This Week in Sand Springs (6/2 - 6/9/19)

Monday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Wrestling Summer Pride.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Football Summer Pride.

    • CPHS Veterans Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum - RSVP required.

    • Tulsa Tech
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Blood Drive.

    • Free BBQ sandwich from 3 Feathers BBQ & Catering for all donors.

    • Sand Springs Church of Christ
      4301 South 113th West Avenue

  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board meeting.

  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Public Schools District Dialogue meeting.

    • CPHS Performing Arts Building
      600 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p..m. Keystone Kids Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road.

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education Meeting.

Wednesday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Wrestling Summer Pride.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Football Summer Pride.

    • CPHS Veterans Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p..m. Keystone Kids Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road.

Thursday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Football Summer Pride.

    • CPHS Veterans Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Friday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Wrestling Summer Pride.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Football Summer Pride.

    • CPHS Veterans Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

Sunday

  • 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Flood Victims Fundraiser.

    • Boulder Coffee
      118 North Main Street

On The Horizon

  • 6/15 - CPHS Class of 1994 - 25 Year Reunion.

  • 6/28 - Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament.

  • 8/12 - CPHS Football Mandatory Parent Meeting.


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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Senator Ikley-Freeman Statement on Tulsa Area Flooding

TULSA – Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa, released the following statement addressing the recent flooding in Tulsa:

“Today we received an update from the Army Corps of Engineers indicating releases from the Keystone Dam are falling and the level of the Arkansas River is dropping. While this is welcome news, it is important for residents to be aware the situation is still very serious, and health and safety risks remain. As floodwaters recede, neighborhoods will be inspected for safety before evacuated residents are able to return.

“The last few weeks have been very challenging for our communities, but our residents are tough and resilient. Please remember that nobody has to go through this alone; there are many resources available to help those affected by the flooding and severe weather. Residents can still dial 2-1-1 to request assistance. My constituents in District 37 can also call my office at (405) 521-5600 if you have questions or have a specific request for assistance. If you are able to volunteer with relief efforts, please contact the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or visit their website at redcross.org.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I will work tirelessly to make sure our communities have the tools to begin the long road to recovery. I have been coordinating with officials at the federal, state, and local levels on relief efforts and will continue working with them through the recovery process. I want to thank Tulsa City Councilor Jeannie Cue, County Commissioner Karen Keith, and all of the officials who have put in countless hours assisting impacted communities. We also acknowledge and thank the Army Corps of Engineers, Oklahoma National Guard, and first responders for all they have done to protect us. We will continue to come together as Oklahomans and we will move forward.”

Residents Urged to Use Caution When Reentering Flooded Homes

As many residents prepare to return to their homes and property damaged by floodwaters, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages the public to use caution when reentering their home.

Scott Sproat, director of the OSDH Emergency Preparedness and Response Service, said there are a number of factors for residents to consider.

“In the upcoming weeks, there will be many Oklahomans returning to damaged homes,” said Sproat. “We want to ensure the public’s health and safety as we continue to recover from the recent disaster.”

If a flooded home has been closed up for several days, residents should assume there is mold and take proper precautions. Occupants should enter the home briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for at least 30 minutes before staying for any length of time. After standing water has been removed, use fans and dehumidifiers to help remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold.

It is recommended to have the home’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold cleanup before being turned on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mold-contaminated HVAC will spread mold throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent later mold growth. When the service determines that the system is clean and if it is safe to do so, turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your home.

The following additional safety tips are recommended:

  • Ensure the utilities to a flooded building are shut off. Homeowners who are not familiar with electricity or their home’s electrical system should contact a professional to help make the property safe from electrical hazards.

  • Use flashlights. Avoid using lanterns, torches or matches to examine dark buildings. Flammable gases may be present and open flames can cause a fire or explosion.

  • Generators or other gasoline-powered machinery should only be used outdoors away from doors and windows as carbon monoxide exhaust can be fatal.

  • Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about medications having spoiled.

  • Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water as well as perishable foods which have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages. When in doubt, throw it out.

  • Be on the lookout for snakes or rodents which may be looking for shelter on higher ground.

For more information about safety after a disaster, visit www.cdc.gov or www.ready.gov.

Keystone Dam outflow reduced, community meeting scheduled and other resources for flood victims

For the first time in weeks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun significantly scaling back release rates at the Keystone Dam. By 2:00 p.m. Thursday outflow had been reduced from 275,000 cubic feet per second to 230,000. Inflow is down to 204,251 cf/s, its lowest rate since May 20th. The flood pool is at 104.9% with pool elevation at 755.5 feet. With no additional rains, the Corps is projecting 100,000 cf/s by June 3rd.

By Monday evening the Sand Springs Police had shut down Highway 51 all the way from Riverview RV Park to 145th West Avenue due to flooding from Anderson Creek. The Arkansas River tributary was one of the first places to flood in Sand Springs, taking out the Meadow Valley subdivision, the Webco Star Center, Sand Springs Sand and Gravel Company, and Double H Sales.

National Guard checkpoints have been established at the Highway 51 intersections with 145th West Avenue, Town and Country Drive, and 165th West Avenue. Residents in those neighborhoods are still allowed to return, but the Meadow Valley subdivision was temporarily off limits.

At peak outflow, 145th flooded at the entrance to the neighborhood, cutting off access to anyone without a substantially lifted vehicle. However waters began to recede Wednesday evening. Some residents reported 2-3 feet reduction in water levels around their property.

Charles Page Boulevard closed Tuesday from 65th West Avenue to 74th West Avenue, then expanded to 81st on Wednesday. The National Guard is concerned about soil liquification under the roadway and potential sinkholes.

The Starbucks in River West shut down Monday and will remain closed until the Arkansas River flooding situation is resolved and the levee system is no longer at risk.

Case Community Park has been closed for the past week due to substantial flooding and will likely remain closed for some time.

Resources

Broadway Baptist Church will be hosting an informative event Thursday at 1000 North Adams Road for locals affected by the flood. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with remarks to begin at 6:30 p.m. Senator James Lankford, Congressman Kevin Hern, Governor Kevin Stitt, Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, and Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith will be in attendance.

Senator Jim Inhofe will be on hand at 5:30 p.m. to speak with constituents, but will not be available during the 6:30 meeting due to a previously scheduled conference call. The event is only open to residents of Town & Country, Candlestick Beach, and other affected flood victims in unincorporated Tulsa County areas of Sand Springs. QuikTrip is providing free drinks and pastries for the event.

Angus Church at 4401 South 129th West Avenue is serving three meals a day for locals affected by the floods and tornadoes. Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m., lunch is at 12:00 p.m., and dinner is at 6:00 p.m. However, the Thursday dinner will be moved up to 5:00 p.m. so as to not conflict with the meeting at Broadway Baptist.

Broadway will be providing free dinner to flood victims, first responders, and military Sunday June 2nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The church is partnering with Rolling River Relief and Sand Springs Community Services to bring multiple food trucks. Broadway is also offering free clothing and some financial support. They can be reached at 918-245-7513.

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Inc. has opened a Disaster Relief Distribution Center at the Sand Springs Church of Christ Activity Building at 4301 South 113th West Avenue. Beginning Thursday, May 30th, they are open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily with boxed foods, baby care items, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and more. Flood victims should bring a valid driver’s license or ID card with your current address. This is a distribution site only and will not be able to receive donations.

Uhaul of Tulsa is offering free 30 day storage rental to anyone impacted by recent flooding. This is only at Uhaul Centers, not neighborhood dealers. Participating locations are 6105 South Peoria Avenue, 5140 South 103rd East Avenue, 3500 South Sheridan Road, 1006 South Memorial Drive, and 504 East Archer Street.

Samaritan’s Purse arrived Thursday to help with the physical labor that flood victims will have to deal with. The nondenominational evangelical Christian organization helps with gutting damaged homes to prep them for restoration. They are stationed in the Prattville Center at 3 West 41st Street to receive volunteers and flood victims in need of assistance. You can reach Samartian’s Purse at 918-257-1381. Samaritan’s Purse will provide training Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and on Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

Solace Church at 7314 West 41st Street will also be doing physical labor similar to Samaritan’s Purse. They can be reached at 217-853-1124.

Free meals are available for children up to age 18 from the Sand Springs Public Schools Child Nutrition Department. For information on locations and times, call 918-246-1430.

Sand Springs Community Services has food, clothing, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, toys, and other household items at 114 West 4th Street. They can be reached at 918-245-5183.

Sand Springs Care Closet at 3417 South 113th West Avenue has clothing and toys. They can be reached at 918-269-8434.

Harvest Church is receiving donations of cleaning supplies and canned goods at 1601 West 4th Street and can be reached at 918-245-0193. They have free cleaning supplies and bottled water at both their Sand Springs location and their 349 South 49th West Avenue location.

First Presbyterian Church at 222 North Adams Road has a food bank and can be reached at 918-245-1748.

Olivet Baptist Church at 155 North 65th West Avenue has a food bank and can be reached at 918-260-5369.

CrossPoint Church at 4600 South 129th West Avenue has a food bank and can be reached at 918-245-2534. They are accepting donations of bleach, gloves, cleaning supplies, bottled water, rags, and personal hygiene items.

HillSpring Church has clothing and licensed counselors available at 8801 West 41st Street and can be reached at 918-955-2031. They are accepting donations of trash bags, cleaning supplies ,bottled water, gloves, toilet paper, and paper towels.

Church That Matters has licensed counselors available at 3 West 41st Street and can be reached at 918-512-1486. They are accepting donations of bottled water, pre-packaged snacks, cleaning supplies, paper towels, gloves, and trash bags.

For resource updates, visit https://www.churchthatmatters.com/floodrelief

The City of Sand Springs canceled their “Chipper Days” event schedule for June 1st. The next date is July 13th. Citizens with a City water bill for proof of residence will be able to bring tree branches for free disposal.

Beginning Monday, free tetanus shots will be available at Gilstrap Chiropractic Clinic at 3900 South 113th West Avenue.

Chillin n Grillin BBQ Festival and Carnival returns to Sand Springs Thursday through Saturday

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 8th Annual Chillin n Grillin BBQ Festival on May 30, 31, and June 1st on 1st St. and Garfield Ave. The event has evolved into a three day event with a carnival being the headline on Thursday and Friday and then the BBQ will permeate downtown Friday night and all day Saturday. Several new activities and attractions have been added to the event.

Thursday May 30th 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Miscee Ann Smith will perform an acoustic jam session 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. while the carnival rides are available. There will also be food trucks to tempt your pallet, so bring your best gal or guy, grab a plate of food and listen to some great music.

Friday May 31st 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Live music will start at 6:00 p.m. featuring our very own Jennifer Marriott Band. Again the food trucks will be available along with beer and the carnival rides.

Saturday June 1st 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

The gates will open to the public at 10:00 a.m. with arts and crafts vendors, carnival and the Express Employment Clydesdales (11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.). Our Crowd Grub will open at 11:00 a.m. for some Award-Winning Pulled Pork Tacos, and live music from Nightingale Band featuring Bri Wright (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) and then a live remote with Big Country 99.5 FM (12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.). Prizes for BBQ Contest winners will be announced at 3:00 p.m. The carnival will run until 10:00 p.m.

“Amidst all of the devastation happening at this time, we feel everyone needs a little something to smile about and family fun,” said Chamber President Kristen Cepak. “The Chamber is proud to announce that a large portion of our profits will be donated to the Sand Springs Community Services for flood relief to our community.”

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce started this event in 2011 with just a few teams. As the event has grown, the community has begun to look forward to it each year. The highlight this year is the Carnival. The community can purchase wrist bands for $20 in advance, $25 ad the gate, and ride unlimited rides on Thursday and Friday. Saturdays’ rides will be by ticket only. Tickets are $3 per ride.

For all of the details on Chillin n Grillin BBQ Festival go to the Chamber website; http://sandspringschamber.com/. You will be able to purchase wrist bands and taster kits.

Keystone outflow will increase to 275,000 cf/s, flood waters will rise

Flooding in the Riverside West subdivision in South Sand Springs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced plans to increase outflow from the Keystone Dam Sunday after yet another torrential downpour soaked the state during an already historic wet-season.

Tornado sirens wailed across Green Country Saturday night and into Sunday morning as deadly twisters ravaged towns like Tulsa, Sapulpa, and El Reno. But what might ultimately end up causing even more property damage than the winds is the rain that came with it.

The Tulsa area received around an inch of rain, while areas upstream were doused in as much as three inches in the last 24 hours. Most of that water will find its way into the bursting banks of the Arkansas River, where Dam authorities are slowly inching their way closer to the record-setting 1986 outflow levels.

As of 5:00 p.m. Sunday, the lake is releasing 256,401 cubic feet per second, with inflow of 300,000. Waters are 33.04 feet above normal and the flood pool is 109.93% full. Though the USACE has yet to match the 1986 record of 305,000 cf/s, it has been releasing over 250,000 since Thursday, and over 200,000 since Wednesday. Even in the tragic flood of 1986, the outdated levee system never had to hold this much water for this long.

The conditions show no sign of improving. Outflow will increase to 265,00 cf/s Sunday at 7:00 p.m., and to 275,000 Monday at 7:00 a.m. With more showers in the forecast for six of the next eight days, it is imperative that people be aware of their surroundings. Those who live in flood plains should be prepared to evacuate on a moment’s notice. Additionally, many businesses, shopping centers, and other non-residential areas could be affected in the event of a levee failure.

Sand Springs would likely face flooding as far north as Highway 412 in the event of a levee collapse. Even if your home is outside the flood plain, you should make yourself aware of the City’s levee-failure emergency evacuation plan.

The City of Sand Springs has issued a warning for the few remaining citizens in the flooded Meadow Valley subdivision, saying they won’t be able to perform nighttime rescues in the subdivision. Neighborhood holdouts are advised that conditions are only going to get worse. The City of Tulsa is encouraging voluntary evacuation of homes along the levees.

If you are unsure of how flooding could impact your neighborhood, call emergency management at 211.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs releases Levee-A Evacuation Plan, Tulsa encouraging voluntary evacuation

SEE RELATED: Leaking levees not a concern according to Tulsa County Levee Commissioner

City of Sand Springs releases Levee-A Evacuation Plan, Tulsa encouraging voluntary evacuation

The City of Sand Springs released an official Evacuation Plan for a levee-breach scenario Saturday afternoon. No levee breach has currently been detected but the City’s emergency services are being proactive.

No significant damage has been detected to Levee A at this time. However, the World War 2-era sand berms are increasingly vulnerable for as long as they are exposed to hydrostatic pressure.

In the event that a credible threat to Levee A is detected, the City will notify all businesses and citizens registered with the Emergency Phone Notification System. Businesses will be instructed to close immediately and to send all patrons and employees north of Highway 412/64.

Officers will be sent to expedite traffic, Flood Warning Sirens will sound, and no traffic other than rescue personnel will be allowed to drive south of Highway 412/64 or North on Highway 97 from South Sand Springs.

In the event of a levee breach, areas affected would include Wal-Mart, River West, all of Morrow Road, the Atwoods Shopping Center, the Harris Shopping Center, and all of Charles Page Boulevard. A full map of affected locations is below.

Officers and volunteers will be stationed in the Charles Page High School football practice field at 10th Street and Adams Road to receive airlift rescues, who will then be sent to either Broadway Baptist Church or the Ed Dubie Field House.

Relief efforts will be coordinated from the Sand Springs Emergency Operations Center in downtown.

Because of the heavy industrial operations along the river, any flooding would call for Haz-Mat quarantine in areas like OmniTrax, Morrow Road, and the entire area between Main Street and Adams Road.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has expressed their intent to continue outflow in the range of 250,000-260,000 cubic feet per second until at least Wednesday, possibly longer if more rain affects the region.

During the historic 1986 flood, the levees were only exposed to current conditions for approximately twelve hours. They have currently been keeping flood waters at bay for more than 40 hours with at least 80 hours to go. This is the toughest test that Levee District 12 has ever endured. In December of 2016 Levees A & B were considered to be “Very High Risk” by the USACE with levee overtopping highly likely.

County officials have stressed the need for a new and improved levee system for years. According to a 2017 report, “the levees have a history of poor performance.” The 1984 flooding along Harlow and Bigheart (formerly Blackboy) Creeks caused overtopping, extensive erosion, and foundation failure of the floodwalls. Significant repairs were made after both the 1984 and 1986 floods, but concern remains.

Levee C nearly breached Thursday due to significant erosion, but Crossland Construction Company was able to build a new temporary levee overnight from shale and rock in the West Bank Soccer Complex.

The City of Tulsa is encouraging preemptive evacuation of residential areas along the levees and has increased the police presence in areas along Charles Page Boulevard. National Guardsmen have been placed along the levees to monitor the situation and help with any potential evacuations.

Leaks have sprung in the Levee A and B dikes at 65th and Charles Page Boulevard, an unincorporated area inside the Sand Springs fenceline. The leaks are only from joints and are considered to relatively insignificant. Sandbags were stacked along the area Friday to prevent erosion and guardsmen are monitoring the situation.

Leaking levees not a concern according to Tulsa County Levee Commissioner

On Memorial Day weekend 1984 the area surrounding 65th West Avenue and Charles Page Boulevard was completely submerged in the worst flood Tulsa has ever seen. The water level from that event is painted onto the B Levee dike as a sobering reminder of the devastation that ultimately left 14 people dead in Tulsa.

Fast forward 35 years and once again Oklahoma is facing a statewide flood of historic nature. As of midnight Friday, the Keystone Dam is releasing 251,901 cubic feet of water per second. The dam has been releasing over 200,000 for 36 hours now, but during that time the lake rose two feet due to inflow exceeding 300,000. The flood control pool is at 104.92% capacity.

Not only is the ever-rising Arkansas River threatening the south side of Levee A, but a flooded Harlow Creek is steadily rising on the north side of Levee B. Page Boulevard runs right between the two, and the large concrete dikes on either side are springing leaks. The runoff from these leaks has drawn concern from local residents, but it’s of no concern to Levee officials.

According to Tulsa County Levee Commissioner Todd Kilpatrick, the leaks are perfectly normal. The dikes aren’t solid, they’re made of several concrete slabs joined together. Currently, the water is only coming out of the joints due to hydrostatic pressure. The same sight has been observed at the Keystone Dam.

Although he has spent years lobbying for increased funding and a new modernized levee system, he maintains that the current World War 2-era system is doing its job. The biggest danger to the sand-based levees isn’t the amount of water behind them, but the amount of time they’re inundated, allowing the earth to soak. and potentially liquefy.

Though the Tulsa/Sand Springs border is still safe for now, things are gradually worsening back to the west.

Case Community Park is completely flooded. Softball, soccer, and baseball fields are all submerged, as is the BMX track, the disc golf course, playgrounds, and the Rotary Super Splash Pad. As of 8:00 p.m. Thursday, water was nearly to the roof of the old soccer concession stands.

Sand Springs Parks Director Jeff Edwards says the Parks staff worked nonstop to remove as much at-risk park equipment as possible before the rising water finally brought their efforts to a stop. He believes they saved as much as $200,000 worth of picnic tables and other equipment.

The park received a $6 million remodel less than three years ago, but Edwards says the park facilities and equipment are insured. Between insurance and potential FEMA funding, finances shouldn’t be a problem for rebuilding most of the park. However, it’ll take extensive man-hours to clear debris and make repairs. All of the utilities will have to be inspected, the artificial turf in all of the playgrounds will have to be replaced, and its unclear how the waters will affect the BMX track’s berms.

On the bright side, all of the new playground equipment is expected to survive the waters without damage, as is the new amphitheater and the art pieces around the Great Lawn.

The Sand Springs Animal Shelter was evacuated Thursday afternoon as flood waters began approaching the building. The animals are being temporarily housed at the Humane Society of Tulsa. Animal Welfare workers will still be available to help with rescues.

Highway 51 is closed for the foreseeable future from Riverview RV Park west to 137th West Avenue. All four lanes are submerged due to overflow from Anderson Creek. Anderson Creek has also flooded the Meadow Valley subdivision all the way up to 26th Street, as well as the Sand Springs Sand and Gravel Company and Double H Sales.

The Tulsa Boys Home has evacuated all of their students. Privately placed boys have been picked up by their guardians, while wards of the State have been placed in temporary foster care.

The Riverside West and Town & Country subdivisions have flooded all the way up to 19th Street. At least seven blocks are under four feet of water or higher.

The White Water Recreation Area on the Southeast side of the dam has been completely flooded and closed off. Anyone wanting to view the dam will have to park on the north side of the river near Bush Creek Park.

As of 7:00 p.m. the beachfront at Candlestick Beach was flooded and beginning to cover parts of 14th Street. Voluntary evacuation is heavily encouraged for residents of the subdivision.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol has rescue boats staged at various points along the river. The Tulsa County Sheriffs Department is assisting with evacuation at Candlestick Beach and Town & Country, while the Sand Springs Police and Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Fire Department are occupying Highway 51 outside of Meadow Valley.

Click here to visit our Flood of 2019 homepage for extensive video and photo coverage.

Evacuations continue in Sand Springs as flood waters rise, Keystone output surpasses 205,000 cfs

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs is advising Meadow Valley residents and others living in low lying areas along the Arkansas River to expect REAL flooding to occur and to take immediate action. The City is advising residents to take immediate actions to remove or protect property from those areas, and to consider a voluntary evacuation by 6:00 p.m. today. There is no mandatory evacuation in place.

With new information this morning from the USACE of dam releases increasing to 215,000 cfs later today and holding there, the City expects portions of the Meadow Valley neighborhood, and potentially others, to flood. This flood event is expected to last for several days. Highway 51 near 137th West Avenue will likely flood, making vehicular traffic there impossible.

Last night the City of Sand Springs declared an emergency disaster proclamation, with actions to take place designed to protect public health, reduce damage and render emergency services to citizens. Officials from Webco Industries have made changes to their operations at the former “STAR” center until this flood event has passed and are closed. Case Community Park remains closed with warnings for citizens not to enter. City Police and Fire crews are working the various scenes around the clock to monitor.

If an American Red Cross emergency shelter is needed later, plans are in place now for that to happen. The City reminds area residents to monitor the City of Sand Springs Face Book page for real time updates.

City of Sand Springs Advising Citizens for Flood Potential

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs is advising area residents, especially those in the Meadow Valley housing neighborhood to brace for the potential of additional flooding. Although the rain event has stopped for now, the lag time for waters upstream of Keystone Dam to reach Sand Springs can delay flooding activities downstream for several hours.

Last night, City of Sand Springs Police and Fire teams reached out (via phone messages and neighborhood visits) to residents in the Meadow Valley neighborhood, along HWY 51 in Sand Springs to alert residents of the potential for flooding. This area, and others in Tulsa County which may not be in City limits but are near the Arkansas River, may be affected by the planned increases in outflows from Keystone Dam later tonight.

In Sand Springs City limits, Case Community Park has now closed until further notice. All sports and trail related activities are cancelled at this site. The Case Community Center (1050 W. Wekiwa Road) however remains open.

The City urges residents to pay attention to street closures and the accompanying traffic barricades that are placed to protect public safety.

This afternoon, the USACE confirms that 100,000 cubic feet/ second (cfs) of water is being currently, with 20,000 cfs increases planned at 2 p.m.; 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., leaving the discharge at that time to be around 160,000 cfs. The USACE will revise dam operations as needed after that.

Sand Springs Police working on 2019-2020 Community Policing Plan

Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter spoke about the department’s 2019 Community Policing Plan and took public comment at Monday evening’s regular City Council Meeting.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the SSPD has adopted a revised policing plan, and the department received an international award for their work last year. The department will weigh public and City Council suggestions/concerns and adjust their policing plan annually to address the ever-changing community needs.

One change coming to the department in the coming year is that officers will be allowed to have visible tattoos. “We’ve turned away some probably very good applicants because they had visible tattoos,” said Carter. The department recently ran a Facebook poll and found that 93% of respondents have no problem with officers showing tattoos.

The department will also have mandatory autism training for all officers over the next year. “Sometimes when you have a juvenile, or even an adult who suffers from autism, sometimes their behavior can be misinterpreted by a police officer,” said Carter. “That’s led to some bad things in the United States. We want to avoid that.”

Officers recently went through Critical Incident Inoculation with a psychiatrist to help them avoid PTSD and depression. New business cards will be also issued for all officers with a complaint/compliment space on one side of the card.

In other news:

City Council unanimously approved the sale of $6,500,000 in bonds at Monday evening’s regular meeting. Sand Springs citizens approved the bonds in November of 2017 to provide for economic development, aesthetic improvements, park enhancements, public safety, street overlays, and other infrastructure projects.

Council unanimously voted to authorize the pursuit of a BUILD Grant Application from the U.S. Department of Transportation in partnership with OmniTrax. The City and OmniTrax hope to use the grant to improve extensive freight railway conditions and locations throughout the City. The grant would be an 80/20 matching grant up to $25 million.

The BUILD funds could be used to remove railway along Main Street and the crossing at the intersection of Morrow and Main, as well as to expand Main Street to three lanes. It could also be used for constructing a roadway over the Arkansas River levee, upgrades to Broad Street, and railroad upgrades and improvements along Charles Page Boulevard.

Council unanimously approved dilapidation public nuisance findings against 403 North Lincoln Avenue.

Council unanimously approved a $10,000 transfer of funds related to the upcoming 2019 Community Development Block Grant Water Line Replacement Project. The City will be replacing approximately 980 linear feet of 4-inch cast iron water line with 8-inch PVC water line along Lincoln Avenue from 4th Street to 6th Street.

Council unanimously approved the Final Plat for Stone Villa Second Phase I. The subdivision will consist of 45 lots on 9.5 acres south of 51st Street between Bahama Avenue and South 129th West Avenue. Council also approved a Public Utility Easement for the location of landscaping, fencing, and signage along the perimeter of the subdivision.

Councilman Brian Jackson presented a request to have a Masonic Cornerstone installed on the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. The motion died at a previous Council meeting after concerns were raised about the cost of installation. Since then the Masonic Lodge has volunteered to cover the costs, but the motion died once again. Jackson and Patty Dixon voted yea; Phil Nollan, Beau Wilson, Mike Burdge voted nay; Jim Spoon and Christine Hamner were absent.

Council unanimously approved an ordinance declaring various items in the City and Police Department’s possession as surplus, authorizing the destruction of some items and the auction of others.

Council unanimously approved the creation of a Public Utility Easement at Keystone Ancient Forest to deliver water and electric utilities to a planned Visitors Center.

Council unanimously approved a $40,000 change order regarding parking lot additions and infrastructure improvements at the Case Community Park splash pad and baseball facilities.

Council unanimously approved the annexation of a vacant property owned by the City along the State Highway 97 right-of-way to Pond Drive.

Council unanimously approved the closing of a 20 ft. wide easement and right of way access in the Oakbridge Addition. By closing the easement it will allow a neighboring property to construct a single-family residence over the common lot line.

Daniel Bradley presented with John M. Hess Award for Outstanding Citizenship

Former Sand Springs Chief of Police and Assistant City Manager Daniel Bradley was presented with the John M. Hess Award for Outstanding Citizenship at Monday evening’s City Council meeting.

Bradley began his career as a Patrol Sergeant for the SSPD and worked his way up to Chief of Police. He spent 35 years with the department and 20 years in its highest position. He transitioned to the Assistant City Manager position for three years before retiring.

“The early years especially were not fun because I didn’t have the Mike Carters and the Todd Enzbrenners with me,” said Bradley. “Sometime’s it’s not popular and it’s not easy to do right… In the early years things were corrupt in the police department. The real early years, none of those guys are left here anymore. I was just looking for anything I could clean up.”

Outgoing Mayor Mike Burdge presented the award and read a Mayoral Proclamation during his last act as Mayor before his term expired. “There are few people since 1971 that I can honestly say I would go to war with,” said Burdge, a Vietnam Veteran. “Daniel Bradley, I would walk point for you any day.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man do a job with more passion,” closed Burdge. “I served with lot of heroes…but none of them hold a candle to Daniel Bradley.”

Jim Spoon elected Sand Springs Mayor, Patty Dixon Vice-Mayor

Jim Spoon was elected as Mayor of Sand Springs at Monday evening’s City Council meeting, and Patty Dixon was elected as Vice-Mayor. The mostly ceremonial positions are elected from within the Council ranks, and none of the Council positions are paid.

Prior to the Mayoral elections, Dixon and outgoing Vice Mayor Phil Nollan were administered the Oath of Office for a new three-year term. Dixon won a February election for the Ward 2 seat 64 votes to 8, while Nollan ran unopposed.

Outgoing Mayor Mike Burdge decided to take a break from Mayoral duties. He has been on City Council since 1996, has served thirteen terms as Mayor, and six terms as Vice-Mayor.

The electoral process is a simple “yea” or “nay” vote on a single nominated candidate at a time. Council members aren’t allowed to discuss their potential votes outside of meetings, and aren’t allowed to take any informal polls of their peers.

Spoon was nominated to replace Burdge by Councilman Beau Wilson. Spoon has held the At-Large Council position since 2015. He has owned the Spoon Drug pharmaceutical chain for forty years, and is a twenty-year member of the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy, appointed by multiple State Governors. He has previously served on the Sand Springs Board of Education, and was a founding member of the Sand Springs Education Foundation.

Spoon was elected six votes to one, with Nollan casting the sole “no” vote. Nollan later stated he was confused over the electoral process and expressed regret for his vote against Spoon.

Following Spoon’s nomination, Dixon addressed the Council regarding her opinions on the electoral process. Dixon stated she would like to see any Council members interested in being mayor or vice-mayor give a list of credentials and qualifications prior to any nominations in the future. She also gave her own background and expressed her willingness to serve in a more executive position.

Dixon previously held a Council position from 1990 to 1996, and returned to office in 2016. She has experience on the Parks Advisory Board, Museum Association, HEAL Committee, Sertoma Club, and Oklahoma Municipal League. She is retired from the Tulsa County Parks Department and co-owns Dixon Auto Glass with her husband. She is also heavily involved in the Sand Springs Community Theater.

Following Spoon’s election, Councilman Brian Jackson nominated Christine Hamner for Vice-Mayor, but Hamner declined the nomination and Jackson instead nominated Dixon. Dixon was unanimously elected to the position.

In Other News:

Daniel Bradley was presented with the 2019 John M. Hess Municipal Award for Outstanding Citizenship. Click here for more information.

Outgoing Mayor Mike Burdge proclaimed Municipal Clerks Week in appreciation of City Clerk Janice L. Almy and Deputy City Clerk Kristin S. Johnston.

A proposal by Jackson died without a second. Jackson proposed the instillation of a Masonic Cornerstone at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. The stone would have cost between $500-$1000 to install and would have enshrined the names of various City officials on the front of the building.

This Week in Sand Springs (5/5 - 5/12/19)

Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Boys’ Regional Tennis Tournament.

    • Union Intermediate High School
      7616 South Garnett Road
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum - RSVP required.

    • Tulsa Tech
      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

  • 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Junior High Girls Basketball Tryouts.

    • For players entering 7th/8th Grade.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

Wednesday

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p..m. Keystone Kids Wrestling Practice.

    • Special practice with University of Oklahoma Assistant Coach Hunter Stieber, a two-time NCAA All-American, Big Ten Champion, and Pan American Champion.

    • Cost is free for registered Keystone Kids club members, and $10 for guests.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road.

Thursday

  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. High School Girls Basketball Tryouts.

    • For players entering 9th-12th Grades.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Friday

  • 7:00 a.m. West Side Alliance Annual Golf Tournament.

  • 8:00 a.m. Boys Tennis State Tournament.

    • Oklahoma City Tennis Center
      3400 North Portland Avenue
      Oklahoma City, OK 73112

  • 10:00 a.m. Track and Field State Tournament.

    • Moore High School
      300 North Eastern Avenue
      Moore, OK 73160

  • 7:00 p.m. Unity Praise - “Fire on the River”.

    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 8:00 a.m. Boys Tennis State Tournament.

    • Oklahoma City Tennis Center
      3400 North Portland Avenue
      Oklahoma City, OK 73112

  • 10:00 a.m. Track and Field State Tournament.

    • Moore High School
      300 North Eastern Avenue
      Moore, OK 73160

  • 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Graduation.

    • Mabee Center
      7777 South Lewis Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74171

Sunday

  • Mother’s Day.

Ongoing

  • 3/16-6/3 - Unseen India exhibit at Charles Page Cultural and Historical Museum.

On The Horizon

  • 5/18 - May Town Hall with Senator Ikley-Freeman.

  • 5/19 - Pokemon Go Community Day.

  • 5/24 - RESCHEDULED - Incredibles 2 at Case Community Park.

  • 5/27 - Memorial Day.

  • 6/15 - CPHS Class of 1994 - 25 Year Reunion.


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"Fire on the River" Praise & Worship event set for May 10th in Sand Springs

In Jesus Name Ministries will be holding its Third Annual Unity Praise event Friday, May 10th in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and this year it will be at a new venue. Previously held at the Charles Page High School Veterans Memorial Stadium, the nondenominational praise and worship concert will move to the Case Community Park amphitheater.

Unity Praise
7:00 p.m.
May 10th, 2019
Case Community Park
2500 S River City Park Rd
Sand Springs, OK 74063

Unity Praise was founded in 2017 by Jim and Stephanie Schrepel who felt God calling them to help unify the body of Christ in Sand Springs. "God is going to build up Sand Springs to be a spiritual hub in America,” prophesied Jim in 2017.

The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. Friday night on the Great Lawn, and will run as late as people are wanting to stay. The theme for the 2019 Unity Praise is “Fire on the River.”

“We were inspired to do Fire on the River because of a prophetic word that Chuck Pierce gave at CityPlex Towers back in August,” said Jim Schrepel. “There’s going to be a healing move of the Spirit and it’s going to follow the Arkansas River.”

The Schrepels want to see Sand Springs churches come together as a single body, regardless of denominational differences, to praise God and seek his presence in the community. The seeds of that unity have long been planted and growing for some time now.

Several local pastors gather at monthly Ministerial Alliance meetings which include Catholic, Charismatic, Pentecostal, Baptist churches and more. The Alliance hosts several local events annually and makes substantial donations towards Sand Springs Emergency Responder Christmas bonuses.

But the Ministerial Alliance only represents a handful of churches in a community with dozens of congregations and thousands of Christian believers. The Schrepels want to see all of them come together.

The Shipley family, from Sand Springs, will be performing at the event along with musicians from several local churches. Darin Shipley, a Tulsa Police Officer, is a recording artist with albums and a traveling ministry. His brother Carey plays drums, and his daughters and wife, Pam, are all talented vocalists.

The worship team from The Stronghold church is expected to play, as will a few other groups. In addition to worship music, the event will also have a time of ministry for women since it is taking place on Mother’s Day weekend.

This Week in Sand Springs (4/14 - 4/21/19)

Monday

  • 8:30 a.m. Sandite Golf at Sapulpa Tournament.

    • Sapulpa City Golf Course
      1200 West Dewey Avenue
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Jenks.

    • Jenks High School Baseball Field
      950 North 3rd Street
      Jenks, OK 74037

Tuesday

  • Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board Meeting - CANCELED.

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Bishop Kelley Tournament.

    • LaFortune Park
      5501 South Yale Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135

  • 12:00 p.m. Lent Devotional Time and Lunch.

    • St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
      601 Lake Drive

  • 5:00 p.m. Sandite Softball vs. Jenks.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority meeting.

  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Jenks, Youth Night.

    • Free admission for kids in jerseys. Youth are invited to join the high school team on the field for the national anthem.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Owasso.
    8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Owasso.

    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055

Wednesday

  • 9:00 a.m. Sandite Golf at Owasso Tournament.

    • Bailey Ranch Golf Course
      10105 Larkin Bailey Boulevard
      Owasso, OK 74055

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at State Preview Tournament.

    • Earlywine Park Golf Course
      11600 South Portland Avenue
      Oklahoma City, OK 73170

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis at Claremore Tournament.

    • Claremore High School
      201 East Stuart Roosa
      Claremore, OK 74017

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Owasso (Double-Header).

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs BMX Free Open House.

    • Case Community Park
      2600 South River City Park Road

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street

  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill.
    8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Capitol Hill.

    • CB Speegle Stadium
      698 Southwest Grand Boulevard
      Oklahoma City, OK 73109

Friday

  • 3:30 a.m. Sandite Track and Field at Muskogee Classic.

    • Indian Bowl
      402 North South Street
      Muskogee, OK 74403

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Union, Senior Night.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 7:30 p.m. Free Concert featuring Halo Jordan, Jim Barritt, Pastor Pudge and Sister Sludge Redneck Revival.

    • 5 West Outpost
      5 West 41st Street

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 6:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Sapulpa.

    • L.D. Lawson Stadium
      1004 West Bryan
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

  • 7:30 p.m. Free Concert featuring Halo Jordan, Jim Barritt, Pastor Pudge and Sister Sludge Redneck Revival, Branded, Sonny and Trish Moody, James and Vanessa Lacey.

    • 5 West Outpost
      5 West 41st Street

Ongoing

  • 3/16-6/3 - Unseen India exhibit at Charles Page Cultural and Historical Museum.

On The Horizon

  • 4/25 - 30th Annual Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame Banquet.

  • 5/1 - Opening Day at Sand Springs Splash Pads.

  • 5/3 - Incredibles 2 at Case Community Park.

  • 5/3 - Mayor’s Cup Softball Tournament.

  • 5/3 - 5/4 - 9th Annual 100 Mile Yard Sale.

  • 5/3 - 5/5 - WSA Cup.

  • 5/6 - Sand Springs Chamber Open Forum (Speaker: Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell).

  • 5/7 - Junior High Girls Basketball Tryouts.

  • 5/9 - High School Girls Basketball Tryouts.

  • 5/10 - Unity Praise: Fire on the River.

  • 5/11 - Charles Page High School graduation.

  • 5/12 - Mother’s Day.


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This Week in Sand Springs (4/7 - 4/14/19)

Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. Sand Springs Community Theatre presents Dan Neidermyer’s Aladdin.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center - Auditorium
      14 West 4th Street

Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis at Bartlesville Tournament.

    • Bartlesville High School
      1700 Hillcrest Drive
      Bartlesville, OK 74003

  • 9:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Owasso Tournament.

    • Owasso Golf & Athletic Club
      13604 East 84th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055

  • 1:30 p.m. Sandite Softball vs. Jenks.

    • Jenks Softball Stadium
      1701 North Birch Street
      Jenks, OK 74037

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission meeting.

  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Public Schools District Dialogue.

    • CPHS Performing Arts Building
      600 North Adams Roads

  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment meeting.

  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Ponca City.

    • Ponca City High School
      927 North 5th Street
      Ponca City, OK 74601

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Public School Board of Education meeting.

Tuesday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Golf at Bishop Kelley Tournament.

    • LaFortune Park
      5501 South Yale Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis at Bartlesville Tournament.

    • Bartlesville High School
      1700 Hillcrest Drive
      Bartlesville, OK 74003

  • 12:00 p.m. Lent Devotion Series and Lunch.

    • St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
      204 East 4th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Ponca City.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Shawnee.
    7:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Shawnee.

    • Shawnee High School
      1001 North Kennedy Avenue
      Shawnee, OK 74801

Wednesday

  • 8:30 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Sapulpa Tournament.

    • Sapulpa Municipal Golf Course
      1200 West Dewey Avenue
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

  • 11:30 a.m. Sand Springs City Council meeting.

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Golf at Frontier Valley Conference Championship.

    • Page Belcher Golf Course
      6666 South Union Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74132

  • 1:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Booker T. Washington.

    • Bixby High School
      601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Broken Arrow.

    • Broken Arrow High School
      1901 East Albany Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Friday

  • 10:00 a.m. Sandite Track and Field at Yukon Classic.

    • Yukon High School
      1777 South Yukon Parkway
      Yukon, OK 73099

  • 4:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Jenks.
    6:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Bixby

    • Bixby High School
      601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008

  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Union.
    8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Union.

    • CPHS Veterans Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Case River Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 30th Annual Herbal Affair and Festival.

  • 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Westival.

  • 1:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. TBA.

    • Bixby High School
      601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008

  • 2:00 p.m. Sandite Golf at Jenks Tournament.

    • Southlakes Golf Course
      9253 South Elwood Avenue
      Jenks, OK 74037

  • 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pokemon Go! Community Day.

Ongoing

  • 3/16-6/3 - Unseen India exhibit at Charles Page Cultural and Historical Museum.

On The Horizon

  • 4/25 - 30th Annual Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame Banquet.

  • 5/3 - Incredibles 2 at Case Community Park.

  • 5/3 - Mayor’s Cup Softball Tournament.

  • 5/3 - 5/4 - 9th Annual 100 Mile Yard Sale.

  • 5/3 - 5/5 - WSA Cup.

  • 5/6 - Sand Springs Chamber Open Forum (Speaker: Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell).

  • 5/10 - 3rd Annual Unity Praise event.

  • 5/11 - Charles Page High School graduation.

  • 5/12 - Mother’s Day.


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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Oklahoma Kids Local Vocal Competition comes to Tulsa Area

America’s “Big League of Little Entertainers,” Oklahoma Kids, a division of American Kids Inc., has set a local competition on April 13th, 2019 to be held at the new Kiefer Event Center in Kiefer, OK. The entry deadline is April 9th, according to Oklahoma Kids National Director Nathan Johnson. The membership and competition is open to all youth ages 3 through high school seniors, 18 years old. Nikki Anderson, event coordinator, can be contacted with questions at (620) 875-3731 or by email at Nikki.euphoria@gmail.com. All states are invited to participate in this local competition., and Entry forms and guidelines are available at https://www.americankidsinc.com/forms-2/ and may be used by young performers in all states. All Entry forms are due by April 9th .

The competition event will begin with registration at 9 a.m., followed by a brief parents meeting, with the Competition beginning immediately following the meeting. There will be an Awards Ceremony to conclude the day with a wide variety of prizes from cash to medals and trophies for five different age divisions at all levels of competition. The different levels of competition include six categories: Country Vocal, Gospel Vocal, Serious/Classical Vocal, Musical Theater, Popular Vocal, and Specialty Acts.

The Kiefer Local Competition event is followed by optional progressive levels of talent competitions, including a State Competition for qualifying acts which is held at the beautiful McSwain Theater in Ada, Oklahoma in June. The American Kids competition season will conclude with Nationals and an All Star
Show the third weekend in July in Nashville, Tennessee. The All Star Show is judged by entertainment industry professionals who will choose our new Entertainer of the Year for 2019.

“Our members present a wide variety of performances on the local, state and national level to share their talent for the benefit of others. 2019 will be a very exciting year for Oklahoma Kids with performances in several states nationwide, which are currently being cast,” said Nathan Johnson, National Director. “Members enjoy exposure, growth, character development, and opportunity. Because of the experiences gained from being on stage, members are better prepared for whatever they choose to do in life. Many members are performing on Broadway and on tour with Disney and in Branson and Nashville: Blake Shelton, Kristin Chenoweth, Carrie Underwood, Bryan White, Darci Lynn, and Alaska and Madi are all alumni of Oklahoma Kids,” according to American Kids Founder, Dr. Dale Smith.

Sheilah Bright and Scott Palk to be inducted into Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame

The Sand Springs Education Foundation recently announced its 2019 Hall of Fame inductees. Sheilah Bright (Class of 1979) and Scott Palk (1985) will be honored at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Thursday, April 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the Ed Dubie Field House.

The SSEF provides district teachers with grants for special equipment, supplies, and student projects. The Hall of Fame Banquet is one of their biggest annual fundraisers. Table sponsorships are available at $400 for eight seats, and individual tickets are $50. The dinner will be preceded by a silent auction at 5:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets or request further information, contact Tirita Montross at 918-798-1517.

Bright is a forty-year veteran journalist, publishing her first article at 15 years of age. She has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers and was part of an Emmy Award-winning script-writing team for Narrative Television Network. She was a driving force behind Operation Gold Pride, which raised more than $600,000 for Sand Springs Public Schools. She also recently opened the Bright Morning Farm event center.

Palk graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from Oklahoma State University in 1989 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1992. He served as an Assistant District Attorney for Cleveland County from 1992 to 2002 and was an Assistant United States Attorney from 2002 to 2011. He has worked as Deputy Criminal Chief and Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Coordinator. From 2011 to 2017 he was Assistant Dean of Students and Assistant General Counsel at the University of Oklahoma College of Law before being commissioned as a U.S. District Judge. Palk won Prosecutor of the Year awards in 1993 and 2004. In 2011 he was awarded the Director’s Certificate of Appreciation for Assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Hall of Fame inductees are required to have attended Sand Springs Public Schools for at least three years after the Sixth Grade, or to have spent at least eight total years in SSPS, or to have spent the last two years of high school in SSPS and to have graduated from the district.

They must have attained a position of “unusual respect, impact, or influence in the community,” or have attained regional prominence in their field, or to have attained an exception level of accomplishment in their field.

Previous inductees include:

Michael Dale Case
Cleta Evans
Mary Helen Burke (1932)
Tot M. Brown (1934)
Bessie Crawford Zackery (1934)
Opal Clark (1934)
Al Dodson, Sr. (1936)
Marshall Vaughn Perry (1937)
L.W. Welch Jr. (1939)
James A. Sanders (1941)
Johnnie Mae Young (1941)
Marques Haynes (1942)
Robert D. Simms (1943)
Clyde Boyd Jr. (1943)
Erwin D. Phillips (1946)
William R. Pogue (1947)
Charles Gray (1947)
George Everett (1947)
Montie R. Box (1947)
Thomas S. Crewson (1950)
Richard Courter (1951)
William Means (1951)
Charles Marvin Hughes (1952)
Jack B. Johnson (1952)
Jerrold Lawless (1952)
John H. Rudy (1953)
Ken Neal (1953)
Charles Jestice (1953)
Jerry Adair (1955)
M. David Riggs (1955)
Barbara Guynn Smith (1956)
Bennie Osborn (1956)
J. Dean Speer (1956)
John Beck (1956)

James E. Palmer (1956)
Jerry L. Halcomb (1957)
Jan Hagara (1957)
George Paden (1957)
Charles E. Buchner, III (1957)
Billy Allen Hall (1957)
Jerry A. Hanner (1958)
Carolyn Morrow Cheney (1958)
Clarence “Scratch” Purser (1959)
Randal Wayne White (1959)
Harlan S. Pinkerton, Jr. (1960)
Gerrie Holliday (1961)
Ward Sherrill (1963)
Danny Lee McDonald (1964)
William R. White (1965)
Lotsee Spradling (1966)
John Wolf (1967)
Larry Glen Hurst (1967)
Richard Neal (1967)
I.J. Ganem (1969)
Mike Burdge (1969)
Forrest C. Crawford (1970)
Dianne Dinkel (1970)
Chris Thurmond (1971)
Deborah Browers Barnes (1972)
Linda L. Robertson (1973)
Cathy Lynn Burdge (1973)
Janet Rutland Eicher (1975)
John Fitzgerald Blake (1979)
Sam Harris (1979)
Eric Bloom (1982)
Stacey Ford Butterfield (1985)
Timothy Wright (1988)

This Week in Sand Springs (3/31 - 4/7/19)

Monday

  • 9:00 a.m. Sandite Golf at Coweta Tournament.

    • The Club at Indian Springs
      16006 East 131st Street South
      Broken Arrow, OK 74011

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum.

    • RSVP Required.

    • Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs Campus
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board meeting.

  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Broken Arrow.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • RESCHEDULED: Sand Springs Public School Board of Education meeting.

    • Regular monthly meeting set for April 8th.

Tuesday

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Barnsdall.

    • Barnsdall High School
      200 8th Street
      Barnsdall, OK 74002

  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Broken Arrow.

    • BAHS Tiger Field
      1901 East Albany Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

  • 5:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Edmond Santa Fe.
    7:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Edmond Santa Fe.

    • Edmond Santa Fe
      1901 West 15th Street
      Edmond, OK 73013

Wednesday

  • 8:30 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf at Jenks Tournament.

    • South Lakes Golf Course
      9253 South Elwood Avenue
      Jenks, OK 74037

  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Women’s Chamber meeting.

    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue

Thursday

  • 4:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Kellyville.

    • Kellyville High School
      14903 Maple Drive
      Kellyville, OK 74039

  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Bartlesville.

    • Doenges Memorial Stadium
      115 East Hensley Boulevard
      Bartlesville, OK 74003

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

    • American Legion - Billie A. Hall Post 17
      500 North Main Street

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Community Theatre presents Dan Neidermyer’s Aladdin.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center - Auditorium
      14 West 4th Street

Friday

  • 10:00 a.m. Sandite Track and Field at Reasor’s Track Classic.

    • Tahlequah High School
      591 Pendleton Street
      Tahlequah, OK 74464

  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Norman.
    8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Norman.

    • CPHS Veterans Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

  • 6:15 p.m. Sand Springs Band Boosters BINGO Night.

    • Charles Page High School - Cafeteria
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:30 p.m. Family BINGO Night.

    • Angus Valley Elementary School
      412 West 55th Street

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Community Theatre presents Dan Neidermyer’s Aladdin.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center - Auditorium
      14 West 4th Street

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days.

    • Free chipping on limbs up to 2” in diameter. Free wood chips and firewood while supplies last. Must bring City water bill to prove residency.

    • Sand Springs Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hike With Your Dog Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 1:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Yukon.

    • Yukon High School
      1777 South Yukon Parkway
      Yukon, OK 73099

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Community Theatre presents Dan Neidermyer’s Aladdin.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center - Auditorium
      14 West 4th Street

Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. Sand Springs Community Theatre presents Dan Neidermyer’s Aladdin.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center - Auditorium
      14 West 4th Street

Ongoing

  • 3/5-3/31 - All-Black Towns of Oklahoma exhibit at Charles Page Cultural and Historical Museum.

  • 3/16-6/3 - Unseen India exhibit at Charles Page Cultural and Historical Museum.

On The Horizon

  • 4/13 - 30th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival. - Read More.

  • 4/25 - 30th Annual Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame Banquet.

  • 5/3 - Incredibles 2 at Case Community Park.

  • 5/3 - Mayor’s Cup Softball Tournament.

  • 5/3 - 5/5 - WSA Cup.

  • 5/6 - Sand Springs Chamber Open Forum (Speaker: Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell).

  • 5/11 - Charles Page High School graduation.

  • 5/12 - Mother’s Day.


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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.