Bill & Ruth's is Sand Springs's best kept secret

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By Morgan Miller, Executive Director

Whenever I walk into a restaurant, I fully prepare myself for the possibility of not being able to find something to eat there. I have multiple food allergies and they make eating outside of my home nearly impossible sometimes. When I walked into Bill and Ruth's, I was completely prepared to have to walk away and find somewhere else to eat, but that was not the case.

As soon as we entered the restaurant we were greeted with genuine enthusiasm by the owner, Walid Mustafa. He then asked us what we would be eating, and I told him of my predicament. That did not phase Mustafa in any way though. He immediately began making suggestions and actively trying to find things that I would be able to eat. He offered to make a dish in an alternative way to avoid using an ingredient that I couldn't eat. It ended up being the perfect solution, and we decided that the grilled catfish with steamed vegetables was a meal that I could safely eat!

After we paid and went to sit down, Mustafa began personally preparing our food. He got all of it out very quickly and it was wonderful. The food was plated very well, and the portions were large. I ended up taking more than half of it home! Finally, the restaurant was very clean and welcoming. It was a completely positive experience for me. 

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I would highly recommend anyone to visit this restaurant, there is a wide variety of foods and the service is always excellent. Bill and Ruth's is located at 351 East 2nd Street, Sand Springs, Oklahoma. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:30am-9:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm, and closed Sunday. If you would like to make a to-go order you can call the restaurant at 918-245-3782.

Five fun and free Easter events this weekend

By Morgan Miller, Executive Director

Easter Sunday is this weekend. For those of you who have not yet figured out quite what you will be doing, we have compiled a list of some of the things that will be happening in Sand Springs and the surrounding areas this weekend!

Word of Life Church is hosting two Easter Egg Hunts, one at their 9:00am service and one at their 11:00am service. The Easter egg hunts will be during the service. Their address is 1402 N 81st West Ave, Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063.

HillSpring Church will be having two services on Easter Sunday, there will be an 8:30am service and a 10:00am service. They will have an egg hunt between services! Their address is 8801 W 41st St, Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063.

Lake Church in Mannford is having an Egg Drop on Saturday where they will drop 10,000 eggs by helicopter, free food, games, inflatables, horse rides, and face paint. This event will be held from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, the address is 35903 OK-51, Mannford OK 74044.

CrossPoint church will be having an Egg Hunt between their church services, which are at 9:00am and 10:45am. Their church is located at 4600 S. 129th W. Ave, Sand Springs, OK 74063.

Finally, Walmart will have an Easter Bunny walking throughout the store from 12:00pm to 4:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday.  

From all of us at Sandite Pride News, we hope you have a great Easter weekend!

Police impersonator at large

According to City of Sand Springs Chief of Police Mike Carter, a white Chevy Tahoe pulled over a woman in the area of 44th and Spruce on Thursday. After taking the woman's license and registration, the suspect demanded she exit the vehicle and then groped her. The full statement is as follows:

 "Important Message:

The Sand Springs Police Department just received a report of a police impersonator.  It was reported that white Tahoe that pulled a lady over around 44th and Spruce.  This vehicle is described as having a light bar on top of the vehicle as well as a push bar with lights on it.  A white male suspect wearing all dark clothing a displaying some sort of badge made the victim produce her drivers license and insurance.  He then made her get out of her vehicle and groped her.  Officers are taking a report from the victim.  If anyone sees this vehicle or knows who may be responsible for this act, please call SSPD at (918)245-8777 or 911.

If a vehicle attempts to pull you over and you are not sure it is an officer, please dial 911 and continue to drive to a well lighted area such as a convenience store.

Chief Mike Carter" 

Word of Life Free Community Carnival moved to Memorial Day Weekend

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Word of Life Church is preparing for their fourth annual Free Community Carnival, this year with some changes. Instead of taking place at the end of summer, the church is moving the date forward to the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The event will take place on May 28, 2016 from 11:00 am through 2:00 pm. 

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Why the change? The ride company that the church was previously using is going through a transition and was unable to ensure their availability. Instead of putting the beloved community event on hiatus for a year, the church managed to locate an Oklahoma City based company that only had the one day available. Instead of looking at the change as an inconvenience, the church is counting it as a blessing and an opportunity to improve the experience for everyone.

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Pastors Chad and Sarah (left) serving food at a past carnival.

"We feel Memorial Day weekend is a great time to do it since it's the first holiday of summer. Many families are looking for something to do, so why not a free carnival!" said Senior Pastor Chad Stewart. The temperature difference will also be a big improvement. The carnival volunteers have often had to work in 90+ degree temperatures in August, so the move to Springtime will make it far more enjoyable both for the workers and the guests.

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This year the carnival will have seven rides and they are hoping to secure a Ferris Wheel, depending on availability. They plan on 3-4 large rides and 3-4 smaller rides for the little kids, in addition to games, inflatables, and other activities. As always, the church will be offering free hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, and lemonade. There will also be food and game trucks associated with the ride company, Sam's Amusements & Carnivals. These additional options won't be free, but will provide an even more authentic carnival feel than in previous years.

Like last year, parking will be located at the old K-Mart building on Charles Page Boulevard, as well as Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, and free shuttling will be provided. 

Then, on Sunday morning, the church will be giving away $5,000 to bless guests at their 9:00 and 11:00 AM services. Each service will have five winners of $500 each.

March 22nd is officially Frank Cooper Day in Tulsa County, here's how you can celebrate

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Earlier this month, the Board of County Commissioners of Tulsa County declared today, March 22nd, 2016 to be Frank Cooper Day, in honor of the Charles Page High School social studies and leadership teacher Frank Cooper. 

Cooper has been a public school teacher for the past 23 years, after giving up a promising legal career to instead pursue a more fulfilling path. The proclamation reads what we all know, that "Mr. Cooper promotes core values of kindness, respect, honesty and affirmation so convincingly with students changing the entire culture of Charles Page High School."

Cooper has a long resume of recognition, including the 2016 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence and the University of Tulsa Secondary School Teacher Award for Inspiration. He was a 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist and was the subject of an American Story segment with Bob Dotson on NBC's Today show.

So how does one celebrate Frank Cooper Day?

Unfortunately there's no parade planned, but there are ways you can celebrate on your own.

Firstly, say the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag. Cooper begins every day by leading his class in the pledge, a practice that is more and more uncommon in schools today.

Then, circle up with your fellow Sandites and sing the Alma Mater. 

Charles Page High forever, and true to her we'll be
for to our Alma Mater we owe our loyalty.
Our love is always with thee
as onward we will go.
Charles Page High forever, may she live eternally.

Then, turn this up full volume, and sing along as loud as you can. Get your whole workplace involved if you can. Sweet Caroline has been an anthem for the Charles Page students for years and is frequently played at sporting events and performed by the band. This arose from Cooper frequently playing it in class with full participation. 

If you're looking to make a Frank Cooper playlist for the day, be sure and include Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," Vanilla Ice's "Ice, Ice, Baby," Journey's "Don't Stop Believing," and as much Elvis as you can get your hands on.

Finally, spend the duration of the day giving positive affirmation to everyone you encounter, especially to those who you normally wouldn't. Be kind to everyone, strangers included, and make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. If you like, you can email Cooper at frank.cooper@Sandites.org and let him know the impact he's made on your life or your student's life. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Bingman and Appropriations Chair Jolley comment on passage of Education and Corrections supplementals

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Senate president Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement after the full Senate approved supplemental appropriations for Education and Corrections on Tuesday. 

“Education and public safety are top priorities in the state Senate, which is why we’ve worked hard to shield them from the severe budget cuts other agencies have experienced during these tough times. Unfortunately, state revenues continue to suffer because of the dramatic downturn in oil and gas prices which is why more cuts are necessary to maintain a balanced budget this fiscal year. Using Rainy Day Funds will lessen the impact of these budget cuts on students, while also preventing cuts at state prisons. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for acting quickly on these measures to help these agencies. 

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“We understand the tough job facing teachers and appreciate their hard work. We’ve worked to limit education funding cuts to 1.85 percent in recent years at a time when other agencies have seen budget cuts of as much as 20 to 30 percent. Protecting education funding from such severe budget reductions shows our appreciation for the role teachers play in preparing the next generation of Oklahoma leaders for success. The Senate will continue to pursue reforms to free educators from government red-tape and get more dollars into the classroom so teachers are able to focus more on the most important part of their job: our children.”—Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa

Statement from Senate Appropriations Chair Clark Jolley on approval by the Senate of supplemental appropriations for Education and Corrections:

“Education and public safety are core government services—and it’s crucial for us to provide these funds to help both get through this budget year.

“The reality is the current economic climate is going to impact our state for some time to come, not just in FY 2017, but in FY 2018 as well. These supplemental appropriations will provide relief this year, while ensuring Oklahoma will still have resources available in the Rainy Day Fund for the challenges ahead.”—Senate Appropriations Chair, Clark Jolley, R-Edmond.

Full Senate approves ‘Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act’; bill aimed at helping mentally ill needing assisted outpatient treatment

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Legislation to help families get assisted outpatient treatment for adult relatives with mental illness before a situation reaches a crisis has been approved by the full Senate.  House Bill 1697, by Sen. AJ Griffin and Rep. Lee Denney, was approved unanimously by the full Senate on Tuesday. The legislation is named the Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act. Costello’s adult son, Christian, who struggled with mental illness for years, is charged in his father’s 2015 death.

Griffin said only a few decades ago, many with mental illness in this country were institutionalized, often against their will.  With the move toward deinstitutionalization and community based treatment, laws were passed to ensure patients with mental illness could only be forced into treatment if they were an eminent threat to themselves or others.

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 “Unfortunately, by the time that happens, it may be too late to avoid a crisis. It’s especially difficult for families who’ve tried to help children with mental illness, but learn once their child turns 18, their hands are often tied when they attempt to get their son or daughter the treatment they need to be able to function safely at home and in the community,” said Griffin, R-Guthrie. “The Mark Costello Act would give families a path through the courts to get their loved one into assisted outpatient treatment before a tragedy occurs.”

HB 1697 outlines circumstances which would allow judges to order individuals to participate in an assisted outpatient treatment program if petitioned by immediate family members or guardians or those directly involved with the individual’s treatment. The individual must be 18 years or older, under the care of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision.

Denney said before Costello’s death, he had been an advocate for mental health treatment resources in Oklahoma.

“Mental Illness can be especially hard to address, because the illness itself can cause a person to resist the help of loved ones,” said Denney, R-Cushing. “Mark Costello was very vocal about the need to do more in Oklahoma. His wife, Cathy, is continuing that advocacy and I am proud to collaborate with her and Senator Griffin on this legislation. We hope that it will give judges a tool that can be used to help those afflicted by mental illness.”

Cathy Costello spoke in favor of HB 1697 when it was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee last month. She watched from the Senate gallery as the measure was approved.

“I’m grateful to Senator Griffin and Representative Denney for their hard work on this legislation. It’s heartbreaking for families who struggle to get help for their adult children or other relatives only to hit a wall because current law doesn’t allow for intervention until they’re a danger to themselves or others—and by then it may be too late,” Costello said. “I believe this bill can help Oklahoma families before they face a tragedy like our family experienced.”

The measure now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.

Resolution approved to allow voters to decide on appointment of Labor Commissioner

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved a joint resolution Tuesday to put on the November ballot a state question to make the Commissioner of Labor a gubernatorial appointed position. Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the author of Senate Joint Resolutions 65.

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“As the executive leader of the state, the governor should have the power to hire and fire agency heads and should be held accountable for their work,” said Treat. “This is a measure that two years ago, the late Commissioner Costello came and testified before our committee saying that he was in full support. He felt it was better governance. I thank my Senate colleagues for their support of the legislation.”

SJR 65 would submit a question to voters to allow the governor to appoint the Commissioner of Labor with the consent of the Senate for a term of four years to run concurrently with the governor’s term of office. 

Oklahoma is one of only a few states that elect a labor commissioner.

If approved by the House, the state question will be submitted to the Secretary of State to be placed on the November 2016 ballot.  

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EDITOR'S NOTES:

Oklahoma is one of only four states to elect a labor commissioner. In the 46 other states, the position is appointed by the governor. Texas has a three-member board that serves this function instead of a single executive position. Oklahoma's commissioner, Mark Costello was re-elected to a second term in 2014 and was murdered on August 23, 2015 in Oklahoma City. Under Article 6, Section 13 of the state Constitution, in the event of a vacancy in the office, the governor appoints a person to serve until a successor is either elected or appointed and qualified by law. 

SJR65 passed by a vote of 33-13. Dan Newberry, the Senator representing the district including Sand Springs voted in favor.

Mulready, Quinn Have Legislation to Strengthen Life Insurance Policies

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Senate Bill 298, known as the Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefit Act, stipulates that, on all new life insurance policies, insurance companies in Oklahoma must check a database (the “Death Master File”) two times each year to see if policyholders have passed away. If the database indicates a potential match with an insured, the companies would work to locate the insured’s family, confirm the death and pay life insurance benefits to surviving beneficiaries. 

The bill has passed out of the Senate and now awaits a hearing in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. 

Current law and life insurance industry practice require a claim to be filed before any policy is eligible for benefits to be paid, similar to health insurance or auto insurance. In the vast majority of cases, life insurance claims are filed when the insured passes away and benefits are paid to surviving beneficiaries. Issues can arise, however, when an insured passes away without notifying his or her loved ones of the existence of a life insurance policy. 

Mulready said that after talking to both insurance companies and policyholders, he concluded that the current system needs improvement.

“Life insurance is different from, say, auto insurance,” said Mulready, R-Tulsa. “You may never file a claim on your auto coverage, but you know there will eventually be a claim on a life insurance policy if you keep the policy in force. Senator Quinn and I are working to make sure that moving forward this fundamental difference is reflected in the law and in all life insurance policies in Oklahoma.”

Quinn said the legislation creates a better system to unite policy benefits with beneficiaries as the insureds intended and is fair to both policyholders and insurance companies.

“Legally, the Legislature can’t rewrite contracts that have already been entered into, nor should we,” said Quinn, R-Claremore. “But we can create a system that better serves Oklahomans moving forward. The industry will now have additional safeguards in place to ensure that benefits are being paid out to surviving loved ones.”

Both Mulready and Quinn also encouraged those who have lost loved ones to make use of the Life Policy Locator Service launched in March 2015 by Insurance Commissioner John Doak. The service, run by the Insurance Department, helps Oklahomans locate potential life insurance benefits available to them. In less than one year of operation, the Insurance Department has found and connected 29 different beneficiaries with more than $534,483 of life insurance benefits. For more on the service, visit:

https://www.ok.gov/oid/Consumers/Consumer_Assistance/lifepolicylocatorservice.html

Full Senate approves proposed state question on repealing Oklahoma’s Blaine Amendment

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The full Senate has approved legislation allowing Oklahoma voters to decide whether to repeal Article II, Section 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution, known as the “Blaine Amendment,” forbidding the use of public monies or property for sectarian or religious purposes. It was cited by the majority of the Oklahoma Supreme Courting in a 2015 ruling that forced the removal of a Ten Commandments Monument from the grounds of the Capitol. 

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 Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, is the author of Senate Joint Resolution 72.

“The Blaine amendment represented an effort to suppress Catholic education while allowing state funding of protestant-oriented schools. Many Oklahomans felt the amendment never should have applied to the Ten Commandments Monument case, and have expressed dismay such a discriminatory provision was still in our constitution,” Standridge said. “This measure will give the final say to the citizens of our state.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman praised Monday’s 39 to 5 vote in favor of SJR 72.

“The court’s recent interpretation of the Blaine Amendment could have much broader implications, including threatening millions of dollars in state aid to hospitals, child care centers and schools catering to children with special needs. It’s time for the Blaine Amendment to be repealed from the Oklahoma Constitution. I appreciate Senator Standridge’s efforts to secure passage of SJR72 to allow Oklahomans to weigh in on this important issue.” 

SJR 72 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice is open for the season!

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Spring Break kicks off this Friday for our Sand Springs Sandites and one of the most popular hangouts in town is opening up just in time!

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice will be back open for the season at 3:00 pm this Friday and will stay open till 10:30. 

Harper's hit Sand Springs by storm back in 2014 when CEO William Nozak opened his first hut on Charles Page Boulevard in front of the Sand Springs Cinema 8. Word of mouth began to attract large lines of people from Sand Springs, Tulsa, Sapulpa, and Mannford who were clamoring to try the first gourmet snow cones in the Sand Springs area.

Within a month of opening, Harper's Hut was named the "Best in the World" by the Tulsa World readers, and with more than 80 flavors and hundreds of combinations, there's something for everybody. 

The Harper's popularity continued to skyrocket into 2015 and Nozak opened huts in Mannford and Glenpool as well as supplied his brand of deliciousness to the Sapulpa Aquatic Center. In December, Nozak expanded his entrepreneurial exploits into coffee. The first Harper's Hut Java stand opened in Prattville (South Sand Springs) on 41st Street in front of Church That Matters and is open year-round.

Coffee had always been a part of the plan for Nozak, who originally filed his business under the name "Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java." The South-side location won't be offering shaved ice at this time, but does have signature flavors such as "Volcano" and "Butterbeer" available for smoothies, Italian soda, frappuccinos, as well as hot drinks. 

The North side has aims to expand to coffee at some point in the future, but that hut is currently too small to carry both shaved ice and java. 

Nozak considers this weekend to be a "soft opening," with a Grand Opening set for this May when the students are out of school for the summer. The Grand Opening, like last year, will be a full weekend of events, games, and giveaways. He has already been probing the community on what movies they would like to see at Harper's, which frequently does Free Family Movie Nights throughout the summer on their giant inflatable screen. 

Harper's mobile setup is available for all sorts of events ranging from weddings and birthdays to corporate events and fundraisers. A frequent favorite that Church That Matters has used two-years in a row is The Meltdown, where Harper's shaves enough ice for a large snowball fight in the middle of summer. Harper's raised thousands for local charities last summer and hopes to carry that momentum into 2016 with even more local give-back. 

So get on down to Harper's Hut Shaved Ice today and see the shaved ice stand that Tulsa competitors are calling a game-changer for the area!

Senate passes Holt legislation to avoid future budget shortfalls

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The Senate has passed Senate Joint Resolution 44, authored by Sen. David Holt, by a vote of 46-1. The legislation, approved Monday, would give the people of Oklahoma the opportunity to measure the current 15 percent cap on the state’s Rainy Day Fund against the total state budget of approximately $24 billion. Currently, the Rainy Day Fund’s 15 percent cap is measured against the artificially smaller number of “general revenue fund certification” that was just $5.6 billion for the most recent budget, less than a quarter of the dollar amount actually spent by the state. The recent drop in energy prices has created a budget shortfall of $1.3 billion that far exceeds the maximum amount of approximately $850 million that the Rainy Day Fund could have held under the current cap.

“We’ve lived in an energy-based economy long enough to know these price drops are going to happen and we need to have a savings account that is adequate to the task,” said Holt, R-Oklahoma City. “Out of this current budget crisis, I can think of no greater gift we can give future generations than to put a savings plan in place that will give us the security we need to avoid future shortfalls like this. The lessons we’re learning in this crisis need to be applied today, while they are fresh. Putting an appropriate cap in place is the first step. The current cap is measured against a dollar amount that has no particular relevance, it provides a false sense of security, and it has utterly failed us.”

SJR 44 now proceeds to the House for consideration. Because the cap on the Rainy Day Fund is part of the Constitution, amending it requires a vote of the people. If SJR 44 passes the House, it would be placed on the November, 2016 ballot for consideration by the voters.

Editorial: To the Oklahoma State Legislature

Senator Dan Newberry,

I hope this contact finds you in good spirits. I am writing as a citizen of your district, a resident of the 74063, to request your vote AGAINST SB609's creation of a scholarship savings program that would in any way shape or form direct monies towards private schools that could and should otherwise be used for the improvement of our public education programs. 

Private schools should remain in the private sector. Parents already have the option to remove their child from public schooling, they should not however be allowed to remove funding from our public schools and redirect it to an entity that does not exist for the public. I do not get a refund for roads I don't drive on for the use of improving my private driveway. Neither should private schools be funded by public money that should be used for the good of the whole community. 

As a passionate supporter of our public education system, I will be unable to vote for any senator or representative who would seek to remove even a penny from our already dismal public education funding. With Oklahoma already near the bottom of the nation in per-pupil funding, it is absurd to consider removing money from a starving school system. 

I hope you will do what is right by our young people and continue to invest in their education. Oklahoma should be making every effort to improve our public schools, not throwing in the towel and giving up on them. 

I hope to see your name not just in opposition of this bill, but in favor of bills that will increase our public education funding, especially in terms of teacher pay. It's time to end the exodus of teachers to Texas and other neighboring states. It's time we establish competitive pay for our educators so that we may attract the best and brightest. It's time to acknowledge that our single greatest asset is our children and that our responsibility is to build for them a better future and give them the tools necessary to build one for themselves. ESA is not the answer and it does not represent the values of Oklahomans. 

Thank you for your service to our community and thank your for your time in reading this email. I trust we can count on you to make the right decisions for our children. Our community looks to you for leadership, please don't let us down. 

Respectfully,

Scott Emigh
Editor-in-Chief
www.SanditePride.com

Senate gives passing grade to legislation for unruly students

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation was approved late Wednesday to give local school boards an alternative to suspension and expulsion to keep unruly students in the classroom. Sen. Ron Sharp is the author of Senate Bill 911 to allow school boards to create a policy where teachers can assign community service for those students who misbehave rather than suspending or expelling them.

“Having been a teacher for 38 years, I know that suspension and expulsion only hurts a student further academically. It does nothing to address the child’s discipline problems and it typically puts the student further behind in their studies because they don’t do their work when they’re at home,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee. “We need to find an alternative that keeps students who misbehave in the classroom but still holds them accountable for their actions.  Community service is a great solution.”

Sharp worked with the Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE); the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); and the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) in drafting the legislation.
SB 911 would allow local boards of education to have the option of adopting a system that requires students to perform community service for violating the district’s behavioral policy.  
The measure passed 32-13 with those opposed raising concerns about students doing community service as a punishment. Sharp noted that good students who do not misbehave are required to do community service for many things.

“I was puzzled by some of the debate against this bill. Good, responsible students are required to do community service for the Boy/Girls Scouts and other community organizations as well as to apply for scholarships and other awards. Many do community service simply because they want to help others and be involved in their communities,” said Sharp. “I was disappointed in the debate suggesting that making unruly students do community service was somehow ‘child labor’ or a sign of ‘criminal behavior’.  Educators simply want an alternative to keep these students in the classroom while teaching them respect and to take responsibility for their actions. They’re obviously not learning how to follow the rules at home and when they’re adults if they don’t follow the rules, they’ll be facing more serious consequences than community service.”

The bill now moves to the House for further consideration. 

Senate approves tax refund donation for indigent veteran burials

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OKLAHOMA CITY – There are currently estimated to be over 300 homeless veterans in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association says that statewide they bury approximately 25 indigent veterans each year and absorb the costs of the funerals. On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously approved Senate 1134, by Sen. Frank Simpson, which would provide a funding mechanism for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs’ (ODVA) Indigent Veteran Burial Program. 

“Our veterans served our nation honorably, sacrificing of themselves to help others. The least we can do as a society is to ensure that they are honorably laid to rest with dignity,” said Simpson, R-Springer. “This bill will allow citizens and businesses to donate a portion or all of their income refund to this burial program to help our indigent veterans.”

Under SB 1134, each state individual income tax return form and each state corporate tax return form for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2016, would contain a provision to allow a donation from a tax refund for the benefit of ODVA’s Indigent Veteran Burial Program. A revolving fund would be created in the State Treasury for the program. 

The measure would also allow donations to be received from private individuals, veteran’s organizations, charitable groups and any other entities wishing to make donations directly to the fund.

The ODVA would be able to use the funds to reimburse cemeteries or funeral homes for costs associated with burying indigent veterans. 

SB 1134 is a companion bill to SB 398, which was introduced last session and is awaiting further consideration in the General Conference Committee on Appropriations. SB 398 seeks to create the Indigent Veteran Burial Program.

SB 1134 will next be heard in the House. 

Senate approves measure for statewide vote on modernizing Oklahoma beer and wine sales

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The full Senate has given approval to a measure allowing Oklahomans to decide whether to modernize state laws on beer and wine sales.  Senate Joint Resolution 68, by Sen. Clark Jolley and co-authored by Sen. Stephanie Bice, would let voters make the constitutional changes necessary to allow the sale of wine and strong beer in grocery stores. 

“This is the culmination of months of meetings with all the stakeholders.We’ve had a lot of hard conversations with everyone involved,” said Jolley, R-Edmond. “The very nature of most complex issues is that no one person or entity will get everything exactly the way they want it.  But Oklahomans from across the state are frustrated with outdated laws on beer and wine sales. Our goal is to make sure it is a comprehensive approach, addressing the changes needed in both the constitution and in the statutes.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman is also a co-author of SJR 68.

“This bill gives Oklahomans what they have sought for years: the opportunity to modernize our state’s alcohol laws and bring us in line with practically all other states. If approved by the voters, this measure introduces more options and choice for consumers and will spur growth and economic development in the industry. I appreciate Senators Jolley and Bice for their determined work in guiding this measure through the process.”

While SJR 68 would allow voters to make the constitutional changes necessary, Sen. Stephanie Bice is principal author of Senate Bill 383, co-authored by Jolley, which would make the statutory changes needed to modernize Oklahoma laws on beer and wine sales.

“Compromise does not come easily, but Oklahoma citizens have spoken loud and clear. They’re tired of living under laws they see as a throw-back to prohibition, something that ended in our state nearly 57 years ago—they want the same consumer choices people in most other states already enjoy,” said Bice, R- Oklahoma City. “Combined, SJR 68 and SB 383 will help us thoroughly address all the changes necessary to make sure that happens.”

SJR 68 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. 

Bill to create “guilty but with mental defect” verdict heads to House

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Tuesday, the Senate gave unanimous approval to a measure to modify the “not guilty by reason of insanity” (NGRI) defense in Oklahoma.  Sen. Ron Sharp said Senate Bill 1214 would add a “guilty but with mental defect” defense for those individuals who are found guilty with a mental illness but who also have an antisocial personality disorder. 

“The not guilty by reason of insanity defense was created for those who are not mentally capable of understanding their actions but now we have people who commit violent crimes trying to use this defense even when the crime was premeditated,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee.  “The law needs to be modified to take into account those who suffer from a mental illness but are still mentally capable of understanding their actions.  They need to be held accountable.”

SB 1214 would provide that anyone who has an antisocial personality disorder and is found guilty with a mental illness cannot use the NGRI plea and must complete the sentence for the crime.  The bill creates the guilty with mental defect and not guilty by reason of mental illness pleas.

Under the legislation, a plea of guilty with mental defect would result in the same sentence that could be imposed on another person convicted of the same crime.  Those found guilty with mental defect would be required to be examined by the state Department of Mental Health with a recommendation to be made within 45 days. 

The bill was requested by Pottawatomie County District Attorney, Richard Smothermon in response to the 2012 murder case involving Jerrod Murray.  Murray kidnapped fellow East Central University student, Generro Sanchez, and shot him multiple times.  Murray confessed, with no emotion or remorse, to the murder saying he just wanted to see what it felt like to kill someone.  He was charged with murder but, under Oklahoma law, found not guilty by reason of insanity.  He was then sentenced to imprisonment in the Oklahoma Forensic Center until such time that he is found to not be a danger to himself or others.

“This bill targets the most dangerous criminals who have mental illnesses but will never be cured by treatment; the ones that kill just to kill or hurt others because they get pleasure from it,” said Smothermon.  “This bill would allow a jury to send these criminals to prison rather than a mental hospital, which is where they deserve to be.”

Smothermon and Sanchez’ mother, Jeana West, were in the Senate gallery to listen to the debate on SB 1214.

The bill will now go to the House for further consideration. 

Phil Nollan wins Ward 1 City Council seat by landslide, Cruz and Sanders win OK primary

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Super Tuesday voting drew record participation across Oklahoma. In addition to the Presidential primaries, some Sand Springs residents had as many as three issues to vote on. 

Residents of Ward 1 voted between third-term incumbent Michael Phillips and challenger Phil Nollan for City Council. The citizens overwhelmingly voiced their support for a changing of the guard as Nollan won by a landslide 65% to 35%. 

Nollan is a nationally certified Project Management professional who has been serving on the Parks Advisory Board for five years and is currently the Vice Chair. He is an Oklahoma State graduate has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University and an executive master of business administration certification from the University of Tulsa. Nollan's wife, Jadine, represents Sand Springs as the District 66 Representative in the Oklahoma House where she is an avid public education advocate. 

Joining Nollan on City Council is Patty Dixon who inherited the Ward 2 seat from Dean Nichols after filing unopposed. Nichols asked Dixon to run for election after deciding not to seek another term. Dixon has previously served the city as a two-term councilor from 1990-1996 and has an extensive volunteer background working with the Tulsa County Parks Department, the Parks Advisory Board, the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Association, Sertoma Club, and more. She has also served as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society.

Sand Springs Republicans also voted in the primary for Tulsa County Sheriff. The Democrats did not have a primary as they only have one candidate in Rex Berry. Sand Springs resident and Tulsa Police Sergeant Vic Regalado won a significant victory in a crowded field of nine Republican candidates with 40% of the vote. 

Regalado's closest competitor was Luke Sherman who pulled only 16%. The nominee has extensive background in law enforcement with a decade of SWAT experience. He's been the lead investigator on 81 homicide cases and currently oversees a Special Investigations Gang Unit. 

The Medal of Valor recipient will go against Berry in a special election in April to take over the unexpired term of the current Tulsa Sheriff who resigned after being charged with misconduct in office. The winner will have only a couple of days in office before having to file once again for a full-term election in November. 

In the Presidential primaries Ted Cruz struck a note with the State's Evangelical population and edged out Donald Trump in a 34% to 28% upset victory. He did not, however, break the 50% margin needed to secure the State's full delegation. If no single candidate gets 50%, then in the State of Oklahoma, delegates are split proportionally between all candidates who won at least 20%. Marco Rubio also walked away with a significant chunk of delegates after winning 26% of the vote. 

African-Americans have largely backed Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders thus far in the election process, but Oklahoma significantly lacks in black voters compared to other Southern States and Sanders was able to edge out Hillary with 51% of the vote. The Democratic Party doesn't use the same formula as the Republicans do for delegation, and Clinton still won a significant amount of delegates despite drawing in only 42% of the vote. 

Senate approves National Guard conceal carry legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 913 Tuesday to ensure Oklahoma’s Army and Air National Guard personnel can protect themselves and others while on the job. The bill, by Sen. Frank Simpson, would allow such authorized veterans to carry loaded or unloaded concealed weapons at Oklahoma Military Department facilities.

“The threats against our brave military men and women don’t stop when they return home from active duty abroad. Our enemies desire to attack us here, and our Guard and military personnel are high-profile targets,” said Simpson, R-Springer. “We’ve seen all too often military personnel attacked at recruiting stations and even military bases and facilities. It makes sense for us to allow our Guard members, who are highly trained in the use of weaponry, to carry firearms so that they can protect themselves and others in emergency situations. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for unanimously supporting this measure.”

There have been eight attacks at military facilities across the nation since 2009. In July 2015, a terrorist killed four Marines and injured several others at a military recruiting center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Following that incident, Gov. Fallin issued an executive order in July to allow authorized military personnel to carry concealed weapons. SB 913 will make that executive order permanent in state statute. The Oklahoma National Guard Adjutant General will establish guidelines for the implementation of the legislation.

SB 913 now moves to the House for further consideration.

Patty Dixon to inherit City Council seat from Dean Nichols after running unopposed

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Patty and Tim Dixon have been married for 31 years and  have three children and three grandchildren. The two own Dixon Auto Glass in Sand Springs.

The following is a submitted letter addressing the City of Sand Springs citizens, in particular those residing in Ward 2, from soon-to-be City Councilwoman Patty Dixon. Current Ward 2 Councilman Dean Nichols issued the following statement on his Facebook page on December 23rd, 2015. 

"To my family, friends and neighbors of Ward 2. I have decided not to run for re-election for Ward 2 Council position. It has not been an easy decision, but as I near retirement after 34 years of public service, along with the last 8 1/2 years on the council, I felt that maybe it was time to let another Sandite speak on the behalf of Ward 2.

Patty Dixon, who I encouraged to run for this office gratefully signed up. Patty, who I have known for more years then either one of us want to admit to, has the passion, love and volunteerism for the City of Sand Springs that I greatly admire and support.

I'm not done yet, but once I have completed my term in office, I plan on exploring other volunteer opportunities, like Patty Dixon, I believe in service above self.

Again, thank you for letting me serve as your councilman, it has truly been an honor. 
To all the City employees, you make me proud and thank you for your professionalism and dedication." --Dean Nichols

"When I moved into Ward 2, I was recruited for the City Council seat by the Incumbent, my good friend and classmate of CPHS 1971, Dean Nichols. Dean has served the city well but has decided to pursue other volunteer opportunities. Having been elected to and serving for two terms on the council from 1990 - 1996, I too had recruited a friend, Mike Burdge, to consider serving on the council when my work schedule did not warrant the time for my children’s activities and council meetings.

Now, retired with 26 years at Tulsa County Parks, I studied Vision and Four to Fix tax plans. The past 12 years I have served on the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) conference committee through my position as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society and have met many of the City Councilors from other towns through that professional organization. I certainly don’t know everything I need to but my experience as a City Councilor, County employee, OML committee member and Sand Springs small business owner gives me solid ground to represent Sand Springs and learn more about our current challenges. My time on the park board, museum association, HEAL committee (under a previous city manager), Sertoma Club and First Christian Church is evidence of my desire to be involved and connected to Sand Springs. 

I want to be an educator of how city government works in collaboration with the County and State. There are many things a councilor is responsible for but I am very serious about being a watch dog for the Vision Funds, understanding the River West Development and participating in efforts for the beautification of Sand Springs. We have a charming, peaceful community and I am excited about the good things on the way. 

Many times, serving on the council is not something that comes to mind when you consider “volunteering” because of the subsequent “election”, or in my case, filing unopposed. 

Perhaps there is someone else in the Ward who has never considered city council but is a perfect fit. I hope to meet you in the next three years. 

Someday you may be recruited to put your name on the line."

--Patty Dixon