Sand Springs Parks Dept. receives State honors for Riverfest celebration

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs Parks staff received two statewide honors during the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society (ORPS) annual conference held in Norman, OK. Sand Springs Riverfest was cited an Award of Excellence by parks professionals in the state, one of only three such awards given out annually at the parks conference. Riverfest also earned an Award of Excellence for marketing from ORPS.

“We’re honored to represent the citizens of Sand Springs, not only in our traditional park work throughout the year, but also with the special events we create,” stated Jeff Edwards, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City. “We have a great staff who reach beyond their daily tasks to offer quality parks and recreation services in Northeast Oklahoma, and we’re very pleased to receive this honor.”

Riverfest was created by parks staff to celebrate the completion and dedication of the former River City Park into the new $6.2 million project known currently as Case Community Park. The park name change recognized Mike and Pat Case for their $2 million contribution toward Sand Springs’ largest Vision 2025 park project.

Sand Springs Riverfest took nearly a year of planning thanks to a large committee that included local businesses, school and city officials, church members, and more. The event was held in September of 2017 after raising nearly $30,000 for the park celebration.

A few highlights of the day included an appearance by Sand Springs racing legend Bennie “The Wizard” Osborn, who was the NHRA top fuel dragster world champion in 1967 and 1968. The OKC Thunder’s mascot, Rumble, made an entrance, and helped kick off a Thunder Cares new basketball court dedication and basketball camp for kids. There was an artistic Chalk-A-Thon sidewalk art-chalk contest. A few former cast members from the live outdoor production of Oklahoma performed a brief segment from the musical. The Charles Page High School marching band performed on stage before the Rogues Five took over, followed by local interactive DJ Morgan Ganem’s performance, which was choreographed with the grand finale fireworks display.

Sand Springs Riverfest was awarded state ORPS honors for its excellent use of private funds to create the event for citizens; the strong use of volunteers; utilizing creative marketing methods and offering a diverse number of activities for people during the event.

“Special events can be a struggle for any community and they can consume large amounts of resources,” stated Edwards. “The resources, funding, and commitments from local civic groups, businesses, churches and more launched Riverfest into an award winning quality event.”

For more information on the Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow them on Facebook.

ORPS was founded in 1956 to advance the parks and recreation profession and industry in Oklahoma. Annual conference attendees receive professional training, continuing education credits and more. For more information about ORPS visit: http://www.orps.us/

Sand Springs churches donate $4,000 for police and fire Christmas bonuses

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The Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance presented a $4,000 check to the City of Sand Springs at Monday night’s regular City Council meeting. The donation will be used for Christmas bonuses for City Firemen and Police Officers. HillSpring Associate Pastor Matt Barnett presented the check to Mayor Mike Burdge, Police Chief Mike Carter, and Fire Chief Mike Wood.

City Council unanimously approved a resolution allowing for the use of Municipal Reserve Funds for the advanced funding of various General Obligation Bond Projects. These accounts will be reimbursed following the bond sales.

Voters approved $12,165,000 in bond projects in November of 2017, but the City has only sold $3.5 million thus far in order to keep the millage rate under 13 mills.

In Other News:

Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the Tulsa Metro Chamber OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda for 2019. Click here to read the agenda.

Council unanimously approved a Specific Use Permit for a medical marijuana growing facility at 1106 West Wekiwa Road.

Council unanimously approved a resolution affirming dilapidation public nuisance findings against properties at 11 West 35th Street, 418 North Grant Avenue, and 108 North Roosevelt Avenue. The buildings are slated for demolition on or after January 8.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of a 2019 Ford F-250 from Bill Knight Ford for Sand Springs Animal Welfare in the amount of $28,423.

Council unanimously approved a $34,709 payment to Aaron Fence Company for the replacement of 2,400 feet of fence at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Council unanimously approved a $45,750 payment to Garrow Construction for the replacement of 3,000 feet of deteriorated Campbell Creek Road water line.

Council unanimously approved a resolution adopting an investment policy for the City of Sand Springs and the Sand Springs Municipal Authority, providing clear guidance in regards to oversight, guidelines, and limitations of investments.

During the subsequent Municipal Authority meeting, Trustees unanimously approved the Shell Lake Dam Breach Plan, Revision 13.

This Week in Sand Springs (11/18 - 11/25/18)

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Sunday

  • 2:00 p.m. Pull The Flag on Cancer

    • 8 on 8 Flag Football Tournament benefiting Dustin Kinard’s fight against Pancreatic Cancer.

    • Roger Bush Soccer Complex
      2500 South River City Park Road

    • See attached poster for more information.

Monday

Tuesday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Art of Giving Christmas Tree display.

    • Sand Springs Museum
      9 East Broadway

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

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

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

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Thanksgiving

  • 9:00 a.m. Burdge/Campbell Families and Friends Turkey Trot

Friday

  • 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Black Friday.

    • YellowHouse Market & Boutique
      122 North Main Street

Saturday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Small Business Saturday Pop Up Shops.

    • YellowHouse Market & Boutique
      122 North Main Street

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sand Springs Sings concert finale & 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

    • Downtown Triangle District

Ongoing

  • 11/9-12/29 Snapped in Sand Springs.

  • 11/17-2/17 George Rodrigue: Shiny Happy Blue Dog exhibit. - Read More.

  • 11/20-1/6 Art of Giving Christmas Tree diplay.

  • 11/23-12/31 Tulsa Botanical Garden of Lights.

On The Horizon

  • 11/30 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

  • 12/1 Limestone Technology Academy Holiday Market.

  • 12/1-12/2 HomeTown Holiday, a Christmas Celebration.

  • 12/1-12/2 When Merry Comes Home for Christmas.

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Morrow Road widening project to begin November 26th

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Sections of Morrow Road in Sand Springs will be partially closed for reconstruction from Monday, November 26th through March 1st.

Morrow Road from Wilson Avenue (Highway 97) west to Broad Street will be completely rebuilt this winter to facilitate the additional traffic expected from the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. Crossland Heavy Contractors was awarded a $1.4 million construction contract for the project in September.

The 0.3 mile road is currently only two lanes with no shoulder and no turn lanes. It will be widened to three lanes and 39 feet across. Most of the stretch will have a center turn lane, but will transition into a 120-foot right-turn lane onto South 97. The existing curb and gutter along the southwest side of HWY97 will be removed and rebuilt to accompany the added lane.

A five-foot-wide sidewalk will run along the south side of the road and there will be two entrances into the new public safety center parking lot. The project will also require relocating the sanitary sewer main.

The Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center, named for a Sand Springs Vietnam War hero, will house the City’s relocated municipal courts, jail, 911 operations, police, and north-side fire station, all currently located in downtown.

Construction crews broke ground on the $10.7 million, 40,000 sq. ft. facility in April of 2018, and it is expected to be completed in March, 2019.

This Week in Sand Springs (11/11 - 11/18/18)

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Sunday

  • Veterans’ Day.

Tuesday

  • 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Stop the Hate in the 918.

    • Free coverups for any hate, gang, or racial tattoos.

    • The Parlour Hair & Ink
      100 North Garfield Avenue

  • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CPHS Dance Fundraiser.

    • Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
      8112 South Olympia Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74132

    • Must tell cashier you are there for fundraiser.

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

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Band Booster Meeting.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Basketball: Meet The Sandites.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 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

  • 6:00 p.m. Powder Puff Football

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

  • 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. CPHS Basketball Fundraiser - Pancake Breakfast.

    • Masonic Lodge No. 475
      3201 South 113th West Avenue

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Open House Sip & Shop

    • YellowHouse Market & Boutique
      122 North Main Street

  • George Rodrigue - Shiny Happy Blue Dog Art Exhibit - Grand Opening Reception.

    • Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
      9 East Broadway Street

Sunday

  • 2:00 p.m. Pull The Flag on Cancer

    • 8 on 8 Flag Football Tournament benefiting Dustin Kinard’s fight against Pancreatic Cancer.

    • Roger Bush Soccer Complex
      2500 South River City Park Road

    • See attached poster for more information.

On The Horizon

  • 11/22 Thanksgiving.

  • 11/24 Sand Springs Sings concert finale & 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

  • 11/30 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

  • 12/1 Limestone Technology Academy Holiday Market.

  • 12/1-12/2 HomeTown Holiday, a Christmas Celebration.

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  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Jadine Nollan wins re-election for House District 66 and other election results

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Democratic voters hoping for a blue wave were sorely disappointed with Tuesday’s general election, as were Libertarian and Independent candidates, who failed to win any statewide offices. Several State legislative seats changed party ownership, but the changes were even across the aisle.

Republican candidate Kevin Stitt will be the next Governor of Oklahoma after winning 54.34% of the vote. All State executive positions remained in Republican control, as did both legislative bodies for the Republican Party’s eighth consecutive trifecta.

Democrat Kendra Horn upset incumbent Republican Steve Russell for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, winning by only 1.38%. Horn will be the first Democratic representative from Oklahoma since Dan Boren in 2013 and the first from District 5 since John Jarman in 1975.

State Senate District 30 flipped from Republican to Democrat while Districts 32 and 40 switched from red to blue.

House Districts 6, 15, 17, 18, 24, 75, and 86 flipped from Democrat to Republican, while Districts 71, 79, 83, and 95 changed from Republican to Democrat. Incumbent District 66 representative Jadine Nollan won the Sand Springs area with 58.48% of the vote over Democratic challenger Angela Graham.

Incumbent Republican District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler retained control of the Tulsa County office with 58.6% of the vote. All seven D.A. elections went to Republicans.

Judges Caroline Wall, Tracy Priddy, Linda Morrissey, and Martha Rupp Carter won the District 14 offices on the Sand Springs ballot.

Continuing a longstanding tradition, Oklahomans voted to retain every Supreme Court and Appellate Justice on the ballot. Justice James Edmondson was the only judge to receive less than 60% of votes in favor.

State Question 793, regarding optometrists’ and opticians’ right to operate out of retail mercantile establishments, was narrowly defeated with 50.24% of votes in opposition.

78.01% of Oklahomans voted to approve SQ794, also known as Marcey’s Law, granting certain rights to victims of crime.

SQ798 failed to pass the ballot, garnering only 45.91% of votes. The measure would have changed the Oklahoma Constitution so that gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidates would run on the same ticket, similar to U.S. Presidential elections.

57.22% of voters opposed SQ800 which would have created a State trust fund.

50.41% of voters rejected SQ801, which would have allowed local Board of Education to use ad valorem tax revenues for the purpose of school operations and personnel pay. Currently bond measures may only be used for district building funds.

The Oklahoma State Election Board placed Statewide Turnout at 56.09% with more than 1.18 million ballots cast.

Other results:

  • Lieutenant Governor

    • Matt Pinnell (Republican) 61.9%

    • Anastasia A. Pittman (Democrat) 34.52%

    • Ivan Holmes (Independent) 3.58%

  • State Auditor

    • Cindy Byrd (Republican) 75.18%

    • John Yeutter (Libertarian) 24.82%

  • Attorney General

    • Mike Hunter (Republican) 64.04%

    • Mark Myles (Democrat) 35.96%

  • State Treasurer

    • Randy McDaniel (Republican) 71.59%

    • Charles de Coune (Independent) 28.41%

  • State Superintendent

    • Joy Hofmeister (Republican) 58.52%

    • John Cox (Democrat) 33.78%

    • Larry Huff (Independent) 7.7%

  • Labor Commissioner

    • Leslie Osborn (Republican) 61.73%

    • Fred Dorrell (Democrat) 33.47%

    • Brandt Dismukes (Independent) 4.8%

  • Insurance Commissioner

    • Glen Mulready (Republican) 61.97%

    • Kimberly Fobbs (Democrat) 38.03%

  • Corporation Commissioner

    • Bob Anthony (Republican) 60.04%

    • Ashley Nicole McCrary (Democrat) 34.29%

    • Jackie Short (Independent) 5.67%

  • U.S. Representative - District 01

    • Kevin Hern (Republican) 59.31%

    • Tim Gilpin (Democrat) 40.69%

  • U.S. Representative - District 02

    • Markwayne Mullin (Republican) 65.02%

    • Jason Nichols (Democrat) 30.1%

    • John Foreman (Independent) 2.96%

    • Richard Castaldo (Libertarian) 1.92%

  • U.S. Representative - District 03

    • Frank D. Lucas (Republican) 73.87%

    • Frankie Robbins (Democrat) 26.13%

  • U.S. Representative - District 04

    • Tom Cole (Republican) 63.07%

    • Mary Brannon (Democrat) 33%

    • Ruby Peters (Independent) 3.94%

  • U.S. Representative - District 05

    • Kendra Horn (Democrat) 50.69%

    • Steve Russell (Republican) 49.31%

  • Tulsa County Associate District Judge

    • Cliff Smith 55%

    • Brian Crain 45%

  • Supreme Court District 2 - Patrick Wyrick

    • YES 61.55%

    • NO 38.35%

  • Supreme Court District 3 - Noma D. Gurich

    • YES 61.57%

    • NO 38.43%

  • Supreme Court District 4 - Yvonne Kauger

    • YES 62.19%

    • NO 37.81%

  • Supreme Court District 7 - James E. Edmondson

    • YES 59.4%

    • NO 40.6%

This Week in Sand Springs (11/4 - 11/11/18)

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Monday

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce - Open Forum.

    • Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
      500 North Adams Road

  • 4:00 p.m. Planning Commission meeting.

  • 6:00 p.m. Board of Adjustment meeting - CANCELED.

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

Tuesday

  • 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Election Day.

  • 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

Wednesday

  • 12:00 p.m. Women’s Chamber of Commerce meeting.

    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue

Thursday

  • 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. - 8:00 p.m. Tulsa Community Band Veteran’s Day Concert.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

Saturday

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. All Things Crafty Arts and Craft Fair.

    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

  • 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Ninth Annual 2 Angels Toy Run.

    • Tulsa Community College - West Campus
      7505 West 41st Street

Sunday

  • Veteran’s Day.

On The Horizon

  • 11/17 Christmas Open House Sip & Shop at YellowHouse Market & Boutique.

  • 11/22 Thanksgiving.

  • 11/24 Sand Springs Sings concert finale & 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

  • 11/30 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

  • 12/1 Limestone Technology Academy Holiday Market.

  • 12/1-12/2 HomeTown Holiday, a Christmas Celebration.

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

This Week in Sand Springs (10/28 - 11/4/18)

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Sunday

  • 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Boo on Broadway.

Tuesday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Oklahoma Advanced Manufacturing Forum.

    • Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. Limestone PTO meeting.

    • Limestone Technology Academy
      4201 South Walnut Creek Drive

  • 6:00 p.m. 3rd Annual Monster Ball.

    • Sand Springs 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

Wednesday

  • 12:30 p.m. Halloween Costume Contest.

    • Tulsa Community College - West Campus Student Union
      7505 West 41st Street

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Angus Church Fall Carnival.

    • Angus Church
      4401 South 129th West Avenue

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. DreamLand | Family Fall Festival

    • CrossPoint Church
      4600 South 129th West Avenue

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Trunk or Treat.

    • Sand Springs Church of Christ
      4301 South 113th West Avenue

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Broadway Fall Festival

    • Broadway Baptist Church
      1000 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 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. - 9:30 p.m. Harlem Wizards: Tricks, Hoops & Alley Oops!

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Booker T. Washington (A).

    • 1514 East Zion Street
      Tulsa, OK 74106

Saturday

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

    • Sand Springs Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street

  • 8:00 a.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fall City-Wide Cleanup Day.

    • Contact Sunnie Smith-Nowlin at 918-246-2579 to volunteer.

  • 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Time to Arise!

    • 10:00 a.m. Women’s Conference - Speaker Stephanie Schrepel, worship by Rachelle Thurber.
      2:00 p.m. Testimonies from Joanna Sanders, Angie Keith, Tamie Ortiz, Laura Weiser. Worship by Rachelle Thurber.
      6:00 p.m. Open to all - Speaker Jim Schrepel, worship with Darin Shipley.

    • The Stronghold Church
      619 East 10th Street

Sunday

  • End of Daylight Savings Time.

On The Horizon

  • 11/10 Keystone Ancient Forest Hike With Your Dog Day.

  • 11/10 All Things Crafty Arts & Craft Fair.

  • 11/10 Ninth Annual 2 Angels Toy Run.

  • 11/11 Veteran’s Day.

  • 11/17 Christmas Open House Sip & Shop at YellowHouse Market & Boutique.

  • 11/22 Thanksgiving.

  • 11/24 Sand Springs Sings concert finale & 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

  • 11/30 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

  • 12/1 Limestone Technology Academy Holiday Market.

  • 12/1-12/2 HomeTown Holiday, a Christmas Celebration.

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Pogue Airport hosts "Tacos, Takeoffs & Landins" fly-in event

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William R. Pogue Municipal Airport hosted a large fly-in event Saturday morning in Sand Springs. More than three dozen aircraft participated in the Tacos, Takeoffs & Landings event.

Festivities included a four-way skydive spectacle displaying the American Flag and low passes from the Riverside AT-6s.

Pilots and their guests received a complimentary Mexican lunch and at-cost fuel sales as part of the City’s efforts to attract new visitors and show off the airport.

City Council accepts bids for Case Park parking lots and Keystone Forest visitor center designs

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The Sand Springs City Council approved several measures relating to City parks and other capital improvement projects at their Monday evening meeting.

Council unanimously approved a contract with Studio 45 Architects relating to the Keystone Ancient Forest. The City will pay the company $40,000 to design a small visitor center at the forest preserve. The visitor center project was approved by voters as part of a 2017 general obligation bond package. The design phase is expected to be completed by Spring of 2019 and will then go to bid for construction.

Council also voted to approve a bid from R&L Construction in the amount of $473,911.00 for a paved parking lot expansion and new sidewalk at Case Community Park. The project will pave an existing 175-spot gravel parking lot at the Jerry Adair Baseball Park, and will add a 36-space lot at the Rotary Super Splash Pad. The project will also include curbs and guttering.

Council approved a six-year Capital Improvement Plan for Pogue Municipal Airport. The City plans to invest $3,830,000 in drainage improvements and taxiway rehabilitation.

Council approved a payment of $64,045.00 to Tim Mills Fence Company for a large section of white vinyl fencing installed along the Sand Springs Expressway.

Council approved a $30,100.00 expenditure to Mills Truck & Tractor Service Inc. for a storm pipe replacement project at the intersection of 2nd Street and Lincoln Avenue. The project is expected to take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete.

Council approved the purchase of 911 Police/Fire Dispatch Consoles for the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Facility in the amount of $49,166.00.

Council approved a resolution of Notice of Election for City Council Wards 1 & 2. Phil Nollan and Patty Dixon will be up for reelection in 2019. The filing period is set for December 3-5. The primary election, if needed, will be held on February 12, 2019. The general election, if needed, will be held on April 2nd.

This Week in Sand Springs (10/21 - 10/28/18)

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Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pokemon GO Community Day.

  • 2:30 p.m. The Fourposter: A Comedy in Three Acts

    • Sand Springs Community Theater
      14 West 4th Street

Monday

Tuesday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Blood Drive.

    • Tulsa Community College - West Campus
      7505 West 41st Street

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

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

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

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

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

  • 6:00 p.m. Third Annual Monster Ball softball game.

    • Sand Springs Softball Complex
      408 West 55th Street

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

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Westfest.

    • Tulsa Community College - West Campus
      7505 West 41st Street

Friday

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 12:45 p.m. OSSAA 6A State Championship Cross Country Meet.

    • Edmond Santa Fe High School
      1901 West 15th Street
      Edmond, OK 73013

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fall Festival.

    • Garden Heights Free Will Baptist Church
      3415 Summit Boulevard

Sunday

  • 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Boo on Broadway.

    • Sand Springs Triangle District

On The Horizon

  • 10/31 Angus Church Fall Carnival.

  • 11/1 Harlem Wizards Game.

  • 11/3 City of Sand Springs Fall Cleanup Day.

  • 11/10 Keystone Ancient Forest Hike With Your Dog Day.

  • 11/10 All Things Crafty Arts & Craft Fair.

  • 11/10 Ninth Annual 2 Angels Toy Run.

  • 11/17 Christmas Open House Sip & Shop at YellowHouse Market & Boutique.

  • 11/24 Sand Springs Sings concert finale & 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

  • 11/30 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

  • 11/30-12/1 HomeTown Holiday, a Christmas Celebration.

  • 12/1 Limestone Technology Academy Holiday Market.

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

This Week in Sand Springs (10/14 - 10/21/18)

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Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Planning Commission meeting.

  • 6:00 p.m. Board of Adjustment meeting CANCELED.

  • 6:30 p.m. Sandite Basketball Association - Parent and Coaches Meeting.

    • Mandatory meeting for parents of 9th - 12th grade players.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams 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. Museum Trust Authority meeting.

Wednesday

  • 9:00 a.m. Sand Springs - Sapulpa Joint Board Meeting.

Thursday

  • 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Kid Zone Tailgating Party

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

  • 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. The Fourposter: A Comedy in Three Acts.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

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

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. The Fourposter: A Comedy in Three Acts.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 12:00 p.m. Sandite Cross Country - OSSAA 6A-East Regionals.

    • Mohawk Sports Complex
      3500 East 56th Street North
      Tulsa, OK 74115

  • 7:00 p.m. The Fourposter: A Comedy in Three Acts.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. The Fourposter: A Comedy in Three Acts.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Sand Springs Police Department receives international award for policing plan

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The Sand Springs Police Department is pleased to announce that their partnership with the citizens of the Sand Springs in community policing efforts have resulted in an award to the agency. The Sand Springs Police Department received the 2018 IACP/Cisco Leadership in Community Policing Award. Chief Mike Carter accepted the award on behalf of agency and the Citizens of Sand Springs at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Convention on October 9, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The award was open to departments around the world for communities 20,000 to 50,000 in population.

The IACP and Cisco presented the award to the Sand Springs Chief for their “Policing Plan” which has been produced by the Sand Springs Police Department in cooperation with the citizens of Sand Springs. The 2018 plan is the third edition of the plan, which started after the department reviewed the Department of Justice Report on Ferguson, Missouri in 2015.

Chief Carter stated, “We read the DOJ report on Ferguson after our City Attorney David Weatherford suggested that we may want to look at missteps that had taken place in there, and what we could do to assure our public that we were policing in a positive manner”. He added, “We took a look at not only what we could do to promote procedural justice, officer accountability, transparency, training etc, but also at our past practices and decided to produce an annual plan”. The Department has modified and refined the Plan each year by including input from its citizens. Upon presentation by the Department, the City Council holds a public hearing and adopts the current plan by resolution.

Chief Carter spoke about the future of the program, he stated, “The police work we do is constantly changing, and police departments will need to change as the public’s perception of us and the reality of what we face changes. Preparing the plan helped us map a plan for the future, but also captured many of the great things our department has been doing for years to serve the public. It also reflects what our officers have historically done to bring people together and show that we are a police department for all people”. He added, “This award is not just to the police department, but to the Sand Springs community as a whole; it is their faith in us and the relationship that we have with them that made this possible”. Mayor Mike Burdge stated, “We are happy to see the recognition for our police department and the citizens of Sand Springs. With so many great police departments across the globe, it is an honor for our community to receive such an honor.”

Anyone who is interested in reading the plan or the versions of previous years may do so by going to http://www.sandspringsok.org/491/SSPD-Policing-Plan

City Councilman Jim Spoon receives national honors

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Sand Springs, OK - Sand Springs’ own Jim Spoon has been recognized by the National Community Pharmacists Association during the NCPA’s 2018 convention in Boston, MA. Spoon has been recognized as the 2018 Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to independent pharmacy and his community.

“Jim has been a tireless advocate for independent pharmacy over the years, helping shape not only its future but the future of his community through service,” said NCPA President David Smith, RPh as part of the national convention’s announcements.

Spoon currently serves as Sand Springs City Council Member “At Large” and is a member of the council’s Legislative and Finance and Development Committees. He is a Sand Springs Rotarian, and has been an active member of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy and the Sand Springs Education Foundation.

He received his BS in Pharmacy in 1975 from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and received his PharmD from the University of Oklahoma in 2002. Many local Sand Springs residents may be familiar with Spoon Drug, which he opened in 1979.

“We wish to express our sincere congratulations to Jim Spoon on this well-deserved recognition,” said Elizabeth Gray, City Manager for the City of Sand Springs. “We enjoy the opportunity to work with Mr. Spoon on our council and appreciate his long-standing commitment to improve our city and this community.”

City of Sand Springs Welcomes New Assistant City Manager

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs is pleased to welcome aboard new Assistant City Manager, Mike Tinker. Tinker brings nearly three decades of public service and government leadership to the City of Sand Springs.

“This is an exciting time for our City, with major infrastructure investments, steady economic development and new projects taking shape,” noted Mayor Mike Burdge. “Mike Tinker will be an asset to our city, and we will all benefit from his knowledge and expertise.”

Tinker, former City Manager for the City of Jenks, brings a wealth of municipal government experience as well as strong local and regional ties to Sand Springs. Tinker’s leadership and experience will increase Sand Springs’ positive momentum and provide instrumental guidance as the community continues to grow.

“Mike’s experience and collaborative spirit will be a tremendous addition to our team as we address various projects and opportunities,” stated City Manager Elizabeth Gray. “His work is diverse, anchored in community engagement and has driven positive change across all levels of municipal government. That’s a winning combination.”

Prior to his role as a City Manager for Jenks, Tinker served 13 years on the Jenks City Council with 9 years served as Mayor. Tinker also served on the Board of Directors with the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG). He chaired both INCOG’s General Assembly and INCOG’s Transportation Policy Committee.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant City Manager and be a part of an organization that has a well-earned reputation of excellence in governance,” says Tinker. “I look forward to working with an amazing team to serve the residents and businesses of Sand Springs.”

This Week in Sand Springs (10/7 - 10/14/18)

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Monday

  • Columbus Day

  • Native American Day

Tuesday

  • 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. Broken Arrow (Regionals).

    • Winner plays Owasso or Muskogee at 7:30 p.m.

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

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Band Booster Meeting.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority Meeting.

Thursday

  • 4:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Edmond North (State Tournament).

    • The Ballfields at Firelake - Field 1
      18160 Rangeline
      Shawnee, OK 74801

  • 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.

    • Pratt Library
      3219 South 113th West Avenue

Friday

  • 1:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Yukon or Broken Arrow (State Tournament).

    • Dependent on quarterfinal win.

    • The Ballfields at Firelake - Field 1
      18160 Rangeline
      Shawnee, OK 74801

  • 6:30 p.m. Third Annual Rock ‘N Rescue.

    • Sandite Team Animal Rescue annual fundraiser.
      Dinner, silent auction, cash bar, door prizes, live music from Mark Bruner and Shelby Eicher.

    • $35.00 General Admission, $45.00 VIP Seating.
      Contact 918.260.5738 for tickets.

    • Freddie’s BBQ Sapulpa
      1425 New Sapulpa Road
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

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

    • Sullins Stadium
      927 North 5th Street
      Ponca City, OK 74601

  • 7:00 p.m. Free movie: Justice League (2017)

    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pleasant Valley Farms 8th Annual Winter Squash & Pumpkin Festival.

    • Pleasant Valley Farms
      22350 West 71sst Street

  • 9:30 a.m. Inaugural Pregnancy & Infant Loss 5K

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball at State Tournament.

    • vs. Deer Creek, Stillwater, Owasso, or Westmoore. Dependent on Semifinal win.

    • The Ballfields at Firelake - Field 1
      18160 Rangeline
      Shawnee, OK 74801

Sunday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pleasant Valley Farms 8th Annual Winter Squash & Pumpkin Festival.

    • Pleasant Valley Farms
      22350 West 71sst Street

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Sand Springs Board of Ed hands out awards at October meeting

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Charles Page High School students August Nelson and Elizabeth Watts were presented with Sandite Spirit Awards at this Monday’s Board of Education meeting. The two juniors scored in the top 1% of ACT scores in the country and are National Merit Semi-Finalists. Nelson’s family accepted his award on his behalf as Nelson was busy competing with the Sandite Academic Team.

Cross Country coaches Mike Burdge, Virginia Williams, and Gloria Smith were presented with Pacesetter Awards for their work in organizing the Inaugural Case Cross Country Invitational. The successful 5K meet drew more than twenty teams and a thousand runners from across the state.

Clyde Boyd Middle School teacher Kenneth Cole was presented with a Coin of Excellence to go along with the two awards he recently received at the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Flight Night STEM Expo.

In other news:

The district is still looking to fill a vacant Special Education position at Central Ninth Grade Center.

Beloved CPHS biology teacher Bo Jestice has resigned and is moving to Colorado.

Hometown philanthropist Montie Box recently made a large donation to send Sand Springs elementary students to Biztown, a simulated city ran by Junior Achievement of Tulsa.

City of Sand Springs unveils new state of the art Wastewater Treatment Facility

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The City of Sand Springs held a grand opening and ribbon cutting at their new Wastewater Treatment Facility Wednesday morning.

The new $17.2M project was placed into service earlier this summer. The plant is capable of treating 3.1 million gallons/day (MGD) and could be expanded in the future to handle approximately 5MGD. The water facility replaces a much older site, which has since been demolished after serving citizens needs for more than 30 years. One of the primary benefits of Sand Springs’ new facility is the plant’s ability to manage a much broader array of wastewater treatment challenges faced by all municipal water managers.

“This new plant already has some capacity to handle additional gallons per day, beyond our current demand,” stated Derek Campbell, City Engineer. “We’re pleased to be able to bring this new facility online because it also provides us with a much broader ability to treat water chemistry challenges faced by our previous plant.”

With the new plant design the treatment of wastewater was changed from a rotating biological contactor (RBC) process to an activated sludge process. Updates were also made to improve the disinfection process. Additional screening and grit removal equipment were included in the facility’s design, further improving this plant from the previous one.

The overall project includes aerobic digester improvements, a disinfection system using sodium hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite, disinfection contact basins, aeration blowers, sludge dewatering improvements, backup diesel and natural gas generators as well as new administration and chemical buildings.

City Manager Elizabeth Gray says this massive project is yet another example of the public investments happening now in the Sand Springs community.

“This plant represents our City Council and staff’s strong commitment to managing our wastewater collection and treatment system and finding the economic strategies to help make projects like this happen,” stated Gray. “We’ve invested in our parks, public safety and streets. We’re pleased to say that our new plant is online and ready to serve the community for many years to come.”

“We’ve been doing the right things for a long time and we’re finally starting to see results,” said Mayor Mike Burdge. “We have a history of insightful and forward thinking people in Sand Springs.”

The design phase began in 2013 to accommodate projected growth and increased environmental regulations through the next twenty years. Walters-Morgan Construction was awarded the contract in January of 2014 with Tetra Tech as the consulting engineers.

“Water and wastewater workers are the unsung heroes of City Government,” said Gray. “It’s been thirty years since Sand Springs made such a large investment in water or wastewater.”

Sand Springs shaping up to be North Pole 2.0 with extensive Christmas festivities

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The 2018 holiday season is shaping up to be the best in Sand Springs history as new attractions join together with improved existing festivities. The town is well on its way to becoming a holiday destination for tourists across the region.

The Second Annual Snapped in Sand Springs event will run November 9th through December 29th. Dozens of businesses, churches, and organizations around Sand Springs will be setting up holiday-themed photo booths for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some will be indoors, most will be outdoors, and everyone is welcome to stop by and take selfies or family photos.

On Saturday, November 24th the Sand Springs Small Business Coalition will hold their Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the downtown Triangle District. Last year the event drew more than a thousand visitors as the city officially kick-started the holiday season with caroling, food trucks, and special holiday hours at the local businesses.

This year the Christmas Tree Lighting will be held at the finale of the Inaugural Sand Springs Sings vocal competition. The SSSBC will hold its third and final preliminary qualifier on Tuesday, October 2nd and the top three placers will advance to the November finals.

The Festival of Lights Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, November 30th in downtown and will feature Food Network star Kerry Vincent as Grand Marshall. The theme of the parade is “Christmas is the Sweetest Season of All.” Vincent was a judge on Food Network Challenge and has hosted multiple specials for the network as a master of sugar art. She founded and directs the Oklahoma Sugar Art Show every year, which is the largest judged sugar art show in the United States.

Prior to the parade, the Chamber will be lighting up all of the buildings in the downtown area with lights purchased through donations from Webco Industries, BancFirst, and the City of Sand Springs. Those lights will remain up through January 1st. The City is also donating a massive tree harvested from the Keystone Ancient Forest.

Last year Rod’s Books and Relics hosted their first Christmas Parade of Books, featuring several local authors at lighted tables along Second Street during the parade. The event has yet to be confirmed for 2018, but organizers are expected to announce a decision in the near future.

For the first time ever, the Chamber will also be hosting festivities through the entire parade weekend. “Hometown Holiday: A Christmas Celebration” will run Saturday December 1st from noon to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will feature choirs, bands, plays, children’s activities, carriage rides and more.

The Public Service Company of Oklahoma is donating the funds for a Santa Cottage and Tulsa Technology Center’s Sand Springs Campus will be constructing it so kids can tell Santa their Christmas wish list! There will also be a handful of Christmas characters in full costume wandering the area for photo opportunities.

A church tent will be available for local churches to host children’s activities throughout the weekend. Churches can host three-hour blocks of activities. Any club or group will be welcome to set up a free fundraising booth during the event. The Chamber is also open to community suggestions for other events and attractions.

Sandite Pride News will be sponsoring our Second Annual Christmas Light Contest throughout the holiday season. We will be recognizing the best home and best business in the Sand Springs area.

Finally, the internationally-acclaimed Blue Dog art exhibit by George Rodriguez will be making its Oklahoma debut at the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum from November 17th throughout the holiday season.

For more information on the Christmas Parade and Christmas Celebration, visit the Chamber of Commerce website at https://sandspringschamber.com/. Applications for Snapped in Sand Springs, the parade, and Hometown Holiday can be found at that link.

Sand Springs Chamber Business Incubator hopes to help small businesses thrive

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Sand Springs has no shortage of retail or office space available for lease or sale. Downtown storefronts sit vacant. The 7,000 sq. ft. Shoppes of Cleveland shopping center built in 2014 has never filled up. The 15,000 sq. ft. Shops at Sand Springs built in 2017 have yet to land a tenant. Numerous other buildings around town sit empty, most notably the 84,000 sq. ft. K-Mart building on Charles Page Boulevard.

The problem? While the City has been slowly attracting big corporations to town (ie: Colton’s Steak House, Aldi Grocery Store, Starbucks, CVS, etc.) most companies with real capital want to build their own facilities. Existing vacancies are typically filled by small local businesses, and even the cheapest real estate in town can be a serious strain on an aspiring entrepreneur.

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Sand Springs, is looking to kill two birds with one stone by providing low-cost office space to upstart organizations. The goal is for those businesses to build a customer base and reliable income stream so they can eventually expand into the vacant real estate around town.

Business Incubators not only offer cheap office space, but come with many other perks as well. The Oklahoma Small Business Incubators Incentives Act exempts tenants of certified incubators from state tax liability on income earned as a result of occupancy for up to ten years.

The Sand Springs Chamber incubator will also provide co-working space, conference rooms, electronic equipment such as printers, scanners, and a fax machine, and more. There are currently twelve rooms up for lease. The largest conference room seats as many as sixteen individuals comfortably. There will even be day-passes available for individuals to come use the technology center from their laptop.

The Chamber recently acquired their new building at 109 North Garfield Avenue from the City of Sand Springs with a $1.00/year lease agreement. The facility was formerly the home of the City’s Public Works Department and currently has 2,100 sq. ft. of rentable space.

“The City has been phenomenal to work with on this,” says Cepak. “(Community Development Director) Grant Gerondale has been amazing, that man has amazing ideas.”

Mile High Designs in Sand Springs recently installed new flooring through the whole building and most of it has received fresh paint and updated fixtures.

According to Chamber President Kristin Cepak, the Chamber has received approximately $6,000 worth of in-kind community donations so far, and 85% of the updates and improvements have been made by Sand Springs businesses. Organizations such as Webco and BancFirst are branding the building and providing free office supplies and other resources for the tenants.

The Chamber has yet to release pricing for the rental spaces. For more information on the incubator or other Chamber resources, contact Cepak at 918-245-3221 or visit their website at https://sandspringschamber.com/.