What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/9 - 8/16/2020)

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Monday

  • Clyde Boyd Middle School Schedule Pick-Up and Chromebook Check-Out.
    8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 7th Grade last names A-D.
    9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 7th Grade last names E-K.
    12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 7th Grade last names L-R.
    2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 7th Grade last names S-Z.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

  • Charles Page High School Schedule Pick-Up.
    8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Seniors with last names A-F.
    10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Seniors with last names G-O.
    1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Seniors with last names P-Z.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • Softball Skills Camp with Oklahoma State players.
    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ages 6-11.
    5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Ages 12+.

    • Will Ramsey Softball Complex
      2500 River City Park Road

  • SSCS School Supply Giveaway.

    • See attached flyer for more information.

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

  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Softball vs. Tahlequah.
    6:30 p.m. Junior Varsity game.

    • Tahlequah High School
      591 Pendleton Street
      Tahlequah, OK 74464

  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment meeting.

Tuesday

  • Clyde Boyd Middle School Schedule Pick-Up and Chromebook Check-Out.
    8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 8th Grade last names A-D.
    9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 8th Grade last names E-K.
    12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 8th Grade last names L-R.
    2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 8th Grade last names S-Z.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

  • Sixth Grade Center Schedule Pick-Up and Chromebook Check-Out.
    8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Last names A-D.
    9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Last names E-K.
    12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Last names L-R.
    2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Last names S-Z.

    • Sixth Grade Center
      3401 South Magnolia Drive

  • Charles Page High School Schedule Pick-Up.
    8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Juniors with last names G-O.
    10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Juniors with last names P-Z.
    1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Juniors with last names A-F.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Good Samaritan Free Health Clinic.

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street

  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Softball vs. Ponca City.
    6:30 p.m. Junior Varsity game.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 6:30 p.m. CPHS Varsity Volleyball vs. Bixby.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Public Schools District Dialogue.

Wednesday

  • Charles Page High School Schedule Pick-Up.
    8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Sophomores with last names P-Z.
    10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Sophomores with last names A-F.
    1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sophomores with last names G-O.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 1:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council - special meeting.

Thursday

  • 10:00 a.m. Zackery Park Grand Opening.

    • Zackery Park
      100 West Alexander Boulevard

  • 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Northwoods Meet & Greet night.
    3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Last names A-H.
    4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Last names I-P.
    6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Last names Q-Z.

    • Northwoods Fine Arts Academy
      1691 Old North Road

  • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Schedule Pick-Up Make-Up night.

    • For students who missed their assigned times.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

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

  • 5:30 p.m. CPHS Junior Varsity softball vs. Bartlesville.
    7:00 p.m. Varsity game.

    • Lady Bruin Softball Field
      5900 Baylor Drive
      Bartlesville, OK 74006

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Friday

  • CPHS Varsity Volleyball Tournament.

    • 9:00 a.m. vs. Tecumseh
      11:00 a.m. vs. Lawton.
      2:00 p.m. vs. Sapulpa.
      5:00 p.m. vs. Booker T. Washington

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

  • CPHS Varsity Softball at Broken Arrow Tournament.

    • 2:30 p.m. vs. Collinsville.
      4:00 p.m. vs. Silo.

    • Arrowhead Softball Complex
      202 East 91st Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Saturday

  • CPHS Varsity Volleyball Tournament.

    • 9:00 a.m. vs. Edison Prep.
      11:00 a.m. vs. Bishop Kelley Red.
      2:00 p.m. vs. NOAH.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

  • CPHS Varsity Softball at Broken Arrow Tournament.

    • 10:00 a.m. vs. Mustang.
      11:30 a.m. vs. Westmoore.
      6:30 p.m. vs. Muldrow.

    • Arrowhead Softball Complex
      202 East 91st Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

  • 12:00 p.m. CPHS Football Black and Gold Scrimmage.

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hike With Your Dog Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Sand Springs to hold grand opening of Zackery Park on August 13th

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City of Sand Springs employees, elected officials, and guests will gather August 13th at 10:00 a.m. to cut the ribbon on the city’s newest park.

Located at 100 West Alexander Boulevard, Zackery Park will serve as a reminder of the historic black neighborhood that once stood in what is now the River West shopping district. The small park is named for the Zackery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Crawford Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs. Mayor Jim Spoon will also read a mayoral proclamation recognizing the day as Bessie Crawford Zackery Day.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area will also be named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot.

There is currently a large detention pond adjacent to the park, and staff recently installed a fountain in the middle. A steel trellis was recently installed, along with a seat wall made from brick pavers that were salvaged from the old Booker T. Washington High School. There will also be a concrete plaza, informational signage, and decorative plants.

The River West area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, a TTCU branch, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There is also a small strip center being constructed, and only a few plots of land are still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

The Sand Springs Parks Department has several other projects underway around the city. The disc golf course in Case Community Park is getting a redesign by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course is getting a major clubhouse remodel. There is a visitors’ center being constructed at the Keystone Ancient Forest, and an observation tower will be installed in the near future.

House approves funding for Tulsa Levee System improvements

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An Arkansas River levee holds back flood waters in Sand Springs in May of 2019.

On July 30, 2020, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed HR 7575—the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)—which could have significant impacts on the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee system.

“There’s a lot to be happy about in the WRDA passing,” said Representative Kevin Hern. “Included in the bill were funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to make upgrades on the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System. Last year, a flood decimated parts of Tulsa. Had the aging levees failed, the devastation would have been much worse.”

The legislation includes $133.5 million in funding to improve the levees, which were rated “unacceptable” and at “very high risk of failure” 12 years ago. Next, the legislation moves forward to the Senate for approval.

“I have consistently pushed for the need to address the decrepit Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System,” said Senator Jim Inhofe. “Passage of this legislation in the House is a major step forward and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that it is passed through the Senate.”

Previous to the House passage, the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System was the subject of an Army Corps of Engineers “Chiefs Report” in which the Corps made formal recommendations for the necessary improvements to the system. This “Chiefs Report” followed the completion of a feasibility study that incorporated public comments regarding the identified improvements.

“I get more and more excited every time we move forward and see progress on improving our levee system,” said District 2 Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith. “It has taken years of effort from Senators Inhofe and Lankford, Congressman Hern and Mullen, Todd Kilpatrick our Levee Commissioner, the Corps, and so many others to get us to this point. The momentum we have now is a huge victory for the citizens and business who rely on the levees to protect them. I am looking forward to the day when the Corps can start the preconstruction and engineering design phase that this funding will kick off.”

“The news that the WRDA has been passed by the House is tremendous,” Todd Kilpatrick, District 12 Levee Commissioner, said. “Every step we make toward improving the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System gets Tulsans closer to being better protected from the flooding like we saw last year. We wouldn’t have gotten this far without the support of our federal delegation and the expedited work by the Tulsa Division of the Corps to complete the feasibility study that ultimately led to the signing of the Chiefs report.”

In addition to the funding potential from the WRDA, this past April Tulsa County was awarded a $3 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration to modernize two existing pump stations in the 70+-year-old system

The full text of the bill can be read at this link.

Sand Springs minister dies from COVID-19 complications

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Jim Schrepel, right, died from complications due to COVID-19 on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its fourth victim in the town of Sand Springs. Jim Schrepel, 74, passed away Tuesday after a month-long battle with complications arising from the virus. Schrepel was the co-founder of In Jesus Name Ministries International which hosted the annual Unity Praise gathering in Sand Springs.

Less than five months earlier, Schrepel’s wife, Stephanie, contracted the virus and was one of the first cases in Oklahoma. SEE RELATED: Surviving COVID-19 in Sand Springs.

Jim Schrepel was diagnosed and hospitalized with the virus and bilateral pneumonia in early July. He was able to return home early on, but required oxygen. Eventually his symptoms worsened to the point that he had to be admitted to the COVID intensive care unit.

Although he was virus-free by the 29th, the disease and the pneumonia had already caused severe damage to his body and he suffered a small stroke on the 30th. He passed away Tuesday surrounded by his wife and children.

Schrepel’s funeral will be held Saturday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. The service will be held outside at Reach Church at 1402 North 81st West Avenue. Face masks will be required. The church has launched an online donation link to assist the family.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1,101 new cases Wednesday with 645 hospitalizations and 6,598 active cases statewide. There have been 17 additional deaths, bringing the statewide death toll to 583.

  • Two in Caddo County, one female and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in Cleveland County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Grady County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Kay County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in McCurtain County, two females in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Payne County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Six in Oklahoma County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group. Three females and two males in the 65 or older age group.  

  • Two in Tulsa County, two females in the 65 or older age group. 

Sand Springs reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the number of active cases to a record-high 46. The city of Tulsa has 953 active cases and Tulsa County has 1,414.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,748,806 cases nationwide with 156,311 deaths. There have been 49,988 cases and 1,107 deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (33rd per capita) but is 19th in new cases in the past week (13th per capita). The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita) and 23rd in deaths in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 18,354,342 cases worldwide with 696,147 deaths. There have been 206,709 new cases and 5,116 deaths in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,750,318 and India with 1,908,254.

OTC authorizes $95,000 in improvements for Industrial Avenue bridge in Sand Springs

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On Monday, Aug. 3, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved the nearly $880 million County Improvements for Roads and Bridges plan that has been updated for State Fiscal Years 2021 through 2025. The plan, managed by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, is set to replace or rehabilitate 313 bridges on the county system – of which 151 are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete – and to improve 585 miles of county roads in the next five years.

“Oklahoma’s county road network accounts for 60 percent of the state’s bridges and 73 percent of its centerline miles on our state’s transportation system and this funding is fundamental to keeping the ‘off-system’ infrastructure online for years to come,” said Tim Gatz, Oklahoma secretary of transportation and ODOT executive director.

The plan is comprised of 209 projects with all 77 counties represented. The department works with the counties’ eight Circuit Engineering Districts to prioritize projects of the highest need in each county and make the most of state, federal, local and tribal funding sources. The plan allows counties to work together to pool resources to address high-priority projects too large for any one county to accomplish. By law, ODOT administers the plan and partners with the counties to oversee the state and federal funds incorporated into many projects.

The plan identifies funding for one project in Sand Springs. $85,000 has been set aside for either repairs to or replacement of the Industrial Avenue bridge over Sand Creek. $5,000 has been designated for right-of-way improvements on Industrial Avenue, and another $5,000 will be spent on utilities improvements.

Sand Springs Public Schools mandate masks for upcoming school year

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The Sand Springs Board of Education approved a plan Monday night for the new school year that will include mandatory face masks for both students and employees. Students in grades 4 through 12 will be required to wear a cloth face covering while at school. Students in Pre-K through 3rd grade will be required to wear a mask in hallways and common areas, but will be allowed to remove them in classrooms, while eating lunch, and during outdoor activities. Students will be exempt from wearing a mask if they have a medical reason documented by a physician.

District employees will have their temperature taken and will answer a health screener before entering their work stations each day. Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or greater will not be allowed to return to campus until they have been temperature-free for 24 hours without medication.

Employees will have to wear a face mask while in a school building or vehicle unless they have a medical reason, documented by a physician, that prevents them from wearing one. However, they will be allowed to remove the mask if they are in a room/vehicle alone or are able to maintain at least six feet of space from others. They also won’t have to wear a mask if they work in the heat or with machinery that could cause a safety hazard.

Employees who come into close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Close contact is defined as being within six feet of a person for more than 15 minutes, living in the same household, or being exposed to coughing, kissing, sharing of utensils, etc. They will not be required to stay home from work if they’ve been near an infected person, but not in close contact. They will also be allowed to come to work if they are showing some COVID-like symptoms, but aren’t feverish and haven’t knowingly been exposed to an infected person.

The district is encouraging parents to personally bring their kids to school, if possible, so that buses operate under capacity. Windows will remain open on the bus whenever possible and students will be socially distanced as much as possible. Cloth face masks will be required unless the student has a medical excuse documented by a physician.

Classrooms will be equipped with disinfectant wipes and teachers will be spending additional time disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout the day. Shared school supplies will be discontinued when possible.

Large group gatherings and assemblies will be avoided when possible, and masks will be required when events are held, with medical exceptions. Students will be discouraged from congregating in the hallways and lobbies before, during, and after school. The cafeteria will be limited to no more than 250 students at a time, and they will be allowed to remove masks while eating. Tables will be disinfected after each group exits.

Visitors will only be allowed to enter the school with prior administrative approval, and will be subjected to screener questions and temperature checks. Approved volunteers will be required to wear masks at all times. No parents or family members will be allowed to accompany their students into the building at any time. Assemblies at all grade levels will be limited to students and staff only.

Back to School nights, Meet and Greets, Parent Nights, etc. will be restricted to 250 people. Athletic events, band and choir performances, plays, etc. will be managed by the designated department leader.

Board members Mike Mullins, Jackie Wagnon, and Whitney Wagers voted in favor of the proposal, while Rusty Gunn and Bo Naugle voted against it. Immediately following the vote, Gunn donated 300 masks to the district and pledged 1,000 more.

For families that aren’t comfortable sending their children to school this fall, the district also offers virtual and blended learning. According to Virtual Academy Director Jay Rotert, elementary enrollment in the virtual academy has increased from 11 students last year to 162 for the upcoming semester.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/2 - 8/9/2020)

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Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Blood Drive.

    • Utica Park Clinic
      20 East 34th Street

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Back to School Backpack giveaway.

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

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Attorney General Hunter Prepares Brief with Court of Criminal Appeals Seeking Guidance on Cases Affected by the McGirt Decision

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OKLAHOMA CITY – In response to the flood of inmates challenging their state convictions on historic tribal lands, including those lands not associated with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Attorney General Mike Hunter today plans to file a brief with the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals that seeks guidance on these many cases affected by the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt ruling.

In the filing, the attorney general writes that the U.S. Supreme Court created numerous issues that could result in the release of inmates convicted of violent crimes, like Shaun Bosse, a non-Indian who is on death row for murdering a Chickasaw family—a mother and her two children—in 2010.

Bosse is challenging his conviction on the basis that his crimes took place on the undiminished boundaries of the original Chickasaw Reservation.

“My team and I plan to challenge every single appeal that attempts to overturn longstanding convictions on historic tribal land,” Attorney General Hunter said. “We are not questioning the Supreme Court’s ruling in McGirt, but instead seeking to promote public safety by saying these convicted criminals waited too long to bring their claims. Also, we are asking the court to make clear that the state still has jurisdiction to punish non-Indians who victimize tribal citizens, which would provide the maximum possible protection to tribal members. In the meantime, we are asking the Court of Criminal Appeals to provide guidance on these cases and deny any requests by inmates attempting to get released from prison.”

One question the attorney general points to in the Bosse case is whether the state has jurisdiction, concurrently with the federal government over non-Indians, like Bosse, who victimized tribal citizens.

“We take the position that the state has a right and duty to protect our Indian citizens from those who murder them like Bosse,” Attorney General Hunter said. “There can be no good that comes from tying the state’s hands when we are trying to protect Native Americans by exercising jurisdiction over non-Indians. This is no way undermines tribal sovereignty, but instead is a way for the state to work with the federal government in making sure tribal members receive police protection and justice when they are victimized.”

The attorney general is also asking the court to clarify how Indian status is to be proven, and to put the burden of proving Indian status on the defendant and that the location of the crime fell within the boundaries of a legal reservation.

A drive up to 75; speed limit changes in sight for some rural Oklahoma interstates

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Nearly 400 miles of rural interstates in Oklahoma will be shifting up to a maximum speed limit of 75 mph in the coming months. Drivers will only see these changes outside of the major metro areas of these routes, and should pay close attention to safety during this transition.

At its August 3 meeting, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved six locations on I-35 and I-40 to change the maximum speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph on 179 miles of identified rural sections of I-35 and on 220 miles of I-40. These segments include:

  • I-35 from the Oklahoma/Texas state line, north 90 miles to just south of the SH-74 junction near Purcell

  • I-35 from the Oklahoma/Kansas state line, south 89 miles to Waterloo Rd. near the Oklahoma/Logan County line

  • I-40 from the Oklahoma/Texas state line, east 32 miles to near the SH-34 junction west of Elk City

  • I-40 from just east of the Beckham/Washita County line, east 22 miles to two miles west of the US-183 junction in Clinton

  • I-40 from just west of the Custer/Caddo County line, east 50 miles to just east of Frisco Rd. near Yukon

  • I-40 from just east of the SH-18 junction near Shawnee, east 116 miles to just west of the CR 4570 (Dwight Mission Rd.) junction west of Sallisaw.

The recent passage of HB 1071 set the stage for statewide studies on potential maximum speed limit increases to 75 mph on rural interstates and 80 mph on rural turnpikes. Both the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority carefully studied potential locations to be candidates on each of their systems. Criteria was safety-driven and included factors like roadway geometry, sight distance, collision history, traffic flows and existing speed patterns to determine eligible locations. Larger metro areas along interstates such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa were not considered for changes as part of this process, but could see changes in the future depending on how drivers handle the current increases.

“We appreciate the vision of Rep. Daniel Pae and his fellow legislators to help both agencies take a big-picture look at our system for areas which made sense for a speed limit change,” Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz said. “We know drivers are looking forward to seeing these changes, and we urge them to do their part for safety by following posted speeds and being alert to the surrounding traffic conditions.”

Until the new signs are in place, the old posted speed limits will remain the enforced speed. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol urges drivers to pay close attention to the posted speed limits on their route or risk a ticket. Discussions with safety and law enforcement partners have been invaluable to this process and will be ongoing, especially to help monitor the changes and determine if any adjustments need to be considered for safety.

In late July, the OTA Board approved changes for an 80 mph maximum speed limit on rural segments of six turnpikes, totaling 104 miles. Work will be ongoing for several months to manufacture and install new signs in all of these interstate and turnpike corridors.

Sand Springs suffers third COVID-19 death, Oklahoma reports 1244 new cases

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It has been 149 days since the first documented case of COVID-19 arrived in Oklahoma. Since then, there have been 37,731 cases, 30,282 recoveries, 3,228 hospitalizations, and 549 deaths. In Sand Springs there have been 184 cases, 154 recoveries, and three deaths. On Saturday the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported the first death of a Sand Springs resident since May 6.

Sand Springs reported nine new cases on Saturday with 27 active cases. The city of Tulsa has 874 active cases, Tulsa County has 1,278 active cases, and Oklahoma has 6,900 active cases. The OSDH reported 1,244 new cases statewide on Saturday, the second-highest single day total since the pandemic began. 628 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized.

The OSDH released their weekly epidemiology report on Friday. From July 24 to July 30 there were 104,640 tests administered and 8.9% of those were positive. The average age of cases was 40 and the average age of the 59 victims was 75. The youngest individual to die was 13 and the oldest was over 100. Cases are up 71.6% from the previous week, hospitalizations increased 34.4%, and deaths increased 51.3%. 76.7% of victims had at least one comorbidity.

The OSDH is asking Oklahomans to continue being tested regardless of if you are symptomatic. A complete list of testing sites is available at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,542,579 cases nationwide with 152,870 deaths. There have been 68,605 new cases and 1,371 deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (33rd per capita) and 34th in total deaths (39th per capita). The state is 16th in new cases for the past seven days, and 24th in new deaths in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 17,396,943 cases worldwide with 675,060 deaths. There have been 289,321 new cases and 6,142 new deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,610,102 and India with 1,695,988.

Oklahoma reports record-high 1401 new cases of COVID-19

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For the third time in the past four days, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported record-high single-day increases in COVID-19 cases. There were 1,204 new cases on Sunday, and 1,401 new cases on Monday. Current hospitalizations dropped from 654 to 625, however, and no new deaths were reported for the second-straight day. There are currently a record-high 6,938 active cases statewide.

A full list of testing sites can be found at this link.

Sand Springs reported a record-high single-day increase of twelve cases on Monday, bringing the active total to 31. The city of Tulsa has 1,008 active cases and Tulsa County has 1,430.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,163,892 cases nationwide with 145,982 deaths. There have been 64,582 new cases and 969 deaths in the past day. Oklahoma is 32nd in total cases (35th per capita) and 19th in total cases for the past seven days (14th per capita). The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita) and 26th in total deaths in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 16,114,449 cases worldwide with 646,641 deaths. There have been 254,274 cases and 5,490 deaths in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,394,513 and India with 1,435,453.

Sand Springs City Council to consider mandatory mask ordinance at Monday meeting

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The Sand Springs City Council will meet in a regular meeting Monday evening at the City municipal building downtown, and will consider enacting an ordinance that would mandate face masks in public areas.

On Sunday the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record single-day increase of 1,204 new COVID-19 cases, along with a record-high 654 hospitalizations, and a record-high 6,091 active cases statewide.

Active cases are trending downward in Sand Springs, which dipped to 21 on Sunday, down from a peak of 33 on Wednesday. There were 825 active cases in the city of Tulsa, and 1,184 in Tulsa County.

A non-scientific poll conducted in the “Sand Springs Community Group” Facebook group showed 53.6% of the 1,215 respondents supported a mandatory mask ordinance. The cities of Tulsa, Norman, Stillwater, and Oklahoma City have all approved similar ordinances.

If Council chooses to pass such an ordinance, they will also have to consider the penalties and enforcement for non-compliance, exceptions based on age and other criteria, and the expiration date for the order.

Council is not expected to actually pass an ordinance at the Monday meeting, but to simply discuss what the ordinance might look like. They will likely schedule a special meeting at the Case Community Center where further discussion and a vote would take place.

The full Council agenda can be viewed at this link.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (7/26 - 8/2/2020)

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Monday

Tuesday

  • 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Good Samaritan Free Health Clinic.

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Public Schools District Dialogue.

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Friday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Blood Drive.

    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

Saturday

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

    • Sand Springs Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Oklahoma reports record-high 1147 new cases of COVID-19 with 7 deaths

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record single-day increase of 1,147 COVID-19 cases Friday, bringing the active total to 5,355. There are currently 628 Oklahomans hospitalized from the virus.

Seven additional deaths have been linked to COVID-19, bringing the statewide death toll to 484.

  • One in Caddo County, male in the 65 or older age group.   

  • One in Creek County, female in the 50 - 64 age group. 

  • Three in Oklahoma County, one female and one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Rogers County, female in the 65 or older age group.

The city of Sand Springs reported seven new cases Friday, but active cases dropped from 29 to 27 with nine new recoveries. Tulsa County is currently reporting 1,082 active cases and the city of Tulsa has 740 active cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,024,492 cases nationwide with 143,868 deaths. There have been 72,219 new cases and 1,113 new deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (37th per capita), but is 17th in new cases per capita over the past week. The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 15,296,926 cases worldwide with 628,903 deaths. There have been a record-high 284,196 new cases reported in the past day. There have been 9,753 new deaths reported Friday, the highest single-day total since April 17th. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,227,514 and India with 1,287,945.

Oklahoma struggles with processing COVID-19 data, reports 1714 new cases Tuesday

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record-breaking 1,714 new cases Tuesday afternoon, but many of those cases should have been reported over the past two days. After averaging over 750 new cases per day over the prior week, the OSDH reported only 209 new cases on Sunday and 168 on Monday.

“Due to technical data entry issues, case counts for Sunday, July 19 and Monday, July 20 are low and do not reflect real-time data,” read the OSDH Monday Situation Report. “OSDH’s Acute Disease Service is working diligently to resolve these technical issues and will continue to provide reporting of COVID-19 information that Oklahomans have come to expect from OSDH. In the meantime, Oklahomans who receive a positive test result through a State lab will continue to be promptly notified and connected to contract tracing efforts.”

“OSDH’s number one priority is making COVID-19 testing widely available and efficient for the public as well as operating an effective, and trusted, contact tracing program. During this time of increased demand, OSDH is prioritizing manpower and resources to communicate positive results and to provide medical guidance for quarantining and minimizing spread,” said interim Commissioner Lance Frye. “We recognize the significant challenges we’ve experienced with outdated systems, and are working to modernize processes and incorporate new technology to streamline operations and improve critical customer services during the pandemic.”

“In its efforts to continuously develop robust contact tracing across the State, the OSDH will begin using text messaging in addition to phone calls to reach out to contacts. We will release more information on this new development including what contacts can expect to see in a text notification.”

Tuesday’s report brought the state’s cumulative case total to 27,147 with 20,663 recoveries and a record-high 6,023 active cases. 613 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, down from a peak of 638 on Thursday.

Oklahoma has seen 461 total fatalities from the pandemic, including nine new deaths reported Tuesday.

  • One in McCurtain County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group.

  • One in Noble County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • Three in Oklahoma County, one female in the 36 - 49 age group and two males in the 65 or older age group.   

  • One in Pottawatomie County, one female in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Rogers County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • Two in Tulsa County, two females in the 65 or older age group.

In Sand Springs there are 27 active cases. 129 Sandites have been diagnosed with the virus, 100 have recovered, and two have died. There are 1,174 active cases in Tulsa County and 818 in the city of Tulsa.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,819,139 cases nationwide with 14,630 deaths. There have been 57,777 new cases and 473 deaths reported in the past day.

Oklahoma currently ranks 32nd in total cases (39th per capita), but is 16th in per capita cases reported in the past seven days. The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita) and 33rd in deaths in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 14,562,550 cases worldwide with 607,781 deaths. There have been 213,637 new cases and 4,083 deaths reported in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,098,389 and India with 1,155,191.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (7/19 - 7/26/2020)

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Sunday

Tuesday

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Saturday

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive.

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Angus Church Marketplace.

    • Angus Church
      4401 South 129th West Avenue

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Oklahoma reports 5419 active cases of COVID-19 with 547 hospitalizations

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The state of Oklahoma surpassed 25,000 cumulative cases of COVID-19 on Saturday with a single-day increase of 916. There have been 19,186 recoveries and 451 deaths, leaving a record-high 5,419 active cases.

Six new deaths have been reported in the past day, and 547 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized. Hospitalizations peaked at 638 on Thursday and declined over the past two days. Of the 54,447 tests administered in the past week, 10% were positive and 9.5% of those cases resulted in hospitalizations.

Six new cases were reported in Sand Springs, and 26 cases are currently active. 91 Sandites have recovered from the virus. There are currently 1,261 active cases in Tulsa County. The City of Tulsa recently implemented a mandatory mask policy for public areas, and in an unscientific Facebook poll in the “Sand Springs Community Group,” more than 53% of the 999 respondents supported a similar measure in Sand Springs.

In the past week there have been 28 deaths in Oklahoma, and the virus continues to disproportionately affect older generations. While the average age of an infected individual was 41, the average age of a deceased victim was 75. The youngest to die this past week was 13, and the oldest was 102. Persons aged 50 and over accounted for only 32% of cases, but 96% of deaths.

On average, the median patient wasn’t hospitalized until six days after they first became symptomatic. The median time spent in the hospital for a survivor was five days, and the median fatality occurred after eight days in the hospital and 13.5 days after symptom onset. 78.5% of fatalities had at least one chronic condition.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,555,877 cases nationwide with a record-high 72,045 new cases in the past day. There have been 137,864 deaths total and 926 new deaths. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (37th per capita) and 34th in deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 13,876,441 case and 593,087 deaths worldwide, with a record-high 259,848 new cases in the past day. There have been 7,360 deaths in the past day - the deadliest period since May 3rd. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,012,151 and India with 1,038,716.

Attorney General and Five Tribes Release Agreement in Principle for Criminal, Civil Jurisdiction

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter and tribal leaders collaborating after the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision today released an agreement in principle for proposed federal legislation that will clarify respective state and tribal jurisdiction in both criminal and civil matters.

The full agreement is included below.

The attorney general released the following statement on the progress being made.

“Although there are many more details to be ironed out in the near future, we believe this agreement regarding civil and criminal jurisdiction is the best path forward for protecting the public and promoting continued economic growth in Oklahoma,” Attorney General Hunter said. “My commitment to our tribal partners is to work together to forge common ground on the issues brought to light by this case. Oklahoma’s tribal nations are a fundamental part of Oklahoma’s culture, economy, politics and governance. The relationship between the tribes and my office is based on trust and mutual respect. And that synergism has been essential to the successful formation of this important agreement.”

In addition to today’s announcement, the state and the tribes are continuing to collaborate on the immediate provision of public safety on-the-ground, including law enforcement and child welfare matters.

Murphy/McGirt Agreement-in-Principle

With the Supreme Court cases of Sharp v. Murphy and McGirt v. Oklahoma in mind, the Five Tribes and the State of Oklahoma believe intergovernmental cooperation will best serve our shared interests in consistency, predictability, and a mutual respect for sovereign rights and interests. To this end, the Five Tribes and the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General (OAG) look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Justice and Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in crafting proposed legislation that generally (1) recognizes tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and the continued importance of the Five Tribes’ respective boundaries set out in treaties and statutes while (2) also affirming continuity of the State of Oklahoma’s jurisdiction within Eastern Oklahoma but outside of Indian trust or restricted lands (meaning, those lands held in trust by the United States on behalf of the Tribe or an individual Tribal member or citizen, restricted title lands, and Tribal treaty lands that have never been allotted), subject to limitations concerning Tribes and Tribal hunting, fishing, or water rights protected by treaty or other Federal law.

Accordingly, the Five Tribes and OAG today recommend to Oklahoma’s congressional delegation a set of principles that memorialize our shared position. Our goal is to see these principles implemented in appropriate Federal law for purposes of enhancing and clarifying respective State and Tribal jurisdiction, both criminal and civil, without limiting the jurisdiction or immunities of either the State or any Nation. We believe implementation of these principles will preserve sovereign interests and rights to self-government while affirming jurisdictional understandings, procedures, laws, and regulations that support public safety, our economy, and property rights.

  1. Criminal Jurisdiction: Presently, the Federal government has law enforcement jurisdiction within the Nations’ treaty territories. With respect to criminal matters, the legislation should:

    1. Affirm the Five Tribes’ criminal jurisdiction throughout their respective treaty territories over Indian offenders, as well as those non-Indian offenders over which federally-recognized tribes generally have jurisdiction in Indian country, such as domestic abusers covered by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013;

    2. Provide and affirm the State’s criminal jurisdiction over all offenders throughout that same area, including appropriate and legal mechanisms to address matters concerning existing convictions, with the exception of crimes involving Indians committed on Indian trust or restricted lands; and

    3. Authorize and direct the U.S. Department of Justice to coordinate with the State and Nations concerning deployment of law enforcement resources and respective authorities under the law.

  2. Civil Jurisdiction: With respect to civil jurisdiction, including the ability to legislate, regulate, tax, and adjudicate on non-criminal matters, legislation should:

    1. Affirm the Five Tribes’ civil jurisdiction throughout their respective treaty territories, to be exercised subject to Federal law that generally governs Tribal civil jurisdiction in Indian country. The Five Tribes would accordingly be affirmed in their civil jurisdiction over, for example, matters of self-government and their members but would remain subject to the Federal law that provides, as a general matter, that Tribes do not have civil jurisdiction over non-members outside Indian trust or restricted lands, as described above, except for (1) subject matters for which Federal law specifically grants Tribes jurisdiction; (2) activities of non-members that are part of a consensual relationship, such as contracts, with the Tribe; or (3) conduct of non-members that threatens Tribal self-governance or the economic security, health, or welfare of the Tribe.

    2. Provide and affirm the State’s civil jurisdiction over all persons throughout the treaty territories, except on Indian trust or restricted lands, but legislation would not grant the State jurisdiction to regulate or tax, directly or indirectly, any Tribe, Tribal official, or entities owned or operated by one of the Five Tribes. Also, the legislation would not affect jurisdiction over Tribal rights relating to hunting, fishing, or water that are protected by Federal law.

  3. General Provisions: In addition, the legislation should:

    1. Protect Tribal sovereignty and consistency in law enforcement by affirming that only the Nations will exercise Tribal jurisdiction within their respective treaty territory.

    2. Allocate resources sufficient to ensure public safety and effective law enforcement.

Each of these components would reaffirm or expand upon the Tribes’ and the State’s sovereign authorities and should not be read as limiting any authority possessed prior to legislation being enacted, including any sovereign immunity.

We recognize that details about how these broad principles will be worked out in particular situations will require further development. Accordingly, we believe the legislation should encourage the State and Nations to resolve any remaining concerns through intergovernmental compacting, while providing also that it does not alter or terminate any existing compact or other intergovernmental agreement between the State and one of the Five Tribes.

Drawing conducted for party order on Oklahoma ballots

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(Oklahoma City) – Republican Party candidates will appear first on Oklahoma’s November General Election ballots following the results of a public drawing held Thursday, Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced. Libertarian Party candidates will be listed second, followed by Democratic Party candidates.

State law requires the State Election Board secretary to conduct a drawing every two years to determine the order of political parties on the ballot. Representatives of the three political parties observed the drawing at the State Election Board’s meeting room at the Jim Thorpe Building in Oklahoma City. The drawing was also livestreamed on the State Election Board’s Facebook page.

Drawings were also held to determine the order of Independent candidates for President of the United States and United States Senator.

For more information about elections in Oklahoma, visit the State Election Board’s website at https://www.ok.gov/elections/.

Oklahoma reports 628 new COVID-19 cases and 638 hospitalizations Thursday

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 628 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday. For the first time in eleven days, the number of active cases went down instead of up, dipping to 4,908 after peaking at 5,015 the day before. Current hospitalizations continued to rise, however, reaching a record-high 638.

There have been six additional deaths linked to the virus: a McCurtain County female in the 65+ age demographic, an Oklahoma County female in the 65+ demographic, an Osage County male in the 65+ group, a Rogers County male in the 65+ group, a Tulsa County female in the 50-64 group; and a Tulsa County male in the 65+ group. There have been 438 total deaths in Oklahoma.

In Sand Springs there have been five new cases reported in the past 24 hours, with three more recoveries. There are 17 active cases in the town. Tulsa County currently has 1,080 active cases and remains in the “Moderate Risk” category.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,483,832 cases and 136,938 deaths nationwide. There have been a record-high 67,404 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, along with 947 new deaths. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (38th per capita) and 34th in total deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 13,378,853 cases and 580,045 deaths worldwide with 226,181 cases and 5,579 deaths in the last 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,926,824 and India with 968,876.