What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (6/21 - 6/28/2020)

Sunday

  • Father’s Day.

Monday

Tuesday

  • 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Good Samaritan Health Clinic.

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street

  • 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Keystone Kids Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Open Gym - 5th through 8th Grade Girls Basketball.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Public Schools District Dialogue.

Thursday

  • 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Keystone Kids Wrestling Practice.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Free concert - Denise Hoey and Mike Wilson.

    • POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat
      5323 West 31st Street North
      Tulsa, OK 74127

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Open Gym - 5th through 8th Grade Girls Basketball.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

Saturday

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Wrestling Clinic with Travis Rutt.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Free Halo Jordan Concert.

    • 5 West Outpost
      5 West 41st Street

  • Charles Page High School Graduation

    • 10:00 a.m. Ceremony 1.
      6:00 p.m. Ceremony 2.
      8:00 p.m. Ceremony 3.

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road


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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd gives update on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman

OKLAHOMA CITY –Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement Friday on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman’s continuing recovery. The Tulsa Democrat was seriously injured in a collision on the Turner Turnpike while traveling to the state Capitol for the legislative session on May 22.

“On Wednesday, June 10, Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was released from Kaiser Rehabilitation Center in Tulsa. She returned to her home but undergoes daily rehabilitation treatment for her many injuries. With permission from Allison and her family, I can share that her injuries from the accident included six broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, two vertebrae fractures, and five fractures to her pelvis. She works daily to regain the ability to walk but will use a wheelchair for the time being.

“Although Senator Ikley-Freeman is not available for comment at this time, she and her family continue to extend gratitude to her church, friends, and fellow legislators in the state Senate and House of Representatives for their sustained support. She and her family request continued privacy and prayer for Allison and for the family of the other person involved.”

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce hires Kyle Smith as new President

Erick Stuckey (left) welcomes Kyle Smith (right) to the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce. (SUBMITTED).

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the hiring of new President, Kyle Smith. After a four-month search process the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously voted to employ Smith as the new head of the Chamber of Commerce. 

Smith is originally from Chicago and his career has led him through Detroit and eventually to Tulsa. He has extensive experience in sales and management and brings an exciting resume of experience to Sand Springs.

“Kyle has an energetic leadership style; this combined with experience in non-profit and for-profit management positions makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Sand Springs Chamber,” said Erik Stuckey, the Chairman of the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. 

Smith has worked for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Pfizer Inc, and multiple pharmaceutical companies. For the past five years, Smith has led the management team for Workforce Tulsa in both their Tulsa and Sapulpa locations.

“I’m both humbled and excited to work with the Sand Springs Chamber. To take the role as President will be challenging but I know with help from this historic community and guidance from above, we will have a mutually beneficial relationship,” Smith said.

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce currently has 264 active members and is growing.  Over the past few years, the Chamber has focused its effort on the launch of the Webco Industries Center for Entrepreneurial Engagement, which currently houses a co-working space and a new business incubator. 

“As a former Project Director and One Stop Operator, overseeing the day to day operations was nothing short of a learning journey. I believe those roles have prepared me to be a leader and performer. I hope to keep that standard of excellence with the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce.”  Smith said.

The Chamber of Commerce is in the process of re-opening from the COVID-19 closures.  Should things continue a re-opening path many of the Chamber events will resume over the summer and fall. For more information on future events, visit the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or the website at www.SandSpringsChamber.com.

Absentee Deadline Approaches; Early Voting Scheduled for Primary Election

vote.jpg

(Oklahoma City) – Voters have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, to request a mail absentee ballot for the June 30 Primary Election, State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said today.

Voters can apply for absentee ballots online using the OK Voter Portal at https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html. Applications can also be downloaded from the State Election Board Website at https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Absentee_Voting/index.html and mailed to the voter’s County Election Board. A directory of County Election Boards is available at https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html.

Voted absentee ballots must be received by the county election boards no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 30.

In-person absentee voting, or “early voting,” begins Thursday, June 25. “Early voting” will be available at all 77 county election boards across the state and at additional locations in some counties. A list of additional “early voting” sites is available on the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov. Early voting will be available Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Primary Election allows voters to select nominees for various federal, state, and county offices for November’s General Election. In primary races with more than two candidates where no one receives a majority of the votes, runoffs will be held August 25.

Also on the ballot is State Question 802 (SQ 802), which would expand Medicaid coverage for some Oklahomans. You will find ballot language for SQ 802 at https://www.ok.gov/elections/Election_Info/State_Question_info.html. Additionally, many elections postponed from April due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be on the ballot, as well.

Oklahoma has closed primaries; however, recognized parties may open up their primaries to Independent voters by notifying the Secretary of the State Election Board. For the 2020 and 2021 election years, the Democratic Party has elected to open its primaries to Independents. The Republican and Libertarian parties have chosen to keep their primaries closed.

Voters can view a sample ballot or track their absentee ballot using the OK Voter Portal at https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html.

Unity Rally for Black Lives Matter draws crowd at Sand Springs park

More than a hundred Sandites attended a Black Lives Matter rally in Case Community Park Tuesday evening to listen to speakers, sing songs of unity, and to hold a candlelight vigil for victims of police brutality. The event was organized by two Charles Page High School alumni, Travis Allen and Imani Jennings, with support from the Sand Springs Police Department and the Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance.

District 73 State Representative Regina Goodwin, who represents Tulsa, praised the large number of white attendees who chose to support the event. She also spoke about recent state legislation, like House Bill 3515, which she authored, that would have required Oklahoma police officers to use body-cams. That bill died in committee. Another bill she authored, HB3519, addressed use of deadly and excessive force and also never made it out of committee.

“We need real hearts and minds to come together like this,” said Goodwin. “You have it within your wheelhouse, you have it within your heart to make a difference. I challenge you to do that in your household, with your relatives, with your small circle of friends. No question about it: when white folks get together, and black folks get together, and Hispanic folks get together, and Native Americans get together, and Pacific Islanders, everybody - we’re going to be better when we’re on the same page.”

“Remember this, on the other side of hate, there is hope. That is what I see here today. And beyond the hope, we want to move higher and higher to a better place for America.”

Tykebrean Cheshier spoke about the need for small towns to also get involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. “I feel like it’s super important for these other small areas to start getting involved, even if it’s an open forum or if it’s just a rally. Just something positive that they can bring to the community.”

Cheshier also spoke on the importance of voting, not just in presidential elections, but at the local level as well. “Your votes do matter. I think there’s a disconnect with the younger generation, thinking their votes don’t matter.”

Dr. Andre Fredieu offered a medical explanation behind the events that caused George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Floyd was the subject of a recent viral video that showed Officer Chauvin kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes, even after Floyd had passed out. Police had been called on Floyd for allegedly using counterfeit money to purchase cigarettes. Chauvin has since been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, but only after weeks of protests and even riots across the country.

Fredieu asked the crowd to raise their arms for the duration of his nine-minute speech, so that they would get an understanding of just how long Chauvin had his knee on Floyd’s neck. He explained how the carotid artery and jugular vein control blood and oxygen flow to the brain, and how restricting them for even 15 seconds can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to drop. Fredieu is the Medical Director of the Oklahoma Stroke and Neurological Institute at Hillcrest Medical Center.

Mary L. Williams, a Tulsa minister, said that “2020 has been the greatest demonstration for dignity and equality for black Americans all around the world.”

“We recognize and must admit the need for change in our belief systems, in our court systems, in our economic system, in our education systems, because it is evident there are racial disparities. But as we address Black Lives Matter, we will in many ways address all things that matter.”

“Many have asked the questions, ‘well, police lives matter. Women’s lives matter. etc.’ Yes, we agree thoroughly…but Black Lives Matter is the subject matter so we are addressing that. Just as our good shepherd Jesus Christ taught us to go after the one sheep and leave the 99 behind when that one sheep is lost.”

She also commented on the need to continue supporting good police officers. “All of us in some way may have a relative who is a policeman. So we love our policemen. We love the justice system that stands up for justice.”

She went on to discuss issues of domestic violence perpetrated by police officers. “As we’re looking at how to deescalate the racial issues, we’re also looking at a wife. We’re looking at a mother. We’re looking at perhaps a husband who may be in the house with that man that wears a badge, or that woman that wears a badge, but they’re suffering police brutality.”

Williams also called on teachers to do a better job of finding equity in history when teaching, and to recognize the contributions of black Americans in science, politics, and the wars that defined America.

April Ghahagan led the crowd in singing “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, and Alyxandria Fredieu recited “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.

Reverend Mareo Johnson, the Senior Pastor at Seeking the Kingdom Ministries, and founder of the Tulsa Chapter of Black Lives Matter spoke on what exactly “Black Lives Matter” means. “It doesn’t mean that black lives are more than any other life. But what it means is that for all lives to matter, black lives have to matter too.”

“When we say black lives matter, it doesn’t mean just when police shoot unarmed black women and men. It means that when we do ourselves wrong…black lives have to matter to black people as well. Black Lives Matter is not just about police shooting blacks. It’s way more than that. It’s education. It’s economic development, public safety, unity. It’s loving one another, forgiving one another. It’s about all of that.”

Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter did a Q&A session with the crowd and explained many of the department’s policies and changes over the past several years.

Carter expressed his concerns about calls for an end to Qualified Immunity. Qualified Immunity is a legal doctrine that offers police and other officials protection from civil lawsuits. Libertarian congressman Justin Amash recently introduced legislation to end Qualified Immunity, and House Resolution 7085 has now drawn tripartisan support.

“Every police officer was a little bit nervous about that, because if you think about the job we do, the split-second decisions that have to be made, sometimes that’s going to be a problem if your family’s future or your life savings is in the balance every day you go to work. Sometimes it’s not even for the actions that you took. I take this one personal because as the Chief, I’m responsible even if I wasn’t there. Generally, Qualified Immunity serves a purpose…but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to hold officers and employees accountable for what we do. Qualified Immunity isn’t just a total defense. I think it was a misnomer that it’s just a blanket immunity for anything that we want to do.”

One question addressed the “8 Can’t Wait” campaign. The project, launched by Campaign Zero, advocates for eight policies that departments can use to curtail police violence.

  1. Ban chokeholds and strangleholds.

  2. Require de-escalation.

  3. Require a warning before shooting.

  4. Require that all alternatives be exhausted before shooting.

  5. Require officers to intervene when excessive force is being used.

  6. Ban shooting at moving vehicles.

  7. Establish a Force Continuum.

  8. Require comprehensive reporting.

Carter referred to the city’s annual Community Policing Plan, which is in its fourth iteration. The plan received the 2018 International Associations of Chiefs of Police - Leadership in Community Policing Award. “We didn’t start today. We didn’t start when George Floyd lost his life. This agency started five years ago. When the (Department of Justice) put out the Ferguson Report this agency started looking at reforms and put them into practice. The 8 Can’t Wait campaign is going to go into that. It’s something we’re evaluating…I think we do six of the eight right now, and we’re looking at the other two.”

One of the questions asked Carter to address individuals who support police to the point of fault. Carter responded that “If you’re not supporting right, you’re on the wrong side. We’ve got to quit supporting things based on Republican, Democrat, black, white, anything else. We’ve got to start supporting what’s right.”

“I didn’t sign on as a police officer to protect white people. I didn’t sign on to protect black people. I didn’t sign on to protect men or women. I signed on to protect people, and that’s what it needs to come back down to.”

Another question asked how much riot gear the Sand Springs Police Department has. “We don’t have riot gear,” answered Carter. “Because we’re going to help with the Presidential event over in Tulsa (on June 20th) we ordered some pepper balls. We think pepper balls as a less lethal option help us not resort to that. But as far as riot shields, helmets, and other things - we’re just not equipped for that. I think if you run a police department, and our men and women conduct themselves the way we should, the chances of needing riot gear in Sand Springs, Oklahoma are pretty minimal.”

Carter addressed the recent movement to defund the police. “If we’re talking about getting rid of police in America all the way, I can’t support that and I don’t think very many people could. But when you talk about taking away responsibility for mental health calls from police officers and putting it with mental health professionals, I think just about every police officer in America would be supportive of that.”

Carter said that when the initial Policing Plan was put together, it was based on what Ferguson Police did wrong leading up to, and during, the 2014 protests and riots. He said they also looked at Black Lives Matter demands to see if there were any reforms they could make.

Carter also shared a recent experience with black community members. “I had a situation last week where a mother brought her twelve-year-old child to my office. Made an appointment, wanted to see me, and wanted me to know him because she was scared as he’s a black child that he was going to be walking down the street, and what would he encounter.”

“That’s not what I signed on for. I didn’t sign on to make people scared of us. Our officers didn’t sign on to have people be afraid of us because they feel that they’re a person of color and they can’t walk down the street. We need that child to be happy in our community.”

One of the department’s efforts to improve community relations is a reduction in traffic citations. Two-thirds of traffic stops result in a warning in Sand Springs. Carter says the department is happy to arrange for Uber or Taxi rides for citizens who are too drunk to drive home. The department was one of the first in the state to mandate body cameras.

SSPD has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation so that the department doesn’t investigate its own shootings and in-custody deaths. There is also a civilian review board for all use of force instances. The department also answers calls from undocumented immigrants without turning victims of crimes over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Carter says that all Sand Springs officers go through Fair and Impartial Police Training, and Anti-Bias Training. “All of our officers have been through Deescalation Training. All of our officers have been through Crisis Intervention Team Training.”

“This is a direct result of Mr. George Floyd’s death, we’re going to do mandatory re-training with our people on positional asphyxiation and excited delirium. We’re going to use humane leg restraints and training.”

“We already banned chokeholds, except in cases of deadly force. We already require not only a duty to report officer excessive use of force, but the officer is required to intervene, to stop the excessive use of force. We have a ban on shooting at moving vehicles, unless it’s a last resort.”

Click here to view the Sand Springs Police Department’s website, which includes the full existing Policing Plan, and a page to submit ideas for 2020 plan.

Chief Carter also praised the event organizers and expressed his support for the rally. “We ought to be able to get together as people and talk about issues without there being fear. I want to thank Imani and Travis for what they’ve done. It took a lot of courage…there were people that were saying nasty things online and questioning whether this needs to happen. Getting people together and having a discussion should never be a basis for people being upset.”

Fireworks permit sales available in Sand Springs

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs will offer fireworks permits for $20 each for any resident wishing to discharge fireworks within the city limits of Sand Springs. Walk up sales for the mandatory permits begin on Monday, June 22 and will end at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. The permits must be purchased by an adult age 18 or older that serves as the responsible party for activities at an individual residence. Permits are non-transferable.

During the holiday, permit holders can use residential streets as a fireworks discharge area provided that activities do not hinder traffic and all debris is removed. Fireworks may be discharged in the Sand Springs city limits on July 3 from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. and on July 4 from 11:00 a.m. until 11 :00 p.m. No other use of fireworks is allowed outside of these times.

Permits may be purchased by using either of two methods:

  1. Purchase in person at City of Sand Springs Customer Service, located at 100 E Broadway Street from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning Monday, June 22 and running through Thursday, July 2;

  2. Purchase via Eventbrite online, available until 4:00 p.m. on July 3, 2020 at: www.sandspringsok.org/fwpermit

“The continuation of online permit sales provides an excellent option, enhancing the level of convenience for our citizens,” said Sand Springs Fire Marshal Mike Nobles. Online sales will end however at 4:00 p.m. on July 3. There will be a processing fee of approximately $2 added to each transaction.

Although citizens can enjoy fireworks, fire officials urge residents to remember that live fireworks often frighten and stress animals. Officials ask that citizens take a moment to secure their pets to reduce the chances of animals running away.

Fees collected from permits help offset overtime costs of police and fire officials who patrol neighborhoods on this busy holiday to assure fireworks are being discharged responsibly with a valid permit. Without the permit, the pre-set court fine for illegally discharging of fireworks in the city limits is $171. However, a maximum fine of $500 plus court costs can be imposed for serious or repetitive violations.

For further information about fireworks permits, call the Sand Springs Fire Administration Office at (918) 246-2548, extension 2551.

Black Lives Matter rally scheduled for Tuesday at Sand Springs park

A Black Lives Matter rally is being planned for Tuesday, June 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Case Community Park in Sand Springs. The gathering will take place on the Great Lawn, and is being organized by Charles Page High School alumni Imani Jennings and Travis Allen.

Speakers who are scheduled to speak at the event include State Representative Regina Goodwin, Mary I. Williams, Nia MaRae Byrd, April Ghahagan, Pastor Robert Turner, Alyxandria Fredieu, Reverend Mareo Johnson, Imani Jennings, Tykebrean Chesier, and Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter.

Organizers have requested that attendees wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Water and food will be provided.

There will be a candlelight vigil after dark to commemorate victims of police brutality.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (6/14 - 6/21/2020)

Tuesday

  • 5:00 p.m. Sand Springs Unity Rally for Black Lives Matter.

    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road

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

Wednesday

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

    • Sand Springs City Hall - Council Chambers
      100 East Broadway Street

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Saturday

Sunday

  • Father’s Day.

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive


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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Gov. Stitt, Supt. Hofmeister announce $16 million in Incentive Grants to Oklahoma schools

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 12, 2020) – Gov. Kevin Stitt and State Supt. of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister announced today they have partnered to give eligible Oklahoma school districts an opportunity to apply for $16 million in emergency relief funds through the federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Incentive grant funds were made available through $8 million from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) set-aside amount from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund and $8 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) discretionary funds. Under the CARES Act, the OSDE funds must meet “emergency needs” of districts in response to COVID-19, while GEER funds must be expended to schools “most significantly impacted by coronavirus.” 

Hofmeister said the partnership will help educators bridge the “digital divide” and strengthen distance learning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we plan for a new school year after the major disruptions we experienced this past spring, we must do all we can to ensure districts can provide digital instructional delivery and social-emotional supports to every student when needed. This is no easy task as districts grapple with budget shortfalls and various unknowns stemming from the pandemic. School leaders are rising to the challenge, however, and these incentive grants will go a long way toward helping fuel their heroic efforts.”

Use of GEER funds to provide additional connectivity for schools is critical, according to the Governor.

“I welcome this partnership with Superintendent Hofmeister and OSDE to maximize the impact of our federal dollars on students,” said Gov. Stitt. “Digital transformation has been one of my priorities since I took office and we are working on more projects to help ensure technology is an enhancement to learning rather than a barrier.”

In order to apply, districts must have opted in on their ESSER formula funds application and commit to spending at least 30% of those funds in at least two of five priority areas:

  • Expanding connectivity for students to enable distance learning accentuating digital transformation (i.e., purchasing devices, hotspots, access points, partnership agreements, etc.)

  • Purchasing a Content Management System (CMS) or Learning Management System (LMS) – either a new system or services added to an existing system to support students in distance learning

  • Providing mental health supports through social and emotional learning tools for students experiencing trauma due to COVID-19 

  • Providing compensatory services to students identified to be at risk as a result of the closure of school buildings in spring 2020 (i.e., English learners, students with disabilities, students needing credit recovery, etc.)

  • Providing training in the science of reading for teachers in Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with a specific focus on delivering instruction remotely (i.e., contract with a vendor for professional development, use of programs identified through What Works Clearinghouse, purchase of curriculum or materials to be used in teacher training)

Grants will be awarded in amounts based on student enrollment on Oct. 1, 2019:

  • Up to 500 students: Eligible for up to $50,000

  • 501 to 1,000 students: Eligible for up to $100,000

  • 1,001 to 2,500 students: Eligible for up to $200,000

  • 2,501 to 7,499 students: Eligible for up to $300,000

  • 7,500+ students: Eligible for up to $500,000

Districts will apply for Incentive Grants through the OSDE Grants Management System, and eligible expenditures must be reimbursed between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. 

For more information on CARES Act-funded Incentive Grants, click here

Oklahoma reaches 1,098 active cases of COVID-19; Sand Springs with 2 active cases

As of Friday’s media advisory from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), there are now 7,848 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in the state. 359 Oklahomans have died and 6,391 have recovered, leaving 1,098 active cases. 1,103 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 154 are currently hospitalized.

In Sand Springs there have been 43 total cases with 2 deaths and 39 recoveries. Tulsa County has recorded 1,443 total cases with 1,008 recoveries and 62 deaths.

The OSDH has processed 238,366 negative tests so far. A complete list of testing sites can be found at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 2,016,027 cases nationwide with 113,914 deaths. There have been 21,744 new cases and 947 deaths in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 38th in total cases (42nd per capita), and 34th in deaths (35th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 7,410,510 cases worldwide with 418,294 deaths. There have been 128,399 new cases in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 772,416 and Russia with 511,423.

Tulsa Federal Credit Union branch in Prattville Reasor's to close June 30

Tulsa Federal Credit Union announced Tuesday that the Prattville branch located inside the Sand Springs Reasor’s grocery store will be closing at the end of the month.

“Tulsa Federal Credit Union leadership, along with the Board of Directors, have made the difficult decision not to renew our lease for the Prattville Reasor’s branch located at 3825 State Highway 97, Sand Springs, OK 74063,” reads the public statement. “A Tulsa FCU ATM will remain accessible inside the Prattville Reasor’s store indefinitely, but the last day of business at this location will be June 30, 2020.

Since this branch opened in 2012, it has contributed greatly to our growth and success in the Sand Springs area. While Prattville has been an integral part of that success, the majority of member activity at Prattville are simple transactions which can still be done through our ATM on location or via Online/Mobile Banking. In addition, we believe we can more adequately service our Prattville and Sand Springs membership through our traditional branch located at 220 Jefferson Street, Sand Springs, OK 74063.

Our branches continue to be a vital channel to deliver products and services to our membership, potential members, and our community. To sustain our branches’ livelihood in an industry with ever-evolving technology, we must strategically invest in our branch infrastructure to grow and improve our branch network. Our recent branch renovations and new branch in Midtown Tulsa, which opens later this summer, are evidence of that commitment.

Financially, Tulsa FCU remains strong as we approach $800 million in assets with more than 56,300 of members. The current employees of the Prattville branch have been offered comparable positions within our organization.

Our primary objective through this closure is to provide you with the same exceptional member service and convenience you have come to expect from us. Depending on your needs, there are several ways you can continue your relationship with us.

  • The in-store ATM at the Prattville Reasor’s will still be available 24/7/365 to process cash and check deposits, cash withdrawals and transfers.

  • Visit one of our other 12 Tulsa FCU locations including our Sand Springs location which is only 3 miles from the Prattville branch.

  • Whether you are currently using online/mobile banking or not, there are many features you may benefit from utilizing like bill pay, automated transfers, mobile check deposit, and a robust money management portal.

  • The Member CARE Center is available at 918.610.0200, Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

  • Tulsa FCU is a shared branching network partner which means our members can handle basic transactions at any credit union in the CO-OP network nationwide. There are several locations near the Prattville location, including Green Country FCU located at 3350 South 113th, Sand Springs, OK 74063.

We would like to thank you for your membership and are grateful for the trust you place in us as your financial partner. We look forward to continuing to serve you into the future.”

Sand Springs Sertoma Club cancels July 3rd fireworks show and Murder Mystery Dinner

Sertoma supporters attend the 2017 Sertoma Murder Mystery Dinner.

The 2020 Sand Springs Sertoma Fireworks display, scheduled for July 3, 2020, has been postponed until July 3, 2021, due health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 virus.

The Sertoma Club has hosted an annual fireworks show on July 3rd since 1989, but this is the third time in the past four years that the event has been canceled. In 2017 the club had to cancel their show due to construction in Case Community Park. In 2019, it was called off due to extensive flood damage after the entirety of Case Park was submerged for more than a week.

Also, The Sand Springs Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presented by the Sand Springs Sertoma Club and Women’s Chamber of Commerce scheduled for August has been cancelled due to health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 virus. Each August the nonprofit organizations hold a silent auction, banquet, and murder mystery show to raise money for individuals with hearing and speech impairments. The Murder Mystery Dinner is their biggest fundraiser of the year, and it's a blast. Participants are given a back story, clues, and the opportunity to interrogate local actors to try and guess who committed the murder. 

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (6/7 - 6/14/2020)

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mother Nature’s Mobile.
    6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday Night Event.

    • ZegART Studios
      700 East Charles Page Boulevard

Monday

  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Creative Camp #5: Monsters Ink!

    • ZegART Studios
      700 East Charles Page Boulevard

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

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

  • Sand Springs Board of Adjustment Meeting - CANCELED.

Tuesday

  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Creative Camp #5: Monsters Ink!
    4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Art Class for Kids.
    6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Acrylic Painting.

    • ZegART Studios
      700 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Good Samaritan Free Health Clinic.

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street

Wednesday

  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Creative Camp #5: Monsters Ink!

    • ZegART Sudios
      700 East Charles Page Boulevard

Thursday

  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Creative Camp #5: Monsters Ink!
    4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Art Class for Kids.
    6:00 p.m. - 8:00 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

  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Art Class for Kids.
    2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. I Can’t Draw a Straight Line.
    5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Patio 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

  • 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Multimedia Mermaid or Tropical Fish.
    6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday Night Event.

    • 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.

OSDH resumes publishing city-level data, Sand Springs has 2 active cases of COVID-19

As of today, the Oklahoma State Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard is publishing city and zip-code level data on active and recovered COVID-19 cases. OSDH will also return to the reporting of nursing home and long-term care facility data in the daily Governor’s executive order report. Moving forward, the agency will report by facility, providing an aggregated number of staff and residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

“We appreciate the efforts and counsel of Attorney General Hunter to enable OSDH to continue reporting the most comprehensive and transparent COVID-19 data that our agency is dedicated to providing Oklahomans,” said OSDH Interim Commissioner Lance Frye.

“The State has been committed to making data-driven decisions to address the presence of COVID-19. I applaud and welcome the return of city and zip code-level COVID-19 reporting and the publishing of COVID-19’s impact on each long term care and nursing home facility,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “I appreciate the collaboration of Commissioner Frye and Attorney General Hunter to interpret recent changes in law and to deliver a quick resolution in the best interest of public health and Oklahoma’s economy.”

Today, the Tulsa Health Department is offering free specimen collection for COVID-19 testing during the Unity in the Community food distribution event at the 36th Street North Event Center from 4-7 p.m. Testing will be set up next door in the parking lot of the Greater Union Baptist Church, 955 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74106. No appointment is necessary. Individuals can walk up, bike or drive-thru. Call the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 with questions. Additional testing information can be found here.

COVID-19 testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-county, city and state health system partnership. Visit this page for updated dates and locations.

In the city of Sand Springs there have been 39 total cases with two deaths and 35 recoveries, leaving two active cases. Tulsa County has totaled 1,109 cases with 59 deaths and 877 recoveries, leaving 173 active cases.

There have been 6,907 cases in Oklahoma since the pandemic began, with 344 deaths and 5,781 recoveries. 782 cases are still active.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 1,862,656 cases nationwide with 108,064 deaths. There have been 20,555 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,535,354 cases worldwide with 387,155 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 584,016 and Russia with 449,834.

State Election Board: Oklahoma Financial Institutions to Offer Free Absentee Voting Services

(Oklahoma City) – The Secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board joined representatives of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, Oklahoma Credit Union Association, and Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma today to announce that financial institutions across the state plan to offer free absentee voting services to all Oklahoma voters.

Participating banks and credit unions will offer one or more of the following services to voters:   

  • Free ID copy (lobby and/or drive-thru)

  • Free absentee ballot notarization (lobby and/or drive-thru)

Voters can find a list of participating banks and credit unions at elections.ok.gov. Services and hours may vary by location.

“Banks and credit unions are in almost every community in Oklahoma. They’re our neighbors and community partners and they realize the importance of democracy. That’s why we’re excited to work with these financial institutions to ensure that every voter—both customers and non-customers alike—have free and convenient absentee services available to them,” said Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board.

Craig Buford, President and CEO of the Community Bankers Association agrees.

“The Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma is proud of the hard work and diligence of the Oklahoma Legislature and the Oklahoma Election Board to streamline the absentee ballot process while maintaining its integrity. Community Financial Institutions are not just the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy, but leaders in their communities. This partnership was a natural fit as we all work together to protect one of our most cherished rights, the right to vote.”

“Community banks across Oklahoma are excited for the opportunity to make absentee voting easier for all Oklahomans,” said Adrian Beverage, Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President for Government Relations for the Oklahoma Bankers.

According to Nate Webb, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Credit Union Association, “Voting is one of the greatest privileges we enjoy as Americans. Oklahoma credit unions are pleased to help our fellow Oklahomans participate in the process.”

While participation by banks and credit unions is voluntary, associationfficers said they have had a positive response of support from financial institutions across the state.

Voters can apply for absentee ballots online using the OK Voter Portal at elections.ok.gov/OVP.html. Applications can also be downloaded from the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov.

The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Tuesday (5 p.m.) before Election Day. Absentee ballots must be received no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information about absentee voting in Oklahoma, visit our website at elections.ok.gov. Voters with specific questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

Attorney General Hunter advises Health Department to continue releasing city-level data

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today advised the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) that releasing the data about COVID-19 infections does not violate state or federal law, as long as individuals are not identifiable.

After consultation with the attorney general, the OSDH will resume releasing local infection data and deaths. Demographic data, such as age and race, will only be released in aggregate.

“Releasing the total numbers of each locality, county and state-wide demographic data threads the needle of providing up-to-date information to the public while protecting the privacy of Oklahomans,” Attorney General Hunter said. “This data is important for citizens to have at their disposal to make informed decisions. I appreciate OSDH Interim Commissioner Lance Frye and Secretary of Health Jerome Loughridge, for bringing this matter to the attention of my office for review.”

The attorney general advised the interim health commissioner and secretary of health that while state law prohibits the department of health from disclosing personal health information, it may nonetheless release epidemiological information for statistical purposes in such a way that no person can be identified. 

Officials were concerned that releasing detailed demographic information could inadvertently identify someone who is infected with or died from COVID-19, which would violate state laws on medical record confidentiality.

“I am pleased we found a way to provide this data that upholds the law and protects Oklahomans,” Loughridge said. “We thank the attorney general for helping us get to this conclusion.”

Previously, the numbers were being released under the Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act, which allowed the governor to temporarily suspend state laws that could hinder the state’s ability to respond to a health emergency or increase the health threat to the population. The emergency declaration under that act expired Monday.

“It is incumbent upon us as state leaders to protect sensitive health information,” Frye said. “I encourage Oklahomans to use the information to make informed decisions in dealing with the Covid 19 pandemic.”

As of Thursday’s situation update, which has not yet restored city-level data, there are 6,907 confirmed positive cases statewide. 344 Oklahomans have died, and 5,781 have recovered, leaving 782 active cases. 1,014 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 148 people are currently hospitalized.

The Tulsa Health Department is offering free specimen collection for COVID-19 testing during the Unity in the Community food distribution event at the 36th Street North Event Center on Friday, June 5 from 4-7 p.m. Testing will be set up next door in the parking lot of the Greater Union Baptist Church, 955 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74106. No appointment is necessary. Individuals can walk up, bike or drive-thru. Call the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 with questions. Additional testing information can be found here.

A full list of testing sites can be found at this link. There have been 204,815 negative tests so far.

In Tulsa County specifically, there have been 1,109 total cases with 59 deaths and 877 recoveries, leaving 173 active cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 1,842,101 total cases nationwide with 107,029 deaths. There have been 14,676 cases reported in the past 24 hours, and 827 new deaths have been linked to the virus.

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,416,828 cases worldwide with 382,867 deaths and an increase of 93,246 cases in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 555,383 and Russia with 441,108.

State Department of Education releases school reopening framework

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 3, 2020) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education has published a framework for Oklahoma school districts as they plan for the 2020-21 school year. Return to Learn Oklahoma: A Framework for Reopening Schools includes a host of considerations for how districts can plan for a variety of contingencies that may impact the upcoming school year amid continued incidence of COVID-19.

“Educators know students will experience greater learning losses this year, given that the ‘summer slide’ has been compounded by the unconventional ending of the spring term,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.

“As they plan for the new school year, our districts are now focused on how to recapture learning and ensure the safety and health of students, staff and families. The details of how that is determined will vary widely, based on the extent to which COVID-19 is impacting local and school communities and what processes are feasible and practical for districts. It is our hope that Return to Learn Oklahoma will be a valuable tool as educators work to make decisions that are in the best interest of their students.” 

The Return to Learn framework is built on four categories – School Operations, Academics & Growth, Whole Child & Family Supports and School Personnel. Each includes a checklist of actions and considerations districts can review to produce optimal safety and learning outcomes, given the challenges that may arise from COVID-19. Underpinning the information is guidance from health officials including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Oklahoma State Department of Health and others, with an emphasis on districts hewing to the CDC’s recommendation that reopening protocols be layered to mitigate risk in ways that are feasible, reasonable and acceptable in local contexts.

Friday marks voter registration deadline for statewide primary

(Oklahoma City) – The deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration for Oklahoma’s Primary election is Friday, June 5.

The State Election Board’s new voter registration “wizard” makes it easier than ever to complete a Voter Registration Application. State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said the “wizard” is designed to simplify the registration process. Applicants who use the "wizard" will also receive a transaction code they can use to check the status of the application with their County Election Board.

“The new voter registration wizard allows you to complete your application online, then print, sign and mail the application to your County Election Board. By using the State Election Board’s website to fill out your application, you can be certain your personal information is safe and secure,” Ziriax said.

Voters can access the voter registration “wizard” through the OK Voter Portal.

In addition to the voter registration wizard, applicants can download a Voter Registration Application from the State Election Board's website. Current voters can update their voter registration address online using the OK Voter Portal, if the new address is in the same county. Voters can also get a paper voter registration application from their county election board or at a voter registration agency, such as a tag agency.

Voter registration applications must be received by the Election Board or postmarked no later than Friday, June 5.

Visit the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov for more information.

The Oklahoma Primary Election is Tuesday, June 30.

OSDH removes city-level COVID-19 data, Oklahoma down to 754 active cases

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced Monday that its COVID-19 data tracker, located at coronavirus.health.ok.gov, will continue reporting active and recovered COVID-19 cases by county only, as permitted by State law, and the agency will no longer be able to publish COVID-19 data by city, zip code, or by long-term care and nursing home facility due to the State’s Catastrophic Emergency Declaration expiring on May 31, 2020. 

OSDH and the office of Governor Kevin Stitt are actively exploring additional legal opinions and solutions to ensure the public, the medical community, and elected leaders can access relevant COVID-19 data that will allow for quick and effective decision-making while Oklahoma awaits a treatment or vaccine to mute the novel virus. 

“OSDH will continue to publish daily the most recent active and recovered COVID-19 cases by county,” said OSDH Communications Director Kristin Davis. “The State’s infrastructure is in a much stronger position for continuing to address the presence of the novel coronavirus, and the core purpose of the emergency declaration is no longer needed. At the same time, Governor Kevin Stitt and Commissioner Lance Frye continue their shared commitment to transparency and availability of critical COVID-19 data. They have tasked the State’s legal experts to explore other options for providing critical health data that would support all stakeholders’ decision making during the presence of COVID-19, while also safeguarding Oklahomans’ protected health information.”   

The Legislature first granted the Governor’s request for a Catastrophic Emergency Health declaration on April 7, and the declaration was later extended until the end of May. Under the declaration, the Governor was able to redirect state agency resources and state employee efforts to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and was able to activate the Oklahoma National Guard. During this period, the Governor also waived statutory requirements to allow for more granular reporting of COVID-19 data to support rapid decision making at local levels on the response to COVID-19. 

Since the Catastrophic Emergency Declaration went into effect, the number of Oklahomans in the hospital for COVID-19 has declined by roughly 65%, the weekly rate of deaths related to COVID-19 has declined by 56%, and the percentage of positive cases has declined to an all-time low of 3.7%. 

While some data adjustments will be made, OSDH will continue to issue the daily media advisory with cumulative statewide COVID-19 data as well as publishing the following reports: 

As of Tuesday’s Situation Update, there are 6,692 confirmed positive cases in Oklahoma, with 5,599 recoveries and 339 deaths, leaving 754 active cases. There have been five additional deaths linked to the virus, and all occurred between the dates of May 11 and May 30. 124 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, and 994 have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.

There have been 197,965 negative tests statewide since the pandemic began. A complete list of testing sites can be found at this link.

In Tulsa County there have been 1,057 total cases with 839 recoveries and 57 deaths, leaving 161 active cases.

Johns Hopkins is reporting 1,811,360 cases nationwide with 458,231 recoveries and 105,165 deaths, leaving 1,247,964 active cases. Oklahoma is 38th in total cases (42nd per capita) and 34th in deaths (35th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,194,533 cases worldwide with 376,320 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 514,849 and Russia with 423,741.

Sand Springs graduation to be held at Memorial Stadium with limited attendance

Sand Springs Public Schools officials met in a Zoom meeting Monday evening.

Sand Springs Public Schools Superintendent Sherry Durkee announced in a Monday evening Board of Education virtual meeting that the Charles Page High School graduation ceremony has been moved from the ORU Mabee Center to the CPHS Memorial Stadium, along with other changes, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of Tulsa County Health Department guidance that recommends mass gatherings be kept to less than 250 people, the new graduation plan will be a series of small ceremonies at Memorial Stadium on June 27th.

“I think we will be lucky to get more than 200 students to participate in graduation,” said CPHS Principal Stan Trout. “I particularly think that once the public hears that it’s not going to be at the Mabee Center…that we will have a fairly large number of students and families, unfortunately, who will just say ‘we’re just going to sit this one out.’”

Students will be separated into four or five smaller groups of 50 for a series of 30-45 minute ceremonies, and each student will be limited to four family members in attendance. Students will receive their diploma and a final transcript.

The district is expected to make an official announcement with full details for the event on Tuesday.

Superintendent Durkee also addressed the likelihood of a return to normalcy during the upcoming school year.

“I’m not going to go on record of saying ‘we will start normally’ but I really feel strongly that going into the fall semester we’re going to start normally and be able to do that,” said Durkee. “We had a meeting with the State Interim Epidemiologist today who answered a lot of questions about reactions to a potential outbreak during the fall semester.”

“There’s still more time,” added Durkee. “We have eight weeks of summer left to make some real decisions but the more I hear, the more positive I’m getting about our ability to maneuver through this crisis in a way that gets kids what they need and at the same time protects the public health and the health of our students.”

“One thing for me that was extraordinarily clear is that teachers feel like face-to-face instruction is better. The delivery of content and standards is much healthier if students are present. I think people are ready for their kids to be back in class as a general rule.”

“I say that knowing full well that there are going to be folks that are going to be afraid to do that, and our intent is to offer that virtual option. We’re ramping up our Virtual Academy. We have space now at the old freshman center to have an off-site virtual academy for students that would provide a great amount of social distancing for people that are nervous about that, while at the same time offering that robust learning environment that our kids are going to have to have to stay on grade-level.”

When the schools closed due to the sudden spread of COVID-19, grades were partially frozen for Sand Springs students. They had the option to continue schooling online and improve their grades, but if they chose not to participate, they weren’t penalized.

“Rather than making this a period that was punitive and kids would be punished for not doing their work, we wanted to make it a learning experience where they could gain some insight…moving forward they could maintain or raise their grade without being punished,” said Shawn Beard, Executive Director of Curriculum. “As a result of that, some kids decided that they were fine with their grade the way it was and they wanted to just kind of not participate. We had some kids that really enjoyed being online, really thrived in that environment, while others did not.”

“I don’t think anyone really thought that that we’d be in this place where we are now…Teachers also noticed that parents were overwhelmed. Students and parents saw a lot of stress. We have a lot of kids who may have been working to support families during this time.”

“We also saw kids that thrived,” said Beard. Teachers reported that many introverted students loved online classes, while students without parental support were negatively affected. Some parents gained a better understanding of their kids’ weaknesses both academically and focus-related. “I think this gave parents and students some one-on-one time to work together, and for parents to really understand where their students may need help.”

A public hearing was held regarding the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year Budget, which was unanimously approved.

“When I built this two months ago, we thought the world was grand and wonderful and we were going to receive about the same amount of money we previously had,” said Chief Financial Officer Greg Morris. “Along came COVID in March and our world changed.”

“The last budget we had was about $37.8 million is what we were anticipating. Now we’re at $36.4, so we’re $1.4 million down. I would not be surprised to see that number drop some more before the year is out.”

In other news:

Resignations were accepted from Sherri Ward, Kenneth Gooch, Burgess Shaw, Cristina Abbott, Ashleigh West, and Brena Tiblow.

The Board approved a $77,408.80 quote for Newline Interactive Panels for the new Freshman center at Charles Page High School.

The Board approved $186,428.00 for Newline Interactive Panels for 3rd through 5th Grade classrooms.

The Board approved $343,064.00 for desktop computers and monitors.

The Board approved $9,295.00 for new laptops for Central Office staff.

The Board approved $119,625.00 for supplies, management licenses, and white glove enrollment services for Chromebooks for the 2021 Freshman class.

The Board approved $2,923.20 to install point-to-point WiFi access for the Baseball and Softball Complexes.

The Board approved $15,845.00 for renewal support and troubleshooting for the Mitel VoIP phone system.

The Board approved $3,000.00 for renewal of Adobe Creative Cloud licenses for CPHS.

The Board approved the hiring of a math teacher at CPHS, a special education teacher at the Early Childhood Education Center, a kindergarten teacher at Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, a speech pathologist at Limestone Technology Academy, and a Braille transcriptionist/paraprofessional at CPHS.

The Board approved a lease agreement with Olivet Baptist Church, allowing them to use the 2.89 acre section of land that was previously home to Twin Cities Elementary.

The Board approved Superintendent Durkee as Purchasing Agent for the district, Authorized Representative for all federal programs, and Designated Custodian for all funds and programs for the upcoming school year.

The Board approved a contract extension for Superintendent Durkee through the 2023 school year.