January 10, 2020

Senator Nathan Dahm files legislation prohibiting traffic citation quotas

January 10, 2020/ Staff Reports

State Senator Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation prohibiting law enforcement entities from enacting policies that require officers, justices or judges to meet traffic citation quotas.

“It’s no secret that some jurisdictions may emphasize writing tickets at different times to try and generate more revenue,” Dahm said. “Our peace officers shouldn’t be pushed by their employers to focus on writing extra tickets or collecting extra revenue from citations.”

Senate Bill 1264 would prohibit any political subdivision or agency of the state to maintain, require or suggest policies that employee evaluations, promotions, compensation or discipline may be based on the issuance of a specified number of traffic citations by law enforcement officers, or the amount of revenue a court justice or judge collects from these citations.

The bill does not prohibit municipalities from obtaining budgetary information from the courts, including estimates of court collections in a budget year.

“Prohibiting quotas will allow our law enforcement officers to better serve our communities by keeping their focus on protecting our citizens, not bolstering revenue.” Dahm said.

January 09, 2020

Gilcrease Expressway project financing partnership authorized

January 09, 2020/ Staff Reports

Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Jan. 6, meeting include commission approval of several Oklahoma Department of Transportation school zone safety projects and an item related to the agency’s partnership with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority on the Gilcrease Expressway project in Tulsa. Commissioners also heard updates on federal transportation funding and the state’s first transit plan.

Commissioners voted to approve use of federal funds for several school zone safety projects, including installation of signs with solar-powered warning beacons near schools on SH-4 in Mustang and on US-77 and SH-19 in Pauls Valley. Other school zone signage locations approved include SH-48 in Bearden, SH-270 in McLoud, US-77 in Paoli and SH-66 in Stroud.

The commission voted to authorize Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz to negotiate an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to help finance the Gilcrease Expressway project in Tulsa using a loan through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program. With ODOT’s assistance, OTA is seeking a TIFIA loan to provide the most favorable payment and interest terms to help the authority fund construction of the five-mile segment of the new highway between I-44 and US-412, which will be paid off with toll revenues. Other project partners include the City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Indian Nations Council of Governments and the Federal Highway Administration. Gatz also leads OTA as its executive director. For more information about the project, including cost and schedule, visit the OTA’s project webpage at www.drivingforwardok.com.

“This segment of the Gilcrease Expressway has been challenging to fund and this arrangement is a great example of local, state and federal government entities working together to leverage their resources to bring a major project forward that would have never happened otherwise,” Gatz said.

Gatz updated commissioners on the recently approved federal appropriations bill that authorizes funding for Federal Fiscal Year 2020. In December, Congress and the president agreed on a long-term appropriations measure that will provide certainty in federal transportation funding for the remainder of FY 2020, allowing ODOT to continue advertising projects for bid and awarding contracts with federal funds through the fiscal year.

Finally, Gatz reported to commissioners on stakeholder meetings taking place statewide as part of development of the Oklahoma Public Transit Policy Plan. The department and the Oklahoma Transit Association are hosting regional meetings in several cities to get local input on needs from transit providers and users to help shape the state’s transit program. Meetings in McAlester and Lawton occurred in December and upcoming meetings are planned for Pryor, Durant, Oklahoma City, Woodward and Ponca City. Meeting details and more information about the plan can be found at www.oktransitplan.org.

The department also welcomed an award from the American Concrete Pavement Association for a pavement rehabilitation project on I-35 and I-40 in Oklahoma County that recently earned a National Gold Award for excellence in design and construction. The $10.5 million project designed by ODOT and built by Duit Construction, of Edmond, addressed sections of I-35 between Edmond and northeast Oklahoma City and I-40 on the city’s west side.

As is customary, no new highway projects were advertised for bid in December, so no construction contracts were awarded this month. Projects advertised for bid in January can be viewed at www.odot.org/contracts.

The nine-member Oklahoma Transportation Commission, appointed by the governor and legislative leadership to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards monthly contracts for road and bridge construction. The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3. Contracts, bid information, the commission’s monthly agenda and project details can be viewed at www.odot.org.

January 09, 2020

Sand Springs to begin Main Street expansion project with new Highway 412 on-ramp

January 09, 2020/ Staff Reports

Sand Springs, OK - Road construction work will begin along south portions of Main Street as early as next week. ODOT’s $7.7M project is part of a cost share program, with 20% of the funding provided by the City of Sand Springs.

Main Street will be widened from 1st Street, southward to Morrow Road. Creation of the Lincoln On-Ramp Connector will provide traffic connection to eastbound HWY 412. Main Street, south of Morrow Road, will tie into HWY 97 from the east. A traffic signal light will be added to the new intersection of HWY 97 & Main Street.

The project includes $5.5M for roadway improvements, with $1.8 dedicated to storm water/sewer drainage. Remaining funds will be used for water line and sewer line extensions. Completion of the ODOT-managed project is estimated at 18 months.

“Sand Springs is growing, and we are committed to keeping pace with rising traffic needs in our community,” stated Mayor Jim Spoon. “We are very appreciative of the benefits the City will receive through participation in ODOT’s cost share program.”

“The Main Street Improvement project will upgrade the efficient flow of traffic during peak travel times,” stated City Manager Elizabeth Gray. “The traffic loop and additional traffic signal will also provide an alternative route for school buses and safety personnel.”

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

January 07, 2020

Flood-damaged playgrounds reopen in Sand Springs's Case Community Park

January 07, 2020/ Scott Emigh

The two largest playgrounds in Case Community Park are officially open for visitors. The artificial turf in the playgrounds was ruined during a historic summer 2019 flood that completely submerged the city’s 120-acre flagship park. Now, eight months later,the playground next to the splash pad, and the playground next to the Great Lawn are open to the public.

The park itself opened not long after the flood, due to a community outpouring of volunteer cleanup efforts. The City hosted a cleanup day that saw hundreds of volunteers turn out, then individual groups like the Power of Partial Improvement continued the effort.

The BMX track, soccer fields, basketball court, biking/walking trail, disc golf course, skate park, boat ramp, picnic shelters, and splash pad have been open since July, but the playgrounds were held up due to the turf. The Parks Department had to wait on their insurance company to process the claim, then due to the price of the turf, the project had to go through a public bid process. The project ultimately came in at $45,281.40.

At the City Council December meeting, Council approved a supplemental appropriation of $102,000 to continue repair efforts throughout the park. $35,000 was approved to repair the infield playing surfaces at the Will Ramsey Softball Complex, which suffered the most damage of the park’s facilities. Not only was the grading ruined by the powerful river current, but most of the fencing was ruined, as was the playground turf and the concessions building.

The playground turf at both the Softball and Baseball complexes are still in need of replacement, but should be finished soon.

January 06, 2020

Sand Springs School Board recognizes bus drivers, CBMS students at January meeting

January 06, 2020/ Scott Emigh

Sand Springs school bus drivers Renee Nance, Joanne Parker, Roger Anderson, Gary Dusina, Kevin Smith, and Transportation Director Sean Parker were presented with Sandite Pacesetter Awards for their work with special needs students.

According to Parker, the special needs fleet serves 50 students in an area of over 200 square miles, and does it with only 4 buses, meaning they can’t run a regular bus route. Parker also praised Special Needs Coordinator Bobby Hunt.

Clyde Boyd Middle School seventh grade studets Gavin Strout and Macie Willits were honored with Sandite Spirit Awards for their contributions to the Shop With A Cop program. Strout reportedly raised over $900 for the program, which aims to make sure poorer students in the Sand Springs area all receive Christmas presents. The district raised $8,125 overall, benefiting over 160 students.

Superintendent Sherry Durkee also surprised the Board with plaques recognizing their contribution to the district. The Board includes Jackie Wagnon, Whitney Wagers, Mike Mullins, Rusty Gunn, and Bo Naugle.

The Board approved out-of-state travel for Vo-Ag students to attend the MWI Welding Competition in Nevada, Missouri at the end of January, and for Transportation Director Sean Parker to attend Training on Medeco Key Systems in Ontario, California in February.

The Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Sand Springs Fire Department for a Student Internship Program.

The Board approved the employment of a high school English teacher, a Special Education teacher at Limestone Technology Academy, a Special Education paraprofessional at Angus Valley Elementary, and Bobby Klinck as Head Football Coach.

January 05, 2020

City of Sand Springs receives award for Water Fluoridation Quality

January 05, 2020/ Staff Reports

Shell Lake is one of two water sources for Sand Springs, the other being Skiatook Lake.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) recently announced that 13 water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the year 2018.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities which achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent optimal level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2018.

During 2018, a total of 1,656 public water systems in 30 states received these awards, including 13 in Oklahoma.

“The Oklahoma State Department of Health supports community water fluoridation and recognizes the practice as beneficial to all who drink and use the water,” said Dr. Jana Winfree, director of the OSDH Dental Health Service. “Preventive dental care programs, such as community water fluoridation, make a real difference in improving the health of Oklahomans.”

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.

“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults,” said Casey Hannan, acting director of the CDC Division of Oral Health. “Fluoridation is also highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every $1 a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.”

The following water systems received awards:

Bartlesville
Chickasha Municipal Authority
Madill
Muskogee
Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority (OOWA) – Pryor
Oklahoma City – Draper
Oklahoma State University – Stillwater
Ponca City Municipal Water
City of Sand Springs
Stillwater
Tahlequah – Tenkiller
Tulsa – A.B. Jewell
Tulsa – Mohawk

January 05, 2020

Oklahoma Senate leaders announce bipartisan effort to encourage U.S. Census participation

January 05, 2020/ Staff Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY – Both Republicans and Democrats in the Oklahoma Senate are joining the effort to get a full count in Oklahoma in the 2020 Census.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, and Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, announced on Wednesday that the Senate is forming a 2020 Complete Count Committee.

The U.S. Census Bureau encourages state and local governments, as well as community, business and faith leaders to form Complete Count committees to promote, through a variety of activities, the importance of a full and complete count in the census. Census data drives the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funds every year for infrastructure, including transportation, as well as education programs, health care and more.

“It is incredibly important that each Oklahoman be counted in the 2020 Census. Increasing our participation rate in the census will provide a more accurate count and has the potential to increase the federal dollars for transportation, education, health care, and other important programs in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Senate and its members will work to encourage higher participation in the 2020 Census through the Complete Count Committee,” Treat said.

In 2010, Oklahoma’s census participation rate was just 75.5 percent. In Texas, the participation rate was 76.5 percent; in Arkansas, the participation rate was 77 percent; while in Kansas, the participation rate was 81.2 percent.

“A complete census count of all Oklahomans is critical for the future of our state,” Floyd said. “When Oklahoma taxpayers send their hard-earned dollars to Washington, they expect to receive a fair share of funding from federal programs in return, but that is not possible without an accurate census count in Oklahoma. This is why members of the Oklahoma Senate are working together on a bipartisan effort to encourage our constituents to participate in the 2020 Census.”

In Fiscal Year 2016, Oklahoma received more than $9.3 billion through 55 federal programs guided by 2010 census data. It is estimated that every person not counted in the census costs the state approximately $1,800 per year in lost federal funding for 10 years. An undercount of just 2 percent could cost the state up to $1.8 billion over a decade.

Census Day will be April 1, 2020, but Oklahoma residents can self-respond to the 2020 Census beginning in early March 2020, via the Internet, by phone, by traditional paper census questionnaire, or in-person with a U.S Census Bureau employee. The U.S. Constitution mandates a full count of the population in Article 1, Section 2. Decennial census counts are used when determining how to allocate federal funds.

For more information, check out the following links from the U.S. Census Bureau:

January 03, 2020

Senator Young files legislation to boost Oklahoma minimum wage to $10.50

January 03, 2020/ Staff Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, has filed legislation to increase Oklahoman’s minimum wage requirement.

Senate Bill 1165 would require employers to pay their employees a minimum wage of $10.50 per hour, or match the federal minimum wage rate, whichever is greater. Oklahoma’s current minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, which is equal to the federal minimum wage.

“The spending power of a minimum wage paycheck has been significantly reduced since the last minimum wage raise more than a decade ago,” Young said, noting the last minimum wage increase in Oklahoma was in 2008 when the rate increased from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour.

Thirty-one states have a minimum wage requirement higher than the federal minimum, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. While Texas and Kansas match Oklahoma’s $7.25 an hour minimum wage, Missouri’s minimum wage rate is $8.60 per hour and Arkansas’ minimum wage rate is $10 per hour. Both states have plans to further increase their rates in the coming years.

“Oklahomans deserve to be paid fairly so they can offset the rising costs of healthcare, housing and food,” Young said. “Closing the wage gap between the poverty line and middle class would have a tremendous impact on our economy by increasing consumer spending and generating more tax revenue for our municipalities and state.”

January 03, 2020

Sand Springs accepting bids for new visitor center at Keystone Ancient Forest

January 03, 2020/ Staff Reports

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs announces its plans to publicly bid construction documents for a planned 2,000-square foot visitor center at Keystone Ancient Forest nature preserve, just west of Sand Springs. The City-owned project is the result of public bond support from the Citizens of Sand Springs and major philanthropic support from the Sharna and Irvin Frank Family Foundation.

The 2-level structure is the result of several years of planning, fundraising, master planning and (most recently) architectural design work by Studio45 Architects of Tulsa. Upon completion, the new design will feature a glassed in multi-function observation floor and modern restroom facilities. Below the main observation floor and restrooms, space will be allocated for park maintenance, storage and mechanical building systems. The facility will serve as the formal gateway for visitors to hike and enjoy nearly ten miles of pedestrian hiking at the forest.

The City will advertise for public bids early this month. Interested bidders can contact Grant Gerondale, Community Development Director at (918) 246-2504 for plan set details.

Sealed bids will be received in the temporary office of the City Clerk at 217 N. McKinley Ave until 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Sealed bids will then be opened at the Case Community Center at 10:15 a.m.

The Keystone Ancient Forest opened for public visitation in October of 2007 and has become one of Oklahoma’s premier hiking destinations. Thousands of hikers enjoy year-round trail hikes amidst the oldest publicly accessible, protected, Crosstimbers forest remnant in the United States.

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

January 02, 2020

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (1/5 - 1/12/2020)

January 02, 2020/ Staff Reports

Monday

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Chamber Open Forum.
- Lunch $15, RSVP required - denise@sandspringschamber.com
- Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
  924 East Charles Page Boulevard
7:00 p.m. Board of Education meeting.
- Click here to view agenda.
- CPHS Performing Arts Building
  600 North Adams Road

Tuesday

10:30 a.m. Build a Reader Storytime.
- Charles Page Library
  551 East 4th Street
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Art Class for Kids.
- ZegART Studios
  700 East Charles Page Boulevard
6:30 p.m. CPHS Girls Basketball vs. Jenks.
8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys Basketball vs. Jenks.
- Ed Dubie Field House
  600 North Adams Road
7:00 p.m. CPHS Wrestling vs. Bixby.
- Clyde Boyd Middle School
  305 West 35th Street

Wednesday

11:30 a.m. City Council meeting.
- Click here to view agenda.
- Case Community Center
  1050 West Wekiwa Road

Thursday

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Build a Read Storytime + Stay & Play.
- Pratt Library
  3219 South 113th West Avenue
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lego Fun!
- Charles Page Library
  551 East 4th Street
5:30 p.m. Airport Advisory Board meeting.
- Click here to view agenda.
- Pogue Airport - Terminal Conference Room
  3200 Airport Road
6:00 p.m. BINGO.
- American Legion Post 17
  500 North Main Street
7:00 p.m. CPHS Wrestling vs. Collinsville.
- Ed Dubie Field House
  600 North Adams Road

Friday

9:00 a.m. CPHS Wrestling at Cushing Tiger Invitational.
- Cushing Fieldhouse
  1700 East Walnut Street
  Cushing, OK 74023

Saturday

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
- Keystone Ancient Forest
  160 Ancient Forest Drive
9:00 a.m. CPHS Wrestling at Cushing Tiger Invitational.
- Cushing Fieldhouse
  1700 East Walnut Street
  Cushing, OK 74023

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

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

January 02, 2020

Sand Springs student Sean Kuehn selected to serve on Oklahoma Student Advisory Council

January 02, 2020/ Scott Emigh

Sean Kuehn (center) receives the August 2018 Sandite Spirit Award. Kuehn was recently selected to serve on the Oklahoma 2020 Student Advisory Council.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister recently announced that 104 Oklahoma high school students have been named to her 2020 Student Advisory Council, the fifth consecutive year the group has been convened to assist Hofmeister and the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) in matters of policy.

Charles Page High School student Sean Kuehn was among the selected representatives.

“As we continue to improve public education, it is imperative to gather feedback and insight directly from Oklahoma students,” Hofmeister said. “Each year I continue to be touched by the wisdom, hope and compassion of these amazing young people who represent their schools and communities.”

Dominant themes voiced by last year’s Student Advisory Council were the importance of personal financial literacy, increased awareness of student mental health needs, and how trauma affects chronic absenteeism and student success. Feedback from the Council has been instrumental in state-level initiatives to provide teachers more professional development in trauma-informed instruction, replace end-of-course high school testing with ACT or SAT, and pilot Individual Career Academic Planning (ICAP).

The students, recommended by their district superintendents, hail from across Oklahoma and represent rural, urban and suburban schools of all sizes. Twenty-four are returning members who have served on the council in previous years.

The first meeting of the Student Advisory Council is scheduled for 10 a.m., Jan. 29, in Room 535 of the State Capitol.

December 18, 2019

Chick-fil-A confirms new Sand Springs location

December 18, 2019/ Scott Emigh

The City of Sand Springs has been developing new land and beautifying the city to try and attract new businesses in recent years. Pictured here is the entrance to the new Sheffield Crossing development, where the City hopes to attract a large box store.

The City of Sand Springs announced Wednesday the upcoming arrival of national restaurant retailer Chick-fil-A to Sheffield Crossing at Sand Springs. The announcement comes immediately following the successful closing at the city-owned site. Following construction, which should commence in early 2020, Chick-fil-A says the new restaurant will be open late 2020

“While we are still early in the process, Chick-fil-A is happy to share that we have chosen our first location in the Sand Springs area,” reads the short statement. “We look forward to working through the approval process with the city and are excited by the prospect of joining this vibrant community. We hope to have the opportunity to serve new guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality.”

Chick-fil-A is a quick service restaurant known for its original chicken sandwich and signature hospitality. Part of the way they achieve this hospitality is through local ownership of its restaurants. The Sand Springs Operator will not only work in the community, but also live in the area as well. Chick-fil-A Operators look for opportunities to creatively serve and have a positive impact on their local communities.

This announcement is the first of what the City hopes will be many more updates as work continues at the Sheffield Crossing at Sand Springs site. With more than 80,000 vehicles passing by daily and a trade area of 100,000 customers, this retail site is one of the best in the N.W. Tulsa metro region. Land adjacent to the Chick-fil-A site is also ready for retail development.

Success at the Sheffield Crossing at Sand Springs development area has been based on several key partnerships, which helped build support and gain momentum. Leaders at OmniTRAX (previous owners of the industrial site) worked collaboratively with the City of Sand Springs to plan for future development. Sand Springs voters passed a 2017 General Obligation Bond measure securing revenue to be used on economic development projects within the community. Without the support of leadership from our City Council, OmniTRAX and from Sand Springs voters, the site would likely remain in its former state.

“We wish to express our deep appreciation to the voters of Sand Springs, OmniTRAX, ODOT, and the many other partners we’ve worked with along the way to help make this announcement possible,” said James O. Spoon, Mayor of Sand Springs. “Our council and staff have worked diligently for many years to share exciting news such as this, and we look forward to providing more good news from Sheffield Crossing at Sand Springs in the future.”

Additionally, the City would like to acknowledge the help of Orion Realty Advisors, Tri-Star Construction, and O.D.O.T. Special recognition should be given to Tri-Star Construction, who (as part of a $1.7M construction contract) constructed an entry road, highway turn lane, traffic signals and all public utilities necessary to serve the development and the Chick-fil-A pad site.

In the months ahead City staff will be examining preliminary layout options for the site including infrastructure, utilities, grading and drainage. Much work will be happening at the site in 2020 to coordinate additional improvements, planned by O.D.O.T. in the years ahead along the Highway 97 corridor.

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Inquiries regarding Sheffield Crossing at Sand Springs may contact City Manager Elizabeth Gray at 918-246-2502 or eagray@sandsprings ok.org.

The Atlanta-based company currently operates 47 locations in Oklahoma, including nine in the Tulsa Metropolitan area. They have 2,500 restaurants throughout the United States and Canada.

Sand Springs has been pushing hard for economic growth in recent years, developing two City-owned properties in the Highway 412 corridor. The River West Shopping Center has attracted a Holiday Inn Express, Colton’s Steak House, El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, Warren Clinic, ALDI, Starbucks, CVS, and IHOP.

The City has plans for numerous infrastructure and aesthetic improvements throughout the City. A main-street extension is currently in the works that will connect Main Street to Highway 97 right before the Arkansas River bridge, and will add a frontage road connecting Main Street to the Highway 412 on-ramp at Lincoln Avenue. The City is also negotiating with OmniTRAX to purchase a 7-to-10-acre tract for a proposed roadway over the Arkansas River/Highway 97 levee that separates Case Community Park from the Sheffield Crossing development.

At Monday night’s regular City Council meeting, Council approved an $84,000 investment in tree-planting and landscaping along the highway corridors to improve the aesthetic appeal of the City in the eyes of potential investors and developers. A wall is currently being constructed around the City’s water treatment plant at the corner of Highway 97 and Morrow Road, which will also feature decorative landscaping to shield the public’s view of the facilities.

December 17, 2019

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (12/15- 12/22/19)

December 17, 2019/ Staff Reports