Animals up for adoption at Sand Springs Animal Shelter

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The following animals are available for adoption at the Sand Springs Animal Shelter as of 6.16.2017.

Photographs are courtesy of Renae Williams with Snapdragon Photography in Sand Springs. 

Adoption cost is $65 and covers spaying/neutering, vaccination, and a general health examination. 

Sand Springs Animal Welfare
8620 W. 21st St.
Sand Springs, OK 74063
918.246.2543
animalcontrol@sandspringsok.org
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday

Snapdragon Photography
Sand Springs, OK 74063
918.625.6853
renae@snapdragonphotography.net
www.snapdragonphotography.net
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Felix. 2-3 year old Pit/Catahoula mix. Male. 

MayBelle. Adult female. Labrador-mix.

Domino. Adult female. Pit mix. 

Lucky. Adult male. Rottweiler/Labrador mix. 

Diva. Adult female. Pit Bull Terrier. 

Deputy District Director Brian O'Hara launches campaign for Senate District 37

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Senator Dan Newberry has resigned his seat, effective January 31, 2018.

Brian O'Hara, Deputy District Director for Congressman Jim Bridenstine, has declared his intent to pursue the Senate District 37 seat that will soon be vacated by Senator Dan Newberry.

Newberry won reelection to a third term in November, but tendered his resignation earlier this month to pursue his private sector career. His resignation will not take effect until January 31, 2018. 

SEE RELATED: State Senator Dan Newberry resigns seat to pursue professional promotion

The filing period for the District 37 election will be June 26-28 with a primary election being held September 12, and the general election on November 14. In the event that a primary election is not necessary, the general election will be September 12. 

O'Hara was previously a City Councilman for the City of Jenks from 2011-2013 and the Senior Vice President of Omni Financial from 2010-2013. 

O'Hara graduated from Kempsville High School in Virginia, then achieved an Associates Degree from Montreat College and a Bachelor's in History from Belhaven College. Both of his degrees are from private Christian colleges. Montreat is located in North Carolina, and Belhaven is in Mississippi.

He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 34 years and has five children. Three of his kids graduated from Jenks Public School. He has been a host parent for exchange students from Denmark, Brazil, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. 

Some of his civic service includes serving on the Home Owner's Association boards for Elwood Park and Stonehorse, both located in Jenks. He has been an Elder at River Oaks Presbyterian Church and Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church, and was a Deacon at Madison Presbyterian Church. He graduated Leadership Broken Arrow, Leadership Bixby, Leadership Sand Springs, and Leadership Glenpool. Each is a four-month educational class on organizations, charities, and government entities within those communities.

He has served in various volunteer positions with the Salvation Army and Red Cross and is a member of the Bixby and Jenks Rotary Clubs. He has previously served as a Board Member for the Jenks Public Works Authority, the Oklahoma Aquarium Authority, the Madison County Cultural Center, and Turn Tulsa Pink.

O'Hara will be holding a Campaign Kickoff Event Monday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Los Cabos Mexican Grill in Jenks. Congressman Bridenstine is expected to attend the event.

Bridenstine sent out an endorsement email calling O'Hara "a friend, a conservative, and a man of integrity. I am confident he will serve his constituents with honor in the Oklahoma State Senate, and I am proud to endorse him." 

How to de-clutter your Facebook news feed and never miss an important post

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Are you social media savvy?

You may think so, and you may be wrong.

The internet is an ever-changing landscape. A nightmare for those who are not technologically inclined, a headache for those who feel obligated to keep plugged in with friends and family, and a rewarding frontier for a new generation of entrepreneurs and activists.

Never in the history of the world has it been so easy to stay informed. But just like you can't browse a library properly without knowing the Dewey Decimal System, you can't browse the web properly without learning its language. 

Did you know that even if you “like” a page on Facebook, you might never see it in your News Feed?

There was a time when everyone you added as a friend, and every page you liked, showed up in your news feed. The stories were arranged with the most recent posts at the top of your feed, and the further you scrolled, the older they got.

That was a simpler time.

Nowadays it’s a lot harder to see what you want to see, and avoid what you don’t want to see. 

The internet no longer simply conveys information, it also collects information.

Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, YouTube, and all the other sites that you participate in are all collecting information on you. Everything you click on, everything you type, everything you read or listen to, is all going into storage. They analyze it, figure out what your hobbies, interests, and favorite foods are, and they market their information accordingly. They know your age, your location, your gender, and more.

So when Harper’s Hut decides to “promote” a post about their car show, Facebook will target people who are most likely to attend a car show. If you like pages that relate to cars, if you’ve ever made a status update about cars, then it’s very likely that the Hut's post will appear on your news feed multiple times before the event.

But Facebook doesn't just target the car lovers. Remember when you tweeted “anything fun and free going on in Sand Springs this weekend?” Facebook remembers, and they’ve got the answer for you.

On one hand, this can be a great way to keep up with what really matters to you.

Sure you liked your uncle’s page about homemade bracelets, but do you really care to see them every day? No, you don’t like bracelets. They’re bulky and get in your way while you’re working at the computer all day. But you love necklaces, and thanks to Facebook’s Orwellian tactics, you now know all about the upcoming sale on Summer Ellis jewelry at Ashton’s Boutique. 

But there’s a flip side.

Too much of the same information creates an echo chamber. You shared a cat video, so Facebook knows you like cats, so they show you more cats, and the cycle continues. Because they only ever show you cat videos, they’re completely unaware that your favorite animal is the capybara, and you’re wondering why capybara videos never show up on your feed.

So how do you control your news feed?

The first and easiest step to controlling what you see, is to make sure you have “liked” and “followed” the pages you want to view.

Morgan Miller, a partner at Sandite Pride News, surprised the rest of our staff when she liked our Facebook page two years after she was already an administrator. She assumed that because it showed up on her feed all the time that she had already liked the page. The reason it showed up on her feed all the time was because of how many of her Facebook friends were liking and sharing our posts.

While Facebook can be very helpful, its primary purpose is to be profitable.

In order to push businesses to spend money promoting their posts, Facebook limits the likelihood of stories naturally occurring in your news feed. However, you can work around this.

Firstly, don’t be like Morgan. If you don’t want to miss a post from a certain page, make sure you actually have liked it.

Secondly, check your “following” settings. You can like your mom’s home daycare page so she stops nagging you, but you can also “Unfollow” it so you don’t have to see her daily updates on what snacks the kids are getting before nap time.

There are two “following” settings, and the “Default” setting is what I previously described to you. You may see some posts, you may see no posts. It depends on what your interests are, and on whether or not that page is willing to spend money with Facebook. But you can also change your setting to “See First,” so that all of that page’s posts end up in your feed.

Thirdly, you can subscribe to notifications from the pages you are interested in. There are numerous settings for what you want to get notified of. You can receive notifications for All Posts, Events, Offers, and Live Videos.

So make sure you never miss another post from Sandite Pride News! See our posts first or subscribe to updates to make sure you always know whats going on in our town.

Here's ten recent stories you may have missed if you didn't have your notifications turned on!

  1. Sandite Pride releases 2017 Sand Springs Wrestling magazine
  2. State Senator Dan Newberry resigns seat to pursue professional promotion
  3. City of Sand Springs announces firework permit sales from June 12 to July 4
  4. Most-Anticipated Summer Blockbusters of 2017
  5. Sand Springs musician Hannah Rose releases More Than Conquerors EP and music video
  6. Longtime Sandite Coach/Athletic Director Cecil Hankins to be inducted into OBCA Hall of Fame
  7. CPHS Basketball: Holly Kersgieter receives offer from Oklahoma State University
  8. Three Sand Springs fishing teams qualify for National Championship
  9. Sandite of the Week: Daton Fix qualifies for World Championship in Finland
  10. Sand Springs wrestlers compete at Dual Nationals, place 4th with Team Oklahoma

Governor Mary Fallin Calls Special Election for State Senate District 37 Seat

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma Senate District 37 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Senator Dan Newberry. His resignation will become effective January 31, 2018.

The filing period for the special election is June 26-28. The special primary election is set for September 12 and the special general election is scheduled for November 14.

In the event that a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be September 12.

Newberry, of Tulsa, announced his resignation earlier this month. Senate District 37 covers parts of Tulsa County, including Sand Springs, Jenks, and West and South Tulsa.

City of Sand Springs announces firework permit sales from June 12 to July 4

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Sand Springs, OK- The City of Sand Springs announced Tuesday that fireworks permits will go on sale for $20 each, beginning Monday, June 12th . Permits can be purchased in person or online this year.

Citizens who wish to purchase a permit in person may visit the Fire Administration office at City Hall during regular office hours from Monday, June 12th through Monday, July 3rd. City office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fire Administration will remain open for lunch hour purchases during the week of Monday, June 26th through Friday, June 30th.

“This will be the second year we are offering a convenient way for our citizens to buy permits,” said Sand Springs Fire Marshal Stan Smith. “Online permit sales will be available through noon on July 4th .”

Those purchasing a permit online can visit the City’s Web site to find the link for online sales. Online purchases begin Monday, June 12th through noon on July 4th.

“Online sales are open all hours and weekends, making it an easier option for many citizens that can’t stop by City Hall,” said Smith.

City fireworks permits must be purchased by an adult age 18 or older that serves as the responsible party for activities at an individual residence. Permits are non-transferrable. Residential streets can be used as a fireworks discharge area, provided residents do not hinder traffic and clean up any debris.

Permits will be valid for July 3rd and 4th between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and only applies to Class 1.4G Common Fireworks. The owner of the permit must supervise minors at all times during the discharge of fireworks. 

The pre-set court fine for illegally discharging of fireworks in the city limits is $154. However, a maximum fine of $500 plus court costs can be imposed for serious or repetitive violations. Fees collected from permits offset overtime costs by police and fire officials who patrol neighborhoods to assure fireworks are being discharged responsibly with a valid permit.

For further information about fireworks permits, call the Sand Springs Fire Administration Office at 918-246-2548.

State Senator Dan Newberry resigns seat to pursue professional promotion

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District 37 State Senator Dan Newberry, who represents Sand Springs, parts of South and West Tulsa, and Jenks, has resigned his seat effective January 31, 2018 to pursue a promotion in his professional field. The three-term Republican was previously the Vice President of Real-Estate Operations at TTCU: The Credit Union. The governor will set a special election date to fill his seat.

He and his wife, Laura, have four children: Claire, Paige, Eva and Alex. 

“This wasn’t an easy decision to make—however, Laura and I have made the difficult but necessary decision to focus on the needs of our family. While we are optimistic about this new chapter in our lives, we are equally excited for the State of Oklahoma,” Newberry said. “I am certain the people of District 37 will choose a wise leader to help steward this great state to a prosperous future. I will miss serving in the senate, but will work with my successor to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted representation for the district.”

“It has been a true honor to serve as the senator from District 37. I want to thank my wife, my children, family and friends for their unwavering support during my service in the Senate,” Newberry said. “Just as importantly, I want to thank the citizens of District 37 for placing your trust in me to represent you at the Capitol for nearly 10 years."

Newberry was first elected in 2008, overwhelmingly unseating incumbent Democrat Nancy Riley, who switched parties mid-term, with 63% of the vote. He won the Republican nomination again in 2012 with 67% of the vote and retained his seat without a general-election challenger. He mostly recently won a crowded reelection in 2016. He defeated a pair of challengers in the primaries, then won a three-way general election with 56% of the vote.

Newberry maintained popularity among conservative ranks throughout his political career with endorsements from high-profile Christian community leaders as well as small business owners and City Councilors in Jenks and Sand Springs. 

During the most recent legislative session he served on the Appropriations Committee, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance, the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, the Retirement and Insurance Committee, and he was Chairman of the Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee. 

“I can say without any hesitation that the men and women serving in the Oklahoma Senate – regardless of their party affiliation – are some of the most honorable and dedicated public servants who work each day to make Oklahoma an even better place. I will miss my Senate family, but will be praying and cheering them on as they continue to make Oklahoma the best place to work, live, and play.”

In 2015 he authored Senate Bill 788, also known as the Religious Leaders' Bill of Rights, which passed both houses and was signed into law. The bill asserts the right of clergy members to refuse to solemnize a marriage in violation of their religious beliefs or conscience. 

In 2014 Newberry sponsored House Bill 2505 which seeks to reduce waste in Oklahoma's unemployment system. He authored Senate Bills 1433 and 1431 to combat human trafficking. All three measures were signed into law.

In 2013 he authored an expansion to the Quality Events Incentive Act, a bill funding various anti-child abuse agencies, and a bill barring the use of foreign law in Oklahoma courts. 

In 2012 Newberry authored SB 1814, creating the Oklahoma Gold Star Medal of Honor, which honors military members born in Oklahoma who have lost their lives in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.

Newberry has received multiple awards from Americans United for Life and Oklahomans United for Life for authoring anti-abortion legislation. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau named him a member of the “100 Percent Club,” and the Oklahoma State Chamber honored him with the Guardian of Free Enterprise award for his work on economic development and growth of business in Oklahoma.

Former Democratic candidate Lloyd Snow, who received 40% of the vote in November, released a statement that he "will prayerfully consider" running again, but for now is enjoying his retirement.

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum
    • Tulsa Technology Center, Sand Springs campus.
  • 6:30 p.m. Parks Advisory Board Meeting
    • Click here to view the full agenda. 
  • 7:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting
    • Coin of Excellence will be presented to Shannon Chapman.
    • Sandite Spirit Award will be presented to Sylvia Fooshee. 
    • Garfield Elementary students will do a presentation of "Shark Tank".
    • Click here to view the full agenda for this meeting.  

Thursday

  • 10:30 a.m. Monty Harper performing at the Charles Page Library. 
    • Click here for the full event information. 
  • 2:00 p.m. Choogie Kingfisher at Charles Page Library.
    • Traditional Cherokee flute music, myths and legends. 
    • Click here for the full event information. 
  • 5:30 p.m. Airport Advisory Board Meeting
    • Click here to view the full agenda.

Friday

  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan performing at 5 West Outpost.
  • 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Class of 1967 - 50 Year Reunion
    • Click here for the full event information. 

Saturday 

  • 12:30 p.m. Charles Page High School Class of 1967 - 50 Year Reunion
    • Click here for the full event information 
  • 6:30 p.m. Halo Jordan performing at 5 West Outpost.

Harper's Hut demonstrates true corporate citizenship and culture of giving

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Jarrett Sabelo serves snow with a smile at the 2016 Harper's Hut Summer Kickoff. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

William Nozak wasn't born or raised a Sandite, and before 2014 he didn't have any ties to the Sand Springs area. A graduate of Victory Christian Center and Oral Roberts University, Nozak dabbled in a number of fields before ending up in shaved ice. To an outsider, there's no apparent reason why he wound up in Sand Springs.

With a Masters in Business Administration, Nozak taught at Tulsa Community College, Platt College, Career Point College, and Kaplan University before serving four years as the Director of Education at the American Institute of Medical Technology. He self-produced three albums, owned a disc golf store, and owned three Oxi Fresh franchises in Northern California.

So how does a singing professor with really clean carpet end up running a snow cone stand in Sand Springs? He cites the Holy Spirit as his influence.

Of course, as an experienced entrepreneur, he did his homework. "I had a war report on my wall of every snow cone stand in Tulsa. I didn't want to go to an area already being served," says Nozak. But despite having lease opportunities in growing cities like Owasso and Broken Arrow, where he was living at the time, he still found himself opening shop in Sand Springs just a mile and a half down the road from an established competitor with a decade of experience.

Within a month of opening, Harper's Hut Shaved Ice was voted the "Best in the World" by readers of the Tulsa World. Since then, his business has expanded to Mannford and Glenpool and he has opened successful coffee and marketing businesses as well.

Despite having two little ones to take care of, Nozak still finds plenty of time and resources to give back to the community that has supported his businesses these past three years.

Every year, the Hut hosts a Summer Kickoff, a Summer Block Party, and a Classic Car Show. All three are free and open to the public. Both the Summer Kickoff and the Block Party feature inflatable jump houses, obstacle courses, games, toys, prizes, face painting, food, and, of course, snow cones.

The Hut isn't just a snow cone stand to Sand Springs, it's a neighbor. It's a family member. It's everywhere. It can be found at Sandite football games, at Chillin & Grillin Festival, at Herbal Affair, in the River City Parks concession stand, in Terry's Classic Coneys.

You can have the Hut at your birthday, or have your birthday at the Hut. They cater weddings and other celebrations. They have ice chests full of flavored snow that you can order, they do snow ball fights for Church that Matters and other organizations, and they do free summer movie nights on their inflatable big screen. 

Most importantly, they've been a valuable contributor to the Sand Springs community these past three years and they have even bigger plans on the horizon for the town that they've adopted. Since opening their doors three years ago, the Hut has raised more than $25,000 for local charities, schools, and other organizations. 

Harper's Hut makes their values clear in their mission statement, "to improve our communities by providing affordable desserts, family-fun events, and by supporting non-profit organizations promoting family, and Christian values."

This Saturday is the 2017 Summer Kickoff, and once again Harper's Hut is putting their money where their mouth is. This year 100% of sales will be donated to James Mission, a Tulsa charity that benefits foster children, orphans, widows, and displaced families. As always, the event will be filled with free festivities like inflatables, games, face painting, music, and giveaways. 

Click here for more information on the Summer Kickoff!

Harper's Hut Summer Kickoff to honor lost Sand Springs foster kids

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The Harper's Hut Summer Kickoff is back for the third straight year and it promises to be as big as ever!

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice and Java opened in Sand Springs in 2014, and for the past three years they have kicked off the summer season with one of the biggest free parties around.

Every year there are inflatables, games, music, face-painters, and tons of great giveaways. Not only will Harper's be giving away "Sno Yo" cards for free snow cones, but they'll also be giving away "Cold Cards" for free shaved ice all summer long! This year there will also be a petting zoo and a classic cop car on scene for photos. 

Green Country Federal Credit Union, Battman Collision Repair, Master Lube & Car Wash, Sand Springs Autosource, and Integrity Pest Management are all contributing to the festivities. 

In the past the snow cones have been free during the Summer Kickoff. This year you'll have to pay for your snow, but it's going to a good cause. 100% of shaved ice sales will be donated to James Mission.

James Mission is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with locations in Tulsa and Nowata that helps provide care for orphans, widows, foster children, and displaced families. The Resource Center at James Mission provides clothing, shoes, toiletries, toys, and other household items. They have sizes ranging from preemie to 18 years old for boys and girls, summer and winter. 

In addition to the physical needs they meet, they also offer a place for biological parents to have supervised visits with their children in DHS custody and offer connections, resources, and training for long-term relief. On average, they provide for 60 children a week.

According to Oklahomafosters.org, more than 9,500 children in the State of Oklahoma are in DHS custody, and approximately 2,000 of those children are waiting to be adopted. 

In 2014 a Sand Springs police officer and his wife lost a two-year old girl they were fostering in an accidental drowning. This past year, a Glenpool officer who lives in Sand Springs and his wife also lost a child. Harper's reached out to those families to see how they could help and were put in contact with James Mission.

Harper's Hut aims to make as big of a contribution as possible to help James Mission care for these kids and wants to invite anyone and everyone to attend their party. The Summer Kickoff is being held in memory of Teagyn Rose and Corey, the two children who were lost. Harper's has previously named a snow cone after Teagyn, called the "Busy Rose."

This year's event will be held Saturday, June 3rd from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Harper's Hut is located at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard in Sand Springs, next to the Cinema 8.

City Council approves improvements to town infrastructure, discusses latest accomplishments

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The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. Outgoing Board of Adjustment Chairman Randy Beesley was presented with a Mayoral Proclamation, Marketing Manager Kasey St. John provided a presentation regarding the Sand Springs Marketing department, and numerous appointments were made to City Boards.

SEE RELATED: Board of Adjustment Chairman Randy Beesley receives Mayoral Proclamation

St. John expressed pleasure with the success of the City's goals for the past year. The City recently held the Second Annual Ancient 5K at Keystone Ancient Forest, participated in the Tulsa Home and Garden Show, and hosted the 28th Annual Herbal Affair and Festival with more than 20,000 attendees. A self-guided "Historic Tour" has been created on the City of Sand Springs website, and physical signage will be placed throughout the city by the end of the fiscal year. 

St. John set a goal to have a facebook following equal to 10% of the city's population by the end of the year--a feat which they easily surpassed with more than 3,500 followers at press time. A Sandite Pride News story shared on the City's facebook page is currently their most viewed post of all time. City officials have attended 18 major events this year to promote Sand Springs. The City is also working to redesign and relaunch the official website. A promotion website, SeeSandSprings.com, was launched this past year to help attract businesses and developers.

City Council unanimously approved $100,000 for use in installing a "Public Safety Hardened Room" in the Case Community Center. The funding for the project is part of a public safety sales tax that went into effect in January. 

Council unanimously approved $25,000 for use in rehabilitating the Shell Lake Dam, which is currently approaching the century mark in age.

Council unanimously approved $31,085.68 to continue partnering with the Metropolitan Environment Trust (M.e.t.) for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. The City has utilized M.e.t. services for more than thirty years. M.e.t. accepts fluorescent and CFL light bulbs, oil-based paints and paint thinner, flammable liquids, lawn chemicals, automotive fluids, cooking oil/grease, aerosols, household and car batteries, household cleaners, and pool chemicals at no additional charge to City residents.

Council unanimously approved a request from CHC Kirkwood LIHTC LP for a Resolution of Support for a tax credit to rehabilitate a 76-unit housing development located at 400 E. 6th Street. Kirkwood Senior Apartments are a Multifamily complex for elderly and handicapped residents, located next to Charles Page High School. The tax credit, if approved, will come from State funds and will not affect City finances directly. The complex hopes to invest $3 million in property and housing improvements.

Council unanimously approved the use of $93,767.31 in Vision funding to purchase and install ten LED colored lights beneath the USHWY 412 overpass to "bridge" the downtown community with the new River West development. 

Board Appointments:

  • Mike Burdge, Brian Jackson, and Patty Dixon were appointed to the Council Appointment Committee for a one-year term.
  • Mike Burdge, Jim Spoon, and Patty Dixon were appointed to the Council Finance and Development Committee for a one-year term.
  • Jim Spoon and Christine Hamner were appointed to the Council Legislative Committee for a one-year term.
  • Beau Wilson, Phil Nollan, and Christine Hamner were appointed to the Council Public Works Advisory Committee.
  • Mike Burdge was appointed to the INCOG Board of Directors for a one-year term with Elizabeth Gray as an alternate.
  • Mike Burdge was appointed to the INCOG General Assembly for a one-year term with Elizabeth Gray as an alternate.
  • Mike Burdge was appointed to the INCOG Legislative Consortium for a one-year term with Elizabeth Gray as an alternate.
  • Brian Jackson was appointed to the INCOG Tulsa Metropolitan Area Transportation Policy Committee for a one-year term with Derek Hamil (sp?) as an alternate.
  • Cathy Burdge and Richard "Rick" Barnett were appointed to the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board for a three-year term. 

In other news:

  • Sand Springs Fire Department Driver Ray Hall recently won the 2017 Mountain Bike National Championship. He competed in a 50-mile long course with major elevation changes and rough terrain.
  • The City of Sand Springs received their 27th consecutive Government Finance Officers' Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.
  • According to Finance Director Kelly Lamberson, the City is "doing well with our spending, remaining below projections by 16.1 percent."
  • Sand Springs Police Sargent Jason McGinnis was named the Rotary Officer of the Year. McGinnis is a U.S. Navy vet, who was in charge of 50 caliber machine guns. According to Police Chief Mike Carter, he is a driving force behind Special Olympics funding and the Sand Springs leg of the torch run.
  • Rumble strips were recently installed on 41st Street between Prattville and Berryhill at a cost of $18,000. 
  • Captain Jeremy Wade was named the Rotary Firefighter of the Year. According to Fire Chief Mike Wood, "(Wade) is a phenomenal employee, always goes above and beyond." He has been with the SSFD for nearly sixteen years.
  • The Fire Department recently hired Sand Springs local Zachary Mosley. "(Mosley) is going to be a great rookie for us. He hit the ground running this morning and we're glad to have him," said Wood.
  • Sand Springs recently received an improved Insurance Service Office Class Two rating that places the department in the top 1% of Oklahoma communities and in the top 2.8% in the nation.

Board of Adjustment Chairman Randy Beesley receives Mayoral Proclamation

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Board of Adjustment Chairman Randy Beesley (Left) is presented a proclamation from Mayor Mike Burdge (Right).

Outgoing Sand Springs Board of Adjustment Chairman Randy Beesley was recognized with a Mayoral Proclamation at Monday night's City Council Meeting.

Beesley was first appointed to the Board of Adjustment in September of 2005 and has chaired the board since November of 2010.

Board members serve in a volunteer capacity and are unable to receive compensation. They meet on the third Monday of each month and review requests for variances and special exceptions to zoning code.

According to the proclamation, "Beesley has served as a Board of Adjustment Member in a dignified manner demonstrating and reflecting the high character and moral integrity needed to perform the duties of the position to ensure that strict impartiality was maintained to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Sand Springs."

Mayor Mike Burdge added that "The Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission are the two hardest boards to serve on, even harder than City Council."

Gov. Fallin signs legislation allowing military personnel to carry without license

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Fallin recently signed legislation to allow certain military members to carry a handgun without a handgun license. Senator Kim David is the author of Senate Bill 35 and says military members’ extensive training with weapons makes the requirement of having a gun license unnecessary. 

"Our military men and women are highly trained in combat and how to use weapons. Requiring them to get a license to carry a handgun is redundant and an expense our Oklahoma heroes shouldn’t have to worry about,” said David, R-Porter. “I want to thank my colleagues and Gov. Fallin for supporting this important measure and respecting the training and knowledge of these brave men and women.”

SB 35 modifies the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act by allowing active military members and those who are in the Reserves or National Guard who are 21 years of age or older to be able to present a valid military identification card in place of a handgun license. Individuals must also have in their possession a valid Oklahoma driver license or an Oklahoma state photo ID card at all times when carrying an authorized pistol. 

The new bill goes into effect November 1, 2017. 

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 35 passed the House of Representatives by unanimous 85-0 vote and the Senate by unanimous 46-0 vote. Representative Jadine Nollan and Senator Dan Newberry, whose districts include Sand Springs, both voted in favor of the measure.

Ashton's Boutique launches new website for online shopping in Sand Springs

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Ashton's Boutique has been open for business for three years, and the quaint Prattville shop owns the market on that side of town as the only store in Sand Springs carrying certain high-end products.

From Vera Bradley and Rustic Cuff to Dear John Denim, Z-Supply, and Bridgewater Candles--Ashton's Boutique offers a number of zip code-protected market favorites that can only be found at the local family-owned business.

Ashton's is located at 3401 S. 113th W. Ave across from Domino's Pizza, next door to Serendipity Salon and Spa. It is perfectly located for a girls' day out as customers can relax at the spa then satisfy any shopping needs right next door.

However, they're also taking into account the number of locals who prefer to dodge the register and build their wardrobe online. Ashton's partnered with Nozak Consulting to build out a user-friendly online store. 

Mother-daughter duo Ashton and Teresa started the business so that Ashton would have more time to spend with her kids, but that doesn't mean they give any less than 100% to providing the best Sand Springs shopping experience possible. The family-friendly business is the perfect place to find wedding gifts, home decor, baby shower gifts, and more.

Ashton and Teresa visit marketing sessions in Dallas several times a year to make sure they're up to date on all the newest fashions and trends, as well as to make sure they're bringing home the best products at the lowest prices.

Not only do they make sure they're bringing America's best to Sand Springs, but they're also supporting fellow local businesses in the process. The Vintage Pearl and Rustic Cuff jewelry are handcrafted right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Not local, but still Made in America are Bridgewater candles. The South Carolina-based company donates enough money to Rice Bowls to feed a child three meals a day. Rice Bowls, a South Caroline nonprofit, supports 56 orphanages in 8 different countries.

Summer Ellis jewelry is another quality Made in America product carried at Ashton's. Summer Ellis produces dainty but eloquent designs in sterling silver and 14k gold with all real stones. You can often see Summer Ellis worn by Johanna Kerns of HGTV's Fixer Upper. 

Looking for quality footwear? Glitterflops are hand-embellished in Whitesboro, Texas with Swarovski Elements and are made from the finest leathers and Memory Foam rubber. All shoes come with a six-month warranty, so if you lose any stones or have a blowout, you can send your shoes to Texas and get them back as good as new!

These are just a few of the great American products available at one of Sand Springs's finest boutiques! All of Ashton's inventory is viewable online and many products can be ordered online as well.

Next time you're in the Sand Springs area, you have to visit this Grade-A establishment!

Donate blood with OBI this summer for free admission to Safari Joe's H2O water park

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Don’t Roam, Give Close to Home: Keep it Local by Giving Blood with Oklahoma Blood Institute May 17 – August 31.

Oklahoma Blood Institute is urging blood donors to “Keep It Local” by giving blood close to home. Oklahoma Blood Institute is proud to partner with Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park, featuring Reptile Rush Slides & Rapids Water Roller Coaster as well as reptile and animal attractions.

Between May 17 and August 31, each donor who gives blood at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donor center and mobile drives will receive a voucher for two to Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park in Tulsa.* 

Donors will also receive a free “Keep It Local” t-shirt featuring a unique design of Oklahoma’s state animal, the bison. Healthy adults, age 16 and older, can give blood.**

“There is no substitute for blood for patients who need life-sustaining treatments,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “Donors who give in Oklahoma can be sure that their blood donations will save the lives of their own neighbors, friends or family members.”

Sand Springs musician Morgan Ganem has residency at Safari Joe's this summer and will be performing more than 30 dates this season. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

As the region’s leading blood provider, Oklahoma Blood Institute relies solely on volunteer blood donors to meet the needs of patients at more than 160 hospitals and medical facilities statewide. Those with negative blood types are especially urged to give. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, funds will be donated to Global Blood Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping secure supplies and bloodmobiles for blood centers in developing countries.

Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by visiting obi.org or calling (877) 340-8777.

*Vouchers good for two free water park admissions. Vouchers are valid until end of 2017 swim season. Must provide photo I.D. and proof of blood donation on voucher to redeem.

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

CPHS junior model Rianne Ross walks in Flaunt Fashion Show

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Left to right: Jaclyn Swanson, Morgan Miller, and Brooke Anthony prepare Rianne Ross before the show.

Charles Page High School junior Rianne Ross walked in the Flaunt Fashion Show Saturday night at the She Theater and Lounge in downtown Tulsa. The Flaunt Fashion show was put on by the Future Professionals (students) of Paul Mitchell the School Tulsa as a fundraiser for ten different charities that they support. The Tulsa school has raised more than $25,000 in the past few months for various charitable organizations.

Ross got into modeling in March of 2016 when her friend put on an Anti-Bullying fundraiser fashion show. She knew a bit about modeling because of her participation in beauty pageants and an acting role that required her to do a bit of modeling. When she took on that acting role, she realized that she loved modeling. She has been competing in pageants and acting since she was 10 years old. 

When asked if she was planning to make a career of modeling, Ross responded, "I joke that modeling is making a career out of me, because before I even realized what was happening I was getting more and more jobs and I don't regret a single day of it." The Flaunt Fashion Show was the fifth show for the freelance model. She also mentioned that, "The Flaunt Fashion Show was amazing, it was my first fashion show that was wild hair and makeup and I loved it and would do it again."

Sand Springs musician Hannah Rose releases More Than Conquerors EP and music video

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More Than Conquerors has been on Hannah Rose's heart since she was just fifteen years old, and it finally hit the airwaves Tuesday morning. The debut EP from the young Sand Springs singer is available now on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.

"When I was fifteen years old, I rededicated my life to Jesus," said Rose. "When I was first reading the Bible I came across this passage in Romans titled More than Conquerors...it was like a foundation for me, for my music career. "

Rose sings in the Word of Life church worship band on Sunday mornings, the Forward Youth Ministries worship band on Wednesday nights, and has been working her way around the Tulsa coffee shop scene for the past year. She graduated from Charles Page High School in 2013.

She released her first single, "Another Day Closer" in 2015 and followed it up with "Worth More than Gold" last March. More Than Conquerors is her first full EP and features six songs, including "Nothing Can Separate," which she spent the last several months recording a music video for.

More Than Conquerors was recorded at The Closet Studios in Bixby by producer Kendal Osborne, who has also worked with Sand Springs bands The Fairweather, AfterMidnight, The Moon & Antarctica, and The Darin Shipley Band. 

Sand Springs photographer and classmate Holly Felts created the album artwork.

Capital Lights guitarist Brett Admire, who owns a photography/video company, did the production behind the "Nothing Can Separate" video, which will debut Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. 

Rose worked with Capital Lights vocalist Bryson Phillips and Run Kid Run guitarist Neil Endicott to workshop the vocals and lyrics, most of which were written in October of last year. "I was going through a lot of changes and I kept going back to that verse. I had to write a song about that."

The "Nothing Can Separate" video incorporates the More Than Conquerors theme of being able to get through anything by placing faith in God. "That's the kind of message I want people to know. They can conquer anything. Jesus's love is so powerful that nothing they're going through can separate them from it."

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Our Lord." Romans 8:37-39.

Related links:

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission Meeting
    • Public Hearing to be held regarding request by Kirkwood Senior Apartments for tax credit to be used in rehabilitation of housing complex.
    • Commission will consider recommendation to City Council a request by Dollar General to annex the 525 S. 209th W. Ave. location into City limits.
    • Click here for full agenda
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment Meeting

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

  • 7:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. 2017 Special Olympics Summer Games in Stillwater
  • 7:00 p.m. Pop with a Cop at Charles Page High School cafeteria.
    • Meet the officers of the Sand Springs Police Department, hang out, enjoy free soda, and learn about our department and how they operate.

Friday

Sand Springs graduates 392 in Class of 2017

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Charles Page High School and Page Academy graduated a combined 392 seniors Saturday evening at the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center, pending a final check of grades and credits, as Principal Stan Trout always reminds them.

Though their actual diplomas will be picked up this summer at the high school, the empty frame they are presented at the Mabee Center each year is the ceremonial pay dirt they've been working toward for their entire lives. 

Trout has been with them on this journey for as long as most of them can remember, in his tenth year as the school principal. It has been forty years since he walked across that stage, and he has seen many great Sandites follow in his footsteps. But he made sure to note that "never in the life of our school has there been a senior class that has distinguished itself more or shined a more positive light on its community."

"This is an unusually talented class, and here is some statistical evidence to back that up," said Trout. 83 seniors are members of the National Honor Society. 67 attained Honor Graduate status by maintaining a 4.0 GPA. 23 were Oklahoma Academic Scholars, meaning they maintained a 3.7 unweighted GPA and scored a 27 or higher on the ACT.

Charles Page doesn't recognize a single Valedictorian, but if they did it might be National Merit Commended Scholars Josh Taber or Elijah Warren. Or maybe Oklahoma All-State Scholar Brock Smith, who was among the top 100 high school seniors in all of Oklahoma. 

The Class of 2017 saw a number of remarkable achievements. The Sandites won their first State wrestling Championship since 1971 and their first Dual State title in school history. They made the State Semifinals in football and girls' basketball, the latter of which won a Frontier Valley Conference Championship. The band won the first Winter Percussion State Championship in school history. Daton Fix, Beau Bratcher, and Jack Karstetter won wrestling State titles. Fix went undefeated in high school with four titles. Delvin Jordan, Jr. was a wrestling State Runner-Up. Cheyenne Walden won four Cross Country State titles and five track State titles. 

Honor Graduates Chase Burris and Katie McInnis gave brief speeches.

"At the end of the day, all that matters is what makes you happy," said Burris. "Not what makes your parents happy, not what makes your friends happy, not what makes your girlfriend or boyfriend happy." He concluded his speech by quoting Chance the Rapper. "Don't forget the happy thoughts. All you need are happy thoughts."

Former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist Kendra Roulet gave the farewell address for the faculty, and it was a special class for her. This was the last class she taught and the first class she counseled. "Don't settle for anything less than extraordinary," she told them. "Follow your passion, find your place."

Superintendent Sherry Durkee gave her first graduation address since succeeding Lloyd Snow last year.

Board of Education President Rusty Gunn's speech paralleled Roulet's. "Find what is is that you're on the planet for, and don't stop short of fulfilling your purpose."

Principal Trout continued his tradition of presenting a jar of sand and water to the graduating class, collected from the sandy springs from which the town draws its name. "Take a little bit of Sand Springs with you into everything you do in life, and you will never fail."

Following the presentation of "diplomas," Oklahoma Medal for Excellence recipient Frank Cooper gave his notorious reading of Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, filled with personal anecdotes about CPHS students. 

The CPHS band, Stage Choir, and Senior Quartet all gave performances and Class President Katilynn Godown led her classmates in the turning of the tassles and the throwing of the caps.

Though they still have eleven days left before their high school days officially come to an end, Saturday night symbolically marked the ending of an era for 392 young adults who will now take their first steps into a new world. 

Honor Graduates

Dawson Randall Clarke Allen
Anna Marie Andrews
Christian Joseph Barnard
Madilyn Grace Barron
Shayla Brooke Blair
Carley Elizabeth Boyd
Alexis Victoria Branson
Beau Andrew Bratcher
Christel Denise Burgoon
Chase Aaron Burris
Nia Marae Byrd
Dustin Beau Cagle
Katherine Dayne Campfield
Michael Lloyd Carper
Zachary Ryan Carter
Taylor Rene Cartwright
Kalie Paden Chatham
Tyler Rain Cutnose
James Trey Lawrence Dacus
Alexis Jordan Davis
Megan Marie Deshazo
Makenzie Shae Dewitt
Brooklyn Paige Evans
Daton Duain Fix
Kaitlynn M Godown
Colson Robert Guinn
Cody Alan Gurley
Leah Nicole Hancock
Keartlin Marie Hilligoss
Dharma Loren Hopkins
Gabriel Taylor Jeffus
Nathaniel Logan Jeffus
Madison Emily Keiper
Madison Leigh Kinard

Jasmine Rain Longoria
Makenzie Grace Massey
Madline Diane McFarland
Katheryn Riley McInnis
Connor Lynn McKeaigg
Reid Eugene Meadows
Dakota Gage Mitchell
Dalton Hunter Morgan
Cassandra Lee Owens
Sydney Jae Pennington
Ashton McGregor Persons
Hope Elizabeth Pollard
Marc Sidney Reeves
Daniel Lee Ropp
Shelby Starr Rotramel
Konner Gordon Rugg
Allison Taylor Sellers
Joelie Shaye Simmons
Brock Raymond Smith
Clayton Mickeul Smith
Michael Owen Som de Cerff
Jacob Alexander Steel
Rebekah Ann Sutterfield
Joshua Chance Taber
Elizabeth Kaylan Tate
Gracen Aileen Taylor
Mackenzie Ryan Thompson
Brooklyn Nicole Turner
Shiloh Nicole Wallace
Colton Lane Washington
Brendan Michael Williams
Hunter Edwin Willis
Nikolay Pavlovich Yakovlev

Oklahoma Academic Scholars

Christian Barnard
Madilyn Barron
Shayla Blair
Carley Boyd
Beau Bratcher
Nia Byrd
Dustin Cagle
Evan Clary

Alina Gavrilov
Kaitlyn Godown
Kearstin Hilligoss
Madison Keper
Madison Kinard
Katheryn McInnis
Reid Meadows
Eric Newman

Joelie Simmons
Brock Smith
Jacob Steel
Joshua Taber
Elizabeth Tate
Shiloh Wallace
Hunter Willis

National Honor Society

Dawson Allen
Anna Andrews
Kasey Bales
Madilyn Barron
Rachel Blair
Shayla Blair
Carley Boyd
Alexis Branson
Beau Bratcher
Jasmine Brown
Christel Burgoon
Chase Burris
Nia Byrd
Dustin Cagle
Dayne Campfield
Zachary Carter
Taylor Cartwright
Paden Catham
James Dacus
Alexis Davis
Shawn Dean
Megan Deshazo
Makenzie Dewitt
Brooklyn Evans
Kristian Fairchild
Daton Fix
Melina Flores
Alina Gavrilov
 

Katie Godown
Carlos Gomez-Valero
Amari Grant
Colson Guinn
Cody Gurley
Leah Hancock
Kearstlin Hilligoss
Dharma Hopkins
John Houston
Gabriel Jeffus
Logan Jeffus
Alexis Keeling
Madison Keiper
Madison Kinard
Julia Lewis
Jasmine Longoria
Makenzie Massey
Madeline McFarland
Ketheryn McInnis
Reid Meadows
Dakota Mitchell
Dalton Morgan
Baylee Mudd
Shannon O'Meilia
Sydney Pennington
Ashton Persons
Hope Pollard
Samantha Ramirez
 

Marc Reeves
Daniel Ropp
Shelby Rotramel
Allison Sellers
Joelie Simmons
Blake Simpson
Brock Smith
Clayton Smith
Savannah Snyder
Michael Som de Cerff
Rebekah Sutterfield
James Taber
Joshua Taber
Elizabeth Tate
Gracen Taylor
Jake Terry
Mack Thompson
Brooklyn Turner
Shiloh Wallace
Cassie Ward
Colton Washington
Faith Wecker
Sybil West
Brendan Williams
Hunter Willis
Spencer Wright
Nikolay Yakovlev

CPHS Class of 2017 Graduates

Lincoln Burnell Adams
Madelin Renee Adams
Kimberly Ruth Aguilar Henriques
Austin Cole Salexander
Dawson Randal Clarke Allen
Sabra Kay Almayahi
Mariela Alvarez
Jarod Ryan Anderson
Anna Marie Andrews
Braden Michael Ashlock
Ryker Cole Ashlock
Deidra Vee Asmus
Camilla Mae Austin
Joshua Elijah Lee Avery
Cameron Mirza Baig
Ian Andrew Baker
Connor Erik Baldridge
Kasey Alex Bales
Joe David Banther
Sarah Mae Barlow
Christian Joseph Barnard
Isaac James Barretto
Isabella Jacqueline Barretto
Madilyn Grace Barron
Zane Bourhan Basma
Caitlin Anna Beard
Mikeale Ostis Becraft
Trey Austin Belding
Jeremy Alexander Benninghoven
Malany Jo Benton
Aaron Michael Bertrand
Jacob Dwayne Bettis
Blayne Averie Bittencourt
Christopher Jacob Blackwell
Rachel Amariah Blair
Shayl Brooke Blair
Megan Renay Bledsoe
Emily Dorothy Blimm
Bailey Nicole Boaz
Chauncy Tyrek Bogans
Carley Elizabeth Boyd
Kinsey Rayshell Braden
Michael Edward Bramlett
Alexis Victoria Branson
Aubrey Kaitlyn Brashier
Beau Andrew Bratcher
Kelli Rochelle Bridges
Cameron Wayne Britton
Jasmine Rene Brown
Caitlin Joy Bruce
Mason Andrew Bruton
Christel Denise Burgoon
Michael Daniel Burns
Chasearon Burris
Matthew David Burton
Makenzie Lea Butler
Nia Marae Byrd
Lauren Elizabeth Cady
Dustin Beau Cagle
Baylee Noelle Campbell
Collin Christopher Cambell
Katherine Dayne Campfield
Kameron Seth Carpenter
Michael Lloyd Carper
Timothy David Carroll
Emily Danielle Carter
Zachary Ryan Carter
Taylor Rene Cartwright
Brian Wayne Catlett
Marissa Lachon Catlett
Kalie Paden Chatham
Evan Williams Reles Clary
Deanna Lee Cody
Haley Lauren Coffey
Alexander Bryce Collins
Cydney Jaymes Collins
Jacob Alexander Collins
Jessica McKenzie Collins
Ericka Dawn Colson
Megan Savella Jo Conley
Luis Antonio Contreras
Jacob Lee Cooper-Garbey
Joshua Andrew Cordell
Erin Bayley Cox
Sidnee Rachelle Crase-Owens
Erendira Betsabe Cuevas Gomez
Tyler Rain Cutnose
James Trey Lawrence Davus, III
Treyce Bradley Dahlem
Kenneth Lee William Daniel
Alexis Jordan Davis
Austin Daniel DAvis
Derek Martin Davis
Jordan Katharine Davis
Megan Sue Davis
Mikala Brianna Davis
Shawn Linley Dean
Eston David DeLozier
Richard Tyler Delozier
Megan Marie Deshazo
Makenzie Shae Dewitt
Cody Dean Dillion
Jessicca Darlene Dover
Tyler Ray Dressler
Paige Nichole Duvall
Jasmine Raine Eastman
Joshua Colton Eddington
Amanda Jean Ellis
Brooklyn Paige Evans
Anthony Dylan Fairchild
Kristian Taylor Fairchild
Angela Grace Firey
Austin Tyler Fisher
Daton Duain Fix
Melina Joseline Flores
Dante Chase Foote
Allison Rose Ford
Simona Elizabeth Forsyth
Ashley Nicole Foster
Michaela Brooke Fox
Brett Ray Freeman
Robert Wayne Freeman
Shyanne Marie Fullerton
Gavin Joseph Garcia
Ignacio Garcia
Alina Vasilisa Gavrilov
Kayla Nicole Genn
Kaitlynn Michelle Godown
Carlos Mateo Gomez-Valero
Alexis Paige Goodman
Nicole Dawn Goodman
Amari Rashon Grant
Joshua Dean Gray
Cody D'Alan Grayson
Hunter Alexander Greathouse
Anthony Michael Green
Caleb Lynn Gregory
Tyler Lane Grewe
Anna Marie Griffith
Graci Renee Guard
Colson Robert Guinn
Cody Alan Gurley
Austin Alan Gaegely
Jason Floyd Hall
Nathan James Hall
Sarah Kaylyn Hall
Alec Dwayne Haller
Leah Nicole Hancock
Tiffany Marie Handley
Patrick William Hardesty
Vernon Eugene Harris, IV
Danielle Allysa Hays
Kaitlynn Nicole Henson
Alejandro Jose Hernandez
Mary Elizabeth Higgins
Kearstin Marie Hilligoss
Clayton Dean Hillsberry
Katelyn Nicole Hinkle
Michala Colleen Hinton
Megan Michelle Holloway
Taylor Erin Holloway
Dharma Loren Hopkins
Megan Christine Hopson
Shane Brian Horn
John Thomas Houston
Ashlee Paige Howard
Samuel Ryan Huff
Noel Brigitte Hughes
Jesse Keith James
Jaden Joel Jarret
Seth Taylor Jason
Gabriel Taylor Jeffus
Nathaniel Logan Jeffus
Bailey Lynn Jetton
Johnathan Luis Jiminez
Maxwell Cannon Johnson
Ally McKenzie Joiner
Daniel Gregory Jones
Nicholas Logan Jones
Nolan Ray Jones
Delvin Jerome Jordan, Jr.
Ashanti Iman Jordon
Manuel Alejandro Julio-Gomez
Jack Cole Karstetter
Alexis Jordan Keeling
Kyle Alan Keener
Madison Emily Keiper
Kohlton Neal Keller
Terrell Donta Kendricks
Madison Leigh Kinard
Kody Lane Krehbiel
Cassidy Leigh Ann Kupiec
Zackary Tyler Kupiec
Jacob Andrew Lamb
Robert Charles Larkin, Jr.
Aurora Bluejacket Lee
 

Alley Nichole Legrand
Rose Lee Leslie
Julia Ann Lewis
Karsen Taylor Lewis
Jasmine Rain Longoria
Eugenio Davila Lopez, Jr.
Kandi Branee Lovins
William Baily Makaula
Dalton Parker Manor
Zora Renee Marriott
Mike Martinez
Makenzie Grace Massey
Wyatt Jac Mathena
Cody Andrew Mathis
Jacob Christian Mauck
Shaina Grace Mayhue
Sydney Virginia Mayhugh
Elisha Nathanael McBride
Austin Eugene McCaskey
Tatum Marie McEntire
Madeline Diane McFarland
Kierra Desiree McGee
Tristan Allen McGinnis
Katheryn Riley McInnis
Zoe Renee McIntosh
Connor Lynn McKeaigg
William Jared McNally
Reid Eugene Meadows
Cody Lane Mendenhall
Destany Cheyanne Mendenhall
Taylor Sky Mendenhall
Caleb Bryce Merriman
Shelton Steven Metcalfe
Arial Marie Mickish
Amista Marie Miller
Dakota Gage Mitchell
Elissa Page Mitchem
Houston Scott Moore
Michaela Maye Morehead
Dalton Hunter Morgan
Cody Richard Motes
Ezra Paul Mowery
Baylee Jo Mudd
Audrina Adele Myers
Victoria Paulette Napier
Ausitn Roger Garrett Newman
Eric Andrew Newman
Samantha Corine Newman
Annah Marie Nichols
Logan James Nicklas
Jackson Alastair Scott Noble
Katessa Elise Noble
Makenna Rashea Norris
Derek Odysseus
Shannon Mae O'Meilia
Maileah Marina Ontiveros
Erin Taylor Orf
Cassandra Lee Owens
Dillon Dakota Owens
Brian Keith Palmer
Tanner Evan Pardue
Isaac Adan Pelayo
Sydney Jae PEnnington
Ashton McGregor Persons
Ryan James Phyllips
Larami D'Nae Pickle
Perry Wayne Pittman
Jordan Micahel Pizzimenti
Justin Plummer
Kayleigh Ann Polasek
Hope Elizabeth Pollard
Sheridan Mae Pool
Jennifer Lee Powell
Jaden Q. Puckett
Grace Emmalouise Rainey
Rosa Isela Ramirez
Samantha Nicole Ramirez
Bryanna Rose Ramsey
Mark Signey Reeves
Michael Williams Ritchey
Brandon Charles Roberson
Zachary Ryan Roberson
Taylor Morgan Roberts
Kyleigh Jean Brooke Robertson
Kristin Marie Rogers
Daniel Lee Ropp
Logan Tate Rotramel
Shelby Starr Rotramel
Konner Gordon Rugg
Jake Christian Ryals
Mary Mackenzie Sanders
Benjamin Michael Scantling
Pablo James Schinnerer
Kyler Jaymez Schnieder
Allison Taylor Sellers
Chance Ray Shadwick
Cody Austin Shafer
Christopher Richard Shain
Invyi Unique Shaw
Jacob Benjamin Sheppard
Joelie Shaye Simmons
Nathan Armstrong Simonton
Blake Neil Simpson
Zachary David Sims
Clay Ashton Skelly
Brooklyn Grace Slabby
Griffin Michael Slane
Kyler Michael Smidt
Alexandra Nicole Smith
Amanda Kay Smith
Brock Raymond Smith
Clayton Mickeul Smith
Jusin Dean Smith
Kearra Marie Smith
Nathan Michael Smith
Shelbie Deann Smith
Savannah Joyce Snyder
Edgar Adrian Soberano
Michael Owen Som de Cerff
Samantha Jo Sorrels
Garrett Ryan Spence
Alec Mitchell Spencer
Emilee Ann Spencer
Anthony James Spliedt
Skyler Christopher Staab
Jacob Alexander Steel
Keri Leann Steelman
Joshua Kalen Stevens
Charles Riley Stewart
Hunter Rae Stewart
Joshua Dylan Stowell
Tyler David Strong
Rebekah Ann Sutterfield
James Sebastian Taber
Joshua Chance Taber
Richard Maxwell Tankersley
Makayla Marie Tapia
Elizabeth Kaylan Tate
Gracen Aileen Taylor
Michael Jacob Terry
Brendan Edgar
Sarah Jo Thomas
Mackenzie Ryan Thompson
Nicholas Benjamin Thompson
Marissa Elaine Thornburg
Tylor Reed Tiblow
Aaron Treyce Tolbert
Joshua Robin Towery
Jay William Tribble
Vanessa Michelle Tucker
Brooklyn Nicole Turner
Zakkary Hunter Turnham
Cammy Jo Tyer
Henry Thomas Vindiver
Luis Antonio Villafuerte
Jonathan Emmanuel Vital
Kevin Ray Vreeland
Cheyenne Nicole Walden
Devon Michael Walker
Race Lenndon Walker
Shiloh Nicole Wallace
Cassie Gwynn Ward
Nicholas Colton Ward
Tanner Reid Ward
Darian Lavell Warren
Elijah Cale Warren
Caleb Amir Wash
Colton Lane Washington
John Anthony Waters
Sierra Dawn WAters
Faith Leeann Wecker
C-Jay Michelle Weiesnbach
Bradley Michael West
Erin Nicole West
Sybil Maria West
Jeffrey Daniel Whinery
Jordon Wayne Whittington
Ryan David Whittington
Ian Gregory Wiggs
Tristen Jonathan Wiley
Raven Ranger Wilkens
Andrew Henry Willhite
Brendan Michael Williams
Cole Mason Williams
Hunter Glen Williams
Trevor Davis Williams
Hunter Edwin Willis
Noah Wylie Wilson
Quintin Max Wimer
Kaylee Grace Wolbert
Phillip Julian Womack
Adam Houston Wood
Kaileeann Marie Worthington
Spencer Allen Wright
Nikolay Pavlovich Yakovlev
Kyndal Marie Zicker
 

Sand Springs musician Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise

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Sand Springs musician Morgan Ganem released his debut solo album Friday, May 12th. 

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Morgan Ganem was born and raised in the music industry as the son of I.J. Ganem, a member of the Rogues Five. The Sand Springs band saw success in the 1960's, charting regionally and opening for bands like Jim Morrison and the Doors at the Tulsa Convention Center. Fifty years later it's Morgan's turn, and he is seeing major successes of his own.

The Charles Page High School graduate just released the "Only for the Night" music video, the second single from his new album. Paradise dropped Friday, May 12th.

Paradise is Morgan's first full-length album as a solo artist, and third album all-together. Previously he was the lead vocalist for Sownds, which released albums in 2010 and 2012. He released the Breakthrough EP in 2013 and the Somewhere in Time EP in 2015. 

Morgan and I.J. co-founded GX2 Records, through which Morgan not only records his own music, but co-writes and records topline vocals for producers and musicians across the globe.

"It's grown pretty vastly in the past few years," said Morgan. "I initially started GX2 to put out my own music. Since that point, about the time that Sownds dissolved, I've had pretty incredible releases. We've signed people in Barcelona, a guy in Mexico, a guy in Malaysia, a lot of cool things are happening at this point."

He also plays in his father's band, the I.J. Ganem Band, and fills in with the Rogues Five when the drummer isn't available. 

"It's a full time gig for me. I'm really fortunate to be able to do music my entire life thus far. At this point I've learned how to do so many different things that my plate stays pretty full."

Morgan Ganem performs at the album release party for "Welcome to the Show," the debut album from Sownds. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

Morgan recently began a radio show, live-streaming Morgan Ganem on the Air through his official facebook page. The hour-long special includes original music, remixes, and yesterday featured a preview of Paradise. More than a thousand viewers tune in for each podcast.

"(My influences) are pretty broad. It ranges from the Beatles and Phil Collins to Hardwell and Steve Aioki. I had been doing rock music when I was a kid, now I've kind of transitioned to EDM. Now what I'm doing is a nice mixture of a little bit of both. The lyrics and stuff now have a little more substance the music has more of a rock edge, but it's not really guitars anymore, it's big distorted synthesizers. I definitely still take influence from the classic. I even put a little ode to The Beatles in my song 'Forever Young,' which is the first track on my new album."

"'Only for the Night' was written for someone else originally, but they didn't use the top line, but I really like what I had done with that and wrote my own music around it. It turned out to be a whole new animal. It's fun to collaborate with other people, but if it doesn't work out I can still use whatever I wrote for them as my own music."

Click here to find Paradise on iTunes, amazon, Spotify, Google play, and more. 

"The next thing is just to go out and perform this new music...I've been working on this for some time. I'm also working on some new music. I just finished a new vocal for a guy in Malaysia...I'm just constantly writing music, it never really ends."

Morgan won't need to tour to promote his new music, he already has a summer residency booked with Safari Joe's H20 water park in Tulsa. He will perform more than thirty concerts this summer at the former Big Splash location, which also features a petting zoo and a bar. The first concert will be June 1st for adult night. On Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00, patrons must be 21 years or older to enter. There is also a teen night from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 on Tuesdays. 

On June 3rd, he will be doing a big outdoor concert at the River West Festival Park as a fundraiser for the Bridges Foundation in Tulsa. Registration for the Dirty Dog 5K/Fun Run & Concert will end at 5:30 p.m. The Fun Run will start at 6:00, followed by the 5K at 6:30 and the concert at 7:30. The Bridges Foundation is a United Way affiliate that provides vocational training, employment opportunities, education, living skills, and community resources for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

As far as young and upstart musicians go, Morgan has some simple advice. "Do you. Don't try to sound like anybody specifically, but take influence carefully from artists that you trust. Learn how to do a lot of stuff. Learn how to do it all. There will be a point when no one seems to care, no one wants to help. If you can push yourself past that threshold, then you'll grow and get better. It's not only good for yourself, but it's good for your music. Don't wait on anybody."

Governor Fallin signs legislation streamlining sex offender registration

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Legislation improving the state’s sex offender registry law has been signed by the governor.  Senate Bill 217, by Sen. AJ Griffin and Rep. Mike Osburn, modifies Oklahoma’s current sex offender registration law to streamline the notification process between local law enforcement, the courts and the Department of Corrections (DOC) and, in certain cases, will require notification of the Department of Human Services (DHS) as well. It also directs courts assigning sex offender registration levels to follow the guidelines used by the state’s sex offender level assignment committee.

“The purpose of the sex offender registry continues to be public safety—to make sure law enforcement knows where registered sex offenders are living, and making that information available to our citizens,” said Griffin, R-Guthrie. “This legislation streamlines the notification process, ensures greater consistency in assigning levels for registration, and adds an additional requirement for informing DHS when a sex offender returns to a home where his or her minor children, step-children or grandchildren live.”

“When a convicted sex offender reenters society, it is important to maintain checks and oversight. At the end of the day the goal is to protect Oklahoma children and all law abiding citizens,” said Osburn, R-Edmond. “Senator Griffin and I want to thank our fellow members for their support on this measure and to Governor Fallin for signing it into law.”

The DHS notification requirement was a request of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. Current law allows registered sex offenders to live with their own children, step-children or grandchildren, but under the provisions of SB 217, when the sex offender returns to that home, DHS will be notified.

“If an incident is brought to that agency’s attention, they will know immediately that a sex offender lives in the home, highlighting the need to accelerate their investigation of the situation,” Griffin said.

The assignment of “levels” to convicted sex offenders determines how long they must register with law enforcement based on their assessed risk of reoffending as established by the state’s sex offender level assignment committee. That committee assigns those levels for offenders who are actually incarcerated. The change in SB 217 ensures that when courts assign a level in the case of probation, suspended or deferred sentences, the criteria for doing so is the same as that of the committee.

SB 217 takes effect November 1, 2017.

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

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SB 217 passed the House of Representatives by an 87-4 vote and the Senate by a unanimous 42-0 vote. Representative Jadine Nollan and Senator Dan Newberry, whose districts include Sand Springs, both voted in favor of the measure.

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