Sand Springs Public Schools shifting to Distance Learning for grades 6-12

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The Sand Springs Public School District announced Wednesday that grades 6-12 will be shifting to the Distance Learning Model for two weeks, beginning Thursday, November 12th due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the district and the community at large.

“We have had an incredibly successful ten weeks of school this year,” reads a statement from Superintendent Sherry Durkee. “I am proud of our staff and students who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to give their very best effort in the teaching and learning process, and we have made some tremendous gains. With tenacious determination, we continue to deliver quality instruction to all students.”

“For those of you who are following our district’s data on positive COVID-19 cases and quarantines, you are keenly aware of the rising numbers in our district. Last week we saw a significant increase. This week those numbers have continued to increase to a level in which our staff and students’ health and safety must be protected to the greatest extent possible,” said Durkee.

In the weekly update published on Monday, based on data collected on Friday, 7.98% of the district population is in active quarantine. The 428 quarantines includes both students and faculty. Of those, 26 have confirmed positive cases, and the rest have been isolated due to contact tracing.

The vast majority of those quarantines are at the secondary level. There are five positive cases and 125 quarantines at Clyde Boyd Middle School and 19 positive cases and 225 quarantines at Charles Page High School. Thus far, elementary schools have remained relatively unscathed with only two positive cases and 76 quarantines across all six sites. Those numbers were collected on November 6th, and according to Durkee’s statements, they are likely higher at press time.

“The ability to adequately staff our classrooms has become a challenge as well,” reads Durkee’s statement. “As such, we are making the difficult decision to shift to our Distance Learning Model for our secondary students in grades 6 through 12 beginning Thursday, November 12, returning to in-person instruction on Monday, November 30, immediately following Thanksgiving Break. This decision was made through much deliberation with our Leadership Team. We feel this is the right decision, giving our students and staff the time to distance themselves from others while continuing the education process. Pre-K and Elementary sites will remain open and continue in-person instruction. Page Academy and our Virtual Academy will be open and continue regular operation.”

“Please be reminded that students in the Distance Learning Model are expected to complete their assignments while at home. Unlike last spring, assigned work that is not completed may affect student grades.”

“Transportation for the elementary students will continue as usual, and the district will provide transportation for secondary students who attend Tulsa Technology Programs. The school breakfast and lunch program will continue at both CPHS and CBMS.”

Free meals will be provided for students throughout distance learning. Students or parents can pick up their meals at either CPHS or CBMS between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Packages will include lunch for that day, as well as breakfast for the following day. Meals are free for all children 18 years or younger, even if they are not enrolled in SSPS. Non-students must fill out a meal order form on the SSPS website each day.

“While we understand this learning model is not optimal for all students, we are committed to giving our best effort to make sure we continue to meet students’ needs. Secondary teachers will be working from their classrooms during the DLM period and will provide instruction and support to students.”

The increase in COVID numbers isn’t unique to the district. Sand Springs reported a record-high single-day increase of 24 new cases city-wide on Wednesday, bringing the active total to a record-high 141. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 2,177 new cases statewide, bringing the active total to a record-high of 21,720, and state hospitalizations are at a record-high 1,248.

Oklahoma State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman charged with First Degree Manslaughter

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ikley-freeman_bio.jpg

Outgoing Oklahoma State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was charged with First Degree Manslaughter Monday relating to a vehicular accident earlier this year. Ikley-Freeman represents Senate District 37, which includes Sand Springs, Jenks, and portions of Tulsa.

The accident for which she has been charged occurred Friday, May 22nd at 7:32 a.m. on the Turner Turnpike, when she was on her way to the State Capitol. Another vehicle, occupied by 44-year-old Enrique Lopez, had reportedly hydroplaned while traveling westbound and was stuck in the grass on the right-hand side of the road. Approximately eight minutes later, Ikley-Freeman also left the roadway and struck Lopez’s Camaro on the driver’s side. Ikley-Freeman was pinned inside her own wreckage for more than half an hour.

Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ikley-Freeman was transported to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center for treatment. She underwent surgery immediately following the crash after suffering a ruptured spleen, broken ribs, and fractures to her vertebrae and pelvis. Her recovery has gone well, and she has since appeared in an official capacity at Sand Springs events.

One witness called 911 to report Mr. Lopez’s initial accident, and stated that he was having difficulty keeping his vehicle on the road while traveling only 55 MPH due to the heavy rains and moderate wind gusts. Two other drivers called to report the second accident, and both were reportedly driving under the 75 MPH speed limit due to weather conditions.

Senator Ikley-Freeman was interviewed at the OU Medical Center by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Kimmons. She told Kimmons that her cruise control was set to 75 MPH, but crash data obtained from the Event Data Recorder in her vehicle indicated she was actually driving 91 MPH just five seconds prior to the collision.

Court documents state that “Allison Ikley-Freeman was operating her vehicle in complete disregard to the motoring public and was in the process of committing several misdemeanor crimes, those being: 1. Speeding, 2. Reckless driving, 3. Operating a vehicle at a speed greater than reasonable and proper for the weather conditions and 4. Fail to stay in a single lane of travel, when the collision resulting in the death of Enrique Loepz occurred.”

Ikley-Freeman’s traffic record has been spotless for the past decade, though she was cited for driving 26-30 MPH over the limit in 2009.

Bond was set for $30,000 and Ikley-Freeman’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 7th. If convicted, she faces no less than four years imprisonment.

Ikley-Freeman, 29, lost her re-election campaign last Tuesday to Republican candidate Cody Rogers. She was previously elected as a Democrat in a 2017 special election to fill an unexpired term. Rogers won last week’s two-way election with 67.1% of the vote and will be sworn into office on Tuesday.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (11/8 - 11/15/2020)

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Monday

Tuesday

  • 1:30 p.m. Sand Springs / Sapulpa Joint Board meeting.

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

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Wednesday

  • Veterans Day.

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. TBA (Playoffs).

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Saturday

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fourth Annual Disc Battle for the Kids.

    • Chandler Park
      6500 West 21st Street
      Tulsa, OK 74107

  • 7:00 p.m. The Side FC vs. Mansfield Revolution SC.

    • Roger S. Bush Soccer Complex
      2500 South River City Park Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Oklahoma reaches 17,000 active cases, Sand Springs has 103

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The Oklahoma State Department Health reported 1,878 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, the second-highest single-day tally since the pandemic began. Thursday set the single-day record at 2,101, and the seven-day rolling average is at a record-high 1,465. Active case totals are at a record-high 17,095.

Current hospitalizations are over 1,000 for the third-straight day, but declined slightly to 1,025 from Thursday’s record-high 1,055. The state’s adult intensive care units are at 93% full, and pediatric ICU is at 72%.

The state reported 16 new deaths on Friday, bringing the pandemic death toll to 1,429. 103 Oklahomans have died in the past week, and the seven day rolling average is at 14.7. Newly reported deaths include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Four in Oklahoma County, two females and two males in the 65 or older age group.

  • Four in Tulsa County, one female in the 50 - 64 age group and one female and two males in the 65 or older age group.

The city of Sand Springs reached a record-high active case total of 103. The previous record was 100 on October 9th, but it had declined as low as 60 on October 29th. There are 1,518 active cases in the city of Tulsa, and 2,721 in Tulsa County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 9,581,770 cumulative cases nationwide since the pandemic began. There have been 234,264 deaths. 117,988 new cases and 1,135 new deaths were reported in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 22nd in per capita cases in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 48,534,508 cumulative cases worldwide with 1,231,017 deaths. There have been 581,679 new cases in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,411,724 and Brazil with 5,590,025.

Oklahoma Health Department reports record-high 1026 COVID-19 hospitalizations

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported record-high COVID-19 related hospitalizations Wednesday, along with 1246 new cases and 17 new deaths.

There are currently 1026 Oklahomans hospitalized from the virus, up from yesterday’s record-high of 974. The adult intensive care unit is at 92% capacity, and the pediatric ICU is at 79%. There are still 740 ventilators available.

The 1246 new cases reported on Wednesday marks seven straight days with at least 1000 new cases, and the seven-day rolling average is at 1231, down from a record-high of 1348 set on October 25th. The active case total is at 15,927, slightly down from Monday’s record of 15,948.

The 17 new deaths bring the seven-day rolling average to a record-high 15.1. One of those cases was a Tulsa County man in the 50-64 age group. 106 new deaths have been reported in the past week.

Sand Springs is at 83 active cases, down from the record-high of 100 on October 9th. There are 1402 active cases in Tulsa and 2453 in Tulsa County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 9,268,818 cumulative cases nationwide since the pandemic began. There have been 230,893 deaths. Oklahoma currently ranks 23rd in per capita cases in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 47,362,303 cumulative cases since the pandemic began with 1,211,986 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,313,876, Brazil with 5,554,206, and Russia with 1,693,454.

Incumbent Karen Keith defeats Josh Turley in Tulsa County Commissioner election

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Incumbent Karen Keith won re-election to the office of Tulsa County Commissioner for District No. 2 Tuesday, beating Republican challenger Dr. Josh Turley, again. The election was a rematch of 2016, and this time Keith got 54.56% of the 78,725 votes cast, compared to 56.96% last time.

According to her Tulsa County bio, Keith is a Muskogee native and Oklahoma State University graduate who built a successful career in broadcasting with 21 years at KJRH as an anchor, reporter, and executive producer. She also traveled the world producing documentaries, and hosted “Oklahoma Living.”

She entered politics in 2002 as the Director of Community Relations and Vision Implementation for Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune. She then worked for the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Partnership Development for the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau. Keith won her first election in 2008.

State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman loses re-election bid to Republican Cody Rogers

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State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was defeated by Republican challenger Cody Rogers in the Tuesday election for District 37. Rogers received 67% of the 33,737 votes cast.

Rogers billed himself as a conservative businessman and political outsider in the spirit of President Donald Trump throughout his campaign. According to his website, Rogers is the owner of a pavement construction company, and he is a proponent of reeling in excessive government regulations in order to stimulate private sector job growth.

He also vows to vote against any proposed regulations that prohibit or seek to limit gun ownership. He wants to make Oklahoma a top-ten state for education by investing in both K-12 and trade schools. He aims to lower prescription drug costs, and he opposes sanctuary cities.

Ikley-Freeman won her seat in a 2017 special election against former Jenks City Councilman Brian O’Hara with 50.3% of the vote, and has served the final two years of Dan Newberry’s unexpired term. That election had low turnout of less than 8,000 voters.

Jadine Nollan wins sixth term in Oklahoma Legislature

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Native Sandite Jadine Nollan won a sixth and final term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday. The Republican candidate defeated Democratic challenger Greg Laird in a two-way race with 65.1% of the 15,316 votes cast. The election saw the highest voter turnout in at least a decade.

Nollan previously served as Executive Director of Sand Springs Community Services and on the Sand Springs Board of Education before being elected to House District 66 in 2010.

Her first election was a close one, winning 50.6% of the vote. In 2012 she got 66.8%, she ran unopposed in 2014, then won 68.1% in 2016 and 58.5% in 2018.

From 2019 to 2020 Nollan served on the Children, Youth & Family Services Committee, the Health Services and Long-Term Care Committee, and chaired the Higher Education and Career Tech Committee.

Oklahomans are term-limited to twelve total years in the legislature, meaning she will not be able to run for House or Senate in the future.

2020 General Election is Tomorrow – State Election Board Offers Election Day Tips

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The State Election Board says this is a unique election year for many reasons – the pandemic, a recent ice storm, and a surge in voter registration numbers.

State Election Board Secretary, Paul Ziriax, says Oklahoma county election boards are prepared.

“Our county election boards are facing challenges they’ve never experienced before, but they have been preparing for this election for months. We want to assure Oklahomans that every registered voter that wants to vote will be able to vote. This election will be conducted safely, fairly, and securely. We ask that voters be patient and courteous not only to other voters, but election workers as well,” Ziriax said.

The State Election Board offers these tips for successful voting in the 2020 General Election:

ELECTION DAY HOURS

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Lines at the polls are typically longest before work, during the lunch hour, and after work.

Heavy turnout is expected, so voters should plan for extra time to vote on Election Day. New COVID-19 safety protocols — including social distancing — may slow down the check-in lines and the voting process on Election Day. Additionally, in areas where municipal elections are taking place, issuing and voting these extra ballots could also add time to the voting process.

All voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

BE PREPARED

Voters are reminded to check the OK Voter Portal to verify their polling place before heading out to vote. A few polling places may have changed due to the COVID-19 emergency.

The State Election Board also recommends voters view a sample ballot using the OK Voter Portal. Many voters have county and local elections in addition to state and federal elections.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

The State Election Board worked with OU Health Sciences Center to develop safety protocols for all of Oklahoma’s polling places and county election boards, including social distancing procedures and disinfection requirements for voting equipment and surfaces. Poll workers at every location have been supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and disinfectant. 

Voters are asked to be patient and follow signage and procedures. Election officials strongly recommend that voters wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and those around them.

Find more on COVID-19 and the 2020 elections on the State Election Board website.

PROOF OF IDENTITY

Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.

There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law. (Only one proof of identity is required):

  1. Show a valid photo ID issued by the federal, state, or tribal government. If it has an expiration date, it must be AFTER the date of the election; or

  2. Show the free voter identification card issued to every voter by their County Election Board; or

  3. Sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. (If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.)

FOLLOW THE LAW

The law prohibits electioneering within 300 ft. of the ballot box. This includes wearing clothing, accessories, or having material in public view related to a candidate or issue on the ballot. No one other than authorized individuals are permitted within 50 ft. of the ballot box or inside the election enclosure.

Alleged violations should be reported to precinct officials at the time the incident is occurring.

Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

URL Guide:

OK Voter Portal: https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html

COVID-19 and the 2020 Elections:

https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Covid-19_and_2020_Elections.html

Proof of Identity: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Proof_of_Identity/index.html

State Election Board Website: https://www.ok.gov/elections/index.html

County Election Boards: https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (11/1 - 11/8/2020)

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Monday

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

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. Fourth Annual Monster Ball.

  • Sandite Softball Complex
    408 West 55th Street
    Sand Springs, OK 74063

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Friday

  • 11:00 a.m. Keystone Kids Kickoff at the Canyons golf tournament.

    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Avenue
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

    • Putnam City West Patriot Stadium
      8500 Northwest 23rd Street
      Oklahoma City, OK 73127

  • 7:30 p.m. Free concert with Tim Menzies.

    • 5 West Outpost
      5 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Saturday

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

    • Free disposal of tree limbs up to 2” in diameter, free woodchips and firewood while supplies last.

    • Sand Springs Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 7:30 p.m. Free concert with Tim Menzies.

    • 5 West Outpost
      5 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Sand Springs City Council approves new dispensary, minimum wage increase for City jobs

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Samuel’s Jewelry is the planned site for a new medical marijuana dispensary.

Samuel’s Jewelry is the planned site for a new medical marijuana dispensary.

The Sand Springs City Council approved a Specific Use Permit for a new medical marijuana dispensary at their last Monday evening meeting. Samuel Newport applied for the permit on behalf of Westside Wellness, which will be located in the Samuel’s Jewelry building at 1138 East Charles Page Boulevard. The building will likely be split in half with a new interior wall, and the two businesses will operate independently with separate entrances.

Councilman Phil Nollan posed the question “How much is enough for our little town, as far as the number of dispensaries?” Although many residents have voiced objections to the rising number of marijuana businesses in the town, the City actually has little ability to restrict them from opening.

“We’re limited to the SUP process,” said City Attorney David Weatherford. “So if the restriction deals with a valid concern about the impact on adjoining property or the impact on infrastructure, that’s something you could look at. The problem is, the Planning Commission looked at all that and didn’t impose any of that. You have a lot of freedom to do a lot of things, but you may be challenged on it someday by someone, and you have to be able to defend it. Why did we put that restriction on this business as opposed to someone else?”

“If we’re going to put that kind of restriction on one business, then we have to on another,” added Vice Mayor Patty Dixon. “I mean, maybe there’s too many glass shops for me, or too many mobile glass people for me, or too many pharmacies. If we start going there, then it’s going to be discriminatory and we just can’t do that.”

“I’m a proponent to let the market play out,” said Councilman Beau Wilson. “We saw the vape stores come in. They were strong and heavy. Now where are they? I think that this competition will weed out a lot of lesser competitors, so to speak.”

Councilman Nollan was also concerned about signage, and expressed a desire for Westside Wellness to be discreet with its branding. City Planner Brad Bates allayed that concern by pointing to zoning regulations that already limit all businesses according to the size of their building.

Ultimately Nollan moved to approve the SUP, and Council unanimously passed the measure.

Sand Springs Ward map.

In other news:

Council unanimously approved a resolution of Notice of Election for City Council members from Ward 5, Ward 6, and the At-Large position. Those seats are occupied by Wilson, Brian Jackson, and Mayor Jim Spoon, respectively. Wilson has occupied his seat since 2015, Jackson since 2009, and Spoon since 2015. Terms are three years, and councilmembers are non-partisan unpaid volunteers.

The filing period for Council will be from December 7th through December 9th, and declarations of candidacy must be filed at the City Clerk’s office at 100 East Broadway, in Room 200 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The primary election, if needed, will be held on February 9th. The general election, if needed, will be held on April 6th.

Council unanimously approved a minimum wage of $13.01 for benefit-eligible City jobs. The existing minimum wage was $10.40.

Council unanimously approved a $30,000 transfer of appropriations for the purchase of a new Animal Welfare vehicle. Those dollars were originally budgeted for new cat cages, but the shelter recently acquired new cages through a grant program, and ongoing issues with the existing vehicle have altered the department’s priorities.

Council unanimously approved a professional services agreement with Schuermann Enterprises at a cost of up to $59,780 to upgrade and automate systems at the Sand Springs Water Treatment Plant. Currently, the five water filter units at the plant each have their own flow meter, but the City plans to install a single combined meter that will help with better water quality and reduced chemical usage.

Council unanimously approved final acceptance of a wheelchair ramp installation project. The City recently awarded C&F Concrete a project installing 21 wheelchair ramps to sidewalks across the city, funded by a 2018 General Obligation Bond measure.

Council unanimously approved a resolution awarding a bid to Vexus Contracting in the amount of $94,000 for modernization of the elevator at the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum. Vexus had the lowest of five bids.

Council unanimously voted to re-appoint Judy Treat, Michael Miller, and Steve Lane to serve additional three-year terms on the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority.

Council unanimously voted to appoint Sarah Tvzynka to serve an unexpired term to July 2021 on the Sand Springs Development Authority.

Council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance amending the zoning map for a property at 214 North Wilson. The vacant lot was previously zoned Residential, but was changed to Commercial Shopping. If a pending sale proceeds as planned, the property will be combined with an existing parking lot to the south, and a new laundromat will be constructed.

Sand Springs suffers two COVID-19 deaths in past week

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After going 70 days without a COVID-19 related death, the city of Sand Springs has suffered two in the past week. The town’s sixth death was reported on Sunday, and its seventh was reported Thursday. The deaths come at a time when the town’s active caseload has seen significant decrease.

Sand Springs peaked at 100 active cases on October 9th, but is currently at 60, its lowest level since September 26th. There are 1,265 active cases in nearby Tulsa, however, and 2,121 in the county.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1,041 new cases statewide Thursday, but the seven-day rolling average is at 1,101, down from a state-record of 1,348 on Sunday. The state’s active case total dipped below 15,000 for the first time in eight days. There are currently 14,968 cases, down from 15,946 on Sunday.

20 new deaths were reported on Thursday, but due to technical difficulties the OSDH Situation Report was unable to provide specific demographics. There have been 85 deaths reported in the past week, and the seven-day rolling average is at an all-time high of 12.1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 8,834,393 cases since the pandemic began with 227,045 deaths. Oklahoma ranks 23rd in the country in per capita cases over the past seven days.

The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,040,203 and Brazil with 5,439,641. According to the World Health Organization, there have been 44,351,506 cases since the pandemic began, with 1,171,255 deaths.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (10/25 - 11/1/2020)

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Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Boo at Case Park.

    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Monday

Tuesday

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

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 6:00 p.m. Fourth Annual Monster Ball.

    • Sandite Softball Complex
      408 West 55th Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Friday

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

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Saturday

  • Halloween.

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Marketplace / Fall Festival.

    • Angus Church
      4401 South 129th West Avenue
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. House Church Tulsa’s Trunk or Treat.

    • Chandler Park
      6500 West 21st Street
      Tulsa, OK 74107

  • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Elks Lodge Trunk or Treat.

    • Elks Lodge
      546 Imperial Boulevard
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Oklahoma reaches 15,000 active COVID cases and record 910 hospitalizations

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The COVID-19 pandemic is reaching record heights in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record single-day increase of 1,628 new cases Thursday, bringing the seven-day rolling average to a record-high 1,235. The active case total has set new record-highs in eight of the past nine days, and is currently at 15,017.

Current hospitalizations reached a record-high for the third straight day, now at 910. A previous record of 663 held from late July till October 6th, and since then it has gone up ten times. There were 870 hospitalizations on Wednesday and 821 on Tuesday.

The OSDH reported eleven additional deaths on Wednesday, including one in Tulsa County. Of the 11, only two were under 65 years of age, and all were over the age of 50. There have been 48 deaths reported in the past three days, bringing the seven-day rolling average to a record-high 11.1. The previous record average was 10.4 in late August.

While numbers are going up across the state, they are slowly declining in Sand Springs. The city reached a record active total of 100 on October 9th, but is down to 64 now, the lowest level since September 27th. There are 1,428 active cases in Tulsa, and 2,318 in Tulsa County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 8,312,667 cases nationwide since the pandemic began, with 221,438 deaths. Oklahoma ranks 15th in the country in new cases per capita over the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 41,104,946 cases worldwide since the pandemic began, with 1,128,325 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in cumulative cases, followed by India with 7,706,946 and Brazil with 5,273,954.



City of Sand Springs announces Community Survey

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs announces the latest Community Survey, now being made available for residents of Sand Springs. The 2020 survey is an update of a previous survey completed five years ago which identified citizen feedback on items ranging from public safety to park priorities. City officials experienced a strong response from the public then, and incorporated those survey results into the City’s comprehensive plan- a major planning tool which aides in policy and decision making for the city.

“The community survey is an important tool for engaging our citizens. It provides vital feedback on the wants, desires and preferences of the community. Results from this survey will be used to help create long term goals and actions plans that will improve the city in the future”, stated the City’s Planning Director Brad Bates.

The Community Survey can be accessed in several ways for citizens to participate. The survey can be found online at: www.sandspringsok.org/556/community-survey-2020 A link to the survey will also be shown on the City’s Facebook page. Citizens can also request a printed hard copy M-F at the office of the City Planner at 100 E. Broadway in downtown Sand Springs, and simply return the completed survey to that office.

“Information gathered from this important survey will be incorporated into our comprehensive plan by creating priorities and action plans that can be carried out by staff and council to improve our entire community”, added Bates.

To add interest, the City will be conducting door prize drawings from survey respondents. Three randomly selected winners will receive prizes including a Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf experience and gift cards in the Sand Springs community for great food and shopping.

The deadline to submit your Community Survey is Monday, November 23, 2020.

Sand Springs City Council meeting addresses upcoming community improvements

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The Sand Springs City Council held a lunchtime meeting Wednesday to hear updates regarding ongoing and upcoming projects in the public works and parks departments.

Council held a Zoom call with representatives from the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Quality Communities on ways to improve the City’s downtown streetscape. The IQC is a program within the University’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture that partners with local communities to create concepts and suggestions for helping cities reach goals like improving safety, aesthetic, and economic development.

The IQC has previously worked with the towns of Pryor, Luther, Hooker, Waurika, Chickasha, Altus, Wewoka, and Oklahoma City. They also hold a biennial Placemaking Conference with students, advocates, and civic leaders to learn from leading experts. Councilman Beau Wilson was appointed to be the Council’s representative at the November conference, along with City Planner Brad Bates, and Community Development Director Grant Gerondale. Participation in the conference is free to the city.

Representatives from the University will study downtown Sand Springs and take input from City and community leaders on ways to improve the community space, including landscaping, and improving safety on sidewalks and crosswalks.

Wilson expressed a desire to try and create a downtown atmosphere where people will shop, eat, and actually spend time hanging out. He cited Broken Arrow’s success in the Rose District as an inspiration.

Councilman Mike Burdge expressed a desire to look at more than just the downtown area and to try and tie downtown into River West and the areas beyond. An ongoing Main Street expansion project will connect the downtown and River West areas to Sheffield Crossing and Case Community Park when it is complete. “Let the landscape show that’s the future… we need to do something to direct growth,” said Burdge. “We need to do something that will help everybody know we’re going that direction.”

“More than anything, we’ve got to make our sidewalks walkable,” added Councilwoman Nancy Riley. “We can’t do anything with our downtown if people are not able to walk on our sidewalks without falling over.” Councilman Brian Jackson wants the City to make safety upgrades to crosswalks across heavy traffic areas like the intersection of Morrow Road and Highway 97.

According to Bates, the City has a sidewalk inventory list that includes current sidewalk conditions across the city and prioritizes them. Bates also talked about the different sidewalk possibilities that Council could consider when it comes time to improve or replace downtown paths. Decorative, stamped, sidewalks offer aesthetic appeal, but can be difficult for disabled citizens to navigate.

Bates also talked about the possibility of creating gateway entry points to the Triangle District, with signage and maps located along Katy Trail, historical markers, and other ways to push people towards downtown. Gerondale challenged the IQC to create a design that would tie in River West with downtown so the two districts feed off each other.

According to Bates, next summer the City will be looking into shaving down road levels that have grown too high from past overlays. “If you look at the street levels right now, they’ve kind of been built up and built up in their arch, and kind of created slopes everywhere in downtown. So a lot of that’s going to get milled out and they’re going to try and lower that base level back down to a useable level that doesn’t have a crown to it.”

Public Works Projects Administrator T.J. Davis gave an update on long term project plans to improve downtown drainage. According to Davis, a 2009 study on the City drainage systems identified 55 needed projects that need to be completed at at an estimated cost of $78 million, and the top ten most-needed projects totaled $39 million.

The City recently began a project to address downtown flooding issues that have affected many businesses. Phase 1A was tied into the ongoing Main Street renovation project, and is replacing a 1920s-era 48-inch storm sewer from Highway 412 south to the Arkansas River, and 80% of it is being funded by federal grants. That drain pipe is being replaced by a new 96-inch pipe and levee penetration. The $8.5 million Main Street project is expected to be completed several months ahead of schedule by the Spring of 2020.

Phase 1B will add additional piping improvements on First Street from Garfield to Main, and northbound on Garfield. That project will cost an additional $1 million to complete, and that area is not eligible for federal grants, meaning the City will have to come up with local funding.

Phase Two would create a second trunk line on the eastern half of downtown that would add an additional levee penetration at an estimated cost of $7.5 million.

One of the recurring themes of the meeting was how to fund the various projects that the City is interested in, and how to balance growth improvements with standard maintenance and repairs. Drainage improvements are typically funded via storm-water utility fees, which generate about $1 million per year for construction revenue. Compare that $1 million in annual revenue to the $78 million needed to complete the 2009 project list, which doesn’t even account for unforeseen issues like the section of 10th Street that collapsed during a July flash flood.

Any downtown beautification/safety/economic development projects that the City chooses to take on based on the IQC’s recommendations would likely need to be funded by a General Obligation Bond election, but the City has committed to capping their millage rate at 13 and voters already passed more than $18 million in bond measures less than three years ago.

Gerondale gave a presentation on the Keystone Ancient Forest tower project. The City plans to purchase and relocate a disused 100-foot 1950s-era fire lookout tower from the Oklahoma Forestry Service that is currently located in Cookson. The tower will eventually be erected on the KAF hiking trails and will have a new observation platform at the top.

The City currently has $118,000 available for the tower project, and needs an additional $54,000 to move the tower. They need an additional $330,117 to fully fund the project, which would pay for the relocation, painting, new wooden planks, concrete footing, and hand railing, as well as design and construction of a new observation deck.

The Keystone Ancient Forest is already a popular tourist destination that attracts hundreds of visitors every weekend it is open. A visitor center is currently under construction, and when the center and the tower are open to the public, the City will begin branding and marketing the park.

City of Sand Springs receives Excellence in Financial Reporting honor

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs has received an Excellence in Financial Reporting Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for their Certified Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The award is the 30th consecutive year for the City of Sand Springs’ Finance Department to receive this honor, and covers the financial report for the year ending June, 2019. The CAFR reports are judged by GFAO, using an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate the City’s financial story, and motivate users to read and understand the CAFR.

“The GFAO’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management,” stated GFAO’s Michele Levine from their office in Chicago, Illinois.

Click here to view the current CAFR on the City’s website.

Each year the City produces two financial reports, the CAFR (which is an exhaustive, audited depiction of the City of Sand Springs’ financial position) and the PAFR (Popular Annual Financial Report). The Popular Annual Financial Report will be released in early 2021 and provides brief, descriptive information about the City’s activities, community milestones, organizational structure and financial information.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award for the 30th consecutive year,” said Kelly Lamberson, Finance Director. “Sand Springs has a long history of financial reporting excellence and we are happy to continue this tradition. This award is made possible by the diligence and commitment of the entire finance department and the great support of our City Council.”

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.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (10/18 - 10/25/2020)

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Tuesday

  • 1:30 p.m. Sand Springs / Sapulpa Joint Board Meeting.

    • Click here to view agenda.

    • Sand Springs Public Works Administration Building - Conference Room 106A
      13101 West 46th Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Wednesday

  • Sand Springs Development Authority meeting - CANCELED.

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Friday

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

    • Free cover-ups for any hate, gang, or racial tattoos.

    • The Parlour Hair & Ink
      100 North Garfield
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

    • Choctaw Yellowjackets Stadium
      14300 Northeast 10th Street
      Choctaw, OK 73020

Saturday

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

  • 10:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A-East Regional Cross Country meet.

    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Fall Family Festival.

    • Mountaintop Worship Center
      7709 West Cameron Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (10/11 - 10/18/2020)

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Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Monday

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

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

Tuesday

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

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Union.
    7:30 p.m. Regional Championship Match.

    • Frank Herald Field House
      323 East B Street
      Jenks, OK 74037

Wednesday

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

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 6:00 p.m. CTM Tailgate Party.
    7:00 p.m. CPHS Football vs. Bixby.

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Saturday

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 6:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Wrestling Cornhole Tournament.

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 7:30 p.m. 2nd Annual Wrestling Alumni Social.

    • Minuteman Pizza Parlor
      7 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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 active COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported several new record-high COVID-19 statistics Friday afternoon, including 1,524 new cases. The previous single-day record was 1,401 on July 27th. There are 13,515 active cases in the state, surpassing the September 28th record of 13,379.

Hospitalizations set a new record for the third time in the past four days, up to 749. The death rate continues to remain below record-highs, however. The seven-day rolling average was 10.4 on August 30th and is currently at 6.7.

Sand Springs reached 100 active cases for the first time after 25 new cases were reported in the past 48 hours. There are 1,253 active cases in Tulsa, and 2,016 in Tulsa County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 7,583,200 cumulative cases nationally with 212,111 deaths. There have been 322,741 new cases reported in the past seven days. Oklahoma ranks 22nd in total cases per capita and is ninth in per capita cases in the past seven days. The state is 38th in per capita deaths and 26th in per capita deaths in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 36,361,054 cumulative cases worldwide with 1,056,186 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 6,906,151, Brazil with 5,000,694, and Russia with 1,272,238.