Survey finds low teacher pay main reason for leaving Oklahoma classrooms

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Teacher pay and education funding are among the chief reasons former Oklahoma educators have left the classroom, according to a comprehensive survey released by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister discussed the findings Mondayat a news conference at OSDE.

Hofmeister noted that 31 percent of the respondents indicated they would likely return to the classroom if teacher pay were increased – a net gain of thousands of additional educators in the classroom if the data were extrapolated.

“As our state continues suffering the effects of an unprecedented teacher shortage, Oklahoma cannot afford to ignore the results of this survey,” Hofmeister said. “Pay is no cure-all to staving off this shortage, but without regionally competitive compensation, we are trying to win a home run contest with one arm held behind our back.”

The survey was one of 40 recommendations made by the Teacher Shortage Task Force, a still-active panel that Hofmeister convened in September 2015. The Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC), a member of that task force, funded the survey, which Oklahoma City-based polling firm Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates conducted this past fall.

“It was important to partner with OSDE on this project, which has important implications for all education stakeholders,” said Brent Bushey, executive director of OPSRC. “Funding a survey of this scope would have been a challenge for OSDE, and we wanted to step up to make it happen.”

The survey was sent to a list of nearly 30,000 deliverable emails. Of that number, there were 7,546 completions. Survey results focused on the 5,487 respondents under the age of 65 with active teaching certificates who are not currently teaching in Oklahoma public schools. The large sample size yielded a margin of error of less than 1 percent.

The vast majority of respondents, 90 percent, said they believe other teachers were leaving the classroom because of low pay, with 55 percent strongly agreeing with that statement. In addition, a significant number indicated that being unable to make decisions related to instruction and impediments to practicing the art of teaching were important factors in leaving the classroom.

When asked for their individual reasons for leaving, one-third identified pay or a better opportunity as the chief reason. However, a number of other factors cited by respondents – including inadequate education funding, hiring difficulties, relocating out of state and personal reasons – can also be related to matters of teacher compensation. 

The majority of respondents felt that from their first year in the classroom to their last, the quality of the work environment had deteriorated rather than improved. Nearly half (48 percent) believed it had deteriorated a great deal. When asked to identify why, more pointed to funding issues (17 percent) than low pay (15 percent) though again, the two may overlap.

In terms of certification type, the largest percentage of those who said pay was a primary reason for leaving were special education and secondary teachers.

Hofmeister said that finding is especially troubling.

“We have raised academic standards and expectations to give our students a competitive edge. We have a strong eight-year plan in place for education, but all of it depends on having well-supported teachers for our kids,” she said. “It is also alarming that our special education teachers are particularly pay sensitive, which does not bode well for serving our students with the greatest needs.”

Of particular interest among the survey results is the strong age line regarding pay sensitivity. Those under the age of 45 were more concerned about pay than older teachers. Forty-eight percent of respondents 18-24, 37 percent of those 24-34, and 36 percent of those 35-44 said that pay alone would be sufficient for them to return to the classroom.

Only in the age 18-24 category did more respondents indicate that pay alone, as opposed to more than pay, would bring them back to the classroom. Nonetheless, 31 percent of all those surveyed indicated that a pay increase would be sufficient to convince them to return. 

“While the survey reveals that a number of factors attribute to the teacher shortage,” said Hofmeister, “it also confirms that increasing teacher pay is the single most effective first step to reducing the crisis and perhaps even convincing teachers who have left the field to return.”

To see the report, click here.

ALDI grocery store to hold grand opening Thursday in Sand Springs

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Sand Springs - ALDI grocery store will be holding a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony Thursday, January 25th in the Sand Springs River West development at 101 West Alexander Boulevard. 

The public is invited to attend the event, which will begin at 8:00 a.m. Following the ceremony, the first 100 customers will receive a golden ticket, each containing ALDI gift cards of various amounts. Customers can also tour the store, sample ALDI exclusive brand products and enter an on-site sweepstakes for a chance to win a year's supply of ALDI produce. 

“We value our customers in Sand Springs and we’re excited to open our new Sand Springs store to continue offering high-quality groceries at prices they love,” said Mark Bersted, Olathe division vice president for ALDI. “We’re proud to offer shoppers a variety of fresh produce, USDA Choice meats, organic items and gluten-free choices, all at affordable prices that our competitors can’t match, in an environment that’s easy and quick to navigate.”

The new store is part of a $3.4 billion investment plan to expand from 1,600 stores in 35 states to more than 2,500 stores by 2022. The Sand Springs location will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. All ALDI stores nationwide accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

As part of its accelerated growth and expansion across the U.S., ALDI plans to add 25,000 new jobs in stores, warehouses and offices. ALDI was recently named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers and offers employees generous wages and benefits that are higher than the national average for the retail industry. ALDI staff working at least 25 hours per week receive full health insurance benefits and dental coverage, and all ALDI employees are invited to participate in the 401(k) program.

Located adjacent to the historic downtown commercial district, the River West development currently is home to McDonald's, Starbucks, IHOP, CVS, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Centennial Baptist Church, and El Maguey Mexican Restaurant. Colton's Steak House and Warren Clinic are currently under construction and expected to open this Spring. 

Tulsa Historical Society Transportation Exhibit highlights Sand Springs

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The Sand Springs trolley system will soon be featured in a new downtown mural.

On the Move: A History of Transportation in Tulsa
Through March 3, 2018
Lawson Exhibit Hall, Tulsa Historical Society & Museum – 2445 S. Peoria –
www.tulsahistory.org

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION:

On the Move: A History of Transportation in Tulsa examines the many ways Tulsans have moved around through the decades since Tulsa first became a dot on the map. The first people in the area arrived here on foot, by horseback, or wagon. In the late nineteenth century, Tulsa became a stop on the railroad and the small settlement turned into a city. Before long there were bustling streets filled with cars and trolleys and Tulsa was well on its way to becoming the Oil Capital of the World.

Highlights include a 1955 Thunderbird, Skelly Gas Pumps, slight attendant uniforms, railroad tools, lanterns, timetables, and tickets, antique and locally made toys, Route 66 items, an original trolley bell conductor’s cap, and tokens from the Tulsa Street Railway Company, the World’s First Yield Sign, 1900-era baby carriage, “Countri Bike” – a celebrity bicycle that traveled the country in 2015, and hundreds of historical images of Tulsa and surrounding communities.

The exhibit also highlights Sand Springs history such as the old trolley system and the Sand Springs Railway, which has operated since 1911. 

A FEW ARTIFACTS OF NOTE:

  • 1955 Thunderbird
  • Skelly Gas Pumps
  • Flight attendant uniforms, 1960s – 2000s
  • Railroad tools, lanterns, timetables, tickets
  • Pratt & Whitney R-985 Airplane Engine
  • Airplane Seats from MD-80 Airplane
  • Terra Cotta from Tulsa Municipal Airport
  • Spittoon & Teapot used in Katy Railroad President’s Car
  • Spartan Coveralls
  • Skelly Coveralls
  • Antique & Locally made transportation toys
  • Route 66 Items
  • Hundreds of historical images of Tulsa and surrounding communities
  • Original Trolley Bell, Conductor’s Cap, and tokens from Tulsa Street Railway Company
  • “Countri Bike” – celebrity bicycle that traveled the country in 2015
  • 1900-era Baby Carriage
  • World’s First Yield Sign
  • Original Tulsa Street Pavers

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
The Tulsa Historical Society & Museum (THSM) chronicles the city’s vibrant past through eight rotating exhibit galleries, special events, and activities for adults and youth. In addition, the Museum houses the Tribune Foundation Research Library and the beautiful Vintage Garden with its collection of architectural artifacts and bronze sculptures depicting Oklahoma’s five internationally famous Native American ballerinas.

Established in 1963, THSM holds an extensive collection of resources on our city’s rich past and is the only museum in Tulsa focused on building, preserving, and presenting a broad-based general collection of Tulsa’s history. The collection contains nearly 200,000 still photographs, books, maps, documents, textiles, architectural elements, building furnishings, and personal artifacts.

From 1985 until 1998, THSM had its headquarters in the Thomas Gilcrease house on the grounds of Gilcrease Museum. In December of 1997, with funds made available through the Tulsa Tribune Foundation, THSM purchased the historic Sam Travis Mansion off Peoria Avenue, just south of the Tulsa Garden Center. The mansion has been expanded and renovated to serve as the museum’s home.

Tulsa Historical Society & Museum is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

This Week in Sand Springs (1/21 - 1/27/18)

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Monday

  • 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sand Springs Budget Fair
    • Sand Springs Municipal Building
      100 East Broadway
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Tuesday 

  • 6:00 p.m. No. 9 Lady Sandite Basketball v. No. 2 Bartlesville (A)
    • Bartlesville High School
      1700 Hillcrest Drive
      Bartlesville, OK 74003
  • 8:00 p.m. No. 9 Sandite Basketball v. Bartlesville (A)
    • Bartlesville High School
      1700 Hillcrest Drive
      Bartlesville, OK 74003

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. ALDI Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening
    • 101 West Alexander Boulevard
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs BMX Association Annual Membership Meeting
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road
  • 7:00 p.m. No. 5 Sandite Wrestling v. No. 9 Jenks (A)
    • Jenks High School
      205 East B Street
      Jenks, OK 74037

Friday

  • 6:00 p.m. No. 9 Lady Sandite Basketball v. Muskogee (A)
    • Muskogee High School
      3200 East Shawnee Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 8:00 p.m. No. 9 Sandite Basketball v. Muskogee (A)
    • Muskogee High School
      3200 East Shawnee Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403

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  • $5 fee for for-profit events.

Senator Ikley-Freeman appointed to Education, Health, and Human Services Committees

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OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, on Thursday announced the full membership of Senate committees. The committee assignments are effective through the end of the 56th Legislature.

District 37 State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, who represents Sand Springs, was appointed to the following committees:

  • Education Committee
  • Health and Human Services Committee
  • Appropriations Subcommittee on Health

Ikley-Freeman, a Democrat, was elected in a November 2017 special election to fill the seat vacated by Republican Dan Newberry. Newberry's resignation becomes effective January 31st and Ikley-Freeman will be sworn into office on February 1st. 

Governor Mary Fallin Amends Second Special Session Call

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin amended the call of the second special session of the 56th Legislature, which has been in recess since Dec. 22.

The governor did not set a date when lawmakers would return to address the shortfall in the current fiscal year budget.

“Discussions are continuing about a revenue and reform plan, which seems to be growing in momentum,” said Fallin. “We’re excited that we have an opportunity to build some grass-roots support among our fellow Oklahomans to solve our budget crisis, to be able to put Oklahoma on a stable path forward, and to provide teachers a much-needed pay raise.”

The governor’s amended call asks lawmakers to consider providing a long-term revenue solution to the state’s budget shortfalls by:

  • Increasing the tax on cigarettes, and little cigars by $1.50 per pack, and an additional 10 percent on chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes;
  • Increasing the oil and gas gross production tax by increasing the rate on wells currently at 2 percent to 4 percent, and all future wells will begin at 4 percent for 36 months and move to 7 percent thereafter;
  • Implementing a renewable generation tax at $1.00 per MWH;
  • Increasing the rate on diesel and gasoline by 6 cents per gallon;
  • Imposing a dollar cap on transferability/cash refundability for coal, wind and railroad tax credits effective the 2018 tax year;
  • Expanding the definition of covered games in the model tribal gaming compact to include “non-house-banked table games;” and;
  • Reforming rates, exemptions, deductions and credits on the individual income tax code.

Other items in the governor's call are:

  • Creating an accountability office designed to expose waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayers’ dollars in state government;
  • Modifying the structure of state government and increasing accountability by replacing the appointing power of specified boards and commissions with granting the governor direct appointing authority over these specified agency directors.  This can be accomplished by statutory change or by referring a constitutional change to a vote of the people when necessary, and;
  • Addressing a needed $5,000 pay increase for certified education staff, excluding any superintendents.

The items in the governor’s call mirror many of the items recommended by Step Up Oklahoma, a group of Oklahoma business and community leaders.

“I appreciate the efforts of these business and community leaders working together to build statewide, nonpartisan support to help the Legislature address teacher pay raises and fix our budget crisis,” Fallin said. “It is critical to our state's future to fix the budget's structural problems and put our state on a predictable, stable foundation for success. I’m optimistic, with the effort and determination shown by Step Up Oklahoma, that lawmakers can pass a realistic solution to the state’s current budget problem.”

City of Sand Springs announces annual Budget Fair

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Sand Springs, OK -  The City of Sand Springs announces an opportunity for citizens to provide input into annual budget priorities for the community. This year's Budget Fair will take place on Monday, January 22, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Sand Springs Municipal Building, 100 E. Broadway, in downtown Sand Springs. This come and go event will take place on the second floor.

Departmental leaders including police, fire, parks, public works and more will be on-hand to listen to citizen input and help answer questions about annual operations and explain typical annual budget priorities. The Sand Springs City Council and City staff extend this important public opportunity to residents living within the corporate limits of Sand Springs to participate in the creation of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. The City's annual budget year begins on July 1, 2018, and runs through June 30, the following year.

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and www.seesandsprings.com and follow the City on Facebook for the latest updates.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum to host 2-week exhibit on Sand Springs graduate Bill Pogue

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TULSA, Okla. – From Jan. 22 through Feb. 3, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium will present a special exhibit featuring Oklahoma-born, NASA Astronaut William ‘Bill’ Pogue.  The special exhibit will coincide with what would have been Pogue’s 88th birthday. Items from his distinguished, record-setting career will be on display.

Pogue was born in Okemah on Jan. 23, 1930. He grew up attending small rural schools, but graduated from Sand Springs High School in 1947. He earned degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University and Oklahoma State University. In 1990 he was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation's inaugural Hall of Fame class.

Pogue served in the Air Force becoming a combat fighter pilot in Korea and an aerobatic pilot with the Air Force’s Thunderbirds. In 1966, he was selected by NASA for the space program but he finally got his chance at space when he blasted off on November 16, 1973 as the pilot for Skylab 4.

“This exhibit is an opportunity for Oklahomans to celebrate a fellow Oklahoman who achieved great things that were literally out of this world,” said Tonya Blansett, executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.

Among several of his notable awards and titles, Pogue was also an honorary board member of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium. He donated several items to the Museum including 3 NASA flight suits, signed prints from his collection of space photographs, honorary medallions and various letters and telegrams from notable people like President Richard Nixon and Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellmon.

“There are several artifacts in our archives we would like to have on permanent display,” said Blansett, “having a special exhibit like this, is one way we can share these stories. When we complete our expansion, we hope to find a permanent exhibit space for Pogue’s collection and other Oklahomans who have impacted the aviation industry and space exploration.”

Museum admission ranges from $15 for adults to $10 for students and free for children 4 and under. Admission includes access to the exhibit hall, the special exhibit, the MD-80 discovery center and one planetarium show. The museum also offers memberships as an affordable alternative for families, with several options and benefits including admission for a year and discount at the gift shop.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is the region’s hub of science based learning through discovery. Each year, more than 50,000 visitors pass through the museum to explore Tulsa’s rich aviation heritage and explore the correlation of science and technology with flight.

Sharp files special election funding legislation

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Mary Fallin called nine special elections last year following legislators leaving office mid-term. In an effort to protect taxpayer dollars, Sen. Ron Sharp has filed legislation to use the remaining campaign funds of departing members to pay for their districts’ special elections. 

“When we run for office, we take an oath to uphold Oklahoma’s Constitution and serve our constituents faithfully,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee. “Taxpayers shouldn’t be burdened with a large special election bill when someone quits midterm to seek other opportunities or they’re removed from office because of legal or ethical issues. This bill will remove some of that taxpayer burden by using members’ remaining campaign funds to cover some of the costs of special elections.” 

Senate Bill 1006 would place the members’ campaign funds in the State Election Board Revolving Fund up to the amount incurred by the state for conducting the Special Election.  

According to the Oklahoma Election Board, special elections for the House of Representatives cost, on average, $8,000 to $12,000 for a primary or general and double that amount for both. A Senate primary or general special election costs an estimated $18,000 to $22,000 and twice that if both are necessary.

Special elections are called when members resign mid-term, are expelled by the legislature through a two-thirds vote or are removed from office because of ethical or legal issues.  

After leaving office, any campaign funds not obligated for campaign or officeholder expenses can be retained for future campaigns (for the next succeeding term for the same office or for a different state elective office, excluding a judicial office), donated to a charitable organization, returned to any contributor in the amount they donated, contributed to a political party committee up to $25,000 or used to purchase item(s) to donate to a charitable organization. Members may also donate leftover funds directly to the state as well as any county, city, town or school district.

This Week in Sand Springs (1/14 - 1/20/18)

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Monday

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday 

  • 1:30 p.m. Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. No. 9 Lady Sandite Basketball v. Broken Arrow (H)
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road
  • 7:00 p.m. No. 6 Sandite Wrestling v. No. 2 Broken Arrow (H)
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street
  • 8:00 p.m. No. 9 Sandite Basketball v. No. 1 Broken Arrow (H)
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road

Wednesday 

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority Meeting

Thursday

  • 7:00 p.m. No. 6 Sandite Wrestling v. Muskogee/Bartlesville/Enid (H)
    • District Quadrangle
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. Ram Duals Wrestling Tournament
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street
      Owasso, OK 74055

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. Ram Duals Wrestling Tournament
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 5:30 p.m. 12th Annual Sandite Baseball Karaoke Competition & Chili Cookoff
    • Charles Page High School Auditorium
      500 North Adams Road

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • $5 fee for for-profit events.

This Week in Sand Springs (1/7 - 1/13/18)

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Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission Regular Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board Special Meeting

Tuesday 

  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Basketball v. Jenks (A)
    • Frank Herald Field House
      323 East B Street
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Wrestling v. Sapulpa (H)
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Basketball v. Jenks (A)
    • Frank Herald Field House
      323 East B Street
      Jenks, OK 74037

Wednesday 

  • 11:30 a.m. Sand Springs City Council Special Meeting

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Small Business Coalition Meeting
    • Pratt Library
      3219 South 113th West Avenue
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Wrestling v. Union (A)
    • Union High School
      6636 South Mingo Road
      Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

Friday

  • 9:00 a.m. Bobby Lyons Invitational Wrestling Tournament (H)
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      500 North Adams Road
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Basketball vs. Ponca City (A)
    • Ponca City High School
      927 North 5th Street
      Ponca City, OK 74061
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Basketball vs. Ponca City (A)
    • Ponca City High School
      927 North 5th Street
      Ponca City, OK 74061

Saturday

  • 6:00 a.m. 3rd Annual Ancient 5K
  • 9:00 a.m. Bobby Lyons Invitational Wrestling Tournament (H)
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      00 North Adams Road

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • $5 fee for for-profit events.

A look back at Sand Springs's biggest stories in 2017

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Sandites enjoy a free concert from The Rogues Five at Riverfest.

From high school athletics to a growing economy and quality of living improvements, the history books will look on 2017 as a pivotal year in Sand Springs. Here's a look back at some of the biggest stories around town. 

Jan. 19 – USDA rolls out new Rural Development loan opportunities for Sand Springs area. – Read More.

Jan. 19 - CPHS Wrestling team pins entire U.S. Grant team in fourteen minutes and two seconds, setting national record for fastest dual won entirely by pin. - Read More. 

Feb. 01 – Ray Brown Park receives $37,000 renovation. – Read More.

Feb. 11 - CPHS Wrestling team wins first-ever Dual State Championship 40-26 over Broken Arrow.  - Read More.

Feb. 25 - Riley Weir, Daton Fix, Jack Karstetter, Beau Bratcher, and Payton Scott win individual State Titles and lead Sand Springs to their first State Wrestling Championship since 1971. - Read More.

Feb. 27 - ALDI grocery store and St. Francis Warren Clinic & Urgent Care announce plans to open new locations in River West Development. ALDI is new to community, Warren Clinic is relocating from Charles Page Boulevard. - Read More.

Mar. 02 - CPHS Womens' Basketball wins Area Championship to advance to State Tournament for first time since 2011. - Read More.

Mar. 06 – Rusty Gunn elected as Board of Education President, Mike Mullins sworn into new term on Board. – Read More.

Mar. 22 – Chinowth and Cohen opens new Prattville location.

Mar. 27 - Sand Springs City Council authorizes new murals and $1.5 million Prattville Fire Station. - Read More.

Apr. 04 – Payless ShoeSource announces shuttering of Sand Springs and Sapulpa locations. – Read More.

Apr. 05 – CPHS Winter Percussion wins State Championship. – Read More.

Apr. 19 – El Maguey Mexican Restaurant relocates to new building in River West. – Read More.

Apr. 20 – Tim Wright, Larry Hurst, and Dr. Stacey Butterfield are inducted into Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame. – Read More.

Apr. 22 – Herbal Affair co-founder Sandi Byerly receives Hometown Hero Award. – Read More.

May 02 - Individual Career Academic Plan bill authored by Jadine Nollan is signed into law. - Read More.

May 08 - Mike Burdge elected to 12th term as Mayor, Beau Wilson elected as Vice-Mayor. - Read More.

May 12 - Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise. - Read More.

May 13 - Aden Baughman wins 800-meter Track State Championship, Cheyenne Walden wins eighth and ninth State Championships. - Read More.

May 13 – Sand Springs graduates 392 in Class of 2017 – Read More.

May 16 - Hannah Rose releases More Than Conquerors EP. - Read More.

May 21 - CPHS Fishing Club wins Oklahoma Bass Nation State Championship. - Read More.

May 26 – Dog and Duck Antiques opens at 21 East 2nd Street, expanding from booth space in Vintage Stables on Main. – Read More.

Jun. 01 – The Ground Floor Salon opens at Village Square.

Jun. 06 – State Senator Dan Newberry resigns seat seven months after reelection. – Read More.

Jun. 08 – OSU Medicine opens in Shops at Adams Road.

Jun. 24 – EuroMotor Extravaganza returns to Sand Springs after five-year hiatus. – Read More.

Jun. 24 – Historic Twin Cities Elementary is demolished after nearly a century. – Read More.

Jun. 26 – Sand Springs City Council evicts Round Up Club from River City Park. – Read More.

Jul. 09 - Janeway Castle Stone Estate & Venue opens in Sand Springs. - Read More.

Jul. 10 - Sand Springs's Janet Johnson named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist. - Read More.

Jul. 11 - James Garrison hired as new CPHS Head Baseball Coach.- Read More.

Jul. 21 – Carter Young wins Cadet Greco-Roman National Championship. – Read More.

Jul. 29 – Aden Baughman wins National Championship in 800-meter run. – Read More.

Aug. 01 – Daton Fix wins Junior Freestyle World Championship. – Read More.

Sep. 09 – Case Community Park unveiled with all-day Riverfest celebration after $6.2 million renovation. – Read More.

Sep. 13 – Edward Jones agent Casey Loper relocates Sand Springs office to new building. – Read More.

Sep. 30 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique relocates to historic downtown Chastain’s building, buying out DejaVu Décor.

Oct. – Prattville Braums and QuikTrip are demolished, work begins on larger, newer facilities. – Read More.

Oct 11. – Colton’s Steak House and Grill breaks ground in River West development. – Read More.

Oct. 21 – CPHS Boys’ Cross Country team qualifies for State for first time in school history. – Read More.

Oct. 27 – Payton Scott sets school rushing record with 507 yards against Bartlesville. – Read More.

Nov. 02 – Stage department store relocates to former May’s Drug Warehouse building. – Read More.

Nov. 04 – It’s Just a Girl Thing Boutique opens in Prattville.

Nov. 08 - OkieSpice & Trade Co. celebrates grand opening in Sand Springs. – Read More.

Nov. 14 – Voters approve $18 million in General Obligation Bond packages. – Read More.

Nov. 14 – Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman wins Senate District 37 seat vacated by Republican Dan Newberry. – Read More.

Nov. 28 – Downtown Sand Springs hosts inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. – Read More.

Nov. 28 – WSB Homes opens in downtown Sand Springs. – Read More.

Dec. – Philip D. Smith publishes new book, From Praha to Prague. - Read More.

Dec. 01 – Rod’s Books and Relics hosts inaugural Christmas Parade of Books. – Read More.

Dec. 12 – Sand Springs breaks ground on new Prattville Fire Station. – Read More.

Dec. 17 – The House of Hair and Boutique opens on Livi Lee’s Corner. 

Dec. 27 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique, Sarah and Kyle Baumann win inaugural Sandite Pride Christmas Light Contest. – Read More.

Dec. 29 – El Patron Cocina Mexicana opens in Shops at Adams Road. – Read More.

El Patron Mexican Restaurant opens for business in Sand Springs

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El Patron Cocina Mexicana held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning in Sand Springs to commemorate its opening. The new Mexican Restaurant opened its doors for business Thursday, December 28th after an extensive renovation in The Shops at Adams Road. 

Located at 536 Plaza Court, the new restaurant is in the former location of El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, which relocated to the River West shopping center earlier this year.

After El Maguey vacated the building in July, owner Ricardo Munoz spent six months upgrading the facility with new modern decor and a more open-concept layout. The restaurant is managed by Munoz's brother, Ramon. 

El Patron carries an extensive menu of appetizers, fajitas, steak, seafood, and build-your-own nachos, quesadillas, and burritos, They offer create-your-own combos, a la carte, and a kids' menu.

Hours
Sunday - Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

El Patron Cocina Mexicana
536 Plaza Court
918-246-7474
www.elpatroncocinamexicana.com
 

Inaugural Sandite Pride Christmas Light Contest Winners Announced!

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The 2017 Holiday Season is coming to a close and the first Sandite Pride Christmas Light contest drew dozens of entries! The winners of the residential contest, sponsored by SmartStyle Sand Springs's Morgan Miller, is Sarah and Kyle Baumann in Springtree Estates. 

The Baumann household is well strung in beautiful multicolored lights with a purple ambiance. In addition to dozens of lighted candy canes, their yard features an illuminated Santa and sleigh with presents and all eight traditional reindeer, plus Rudolph leading the way. The wooden cutouts are a home-made family heirloom in their third generation, the patterns of which were made in the 1940s. 

The best-dressed Sand Springs business was YellowHouse Market and Boutique at 122 North Main Street. The family-owned and operated business opened in 2016 and relocated to its current location earlier this year. The historic Chastain's building, constructed in 1931, received a major renovation from owners Lisa and Mike Miller. 

Take advantage of post-Christmas clearance sales and load up on Christmas lights for next year! Sandite Pride will continue our light contest in 2018 with more categories and more prizes!

Below are some of our favorite lights around town!

Angus Elementary spends a day in adulthood at JA Biztown

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Biztown Mayor Jacob Simpson and Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge pose in front of the Biztown Town Hall. Burdge is a volunteer with the Biztown program. 

74 students from Angus Valley Elementary traveled to Biztown last week to experience a day in the life of an adult at the simulated city owned by Junior Achievement of Tulsa. 

The fifth-graders spent a month in preparation, filling out applications, interviewing, learning how to do their jobs, and learning how to balance a checkbook.

Business managers began the day by taking out loans for their companies. They set rates for their products, such as Reasor's groceries, Arby's snacks, newspapers, and souvenirs, and had to make enough profit to pay their employees' wages and repay their loans by the end of the day. 

Wayne Moore A+ Auto Collision co-sponsored the trip for the second year and according to JA Development Manager Brian Jackson, the Angus Valley PTO was crucial in providing the opportunity for the kids. 

According to Jackson, more than 120,000 students have gone through the Biztown program since its 2003 inception, and in that time they haven't had a single disciplinary issue. Every Sand Springs elementary school sends students through the program. 

Junior Achievement is a non-profit youth organization that aims to prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. The students work in various sponsored businesses, including Bank of Oklahoma, The Linde Group, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Cox Radio, and the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper.  

Garfield STEAM Academy will visit Biztown on January 18th, and Limestone Technology Academy will visit March 2nd. 

 

City Council moves forward with plans for improved infrastructure, new safety facility

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Stormwater and Utilities Technician Jon Odle speaks at a regular City Council meeting. 

The Sand Springs City Council held a regular meeting Monday evening and granted Mayor Mike Burdge and City Manager Elizabeth Gray authority to approve various components of the building process at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. Because the project has several elements going out for bid separately, the City hopes to expedite the approval of the contracts without having to go before Council each time. 

The safety facility will feature a new police station, fire station, emergency dispatch, as well as municipal courts. It will be built in the new Sheffield Crossing development on the southwest corner of the Morrow Road-Highway 97 intersection. City officials hope to break ground on the new facility in January.

Council also authorized Mayor Burdge to sign off on all documents related to the Main Street Reconstruction Project. The City has a 50-50 fund match from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Main Street will be reconstructed from 1st Street to its southern terminus. An additional stretch of Main Street will be constructed to connect it to Highway 97 and new traffic lights will be installed at the intersection. An expressway frontage road will be constructed from Main Street to the existing Lincoln Avenue on-ramp.

In other news, City Stormwater Technician Jon Odle gave a presentation regarding ongoing issues with the City stormwater system. According to Odle, the City wastes countless man hours clearing out stormwater drains from illegal dumping such as leaves and grass clippings. 

The City affirmed dilapidated public nuisance findings for properties at 2807 South Maple Drive and 918 1/2 North Franklin Avenue. Hearings were held for both properties and neither was contested. A resolution was passed authorizing the demolition of structures on both properties on or after Monday, February 5th with the expenses being the responsibility of the property owners. 

The City approved $28,725.00 for the purchase of a new 2018 Dodge Durango SSV for the police department, so that an existing unit can be used by the new Community Development Director. The existing vehicle was expected to be replaced as soon as July of 2019.

The Council approved $7,000 to purchase a Toro Stand On Sprayer. The funds were generated by maintenance fees collected from the Baseball, Soccer, and Softball programs. 

Mayor Burdge nominated Judy Treat and Michael Miller for appointments to the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority. He also nominated Vicki Sisney and Grady Whitaker for reappointment to the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority. All four candidates were unanimously confirmed. 

Plans unveiled for new mural in downtown Sand Springs

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Artist rendering of a mural on the side of the Yesterday To Now Antique & Art Mall. (Courtesy photo). 

Artist renderings have been released for the second of two murals commissioned by the City of Sand Springs. Josh Butts Creative Services is expected to complete the downtown mural by the end of Spring 2018. 

The Sand Springs City Council authorized $49,500 in March for the painting of two murals. The money was taken from the Economic Development Capital Improvement Fund, which is drawn from a hotel tax, with the goal of beautifying Sand Springs to attract shoppers and investors. 

In September Butts began work on a mural on the side of the old Monarch Cement Co. silo on the grounds of the Riverview RV Park. That piece is currently on hold while the City develops a plan to work around power-lines that obstruct part of the silo. 

The new downtown mural will be located at 224 North Main Street on the side of the Yesterday to Now Antique & Art Mall owned by Susan Whitley. It will feature a historic trolley like the ones that used to run through Sand Springs. 

According to City Manager Elizabeth Gray, the City does not have any plans to fund future murals. Some local businesses and organizations hope to begin their own public art projects in the future. However, they will have to get city approval for any art that could be considered advertising. 

Sand Springs currently only has three murals, including the unfinished silo project. An Herbal Affair-themed painting was completed in 2013 by Laura Thompson at 216 North Lincoln Avenue. The Charles Page High School Senior Class of 2006 painted a mural on the alley-side of the Page Center at 200 North Main Street. 

Oklahoma named Ninth Worst-Run State in America

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A recent report from 24/7 Wall Street has named Oklahoma as the ninth worst-run state in America. The report cites a 4.9% unemployment rating, Aa2 credit rating, and negative credit outlook as contributing factors.

According to the report, 16.3% of Oklahomans live on poverty-level income compared to 14% of Americans. 13.8% of Oklahomans are uninsured. Falling oil prices coupled with tax decreases have led to major budget cuts in the public health and school systems in recent years. 

The same report names Minnesota as the best-run state and Louisiana as the worst.

The report has been issued annually since 2010. Oklahoma was ranked as the 34th best state in 2016, down from 25th from 2014 to 2015. It was 33rd from 2012 to 2013, 28th in 2011, and 32nd in 2010. 

In February Oklahoma was named 35th on the 24/7 list of best and worst states for business, citing low corporate tax rates, right-to-work laws, and low unionization as pros, but pointing to a shortage of educated workforce as a major roadblock. 

In January Oklahoma was named the eighth-worst state to grow old in by another 24/7 report.

Sand Springs professor publishes new book on history of Prague, Oklahoma

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Around the turn of the twentieth century, thousands of Czechs left their homelands in Bohemia and Moravia and came to the United States. While many settled in major American cities, others headed to rural areas out west where they could claim their own land for farming. In From Praha to Prague, Philip D. Smith examines how the Czechs who founded and settled in Prague, Oklahoma, embraced the economic and cultural activities of their American hometown while maintaining their ethnic identity.

Philip D. Smith is an Assistant Professor of History at Tulsa Community College and lives in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. He will be signing copies of his work at Barnes and Noble Southroads this Sunday, December 17th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The book store is located at 5231 East 41st Street, Tulsa.

Click here to read the full story at Sapulpa Times.

HillSpring Church celebrates 10 years under Senior Pastor Brent Kellogg

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Mayor Mike Burdge speaks at HillSpring Church, recognizing Brent and Jeri Kellogg for ten years of service as the Senior Pastors. 

HillSpring Church recently celebrated a decade under Senior Pastor Brent Kellogg and wife Jeri. The church held a surprise banquet in the Kelloggs's honor Sunday evening with guest speakers including fellow community pastors and Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge. 

Kellogg came to HillSpring, then known as Cornerstone Church, in 2003 as the Youth Pastor before taking over Senior Pastor duties in December of 2007. He and Jeri have a son, Landon, and a daughter, Kalei. 

"Pastors have always been my heroes," said  Burdge. "I have had opportunity to sup with a few governors and senators and congressmen, and I'll leave all of them to come sit with the pastors in Sand Springs."

Burdge talked about his efforts to increase involvement in the Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance, and how crucial Kellogg's involvement was. "Now the Ministerial Alliance has come together. The (Thanksgiving) Community Service that we have here, I've been going to for forty years. We've had some good ones and some not so good ones, but even the best of them I saw did not hold a candle to what when on here (at HillSpring) that night." 

Kellogg, an Oklahoma State alumni, is blindfolded and dressed up in Oklahoma Sooner gear.

He also spoke on the level of cooperation that has been going on between different denominations in Sand Springs recently. "God spoke to me thirty years ago and He said His desire in these last days was to bring the body of Christ together over denominational barriers. It has been burning in my spirit ever since then to see congregations like you guys. This is a special place." 

Burdge read aloud a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing Kellogg for his success as a Christian Radio broadcaster, his service to HillSpring in various capacities since 2003, his volunteerism within the Sand Springs community including ministerial service, as well as serving on the recent Citizens' General Obligation Bond Committee, and for continuing "to share the love of Christ each and every day, in word and deed throughout the city."

Kellogg's mother told stories of his childhood, how his first word after "momma" and "daddy" was "Hallelujah." When he was about three years old, he would line up his teddy bears and stuffed animals and preach to them using a plant stand as a pulpit. 

She also spoke highly of Jeri, saying "you can't separate a man from his wife and recognize his accomplishments without recognizing her too. She has such a heart for God, a passion and love for him. I'm so proud of how she serves the Lord with her talents and how she serves her family."

Church That Matters Senior Pastor Rusty Gunn and Harvest Church Lead Pastor Steve Allen also spoke highly of Kellogg. 

"Church, you are blessed by having this pastor," said Gunn. "His leadership here is phenomenal in our city. He steps up to the plate at every opportunity to make a difference in the name of Jesus. He is a uniter. I know that he has united you as a church body, but not just that. He has united the greater body of Christ here in our city and I'm so excited to continue to follow on this journey that we're on together as the Lord continues to bless our city because of you and your leadership."

Allen diverged from the high praises and cracked jokes instead. "I understand you've been here for fourteen year. Four of those were as youth pastor, but we know we can't count those because youth pastors don't really work."

"I appreciate the great advice you've given me...things like 'it's always better to ask for forgiveness than permission,' 'what your congregation don't know don't hurt them,' and 'never let your congregation know as much as you or they'll think that they're your equal,'" joked Allen. 

HillSpring has been heavily involved in community events such as the Salvation Army "Army of Stars Banquet" and "Boo on Broadway," as well as contributing to the Ministerial Alliance's annual Christmas Bonus donation to the Sand Springs Fire and Police Departments.

HillSpring meets on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. and on the first Wednesday night of the month at 6:30 p.m. They are located at 8801 West 41st Street and can be found online at www.hillspring.tv