Deptartment of Health warns Oklahomans of ticks and diseases

A warm spring means Oklahomans are already enjoying outdoor activities, but a bite from a tick could quickly put a damper on the fun. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) advises anyone who participates in outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, bicycle trail riding, yard work and gardening, to follow tick bite prevention precautions.

Ticks can carry many diseases which can cause illness, and even death, in both children and adults of all ages. Oklahoma continues to rank among those states with the highest rate of three types of tickborne illness in the U.S. each year. These diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis and tularemia. Oklahomans are at highest risk of tickborne illness from May to August when ticks are most active.

Since 2012, there have been approximately 2,000 cases of RMSF, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia among Oklahoma residents. Cases have ranged from 2 to 92 years of age; 11 percent of cases were hospitalized due to their illness. It is important to recognize the early symptoms and seek care as these diseases can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. In the past five years, four Oklahomans (two adults and two children) died due to tickborne diseases.

The symptoms of a tickborne illness may include fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting and fatigue. Other symptoms may include a skin rash or painful swelling of lymph nodes near the bite. Symptoms of illness typically occur 3-14 days following a tick bite. Most tickborne diseases can be treated successfully with early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics, so it is important to seek medical attention if a fever and other signs of illness are noticed within 14 days of a bite or being in an area where ticks are lurking.

The OSDH advises those who participate in hiking, camping, bicycle trail riding, yard work, gardening and other outdoor activities to prevent tick bites by following the tips below:

• Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to see.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks to prevent ticks from attaching.
• Wear closed-toe shoes, not sandals.
• Hikers and bikers should stay in the center of trails to avoid grass and brush.
• Check for ticks at least once per day, particularly along waistbands, the hairline and back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin area.
• Remove attached ticks as soon as possible using tweezers or fingers covered with a tissue.
• Use an insect repellent containing 20 percent or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin for protection which lasts several hours.
• Use products containing 0.5 percent permethrin only on clothing and gear, such as boots, pants and tents. Permethrin should not be used on the body.
• Check with a veterinarian about tick control for pets. Dogs and cats can get tickborne illnesses too, and they are a vehicle for bringing ticks into a home if not on a tick-preventive regimen.

For more information, visit https://go.usa.gov/x5thh.

ONE Gas gifts $5,000 grant to Sand Springs Education Foundation

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Left to right: Dick Ford, Kristin Arnold, Christopher Phillips, Sylvia Fooshee, Lou Pinkerton, Sherry Durkee.

The Sand Springs Education Foundation received a $5,000 grant from ONE Gas, Inc. Monday afternoon that will be used to fund new technology for a Sand Springs elementary school.

The money will be used to purchase a Nureva Span system for use at the newly remodeled Garfield STEAM Academy in north Sand Springs. 

The cloud-based program utilizes a solid-state illumination projector to create a panoramic canvas up to ten feet wide with ten simultaneous touch points so multiple individuals can work at the same time. Students will also be able to work on personal devices and add their work to the shared canvas in real-time. Students are also able to hold video chats with other classrooms across the world with Nureva systems. 

The Sand Springs School District is one of the first in the nation to utilize this ground-breaking technology, and already has two units at Charles Page High School.

Pictured, ONE Gas Community Relations Manager Christopher Phillips presents Foundation Director Sylvia Fooshee with a $5,000 grant. Left of Phillips is Foundation Trustee Dick Ford and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Kristin Arnold. Right of Fooshee is Foundation Trustee Lou Pinkerton and Superintendent Sherry Durkee.

Senate bill expanding Oklahoma's Promise passes, heads to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate gave unanimous final approval Tuesday to legislation modifying Oklahoma’s Promise, the state-sponsored tuition program. Sen. Jason Smalley is the author of Senate Bill 529, which he said makes necessary changes to the program to protect the integrity and stability of the program. 

“This bill tackles a number of areas concerning Oklahoma’s Promise to ensure that those students who truly need financial assistance can get it while also being inclusive of those degrees that take longer than the average program,” said Smalley, R-Stroud.

Oklahoma’s Promise allows eighth-, ninth- or 10th-grade students from families with an income of $50,000 or less to earn a college tuition scholarship. SB 529 changes the definition of income at the time of application in the 8th-10th grade from “taxable and nontaxable” income to “federal adjusted gross income” and increases the family income limit from $50,000 to $55,000.

The bill will stop payment for remedial courses beginning in 2018-2019 at an estimated annual savings of approximately $1.5 million. 

SB 529 changes how often family incomes are checked. Currently, the statutes require that the second income check at $100,000 for Oklahoma’s Promise students be conducted only one time when the student starts college. Under this bill, the $100,000 check will be conducted every year the student is in college, beginning with the 2018-19 academic year for an annual estimated savings of about $1.5 million. 

The measure also requires the State Regents to establish a maximum limit on the number of college credit hours covered by the scholarship. Currently, students are eligible to receive the scholarship for up to five years or the completion of a baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first. This will limit the number of credit hours paid for during the five year period.

Most undergraduate degrees require 120-124 semester credit hours but about 20 percent of degrees require more than 124 hours, including a number of engineering degrees and some teacher education degrees in specialty areas such as science and music. Undergraduate architecture degrees require up to 150 credit hours. Through the Administrative Procedures Act, the State Regents will establish a general maximum limit on credit hours while allowing exceptions to that limit for degrees requiring credit hours in excess of the limit. The limit is expected to be applicable to first-time entering freshmen college students in fall 2018. Once fully implemented, the change is expected to save about one to two percent of total program costs annually.

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This press release was submitted by the Oklahoma State Senate media department. 

Any opinions expressed or implied are those of the author and do not reflect an editorial endorsement by Sandite Pride News. 

Sandite Pride News encourages community submissions regardless of platform or position, to effect a constructive dialogue about any issues affecting our community. 

SB 529 passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 87-3. In the Senate it passed unanimously 43-0.

Senate committee approves ‘Oklahoma Energy Jobs Act of 2017’

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma Senate committee on Tuesday gave approval to a major jobs bill from Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz that is anticipated to spur a significant increase in oil and gas drilling in the state of Oklahoma, creating thousands of new energy jobs and boosting state and local revenues. 

“The best way to generate more revenue from oil and gas production is to get more rigs drilling in Oklahoma. The Energy Jobs Act will unlock billions in oil and gas investment in Oklahoma, creating jobs and generating new revenue for the state,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

Senate Bill 867, also known as the Oklahoma Energy Jobs Act of 2017, allows multiunit, or long-lateral, drilling in all rock formations, not just shale. Currently, Oklahoma is the only state that restricts long-lateral drilling based on the type of rock formation. The bill also provides safeguards for property owners, mineral owners, and all operators.

By industry estimates, in its first year SB 867 will generate approximately $490 million in new royalty payments, more than $229 million in new state and local revenues (combined gross production tax, sales tax, and income tax generated from increased drilling activity), and create nearly 6,000 new jobs in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, the measure is expected to unlock nearly $6 billion in investment from major oil and gas companies.

“This bill levels the playing field with other states, costs the state nothing, and makes Oklahoma a more attractive place for investment. This is an issue we’ve worked on for years in the Senate, and I’m glad we finally have an agreement among stakeholders. This is one of the most important and impactful economic development ideas to be considered by the Legislature in years,” Schulz said. “I appreciate my Senate colleagues advancing the measure and look forward to this bill ultimately becoming law.”

Sen. Bryce Marlatt, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, hailed the passage of SB 867 as a win for the state, industry, and land owners.

“We’ll see more rigs drilling in Oklahoma if this bill becomes law. That in turn means more jobs and more revenue for the state of Oklahoma. Bottom line: SB 867 is a win for the industry, a win for mineral owners, and it’s a win for the state of Oklahoma,” Marlatt, R-Woodward said.

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This press release was submitted by the Oklahoma State Senate media department. 

Any opinions expressed or implied are those of the author and do not reflect an editorial endorsement by Sandite Pride News. 

Sandite Pride News encourages community submissions regardless of platform or position, to effect a constructive dialogue about any issues affecting our community. 

Mike Burdge elected to 12th term as Mayor, Beau Wilson elected as Vice-Mayor

Left to right: Councilmembers Brian Jackson, Beau Wilson, Christine Hamner, Jim Spoon, Mike Burdge, Phil Nollan, Patty Dixon. 

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building for a swearing-in ceremony and to elect the new Mayor and Vice-Mayor.

Ward Three Councilman Mike Burdge and Ward Four Councilwoman Christine Hamner were administered the oath of office by Judge Tom Askew. Hamner won election in November and, per City-charter, began serving the remainder of former Vice-Mayor John Fothergill's term immediately after election. Burdge ran unopposed.

City Councilors serve three-year staggered terms and select a Mayor and Vice-Mayor from within. The Mayor presides over council meetings and is recognized as the ceremonial head of government. The Vice-Mayor presides in the Mayor's absence. Neither has any additional administrative duties or powers, and are primarily ceremonial positions.

Mayor Burdge was nominated by Ward Six Councilman Brian Jackson for another one-year term as Mayor and was unanimously re-elected. "Mike, you represent us well," said Ward One Councilman Phil Nollan, who seconded the nomination. "I always get good feedback about how you represent us as a city. I'm proud to have you as our mayor."

Jackson commented that in the future he would like to discuss the pros and cons of rotating the duties of Mayor and Vice-Mayor as some other communities do.

At-Large Councilman Jim Spoon nominated Ward Five Councilman Beau Wilson for the Vice-Mayor position that has remained vacant since Fothergill's resignation in December. Wilson was unanimously approved.

Mayor Burdge has served on the City Council since 1996 and has been elected mayor twelve times. He also served a six-year stent as Vice-Mayor under former Mayor Bob Walker. He is a member of the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials. In 2013 he was awarded the Sand Springs Hometown Hero Award. He is a coach for the Charles Page High School Track and Field and Cross Country teams. Burdge graduated from CPHS in 1969.

Vice-Mayor Wilson has served on City Council since 2015 and is a CPHS Class of 2003 graduate. He holds degrees from Tulsa Community College and Johnson County College and opened Beau Wilson Insurance in downtown Sand Springs last year. He was previously nominated for Vice-Mayor in 2016 by Councilman Jackson, but declined the opportunity. 

Councilwoman Hamner holds master's degrees in educational leadership and counseling, both from Northeastern State University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Rogers State University. She is a clinical supervisor at a foster care agency.

Former Sand Springs Councilman-businessman Kim Tilley receives John M. Hess Award

Left to right: Brian Jackson, Christine Hamner, Beau Wilson, Kim Tilley, Jim Spoon, Mike Burdge, Phil Nollan, Patty Dixon. Former Sand Springs City Councilman Kim Tilley with current councilmembers.

Former Sand Springs City Councilman Kim Lee Tilley (77) was presented with the John M. Hess Award for Outstanding Citizenship at Monday night's City Council meeting for more than thirty years of community service.

Tilley was first elected in 1970 out of Ward 4 and served till 1975. He then moved to Ward 6 and served there from 1979 to 1982, and again from 1985 to 2009. Several of his terms were spent as Vice Mayor.

Tilley was also a small business owner in the community for many years, owning and operating Tilley's Grocery Store at 4th and Cleveland for more than two decades. 

Tilley previously received a Resolution of Appreciation from former mayor Bob Walker. 

West Side Alliance Soccer Club forms new league, Oklahoma Premiere Club

The following press release was jointly issued by West Side Alliance Soccer Club and the newly formed Oklahoma Premiere Club. The West Side Alliance is based in Sand Springs and operates out of the River City Parks Inez Kirk Soccer Complex in Sand Springs and the Westbank Soccer Complex in West Tulsa. It is the competitive branch of the Sand Springs Soccer Club.

SEE RELATED: WSA Cup draws thousands to Sand Springs: Presented by Harper's Hut River City

US Club Soccer has announced it will sanction a statewide u11-u19 competitive league, including postseason traditional state tournament play in the state of Oklahoma, beginning in the Fall 2017 season. This landmark initiative for Oklahoma soccer will leverage US Club Soccer’s programming on behalf of member clubs in the State of Oklahoma.

"We're excited to welcome Oklahoma Premiere Clubs to US Club Soccer," said John Borozzi, US Club Soccer Vice President. "These club's commitment to their players, as well as growth opportunities for coaches and referees, aligns with US Club Soccer's mission and Player's First Philosophy."

Five of Oklahoma’s top seven clubs by membership size, facilities, and state and regional level accolades are making a full commitment to participation in this innovative new platform. Northeast Oklahoma FC (NEOFC), Oklahoma Celtic, South Lakes Cosmos, TSC Hurricane, and West Side Alliance S.C. (WSA), have each committed to Oklahoma Premier Clubs as the primary leaguing platform for their competitive membership moving forward.  These five clubs represent a major portion of the competitive soccer membership population in Oklahoma soccer today, and will bring several decades of consistent, experienced, and innovative leadership to the forefront in leading this new endeavor. 

OPC will have a player-centric focus while collaborating and investing in coach and referee development. Each OPC member will work together to raise standards that improve the player experience so that each player has the opportunity to reach their full potential and enjoy the game more.

“TSC Hurricane is extremely excited to be part of the unification of these leading clubs in raising the standards for youth soccer in Oklahoma. OPC is a game changer. Embracing Diversity is one of OPC’s core values and one of the strengths of our team is that each of our clubs bring diverse viewpoints and ideas while also sharing a common philosophy, mission and resources. We fully understand that as a leading club in Oklahoma, we have a responsibility to our players, coaches and members to provide the most effective and quality competitive platform possible. The quality of the programming has a direct impact on the development and experience of all our players, coaches, partners and members. We are excited to be working side-by-side with all of the OPC clubs to lead the direction of player development, exposure and player path opportunities across Oklahoma. By working together as a team, the potential for what the OPC can achieve is limitless," says TSC Hurricane Executive Director Jim Tindell.

The Oklahoma Premier Clubs will join the US Club Soccer circuit of recognized and qualified statewide leagues by USCS. OPC has been deemed immediately eligible for the US Club National Cup Playoffs. The State Cup Champion from OPC competition will qualify for the US Club National Cup Championships. 

In addition Oklahoma Premier Clubs will include a Regional League platform through US Club’s National Premier League (NPL). The Red River Premier League will launch in the Fall of 2017, and will host top teams from each club in OPC, and will be joined by a conference of clubs from North Texas, Kansas and Arkansas, providing reasonable, economical and logical travel for a regional league platform. 

“Oklahoma Celtic is excited about being a part of the Oklahoma Premier Clubs. We believe the clubs already involved in this league share a similar vision for player development and know this will be a fantastic opportunity to create the best environment for our players and teams to grow. We feel US Club is in the forefront of player development and joining them will give our club great benefit through its multiple player and coach identification and development programs," says Oklahoma Celtic Director Don Rother.

NEOFC Executive Director, Alex Miranda reports, “NEOFC is proud to usher in this historic change for soccer in Oklahoma. Our club believes in the OPC’s collaborative approach as the guiding principle for developing a league platform, which provides the best player experience at all developmental levels. Through a vast range of programs, we believe OPC offers the most innovative developmental opportunities for players, coaches, and game officials alike. OPC’s focus and determination in establishing standards of excellence for its member clubs, directly aligns with our club’s vision of offering the best overall experience for families, players, and coaches. We look forward to working with all OPC clubs in this exceptional player-centric environment."

OPC clubs are joining forces to leverage the power of their combined resources to transform the landscape for all players in Oklahoma centered on player, coach and referee development while creating multiple player pathway opportunities whether it be from club-to-college, club-to-National Team or club-to-professional. OPC programming will also bring the clubs more closely in alignment with US Soccer Development Academy and ECNL standards and recommendations.

OPC member benefits will include access to US Club Soccer’s ID2/PDP programming, an Olympic Development Program that helps identify players for national pool selection. This innovative concept will expose every player of the OPC to weekly evaluation opportunities through league play, and in-house recommendation avenues, bringing a new level of ongoing exposure to the player.              

OPC member benefits will extend to coach symposiums for coach education, the development of a coach network, training standards, sharing best practices, referee development, US Club Soccer’s Player’s First initiatives for safety and health of players, and a streamlined league management process provided by the experts at Prime Time Sports. Prime Time Sports has over 80 years of event management experience including select soccer leagues in the Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex. Their professional league management will reduce the workload on the clubs, allowing clubs to focus on their intended “player-centric” models. Additionally the league website services will be provided by Blue Star Sports the PTS parent company. Blue Star Sports is a leading provider of sports management software and payment solutions.

“The leadership from the OPC clubs have a great vision for soccer development in the region and we at Prime Time Sports and Blue Star Sports are pleased to partner with their league to build an even stronger platform,” reports Bandon Hollmann, COO at Prime Time Sports a Blue Star Sports company. 

OPC league scheduling will include proper periodization that is influenced by club technical directors.  This means that the league schedule will account for rest and recovery periods, as well as proper game to training session ratios for a consistent and annualized calendar for the player as well as the families who support the player. Through their home club recreational bases, OPC member clubs will also have control of nearly every major club-based complex in the state while also having access to independent complexes. Multi-million dollar investments are also currently underway or planned at the majority of the OPC complexes.

“South Lakes Soccer Club is excited about the new Oklahoma Premier Clubs announcement with US Club Soccer. Having soccer minded individuals in decision making roles is a "game changer". The OPC leadership will have more knowledge and experience than any other League in Oklahoma's soccer history. The collaboration of clubs and the caliber will be second to none. With having like minded soccer Directors all working together to benefit the players, Oklahoma cannot lose. It has been great working with this group on the creation and launch of the OPC. SLSC looks forward to an exciting future," says South Lakes Director of Coaching Brandon Lawless.

With the participation of five of Oklahoma’s most historic, reputable, and accomplished soccer clubs, the OPC will become the medium for tremendous player development opportunity, and enhanced overall player experience opportunities. OPC will collectively have the largest and most credentialed coaching staff network in the state. This innovative new platform is not only about the expanded opportunities it brings to elite players, but it is intended for ALL players no matter what experience level, age or background. The combination of size, resources, network, experience and diversity of ideas that each club brings is powerful and will be unmatched in the state of Oklahoma. 

“WSA is not only excited, but enthused to be a part of this endeavor on behalf of Oklahoma soccer. We see the opportunity presented by OPC as providing the latitude necessary to properly support and nurture our teams, and ultimately serve our players. The early participating clubs in OPC represent for us a formidable leadership base that we are encouraged to be a part of. We fully understand our responsibility to our players and families and our responsibility as a member of the Oklahoma soccer community, and it is for this reason we are eager to facilitate the OPC vision on behalf of Oklahoma soccer, “ says WSA Executive Director Roger Bush.

OPC membership is open through an application process to interested clubs that meet the criteria established by OPC. OPC forecasted team expenses reflect a small negative delta (less expensive than previous team fees have been). Registration, tryout, team formation, and league start dates will go relatively unchanged. 

Sand Springs Police Department invites community discussion of City Policing Plan May 18th at CPHS

Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter provided a presentation regarding the Sand Springs Policing Plan at last week's Sand Springs City Council Meeting and discussed alterations made since their last presentation. He also gave updates on ongoing actions taken by the department.

The Department plans on listing all officers, employees, council members, and City administrators online for better transparency. They removed a section of the plan calling for increased penalties. They removed a plan to build jail space for long term holding of individuals with warrants.

The Department has increased the amount of written and verbal warnings in 2017, with a third of all citations issued being warnings without fines. External vests are becoming more common. They are collaborating with businesses along Wekiwa Road to combat aggressive panhandlers.

According to Carter, the department has seen a "dramatic cut down on meth labs in the last couple of years. The department also has an officer on the Hispanic Affairs Commission who is fluent in Spanish and able to translate.

Carter also touched on current issues in the national climate such as immigration status. "If there is a victim of a crime, our first job is to protect and serve, regardless of immigration status. But we are not a sanctuary city." Carter wants anyone in Sand Springs to feel safe calling the SSPD without fear of being checked for credentials. However, he also said that Sand Springs cooperates with State and Federal investigations into individuals' immigration status and will make arrests on behalf of other agencies.

The police department has also made efforts to involve the community in review processes. Citizens have been involved on review boards for Use of Force investigations and complaints. "Nothing we do should be secret," said Carter. "We work for the community."

Sand Springs partners with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations when looking into Use of Deadly Force and In-Custody deaths. 

The Sand Springs Police Department maintains an active social media presence through their official Facebook page. They will be holding a "Pop with a Cop" day at the Charles Page High School cafeteria on May 18th where citizens can meet officers, ask questions, and fellowship over a cold can of cola. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The Department recently partnered with House District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan on House Bill 2159, which would authorize the Oklahoma Tax Commission to cancel the current registration on a defendant's motor vehicle should they fail to appear in court or enter a plea for unpaid fines, rather than having an arrest warrant issued. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 80-16, but died in the Senate General Government committee.

The Department recently celebrated a successful "Food for Fines" program that allowed people to pay outstanding fines and warrants without fear of arrest. More than 100 people had warrants recalled because of the event, which brought in 6,118 pounds of canned food for Sand Springs Community Services. 

Officers are in their second year of physical fitness testing with the University of Tulsa.

The Department is also working on officer retention efforts. According to Carter, the department is four positions down from last year. The Chief cited competitive wages and a national anti-cop climate as reasons for difficulty in recruiting and retaining experienced officers. 

In Other News:

• Council unanimously passed the Consent Agenda, consisting of "routine" money transfers and resolutions considered to be standard in nature. Councilman Jim Spoon was absent from the meeting.
• Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 17-36, adopting the Fiscal Year 2018 Master Fee Schedule. Councilor Phil Nollan commented, "Our fees are 50% higher than our competitor cities. I would like for us to take a look at that again in the future. Sand Springs has had an issue growing in the last few decades compared to other cities. A lot of things have changed to help us grow, but I feel like there's more areas we can continue to improve."
• Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 17-37, adopting the FY2018 Budget. Finance Director Kelly Lamberson discussed an ongoing negative trend in Sales Tax Revenue.
• Council sent back to committee a previously-approved plan to place a large City Logo on the McKinley West Tank. Alan Ringle, of Ringle Development, and Kenneth Benton, a resident in the area, protested the plan. According to research done by Ringle and Councilman Nollan, the previously approved logo was illegally sized for Tulsa County, who has jurisdiction over the property. 
• Council approved Ordinance 1299 by a 5-1 vote with Nollan voicing dissent. The ordinance requires backwater valves in all sanitary sewer building drains. "I openly do not support this," said Nollan. "I hate to make a new requirement that will cost homeowners or new developers extra money." Ringle also spoke in opposition to the ordinance.
• Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1300, effectively rezoning 721 N. Garfield Ave. from Residential Single-Family to Residential Duplex.
• Councilman Brian Jackson gave a report on a "Sandite Power Hour" volunteer session where twenty individuals painted a hallway at Angus Valley Elementary.

ODOT looking at suspending construction work, commission defers award on new highway contracts due to funding concerns

At its Monday, May 1 meeting, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission took unprecedented action on new construction projects due to the ongoing state budget crisis. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation also updated commissioners on proposals being considered by the legislature that would affect transportation funding and the impacts to construction already underway. 

Due to the uncertainty of state funding to pay current obligations, ODOT Executive Director Mike Patterson reported to commissioners that the department had asked several construction contractors not to start work on 12 projects that were awarded in previous months. Additionally, Patterson has asked the eight field division engineers to prepare a plan of how to safely and responsibly suspend work on more than 80 road and bridge projects already under construction in the event that the deteriorating state funding trends continue.

“Suspending current highway construction due to a proposed reduction in state funding is not something ODOT has ever been faced with, but we are preparing for it now,” Patterson said. “Without a reliable stream of revenue coming in, it wouldn’t be fiscally responsible to keep incurring construction expenses that we have an obligation to pay.”

A fuel tax increase is a revenue replacement proposal under consideration by the legislature that would partially offset the proposed cuts. 

Patterson also noted that issuing new bonds to offset budget cuts is not a fiscally viable option, as in previous years. The agency has more than $485 million in outstanding bond debt, which costs about $57 million annually in debt service. Since 2010, the legislature has authorized several ODOT bond issues to help offset funding diverted from transportation. Now, the agency's cash balance has been depleted to the point that ODOT is no longer able to cover the required payments up front necessary to receive bond proceeds. 

Citing funding concerns, the commission voted to defer award of new highway construction contracts for this month, approving contracts financed with only federal and county funds. Highway projects deferred include bridge work on Shields Blvd. over I-35 in Moore and I-35 over US-77 near Davis as well as pavement rehabilitation on SH-11 in Grant County and SH-45 and SH-132 in Garfield County.

Commissioners did award 11 contracts totaling $18 million to improve county roads and bridges in nine counties. Contracts were awarded for projects in Beaver, Caddo, Choctaw, Coal, Garfield, Johnston, Kingfisher, Nowata and Pawnee counties. A list of all awarded contracts may be found by visiting www.odot.org/contracts, selecting the April 2017 letting and clicking Go and then Award.

The eight-member panel, appointed by the governor to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards project contracts for road and bridge construction every month. The next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 5.   

Contracts, bid information, the commission’s monthly agenda and project details can be viewed at www.odot.org.

100 Mile Yard Sale returns to Sand Springs this weekend

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The Sand Springs city-wide yard sale is this weekend, once again coinciding with the 100-Mile Yard Sale across Oklahoma. Sand Springs will be joining up with Cleveland, Hominy, Ralston, Pawnee, Yale, Cushing, Oilton, Sapulpa, Mannford, Jennings, Hallett, and Terlton for the biggest yard sale weekend of the year.

Sand Springs first participated in the event last year and is back again for the 7th annual event. 

Visit this link to see the Sand Springs map of participating homes and add yourself to the list!

There's about three-dozen homes currently listed on the official Sand Springs map at present time, but if this year goes the same as last year, there will be many more who participate but don't sign up online.

Walnut Ridge in South Sand Springs is just one example of a neighborhood yard sale that only signed up one house online. The neighborhood homeowners association confirmed that several homes will be participating.

The forecast for this weekend is sunny and clear with a slight breeze. Temperatures will start off in the low 50's in the morning and crest around the mid-70's in the afternoon. 

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

• 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys Golf Regionals - Bailey Ranch Golf Course, Owasso
• 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls Tennis Regionals - Yukon High School
• 6:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board Meeting - Case Community Center
• 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education Meeting - CPHS Fine Arts Building

Tuesday

• 7:00 p.m. Clyde Boyd Middle School Spring Concert - CBMS Auditorium

Wednesday

• 9:00 a.m. 6A Girls Golf State Championship - Ponca City Country Club

Thursday

• 9:00 a.m. 6A Girls Golf State Championship - Ponca City Country Club
• 11:30 a.m. CPHS Baseball vs Jenks - Regional Playoff at Jenks
  • Winner plays at 4:30, Loser plays at 6:30

Friday

• 100 Mile Yard Sale
• 8:00 a.m. 6A Girls Tennis State Championship - Oklahoma City Tennis Center
• CPHS Baseball - Regional Playoff at Jenks
  • Possible games at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. depending on Thursday results

Saturday

• 100 Mile Yard Sale
• 7:30 a.m. OKUSA Wrestling East Regional Tournament - Sapulpa High School
• 8:00 a.m. 6A Girls Tennis State Championship - Oklahoma City Tennis Center
• 9:30 a.m. Track and Field 6A Regional Championship - Claremore High School
• 10:30 a.m. Chandler Park Lost City Climbing Competition 
  • Click here for more information.
• 1:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Regional Playoff at Jenks
  • Depending on Thursday and Friday results

Sand Springs Board of Education approves 5-year Strategic Improvement Plan

The Continuous Strategic Improvement (CSI) team was recognized for their work in developing the 5-year plan for SSPS.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Board of Education handed out a plethora of awards at their regular monthly meeting Monday evening and discussed the strategic plan for the next five school years.

Brock Smith received the Sandite Spirit Award for making the 2017 Academic All State team, Charles Page High School Head Baseball Coach Bill Hutson received a Coin of Excellence, and the team behind the new Strategic Plan received the Sandite Pacesetter Award and were recognized both individually and as a group.

The official mission for SSPS going forward will be to "empower every child to maximize their potential for responsible productive citizenship in the 21st century." The strategy identifies four pillars for success. 

1. Empower Students with successful learning and behaviors.
2. Empower Teachers and Staff through successful recruitment, training, mentoring, school culture, and climate.
3. Empower Families and Community with successful community and family engagement.
4. Empower Resource Innovation through successful integration of technology, environments for learning, and financial support and resources. 

Allison Potts, Angelia Noel, Brian Jackson, Catrina Edgar, Claudia Smith, Christina Abbott, Dick Ford, Emily Glaser, Jay Rotert, Jennifer Smith, JJ Smith, Kami McCabe, Karen Biggs, Liz Binger, Megan Morrow, Michael Bynum, Mikael Howard, Mindy Roley, Renee McFarland, Rusty Gunn, Sarah Lattie, Stan Trout, Sylvia Fooshee, Vicki Harbaugh, Sharon Dean, Sharon Wilbur, and Stephanie Hyder were all a part of the Continuous Strategic Improvement (CSI) team.

The Board approved three out-of-state trips for the CPHS Volleyball team. The Lady Sandite varsity squad will head to camp in Branson, Missouri, while the 7th Grade, 8th Grade, JV, and Freshman teams will make two trips to a camp in Fayetteville, Arkansas. All three trips will be held in July. The trips are funded in full by the Booster Club.

The Lady Sandites celebrated their best season in school history last year and Head Coach Janna Green was named the Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year. The volleyball season will begin in August, possibly up to a week before the school year actually begins.

The Board rescinded an agreement passed last month with Oklahoma LED, then passed the same agreement but along a lease-own option rather than outright purchase.

The Board authorized the use of $55,449.50 to hire American Demolition to raze the former Twin Cities Elementary building. The school intends to retain the property with expectations of district growth in the foreseeable future, but the currently building would be too costly to renovate.

The Board authorized a $0.05 increase in the price of student lunches, as recommended by the Director of Child Nutrition. 

The Board voted in favor of shortening the 2016-2017 school year by one day, thanks to a number of unused snow days. The last day of school for students will be Thursday, May 25th, allowing teachers to use the 26th as a professional day without having to return after Memorial Day Weekend. 

The Board approved a $35,240 contract with Sports Unlimited for a partial floor replacement in the Ed Dubie Field House. The plan also includes a $5,000 contingency. The floor became warped on one side of the court, within the three-point line, during basketball season. The Lady Sandite Conference Champion team had to give up their right to host a Regional Tournament because of it. 

The Sand Springs Board of Education meets on the first Monday of every month in the Charles Page High School Fine Arts Building at 7:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public with opportunities for public questions, concerns, and comments.

Great Raft Race returns to Sand Springs, registration opens May 3rd

Photo: Austin Evans.

The Great Raft Race is returning to Sand Springs for the third-straight year this Labor Day, and registration for the event opens May 3rd. 

The historic Tulsa-based event ran from 1973 through 1991 and returned to the Arkansas River in 2015.

Participants will be able to race down the river in three categories of vessels.

• Purchased watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and inflatables.
• Small to mid-sized home-built rafts (max size of 8 feet by 10 feet).
• Mid to large-sized home-built rafts (max size of 12 feet by 16 feet).

The Raft Race launches at River City Parks in Sand Springs and concludes at River West Festival Park in Tulsa. Prizes will be awarded both for the race itself and for best raft theme and costumes. 

Corporate sponsorships are available, ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 and include registration for one raft along with shirts for your team. 

Click here to view our 2015 Raft Race photo gallery.
Click here to view our 2016 Raft Race photo gallery.

Individual Career Academic Plan bill authored by Jadine Nollan passes Senate vote

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OKLAHOMA CITY – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister today praised Senate members for approval of a measure to help ensure that all students develop their own relevant and dynamic pathway for success in college, career and life. Authored by Rep. Jadine Nollan and Sen. Gary Stanislawski, House Bill 2155 phases in the implementation of an Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP) over a three-year period, beginning with pilot districts. Oklahoma is one of only seven states that does not have a state-level ICAP strategy for students.  

The legislation now heads to Gov. Fallin for her signature.

“Too many high school students wait until after graduation to begin exploring career pathways in career technology centers or colleges,” Hofmeister said. “By contrast, tailored career and academic plans made earlier in middle school help our students complete required courses and build foundational skills to be able to hit the ground running after high school with meaningful, self-defined career, college and life goals.”

Beginning in sixth grade, ICAPs will follow each student through middle and high school and evolve to reflect any changes in interests, strengths and growth. They will include interest inventories, written goals, a step-by-step plan to reach those goals, career surveys, academic progress measures and a list of completed apprenticeships, internships or mentorships. Students will be able to create individualized portfolios, utilize high-school planning tools, explore career options and access college campus information with the assistance of parents, school counselors and teachers.

Many graduates today lack the skills employers are looking for or the necessary coursework to succeed in college or career without remediation. Thirty-nine percent of all first-year college students in Oklahoma currently require remedial courses before earning college credit, a process that, according to the Center for American Progress, costs Oklahoma families $22.2 million annually. By defining career goals or post-secondary plans earlier in their education, students will have the opportunity to make important decisions regarding coursework and extracurricular activities that align with their postsecondary career and life goals.

In addition, ICAPs will encourage greater enrollment in advanced coursework in high school, particularly during a student’s senior year, and funnel more Oklahoma students toward postsecondary degree attainment or industry certification. Currently, only 54 percent of Oklahoma students complete a degree program or advanced credential after high school. By 2025, the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development estimates that 77 percent of new jobs in Oklahoma will require some sort of postsecondary credential or degree. ICAPs will equip schools to close this so-called “workforce gap.”

“This legislation is a positive step forward and better positions Oklahoma students to achieve their aspirations and compete,” said Hofmeister. “Too many doors shut unnecessarily on students because of poor planning. Exploring career options and advanced planning fosters self-motivated learners.”

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) will pilot ICAPs in selected districts during the 2017-18 school year, and increase the number of district pilots in 2018-19. In the 2019-2020 school year, they will become a graduation requirement for those entering ninth grade, as required by House Bill 3218, which the governor signed into law in 2016.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections population hits record 62,000

Oklahoma City - On April 25, 2017 during the monthly Board of Corrections meeting at the Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy, Oklahoma ODOC Director Joe M. Allbaugh informed board members that the agency had a record number of individuals in the system. "Today we have 62,000 in our system," said Director Allbaugh. "What bothers me is back in December we hit a record population of 61,000. It has taken just four months for an additional 1,000 people to be included in our numbers of incarcerated, supervised, and county jail backup."

ODOC population numbers (04/25/2017):

• 33,865 - Supervision (GPS monitored, community supervision, probation/parole)
• 26,380 - Incarcerated (Prisons and halfway houses)
• 1,755 - County jail backup (People who have received judgment/sentencing and awaiting transport to ODOC)

State prisons are at 109% inmate capacity, Director Allbaugh said relief is needed immediately, "Programs are the way to get us out of this pickle long-term. In the short-term the only thing we can do is hope and pray the legislature will step up and give us the necessary money to acquire, rent, beg, or borrow more additional beds to handle the influx."

The Crime and Justice Institute and the Pew Charitable Trusts have projected that if there is no action taken to reduce Oklahoma's prison population that ODOC will see a population increase of 25% over the next 10-years. Oklahoma will need three additional prisons to absorb those numbers at an estimated taxpayer cost of $1.2-billion in capital needs and an additional $700-million in operating costs.

Director Allbaugh also informed the board that there are currently 261 probation officers averaging a workload of 130 cases each. ODOC also has 1,803 correctional officers (CO) at facilities across the state. Hiring CO's has been one of Allbaugh's top priorities since heading up the agency.

Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Disproportionately Affecting Oklahomans; OSDH Encourages Testing

According to a newly released study, there are an estimated 94,200 Oklahomans living with Hepatitis C virus infection. Estimates were developed by researchers at Emory University in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to better understand the number of people in each state living with Hepatitis C.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is encouraging residents to be tested for the virus as Oklahoma had the highest estimated prevalence in the nation at 3.34 percent, while the national prevalence was 1.67 percent. The report also indicates 523 Oklahomans died due to Hepatitis C from 1999-2012, ranking our state among the highest for Hepatitis C mortality.

Hepatitis C is a virus which can cause serious liver disease. In the early stage of infection, some people will have symptoms of illness including fever, nausea, abdominal pain, or jaundice; however, many persons will not have any symptoms at all. Approximately 75 to 85 percent of people who are infected with the virus will develop a chronic condition which can lead to liver problems, including cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer or death. New medications are available to treat chronic Hepatitis C, including new drugs which appear to be more effective and have fewer side effects than previous options. Although treatment for Hepatitis C is expensive, new drug regimens can result in a cure.

The virus is spread from exposure to an infected person’s blood. Exposure can occur when sharing needles or other injection drug equipment. Prior to 1992, Hepatitis C was commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. Although rare, the virus has also been transmitted in medical settings in which strict compliance with infection control standards was not observed.

The OSDH is working to combat the issue by supporting Hepatitis C testing efforts at community-based organizations which offer HIV testing, offering educational programs for medical professionals and providing education in drug and alcohol treatment centers. Additionally, the agency conducts surveillance of Hepatitis C and has recently been awarded a CDC grant to expand upon these surveillance efforts. 

The only way to know if a person has Hepatitis C is to obtain a blood test. The OSDH recommends testing for the following persons: 

• Anyone born from 1945 through 1965.
• Anyone who has injected drugs, even just once or many years ago.
• Anyone with certain medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and HIV or AIDS.
• Anyone who has received donated blood or organs before 1992.
• Anyone with abnormal liver tests or liver disease.
• Anyone who has been exposed to the blood from a person who has Hepatitis C.
• Anyone on hemodialysis.
• Anyone born to a mother with Hepatitis C. 

Although there is no vaccine to prevent the virus, there are ways to avoid becoming infected. These include:   

• Avoid sharing or reusing needles, syringes or any other equipment to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones or other substances.
• Do not use personal items which may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood, even in amounts too small to see, such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes or glucose monitors.
• Do not get tattoos or body piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting. 

Hepatitis C testing is available through private medical providers, or at the following locations: 

Oklahoma City

Expressions Community Center
2245 NW 39th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 528-2210 / eccokc.org

Red Rock Behavioral Health Services
4400 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 424-7711 / 1-877-339-3330 / red-rock.com 

Guiding Right, Inc.
7901 NE 10th Street, Suite A-111
Midwest City, OK 73110
(405) 733-0771 / guidingright.org

Latino Community Development Agency (Habla Español)
420 SW 10th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
(405) 236-0701 / lcdaokc.com

Tulsa

H.O.P.E. Health Outreach Prevention and Education
3540 E 31st Street, #3
Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 749-TEST (8378) / hopetesting.org

Guiding Right, Inc.
549-A East 36th Street North
Tulsa, OK 74106
(918) 986-8400 / guidingright.org

Ardmore

MAMA Knows, Inc.
10 W Main Street
Ardmore, OK 73401
(580) 226-4238 / mamaknowsinc.org

For additional information about Hepatitis C, visit https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm.

Senate approves creation of independent commission to conduct performance audits of state agencies

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday in a bipartisan vote approved a bill creating an independent commission to conduct comprehensive performance audits of state agencies. House Bill 2311 is authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, and House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

The bill creates the Agency Performance and Accountability Commission which is directed to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of state agencies, as well as conduct a diagnostic analysis of the state’s budget to identify spending trends. The commission would then make recommendations to the Legislature on how to implement best practices from both the private and public sector to ensure state government services are run in the most cost-effective manner.

“This year’s budget shortfall highlights the need to ensure state government is operating efficiently, but during ‘bad’ or ‘good’ budgets our goal remains the same:  to ensure the most cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars. This measure will provide lawmakers with independent data to help us make more well-informed decisions about the state’s spending priorities. Oklahoma taxpayers deserve a state government run efficiently and one that delivers service at a high level and this bill moves us one step closer to achieving those goals,” Schulz said.

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

State Senator Kyle Loveless resigns amidst allegations of campaign finance misconduct

District 45 State Senator Kyle Loveless irrevocably resigned his office Thursday morning amidst allegations of failure to follow proper procedures for reporting campaign donations. 

Loveless, a Republican from Oklahoma City, was first elected in 2012 and re-elected this past November.

Loveless is currently under criminal investigation by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater with allegations of campaign fund misappropriation and embezzlement. 

In a brief, three-sentence letter to President Pro Tempore Mike Shultz, Lovess said "Mistakes I have made are the responsibility of no one other than myself." Shulz wished Loveless and his family "best wishes moving forward."

Herbal Affair founder Sandi Byerly receives Hometown Hero award

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Longtime Sandite Sandi Byerly was presented with the Hometown Hero award by Mayor Mike Burdge at the 28th Annual Herbal Affair Saturday afternoon in downtown Sand Springs.

Byerly is credited as having helped start the Herbal Affair and Festival along with the late Ruth Leib in 1989.

The "small" garden party attracted more than 800 visitors in its first year, and grew annually thanks to the efforts of Leib and Byerly. Today, the Herbal Affair attracts more than 25,000 individuals annually. 

The City Garden Park houses a wine garden at the annual Herbal Affair.

According to a City press release, Byerly traveled the Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas countrysides seeking out the best gardeners, artisans, and food vendors in the region to help make Herbal Affair unique.

Local volunteer group The Herb Society was formed by the Byerly-Leib duo in conjunction with the City of Sand Springs. 

Byerly opened The Garden Trowel shop in the former Sand Springs Railway station in the early 1900s, specializing in gardening and cooking. She also helped with the landscape design and installation of the City Garden Park across the Municipal Building. 

Currently, Byerly designs and produces jewelry through her company, Elements of Nature.

Bylerly is a perpetually active volunteer in the Sand Springs and Tulsa communities, working with Special Olympics, Little Light House, and the Tulsa Boys' Home. She is a founder and former president of the Sand Springs Symphony League and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sand Springs choir. 

Leib passed away in 2010, but not before receiving the Hometown Hero award in 1999. The Herbal Affair mural in downtown was also dedicated to her memory.

Click here to view previous Hometown Heroes.

This Week in Sand Springs

Monday

• 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Tennis - Union Tournament
• 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - Bartlesville Tournament
• 5:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - Home game vs Deer Creek
• 7:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - Home game vs Deer Creek
• 7:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game at Owasso
• 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting
• 8:00 p.m. Sand Springs Municipal Authority Meeting

Tuesday

• CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - Regional Tournament at Westmoore
  • times TBA
• 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Tennis - Union Tournament
• 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf Regionals - Broken Arrow
• 7:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Home game vs Owasso

Thursday

• 4:00 p.m. Frontier Valley Conference Track Meet - Union
• 5:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game at Tulsa NOAH

Friday

• 4:00 p.m. CPHS Tennis - Rotert Night at Home
• 4:30 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Road game at Booker T. Washington