Sand Springs schools and Tulsa Tech partner to offer Foundations of Construction program

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Sand Springs Public Schools held a media tour and grand opening event Thursday morning at the new Tulsa Technology Center classrooms on the campus of Charles Page High School. The schools recently launched a “Foundations of Construction” program, and have also partnered in several other classes in recent years.

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, State Representative Jadine Nollan, and several City, District, and other local officials turned out to celebrate and speak at the event.

“Over the last five to six years we have worked studiously to construct programs and opportunities for our students to be successful and explore job opportunities,” said SSPS Superintendent Sherry Durkee. Durkee praised the district’s partnership with Representative Nollan in pushing for Individual Academic Plans for students across the State.

“We know that our job, our function, is to prepare kids for citizenship,” said Durkee. “We embrace that and today we are celebrating Construction. We have two other key Tulsa Tech programs built inside Charles Page High School. We also have Foundations of Manufacturing, and Interior Design.” The district also offers classes in Engineering, Computer Science, BioMed, and more.

“Through my time in the (construction) industry I’ve witnessed the growing stresses of these firms being unable to find qualified help,” said Tulsa Tech Board of Education member Danny Hancock. Hancock is a Construction Manager at Cowen Construction and a graduate of both Charles Page High School and Tulsa Tech. He has also served as President of the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors.

According to Hancock, 80% of construction firms report difficulties filing craft positions, and 50% report difficulties filling management positions. 72% of construction firms want to expand their labor force but can’t due to a stagnant regional labor pool.

“This program here will not have a shortage of industry members wanting to help the program be successful,” said Hancock. Several local construction businesses have committed to providing the program with guest speakers, job tours, materials, access to tools, and job opportunities.

“Instead of thinking outside of the box, let’s just remove the box,” says Superintendent Durkee. “(Let’s) create programs that give the kids what they need. That is how we try to frame our minds and our goal setting.”

The Sand Springs school district has spent recent years pushing for addition STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs throughout all age-levels. Students are working with engineering, robotics, virtual reality and other STEM subjects throughout the elementary and middle school levels, and a new STEM Center is currently being constructed on the grounds of CPHS.

“What we’re doing here, we have to make sure this happens all across our 77 counties,” said Lt. Gov. Pinnell. “I talk to multiple business owners every single day. They keep telling me ‘I’d hire ten people tomorrow but they don’t have the skills I need.’”

“This is not just an Oklahoma problem,” said Pinnell. “Every state is dealing with the skills gap. Thankfully you now have a national conversation about this. You (in Sand Springs) have leaders at a local level, superintendents, that realize that. On behalf of the State of Oklahoma, I just want to tell you ‘thank you.’”

“We’re going to go down to the State Capitol, take the message of what you’re doing right here in Sand Springs and make sure that we take this across our 77 counties,” said Pinnell.

“The most important thing for a community like Sand Springs, and people that want to move here is our education system,” said Mayor Jim Spoon. “That’s one of the first things they check. We are so proud of our Sand Springs school system and what they do for our city and our community. We can’t be any more proud and this is a good example.”

Sand Springs Citywide Garage Sale event set for September 21st

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs announces plans for a Citywide Garage Sale, happening on Saturday, September 21st . The event is FREE and open to the public. To learn more about listing your Sand Springs area garage sale, or to research addresses you plan to visit simply go to the “big map” listing. The map can be found at: https://arcg.is/Gqajv

The map is the creation of the City’s Public Works GIS Division, and allows users to add their Sand Springs (area) street address to the site via computer or cell phone. Once added, each garage sale destination appears on the map with an icon for shoppers to find. The map is active now and will remain available to users until after the event is complete.

“We not only want to offer this map product to our citizens to enjoy, but hope to alert nearby Oklahomans to visit our community”, stated Grant Gerondale, Community Development Director for the City. “Where else might you find dozens and dozens of super garage sales in one easy stop, using one map?”

The GIS map/software product was designed by staff at the Public Works Department office and has been used for several years. The City points out that some cell phone platforms may not interact with the GIS map product as well as others, and suggest using a traditional PC platform to print off and use the map on the big day if you are experiencing any problems.

“While you’re looking for that rare find on September 21st ,” Gerondale added, “we wish to remind visitors to enjoy the Sand Springs community. While you’re here, you can enjoy a local restaurant, visit one of our great splash pads or parks or maybe check out the open hike event at the Keystone Ancient Forest before you return home.”

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Face Book and Instagram for the latest updates.

City of Sand Springs receives Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The award recognizes the City’s 2018 fiscal year-end comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR), and is the 29th consecutive year for this honor.

The GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The honor reflects a constructive “full spirit of disclosure” to clearly communicate the City of Sand Springs’ financial story on an annual basis.

The honor falls to the City’s Finance Department, who produces an annual CAFR and works closely with independent auditors each year to verify the City’s financial activity and standing.

“We’re pleased to again receive this honor,” stated Finance Director Kelly Lamberson. “Our entire finance department works tirelessly to maintain accurate records, audits, reports and summarize our financial status in an transparent manner in the annual CAFR which we produce for the city.”

The GFOA is based in Chicago, Illinois and serves member organizations through the advancement of uniform standards and procedures in financial management for governments as well as assisting with professional development for public finance managers. For more information on the GFOA, access them at www.gfoa.org

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Face Book and Instagram for the latest updates.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (9/1 - 9/8/19)

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Monday

Tuesday

  • First day of classes - Phoenix Academic Center.

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

    • CPHS Fine Arts Building
      600 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Beginners Drawing Class.

    • ZegART Studios
      700 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Muskogee.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

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

Wednesday

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

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road.

Thursday

  • 10:30 a.m. Storytime!

    • Pratt Library
      3219 South 113th West Avenue

  • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. No Longer Under Construction Party.

    • Tulsa Community College - West Campus
      7505 West 41st Street

  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Softball vs. Sapulpa.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 5:30 p.m. Thursday Night League - 2 Man Scramble.

    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Avenue

  • 5:30 p.m. Back-to-School Bingo Night.

    • Limestone Technology Academy
      4201 South Walnut Creek Drive

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Advanced Drawing Class.

    • ZegART Studios
      700 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

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

  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Enid.

    • Northern Oklahoma College - Mabee Center
      2401 East Maine Avenue
      Enid, OK 73701

  • 6:30 p.m. Girl Scout Signups.

    • HillSpring Church
      8801 West 41st Street

Friday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. CPHS Softball at Choctaw / Carl Albert Tournament.
    3:00 p.m. Sand Springs vs. Tuttle.
    6:20 p.m. Sand Springs vs. Stillwater.

  • 6:30 p.m. Sand Springs BMX - Oklahoma State Championship Weekend.

    • Case Community Park
      2600 South River City Park Road

Saturday

  • 5:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sand Springs Rotary Bass Tournament.

    • Keystone Lake - Prairie View Boat Ramp
      1989 CrossTimbers Harbor Lane
      Mannford, OK 74044

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

    • Free chipping of tree limbs up to 2” in diameter. Must have Sand Springs water/refuse bill for proof of residence. Free wood chips and firewood available on first-come first-served basis.

    • Sand Springs Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. TCC Day of Caring.

    • Tulsa Community College - West Campus
      7505 West 41st Street

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 8:30 a.m. Rock Fire Department 28th Annual Auction.

    • Rock Volunteer Fire Department
      11313 West 48th Street North

  • 9:00 a.m. CPHS Cross Country at Broken Arrow Tigers Meet.

  • 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. CPHS Softball at Choctaw / Carl Albert Tournament.
    10:00 a.m. Sand Springs vs. Choctaw.
    11:40 a.m. Sand Springs vs. Chickasha.

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs BMX - Oklahoma State Championship Weekend.

    • Case Community Park
      2600 South River City Park Road

Sunday

  • 9:00 a.m. Sand Springs BMX - Oklahoma State Championship Weekend.

    • Case Community Park
      2600 South River City Park Road

On The Horizon

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Public Health Officials Encourage Personal Health Preparedness

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One of hundreds of flooded homes in Sand Springs, Oklahoma during a historic flooding event in May of 2019.

September is National Preparedness Month and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) joins state and national partners in encouraging year-round personal and community preparedness for disasters and disease outbreaks. Oklahoma’s recent storms are a reminder that severe weather can strike any time of year.

Personal health preparedness is about people having the ability to care for themselves and their family in the immediate hours and days following an emergency or disaster. Oklahomans have seen numerous severe weather events where power outages affected thousands of residents across the state.

Scott Sproat, director of the OSDH Emergency Preparedness and Response Service, said personal preparedness is vital to being able to recover from a disaster or public health emergency.

“It’s important for a household to be able to sustain itself for at least 72 hours,” said Sproat. “More resilient households make more resilient communities who are better able to recover after a disaster.”

In addition to basic supplies such as non-perishable and ready-to-eat food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights and batteries; families should ensure they have enough personal items such as prescription medication for several days and a cooler or chemical ice packs to keep certain medications cold during a power outage.

OSDH Emergency Manager Darrell Eberly said those with disabilities or special medical needs should plan ahead for accessible transportation needed for evacuation or to seek medical care.

“Those who use medical equipment requiring electricity should talk with a health care provider about how to prepare for its usage during a power outage,” said Eberly. “If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information explains the best way to communicate with you. Those who rely on dialysis should discuss with your dialysis provider how to access service if the regular site is inaccessible.”

In addition, families should have easy access to important documents such as insurance policies and proof of identification in an electronic format on a flash drive or secure cloud-based service.

For more information, preparedness information is available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language by visiting the OSDH YouTube channel and selecting the Preparedness playlist.

Oklahoma Senator files legislation to prevent red-flag laws

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OKLAHOMA CITY- Senator Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, announced Tuesday he had filed Senate Bill 1081 to push back against any proposed red flag laws coming from the federal government. The bill, titled the “Anti-Red Flag Act,” would preempt all current or future proposed red flag laws coming from Washington D.C. and make them null, void, and of no effect in the State of Oklahoma.

The bill also would prohibit any state or local entities from accepting federal funds to try and entice state agencies into implementing infringements on Oklahoma citizens’ Constitutional rights.

“The Second Amendment is abundantly clear that it is an individual right to keep and bear arms. And it is necessary to keep a free state. Oklahoma has a responsibility to protect our citizens’ rights from anyone who would try to infringe upon them,” Dahm said.

“In America, we learn from an early age that we are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. We have due process protections enshrined in our Constitution. Red flag laws violate all these principles, violate numerous constitutionally protected rights, and set a dangerous precedent,” Dahm said. “In Oklahoma, we already have legal processes for those who are adjudicated as a threat to themselves or others. We don’t need new laws that will further infringe on rights. We should be about protecting rights.”

SB1081 will be available to be heard in the next legislative session beginning February 2020.

City of Sand Springs to begin $870,400 renovation project at City Hall

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The City of Sand Springs held a kickoff event for an upcoming remodel project Friday afternoon at the downtown City Municipal Building. The building, which was built in 1920, will be receiving a $870,400 remodel for its upcoming centennial.

The two-story 21,000 square foot facility housed the City’s police, municipal courts, and 911 operations until the past month. All three transitioned to the new $10.7 million Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center in the Sheffield Crossing commercial district, which also houses the Fire Department.

During the remodel, the City Council chambers will be relocated to the first floor and Customer Service will be moved to the front entrance of the building. Information Services and Neighborhood Services will be brought to City Hall from satellite locations.

The renovation will be partially funded through a 2013 General Obligation Bond election with additional allocations from City Council.

Great Raft Race to launch in Sand Springs Monday morning

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The 24th Annual Great Tulsa Raft Race will be launching from Case Community Park in Sand Springs Monday, September 2nd beginning at 8:00 a.m. Hundreds of uniquely crafted homemade rafts will take to the waters of the Arkansas River in a race to Tulsa’s River West Festival Park.

The iconic showcase of Tulsa ingenuity first ran from 1973 through 1991 before being discontinued, and was resurrected by the Tulsa Young Professional Foundation in 2015 with overwhelming success.

Kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts, and homemade rafts float approximately eight miles in a timed race. While competitive rafters enjoy the exhilarating race to the finish line, most spectators are entranced by the unique floats showcased in the design challenge. Awards are presented for Best of Show, Best Engineered, and Most Creative, in addition to the timed race winners.

While many families prefer the ease of sleeping in and catching the final leg of the race in Tulsa, there are exciting perks to watching the show bright and early in Sand Springs. Many of the more kooky and creative rafts won’t make it to Tulsa due to poor engineering. Some of the neatest aesthetic designs are crafted without proper expertise in seaworthiness, and won’t even make it off the Sand Springs boat ramp without sinking. Every year fan-favorites hit the river and immediately begin taking on water - leading to a mad dash by the rafters to bail water and corral their vessel to the shore before it is submerged.

Only a few hundred viewers are treated to this sight as most of Sand Springs’s fans watch from the Highway 97 Arkansas River bridge instead of journeying into the park. However, there is plenty of room in the park for onlookers, and the Sand Springs Parks Department will have bleachers set up near the launch point. The River City Trail that runs through the park also has several great viewing locations downstream from the launch point, and one of the best spots to get right up on the water is beneath the Highway 97 bridge on either the north or south sides of the river.

The northbound bridge over the river does have a pedestrian path that is safe from traffic, and in past years the Sand Springs Police and Fire Departments have narrowed the southbound bridge to a single lane to ensure the safety of onlookers watching from the shoulder of the highway.

The best views, however, can be found at ground-level from the shoreline, and there is easy access with plenty of shade in Case Park beneath the bridges. Case Park will also offering free parking at the soccer and baseball complexes, whereas the Finish Line Festival in Tulsa charges $10 to park.

Launches will last from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Sand Springs, and rafts will be arriving at River West Festival Park from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The earliest arrivals will be the kayaks and speed racers, while those who build large lumbering contraptions may take longer to make their way downstream. There will be food trucks and concessions, as well as music from DJ Connection in Sand Springs.

At the Finish Line Festival there will be inflatables for the kids, as well as a Cardboard Regatta raft competition and a Sand Castle Exhibition. Yard games will be set up throughout the park and tournaments will be held in corn-hole and volleyball. There will food trucks, retail and nonprofit vendors, a Conquer the Gauntlet Youth Obstacle Course, kayak rentals, live music, and even $40 helicopter rides.

The Speed Awards will be presented at 12:00 p.m. and the Design Awards will be presented at 4:30 p.m.

2018 Photo Gallery
2017 Photo Gallery
2016 Photo Gallery
2015 Photo Gallery

State Health Department releases Kindergarten vaccination survey results

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is releasing the results of an annual survey conducted throughout the state to assess vaccination coverage and exemption status of children enrolled in public and private kindergarten programs. The survey measures the amount of students who are up to date for the six vaccines required for children to be enrolled in school.

In effort to improve transparency to the public, OSDH officials have used geographic mapping technology to create an interactive online search tool for the public to view results by county, or by individual school. This is the first time for OSDH to release the information in such a format where the public can see results of the survey through a map to observe trends across the state.

Each school’s listing provides the percentage of kindergarten students who were up to date on each individual vaccine for polio, varicella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP); and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Results indicate the DTaP and MMR vaccines have the lowest current coverage.

While school participation in the survey was voluntary, a high rate of participation was achieved assessing the immunization status of approximately 92% of Oklahoma’s kindergarteners during the 2018-19 school year. The survey also collected the percentage of students who claimed exemptions from receiving the required vaccinations.

 “Analysis of this data drives program activities to improve vaccination coverage in our state,” said Interim Commissioner of Health Tom Bates. “We appreciate the support from the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the local school officials who contributed to such an important project. We know that vaccinations are among the most effective ways to protect against serious diseases.”

Overall, the study indicates the number of kindergarten students up to date on all vaccines increased by 1% from 90.4% in 2017-18, to 91.4% in 2018-19. Up to date rates for MMR, Hep B, and Hep A all increased when compared to last year while DTaP and Varicella rates decreased. The number of students with record of exemption for any vaccination increased by 0.2% from 2.4% in 2017-18, to 2.6% in 2018-19. The majority of these exemptions were approved for non-medical reasons such as personal or religious reasons.

Responses from schools represented 94% of students enrolled in public kindergarten programs and 51% in private school programs.

To view the recommended immunization schedule, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVC9k or contact the OSDH Immunization Service at (405) 271-4073.

Below are the percentages of Sand Springs Kindergartners who were up-to-date on their vaccinations:

Angus Valley Elementary
DTaP: 77.94%
Hep A: 92.65%
Hep B: 94.12%
MMR: 82.35%
Polio: 79.41%
Varicella: 94.12%
All: 75%
Exempt: 2.9%

Limestone Elementary
DTaP: 81.82%
Hep A: 93.18%
Hep B: 95.45%
MMR: 84.09%
Polio: 81.81%
Varicella: 95.45%
All: 81.82%
No exemptions.

Pratt Elementary
DTaP: 83.61%
Hep A: 95.08%
Hep B: 96.72%
MMR: 83.61%
Polio: 85.25%
Varicella: 93.44%
All: 78.69%
Exempt: 1.6%

Garfield Elementary
DTaP: 84.06%
Hep A: 84.06%
Hep B: 94.2%
MMR: 84.06%
Polio: 86.96%
Varicella: 92.75%
All: 78.26%
Exempt: 2.9%

Northwoods Elementary
DTaP: 96.39%
Hep A: 96.39%
Hep B: 96.39%
MMR: 96.39%
Polio: 96.39%
Varicella: 96.39%
All: 96.39%
Exempt: 3.6%

Keystone Elementary
DTaP: 83.87%
Hep A: 90.32%
Hep B: 90.32%
MMR: 83.87%
Polio: 83.87%
Varicella: 93.55%
All: 83.87%
Exempt: 6.5%

Anderson Elementary
DTaP: 72.73%
Hep A: 95.45%
Hep B: 97.73%
MMR: 72.73%
Polio: 70.45%
Varicella: 97.73%
All: 68.18%
Exempt: 4.5%

Give Blood, Get Free Tickets to a Tulsa Roughnecks FC Game - Saturday, August 31

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Oklahoma Blood Institute is urging blood donors to give blood and let the adventure begin! Oklahoma Blood Institute is once again teaming up with the Tulsa Roughnecks FC to save lives.

On Saturday, August 31, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Tulsa Roughnecks will host a blood drive with Oklahoma Blood Institute at ONEOK Field, located at 201 N. Elgin in downtown Tulsa.

Each donor who gives blood at the drive will receive 2 tickets to a future Roughnecks game, a free Bedlam t-shirt of their choice, and a voucher for free entry of their choice to Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park, Frontier City, or Science Museum Oklahoma. Donors will also be entered for a chance to win use of a field level suite for 16 people, including parking and meal vouchers.

Healthy adults, age 16 and older, can give blood.*

“Everyone knows someone who’s needed blood. It impacts all ages of people and often arises unexpectedly as a result of accident or illness,” said Jan Laub, Executive Director, OBI Tulsa, “Whether we know them or not, there are people now who are counting on us to give.”

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Oklahoma Blood Institute,” said Wayne Farmer, General Manager of the Tulsa Roughnecks, “We hope to grow drive participation to support as many patients in our community as we can!”

As the region’s leading blood provider, Oklahoma Blood Institute relies solely on volunteer blood donors to meet the needs of patients at more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and all air ambulances statewide. Those with negative blood types are especially urged to give. Blood can be donated every 56 days.

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

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

Attorney General Hunter Announces Collaboration with Phone Companies to Fight Illegal Robocalls

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter recently announced the result of an 18-month investigation by a bipartisan, multistate, working group of attorneys general and phone companies that have partnered to find meaningful solutions to illegal and unwanted robocalls.

The ongoing working group consists of attorneys general from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and 12 different service providers. Working collaboratively, the companies agreed to adopt a set of eight principles to fight illegal robocalls, which will protect customers and make it easier for attorneys general to investigate and prosecute the criminals orchestrating the schemes.

Attorney General Hunter said the agreement marks another positive step in combating illegal robocalls.

“The agreed-upon principles will implement much-needed prevention and enforcement mechanisms that will have a meaningful impact for all Americans,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Scams committed over the phone continue to be one of the top ways fraud is committed in the United States. Too many individuals have already fallen victim and have either lost money, their identities or other personal information. Our best weapon against this crime can no longer only be advice to not pick up the phone.

“I commend the companies that have pledged to work with my colleagues and me to implement new technology, while actively monitoring networks for robocall traffic and committing to cooperating in investigations that trace the origins of the calls so we can take enforcement action.”

Phone companies will work to prevent illegal robocalls by:

  • Implementing call-blocking technology at the network level at no cost to customers;

  • Making available to customers additional, free, easy-to-use call blocking and labeling tools;

  • Implementing technology to authenticate that callers are coming from a valid source; and

  • Monitoring networks for robocall traffic.

Phone companies will assist attorneys’ general anti-robocall enforcement by:

  • Knowing who the customers are so scams can be identified and investigated;

  • Investigating and taking action against suspicious callers – including notifying law enforcement and state attorneys general;

  • Working with law enforcement, including state attorneys general, to trace the origins of illegal robocalls; and

  • Requiring telephone companies with which they contract to cooperate in traceback identification.

To read the principles in more detail, click here: https://bit.ly/2P8qmmo.

Additionally, phone companies will stay in close communication with the coalition of attorneys general to continue to optimize robocall protections as technology and scammer techniques change.

The coalition of companies includes AT&T, Bandwidth, CenturyLink, Charter, Comcast, Consolidated, Frontier, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon and Windstream.

Bill Knight Auto to partner with Sand Springs Education Foundation in annual $8000 fundraiser

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Bill Knight Lincoln presents an $8,000 check to the Angus Valley Elementary students in 2017.

Bill Knight Auto will be partnering with the Sand Springs Education Foundation for the Sixth Annual “Driven to Give Day,” Saturday, September 14th in the Charles Page High School parking lot.

From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the dealership will be set up in the high school parking lot to offer test drives of the latest fleet of brand new Lincoln automobiles.

Participants, 18 years or older, can come and test drive a new Lincoln. For each test drive, the SSEF will receive $20. Participants are asked to fill out some basic information before the drive and immediately after the drive to complete the process and help secure the donation. NO obligation, NO sales, NO return contact unless the participant agrees.

The fundraiser caps at $8,000. That money helps the Education Foundation with annual scholarships for CPHS students, and for grants to Sand Springs Public Schools teachers. For each person who test drives a car, a teacher’s name will be entered into a drawing for two chances at $500 for classroom supplies.

Sand Springs authorizes $2 million in renovations to Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course

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The Sand Springs Municipal Authority passed a resolution authorizing more than $2 million in renovations to The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course and clubhouse Monday evening. The entire clubhouse will undergo extensive remodeling, and improvements will be made to the course greens, tee-boxes, sand bunkers, and cart trails.

City of Sand Springs staff and Talley Golf staff (the company Sand Springs contracts with to operate the golf course) have spent the last eight months working with GH2 Architects and Heckenkemper Golf to identify needed renovations at the course and clubhouse.

The clubhouse renovations will significantly reduce the pro shop and grill seating area to allow for the construction of a new banquet hall. The restrooms and other facilities will all be upgraded, and the outside of the building will receive a substantial face lift.

A new greens irrigation loop will be installed on the course, and the greens will be resurfaced with ultradwarf Bermuda. The new grass is a warm-season species that will grow best in the summer and should save the course time and money. The sand bunkers will be renovated to improve drainage and will have new white sand installed.

The course was last renovated during the early 1990s and was closed for nearly 18 months, according to a report. Both the greens and bunkers have significantly shrunk since that renovation due to erosion and encroaching grass.

Several other items will also be included in the bidding documents as alternates, but due to budget constraints it’s unclear what additional improvements will be possible.

The project will go to bid in October and the course/clubhouse will be fully closed from December through July. Projected expenses are $1 million for the course and $1.05 million for the clubhouse. The funding was approved by Sand Springs citizens in a 2018 General Obligation Bond election.

Sand Springs City Council appoints former State Senator Nancy Riley to fill vacant seat

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Nancy and Jerry Riley, Courtesy photo.

The Sand Springs City Council held its first-ever meeting at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center Monday evening. During the meeting Council unanimously voted to appoint Nancy Riley to fill a vacant seat in their ranks.

Vice-Mayor Patty Dixon nominated Riley to fill the Ward 4 seat vacated by Christine Hamner, who recently moved outside of the Ward. Council had the option to either hold a general election, or appoint an applicant to finish the remainder of Hamner’s term. With the term set to expire in March of 2020, Council opted to take applications rather than spend the money to hold two general elections in a six-month period.

Riley is a former State Senator representing Senate District 37 from 2001 to 2009. She won the office twice as a Republican but switched affiliation to the Democratic Party in 2007. In 2006 she ran for Lieutenant Governor and received 23% of the vote. In 2014 she ran for the nonpartisan Ward 4 seat against John Fothergill and Terry Scott. She won the three-way race with 41%, but lost in a runoff against Fothergill with 38%. Riley ran again in 2017 against Hamner and lost 67 votes to 54. She currently serves on the Sand Springs Board of Adjustment.

Riley is a Tulsa transplant, graduating from Edison High School before attending Oklahoma Christian College and Langston University. Prior to running for office she taught at the elementary level in the Tulsa Public School system for more than a decade. She is married to Jerry Riley and has lived in Sand Springs for thirty years.

In a 2017 letter to Sandite Pride News, Riley said, “with 30 years of residency, I have also watched other cities grow and prosper in ways Sand Springs had not. It is my desire to work with our city in its development to benefit its citizens. We have several unique opportunities ahead due to diligent service of numerous Sandites that I want to be part of. It is my aim to look for ways to expand this growth through cooperation of Federal, State and County governments, without increasing the financial burdens to Sand Springs.”

Also applying for the position was Parks Advisory Board member Rick Barnett. Because Sand Springs follows Robert’s Rules of Order, they did not vote between the two candidates. Whichever candidate were to be nominated first would have to be voted on before the next applicant could be nominated.

In Other News:

Council unanimously voted to accept a water line easement granted from the Sand Springs Home. The City will be installing 161 linear feet of new 12-inch water line across the parking lot of the Sand Springs Home property at the corner of 21st Street and Adams Road, which will require an easement. In exchange for the easement, the City will also remove and replace approximately 300 square yards of deteriorated asphalt pavement located along the water line route and will install 25 feet of concrete flume to eliminate a ponding area in the parking lot.

Council unanimously voted to approve final acceptance of the public improvements to the Rivercrest subdivision on East 32nd Street between 113th West Avenue and Highway 97. The 14-lot subdivision has recently completed construction of public water, sanitary sewer, paving, and drainage improvements for the future housing development.

Council unanimously approved a one-year extension to an agreement between the Sand Springs Police Department and the Sand Springs Public School District. The Department provides a School Resource Officer to the District at a cost of $37,014.00. That price tag is estimated to be about half the cost of providing the officer. The Department covers the other half.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of a compact excavator with attachments and trailers for the Water Maintenance and Operations Department. The Yanmar Vio55-6 device and accessories will be purchased from DitchWitch of Tulsa for $78,200. The trailers will be purchased from DitchWitch for $55,500.

Council unanimously approved the replacement of a water treatment flow control valve. The valve in need of replacement supplies raw water to the City’s Water Treatment Plant and was installed in 1992. The City will purchase a B5 valve from H*E Engineered Equipment Company for $83,941.00

Council unanimously voted to update an existing interlocal agreement with the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum. The City previously provided funds for a single part-time employee, but will now assume responsibility for all employees. The funding amount will not exceed $10,103 per fiscal year.

Planned site of a new five-lot development.

Council unanimously voted to adopt a Planned Unit Development overlay for a residential single-family district with five lots on the northeast corner of 6th Street and Industrial Avenue in the Sunrise Second Addition. The ordinance will reconfigure three existing lots to run north to south, as opposed to east to west, in order to fit two additional homes. The houses will face 6th Street, which doesn’t currently have sidewalks. They will all include two-car garages with driveways, and will be listed at approximately $100,000 per home.

Two citizens spoke in opposition to the development. Both raised concern regarding the amount of vehicles that will be added to the neighborhood through five additional homes, and the traffic it could create.

Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1341, amending the City Zoning Code to put into place minimum architectural standards regarding what types of metal siding and finishing materials would be allowed in various zoning districts.

Council unanimously voted to detach a property located on the corner of Highway 97 and Pond Drive. The property was annexed by the City by request of the property owner at their May 20th meeting. The property was previously being considered by developers for a potential Dollar General location. Since that deal fell through, the property owner wanted to return the land to its original Osage County jurisdiction.

Council unanimously voted to approve the purchase of a Pierce Velocity Pumper at a price of $700,538.98 from Conrad Fire Equipment.

Council unanimously voted to extend its existing contract with EMSA for emergency medical services at a price of $261,708.

Following the City Council meeting, the Municipal Authority meeting convened.

Trustees unanimously approved a two-year extension to a contract with Covanta for recovery of energy derived from disposal of solid waste collections.

Trustees unanimously approved a resolution authorizing certain improvements at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge Golf Course and Clubhouse. The entire clubhouse will undergo extensive remodeling, and improvements will be made to the course greens, tee-boxes, sand bunkers, and pathways. The project will go to bid in October and the course/clubhouse will be fully closed from December through July. Projected expenses are $1 million for the course and $1.05 million for the clubhouse.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/25 - 9/2/19)

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Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Twelve Angry Women auditions - Sand Springs Community Theater.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 14th Street

Monday

Tuesday

  • 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Fishing Tournament.

    • See attached flyer for more information.

    • Tulsa Boys Home
      2727 South 137th West Avenue

  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Softball vs. Muskogee.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. Back to School Night.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:30 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Bartlesville.

    • Bruin Field House
      1700 Hillcrest Drive
      Bartlesville, OK 74006

  • 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Family Dinner Night.

    • American Legion
      500 North Main Street

  • 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Cub Scout Sign-Ups.

    • Garfield STEAM Academy - Cafeteria
      701 North Roosevelt Avenue

Wednesday

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

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road.

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Softball vs. Shawnee.

    • 711 West Kickapoo Spur Street
      Shawnee, OK 74801

  • 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Back to School Night.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 4th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Drawing Class.

    • ZegART Studios
      700 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

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

  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Lincoln Christian.

    • Lincoln Christian Academy - High School Gym.
      1003 North 129th East Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74116

  • 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Back to School Night.

    • Sixth Grade Center & Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Paint Party fundraiser benefiting Sand Springs Care Closet.

    • See attached flyer for more information.

    • Green Tree Assisted Living Center - Second Floor
      4402 South 129th West Avenue

  • 7:00 p.m. Women’s Class: “Going Kosher in 30 Days.”

    • Sar Shalom Synagogue
      1124 East Charles Page Boulevard Suite 500

Friday

  • 1:30 p.m. Construction Kickoff.

    • Sand Springs Municipal Building
      100 East Broadway Avenue

  • 2:00 p.m. Grand Opening of The Link.

    • Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce
      Webco Center for Entrepreneurial Engagement
      109 North Garfield Avenue

Saturday

  • 8:30 a.m. CPHS Cross Country at Sapulpa Chieftain Meet.

    • Westside Sports Complex
      1611 South Wickham Road
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tacos, Takeoffs & Landings.

    • William Pogue Airport
      3200 North Airport Road

  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Football vs. Summit High School.

    • R.L. Anderson Stadium
      1016 Magnolia Street
      Mansfield, TX 76063

Monday

On The Horizon

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Project Director selected for 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Commission

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State Senator Kevin Matthews, Chair of the 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Commission, announced Friday that Tulsan Phil Armstrong had been chosen to serve as project director. The Commission will facilitate actions, activities, and events that commemorate and educate citizens in Oklahoma and throughout the nation about the history surrounding the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in an area that was once known as the nation’s Black Wall Street. 

The Commission named Armstrong after a detailed selection process from a pool of 28 applicants, with five finalists appearing before a panel consisting of the Commission’s sub-committee chairs for in-depth personal interviews.

“As project director, Phil will work with the Commission, its subcommittees and key Greenwood District organizations to execute plans for the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre,” Matthews said.  “I’m very pleased with Phil’s selection and I know he will do an excellent job on behalf of the Commission.”

Matthews said Armstrong has a varied background in the corporate sector and as an entrepreneur in the restaurant business.  A native of Ohio, Armstrong has made Tulsa his home for more than 20 years and has been actively engaged in the community by serving on several non-profit boards, including the Barthelmes School for Music, Community Service Council, Reading Partners of Tulsa and as chairman of the board for the Greenwood Cultural Center. 

Armstrong holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Akron. A gifted vocalist, Armstrong also sings for several events and organizations in the Tulsa metro, including performing the National Anthem for the Tulsa Drillers and Tulsa Roughnecks home games. 

2019 Meet the Sandites Photo Gallery

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Charles Page High School held its annual Meet the Sandites event Thursday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event recognizes fall athletics like Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Softball, Cheer, and Dance, as well as Band and Color Guard.

Hosted by the Sandite Quarterback Club in conjunction with Sand Springs Youth Football & Cheer, the event allows every single youth football, cheer, and dance team from elementary on up to run through the tunnel and storm the field.

The Church That Matters Tailgate Crew held their first tailgate party of the season prior to the event. The church grills hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and more prior to every home football game. Each week a different athletic program is selected as the fundraiser recipient. The Sandite Basketball teams raised more than $1,700.

Click here to view our full 2019 Meet the Sandites photo gallery on SmugMug.

by Scott Emigh

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church preparing for 59th Annual Tulsa Greek Festival

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is gearing up for its 59th Annual Greek Festival next month in Tulsa. The four-day event will run from Thursday, September 19th through Sunday, September 22nd.

Thursday through Saturday the event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with free admission for all before 6:00 p.m. and free for kids all day. After 6:00 p.m. adults will be $5. On Sunday it will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a $5 cost all day.

All weekend long there will be live music, Greek folk dancing, and games. Guests will be invited up on the stage and instructed in traditional dances. There will also be tours of the beautiful Holy Trinity church, shopping at the popup boutique and market place, and a KidZone with games, arts and crafts, an inflatable playground, and more. The KidZone will charge a $5 admission, benefiting Emergency Infant Services.

Author Gina Michalopulos Kingsley will be speaking and doing signings of her new book, “A Magic Carpet Ride.”

The event will feature several gourmet authentic Greek foods including:

  • Loukaniko, a pork sausage served with sauteed peppers and onions on toasted pita.

  • Greek Salad, with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, roma tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, red onions, bell peppers, and house-made Greek Vinaigrette.

  • Keftedes, fried meatballs garnished with lemon wedges.

  • The Athenian Special, a sampler box of feta, olives, dolmades, and keftedes.

  • Saganaki, flaming cheese.

  • Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, and other imported beer, wine, and spirits. For the first time, they will also be serving pina coladas and frozen lemonade made with Ouzo.

  • Imported Greek soft drinks.

  • Gyros, beef and lamb gyro meat grilled and served layered in a pita with veggies and tzatziki sauce.

  • Calamari, breaded and fried squid, served with fresh lemon and cocktail sauce.

  • Greek Fries, french fries tossed in Greek seasonings topped with feta cheese and tzatziki. There will also be a french fry eating contest.

  • Lamb Dinner, roasted with garlic and herbs, tzatziki, rice, and Greek style green beans.

  • Chicken or Pork Souvlaki Dinner, shish kabobs on pita with rice pilaf, green beans, spanakopita, and tyropita.

  • Greek Green Beans, stewed in a savory tomato sauce.

  • Spanikopita, a flaky pastry of filo dough filled with spinach.

  • Tyropita, a flaky pastry of filo dough filled with cheeses.

  • Baklava, a flaky pastry of filo dough with spiced nutty filling soaked in sweet syrup. Also served a la mode.

  • Galaktoboureko, a creamy custard filling inside layers of filo dough with an orange syrup.

  • Kouroummbiedes, a buttery Greek wedding cookie dusted with powdered sugar.

  • Koulourakia, a twisted biscuit cookie best served with coffee.

  • Melomakarona, a nutty crumbly holiday cookie.

  • Loukoumades, AKA Honey Puffs. Fried balls of dough soaked in honey and dusted with cinnamon.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
1222 South Guthrie Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74119
(918) 583-2082

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/18 - 8/25/19)

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Sunday

  • 3:00 p.m. Sandite Media Day.

    • CPHS Veterans Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Monday

  • 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Meet and Greet.

    • Garfield STEAM Academy
      701 North Roosevelt Avenue

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

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

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road.

Tuesday

  • First Day of Classes - Sand Springs Public Schools.

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

  • 6:30 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Sapulpa.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Softball vs. Sapulpa.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

Wednesday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority meeting - CANCELED.

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

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road.

Thursday

  • CPHS Softball at Rogers State Festival.
    10:00 a.m. Sandites vs. Claremore.
    11:30 a.m. Sandites vs. Coweta.

    • Diamond Sports Complex
      2901 West Blue Starr Drive
      Claremore, OK 74017

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO

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

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Drawing class.

    • ZegART Studios
      700 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • 6:00 p.m. Meet the Sandites.

    • CPHS Veteran’s Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Twelve Angry Women auditions - Sand Springs Community Theater.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 14th Street

Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Indoor Garage Sale.

    • Mission Christian Church
      400 East 12th Street

  • CPHS Softball at Stillwater Festival.
    10:00 a.m. Sandites vs. Newcastle.
    1:15 p.m. Sandites vs. Elk City.

    • Couch Park
      800 East 12th Avenue
      Stillwater, OK 74074

  • CPHS Volleyball at Sandite Invitational.
    12:00 p.m. Sandites vs. McLain.
    2:00 p.m. Sandites vs. Will Rogers.
    5:00 p.m. Sandites vs. Tecumseh.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Indoor Garage Sale and Pancake Breakfast.

    • Mission Christian Church
      400 East 12th Street

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Grand Opening.

    • Sar Shalom Synagogue
      1124 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Twelve Angry Women auditions - Sand Springs Community Theater.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 14th Street

  • 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Astronomy Night.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

Sunday

  • 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Twelve Angry Women auditions - Sand Springs Community Theater.

    • Central Ninth Grade Center
      14 West 14th Street

On The Horizon

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Phoenix Academic Center opens in Sand Springs at former Moriah Christian building

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The Phoenix Academic Center will soon be opening its doors for its first school year in Sand Springs. Previously known as Cornerstone Tutorial Center, the home-school resource recently relocated from Tulsa to the site of the former Moriah Christian Academy at 680 East 41st Street.

The school was founded in 1990 and was previously located at Eastwood Baptist Church in the 11th and Mingo area. Along with the move, the school is also changing up the curriculum and rebranding.

The school offers a-la-carte classes for parents who struggle with teaching certain subjects, as well full course loads. Preschool and early elementary students can attend five days a week, with the option for parents to attend with them and collaborate with the teacher.

The school focuses on STEAM-based curriculum, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. They also will be offering basic life skills classes such as car maintenance and financial literacy. Those workshops will be held on Saturdays and open to the public.

The school will also offer a study hall and tutor to help students with homework between classes.

“It’s not a six hours a day, five days a week thing,” says Head Administrator Angela Leasman. “You can get so much more done as a homeschooling parent. My kids would have all their required work done by noon if they got up early, and they could sit in their pajamas to do it.”

Leasman has one child still in the system and her two oldest children are now teachers at the school. She also had grandchildren and cousins in the school. She joined the school as a parent volunteer four years ago and has since taken the reigns of the organization.

The Phoenix Board of Directors maintains Christian values, but is nondenominational and doesn’t require its students to be religious, nor do the teachers preach religion in class. “We accept everybody as long as they understand we are faith-based,” says Leasman. “I want everyone to be aware of (our faith) but I want them to also understand that we don’t expect them to believe what we believe.”

The school will be holding an Open House Saturday, August 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Parents are invited to tour the school, meet the teachers, and fill out an application. The school isn’t too restrictive, but requires an interview process to make sure that the school is a good fit for each kid. “We don’t want anybody to enroll and then regret it later,” says Leasman. She also plans on inviting some other local home school groups to the event. “We all offer different things. There’s really no competition.”