March 20, 2020

Sand Springs to vote on order closing all restaurants, bars, massage parlors, gyms, etc.

March 20, 2020/ Scott Emigh

Correction: We inaccurately reported that this measure had already been ordered by the Mayor due to a misunderstanding of the City’s press release. The measure will be voted on at the 2:00 p.m. meeting.

The City of Sand Springs will vote on an order to close numerous local business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including: bars, restaurants, gyms, entertainment venues, tattoo and massage parlors, and private clubs. City Council will meet in an emergency session at 2:00 p.m. The proposed proclamation will last until May 11th, 2020.

Below is the full text of the proclamation.

“WHEREAS, a proclamation declaring a state of emergency was issued by the Mayor of the City of Sand Springs on March 17, 2020, by virtue of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, a proclamation requesting voluntary business closing was issued by the Mayor the City of Sand Springs on March 18, 2020, encouraging restaurants, bars and other privately owned gathering places to limit the number of patrons and to encourage the transition to “take-out” or delivery options.

WHEREAS, a number of local businesses have implemented changes that provide protection to the public; however, the Tulsa County Health Department has requested the City of Sand Springs take additional measures to protect the public, as the threat has not only continued but expanded within Tulsa County, resulting in additional exposure, illness and death.

WHEREAS, since the emergency declaration, the disease has continued to spread in multiple locations throughout the United States and the State of Oklahoma, resulting in additional protective measures imposed by Federal, State and local governments; and

WHEREAS, the state declared emergency for the State of Oklahoma is continuing; and

WHEREAS, the City of Tulsa and other municipalities have imposed executive orders with mandatory limits for certain businesses in an attempt to limit social contact; and

WHEREAS, additional direction to local residents and businesses will assist all in having an appropriate response to the continuing threat; and

WHEREAS, practicing methods such as social distancing is believed to slow the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the spread of COVID-19 is a disaster affecting life, health, and safety of Sand Springs residents and non-residents alike; and

WHEREAS, the pandemic conditions constitute a threat to the safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Sand Springs, and create an emergency situation within the meaning of Section 683.3 of the Oklahoma Emergency Act of 2003, as amended;

NOW, THEREFORE, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CITY CHARTER AND STATE LAW, I, JAMES O. SPOON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAND SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE:

SECTION ONE: The previously declared state of emergency is continuing pursuant to the original proclamation.

SECTION TWO: All in-person gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes, including but not limited to community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades, concerts, festivals, conventions, fundraisers and similar activities are strongly discouraged until the expiration of this emergency declaration. Pursuant to directives from state and federal health authorities, all gatherings of more than ten persons are strongly discouraged.

SECTION THREE: All restaurants, bars, and other privately owned gathering places and other dine-in service areas shall be closed to the public until the expiration of this emergency declaration, although “pick-up” and delivery service may remain open to the public and is encouraged until the expiration of this emergency declaration.

SECTION FOUR: Local gyms and exercise facilities, entertainment venues, tattoo and massage parlors, and private clubs are prohibited from operating or opening to patrons until the expiration of this emergency declaration.

SECTION FIVE: To the extent possible during this emergency, the City of Sand Springs shall devote resources, as available, to assist not only local residents, but the business community to react and adjust to the continuing threat, including but not limited to assistance with continuing business operations as appropriate.

SECTION SIX: All persons are encouraged to take all precautions available to assist in alleviating the spread of the virus.

SECTION SEVEN: This proclamation shall become effective 11:59 P.M. Friday, March 20, 2020.

SECTION EIGHT: This state of emergency shall continue until 12:01 AM May 11, 2020, or terminated earlier by further proclamation.

PROCLAIMED THIS 20th DAY OF MARCH, 2020.”

March 19, 2020

Oklahoma Department of Labor extends expiration dates for occupational licensing

March 19, 2020/ Staff Reports

Pursuant to Amended Executive Order 2020-07 “All occupational licenses issued by any agency, board or Commission of the State of Oklahoma that expire during this emergency shall be extended so long as this Order is in effect. All occupational licenses extended during this Order will expire fourteen (14) days following the withdrawal or termination of this Order.”

As the Amended Executive Order was issued on March 17, and is effective until April 16, any occupational license that would otherwise expire during this emergency shall not expire until May 1.

ODOL license applications and renewals will still be accepted and applications may be completed online at www.ok.gov/odol. Payments and accompanying documents relating to ODOL licensure should be mailed directly to the respective program at Oklahoma Department of Labor, 3017 N. Stiles Ave., #100, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

March 18, 2020

City of Sand Springs Requesting Voluntary Compliance by Businesses for COVID-19

March 18, 2020/ Scott Emigh

Sand Springs, OK- As a continuation of the State of Emergency proclamation issued by the Mayor of Sand Springs on Monday, an additional proclamation requesting voluntary compliance by certain business establishments and gathering places in Sand Springs was signed today. This move is directly related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic and the City’s commitment to public health and safety.

The proclamation sets forth recommendations to help slow the spread of the virus. While each individual business owner and patron should make informed decisions about their activities, the City is requesting compliance by doing the following:

Discouraging social gatherings (social, spiritual, recreational, sporting).
Restaurants, bars, and other privately owned gathering places are highly encouraged to limit the number of patrons so that at least six (6) feet of space is available to each patron.
Such facilities are encouraged to transition to “take-out” or delivery options.
Local gyms and exercise facilities, churches and schools are encouraged to discontinue all group activities and to significantly increase and enhance facility- cleaning regimens.

As part of the proclamation, the City of Sand Springs shall devote resources, as available, to assist not only local residents but the local business community to react and adjust to the continuing threat. Assistance includes but is not limited helping with the continuity of business operations as appropriate.

This proclamation became effective today (March 18, 2020), and shall continue until midnight, Sunday, May 10, 2020 unless terminated by the City.

Pandemic conditions currently exist and constitute a threat to the safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Sand Springs, creating an emergency situation within the meaning of Section 683.3 of the Oklahoma Emergency Act of 2003.

Additionally, the City of Sand Springs has delivered letters to local restaurants asking for voluntary compliance to the current and on-going recommendations issued from the Tulsa Health Department. The letter is asking for voluntary compliance today and suggesting that restaurants keep options open for delivery or curbside service at their business.

Bars, recreational centers, hair salons, barbershops, skate centers and workout facilities are also among those businesses being asked to voluntarily close at this time. On Monday, the City closed its largest recreational facility, the Case Community Center, for operations to the public.

As part of the City’s request to specific local businesses to amend their operations, they’ve put together a tool to help track which establishments have complied. Businesses affected by this request can share the proactive steps they’ve taken to comply by going to: https://www.sandspringsok.org/c-19bp

The City will attempt to highlight to the community those who quickly adhere to the health recommendations. As part of this response, the City has also initiated a formal incident command for the COVID-19 threat and is monitoring the situation in real time. Sand Springs City officials remind residents to:

only travel to a medical facility if urgent care is needed
restrict all non-essential travel
clean your hands often
avoid close personal contact
clean and disinfect
monitor the City’s Facebook page for the latest communications
learn more about the COVID-19 threat at the Tulsa Health Department website at: https://www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19

According to the CDC, the immediate risk of being exposed to this virus is still low for most Americans, but as the outbreak expands, that risk is predicted to increase. 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.

March 18, 2020

State Election Board Secretary Declares Election Emergency, Postpones April 7 Elections

March 18, 2020/ Staff Reports

(Oklahoma City) – Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax declared an election emergency today for local elections being held in 74 counties on April 7, 2020.

The election emergency declaration will require County Election Boards to accept resolutions adopted by the governing bodies of school districts, municipalities, technology districts and counties to move their April 7 elections to another date. Regular and statutory elections could be rescheduled on June 30, the next available election date and the date of the State Primary Election. Special elections could be rescheduled for any election date allowed by law.

“We are in uncharted waters here, so I am hopeful we have found a sensible solution that is consistent with the spirit of the law and avoids bureaucratic overreach by state election officials,” Ziriax said. “As Oklahoma’s chief election official, I strongly urge school districts, municipalities, technology districts and counties with April 7 elections to take immediate action to reschedule and help efforts to flatten the COVID-19 curve.”

County Election Board Secretaries will reach out to the local governments holding elections in their counties to inform them of the election emergency and the option of rescheduling their April 7 elections.

A list of the elections scheduled on April 7 is available on the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov. The State Election Board will update the list as local governments reschedule their elections.

Ziriax said voters who have questions about whether or not an election will be rescheduled are encouraged to contact the local government that scheduled the election.

View the official election emergency on the State Election Board website.

March 18, 2020

Sand Springs to provide free meals to all students during school closure

March 18, 2020/ Staff Reports

Article updated as of 8:57 p.m. on 3/18/20 to reflect time change.

Sand Springs Public Schools will provide FREE meals to children 18 years old and younger during the school closure, due to COVID-19. Meals will be available from March 23 to April 3, 2020, Monday through Friday, at the following sites:

Limestone Technology Academy / 4201 S. Walnut Creek Dr.
Clyde Boyd Middle School / 305 W. 35th St.
Garfield STEAM Academy / 701 N. Roosevelt Ave.
Central Ninth Grade Center / 14 W. 4th
Charles Page High School / 500 N. Adams Rd
Early Childhood Education Center / 1701 E. Park Rd

Meals will be served as “grab and go” outside at the front entrance of each school except at Charles Page High School where meals will be served on the east side of the building by the parking lot doors.

Children must be present to receive a meal.
Breakfast and lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Children may pick up a “grab and go” lunch AND breakfast at the same time.

March 17, 2020

Garfield STEAM Academy holds 4th-grade production of Yodehoo!

March 17, 2020/ Staff Reports

Submitted by Kelli Shockley.

On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the fourth graders at Garfield STEAM Academy, led by their music teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Stewart, performed a production of Yodeehoo! for the students, faculty and parents. One of the play's composers, Greg Davis, a 1978 CPHS graduate, was on hand to watch as Garfield's fourth graders performed this humorous tale that teaches us not to judge others before we get a chance to know them. Every year, Mrs. Stewart chooses a play for the fourth graders to perform. Yodeehoo! is a favorite among the fourth grade teachers. This is the fourth time the fourth graders have performed this hilarious production over the past 15 years. The students worked hard to master all their lines, delivered in "hillbilly" accents, and all the songs that teach us to be careful about making assumptions and jumping to conclusions about people. The fourth graders, along with Mrs. Stewart did an outstanding job as they brought this production to life.

March 17, 2020

Sand Springs Mayor Jim Spoon declares State of Emergency

March 17, 2020/ Staff Reports

The following Mayor Proclamation was executed by City of Sand Springs Mayor Jim Spoon, Tuesday, March 17th.

“WHEREAS, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to be a global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the President of the United States of America has declared an infectious disease National Emergency Declaration to combat COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Oklahoma has declared a State of Emergency for all 77 counties in Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, health professional and researchers have determined COVID-19 is spread by human contact and interaction; and

WHEREAS, practicing methods such as social distancing is believed to stop the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the spread of COVID-19 is a disaster affecting life, health, and safety of Sand Springs residents and non-residents alike; and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned conditions constitute a threat to the safety and welfare of Sand Springs, and create an emergency situation within the meaning of Section 683.3, Oklahoma Emergency Act of 2003, as amended;

NOW, THEREFORE, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CITY CHARTER AND STATE LAW, I, JAMES 0. SPOON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAND SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE:

SECTION ONE: A state of emergency exists within the corporate limits of the City of Sand Springs, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

SECTION TWO: This proclamation shall become effective 12:01 AM Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

SECTION THREE: This state of emergency shall continue until 12:01 AM May 11, 2020, or terminated earlier by further proclamation.

PROCLAIMED THIS 17TH DAY OF MARCH, 2020.

James O. Spoon - Mayor”

March 16, 2020

Oklahoma Public Schools to continue providing student meals despite closure

March 16, 2020/ Staff Reports

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on two requested waivers allowing meal service to continue during school closures. Meals will be available at no cost to low-income children and are not required to be served in a group setting to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19.

“When schools close, our first concern is for the safety and well-being of our children. We know that some kids will not have access to nutritious meals if they do not attend school,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “The approval of these waivers provides flexibility so Oklahoma children get wholesome meals while safeguarding their health.”

Last week, OSDE‘s Child Nutrition Programs applied for four waivers from the USDA Food and Nutrition Services. During the upcoming school closure, schools can leverage their participation in one of the USDA’s summer meal programs.

The two waivers approved Saturday, March 14:

Will allow for an alternative or “grab and go” meal service to limit interaction and proximity, reducing the risk of coronavirus exposure; this flexibility would allow possible meal deliveries away from school

Waive the requirement that school meal operations must be served at a school site during unanticipated school closure. This will allow food service staff to prepare the alternative or “grab and go” meals at school sites.

The waivers are good through June 30 or until the federally declared public health emergency expires, whichever is earlier. They only apply to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option (SSO) or the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

OSDE is awaiting approval on two other waivers. One would allow schools in areas not designated as high need to cover meals to students under the Emergency School Closure provision of the SFSP or SSO. The other would allow sponsors to provide reimbursable meals pending availability of meal pattern components.

March 16, 2020

Sand Springs Prom postponed till May 16 due to COVID-19 pandemic

March 16, 2020/ Scott Emigh

The State Board of Education voted Monday to close all Oklahoma Public Schools through April 6th due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Sand Springs Public Schools have announced that Prom will be postponed nearly a month.

Prom was originally scheduled for April 18th but will be postponed till Saturday, May 16th. It will be held at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in downtown Tulsa.

“Our primary focus is the health and safety of our students,” says a school announcement. “We would not hold a large public event like the prom against the advice of government officials and medical professionals. It is important to note that there is still a chance that we will not be able to have the prom on May 16. The coronavirus emergency has a very uncertain future with no definitive end in sight. We hope that by making the change in dates now, reservations and deposits can be changed and transferred with as little disruption as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience. As events unfold, we will continue to update all of you and to adjust our plans as necessary.”

Also on the horizon is graduation, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 9th at the ORU Mabee Center. It is unlikely that the district will be able to reschedule that event due to the number of school districts that also use that venue. No cancellation has been announced at this time.

March 16, 2020

City of Sand Springs cancels Herbal Affair, closes Community Center and Museum

March 16, 2020/ Staff Reports

The City of Sand Springs announces revised operations in response to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tulsa Health Department and other agency advisories regarding the spread of the Coronavirus-COVID-19 virus. These revisions will take place immediately within the City’s operations.

To monitor real-time changes to the City’s plans, please follow any of the City’s Facebook pages including: City of Sand Springs; Sand Springs Police Department; Sand Springs Fire Department; Sand Springs Parks; Keystone Ancient Forest; Sand Springs Animal Welfare; Sand Springs Herbal Affair, Sand Springs Pogue Airport and the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum.

Generally, and unless previously arranged, all general business operations of the City of Sand
Springs will be conducted via phone and/or email to the greatest extent possible. Walk-in visits by vendors or the public will not be seen without an appointment. A detailed listing of operational revisions by department can be found further below.

Perhaps two of the most popular activities and sites to be impacted include the Case Community Center and the Sand Springs Herbal Affair. The Case Community Center will close to the public for general use, including rentals and meetings. The City’s Parks Department is prepared to work with existing rentals and uses, providing several options moving forward. For questions, please call the Parks Department at (918) 246-2561.

The Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival is cancelled. For the first time in 31 years this outdoor gathering, which attracts more than 25,000 visitors to downtown Sand Springs, will not be held. City staff are working with vendors to accommodate their plans to attend in 2021.

The regular meeting of the Sand Springs City Council and Sand Springs Municipal Trust Authority is still planned to occur on March 23, 2020 at the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Complex.

Below is a more detailed listing of impacts on the various City Departments and their operations:

Police/Fire:
• People with emergency situations should call 911 and an officer will respond. People with non-emergency situations should call (918) 245-8777 and an officer will call them back to take a report over the phone.

Municipal Court:
• Public court hearings are temporarily postponed pursuant to an order, which will be issued by the Municipal Court Judge. Mailings will be sent out to those on the docket. Court fines and payments should be made online or by phone.

Parks:
• Keystone Ancient forest is OPEN at this time, per schedule on website & Facebook.
• Case Center will be closed to the public.
• Museum will be closed to the public.
• Youth sports program operational plans are still being discussed at this time.
• Public parks are OPEN for public use with gatherings over 50 people discouraged. The restrooms WILL BE CLOSED at this time.
• Senior Citizens operations are closed, however meal provider Sodexo will continue to operate from the facility and offer carry-out and drive-thru meal options to their clients
• Long-range planning events like the “Movie in the Park” and fireworks display will be addressed later.

Customer Service:
• Payments to the City should be made online; via the payment kiosk located on the South side of the Sand Springs Municipal Building (100 E. Broadway) or at the night drop box also located on the South side of the building.
• Requests for new utility services may be established using instructions listed on the City’s website.
• Water service disconnects will be temporarily suspended for late payment

Community Development/Planning/Neighborhood Services:
• All applications for permits or licenses should be sent using forms found on the City’s website and delivered via email and can be discussed by phone.
• Payments can be made by mail or phone.
• Plan sets may be dropped off at the Community Development/Planning Department located at 110 E. Broadway.
• No approval of Special Events utilizing public property will be approved at this time.

Human Resources:
• All interviews for City positions will be held via phone with no vendor appointments at this time.

Animal Welfare:
• No public adoption events, with animal viewing by appointment only. Please call (918) 246-2543 for assistance.

March 16, 2020

Oklahoma Public Schools to remain closed till April 6th due to COVID-19 pandemic

March 16, 2020/ Scott Emigh

The Oklahoma State Department of Education unanimously voted Monday afternoon to order all Oklahoma public schools to cease operations from March 17th through April 6th due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Board of Education met in an emergency session in Oklahoma City to vote on “an order for all accredited public schools to cease operations effective March 17th until April 6th. Cessation of operations to include all instructional services, grading, extracurricular activities, staff development, training, or conferences. Essential clerical and administrative activities such as business management, nutrition services, and maintenance may continue.”

The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association recently announced that it would be indefinitely suspending all post-season tournaments such as the State Basketball Tournament, but that regular season activities like baseball, softball, and soccer would be left up to the individual school districts to decide if they want to continue the seasons.

The inclusion of extracurricular activities by the State Board of Education effectively ceases all regular season activities, and ensures that the OSSAA won’t be able to reschedule the State Basketball Tournament for at least three more weeks.

March 16, 2020

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (3/15 - 3/22/2020)

March 16, 2020/ Staff Reports

Monday

Spring Break Art Camp
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Kids Camp (Age 6-9).
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tween Camp (Age 10-17).
- ZegART Studios
  700 East Charles Page Boulevard

Tuesday

Spring Break Art Camp
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Kids Camp (Age 6-9).
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tween Camp (Age 10-17).
- ZegART Studios
  700 East Charles Page Boulevard
6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority meeting.
- Click here to view agenda.
- Sand Springs Museum
  9 East Broadway

Wednesday

Spring Break Art Camp
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Kids Camp (Age 6-9).
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tween Camp (Age 10-17).
- ZegART Studios
  700 East Charles Page Boulevard

Thursday

Spring Break Art Camp
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Kids Camp (Age 6-9).
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tween Camp (Age 10-17).
5:30 p.m. Crochet Class.
6:00 p.m. Advanced Drawing Adult and Teen Class.
- ZegART Studios
  700 East Charles Page Boulevard

6:00 p.m. BINGO.
- American Legion Post 17
  500 North Main Street

Friday

Spring Break Art Camp
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Kids Camp (Age 6-9).
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tween Camp (Age 10-17).
7:00 p.m. Family Paint Night.
- ZegART Studios
  700 East Charles Page Boulevard

Saturday

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
- Keystone Ancient Forest
  160 Ancient Forest Drive

Sunday

4:00 p.m. Multimedia Mermaid or Tropical Fish.
- ZegART Studios
  700 East Charles Page Boulevard

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

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

March 15, 2020

New Construction Homes Coming to Sand Springs with Stone Villa II by Capital Homes

March 15, 2020/ Staff Reports

(Sand Springs, OK) - Sand Springs house hunters can now reserve home sites with local home builder Capital Homes at Stone Villa II.

“We are very excited to be building in the Sand Springs community again,” Capital Homes Vice President of Sales Michael Sorrell said. “With Stone Villa II, we want to bring value through a wide range of high quality homes at a more affordable price.”

Located off of 51st Street West between Highway 97 and 129th East Avenue, the subdivision is near to retail and restaurants in the Prattville area, and within walking distance to Angus Valley Elementary. This new community will feature both single-story and two-story homes ranging from 1,400 to 2,308 sq. ft. with 3-5 bedrooms and 2-3.5 bathrooms. Homes will begin under $200k.

Groundbreaking on the model home has begun, with construction on the first four homes to follow throughout the month of March. The development will consist of two phases, with a total of 87 homes. Home sites are now available for reservation.

Capital Homes invites the public to schedule a preview appointment by contacting Amanda Connolly at amanda@capitalhomes.com or call 918-630-9633.

March 12, 2020

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic Prompts City, Citizen Preparedness

March 12, 2020/ Staff Reports

With the recent publicity about the COVID-19 virus, how prepared should a family, a company, or even a government entity be to deal with it?

Sand Springs Fire Chief Mike Wood doesn’t advocate panic over what could be a potentially troubling outbreak, but he is urging preparation and prevention. Planning for a pandemic is critical when essential City services are involved.

The City of Sand Springs is heightening awareness among departments and employees to assure essential services continue should a significant outbreak occur.

Wood has been monitoring COVID-19 conditions, also more widely known as the Coronavirus, since January. On Wednesday, March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) classified COVID-19 as a pandemic due to the number of cases being reported worldwide.

The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully known. Reported illnesses have ranged from very mild (including some with no reported symptoms) to severe, including illness resulting in death. While information so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild, a report out of China suggests serious illness occurs in 16% of cases. Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions - like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example - seem to be at higher risk of developing a serious COVID-19 illness, Wood said.

The best defense against contracting the Coronavirus is proper hand washing. Many public facilities are posting signs reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom. People should cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. And a person’s hands should be kept away from his or her face whenever possible.

“People who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms should go home and stay at home away from others as much as possible until symptoms subside. If mild to moderate symptoms exist, public health officials are urging the public not to just “show up” at a medical facility or call 911, they ask instead for the person to reach out to their health care provider or local health department for guidance.” Wood said.

Many City employee functions are deemed essential to providing services to the public. Safety personnel such as police and firefighters are obvious examples. However, there are also many other essential support services such as sanitation workers, and water and sewer plant personnel who also oversee essential services, Wood noted.

To protect employees and the public, the City emphasis will be given to hand hygiene – including installation of sanitizing dispensers in key areas of public contact. Additionally, disinfecting efforts will be stepped up and some limitations for access to public buildings may become necessary.

Wood added he will continue to educate both City employees and the community about COVID-19 developments, using information from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), and county health departments, all these entities have additional information available regarding the pandemic.

To view more information on the COVID-19 virus, go to the Tulsa Health Department’s website at www.tulsa-health.org. The CDC website also has very helpful information at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Our emergency phone notification system is a critical tool that we use to make sure you are notified of critical information in the event of a public health crisis, disaster or other major event. If you live in the City of Sand Springs corporate limits, please take time to register on the link below.

https://ok-sandsprings.regroup.com/signup

A few common sense measures such as maintaining a “social distance” of three to six feet between people is being encouraged.

“There are other internal measures we can implement to protect our workforce at the City while providing essential services to citizens,” Wood said. “We will continue to watch where the COVID-19 pandemic goes in the coming months, and will quickly take appropriate actions if concerning conditions develop locally.”

March 12, 2020

Bill to protect working Oklahomans passes Senate

March 12, 2020/ Staff Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY – Under current law, Oklahomans with state occupational licenses or certifications who are delinquent on their income taxes face possible nonrenewal. To ensure these individuals can afford to pay their back taxes Senator Paul Scott, R-Duncan, authored Senate Bill 1816, which passed out of the Senate Wednesday.

“I understand how threatening one’s livelihood was seen as a possible incentive for people to pay their income taxes. However, it just isn’t realistic and doesn’t account for all the major life events or economic issues that affect citizens,” Scott said. “If something has happened that has kept someone from being able to pay their taxes, taking away their occupational license or certificate won’t help the situation. If they lose their job, they lose their ability to continue working in their field of expertise, which forces them to take a lower paying job or even multiple jobs. This law needs to be repealed.”

SB 1816 repeals the section of law providing for licensing entities to submit identifying information on a licensee to the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) to facilitate income tax compliance. The repeal would eliminate the procedure whereby the OTC notifies the relevant licensing entity of a taxpayer’s noncompliance, and after such notification is provided, the licensing entity must refuse to renew the taxpayer’s license.

Scott is working with the OTC to get recommendations of other ways to collect delinquent income taxes without revoking occupational licenses.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Editor’s Note: SB1816 passed the Senate by a 36-10 vote. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted against the measure.

Read SB1816’s full text here.

March 12, 2020

Senate approves bill to enable Oklahoma to import lower cost prescription drugs from Canada

March 12, 2020/ Staff Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to help Oklahomans strapped by the ever-increasing costs of prescription drugs has cleared the full Senate. State Senator Rob Standridge, R-Norman, is principal author of Senate Bill 940, creating the Prescription Drug Safety and Cost Reduction Pilot Program Act. The bill was approved on Thursday.

Standridge said the bill will begin the process for Oklahoma to create a state prescription importation program to purchase lower cost prescription drugs from Canada, saving money for consumers and taxpayers. In the last five years, the average cost of prescription drug treatment jumped by 57.8 percent, while Oklahomans’ annual income only rose 2.6 percent. Standridge said the use of Canadian prescription imports to save on drug costs has been championed by President Donald Trump.

“Americans can pay twice as much compared to what people in other countries pay for the same name brand drugs,” Standridge said. “These drugs are safe but cost much less. With one in four Oklahomans reporting they’d skipped a prescription drug because of the cost, it’s clear this relief is greatly needed.”

If the measure becomes law, SB 940 will direct the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to apply to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a prescription drug importation pilot program for the state Medicaid program to import pharmaceutical drugs from one or more countries approved by the FDA. The program will import the top 20 prescription drugs in the state that have a large cost difference between those available in the U.S. compared to those in Canada. Six months after the application is submitted, licensed retail pharmacies can begin participating in the program.

“The pharmaceutical market in this country is already global. The U.S. imports more than 40 percent of its finished products and 80 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients used in medications, and the FDA imported drugs from other countries in response to U.S. drug shortages,” Standridge said. “This simply gives us the opportunity to take advantage of these less expensive, but equally safe and effective prescription drugs.”

SB 940 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Editor’s Note: SB940 passed the Senate by a 41-4 vote. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted in favor.

Click here to read the full bill.

March 12, 2020

Senate supports bill requiring more info for unexplained infant deaths

March 12, 2020/ Staff Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Senate has voted in favor of legislation requiring standardized investigations following the sudden, unexplained death of infants in Oklahoma. Senator Stephanie Bice is principal author of Senate Bill 1893, which was approved unanimously on Wednesday.

Bice, R-Oklahoma City, said the bill was requested by Ali Dodd, an Edmond constituent whose baby died almost five years ago at a state-licensed day care center due to an unsafe sleep environment. The medical examiner listed the cause of death as unknown/undetermined. No information about the specific circumstances or contributing factors were documented.

“Her baby was only 11 weeks old and was left swaddled, unbuckled and unrestrained in a car seat for two hours on the floor behind a closed door, yet none of those risks were documented,” Bice said. “Oklahoma’s infant mortality rate is the third worst of any state in the country. Doing thorough investigations and documenting the findings can help us be pro-active with policies and laws that can save lives.”

SB 1893 directs the medical examiner to conduct a sudden unexplained infant death investigation (SUIDI) within 48 hours of the baby’s death. Information collected would include known medical histories, how the infant was found, how they are placed and other pertinent information.

Dodd said her main motivation in working with Bice to pass SB 1893 is to prevent other families from experiencing the loss and pain her own has endured.

“Between 70 and 75 percent of infant deaths in Oklahoma are listed as unknown or undetermined,” Dodd said. “Unknown and undetermined can’t help us save lives. Standardized death investigations will help us identify risk factors and do a better job of preventing infant deaths in the first place.”

SB 1893 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Editor’s Note: SB1893 passed unanimously 46-0, with District 37 Senator Ikley-Freeman voting in favor.

March 12, 2020

Oklahoma Senate approves sweeping licensing reforms

March 12, 2020/ Staff Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY – In an effort to continue growing the state’s economy and address the teacher shortage, the Senate approved two reciprocal licensing reforms Wednesday. Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the author of the measures to recognize the out-of-state occupational licenses and teaching certificates of qualified individuals moving to Oklahoma.

“We cannot grow our economy without getting rid of the barriers that are deterring professionals from moving to the state. Qualified professionals who are licensed, accredited or certified in other states shouldn’t have to prove their competency by taking repetitive exams that are both expensive and a waste of their time,” Pugh said. “As long as they are law-abiding citizens who hold an out-of-state license or certificate that is in good standing in their profession, we want them to know that we look forward to welcoming them and their expertise to Oklahoma.”

SB 1891 creates the “Universal Occupational License Recognition Act”. It directs occupational boards and commissions to issue an occupational license in the relevant profession to anyone who takes up residency in Oklahoma and holds an occupational license or certificate that has been in good standing in another state for at least one year. Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, is the principal House author.

SB 1125 will allow the State Board of Education to issue a teaching certificate to anyone who holds a valid out-of-state teaching certificate, with no other requirements except a criminal history record check. The teaching certificate will only be for those subject areas and grade levels most closely aligned to the subject areas and grade levels recognized on the out-of-state certificate. The bill will go into effect with the governor’s signature allowing districts to begin accepting teacher applications for the upcoming school year. House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, is the principal House author.

The bills will next be considered in the House.

Editor’s Note: SB1891 passed 36 to 9. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted against the measure. SB1125 passed unanimously, 46 to 0. Ikley-Freeman voted in favor.

Click here to read the full text of SB1125.

Click here to read the full text of SB1891.

March 12, 2020

Senate advances bill strengthening penalties for selling nonconsensual intimate images and videos

March 12, 2020/ Staff Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate has voted to strengthen penalties against those who sell intimate images or videos without the subject’s knowledge or consent. Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, said Senate Bill 1462 will protect victims from continual embarrassment and other negative impacts from the public sharing of such private pictures and videos.

“Surprisingly, this deplorable behavior is fairly common where ex-spouses or lovers sell private videos to multiple adult websites for money. What was done with an expectation of privacy, turns into a horrifying experience for victims that is not only embarrassing but can cost them their job or negatively impact other aspects of their lives,” David said. “The current misdemeanor doesn’t seem to deter these predators so hopefully making this a felony and then requiring repeat offenders to register as sex offenders will stop them. No one should benefit financially from the pain and embarrassment of others.”

The bill was requested by a constituent whose ex-spouse sold private videos of the couple to more than 150 adult websites. Being a member of the military, the videos were considered conduct unbecoming an officer and nearly led to the individual losing her job. She was forced to bring in numerous character witnesses to fight on her behalf to keep her job. The ex-spouse has had numerous misdemeanor charges brought against him but continues selling the videos.

SB 1462 creates a felony for individuals attempting to gain financial advantage or gain anything of value as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. Offenders will face up to four years in prison and up to 10 years imprisonment for second and subsequent convictions. Second convictions will also require registration as a sex offender. The bill removes the state’s discretion to file a misdemeanor charge on anyone who commits the offense. Provisions of the Sex Offenders Registration Act will apply to repeat offenders but will not apply to anyone while incarcerated in a medium or maximum security prison.

The bill now goes to the House for further consideration.

Editor’s Note: SB1462 passed unanimously with 45 in favor, 0 opposed, and 2 excused. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted in favor.

March 10, 2020

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (3/8 - 3/15/2020)

March 10, 2020/ Staff Reports