Board of Education approves new wrestling and girls' basketball coaches

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The Sand Springs Public School District Board of Education presented more than twenty awards during their Monday night regularly monthly meeting.

Remington Wagner was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award in recognition of her All-Region Cheer Team achievement. Wagner is signed to cheer at Southwestern Christian University next year and will study Kinesiology. 

Colt Savage was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award for his success with the boys' basketball team. Savage concluded his high school career as a four-time All Conference player and was named the 2017-2018 Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year for Region 7. He led his team in scoring for two seasons and averaged 20.58 points per game as a senior. He will play for the University of Central Oklahoma next season. 

Eric Savage was presented with a Pacesetter Award in recognition of his success with the Sandite Basketball Team. Savage wrapped up his fifth season as Head Coach with the first State Tournament appearance for Sand Springs since 1963 and was named the Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He holds a 65-62 record in Sand Springs and a career record of 370-155. After winning three 5A State Titles at Tulsa Memorial High School, he took over a Sandite program that had only won one game the year before. 

Jeff Cooper was presented with a Pacesetter Award. Cooper was awarded the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association "Friends of Basketball" award and was named the Region 7 Junior High Coach of the Year.

Barbie Jackson was presented with a Pacesetter Award for her work with the Sand Springs Education Association during the last legislative session and teacher walkout. "(Jackson) worked tirelessly to keep everyone informed," said Board member Krista Polanski. "Barbie has a big heart and she puts all of her heart into everything she does."

Shawn Beard, Sherry Durkee, Karen Biggs, Laura Hamilton, Ernie Kothe, Angelia Noel, Nancy Ogle, Sean Parker, Sherry Pearson, Renee Plant, Russell Ragland, Danese Tanner, Stan Trout, Kristin Arnold, Rob Miller, and Greg Morris were all presented with Sandite Coins of Excellence for their work during the teacher walkout. 

Superintendent Sherry Durkee spoke on the difficulty the schools are facing regarding the teacher pay raise package passed by the Oklahoma Legislature during the last session. 

The political action group Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite has filed a veto referendum petition to put House Bill 1010xx to a vote of the people. If the petition garners 41,000 signatures by July 18, Oklahoma voters will decide whether to approve or veto the bill, which provides funding for a $6,100 average pay raise for Oklahoma teachers. 

HB1010xx is expected to raise $447 million in revenue by increasing the gross production tax to 5% on all oil wells, increasing the cigarette tax by $1 per pack, increasing the gasoline tax by three cents, and increasing the diesel tax by six cents. 

If the petition succeeds, the question of whether to approve HB1010xx won't appear on ballots until the November election. With the school year beginning in August, schools are waiting on an Attorney General ruling on whether or not the districts should enact teacher raises for this school year.

If schools enact raises in August and voters reject HB1010xx in November, it would create a massive revenue shortage for districts across the state. Teacher pay raises will cost the Sand Springs district nearly $3 million in the next school year.

In other news:

Charles Page High School will host a new interior design program in partnership with Tulsa Tech during the next school year. 

Superintendent Durkee said she's pleased with the applicant pool the district recently had for several high profile positions. The District recently began accepting applications for Head Girls' Basketball Coach, Head Wrestling Coach, Head Volleyball Coach, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum. 

The Board approved the hiring of new Head Coaches for Wrestling and Girls' Basketball.

Tobey Nightingale will take over the Lady Sandite Basketball team after coaching Hennessey High School to a 9-16 record at the 3A level last season. The Lady Sandites are coming off an 18-8 season and back-to-back State Tournament appearances. 

Jarrod Patterson will take over a Sandite Wrestling program that placed third in the State Tournament in 2018 and won State and Dual State titles in 2017. The Sandites finished last season with a 13-4 dual record and won 25-straight duals over two seasons. 

Ryan Skaggs, owner/operator of Precision Outdoor Services, spoke regarding the bidding process for lawncare services in the school district. According to Skaggs, his company underbid the existing provider by $6,000, but his competitor was allowed to rebid to undercut Precision. Skaggs called on the district to go to a sealed bidding process in the future. 

The district is in the process of implementing "Crisis Go," an emergency system that alerts staff, students, parents, and law enforcement of any potential threat on campus. Durkee expects to have the system fully online by the next school year. 

Assistant Superintendent Rob Miller is in his last month with the Sand Springs district and will be taking over as Superintendent of Bixby Public Schools on June 1st. 

The Charles Page Class of 2018 graduation ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center.

This Week in Sand Springs (5/6 - 5/13/18)

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Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis Regionals (A).
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 8:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A Golf State Tournament.
    • Forest Ridge Golf Club
      7501 East Kenosha Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74014
  • 8:30 a.m. 38th Annual Frank R. Rhoades Golf Classic.
    • Benefiting Tulsa Boys' Home in Sand Springs.
    • The Patriot Golf Club
      5790 North Patriot Drive
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum.
    • Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council meeting.
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education meeting.

Tuesday

  • 8:30 a.m. 38th Annual Frank R. Rhoades Golf Classic.
    • Benefiting Tulsa Boys' Home in Sand Springs.
    • The Patriot Golf Club
      5790 North Patriot Drive
      Owasso, OK 74055

Thursday

  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Airport Advisory Board Meeting.

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A State Tennis Tournament.
    • Oklahoma City Tennis Center
      3400 North Portland Avenue
      Oklahoma City, OK 73112
  • 10:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A State Track Meet.
    • Yukon High School
      1777 South Yukon Parkway
      Yukon, OK 73099
  • 7:00 p.m. Movie on the Lawn: "Coco"
    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hike With Your Dog Day!
  • 8:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A State Tennis Tournament.
    • Oklahoma City Tennis Center
      3400 North Portland Avenue
      Oklahoma City, OK 73112
  • 11:00 a.m. 2nd Annual Sand Springs Women's Chamber Tea Party
    • First Presbyterian Church
      222 North Adams Road
  • 12:00 p.m. OSSAA 6A State Track Meet.
    • Yukon High School
      1777 South Yukon Parkway
      Yukon, OK 73099
  • 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Graduation.
    • Mabee Center
      7777 South Lewis Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74171
  • 10:00 p.m. Senior Celebration.
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

Sunday

  • Mother's Day.

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

This Week in Sand Springs (4/29 - 5/6/18)

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Sunday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Country Craft Show
    • Pleasant Valley Farms
      2350 West 71st Street South

Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Golf Regionals (A)
    • Bailey Ranch Golf Course
      10105 Larkin Bailey Boulevard
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis Regionals (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Tuesday 

  • 7:00 p.m. Clyde Boyd Middle School Band Spring Concert
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School - Auditorium
      305 West 35th Street

Wednesday

  • 8:40 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. Welcome to the Sixth Grade meeting
    • Sixth Grade Center
      305 West 35th Place South
  • 9:00 a.m. Girls Golf State Championship (A)
    • Hillcrest Country Club
      1901 Price Road
      Bartlesville, OK 74006
  • 12:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Sapulpa (Regionals)
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 3:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Owasso (Regionals)
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055

Thursday

  • National Day of Prayer
    • 7:00 a.m. Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance prayer meeting
      • Word of Life
        1402 North 81st West Avenue
    • 8:00 a.m. Sand Springs Small Business Alliance prayer meeting
      • Triangle Park
        4 East Broadway
  • Time TBA - Sandite Baseball Regional Tournament Day Two
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 9:00 a.m. Girls Golf State Championship (A)
    • Hillcrest Country Club
      1901 Price Road
      Bartlesville, OK 74006

Friday

  • 100 Mile Yard Sale
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer Booster Club Yard Sale
    • 3 East 32nd Place
  • 11:00 a.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Road

Saturday

  • 100 Mile Yard Sale
  • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days
    • Free chipping of tree limbs up to 2 inches in diameter.
      Free mulch and firewood while supplies last.
      Must bring water bill as proof of residency. 
    • Sand Springs Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer Booster Club Yard Sale
    • 3 East 32nd Place
  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
  • 9:30 a.m. Sandite Track & Field Regional Tournament (A)
    • Tahlequah High School
      591 Pendleton Street
      Tahlequah, OK 74464
  • 1:30 p.m. Tulsa Boys' Home Run for the Roses

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. Tulsa Jolt Jackpot Golf Classic
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Avenue

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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Oklahoma 100-Mile Yard Sale returns to Sand Springs May 4-5

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Less than two weeks remain till the Oklahoma 100-Mile Yard Sale returns to Sand Springs, so get busy clearing out your garage and closets! Is your house already in order? Then go enjoy the sales and land some sweet deals on home decor, clothing, and any number of treasures.

Thirty-five addresses are currently pinned on the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce yard-sale map, and you can add your address free of charge! This will be the second year that Sand Springs has joined with the event. Last year dozens of homes participated without registering online. 

The eighth-annual event is the biggest yet, and is actually more than 200 miles long! The tour takes yard-sale enthusiasts through sixteen towns, including: Cleveland, Hominy, Ralston, Fairfax, Pawnee, Lone Chimney, Yale, Cushing, Drumright, Oilton, Sapulpa, Sand Springs, Mannford, Jennings, Hallett, and Terlton.

Click this link to pin your sale on the Chamber website or to see who all is participating. 

Not enough time to prepare for this sale? Then go check out other people's yards and wait till the City-Wide Garage Sale on September 8th!

Sand Springs City Council plans for major infrastructure, new commercial development

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The former Gerdau steel mill is now prime commercial real estate being marketed by the City of Sand Springs.

The City of Sand Springs moved forward with plans for a major expansion and improvement project on Main Street at Monday night's City Council Meeting.

The passage of Resolution No. 18-41 authorized the City to deposit $944,748 with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as the City's 20% share of the project. 

The Design Agreement dates back to 2008 and the project will finally go to bid in August. Sand Springs Project Administrator T.J. Davis expects to see dirt work begin by the end of the year.

Main Street will be reconstructed from Third Street to its current terminus at 404 South Main Street, and will be extended west to a new intersection at Highway 97. 

A frontage road will also be constructed from Main Street to the Highway 412 on-ramp at Lincoln Avenue. 

Council also passed a resolution regarding the development of Sheffield Crossing, a plot of land recently purchased by the City with the goal of retail and commercial development. 

The eighteen-acre development is located West of Highway 97 between Morrow Road and the Arkansas River. Much of the land will be preserved with the goal of attracting a home improvement store such as Lowe's or Home Depot, but City leadership will consider other proposals in the meantime.

The passage of Ordinance No. 1316 declares the land as surplus and authorizes the City to sell the property at Council and Manager's discretion. 

Council also passed Ordinance No. 1317 declaring as surplus a fourteen-acre plot of land on the Southwest corner of 129th West Avenue and West Wekiwa Road, also with the goal of commercial development. 

In Other News: 

  • Council unanimously voted to reappoint Municipal Judge Michael King and Assistant Judges R. Jay McAtee and Thomas Askew to two-year terms. 
  • Council unanimously voted to reappoint Larry Johnston to a three-year term on the Board of Adjustment.
  • Council unanimously voted to reappoint Patty Dixon to a three-year term on the Planning Commission.
  • Council unanimously voted to reappoint Ronald Cloud to a three-year term on the Parks Advisory Board.
  • Council unanimously voted to cast votes for Ponca City Manager Craig Stephenson and Bartlesville City Manager Mike Bailey to serve on the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group Board of Trustees for a three-year term.
  • Council unanimously voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget.
  • Council unanimously approved the use of $293,177.00 for the purchase of new Public Safety software. The funding for the software comes from the passage of a November 2017 General Obligation Bond. The system will cover Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management, Mobile computing, Automatic Vehicle Location, Jail Management, Property and Evidence, and more. 
  • Council approved an ordinance requiring the spaying/neutering of dogs and cats over six months of age, with a hobbyist exemption for show animals. Hobbyists will be allowed to keep up to six unfixed animals on their property at a given time, with a $20 annual permit.
  • Council approved the final plat for Stone Crest Addition, a 14.726-acre subdivision on 41st Street across from Westwood Estates. 
  • Council approved a final payment of $52,642.14 to CMSWillowbrook for the installation of an LED light system under the Main Street overpass. The total cost for the project was finalized at $85,987.14. 

Rain hinders but can't stop 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Inaugural Westival

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The 29th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival was a dreary event Saturday in downtown Sand Springs. The steady downpour may have turned away casual attendees, but the Sandite faithful didn't fail to turn out for one of the city's biggest traditions.

Local businesses like OkieSpice & Trade Co., Keys & Memories, Mile High Designs, and Riddle Plant Farm were joined by nearly a hundred plant and craft vendors from across Oklahoma and even some neighboring states.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church provided free plant sitting at several stations throughout the downtown area and Church That Matters hosted a Kids Zone with games, free snow cones, and a petting zoo.

A variety of food was on hand, including root beer from Sand Springs Boy Scout Troop 507 and a full wine garden in the newly dedicated Inez Kirk City-Garden Park.

Musicians such as Monica Taylor and Anna Massey entertained on the Triangle Park stage, including Sand Springs natives Janet Rutland and Shelby Eicher. 

Jack Younger was presented with the annual Hometown Hero Award by Vice Mayor Beau Wilson and State Representative Jadine Nollan. Younger recently retired as the Sand Springs Youth Football Association President after thirty years with the organization, which also serves basketball and cheer. 

The Sand Springs Museum was open throughout the event, showcasing a collection of collectible lunch boxes and aprons, as well as art by Sand Springs Public School students. 

OkieSpice added to the festivities with the first installment of what plans to be an annual tradition. Westival featured free samples of salsas, BBQ sauces, spices, and other OkieSpice products. OkieSpice suppliers traveled from far and wide to showcase their creations.

Pearl Snap Salsas held a challenge with their various volatile cocktails, culminating with the Atomic 12 which is certified at 79,100 Scoville Heat Units and requires a signed waiver to consume or purchase. Sand Springs's own Ruly Sanchez won the challenge.

Jack Younger named Hometown Hero at 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair

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Recently retired Sand Springs Youth Football Association President Jack Younger was recognized as the 2018 recipient of the Hometown Hero Award.

SEE RELATED: Rain hinders but can't stop 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Inaugural Westival

Vice Mayor Beau Wilson presented the award at the 29th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival Saturday at noon and Younger was given a commemorative key to the City. State Representative Jadine Nollan also recognized Younger with a citation signed by herself and the Speak of the House.

Younger spent thirty years with the youth sports organization which also supports youth basketball and cheer teams. Dustin Little was announced as Younger's successor in March.

 

This Week in Sand Springs (4/22 - 4/29/18)

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Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis Tournament (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Tuesday 

  • 7:30 a.m. Breakfast with County Commissioner Karen Keith 
    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue
  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis Tournament (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 8:30 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Regional Tournament (A)
    • Muskogee Country Club
      2400 North Country Club Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 12:00 p.m. No. 17 Lady Sandite Softball vs. Norman (Regional Tournament)
    • Southmoore High School
      2901 South Santa Fe Avenue
      Moore, OK 73160
    • First game loss, play No. 3 Southmoore at 1:20 p.m.
      First game win, play winner of Southmoore vs. Norman at 2:40 p.m.
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Southmoore (A)
    • Southmoore Baseball Stadium
      2901 South Santa Fe Avenue
      Moore, OK 73160
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Spring Concert
    • Charles Page High School - Auditorium
      500 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. SCORE Women's Leadership Breakfast 
    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue
  • 5:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Booker T. Washington (A)
    • Booker T. Washington High School
      1514 East Zion Street
      Tulsa, OK 74106
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame Banquet
    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 6:30 p.m. Pop with a Cop
    • Sand Springs Municipal Building
      100 East Broadway
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Friday

  • 1:00 p.m. Inaugural Diamond Girls Classic golf tournament
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Road
  • 4:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Southmoore (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Audition for Little Old Ladies In Tennis Shoes
    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Country Craft Show
    • Pleasant Valley Farms
      22350 West 71st Street South
  • 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Student Art Contest
    • Triangle Park
      4 East Broadway
  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Audition for Little Old Ladies In Tennis Shoes
    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street
  • 6:30 p.m. Blue Dog: The What & Why
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

Sunday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Country Craft Show
    • Pleasant Valley Farms
      2350 West 71st Street South

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Myers Marketing celebrates Grand Opening of new downtown location

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Myers Marketing Management and We Are Sand Springs magazine celebrated the grand opening of their new location Saturday morning during Herbal Affair.

Myers Marketing is owned by Sand Springs locals Danielle and D.A. Myers. The company offers Social Media Management, Website Design, Search Engine Optimization, Brand Development, Video Production, Logo Design, and many other forms of traditional and modern marketing.

Myers' bimonthly magazine We Are Sand Springs provides 32 pages of full color stories, articles, and special features highlighting life in Sand Springs. They promote the aspects of Sand Springs that make the town unique, such as its history and founding by Charles Page, its beautiful parks, generous businesses, and successful schools. Copies of the magazine are mailed directly to Sand Springs homes free of charge, and can be found at businesses throughout town. 

We Are Sand Springs also publishes a calendar each year filled with coupons and important dates such as festivals, holidays, and the Sand Springs Public Schools and Chamber of Commerce calendars. 

The new office space for the company is located at 118 North Main Street and offers a place for locals to hang out and rest their feet while shopping downtown Sand Springs. They offer Dip 'n' Dots ice cream, games, and showcase local art. Sand Springs artist Jade Crawford is currently showcasing her work and sales of the art will go towards a summer mission trip to Tanzania with Asking For the Nations.

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Bill Barring Sex Offenders from Living Near Their Victims

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed a bill that helps protect victims from their sex offenders.

Fallin signed House Bill (HB) 1124, which prohibits sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet and loitering within 1,000 feet from their victims’ homes.  Under current Oklahoma law, sex offenders are banned from living near places like schools and playgrounds, but it does not apply to a sex offender living near his or her adult victim.

The measure passed unanimously in both chambers: 92-0 in the House of Representatives and 44-0 in the Senate.

HB 1124, named the “Justice for Danyelle Act of 2018,”  takes effect Nov. 1. It is named after Danyelle Dyer, of Bristow, whose attacker moved next door to her last year.

Rep. Kyle Hilbert and Sen. James Leewright filed the legislation. In the meantime, Dyer and her family went to court and obtained a protective order, and the offender was ordered to move.

“Victims shouldn’t have to worry about their sex offenders moving in next door,” said Fallin. “I appreciate Representative Hilbert and Senator Leewright for responding quickly to this situation and coming up with a logical solution to this issue. If we have laws keeping sex offenders from parks and day care centers, it’s common sense that they shouldn’t be allowed near their victims.”

"I am incredibly proud of the courage Danyelle Dyer showed to bring this issue to light,” said Hilbert. “Thanks to her advocacy, no victims in Oklahoma will ever endure what her and her family went through ever again. Thank you Governor Fallin for signing HB 1124 and standing up for the rights of victims across the state.”

“Through her bravery to come forward, Danyelle helped bring this dangerous loophole to our attention as well as other states that also haven’t addressed this needed zone of safety,” said Leewright. “Her advocacy will help protect others from continuing to be victimized emotionally on a daily basis knowing their attacker is so close.”

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Human Trafficking Bill

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin signed a bill targeted at preventing human trafficking Wednesday.

House Bill (HB) 2651 permits Oklahoma’s public safety commissioner to choose training material from Truckers Against Human Trafficking for education purposes for drivers applying for Class A, B or C commercial licenses. The material includes training on recognizing, preventing and reporting human trafficking. The public safety commissioner is required to regularly review and update the training to ensure it is up to date on changes and trends in human trafficking. 

HB 2651, authored by Rep. Steve Vaughan, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, and Senate Majority Whip Frank Simpson, passed unanimously in both the House of Representatives and Senate. It takes effect Nov. 1.

“This is an effective and efficient way to make our commercial drivers more aware about signs of human trafficking and how to report,” said Fallin. “By understanding the signs and symptoms of trafficking, they can help our law enforcement stop human trafficking on our highways and in our community. Our state’s location as a crossroads positions the Oklahoma City metropolitan area as a hotbed for human trafficking activity. The intersections of major interstate highways like I-35, I-40 and I-44 mean human traffickers move sex slaves and others involved in forced labor through Oklahoma City.”

“Human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in our country and Oklahoma is a prime target,” Simpson said. “Truck stops are the perfect place for traffickers to move their goods and as transfer points for transporting their victims. If trained in what to look and listen for as well as what to do, truckers can be instrumental in recognizing and stopping these crimes.”

“Oftentimes we overlook the importance of how many trucks travel our roads and highways every day,” Vaughan said. “Because of this bill, inside every cab of those trucks is a trucker who has become more aware of human trafficking. It is great to have eyes in the cab and boots on the ground to help eliminate this problem. I was pleased to be asked to author this bill on the House side for the people of the great state of Oklahoma.”

Senate approves work requirements for Medicaid recipients

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OKLAHOMA CITY – To strengthen Oklahoma families and the state’s economy, the Senate approved legislation Wednesday to establish work or training requirements to participate in the SoonerCare Medicaid program. House Bill 2932, authored by Sen. Adam Pugh and Rep. Glen Mulready, would instruct the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to seek waiver authority to modify Medicaid eligibility criteria to require documentation of the same education, skills, training, work or job activities currently required by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“This bill follows direction from the federal government to help those Medicaid recipients who are working-aged and able-bodied get back into the workforce and become a self-sufficient, contributing member of society. It will align SoonerCare qualification requirements with those already in place for Oklahoma’s SNAP,” said Pugh, R-Edmond. “I grew up extremely poor and my mom, who was a single parent, worked three jobs to support our family. I would work as many jobs as necessary to take care of my family. This will encourage Medicaid recipients to take some personal responsibility in getting the education or job training they need to support themselves and their families.”

The bill would mirror federal Medicaid law and SNAP by exempting from the new eligibility requirements those individuals who are 19 years of age or younger or over 60 years old, pregnant, medically-certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment, or who are a parent or caretaker of a dependent child under a year old.

According to the OHCA, there are approximately 106,600 Oklahomans who are a part of the parent/caretaker group receiving Medicaid coverage who are able-bodied/working-aged adults 19 to 64 who are not pregnant, disabled or blind. Thirty-two percent of those recipients were male and 25 percent were two adults living in the same home and both receiving Medicaid coverage. An analysis by the agency of SoonerCare members covered in FY’17 found that around 8,000 out of those 106,600 would not have met any of the exemptions outlined in the bill.

Currently, more than 600,000 Oklahomans receive SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) each month. In FY’17, there were more than one million Oklahomans enrolled in SoonerCare Medicaid with nearly 796,000 SoonerCare recipients in March 2018. OHCA also noted there are nearly 81,000 SoonerCare recipients who also receive SNAP benefits.

The coauthor of the measure, Sen. Paul Rosino has been a strong advocate for the federal government’s push to get states to create work requirements for eligible Medicaid recipients.

“I applaud the Governor for championing these work requirements and my colleagues in the Senate and House for supporting them. This will provide these individuals with the tools, whether through education or job training, to help better their lives to be able to support themselves and their families,” said Rosino, R-Oklahoma. “We must break the cycle of government dependence that is getting worse with each generation. Since getting into office, personal responsibility and work requirements for able-bodied adults 19 to 64 has been one of my top priorities. I will continue to advocate for and support any legislation that helps strengthen Oklahoma families and our economy by helping more people become independent and self-sufficient.”

The bill now returns to the House for final consideration. Besides being approved by the Governor, the new eligibility requirements would have to also be approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Prattville QuikTrip reopens after five months of rebuilding

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The QuikTrip convenience store located at 2 West 41st Street in South Sand Springs reopened at 6:00 a.m. Thursday after being closed for nearly half a year. 

The store's expansion project began more than a year ago with major groundwork and the existing store was closed and demolished in the fall.

The new building is approximately 6,000 square feet, an expansion of nearly 1,800 over the previous facility. The store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and boasts a large selection of hot foods from their QuikTrip Kitchens.

QuikTrip is a privately-owned company founded in Tulsa in 1958. It first expanded to Sand Springs with its 300th store in 1992. The company operates more than seven hundred stores in eleven states with more than 22,500 employees.

The company ranks 33rd on Forbe's list of largest privately held companies with a $9.7 billion value in 2017. It is the second-largest private company in Oklahoma. QuikTrip is number 22 in the nation on the Fortune list of Best Workplaces for Millennials. 

Sand Springs dedicates Inez Kirk park in honor of former City Manager

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The City of Sand Springs rededicated the City-Garden Park at 101 East Broadway Street in honor of former City Manager Inez Kirk.

Kirk was the City Manager for Sand Springs from 1977 to 1986 and died in office on January 23, 1986.

Kirk's family and friends planted a pink rose bush in honor of her nickname, the Iron Rose. A group of more than thirty family members, friends, and former coworkers turned out to honor her and celebrated her life with her favorite candy, licorice. 

"This park is very special to me," said current City Manager Elizabeth Gray. "I came here and prayed before I went in for my interview (for City Manager)." 

"I remember what Sand Springs used to be compared to what it is today," said Mayor Mike Burdge. "Inez was very instrumental in changing the character and the integrity of government in Sand Springs. 

The Soccer Complex at Case Community Park was named in her honor for many years, but City leaders decided it would be more appropriate to recognize her with the park next door to the City Hall building she worked at. 

"Mom loved her family, and the people at City Hall were also her family. She loved each and every one," said Kirk's daughter, Pat McConnell. "Her passion was for this city. I can tell you that mom would be overwhelmed by the fact that the City has chosen to honor her like this, and she would be amazed at how many people still remember her and talk about her."

City of Sand Springs unveils new downtown LED light system

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The City of Sand Springs unveiled a new feature in the downtown shopping district Tuesday evening.

A system of LED (light-emitting diode) lights was revealed under the Highway 412 overpass over Main Street that will change color throughout the year to reflect themes such as holidays, cancer awareness, and this weekend's 29th Annual Herbal Affair.

"This project has been three years in the making," said Community Development Director Grant Gerondale. "It takes a long time to put something like this together. From the budgeting and the conceptualization to the initial design drawing to getting (Department of Transportation) approval." 

The dual-purpose lights are intended to improve public safety in the dimly lit area, as well as to help bridge the downtown shopping district to the new River West development. 

"I think you're gonna really enjoy this nice little package, I think it's going to add a lot of value to the community," said Gerondale. 

The project is funded with Vision 2025 taxes intended for quality of life enrichment. Studio 45 Architects, CMSWillbrook construction management, and Third Generation Electric were involved in the design, installation, and programming of the lights.

Sand Springs Stormwater and Utilities Technician Jon Odle will operate the lights for the City, creating themes for various holidays and events throughout the year, as well as ensuring they continue to function properly. 

"Jon has embraced this thing completely," said Gerondale. "After tonight it's Jon's show."

The lights will turn on automatically half an hour before sunset and will shut off at 2:00 a.m.

Gerondale asked for public input regarding the project, saying the City is open to adding similar projects with community support. 

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Scott Emigh

Scott Emigh lives in Sand Springs, Oklahoma with his wife, Charity, and son, Jordan. Scott’s a passionate Sandite, libertarian, Christian, hiker, adventurer, and writer.

When he’s not busy covering Sand Springs sports, he’s looking for opportunities to travel and tell stories.

Follow Scott on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to keep up with his travels!

2018 puts the "chill" in Chillin & Grillin Festival

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The Seventh Annual Chillin & Grillin Festival didn't exactly go down without a hitch, but it was still one for the history books.

A frigid wave of winter weather brought the festivities to an early end, but the event also got started a day early. The Chamber of Commerce festival expanded to three days this year and added a carnival to the already busy schedule of activities.

Great Plains Amusement brought out classic carnival rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Zipper, the Musik Express, a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round and many other rides for both kids and adults.

Non-competition food vendors were on hand for the first time, feeding carnival-goers for the two days prior to the barbecue contest. Lee's Charburgers, 3 Feathers BBQ, Raphael's Southern BBQ, and Not Your Grandma's Cupcakes were all available, as were carnival classics like funnel cake, shaved ice, and chocolate-dipped cheesecake.

Student jazz bands from Mannford, Berryhill, and Charles Page High School provided the entertainment Thursday evening. Sand Springs local Jennifer Marriott headlined Friday and Midlife Crisis entertained on Saturday. 

The Third Annual Harper's Hut Classic Car Show partnered with Chillin & Grillin for the second year and was a crowd favorite. Richard Blair's Ford pickup won Green Country Federal Credit Union Best In Show. Robert Chesney won the Women's Pick with a Ford Galaxy 500, Nicholas Hancock won the Men's Pick with a Chevy Nomad, and Robin Riley won the overall Chillin & Grillin Best in Show title with a 1958 Chevy Corvette. 

The Kansas City Barbecue Society portion of the grilling competition was canceled this year, but the People's Choice Awards went unhindered. Keystone Chevrolet's "Smoking on the Line" team dethroned the defending champs from the Sand Springs Parks Department, who settled for runners-up.

2018 saw the festival's return to the newly renovated Case Community Park. Chillin was held at River City Park for its first five years, then moved to Pogue Airport last year while the park underwent a $6 million renovation and was renamed. 

Sand Springs titan Opal Bennefield Clark passes at 105 years old

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Sandite Pride staff members Scott Emigh and Morgan Miller with Opal Bennefield Clark.

Opal Bennefield Clark was the last human connection Sand Springs had with its founding father, and the 105-year-old sister to the City passed from this life into the next Friday morning.

Clark was one of the earliest residents at the Sand Springs Widow's Colony founded by Charles Page. Born on May 20, 1912, Clark never got to know her father, who was killed by a boar two months before her birth. The City of Sand Springs was incorporated that same year, and Clark arrived in 1916.

Clark found a father figure in "Daddy Page," whose life she preserved in A Fool's Enterprise. The biography was published in 1988 and was integral in telling the story of Sand Springs. She also published children's book Leelore's Unusual Choir, which she wrote and illustrated. 

Clark was married to Jimmy Clark for 57 years till his passing in 1989. She found love again in an assisted living facility, and was married to Paul Moss from 2012 till his death in 2014. She leaves behind one daughter, four granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. 

Services will be held at Dillon Marler Dighton Legacy Chapel in Woodland Memorial Park cemetery Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in Sand Springs. 

 

CPHS Percussion places second at State Championship

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The Charles Page High School Band took second place at Saturday's Winter Guard and Percussion of Oklahoma State Championships in the Scholastic Marching competition.

The Sandites came in runner-up to Edison Preparatory with a total score of 80.45 to Edison's 81.5. Coweta came in runner-up at 79.1.

Clyde Boyd Percussion was the only school to enter the Middle School competition and brought home the first place trophy. 

 

This Week in Sand Springs (4/15 - 4/22/18)

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Sunday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Band Mattress Sale Fundraiser
    • CPHS Performing Arts Building
      600 North Adams Road

Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Jenks (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street

Tuesday 

  • 8:30 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Union Tournament (A)
    • LaFortune Park Golf Course
      5501 South Yale Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135
  • 1:30 p.m. Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board Meeting
  • 4:45 p.m. No. 14 Lady Sandite Softball vs. No. 2 Union (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 6:15 p.m. No. 14 Lady Sandite Softball vs. No. 11 Tahlequah (A)
    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Jenks (A)
    • Jenks High School Baseball Field
      809 North 3rd Street East
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Owasso (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 8:00 p.m. Sand Springs LED Light System Unveiling
    • Sand Springs Expressway Overpass
      100 South Main Street
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Owasso (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 3:00 p.m. Inez Kirk City-Garden Park Dedication
    • Inez Kirk City-Garden Park
      101 East Broadway Street
  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority Meeting
    • Sand Springs Municipal Building, Room 203
      100 East Broadway
    • Agenda not available by press time.
  • 5:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Muskogee (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street

Thursday

  • 4:00 p.m. No. 14 Sandite Softball vs. No. 4 Broken Arrow (A)
    • Jenks High School Softball Complex
      1701 North Birch Street
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Norman (A)
    • Norman Sports Complex
      270 24th Avenue Southeast
      Norman, OK 73071
  • 7:30 p.m. No. 14 Sandite Softball vs. No. 10 Jenks (A)
    • Jenks High School Softball Complex
      1701 North Birch Street
      Jenks, OK 74037
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Norman (A)
    • Norman Sports Complex
      270 24th Avenue Southeast
      Norman, OK 73071

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Frontier Valley Conference Championship (A)
    • Adams Municipal Golf Course
      5801 Tuxedo Boulevard
      Bartlesville, OK 74006
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 7:00 p.m. "Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene"
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School Drama production
    • $5.00 admission.
    • CBMS Auditorium
      305 North 35th Street 
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival
    • Downtown Sand Springs
  • 2:30 p.m. "Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene"
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School Drama production
    • $5.00 admission.
    • CBMS Auditorium
      305 North 35th Street 
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Sapulpa (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 7:00 p.m. "Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene"
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School Drama production
    • $5.00 admission.
    • CBMS Auditorium
      305 North 35th Street 

Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. "Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene"
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School Drama production
    • $5.00 admission.
    • CBMS Auditorium
      305 North 35th Street 

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Angus Elementary students raise $1037 for Make a Wish Foundation

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Lots of wishes will be coming true this year thanks to the efforts of students at Angus Valley Elementary in Sand Springs.

Lilli Searcy, Allie Bradshaw, and Caryss Upton recently held a coin drive at their school to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The drive lasted less than two weeks and raised over $1037. 

The fourth-grade girls participate in a life group at HillSpring Church which makes fleece blankets for Make-A-Wish kids. Searcy leads the group together with her mother, Lindsey, who introduced her to the organization. The money will go to providing supplies for the group.

Make-A-Wish aims to grant the wishes of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. The kids often spend a lot of time in hospitals and a homemade blanket can provide a source of warmth and comfort to children with way too much on their plate.