that's not going to happen on my watch. I'll order the OSBI and all other state agencies to adhere to state law rather than federal law, not just in this instance but also when there is any other appearance of conflict between the two." Powell has been outspoken regarding federal overreach, specifically promising to "protect Oklahoma's state and local law enforcement agencies from being deputized into serving the national government."  

Voters overwhelmingly passed SQ 788, legalizing medical marijuana, on June 26th and medical marijuana cards could become available within weeks. Included in SQ 788 was a provision that no state issued license may be unduly withheld from an individual because they hold a medical marijuana license, concealed carry permits being specifically mentioned. Despite this now being state law, the OSBI has already amended its form to advise medical marijuana license holders to answer "yes" to a question about unlawful use of a controlled substance, with Special Agent Steve Tanner saying “They may be precluded from being issued a firearms permit."  

Don Spencer of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association (OK2A) has stated the organization's official position to be that "No person in legal possession of a prescription drug should be denied their Second Amendment right to the peaceful possession or ownership of a firearm or be denied a license to carry a handgun under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act unless previously arrested for any violation of the Self Defense Act."  Powell applauds OK2A for speaking out in favor of the rights of medical marijuana users in Oklahoma, further suggesting that "most OK2A members would be supportive of all efforts to uphold state prerogatives in the face of federal interference."

Powell has advocated for legalizing cannabis since joining the Libertarian Party in 2000, and has stated that he would have signed SB 1212, the constitutional carry bill vetoed earlier this year by Gov. Fallin. He will be on the run-off ballot on August 28th after finishing first in the Libertarian gubernatorial primary with 49%.

This Week in Sand Springs (8/12 - 8/19/18)

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Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pokemon Go Community Day
  • 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance Back to School Bash.
    • Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard 

Tuesday

  • 11:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Ponca City.
    • Ponca City Lady Cat Softball Complex
      1401 West Grand Avenue
      Ponca City, OK 74601
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Bartlesville.
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road
  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority meeting.

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Muskogee.
    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO
    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Booker T. Washington.
    • 1514 East Zion Street
      Tulsa, OK 74106

Friday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road
  • Lady Sandite Softball at RSU Festival.
    • 10:00 a.m. Sand Springs vs. Claremore Sequoyah.
    • 11:30 p.m. Sand Springs vs. Claremore.
      • Diamond Sports Complex
        2901 West Blue Starr Drive
        Claremore, OK 74017
  • Lady Sandite Volleyball at Union Tournament.
    • Times/Opponents TBA.
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Saturday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. "Clear the Shelters Day."
    • $40 adoptions this day only.
    • Sand Springs Animal Welfare
      8620 West 21st Street
  • Lady Sandite Volleyball at Union Tournament.
    • Times/Opponents TBA.
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 5:00 p.m. Murder Mystery Dinner
    • $40, advance tickets only. Contact Susan Whitley at (918) 720-7248 for more information.
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

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

Board of Ed formally approves teacher pay raise schedule, district struggles with recruiting

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The Sand Springs Board of Education formally voted Monday evening to enact a new teacher pay schedule in accordance with House Bill 1023XX. 

In March the Oklahoma legislature approved a historic $447 million tax hike to help fund public school teacher salaries. Salaries for Oklahoma teachers will increase anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 this school year.

State Representative Jadine Nollan used the opportunity to remind the crowd of the many previous pay raise attempts that failed to pass either the legislature or state ballots. "Tonight, for me, is a very special night," said Nollan. 

The Sand Springs Women’s Chamber was presented with a Pacesetter Award in recognition of a $4,500 donation they made to the district. The Women’s Chamber is dedicated to promoting children’s literacy in Sand Springs.

Charles Page High School sophomore Sean Kuehn was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award for his involvement in the Technology Student Association. TSA is a student-led organization focused on preparing students for the work force. Kuehn previously won the TSA National Championship in Public Speaking at the National Conference in Atlanta.

Gary Watts was presented with a Coin of Excellence for his work in the district. Watts has worked with SSPS since 1990 and was previously Chief Financial Officer for the district.

Student safety was a large topic of conversation. The district will be assigning Student ID badges for grades 6-12 beginning this school year that will be mandatory at all times. “We’re not atypical, most 6A schools do that,” said Superintendent Sherry Durkee.

Durkee says the district is also working with the Sand Springs Police Department to stage an intruder drill at the high school this year. 

The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding with the police department to help pay for a school resource officer for the upcoming school year.

"That officer will be on district site during the day, all the time," said Durkee. 

SEE RELATED: City Council approves SSPD Resource Officer for Sand Springs Public Schools

Durkee also addressed the continuing statewide teacher shortage. The passage of HB1023XX is intended to help stem the shortage, but thousands of Oklahoma teachers have already left for neighboring states in recent years.

Prior to the pay raise, Oklahoma teachers were at the bottom of the nation in average pay and some Texas school districts have been openly recruiting Oklahoma teachers with billboards in the Oklahoma City metro area. 

Last week the Oklahoma State Department of Education approved 853 emergency teaching certifications, bringing the total number for 2018-2019 to 1,238. Last year they approved a record 1,975. Emergency certifications last for two years and allow schools to employ instructors who aren't traditionally qualified with a state teaching license. 

"Out district today now employs ten emergency certified teachers," said Durkee. "We've struggled a little bit for the first time with hiring teachers and having staff ready to go in August." Specifically two special education positions have remained open until this week. "I think at this point the district is fully staffed, which is a good thing. I was sweating a little bit up until literally today."

The district is also trying to reestablish some positions that were previously eliminated due to budget constraints, state revenue failures, and funding cuts. "Over the course of the last two years, through attrition, we let go of over fifty positions from administration to maintenance, custodial, and paraprofessionals. We are slowly but surely trying to recapture some of those positions," said Durkee. "This year we will be reinstituting two library media specialists, one teacher at Northwoods, a science teacher at Charles Page High School, and a paraprofessional at ECEC."

"I feel like we've made a turn for the better, but caution is always the best way to move forward."

This Week in Sand Springs (8/5 - 8/12/18)

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Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sand Springs Community Theater auditions for "The Fourposter."
    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

Monday

  • 6:00 p.m. Parks Advisory Board meeting.
  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Public Schools District Dialogue Meeting.
    • Sandite Performing Arts Building
    • 600 North Adams Road
  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sand Springs Community Theater auditions for "The Fourposter."
    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education meeting.

Tuesday

  • 11:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Sequoyah.
    • Diamond Sports Complex
      2901 West Blue Starr Drive
      Claremore, OK 74017
  • 12:45 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Coweta.
    • Diamond Sports Complex
      2901 West Blue Starr Drive
      Claremore, OK 74017
  • 5:00 p.m. "Lady Liberty" After Hours Reception
    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 East Broadway Street
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Sings - 1st Tuesday Concert Series.
    • Downtown Sand Springs Triangle District
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Volleyball vs. Sapulpa.
    • Chieftain Center
      1201 East Lincoln
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

Wednesday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 4:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Tahlequah.
    • Tahlequah High School
      591 Pendleton Street
      Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464
  • 5:30 p.m. Pogue Airport Advisory Board meeting.
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Small Business Coalition meeting.
    • Pratt Library
      3219 South 113th West Avenue
  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO
    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

Friday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road
  • Lady Sandite Softball at Broken Arrow Tournament.
    • 1:30 p.m. Sandites vs. Choctaw.
    • 3:00 p.m. Sandites vs. Pocola.
    • 5:00 p.m. Sandites vs. Fort Gibson.
      • Arrowhead Park - Field 7
        300 East Washington Street
        Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
  • 7:00 p.m. Free Movie Night - Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
  • Lady Sandite Softball at Broken Arrow Tournament.
    • 10:30 a.m. Sandites vs. Moore.
    • 2:00 p.m. Sandites vs. Durant.
      • Arrowhead Park - Field 7
        300 East Washington Street
        Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
    • Bracket Play at 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., field determined by pool results. 
  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pokemon Go Community Day 

Sunday

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pokemon Go Community Day

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

This Week in Sand Springs (7/29 - 8/5/18)

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Monday

  • 7:00 p.m. Spirit Grant Workshop.
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

Tuesday

  • 10:30 a.m. Build A Reader Storytime
    • Charles Page Library
      551 East 4th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 2:00 p.m. Afternoon Movie at the Library: Mary Poppins.
    • Charles Page Library
      551 East 4th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO
    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Open Wrestling Practice.
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

Friday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Summer Throwing Program.
    • Charles Page High School Track
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. Chipper Days
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vets That Matter
    • Broadway Barber Shop
      29 East Broadway Street

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