First Responders Call for Blood Donors – Thursday, August 25

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Sand Springs’s first-responders are looking for citizens to support their efforts through blood donation with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI).  Those who give at the Guns ‘N Hoses blood drive Thursday, August 25, will provide blood needed to save local lives, like those that fire and law enforcement staffs rescue. 

Anyone 16 years or older* can to stop by the Case Community Center between 1 and 6 p.m.  All donors will receive a special-edition Guns ‘N Hoses T-shirt and a pass for two to the Tulsa Zoo.  They will also participate in a little healthy competition by designating their donations to either the fire department or law enforcement as each rallies to top the other with the most donors.

Although all blood types are needed, donors with O-negative blood are particularly asked to come out.  While only nine percent of the population has this blood type, it is the ‘universal type’ and can be used at an accident scene or in an emergency department when there’s not time to identify a patient’s type.

“Sand Springs first responders see first-hand the daily need for blood when those they rescue require life-saving treatment,” Jan Laub, Executive Director, OBI Tulsa, said.  “We can’t say enough about the service they provide, and we owe it to them to do our part in making sure blood is available to save those whom they have risked their lives to rescue.”

Since there is no substitute for blood, supplies must constantly be renewed. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the state’s local non-profit, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in 90 percent of the state’s medical facilities including ALL Children’s, Veteran and Indian Hospitals.

Appointments for the blood drive may be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org. 

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

This week in Sand Springs

Museum Trust Authority Meeting

The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority is scheduled to meet Tuesday, August 16th, at 6:00 p.m. in the museum.

The Board will consider approval of the FY 2017 Budget, naming Ginger Murphy as Museum Director, reallocating space for museum operations, and will discuss the July financials.

Development Authority Meeting

The City of Sand Springs Development Authority is scheduled to meetWednesday, August 17th at 4:00 p.m. in the Sand Springs Municipal Building.

The Board will receive an update on Sand Springs’s development opportunities. No action is expected to be taken during the meeting.

Sand Springs Elementary Meet and Greets

Pratt Elementary is hosting their Meet and Greet event on Thursday, August 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The PTO will have a table set up for memberships and new spirit wear will be available for purchase.

Northwoods, Limestone, and Garfield Elementary will hold Meet-n-Greet events Monday, August 22nd, the day before school starts. Northwoods and Garfield will last from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Limestone will last from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 City Council and Municipal Authority Meetings

The City of Sand Springs City Council is expected to meet Monday, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the City Municipal Building. The Municipal Authority meeting will follow immediately after. No agenda has been provided at this time.

Tulsa County Court Clerk Runoff Election

The Tulsa County Republican Party will have a runoff election Tuesday, August 23rd.

Registered Republicans will choose between Donald Newberry and Ron Phillips for their November candidate.

Newberry is a US Air Force veteran with an Associate’s in Business, Bachelor’s in Psychology, and Masters in Business Administration.

Phillips is currently the Special Projects Director for the County Clerk’s Office and holds a business administration degree.

The winner of the runoff will take on Democratic nominee John R. Andrew in November.

Newberry won the June Republican primary with 35% to 33%.

Sand Springs Public School students return to class Tuesday, August 23rd

Meet the Sandites will also be held this day at 6:00 p.m..

Pokémon Go! Sapulpa's Davis Park

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

If you're a Pokémon Go! addict like me, you're always looking for the best new places to gather supplies, battle for gyms, and catch the elusive monsters needed to complete your Pokédex. 

Follow along with my Pokémon Go! series to discover the communities around you and save yourself the trouble of visiting useless hunting grounds.

Today I visited Davis Park in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Located on the corner of Taft and Maple Street, this fifteen acre neighborhood park boasts four Pokéstops and one gym. The quaint, semi-wooded, walking trail is a winding and enjoyable venture with lots of cute friendly squirrels and ample seating.

I counted no less than a dozen benches and picnic tables throughout the park, as well as two pavilions, an old-school playground, a beautiful creek, and a full basketball court. There is also a baseball field, but it's not cut short enough and would be rough to play on. The playground features classic equipment that we all know and love; not the newfangled contraptions that look like they belong on the set of 50 Shades of Grey. 

While this would be an excellent park for a family outing or afternoon walk, it is NOT a good hunting ground for Pokémon trainers. Throughout my pleasant walk along the half-mile paved trail, I encountered only a single Pidgey and nothing else. You do have to walk the entire trail to reach all the Pokestops, and there is no overlap.  

So leave the phone in the car for this one and just enjoy the outdoors! 

Back to School in Sand Springs

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Several community organizations are hosting Back to School events in the coming weeks.

Trinity Baptist Church will be hosting a Back to School Bash from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 13th at 13 West 40th St. in Sand Springs. The church will be providing games, food, inflatables, and free haircuts. It is also a gym in the hit game Pokémon Go!

The Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance and Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host a Back to School Bash Sunday, August 14th at the Tulsa Tech campus at 924 East Charles Page Boulevard.

The event will last from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will offer free haircuts and school supplies.

Sand Springs Community Services is hosting a three-day Back to School program in which they will be distributing backpacks, school supplies, and clothing vouchers. The program is only available to Sand Springs, Anderson, and Keystone students with proof of enrollment and proof that the child received free lunches las year.

The event will take place Monday, August 15th through Wednesday, August 17th. SSCS will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day, and on Tuesday will reopen from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Angus Valley Elementary is having their Back-to-School Night Monday, August 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to meet your teacher and the principal, Mrs. Noel. You can also fill out applications for free and reduced lunches, as well as sign up for the Salvation Army’s after school program.

Pratt Elementary is hosting their Meet and Greet event on Thursday, August 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The PTO will have a table set up for memberships and new spirit wear will be available for purchase.

Northwoods, Limestone, and Garfield Elementary will hold Meet-n-Greet events Monday, August 22nd, the day before school starts. Northwoods and Garfield will last from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Limestone will last from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Changes to Sand Springs bus routes has parents scrambling

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Two citizens in the Anderson School District expressed concerns at the Sand Springs School Board meeting Monday night regarding the Board’s decision to eliminate some bus routes into neighboring school districts.

Districts such as Anderson, Keystone, Pretty Water, and Allen Bowden, that do not offer full K-12th grade classes, send students to Sand Springs schools on an open transfer once they reach a certain age.

In the past, the Sand Springs school district has bused those students into the district, but budget cuts have eliminated some of those routes.

Sand Springs is asking parents to drop their kids at bus stops within the Sand Springs district boundary, but some parents are finding that difficult and asking the Sand Springs Board of Ed to postpone their decision to the next school year.

For parents whose work schedules prevent them from taking their kids to school in the morning, the change would have some kids walking miles to the nearest bus stop. Extreme heat and winter weather, coupled with shoulderless roads and the possible threat of unsavory strangers, has many parents concerned.

Anderson School District is having a bond election on August 23rd that, if passed, will provide $250,000 for transportation equipment amounting to three new buses. At this time, however, Anderson schools haven’t addressed if the new buses would allow for routes into the Sand Springs school district in the future.

In other news, Superintendent Sherry Durkee informed the Board that the Twin Cities facility has had an interested party, but no offer has been made as of this time.

The Pratt Elementary playground is expected to be completed this week.

Board of Ed President Mike Mullins has been selected to be the recipient of the 2016 Oklahoma State School Boards Association Distinguished Service Award later this month. The award is given to only one individual a year at the annual OSSBA/CCOSA Conference in Oklahoma City. Mullins is a twenty-year veteran of the Sand Springs Board of Ed, and was nominated by Superintendent Durkee.

Superintendent Durkee comments on proposed Special Session of Legislature, district financial difficulties

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Governor Mary Fallin has recently released a statement calling for a special session of the State Legislature to reallocate $140.8 million that was initially cut from agency allocations. Without a special session, the money will be equally redistributed among all agencies receiving general revenue allocations, according to a report.

“I’ve begun discussions with legislative leaders to consider calling lawmakers to return in special session to address the issue of teacher pay raises,” says Fallin.

Sand Springs Superintendent Sherry Durkee expressed doubts that the session would amount to anything. “It’s hard to be optimistic when you look at how budgets are formulated at the State level.”

The available funds aren’t true surplus, and are only one-time funds that exist solely due to unnecessarily deep allocation reductions required by the Fiscal Year 2016’s midyear revenue failure. Because of this, any attempt at a pay raise for teachers would only be sustainable for this year, and would require additional funding be located in the future.

According to Superintendent Durkee, district funding from the State will be down 2.3% behind last year, despite assurances from the Capitol that it would remain flat. Additionally, certain allocations were not made available this year, including funding for new textbooks. The school board made the decision to go ahead and purchase textbooks with money from the district general fund, an option that many districts across the state aren’t capable of. The school district is also 51 employees fewer than this time last year. “Class sizes are going to grow,” said Durkee. “Our goal is to not overspend our revenue...We have to protect our district.”

A lawsuit has already been filed asking the Supreme Court to demand that Governor Fallin return the money to the State agencies from whom it was cut. Senate Democratic Leader John Sparks, of Norman, issued the following statement Wednesday.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—we don’t have to pass a new law to determine how and where these funds should be spent. We passed a budget in May of 2015 which directed how these funds were to be spent. The governor and her staff are over-stepping their authority by continuing to withhold these funds. The governor’s finance team needs to simply distribute these funds to the agencies for which they were originally appropriated. This is not a difficult problem to solve—just follow the law, and distribute the funds to the agencies who suffered unlawful and unauthorized cuts.

“This is another example of the Republicans at the state Capitol not following even their own laws. Instead, the burden is on hard working Oklahomans to hold the governor, her fiscal staff, and the Republican leadership at the Capitol accountable.

“Thousands of Oklahomans across our state are suffering under the weight of the massive budget cuts forced on our state agencies, from foster families and guardians who need the most basic health and safety services which no longer have funding; to teachers who received pink slips; to corrections staff working in unsafe, understaffed conditions.

“It is long past time for the governor, her fiscal staff, and the Republicans in the Legislature to stop trying to play politics with these funds and simply give it back to the agencies that desperately need this funding and received what we now know were unnecessary, damaging budget cuts.”

Upcoming Free Concerts and Events in the Tulsa area

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Attorney General Scott Pruitt’s Suit Against FCC Saves State and Local Agencies Millions of Dollars

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OKLAHOMA CITY – After a lawsuit brought by Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order this week that will save the state millions of dollars by partially relieving state and local agencies from the burden of unlawful federal regulations.

The suit involves the FCC’s attempt to regulate the telephone rates charged to inmates for intrastate calls from prisons and county jails. Under federal law, however, the FCC can generally only regulate interstate calls. The FCC ignored this limitation on its authority, and last fall issued rate caps for in-state inmate calls that are far lower than the rates currently charged and that would cause state prisons and county jails to lose significant funds in providing inmates with telephone access. In setting the rates, the FCC ignored pleas from states and sheriffs to consider the fact that jails and prisons incur costs in providing these telephone services—including valuable time spent monitoring phone calls to prevent illicit activity and providing security while escorting prisoners to the phones.

At the request of Oklahoma sheriffs and the Department of Corrections, Attorney General Pruitt led a coalition of nine States and numerous sheriffs to file suit against the FCC’s in-state phone call price controls, arguing that the FCC acted unlawfully and arbitrarily ignored the costs of providing inmates with phone access. The federal Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. issued several preliminary decisions siding with Oklahoma and halting implementation of the FCC’s in-state rate caps.

After the Attorney General Pruitt filed his brief, laying out the arguments of the states and sheriffs, the FCC capitulated by releasing a new set of rate caps, which for the first time take into account the costs to jails and prisons in providing phone calls. Although these new caps are still unlawful, they are an improvement over the initial caps will result in millions in savings to the State and local sheriffs.

“We will continue to fight the price controls set by the FCC for in-state calls because they represent yet another unlawful federal intrusion into state authority,” Attorney General Pruitt said. “I am pleased to work with States and sheriffs from around the country and across party lines to vindicate state and local control over how we run and fund our jails and prisons. While the FCC’s newest action will lessen the devastating fiscal impact on state and local agencies if their rate caps ultimately upheld, their action remains unlawful. Without this suit, jails and prisons in Oklahoma would lose millions of already-scarce dollars, jeopardizing important inmate welfare programs, including substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and other rehabilitative services. It is a shame that it took a major lawsuit and several losses in Court for the FCC to even begin listening to the concerns of county jails and state prisons about the arbitrariness of their actions.”

Indian Advisory Council expresses concern over budget cuts

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OKLAHOMA CITY (August 10, 2016) – The impact of reduced education funding on students was a top concern of attendees of the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education at their July 20 meeting. The group met at the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City.

Dwight Pickering, director of American Indian Education with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), said the more than 130,000 Native American students enrolled in Oklahoma’s public schools are experiencing the same difficulties as all children in the state.

“In some instances, our tribes across the state are helping those districts that are in their tribal jurisdiction,” said Pickering. “The partnership the tribes have created with the schools is so important.”

One example of tribal support of public schools is the $4.7 million donation the Cherokee Nation made to districts in its jurisdictional area in February. The donation went to 106 districts and originated from tribal car tag fees, 38 percent of which went to education.

Also, the OSDE is providing opportunities for tribes to provide feedback on public education as part of the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaces No Child Left Behind. Members are encouraged to participate in a survey at http://sde.ok.gov/sde/essa.

In other discussion:

Jim Parrish, representative of the Choctaw Nation, said U.S. Senate Bill 2842 was introduced by U.S. Sen. James Lankford, which would provide for increased student count in the Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program as well as increased per-pupil funding to $125. Pickering said the program is a priority for OSDE, and the agency is continuing to request that the Bureau of Indian Education reconsider moving its education line office out of state. Greg Anderson, secretary of education for the Muscogee Creek Nation, said the Inter-Tribal Council of Oklahoma had passed two resolutions to keep the office in state as well.

Districts receiving more than $40,000 for Title VII will be required to hold tribal consultations, Pickering said. If the district has over 50 percent American Indian student enrollment, it may be required to hold tribal consultations.

Dode Barnett, chair of the Native American Juvenile Justice Task Force, said more involvement was needed by tribes other than the Five Civilized Tribes. Juvenile Justice Codes, she said, need to be developed by tribal governments to support their youth citizens holistically, and it is important that students stay focused on their education even if they are in custody to keep from falling behind. 

The Muscogee Creek Nation is promoting a promising literacy program, Pickering said. Information about the Myron reading program will soon be available on the OSDE’s website, www.sde.ok.gov. Other tribes sponsoring special reading programs include the Chickasaw, Choctaw and Cherokee nations.

Phil Gover, director of the Sovereign Schools Project, said tribes can now sponsor charter schools through state legislation. Gover said his organization is expecting three tribal-sponsored charter schools to be created in the coming year.

Garfield Elementary receives new name to go with new improvements; district embraces STEM initiative

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting Monday evening. The session was held at Garfield Elementary in the newly finished Lloyd Snow Media Center. The Board held a ribbon-cutting ceremony prior to the meeting.

The school itself has been undergoing extensive remodeling over the summer and is nearing completion. In addition to the new library, the remodel also includes a new music room, four new kindergarten classrooms, and a new dining space and kitchen. The project is part of an $8.8 million bond election, with $6.5 million going to Garfield.

The remodel is accompanied by a slight rebranding. Garfield Elementary will now be known as “Garfield STEAM Academy.” STEAM is a slight modification of the acronym STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, with the addition of the Arts.

This fall will see all Sand Springs elementary schools participating in the STEM initiative with curriculum from Project Lead the Way. The initiative will cost the school district approximately $65,000. That money isn’t coming from the schools, however, but from donations from community businesses and education foundations. Most recently, Webco made a $10,000 donation to the initiative, leaving the district just $4,000 short of their goal.

The district is also increasing the number of STEM electives available at Clyde Boyd Middle School and Central Ninth Grade Center.

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Monday night’s meeting included presentations from three groups of STEM involved students.

Zachary Sprague, Connor Tanner, Isaiah Uebelhart, Grant Shelton, and James McDougal presented one of their creations. Subtitle Glasses for the Hard of Hearing were created as a solution for hearing-impaired movie-goers. By wearing lightweight plastic glasses, similar to the glasses one would wear for a 3D movie, an individual can see subtitles on screen that are invisible to the naked eye.

Aden Baughman and Greg Bodi presented a holographic projector that they built with their group including Aaron McKnight, Will English, Chase Smith, Nathan Richards, and Stephen West.

Samantha Pidcock, Ayden Meade, Breanna Biggs, Alesha Milsap, and Mason Curren presented an improved design for CNGC’s electromagnetic door locks.

Sandite Spirit Awards were given to Dana Weber and Kristen Valentine for their work in STEM Initiative fundraising.

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

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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

New restaurant headed to Sand Springs River West development

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Courtesy.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

El Maguey Authentic Mexican Restaurant will be relocating its Sand springs location to the River West Shopping Center.

The Mexican grill and cantina has been at 536 E. Plaza Court since 2002 and, according to building permits list on the City of Sand Springs' website, will be relocating to 51 W. Alexander Boulevard. 

According to a news release, the project will take approximately nine months to complete with construction slated to begin in August.  The new location will feature patio seating.

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

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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.”

Sand Springs couple starts nonprofit organization to help couples with infertility

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Josh and Courtney Stewart have been trying to conceive a child for more than three years now. Like Abram and Sarai in the Bible, it has been a long and trying experience that has often tested their faith. But unlike the biblical couple, the Stewarts have an option that wasn't available four thousand years ago. In Vitro Fertilization. 

The IVF process can often cost anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000, and for many couples like the Stewarts, the expenses are entirely out-of-pocket. Currently only fifteen states have laws requiring insurance coverage for infertility treatment, and Oklahoma is not one of them. 

The journey through infertility has inspired the Stewarts to start the nonprofit organization Anchored in Faith to help other couples with the problem. "We want to use Anchored in Faith to help other families who have the same desire to bring the joy of a child into their life." 

Anchored in Faith will be hosting their first annual golf tournament this Friday at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge in Sand Springs, where Josh is the Head Golf Professional. The tournament will be a four man scramble format with a putting contest, long-drive prize, closest-to-pin prize, and hole-in-one prize. Keystone Chevrolet in Sand Springs is sponsoring the hole-in-one contest and will be giving away a car to anyone who accomplishes the feat. 

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The tournament is expected to be the first of many annual fundraisers that will help assist couples engaging in IVF. For now the organization is selling tickets for a quilt drawing that will happen September 12th. Tickets can be purchased at the golf shop. They also have special Anchored in Faith Rustic Cuff bracelets available through August 5th. In the future the couple is looking at many possibilities including 5K runs, bake sales, bowling tournaments, and more.

"We want to provide an anchor to couples by helping provide for them financially during these treatments." The Stewarts will be going through the IVF process this September.

The couple, both Charles Page High School graduates, attend Life.Church Jenks at 81st and US-75 where Courtney meets with a bi-weekly life group called the Infertile Myrtles. Through their church and their current doctor, they plan to reach out to couples dealing with infertility to help in whatever way they can.

For now, Courtney works as a Mental Health Specialist with Tulsa Educare, but eventually she would like to work for Anchored in Faith full time. The organization is still young, but with time they hope to grow it to a state-wide network of sponsors for couples in need. 

"God has been our source of hope and inspiration; He has been our anchor," says the couple.

In Hebrew 11:11, the Bible says that "By faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise." 

Friday's golf tournament will begin with check-in at 11:30 followed by lunch and the putting contest with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm. The tournament still has plenty of availability and will happily accept day-of entries. No pre-registration is required. Golfers may show up Friday ready to participate. Team entry fee is $300, single player entry is $75.

For more information, contact:
jcstewart@live.com
cnstewart1@live.com
or
918.906.7967

If you would like to contribute to this couple, there is a GoFundMe account set up at this link.

Sen. Newberry, ODOT officials tour and discuss Highway 51 conditions in Sand Springs

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SAND SPRINGS – Oklahoma State Senator Dan Newberry hosted key officials from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in Senate District 37 on Friday to discuss transportation and infrastructure conditions in Senate District 37, which includes portions of Jenks, Sand Springs and Glenpool.

Senator Newberry welcomed ODOT Director Mike Patterson and members of his staff.  They viewed conditions along Highway 51 near Sand Springs, where residents have expressed concerns about sections of the highway eroding.

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“First and foremost, it’s important the state build and maintain safe roads and bridges. Oklahomans depend on the fact they are safe each day as they drive to work and take their children to school,” Senator Newberry said. “A good transportation system is also critical to economic development in Oklahoma. Our businesses need good roads and bridges to quickly and efficiently get their goods and services to their customers.”

Newberry serves on the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Since I’ve served in the Senate, we’ve made transportation a priority and have provided funding to improve Oklahoma’s roads and bridges. ODOT has done a great job, but it’s important we keep pressing forward and not lose any progress in building up our transportation infrastructure. I appreciate Director Patterson visiting Senate District 37 and hearing about the concerns of local residents. I look forward to working with him and ODOT to address some of the issues along Highway 51.”

The pictured section of Highway 51 is located between Sand Springs and Mannford and has been in various states of closure since last July. Repair work is expected to begin as early as October.

Free movies and concerts this week in the Tulsa area

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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.

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This week in Sand Springs

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Joint City Council-Municipal Authority Meeting Monday

The Sand Springs City Council will hold a regular meeting Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the Sand Springs Municipal Building, immediately followed by the regular Municipal Authority meeting.

Police Chief Michael Carter will provide a presentation regarding the Policing Plan for 2016.

The Council will consider approval of a renewal of the agreement between the City of Sand Springs and Reasor’s for the Fiscal Year 2017.

The Council will consider appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Development Authority, Parks Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Personnel Board, and Airport Advisory Board.

The Council will consider renewal of an agreement with the Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.E.T.) to continue providing current recycling services through the next year.

August 23rd election voter registration deadline approaches

Friday, July 29th is the final day to register to vote in time for the August 23rd special election.

Tulsa County Republicans will vote in a runoff between Donald Newberry and Ron Phillips for County Court Clerk. Independents are not eligible to vote in Republican primaries.

Newberry is a US Air Force veteran with an Associate’s in Business, Bachelor’s in Psychology, and Masters in Business Administration.

Phillips is currently the Special Projects Director for the County Clerk’s Office and holds a business administration degree.

The winner of the runoff will take on Democratic nominee John R. Andrew in November.

Newberry won the June Republican primary with 35% to 33%.

Highway 97 Rivalry Alumni game moved to Sand Springs

Sand Springs Memorial Stadium will host the third annual Highway 97 Alumni football game for the second year in a row due to ongoing construction at the Chieftains’ stadium.

Registration is Monday the 25th at 5:30 p.m. with the first practice to follow at 6:30 the same day. The game will be held Saturday July 30th at 7:30 p.m.

The series is tied 1-1 with Sand Springs winning last year’s game 35-0.

Local couple brings Harper's Hut to River City Splash Pad

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The newest addition to the Harper’s Hut franchise opened this past weekend at the concession stand in River City Parks.

The new building opened last Friday under the management of Kim and Jeremy Herrington. Located immediately next to the new Sand Springs Rotary Super Splash Park, the concessions stand features a plethora of snack options including the famous shaved ice options from Harper’s Hut, as well as ice cream, hot dogs, Lil’ Caesar's pizza, and other food and drink.

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The Herringtons are heavily invested in River City Parks as major contributors to the local youth soccer programs. Jeremy is the President of the Sand Springs Soccer Club and treasurer of the West Side Alliance soccer club. The couple doesn’t take home any profit from their new venture into the food industry. All funds raised by the stand go directly to benefit the youth soccer programs that they oversee.

Kim runs the stand throughout the week and Jeremy relieves her on the weekends when he’s not busy as VP of Operations at Cust-O-Bend, Inc. in Sand Springs.

“We’re all about Sand Springs,” says the Charles Page Class of ‘88 graduate. “I believe in service. See the flag, hear the music. That’s us, we’re here to serve you.” 

The couple may have a lot on their plate, but that doesn’t stop them from showing up at the splash pad every day full of energy and excitement at the opportunity to give back to their community.

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When I arrived at the splash pad Saturday, Jeremy was making his rounds to visit with all the parents, introduce himself, and get to know people. The couple has purchased Frisbees, balls, and other toys for the splash pad visitors to play with, all out of their own pocket.

“The City has given us a gift,” says Kim. “The Parks Department has been above and beyond wonderful.”

“I see the smile on the kids’ faces...that’s why I’m doing this.” said Jeremy.

Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:00 AM — 8:00 PM
Sunday 12:00PM — 6:00 PM