First Annual Harper's Hut Block Party is a blast!

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The First Annual Harper's Hut Block Party is currently underway and there's a lot more to be excited about than just shaved ice. Several businesses in the 1100 block of Charles Page Boulevard have pulled together in what's expected to be the first of many annual end-of-summer block parties full of free activities. The event will last till 9:00 p.m.

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java is notorious for putting on big parties and celebrations throughout the year, and now many businesses in the area are joining them to give the summer a big send off before kids go back to school.

Sand Springs Autosource, Master Lube & Wash, Green Country Federal Credit Union, and the U.S. Army Recruiting Station are the official sponsors of the event and pooled together to provide an inflatable bounce house, obstacle course, and many other fun activities for all ages. 

The Army office provided games and pull-up and push-up contests. Autosource's "Money for Megan" event is offering the chance to hit a car with a sledge hammer for $1.00 per hit to raise money for an Autosource customer who was paralyzed from the neck down after an accident. The Little Lighthouse is also collecting donations. The Little Lighthouse is a Tulsa school for children with special needs. 

Crosspoint Church, which is located on 41st street on the Prattville side of town, is giving out free popcorn. DJ Dusty Hope of Inkwell printing is laying down some fresh beats and selling Inkwell T-Shirts. There is a petting zoo with a donkey, rabbit, and goats, as well as a small classic car show and a face-painter. Green Country Federal Credit Union is handing out ice cold water bottles for free, along with piggy banks, and Jayz BBQ is on site serving up assorted barbecue and smoked corn.

 

Police Chief Mike Carter presents 2016 Policing Plan for Sand Springs

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

City of Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter is taking a proactive approach towards police-community relations in the face of nation-wide tensions.

With police actions continuing to fall under increased media and public scrutiny, Carter wants to learn from situations like the Ferguson, Missouri conflicts and avoid accusations of biased policing.

“While race has not played a significant factor in policing/judicial problems in the City of Sand Springs; unintentionally, economic disparity may play a significant role in unequal consequences of violations of the law by people in Sand Springs.”

Carter also made it clear that “if even one person feels that they were subject to racial bias by the SSPD, it is our responsibility to take steps to better that situation and take steps to make sure we alleviate that concern in the future.”

The mentally ill are another demographic addressed by Carter. “It is important to treat mental health issues as a medical care situation and to lessen the possibility of potential for violent conflict with the individual.”

Body cameras represent one area where Sand Springs is already well ahead of the curve. While movements like “Black Lives Matter” are demanding body cameras be implemented elsewhere, the SSPD has already been using body cameras for approximately eight years, according to Carter.

The Department is also working on increasing the amount of warnings that are given in relation to the total number of traffic stops.

According to Carter’s report, approximately one-third of Sand Springs officers have been trained in advanced mental health techniques through the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). The remaining two-thirds of SSPD officers are expected to go through the training by the first quarter of 2017.

The Department is also working on training all officers in anti-bias policing. The training focuses on the belief that all people have some implicit bias, and that officers should seek to understand and control their bias so that it won’t be a factor in their policing decisions.

Last year, all SSPD officers attended Use of Force training that not only covered shoot-don’t-shoot situations, but also helped coach officers through issuing verbal commands that are clear and won’t cause confusion or put the officer at risk. The Department will continue to put officers through verbal training sessions that focus on de-escalation and officer approachability.

One example of the SSPD’s restraint in use of force is an incident in the Spoon Drug parking lot two weeks ago.

On Friday, July 18th, officers responded to a call about an armed suspect in the 3800 block of Highway 97. That suspect refused to comply with officers’ orders and was tackled to the ground after the responding officer saw he wasn’t holding a weapon.

The Department plans on starting a program in the near-future called “Talk and Pop with a Cop” that will allow the public to speak with officers and other community leaders about the City.

The Department plans to continue issuing fewer and less-costly citations so as to encourage citizens to appear in court and result in less warrants and less conflicts between officers and citizens. The Department will also raise the penalties for failure to appear in court to further incentivize citizens to appear. Alternatives to fines and jail times are being explored such as community service in local festivals.

From the Editor: Sunday July 31, 2016

/

From the Editor’s Desk:

This past weekend was the annual Highway 97 Rivalry alumni game, and our practice run for the upcoming school year. With the first high school kickoff only four weeks away, our gears are whirring away at full speed to get our processes as close to perfect as possible.

The last two seasons have been an incredible experience and it’s hard to believe that we’re approaching our third year of covering Sand Springs sports. When we first began we were simply live-scoring football, basketball, and wrestling events. Last year we first began the transition to a news outlet with full coverage of almost every sport. Over the summer we’ve began to add in more traditional news coverage.

With the first of the fall sports slated to start in just nine short days, we’re excited to continue to expand and improve on our services. This year we’ll be working hard to bring coverage of all sports in Sand Springs, including golf, tennis, and more. We will continue to develop our reporting of all newsworthy events in the Sand Springs area and we welcome your constructive criticisms and feedback.

We hope you’ll be patient with us and understand that every new business has to deal with mistakes. The important thing is, we’re learning from them. This magazine isn’t about trying to make money, it’s about trying to provide Sand Springs with a quality periodical in which we can forever preserve the stories of our wonderful community.

Please feel free to contact us to give us feedback, tips, or just to say hi! We love to meet and get to know our neighbors. Send in stories, letters, photos, and other announcements and don’t hesitate to let us answer any questions you may have.

Also, our next digital magazine won’t be released until TUESDAY August 9th! From now on expect our weekly magazine to go up on Tuesdays, and eventually you’ll see us on newsstands on Tuesdays as well!

Ever Upward!

Scott Emigh
Editor-in-Chief
918.899.0823
www.SanditePride.com

Senate Democratic Leader John Sparks Issues Comments On Governor’s Call for a Special Session to Spend “Extra Money”

/

SUBMITTED

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader John Sparks (D-Norman) issued the following comments in response to the report that Governor Fallin is considering calling the Legislature into special session to use “extra money” to fund a pay raise for public school teachers:

“Once again, Governor Fallin and the Republican majority in the legislature are showing how bad they are at public finance and how good they are at election year political pandering – because that is all this proposal for a special session on teacher pay raises is.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a special session to figure out what to do with the $140.8 million in ‘extra money’ the Governor’s finance team found back in June is unlawful and unnecessary. We don’t need to spend taxpayer dollars we don’t have to pass a new law to determine how and where this money should be spent. We passed a budget in May of 2015 which directed how this money was to be spent. The Governor’s finance team needs to simply re-allocate this money back to the agencies to which it was originally appropriated.

“In addition, I find the timing of this call for special session curious. To suddenly want to come to the table to pass a teacher pay raise plan in the midst of a heated campaign season where educators and parents are not only concerned but motivated and active wreaks of political pandering.

“Finally, the idea that using one-time ‘extra money’ to fund an ongoing expense like teacher salaries is fiscally unsound. To use one time money for a recurring budget item is short sighted at best and sets our teachers up for serious disappointment in the future when there isn’t more one-time money to keep funding their new, higher salaries.

“We need to address the issue of teacher pay and our ongoing teacher shortage. But, this isn’t the way to do it. If the Republicans in the legislature really cared about teachers, they would have passed a pay raise bill during the regular session. But to spend $30,000 a week for a special session to address this issue now using one-time funds is unlawful, unnecessary, inappropriate, and pandering fiscal mismanagement.”

Free movies and concerts this week in the Tulsa area

/

Coming to theaters this week:

Lights Out (PG-13)
Star Trek Beyond (PG-13)
Ice Age: Collision Course (PG)
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (R)

Guthrie Green will be showing Disney's Cars Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

Harper’s Hut Shaved Ice & Java will not be doing their weekly Movie and a Sno Cone due to extreme heat. 

Sapulpa’s Kelly Lane Park will be screening The Parent Trap (PG) Saturday night at dark.

Wednesday 7/27. My Rock Duo at Los Cabos in Jenks. This concert is outdoor, all ages, and free of charge. It starts at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday 7/28. Sand Springs's own Jacob Dement will perform at Los Cabos in Jenks. This concert is outdoor, all ages, and free of charge. It starts at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday 7/28. Swunky Face Big Band at Utica Square. This event is all ages, outdoor, and free of charge. It is from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Friday 7/29. Aviators at Los Cabos in Jenks. This concert is outdoor, all ages, and free of charge. It starts at 7:00 p.m.

Friday 7/29 and Saturday 7/30. Halo Jordan at 5 West Outpost in Sand Springs. This event is free for all ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 7/30. The Detonators at Los Cabos in Jenks. This concert is outdoors, all ages, and free of charge. It starts at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 7/30. Starr Fisher at the Riverwalk in Jenks. This concert is outdoor, all ages, and free of charge. It is from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Have an upcoming event you'd like us to advertise? Free public events are free to list! Low-price advertising options are available for for-profit events. Contact Sanditepridenews@gmail.com for more information.

Monsters have invaded Sand Springs and Millennials are loving it

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The streets of Oklahoma have been invaded twice this week. First by monsters, then by Millennials.

Many parents may have thought their pokemon days were behind them once their child grew up and moved out, but now you might very well have a Vulpix living in your bathroom. 

Nintendo and Niantic Labs released the newest evolution of the Pokemon franchise last Wednesday in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand in the form of a smart phone app for Apple and Android users. Pokemon Go utilizes GPS imaging and the users' cameras to render an "augmented reality" that directly mirrors the real world.

What does that mean? It means that nerds actually have to leave the house and get some exercise now. For Pokemon trainers to "Catch 'Em All," they have to travel and seek out the desired "Pocket Monster" using a low-tech radar that only informs you if you're getting closer or further away, but doesn't actually point you in any specific direction.

To load up on Pokeballs and other necessary inventory, trainers must visit Pokestops at various local landmarks such as the Sand Springs Triangle Clock Tower, the Sand Springs Lake, or the Herbal Affair Mural. Pokemon can be caught anywhere, including the middle of the street, causing some potentially dangerous habits among die-hard collectors. 

In addition to the Pokestops, there are also Pokemon Gyms at Earth and Soul, the statue of Charles Page on the Triangle, Crossfit 1055, Saint Matthews Episcopal Church, and more. Gyms can be taken over by players on any of the three teams: Valor, Mystic, and Instinct. Players can combat enemy trainers at hostile gyms, and can train their own pokemon and level up friendly gyms that belong to their team. 

What's great about Pokemon Go is that it's not just a kids' game. While the app is sure to reach an entire new generation of children, its biggest target audience is the nostalgic young adults who grew up on the original Gameboy games in the 1990's and 2000's. The augmented reality aspect of the game is not only encouraging young people to be more active, but the uniqueness of it has enticed numerous adults well into their thirties and forties to take up the activity as well. 

The "Tulsa Pokemon GO: Team Valor" facebook group already has 231 members, "Pokemon GO-Team Instinct Tulsa" has 368 members, and "Tulsa Team Mystic" facebook page has 261 "likes." "Sand Springs Team Valor" appears to be the only team with a Facebook group in Sand Springs and it is currently sitting at 35 members.

This is far from a small niche market. The app quickly surged to the number one position on the Apple marketplace Top Charts, ahead of Snapchat, Messenger, Google Maps, and Spotify. The company hasn't released official numbers yet, but App analytics company SensorTower estimates more than 7.5 million downloads in the U.S. alone. The popularity of the app has caused numerous server issues that have frustrated many users, but the laps in coverage seem to be getting less frequent and game play is rapidly becoming less problematic. Unfortunately for most of the world, Niantec has already indefinitely delayed the rollout to the rest of the world until the server issues are resolved.

Don't expect users to get bored and quit playing any time soon. The app's debut only features the 150 original first generation pokemon, and future releases are expected to make an additional 570 pokemon available as well as allow players to trade their catches.

Sandite Pride News activated a "Lure Module" at the City Garden Park on Broadway Sunday, which draws rare pokemon to the area for a period of thirty minutes. Within ten minutes, players who saw the lure on their map were flocking to join us in the garden. Five vehicles with close to two-dozen trainers answered our call over the brief window, and there was another lure module going off at the Triangle which attracted dozens more at the same time. 

Needless to say, you can expect to see a lot more people walking around town with their face in their phone in the foreseeable future, so be vigilant not to hit any pedestrians who aren't paying attention to their surroundings. 

Sandite Pride is currently divided with two of our staff members choosing Team Valor while a third is on Team Mystic. Whether the rest of the staff joins the fun remains to be seen, but Executive Director Morgan Miller and I invite you to join us on the Sand Springs Team Valor facebook group and get active! The game isn't just for us nerds, but anyone who wants to be active and see more of the city will be sure to enjoy the app.

Dallas terror attack causes unity and support for police instead of fear

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

On Thursday, September 7, Dallas Police Officers protecting a group of protesters were the targets of an unconfirmed number of snipers. Deceased gunman Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, of Mesquite, Texas was killed by a bomb squad robot to avoid risking the lives of more officers. Johnson claimed to work alone and also claimed to have planted bombs throughout the city.

State Senator Dan Newberry, who represents Sand Springs and parts of Tulsa, issued a statement Friday calling for prayer in response to the terror attack.

Patrick Zamarripa.

“In moments like these we must all put our differences aside and come together in prayer and support for each other,” said Newberry.

“Domestic terrorism – no matter the motive – must not be allowed to continue in the United States,” said Newberry.  “Our men and women in law enforcement put their lives in danger every day to uphold public safety.  Let’s show our law enforcement officers how much they mean to us today and every day after this. Join me in thanking our men in blue as we pray for the families affected by this senseless act of terrorism.”

Lorne Ahrens.

The Sand Springs Police Department issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and families via Facebook late Thursday night. 

"The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Sand Springs Police Department are with the killed and wounded officers of the Dallas Police Department and their families."

Brent Thompson.

Preliminary reports indicated as many as four shooters, but it was later discovered that Johnson was moving throughout a single building and firing from multiple floors.

There were approximately twenty protesters at the event legally carrying long guns that contributed to the confusion early-on. Three suspects were detained for questioning but released without charges.

At this time Johnson has not been linked to any known terrorist organizations and has no criminal record. He previously served in the U.S. Army Reserve and completed one tour of duty in Afghanistan before receiving an honorable discharge.

Michael Krol.

Five officers were killed and seven others were injured in the ambush. Two civilians were also injured.  Police have said at least ten officers were casualties of sniper fire and two others were shot in a shootout.

Dallas Police Officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Smith, Michael Krol, and Patrick Zamarripa were all killed in action, as well as Dallas Area Rapid Transit officer Brent Thompson.

Michael J. Smith.

Zamarripa, a 32 year-old father of two, had previously served three tours of duty with the US Navy before fulfilling his lifelong dream of joining the DPD.

Ahrens, 48, was married to a detective on the force, and was a 14-year veteran of the department. The couple has two children under the age of eleven.

Thompson, 43, was a seven-year veteran of the transit force and was just married to a fellow officer two weeks prior to his death.

Krol, 40, was an eight-year veteran of the department with more than a decade of law-enforcement experience.

Smith, 55, spent seven years with the US Army Rangers division before joining the police force in 1989. He and his wife of 17 years have two children under the age of fifteen.

An anonymous Sand Springs resident left this note on Sgt. Kristie Behar’s patrol unit Friday in a show of public support for the City’s finest.

 

Tuesday is Election Day, here's your guide to the candidates

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

On Tuesday, June 28th, Oklahomans will travel to the polls for the statewide primary elections. Both the Democratic and Libertarian Parties have opened their primaries to Independent voters this year, but only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary.

More than 400 candidates have filed for office in Oklahoma this filing period, more than in any presidential year in recent history, according to Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax. The following is a brief summary of each candidates' qualifications. For their policy views, click on their names to be redirected to their campaign web sites.

Incumbent United States Senator James Lankford has the Republican nomination secured with no challengers, as does Democratic nominee Mike Workman. Libertarian voters will choose between Robert T Murphy and Dax Ewbank for their candidate. There are also two independent candidates: Sean Braddy and Mark Beard.

  • Murphy has ran for election to US House of Representatives five times and has never garnered more than 25% of the vote.
  • Ewbank previously ran in the gubernatorial Republican primary in 2014 and came in third with 9% of the vote.

Current Congressional District 1 Representative Jim Bridenstine is up for reelection and is challenged by Tom Atkinson and Evelyn L. Rogers for the Republican nomination. No Democrats filed for the race. The winner of the Republican nomination will square off against Independent David Matthew Hullum. 

  • Bridenstine acquired a BS at Rice University before serving nine years as a US Navy Pilot. He worked as a Defense consultant at Wyle Laboratories while attending Cornell University and working towards an MBA. He was the Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum from 2008 to 2010 and was first elected to Congress in 2012. He ran unopposed in both the primary and general elections of 2014.
  • Atkinson has never ran for public office prior to this election. He served in the US Air Force, was a federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice, and later a bankruptcy judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma. He founded Okie Crude Company in 1985 and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from Oklahoma City University.
  • This marks Rogers's eleventh campaign for various State and Federal offices, she has yet to secure more than 16% of the vote. She holds a BS in healthcare management from the University of LaVerne, and an MA in practical theology from Oral Roberts University.

Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson is challenging incumbent State Senator Dan Newberry for the District 37 Republican nomination, as is Paula L. Patterson. 

  • Newberry was first elected in 2008 and won reelection in 2012 with 67% of the vote. He holds a diploma of Charismatic Ministry from ORU as well as a Liberal Arts BS with focus on Leadership and Organizational Management. He works as the Vice President of Real Estate Operations at TTCU: The Credit Union.
  • Jackson was the youngest ever representative elected to Sand Springs City Council and is currently serving his third term. He is the Development Manager for Junior Achievement of Oklahoma and has previously served as the Sand Springs Vice-Mayor. He is a Marketing graduate from Oklahoma State University.
  • This is Patterson’s first election campaign. She is an OSU graduate with an International Business Degree with Finance and Marketing Minors.

There are also three contenders for the District 37 Democratic nomination in outgoing Sand Springs Superintendent Lloyd Snow, Andrew Nutter, and Cory Gage.

  • Snow has served as a Superintendent for 36 years, including 16 at Sand Springs. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, a recipient of the Oklahoma Foundation Medal of Excellence in School Administration. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame in 2013, was the Oklahoma Superintendent of the Year in 1995 and has twice served as the President of the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators. This is his first time running for political office.
  • Nutter and Gage are also first time political candidates and neither maintains a website and have limited information available on Facebook or other platforms.

District 66 State Representative Jadine Nollan has one challenger in Emily G. DeLozier for the Republican nomination. Dianna Phillips, wife of former City Councilman Michael Phillips, has the democratic nomination locked up.

  • Nollan was first elected in 2010 and won reelection in 2012 with 66% of the vote. She was unopposed in 2014. She holds a BS from OSU, is married to Sand Springs City Councilman Phil Nollan, and previously spent eleven years on the Sand Springs School Board. She was the Executive Director for Sand Springs Community Services from 2007-2010 and was the Pastor at C3 Ministries for Word of Life Fellowship from 2006-2010.
  • Delozier holds a BS in International Business from the University of Tulsa.

Donald Newberry, Ron Phillips, and Mary Atkinson are running for County Court Clerk as Republicans.

  • Newberry is a US Air Force veteran who served as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Specialist. He holds an Associates in Business Administration from TCC, a Bachelors in Psychology from Liberty University, and a Masters of Jurisprudence in Indian Law from TU. He is currently the Title Research Manager in the Tulsa County Assessor’s office.
  • Phillips is the Special Projects Director for the Tulsa County Clerks Office and holds a degree in Business Administration.
  • Atkinson holds a BA from Drake University and is on the Board of Directors of Tulsa Camerata.

Rex Berry and Arthur Jackson are vying for the Democratic nomination for County Sheriff. 

  • Berry served in the Tulsa Police Department from 1973 till 1999 and retired as a Corporal. He served as a Security Management instructor in Afghanistan, was a civilian police office in Kosovo, and an Inspector of Training Facilities in Iraq. He is a US Air Force veteran and also served in the US Army Active Reserves with the Criminal Investigations Division. He holds an Associates in Police Science.
  • Jackson is a US Army veteran who has served in a supervisory position at the David L Moss Criminal Justice Center since 2001.

Vic Regalado, the incumbent from Sand Springs, is being challenged by Russell Crow and Luke Sherman for the Republican nomination for County Sheriff.

  • Regalado was just elected to the position of Tulsa County Sheriff in a special election earlier this year. He previously was the lead homicide detective for the Tulsa Police in 81 cases. He supervised a Special Investigations Gang Unit and served on the Tulsa Police SWAT team for nearly a decade. He received the Medal of Valor in 2004. It’s worth mentioning that he is currently being sued by Tulsa newspaper The Frontier for failure to comply with the Oklahoma Open Records Act in regards to not releasing County jail footage. He maintains the footage does not fall under Open Records requirements.
  • Sherman is a 23 year veteran of the TPD and has served as a tactical operator and assistant team commander on the Tulsa SWAT team. He is currently a sergeant leading the department’s Fugitive Warrant’s Unit and is on the U.S. Marshal’s Violent Crimes Task Force.
  • Crow is an eighteen year veteran of the Tulsa Sheriff’s Office and Tulsa Police Department. He also owns a private investigation firm in Tulsa.

Michael Willis and Nancy Rothman are running for the County Clerk nomination from the Republican party.

  • Willis holds a BA in Public Affairs and Administration from OU and is working towards a Masters of Public Administration. He currently serves as the Chief Deputy County Commissioner and Public Information Office and is a member of the TPD Reserve.
  • Rothman serves as the Chief Deputy in the County Clerk’s Office, the President of the Board of Directors for “Neighbor for Neighbor” in Tulsa, and is a Board Member of the Tulsa County Juvenile Justice Trust Authority.

Deanna Vincent is challenging Karen Keith for the Democratic nomination for County Commissioner District No. 2.

  • Keith has been the County Commissioner since 2008 and serves on various local boards and organizations. She was the President of the Rotary Club of Tulsa and serves on the Oklahoma Historical Society board of directors. She is a graduate of OSU, served as a KJRH anchor and executive producer of Oklahoma Living.
  • Vincent does not appear to maintain a website, facebook page, or presence on any web forum that we could find.

Jonathan Grable and Sand Springs’s Josh R. Turley are running for the Republican nomination.

  • Grable is the CEO of a local real estate management company and previously worked for Arrow Trucking Company as the Truck Assignment Coordinator. He’s served in the Oklahoma State Senate for the past six years and is an Eagle Scout.
  • Turley is a 24-year veteran of the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and is the founder of the Risk Management program for the TCSO.

This article was originally published in the June 26, 2016 Sandite Pride News Weekly Digital Magainze. Sandite Pride News does not endorse political candidates and strives to provide non-partisan unbiased reporting of elections. Any perceived slant towards an individual is entirely unintentional.

Friday is the primary registration deadline! Here's a look at the Sand Springs ballot

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Friday, June 3rd, is the final day to register to vote in the June 28th Oklahoma primary elections. Voters have until then to register to vote, change their address, or update other registration information before the Statewide primary.

Voters must either register in person, or mail their registration forms and have them postmarked before the deadline. Per Oklahoma voting law, registered voters cannot change their party affiliation between April 1st and August 31st during even-numbered years. Both the Democratic and Libertarian Parties have opened their primaries to Independent voters this year, but only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary.

More than 400 candidates have filed for office in Oklahoma this filing period, more than in any presidential year in recent history, according to Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax. This is also the first year that the Libertarian Party has been officially recognized in the State of Oklahoma, meaning voters now have four registration options. 

Incumbent United States Senator James Lankford has the Republican nomination secured with no challengers, as does Democratic nominee Mike Workman. Libertarian voters will choose between Robert T Murphy and Dax Ewbank for their candidate. There are also two independent candidates: Sean Braddy and Mark Beard.

Current Congressional District 1 Representative Jim Bridenstine is up for reelection and is challenged by Tom Atkinson and Evelyn L. Rogers for the Republican nomination. No Democrats filed for the race. The winner of the Republican nomination will square off against Independent David Matthew Hullum. 

Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson is challenging incumbent State Senator Dan Newberry for the District 37 Republican nomination, as is Paula L. Patterson. 

District 66 State Representative Jadine Nollan has one challenger in Emily G. DeLozier for the Republican nomination. Dianna Phillips, wife of former City Councilman Michael Phillips, has the democratic nomination locked up.

Donald Newberry, Ron Phillips, and Mary Atkinson are running for County Court Clerk as Republicans.

Rex Berry and Arthur Jackson are vying for the Democratic nomination for County Sheriff. Vic Regalado, the incumbent from Sand Springs, is being challenged by Russell Crow and Luke Sherman for the Republican nomination for County Sheriff.

Michael Willis and Nancy Rothman are running for the County Clerk nomination from the Republican party.

Deanna Vincent is challenging Karen Keith for the Democratic nomination for County Commisioner District No. 2. Jonathan Grable and Sand Springs's Josh R. Turley are running for the Republican nomination.

Word of Life Free Community Carnival draws record crowds

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Word of Life Church in Sand Springs hosted their fourth annual free community carnival Saturday afternoon to huge success. Approximately 5000 people turned out for the event, the largest turnout since it began, to enjoy free food, rides, and giveaways.

Word of Life is a non-denominational congregation founded in 1981 by the late David Emigh, and is currently pastored by Chad and Sarah Stewart who took the reigns in September of 2011.

In 2013 the Church held its first annual Free Community Carnival, a dream that Pastor Chad Stewart had been working towards since he first arrived at the church. For the first three years, the event was held at the end of summer, shortly before the fall school session began. The church would give away thousands of backpacks full of school supplies and a team of professional stylists would offer free "Back-to-School" haircuts for kids. 

In 2016 the ride company that the church had been using announced it was in the process of liquidating its equipment, leaving the church searching for a replacement. After locating the Oklahoma-based Sam's Amusements, the church had to move the event to Memorial Day weekend due to the ride company's packed schedule. 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.

This year's Carnival featured more than half a dozen rides of varying sizes and had dozens of games and other activities, as well as free popcorn, hotdogs, lemonade, and shaved ice from local company Sandlot Snoballs.

On Sunday morning the church gave away ten checks of $500 each to guests at their services. Each of the recipients were noticeably touched by the gift. One first service recipient had lost a daughter in 2010 and was still unable to afford a headstone. A second service recipient had just lost her job two weeks prior. Other winners included a single mother of two trying to return to college, and an elderly couple who was barely making ends meet while living on social security.

In other news, the church announced the hiring of a new children's pastor last Sunday in Oral Roberts University graduate Alexis Muscarella.

The church holds two services each Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and is located at 1402 North 81st West Avenue. Wednesday youth services are held at the Forward Youth Building at 619 East 10th Street at 7:00 pm under youth pastor Chad Ketcher. 

This story was originally published in the Sandite Pride News Weekly Sunday edition.

Frank Cooper receives 2016 Oklahoma Medal of Excellence

/

COURTESY. Frank Cooper shows off a proclamation from the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners declaring March 22nd, 2016 to be Frank Cooper Day.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Charles Page High School's Frank V. Cooper was awarded the 2016 Oklahoma Medal of Excellence in Secondary Teaching by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Sunday.

Cooper is only the third Sandite to receive the Medal of Excellence, and the first to win it for Secondary Education. Susan Edwards received the inaugural Medal of Excellence in Elementary Teaching in 1987. Superintendent Lloyd Snow received the Medal of Excellence for Administration in 2015, and the Sand Springs Education Foundation was recognized with the now defunct Medal of Excellence for Local Education Foundations in 2004. 

Cooper sacrificed a promising legal career in 1993 to pursue a more fulfilling existence challenging the minds and inspiring the hears of Sand Springs's young people.

Frank Cooper dresses as Austin Powers during the 2012 Spirit Week.

The social studies and leadership teacher is a man of many coats, sometimes donning the tights, helmet, and golden cape of Captain Sandite at pep assembles and football games. Every January 8th he can be found in full Elvis Presley attire, celebrating the King's birthday. He's even been known to impersonate the International Man of Mystery from time to time.

The beloved community leader has previously received the University of Tulsa Secondary School Teacher Award for Inspiration, has twice been named the CPHS Teacher of the Year, and was a 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist. In 2014 he was featured on NBC's Today Show in a segment called "American Story."

Earlier this year, the Board of County Commissioners of Tulsa County declared March 22, 2016 to be Frank Cooper Day across the County. Though the proclamation was only for the year 2016, it wouldn't be surprising if the students of Charles Page adopt it as an annual holiday.

It wouldn't be the first time that Cooper has received such an honor.

In February of 2014 the high school dedicated the 100 hallway, in which Cooper's classroom is located, to the teacher and mounted a "Cooper Hall" plaque over the entrance to the hall.

Cooper never lets an opportunity pass to remind his students that they're important, he loves them, and

"the joy of life is in the journey!"
This story was originally published in the Sandite Pride News Weekly Sunday edition.

Word of Life Church hosts FREE Community Carnival Memorial Day Weekend

/

SUBMITTED

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

This Saturday marks the fourth annual Free Community Carnival at Word of Life Church. The event has previously taken place at the end of summer, but was bumped up to Memorial Day weekend after the church changed to a new carnival company.  

The event will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 11:00 am through 2:00 pm.

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.

SUBMITTED

"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 May will make it far more enjoyable both for the workers and the guests.

The current forecast shows a 50% chance of rain Saturday morning that should taper off by the time the carnival begins. The potential rain should keep the temperature below 80 till after the event is over. 

SUBMITTED

This year the carnival will have seven rides:  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. Sandlot Sno-Balls will be providing free shaved ice during the event.

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.

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.

Unlimited Free Snowcones all day Thursday at Harper's Hut!

/

SUBMITTED. Harper's Hut recently raised nearly $200 to help send special needs students to prom.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor in Chief

Just when you thought Harper's Hut Shaved Ice and Java couldn't get any more generous, they find a way to up the ante...this time with some help from their neighbors.  

Beginning Thursday at 12:00 PM, the local snow cone stand will be giving away free minis all day long at their Charles Page Boulevard location in Sand Springs. The Third Annual Summer Kickoff event is bigger than ever before thanks to help from the Akdar Shriners, Green Country Federal Credit Union, Auto Source, and Master Lube.

From Noon to 10:00 PM, mini sized snow cones will be free, or you can get a larger size minus the price of a mini. Green Country will be giving away free hot dogs, the Shriners Pop Corn Wagon will be giving away free pop corn, and the Hut will be doing giveaways every fifteen minutes. 

The party will benefit The Little Lighthouse in Tulsa, which is a nationally recognized development center for children with special needs. The nonprofit organization doesn't charge tuition and operates entirely on contributions from private donors such as Harper's Hut.

The popcorn and hot dogs will be available from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, during which time the Little Lighthouse will be accepting donations in exchange for Harper's Hut raffle tickets. The prize drawings will go on all day and will include shirts, hats, Snow-Yo's (free snow cone cards), and even a Cold Card, which grants the recipient free snow cones all season long.

The party will feature live music from a DJ, tons of games, including an Xbox Kinect hooked up to a giant screen, and three bounce houses. Harper's, Master Lube, and Auto Source will each be providing a bounce house for the event. 

Salvation Army banquet raises $21,000 for new playground

/

Montie Box is honored by the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club with an award.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Sand Springs honored longtime Sand Springs entrepreneur and philanthropist Montie Box with a banquet at Hillspring Church Tuesday night. The event also served as a fundraiser for new playground equipment for the Salvation Army facility and succeeded in raising over $21,000.

Stan Clark, founder and owner of Eskimo Joe's, was the keynote speaker, and several other community leaders also spoke at the Army of Stars Banquet. 

Eskimo Joe's founder Stan Clark was the keynote speaker at the Army of Stars Banquet.

Advisory Council Chairman Bob Anderson introduced the man of honor and read off his seemingly never-ending list of accomplishments. Box was then presented proclamations from the City of Sand Springs and the State of Oklahoma from Mayor Mike Burdge and Councilman Phil Nollan, respectively. Nollan presented the State proclamation on behalf of his wife, District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan, who was away at the Capitol. Senator Dan Newberry also gave an address honoring Box. 

Attendance at the event was $40 a chair and had more than 100 in attendance. The event concluded with a silent auction that generated more than $4,000 in addition to donations taken earlier in the night. 

Morgan's Relax Packs are handcrafted customizable heat/cold packs designed for maximum relief at affordable pricing.

Montie Box is a long-time Sand Springs resident with more than half a century of real estate experience. He founded Montie Box Co. in 1958 after graduating from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. He served in the army during the Korean Conflict with the rank of First Lieutenant. 

In 1973 he was named Oklahoma Realtor of the Year. In 1988 he was awarded the Sand Springs Education Association Friend of Education recognition. He was a founding member of the Sand Springs Education Foundation in 1990. In 1992 he was given the honor of life membership on the Tulsa Boys' Home Board of Directors as well as the SS Education Foundation. That same year he was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Hall of Fame. In 1995 he was named Sand Springs Hometown Hero. In 1998 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Realtors, which is considered to be the highest honor a realtor can receive and he is a member of the NAR Hall of Fame.

Senator Dan Newberry addresses the crowd and honors Montie Box. Newberry is currently running for reelection against City Councilman Brian Jackson.

He served as a regent for Tulsa Community College from 1995-2006 and was the Chairman from 1996-1997. In 2009 he received the Vision in Education Award from TCC. 

His involvement with the Salvation Army goes back 61 years. He was instrumental in getting the new facility built in 1978 at its current location in Sand Springs. He is a life member of the Sand Springs Advisory Council, which is a prestigious appointment only available to members with a minimum of 15 years of outstanding service. He is a former coach and manager of Tulsa and Sand Springs Pee Wee Wrestling and he has served as Ringmaster at the Tulsa State Fair Livestock Auction. 

Lieutenant David Brittle also announced that Box had been confirmed as the 2016 recipient of the prestigious William Booth Award, which is one of the highest honors given by the Salvation Army. He will receive that award in the near future.

Montie Box honored at Salvation Army banquet

/

Montie Box is honored by the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club with an award.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Sand Springs honored longtime Sand Springs entrepreneur and philanthropist Montie Box with a banquet at Hillspring Church Tuesday night. The event also served as a fundraiser for new playground equipment for the Salvation Army facility. 

Stan Clark, founder and owner of Eskimo Joe's, was the keynote speaker, and several other community leaders also spoke at the Army of Stars Banquet. 

Eskimo Joe's founder Stan Clark was the keynote speaker at the Army of Stars Banquet.

Advisory Council Chairman Bob Anderson introduced the man of honor and read off his seemingly never-ending list of accomplishments. Box was then presented proclamations from the City of Sand Springs and the State of Oklahoma from Mayor Mike Burdge and Councilman Phil Nollan, respectively. Nollan presented the State proclamation on behalf of his wife, District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan, who was away at the Capitol. Senator Dan Newberry also gave an address honoring Box. 

Attendance at the event was $40 a chair and had more than 100 in attendance. The event concluded with a silent auction that generated more than $4,000 in addition to donations taken earlier in the night. 

Morgan's Relax Packs are handcrafted customizable heat/cold packs designed for maximum relief at affordable pricing.

Montie Box is a long-time Sand Springs resident with more than half a century of real estate experience. He founded Montie Box Co. in 1958 after graduating from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. He served in the army during the Korean Conflict with the rank of First Lieutenant. 

In 1973 he was named Oklahoma Realtor of the Year. In 1988 he was awarded the Sand Springs Education Association Friend of Education recognition. He was a founding member of the Sand Springs Education Foundation in 1990. In 1992 he was given the honor of life membership on the Tulsa Boys' Home Board of Directors as well as the SS Education Foundation. That same year he was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Hall of Fame. In 1995 he was named Sand Springs Hometown Hero. In 1998 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Realtors, which is considered to be the highest honor a realtor can receive and he is a member of the NAR Hall of Fame.

Senator Dan Newberry addresses the crowd and honors Montie Box. Newberry is currently running for reelection against outgoing Superintendent Lloyd Snow.

He served as a regent for Tulsa Community College from 1995-2006 and was the Chairman from 1996-1997. In 2009 he received the Vision in Education Award from TCC. 

His involvement with the Salvation Army goes back 61 years. He was instrumental in getting the new facility built in 1978 at its current location in Sand Springs. He is a life member of the Sand Springs Advisory Council, which is a prestigious appointment only available to members with a minimum of 15 years of outstanding service. He is a former coach and manager of Tulsa and Sand Springs Pee Wee Wrestling and he has served as Ringmaster at the Tulsa State Fair Livestock Auction. 

Lieutenant David Brittle also announced that Box had been confirmed as the 2016 recipient of the prestigious William Booth Award, which is one of the highest honors given by the Salvation Army. He will receive that award in the near future.

Free Tulsa Zoo Tickets Offered to Blood Donors This Summer

/

May 9, 2016– Blood donors get a free trip to the zoo, just by giving this summer with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI). May 16 through August 31, each person who donates at a donor center or blood drive will receive a voucher redeemable for two free admissions to the Tulsa Zoo. T-shirts with the message, “You Otter Give Blood”, will feature the Zoo’s lively otters and celebrate the zoo’s support will be given to all who donate. 

Since as many as three patients’ lives in area hospitals are saved each time someone gives blood, donors can always feel good. Oklahoma Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 90 percent of the medical facilities across the state, thanks to its volunteer donors. Oklahoma Blood Institute exclusively provides blood to all Children’s, VA and Indian Hospitals.

“We are very grateful to those who don’t let summer activities interrupt their commitment to giving blood,” said Jan Laub, Executive Director, Oklahoma Blood Institute Tulsa. “There’s no ‘vacation’ for those facing life-threatening conditions that require blood transfusions. We truly appreciate the Tulsa Zoo’s support of our mission, understanding the challenge of sustaining the blood supply during summer. Its partnership provides great motivation for people to take time to donate.”

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years of age* can usually give blood, and donations can be made every 56 days. Health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable in OBI’s online store, are also provided to donors.

Tulsa’s donor center is located is located at 4601 E 81st St. To schedule an appointment to give or find a blood drive in your area, call 877-340-8777, or visit www.obi.org.

* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least ;125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

Phil Nollan sworn into City Council

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Phil Nollan was sworn into office at the Sand Springs City Council meeting Monday evening. Nollan has been a member of the Parks Advisory Board for five years and defeated incumbent councilman Michael Phillips in the Super Tuesday March 2nd election.

Nollan is a nationally certified Project Management professional and Oklahoma State University graduate. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from OSU and an executive master of business administration certificate from the University of Tulsa. 

Nollan's wife, Jadine Nollan, is currently serving District 66 in the House of Representatives. 

In other news, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 16-39, a resolution to request Programming of Tulsa Urbanized Area Transportation Funds for the South Highway 97 Connector Trail/Side Path Project. Infrastructure Planning Administrator Vernon Smith presented the proposal, which Vice-Mayor John Fothergill recognized as "the last link in the chain" to connect the current Sand Springs trail system to the new Highway 97 pedestrian crossing.

Outgoing Superintendent Lloyd Snow, who is currently challenging incumbent State Senator Dan Newberry, was recognized with a proclamation by Mayor Mike Burdge for his many accomplishments and lifetime dedication to the people of Oklahoma, especially in the field of education.

The John M. Hess Outstanding Citizenship Award was presented to Mary Sue Overbey by Mayor Burdge, who recognized her as one of the most distinguished and deserving recipients in the history of the award. 

Mayor Burdge was nominated to continue serving as Mayor for a concurrent one-year term and elected by a 5-1 vote with Councilman Brian Jackson ​being the lone naysayer. 

Councilman Jackson nominated Councilman Beau Wilson for the position of Vice-Mayor, who respectfully declined the nomination. Mayor Burdge nominated current Vice-Mayor Fothergill, who was elected 5-1, with the lone nay coming from Councilman Jackson. ​

Councilman Jackson is also currently ​running against Superintendent Snow for Senator Newberry's position. 

Mark your calendars for the 27th annual Herbal Affair

/

Story and photo by: Morgan Miller, Executive Director

If you are from Sand Springs or one of the surrounding areas, chances are you have been to or at least have heard of the Herbal Affair. If you have not heard of this festival, it is an annual herb and garden event held in downtown Sand Springs. The city’s website states that “this event was founded in 1989 and began as a simple downtown street sale. Since then it has grown tremendously and now attracts over 25,000 people each year. It has also led to other communities hosting similar events, but remains the “queen” of herbal festivals.” This event consistently attracts people from all over the state, and even people from surrounding states as well.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Kasey St. John, the Marketing and Special Projects Manager for the city of Sand Springs. St. John has organized this special event for Sand Springs for the past two years. For most of its life, the Herbal Affair was actually run by a committee, but a few years ago it was adopted by The City of Sand Springs.

The Herbal Affair has a huge economic impact on Sand Springs. In fact, St. John mentioned that Riddle Plant farm claims the day as their biggest day of the year. With thousands of people being attracted to Sand Springs from out of town, it is bound to impact the economy in a big way. This event drums up business for Sand Springs’ shops in downtown, the hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

About 25 to 40% of the vendors at the Herbal Affair are from the Sand Springs or Tulsa Metro area. While a little under half are from this specific area of the state, about 90% of the vendors are from Oklahoma. People know what they are going for when they go to the Herbal Affair. Almost all of the vendors are there year after year and that is one of the things that makes it so unique. The herbal affair has maintained a certain standard and character over the years and that, as well, is what makes it so incredibly special. When you go out to the Herbal Affair, you are truly supporting your friends and neighbors.

This event has something for just about everyone. Held in the heart of downtown Sand Springs, there are many unique shops and boutiques, like The Silver Linings Boutique which is on Broadway. The Herbal affair’s vendors don’t only sell plants and herbs, either. There are also craft vendors, as well as food and drink vendors. There will be entertainment for all ages, such as musical performances and a “Kid’s Zone” put on by volunteers from Church That Matters.

If you would like to attend this incredible event, it is being held this year on April 16th, from 9am-4pm, rain or shine! All of the information for the festival can be found at herbalaffairandfestival.com and also on the Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival Facebook page. 

The entertainment schedule for this year is as follows:

2016 Entertainment Schedule

8:30-9:30       Casey and Minna
9:30-10:30     Clyde Boyd Middle School Jazz Band
10:30-Noon   Spring Street
Noon-12:30   Hometown Hero Presentation
12:30-2:00    Janet Rutland Trio
2:00-3:00      Seven Feathers
3:00-4:00      Turtle Creek Clogger

Vendors at the event include community favorites such as: Whispering Vines Vineyards and Winery, Tomato Man, The Jelly Lady, Sugar Sisters, Sparks Vineyard, Rosemary's Kitchen, Riddle Plant Farm, Red Dirt Salsa, Pita Place Mediterranean Grill, Okie Dirt, Kountry Kitchen, and Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java. The complete list can be found on the city website.