Oklahoma reports 8745 active COVID-19 cases and 14 new deaths

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 909 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, bringing the number of active cases to 8,745. The state record for active cases is 8,749, set on Monday. 540 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, down from a record-high 663 in July.

835 Oklahomans have died from the virus and 14 additional deaths were reported Thursday.

  • One in Carter County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Johnston County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group.

  • Two in Le Flore County, one female and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Lincoln County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Love County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Mayes County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in Oklahoma County, one female and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Okmulgee County, one female in the 65 or older age group.

  • Two in Pittsburg County, two males in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Rogers County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Tulsa County, one male in 65 or older age group

Ten new cases were reported in Sand Springs, bringing the active total to 51, down from a peak of 56 on August 10th. The city of Tulsa has 995 active cases and Tulsa County has 1,504 active cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 6,087,403 cumulative cases nationwide with 185,092 deaths. 288,357 cases have been reported in the last seven days. Oklahoma ranks 28th in total cases and 33rd in deaths. The state is 15th in new cases in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 25,847,521 cases worldwide since the pandemic began with 858,766 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 3,950,931 and India with 3,853,406. Russia became the fourth nation to surpass one million cases on Wednesday.

Sand Springs cuts ribbon on new freshman academy

Sand Springs Public Schools officials and guests held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Charles Page High School freshman academy and STEM center Monday morning.

The $14.28 million addition was part of a $32.85 million bond package that Sand Springs residents voted 92.83% in favor of in March of 2019. The project reunified the district’s ninth grade students with the rest of the high school, relocating them from a century-old building downtown. In addition to 26 freshman classrooms, the project also included a lunch/commons area, new office space, and a new central lobby to connect the freshman wing with the existing high school.

“We cannot be a top ten state if it is not about making sure that we champion public education across 77 counties,” said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. “You all are a leader.”

“In our Department of Commerce, every day, what we are talking about is keeping business owners happy, trying to keep them in Oklahoma, and going around the world, and I mean the world because it is a global competition for talent now. We’re not just competing against 49 other states. It is a global competition for talent. If we don’t prioritize public education across the state, then it’s going to be very difficult to keep businesses happy and to recruit new business to the state. You all are in the economic development business.”

“This is world class in my opinion. For us to do public education the right way, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education has to be at the forefront…We want kids growing up in a state that they can be proud of. I think we have kids leaving this high school that are proud, because they see that the administration supports them, they see the teachers supported…So on behalf of the state of Oklahoma, I just want to tell you how proud we are of you, of the way that you are leading and you are a model for the state of Oklahoma.”

“In the midst of a year that’s just been filled with challenges and obstacles, we have so many really positive things that are happening in the district,” added State Representative Jadine Nollan. “That does not happen without great leadership. This leadership team is amazing. I just want to say how much I appreciate the hard work, but more than that I just really appreciate the can-do attitude…We innovate, we create, we think outside of the box.”

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/30 - 9/6/2020)

Tuesday

  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Softball vs. Ponca City.

    • Ponca City Lady Cat Softball Complex
      1401 West Grand Avenue
      Ponca City, OK 74601

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

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

Thursday

  • 5:30 p.m. CPHS Varsity Softball vs. Sapulpa.

    • Sandite Softball Complex
      408 West 55th Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Football vs. Bishop Kelley.

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Saturday

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

    • Free limb chipping up to 2” in diameter, free wood chips and firewood.

    • Sand Springs Street Department
      8620 West 21st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • Sapulpa Chieftain Cross Country Meet.
    8:30 a.m. Elementary Girls.
    8:45 a.m. Elementary Boys.
    9:00 a.m. Varsity and JV Girls - 1 Mile.
    9:15 a.m. Varsity and JV Girls - 2 Mile.
    9:45 a.m. Varsity Boys.
    10:10 a.m. JV Boys.
    10:40 a.m. JH Girls.
    11:00 a.m. JH Boys.

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


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Oklahoma reports 7661 active COVID-19 cases and 19 new deaths

According to the latest report from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Oklahoma is in the red zone for cases and the yellow zone for test positivity, with the eighth highest rate in the nation. For the past month, the task force has been recommending that Oklahoma mandate masks statewide, and close bars.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 666 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, along with 19 deaths.

  • One in Cherokee County, one female in the 36 - 49 age group. 

  • One in Creek County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group.

  • One in Garfield County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Haskell County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Jackson County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Mayes County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Murray County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • Three in Oklahoma County, one male in the 36 - 49 age group and one female and one male in the 65 or older group. 

  • One in Pittsburg County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Seven in Rogers County, one female and six males in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Sequoyah County, one female in 65 or older age group.  

There have been 763 deaths since the pandemic reached Oklahoma. 533 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, down from a peak of 663 in late July. 63 deaths have been reported in the past week. 7,661 cases are currently active, down from a peak of 8,132 on Monday.

In Sand Springs there are 31 active cases, down from a peak of 56 on August 10th. Tulsa County is reporting 1,513 active cases. The county is currently in the Orange (Moderate) risk level.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 5,752,653 total cases nationwide since the pandemic began. There have been 177,759 deaths. In the past day there have been 37,086 new cases and 1,142 new deaths reported.

Oklahoma ranks 30th in total cases, 27th in cases per capita, and ninth in per capita cases in the past seven days. The state is 33rd in total deaths, 37th in deaths per capita, and 23rd in total deaths in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 23,752,965 cumulative cases worldwide with 815,038 deaths. America currently leads the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 3,622,861 and India with 3,234,474.

Downtown Sand Springs waterline project to begin in September

The City of Sand Springs has announced plans to improve a critical downtown waterline component beginning next month. The $479,000 construction project was awarded during last night’s Sand Springs City Council meeting and will replace an existing water line service along the northern alignment of East Broadway Street from North Main to North Washington Avenues.

“The new line will be upgraded from older two and four inch service lines to become an eight-inch water line. The old line had deteriorated, exhibited leaking issues and has been identified for replacement,” stated Jesse Vaverka, Engineer with the City. This waterline project is part of the City’s ongoing program to replace existing waterlines across the City which have surpassed their useful life.

To lessen impact on downtown business owners and visitors, the new line will be constructed below westbound asphalt lane portions of East Broadway Street and not within the sidewalk. The City’s goal is to help downtown merchants better maintain normal business operations during construction. The primary inconveniences during construction should include several phased road closures of the westbound lanes only, and some temporary displaced downtown parking.

The waterline contract calls for approximately 75 days of construction, but with potential weather delays the work may extend beyond that. Traffic cones, detour signage and message boards will be put in place to help vehicles navigate the impacted area.

Downtown businesses should not experience any water service disruptions throughout the project. Businesses should expect a short water service transfer lasting a few hours later on in the project schedule as the new water line is placed into service and the old line is abandoned.

Citizens with questions about the project may contact Community Development Director Grant Gerondale at grant@sandspringsok.org.

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

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/23 - 8/30/2020)

Monday

Tuesday

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

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street

  • 5:30 p.m. CPHS Varsity Softball vs. Muskogee.

    • Muskogee High School
      3200 East Shawnee Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403

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

    • Sapulpa Chieftain Center
      1201 East Lincoln
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

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

Thursday

  • 10:00 a.m. CPHS Cross Country at Owasso Ram Relays.

    • No spectators allowed.

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

    • Shawnee High School
      711 West Kickapoo Spur Street
      Shawnee, OK 74801

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

  • 6:30 p.m. CPHS Varsity Volleyball vs. Owasso.

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

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Football vs. Sapulpa.

    • George F. Collins Stadium
      1201 East Lincoln Avenue
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

Saturday

  • 12:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Volleyball vs. McAlester.
    3:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Volleyball vs. North Rock Creek.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road


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What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/16 - 8/23/2020)

Sunday

Tuesday

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

    • Sapulpa Softball Field
      631 North Brown Street
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

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

    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road

  • 6:30 p.m. CPHS Varsity Volleyball vs. Broken Arrow.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

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

Thursday

  • 1:30 p.m. CPHS Softball vs. Coweta.

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

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Friday

  • 10:00 a.m. CPHS Softball vs. Stillwater.
    11:00 a.m. CPHS Softball vs. Deer Creek.

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

  • 10:30 a.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Okay.
    12:00 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Holland Hall.
    3:00 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Cascia Hall.

    • Holland Hall High School
      5666 East 81st Street

Saturday

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

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive

  • 10:30 a.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Claremore.
    1:30 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Christian Heritage.
    3:00 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Rejoice Christian.

    • Holland Hall High School
      5666 East 81st Street


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Sand Springs holds Masonic ceremony at new freshman academy

Sand Springs Public Schools officials, City of Sand Springs leaders, and other community members gathered together Friday afternoon at Charles Page High School for a Masonic Cornerstone Ceremony. State Representative Jadine Nollan and State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman also attended as the Sand Springs Masonic Lodge set the ceremonial cornerstone on the recently completed freshman academy.

The district is putting the finishing touches on the new $14.28 million freshman academy and STEM center that will unify grades 9-12 on one campus for the first time in decades. The old Central Ninth Grade Center will now be utilized for administrative purposes, and will be offer lab space for virtual students to receive hands-on instruction outside of the regular classroom setting.

In addition to providing class space for the district’s freshmen, the new construction also offers a new central lobby, office space, STEM labs, and a freshman cafeteria. The first day of school for the district is set for August 24th. For families that aren’t comfortable with physical schooling this year, the district also offers blended learning and a virtual academy. The deadline to enroll in virtual schooling is Monday, August 17th at this link.

Sand Springs cuts ribbon on Zackery Park, Mayor Spoon proclaims Bessie Crawford Zackery Day

The City of Sand Springs held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at its newest park Thursday morning. City employees, elected officials, and family and friends of Bessie Crawford Zackery gathered to celebrate the commemorative park. Mayor Jim Spoon proclaimed August 13th as Bessie Crawford Zackery Day in honor of the late Sand Springs teacher.

Located at 100 West Alexander Boulevard, Zackery Park will serve as a reminder of the historic black neighborhood that once stood in what is now the River West shopping district. The small park is named for the Zackery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Crawford Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area has been named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot.

There is a large detention pond adjacent to the park, and staff recently installed a fountain in the middle. A steel trellis was installed, along with a seat wall made from brick pavers that were salvaged from the old Booker T. Washington High School. There is also a concrete plaza and decorative plants, and informational signage will soon be installed.

The River West area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, a TTCU branch, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There is also a small strip center being constructed, and only a few plots of land are still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

The Sand Springs Parks Department has several other projects underway around the city. The disc golf course in Case Community Park is getting a redesign by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course is getting a major clubhouse remodel. There is a visitors’ center being constructed at the Keystone Ancient Forest, and an observation tower will be installed in the near future.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/9 - 8/16/2020)

Monday

  • Clyde Boyd Middle School Schedule Pick-Up and Chromebook Check-Out.
    8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 7th Grade last names A-D.
    9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 7th Grade last names E-K.
    12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 7th Grade last names L-R.
    2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 7th Grade last names S-Z.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

  • Charles Page High School Schedule Pick-Up.
    8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Seniors with last names A-F.
    10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Seniors with last names G-O.
    1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Seniors with last names P-Z.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • Softball Skills Camp with Oklahoma State players.
    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ages 6-11.
    5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Ages 12+.

    • Will Ramsey Softball Complex
      2500 River City Park Road

  • SSCS School Supply Giveaway.

    • See attached flyer for more information.

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

  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Softball vs. Tahlequah.
    6:30 p.m. Junior Varsity game.

    • Tahlequah High School
      591 Pendleton Street
      Tahlequah, OK 74464

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

Tuesday

  • Clyde Boyd Middle School Schedule Pick-Up and Chromebook Check-Out.
    8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 8th Grade last names A-D.
    9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 8th Grade last names E-K.
    12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 8th Grade last names L-R.
    2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 8th Grade last names S-Z.

    • Clyde Boyd Middle School
      305 West 35th Street

  • Sixth Grade Center Schedule Pick-Up and Chromebook Check-Out.
    8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Last names A-D.
    9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Last names E-K.
    12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Last names L-R.
    2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Last names S-Z.

    • Sixth Grade Center
      3401 South Magnolia Drive

  • Charles Page High School Schedule Pick-Up.
    8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Juniors with last names G-O.
    10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Juniors with last names P-Z.
    1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Juniors with last names A-F.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

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

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street

  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Varsity Softball vs. Ponca City.
    6:30 p.m. Junior Varsity game.

    • Sandite Sports Complex
      408 West 55th Street

  • 6:30 p.m. CPHS Varsity Volleyball vs. Bixby.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

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

Wednesday

  • Charles Page High School Schedule Pick-Up.
    8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Sophomores with last names P-Z.
    10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Sophomores with last names A-F.
    1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sophomores with last names G-O.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 1:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council - special meeting.

Thursday

  • 10:00 a.m. Zackery Park Grand Opening.

    • Zackery Park
      100 West Alexander Boulevard

  • 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Northwoods Meet & Greet night.
    3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Last names A-H.
    4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Last names I-P.
    6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Last names Q-Z.

    • Northwoods Fine Arts Academy
      1691 Old North Road

  • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Schedule Pick-Up Make-Up night.

    • For students who missed their assigned times.

    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road

  • 5:30 p.m. Pogue Airport Advisory Board meeting.

  • 5:30 p.m. CPHS Junior Varsity softball vs. Bartlesville.
    7:00 p.m. Varsity game.

    • Lady Bruin Softball Field
      5900 Baylor Drive
      Bartlesville, OK 74006

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Friday

  • CPHS Varsity Volleyball Tournament.

    • 9:00 a.m. vs. Tecumseh
      11:00 a.m. vs. Lawton.
      2:00 p.m. vs. Sapulpa.
      5:00 p.m. vs. Booker T. Washington

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

  • CPHS Varsity Softball at Broken Arrow Tournament.

    • 2:30 p.m. vs. Collinsville.
      4:00 p.m. vs. Silo.

    • Arrowhead Softball Complex
      202 East 91st Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Saturday

  • CPHS Varsity Volleyball Tournament.

    • 9:00 a.m. vs. Edison Prep.
      11:00 a.m. vs. Bishop Kelley Red.
      2:00 p.m. vs. NOAH.

    • Ed Dubie Field House
      600 North Adams Road

  • CPHS Varsity Softball at Broken Arrow Tournament.

    • 10:00 a.m. vs. Mustang.
      11:30 a.m. vs. Westmoore.
      6:30 p.m. vs. Muldrow.

    • Arrowhead Softball Complex
      202 East 91st Street
      Broken Arrow, OK 74012

  • 12:00 p.m. CPHS Football Black and Gold Scrimmage.

    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Sunday

  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hike With Your Dog Day.

    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive


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Sand Springs Local Church Network to hold drive-through Back 2 School Bash

The Sand Springs Local Church Network will be hosting its annual Back 2 School Bash on Sunday, August 9th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will look far different from normal.

In past years the event was held at the Tulsa Tech location on Charles Page Boulevard, and included free haircuts, snow cones, food trucks, inflatables, and even a mini car show. This time around it will be held as a drive-through giveaway of backpacks and school supplies.

Instead of Tulsa Tech, Case Community Park will be host the giveaway. Students must be present to receive backpacks.

Sand Springs to hold grand opening of Zackery Park on August 13th

City of Sand Springs employees, elected officials, and guests will gather August 13th at 10:00 a.m. to cut the ribbon on the city’s newest park.

Located at 100 West Alexander Boulevard, Zackery Park will serve as a reminder of the historic black neighborhood that once stood in what is now the River West shopping district. The small park is named for the Zackery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Crawford Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs. Mayor Jim Spoon will also read a mayoral proclamation recognizing the day as Bessie Crawford Zackery Day.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area will also be named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot.

There is currently a large detention pond adjacent to the park, and staff recently installed a fountain in the middle. A steel trellis was recently installed, along with a seat wall made from brick pavers that were salvaged from the old Booker T. Washington High School. There will also be a concrete plaza, informational signage, and decorative plants.

The River West area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, a TTCU branch, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There is also a small strip center being constructed, and only a few plots of land are still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

The Sand Springs Parks Department has several other projects underway around the city. The disc golf course in Case Community Park is getting a redesign by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course is getting a major clubhouse remodel. There is a visitors’ center being constructed at the Keystone Ancient Forest, and an observation tower will be installed in the near future.

John Blake visitation to be held at Ed Dubie Field House

Charles Page High School alumni and former University of Oklahoma Head Football Coach John Blake, 59, died July 23rd from a heart attack. There will be three visitations for the Sandite and Sooner before he is interred at Green Acres Memorial Gardens in Skiatook.

Friendship West Baptist Church at 2020 West Wheatland Road in Dallas will be hosting a visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, August 8th followed by a Celebratory Service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A second visitation will be held at the Ed Dubie Field House at 600 North Adams Road in Sand Springs. That event will be Sunday, August 9th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On Monday, August 10th a third visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. at 1414 North Norfolk venue in Tulsa. Finally, a graveside service will be held Monday at Green Acres Memorial Gardens at 12410 North Yale Avenue in Skiatook.

Blake graduated from Charles Page High School in 1979 where he was a four-year letterman at fullback and nose guard. He was an All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State selection his junior and senior years, and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1979 All-State game.

He was a three-year letterman at nose guard for the University of Oklahoma and was twice named Big 8 Defensive Player of the Week. He also made the All-Big 8 Second Team. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree and remained at OU as a graduate assistant until 1987.

Blake was an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa, the University of Oklahoma, and for the Dallas Cowboys, helping Dallas win two Super Bowls before returning to Oklahoma as Head Coach for three seasons. He was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame in 1996. He also coached for Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, and the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016.

The coach leaves behind his wife Freda, his son Jourdan, his mother Dorothy, and five siblings.

Sand Springs Church Service Times and Locations

Angus Church - 4401 South 129th West Avenue

  • Sunday

    • 9:00 a.m. Connection Groups.

    • 10:30 a.m. Adult and Children’s Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 6:00 p.m. Infant through 5th Grade.

    • 6:30 p.m. 6th through 12th Grade.

Broadway Baptist Church - 1000 North Adams Road

  • Sunday

    • 9:00 a.m. Bible Study Groups.

    • 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship.

    • 6:00 pp.m. Bible Study.

  • Wednesday

    • 6:15 p.m. AWANA Kid’s Club (during the school year only).

    • 6:15 p.m. Student Worship.

    • 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting.

Calvary Baptist Church - 18807 West Wekiwa Road

  • Sunday

    • 9:30 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship.

    • 6:00 p.m. Evening Worship.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Evening Worship.

Church That Matters - 3 West 41st Street

  • Sunday

    • 9:30 a.m. Adult and Children’s Services.

    • 11:00 a.m. Adult and Children’s Services.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Youth Service.

CrossPoint Church - 4600 South 129th West Avenue

  • Sunday

    • 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship.

    • 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Evening Worship.

Delaware Missionary Baptist Church - 6808 North Highway 97

  • Sunday

    • 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service.

    • 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church.

    • 6:00 p.m. Youth Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 5:45 p.m. Wednesday Evening Dinner.

    • 6:00 p.m Wednesday Evening Service.

First Assembly of God - 501 North Grant Avenue West

  • Sunday

    • 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service.

    • 6:00 p.m. School of the Bible.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Adult and Youth Services.

First Christian Church - 501 North Main Street

  • Sunday

    • 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service.

First Church of the Nazarene - 516 North Cleveland Avenue West

  • Sunday

    • 9:45 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 10:45 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Bible Study for all ages.

First Presbyterian Church - 222 North Adams Road

  • Sunday

    • 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time

    • 10:00 a.m. Children’s Sunday School.

    • 10:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School.

    • 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.

Fisher Baptist Church - 4008 South 137th West Avenue

  • Sunday

    • 10:00 a.m. Bible Study.

    • 11:00 a.m. Sunday Service.

    • 6:00 p.m. Night Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Bible Study.

Garden Heights Freewill Baptist Church - 3415 Summit Boulevard

  • Sunday

    • 10:00 a.m. Sunday School

    • 10:45 a.m. Worship Service

    • 6:30 p.m. Evening Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:30 p.m. Night Service.

HillSpring Church - 8801 West 41st Street

  • Sunday

    • 9:00 a.m. Morning Service.

    • 11:00 a.m. Second Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 6:30 p.m. Student Ministries.

    • 6:30 p.m. Adult Service (first Wednesday of the month only).

Keystone Hills Baptist Church - 161 New Prue Road

  • Sunday

    • 9:30 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 10:45 a.m. Worship Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Dinner.

    • 6:15 p.m. Student Ministry.

    • 6:30 p.m. Midweek Bible Study.

Landmark Tabernacle - 4700 South Highway 97

  • Sunday

    • 10:00 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship.

    • 6:30 p.m. Evening Worship.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:30 p.m. Evening Worship.

Mission Christian Church - 400 East 12th Street

  • Sunday

    • 9:30 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 6:30 p.m. Evening Service.

Mountaintop Worship Center - 7709 West Cameron Street

  • Sunday

    • 10:30 a.m. Morning Service.

    • 6:00 p.m. Evening Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Evening Service.

New Covenant Bible Church - 4800 South Yukon Avenue

  • Sunday

    • 10:00 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship.

    • 6:00 p.m. Evening Worship.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Evening Worship.

  • Thursday

    • 7:00 p.m. Youth Night.

New Life Tabernacle - 13107 West 41st Street

  • Sunday

    • 10:00 a.m. Sunday School and Morning Worship.

    • 6:30 p.m. Evening Worship.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:30 p.m. Evening Worship.

Olivet Baptist Church - 155 North 65th West Avenue

  • Sunday

    • 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship.

    • 9:40 a.m. Small Group Bible Study.

    • 10:50 a.m. Blended Worship.

  • Wednesday

    • 6:30 p.m. Student Ministry.

    • 7:45 p.m. Young Adults.

Prattwood Assembly of God - 401 West 41st Street

  • Sunday

    • 8:30 a.m. Morning Service.

    • 10:40 a.m. Second Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Evening Service.

Reach Church - 1402 North 81st West Avenue

  • Sunday

    • 10:00 a.m. Adult and Children’s Services.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Youth Services.

Restoration Church of God of Prophecy - 8120 Old North Road

  • Sunday

    • 9:00 a.m. Hospitality Breakfast.

    • 10:00 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 10:50 a.m. Morning Worship.

    • 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church.

    • 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship.

  • Wednesday

    • 6:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study, Young Adult, Youth, and Children’s Ministries.

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

  • Sunday

    • 9:30 a.m. Bible Class.

    • 10:30 a.m. Worship.

    • 5:00 p.m. Small Groups.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Bible Class.

Sand Springs United Methodist Church - 319 North Main Street

  • Sunday

    • 8:45 a.m. Contemporary Service.

    • 10:00 a.m. Small Group Studies.

    • 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service.

Sar Shalom Synagogue - 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard

  • Saturday

    • 10:30 a.m. Weekly Service.

Seventh Day Adventist Church - 721 North Cleveland Avenue

  • Saturday

    • 9:45 a.m. Sabbath School.

    • 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.

Solace Church - 7314 West 41st Street

  • Sunday

    • 9:15 a.m. First Service.

    • 11:00 a.m. Second Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 6:45 p.m. Children’s and Youth Services.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church - 3210 South 113th West Avenue

  • Sunday

    • 9:30 a.m. Worship.

    • 10:45 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 6:30 p.m. Prayer and Bible Study.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church - 601 North Lake Drive

  • Sunday

    • 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service.

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

  • Sunday

    • 10:00 a.m. Mass.

  • Monday

    • 8:30 a.m. Mass.

  • Tuesday

    • 8:30 a.m. Mass.

  • Wednesday

    • 8:30 a.m. Mass.

  • Thursday

    • 8:30 a.m. Mass.

  • Saturday

    • 5:00 p.m. Mass.

The Stronghold - 619 East 10th Street

  • Sunday

    • 10:30 a.m. Morning Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Evening Service.

True Baptist Church - 410 Terrace Drive

  • Sunday

    • 9:45 a.m. Sunday School.

    • 11:00 a.m. Morning Service.

    • 5:00 p.m. Evening Service.

  • Wednesday

    • 7:00 p.m. Bible Study.

To submit a change in service time or to have your church added to this list, please email Sanditepridenews@gmail.com

House approves funding for Tulsa Levee System improvements

An Arkansas River levee holds back flood waters in Sand Springs in May of 2019.

On July 30, 2020, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed HR 7575—the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)—which could have significant impacts on the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee system.

“There’s a lot to be happy about in the WRDA passing,” said Representative Kevin Hern. “Included in the bill were funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to make upgrades on the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System. Last year, a flood decimated parts of Tulsa. Had the aging levees failed, the devastation would have been much worse.”

The legislation includes $133.5 million in funding to improve the levees, which were rated “unacceptable” and at “very high risk of failure” 12 years ago. Next, the legislation moves forward to the Senate for approval.

“I have consistently pushed for the need to address the decrepit Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System,” said Senator Jim Inhofe. “Passage of this legislation in the House is a major step forward and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that it is passed through the Senate.”

Previous to the House passage, the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System was the subject of an Army Corps of Engineers “Chiefs Report” in which the Corps made formal recommendations for the necessary improvements to the system. This “Chiefs Report” followed the completion of a feasibility study that incorporated public comments regarding the identified improvements.

“I get more and more excited every time we move forward and see progress on improving our levee system,” said District 2 Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith. “It has taken years of effort from Senators Inhofe and Lankford, Congressman Hern and Mullen, Todd Kilpatrick our Levee Commissioner, the Corps, and so many others to get us to this point. The momentum we have now is a huge victory for the citizens and business who rely on the levees to protect them. I am looking forward to the day when the Corps can start the preconstruction and engineering design phase that this funding will kick off.”

“The news that the WRDA has been passed by the House is tremendous,” Todd Kilpatrick, District 12 Levee Commissioner, said. “Every step we make toward improving the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System gets Tulsans closer to being better protected from the flooding like we saw last year. We wouldn’t have gotten this far without the support of our federal delegation and the expedited work by the Tulsa Division of the Corps to complete the feasibility study that ultimately led to the signing of the Chiefs report.”

In addition to the funding potential from the WRDA, this past April Tulsa County was awarded a $3 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration to modernize two existing pump stations in the 70+-year-old system

The full text of the bill can be read at this link.

Sand Springs minister dies from COVID-19 complications

Jim Schrepel, right, died from complications due to COVID-19 on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its fourth victim in the town of Sand Springs. Jim Schrepel, 74, passed away Tuesday after a month-long battle with complications arising from the virus. Schrepel was the co-founder of In Jesus Name Ministries International which hosted the annual Unity Praise gathering in Sand Springs.

Less than five months earlier, Schrepel’s wife, Stephanie, contracted the virus and was one of the first cases in Oklahoma. SEE RELATED: Surviving COVID-19 in Sand Springs.

Jim Schrepel was diagnosed and hospitalized with the virus and bilateral pneumonia in early July. He was able to return home early on, but required oxygen. Eventually his symptoms worsened to the point that he had to be admitted to the COVID intensive care unit.

Although he was virus-free by the 29th, the disease and the pneumonia had already caused severe damage to his body and he suffered a small stroke on the 30th. He passed away Tuesday surrounded by his wife and children.

Schrepel’s funeral will be held Saturday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. The service will be held outside at Reach Church at 1402 North 81st West Avenue. Face masks will be required. The church has launched an online donation link to assist the family.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1,101 new cases Wednesday with 645 hospitalizations and 6,598 active cases statewide. There have been 17 additional deaths, bringing the statewide death toll to 583.

  • Two in Caddo County, one female and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in Cleveland County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Grady County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Kay County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in McCurtain County, two females in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Payne County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Six in Oklahoma County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group. Three females and two males in the 65 or older age group.  

  • Two in Tulsa County, two females in the 65 or older age group. 

Sand Springs reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the number of active cases to a record-high 46. The city of Tulsa has 953 active cases and Tulsa County has 1,414.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,748,806 cases nationwide with 156,311 deaths. There have been 49,988 cases and 1,107 deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (33rd per capita) but is 19th in new cases in the past week (13th per capita). The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita) and 23rd in deaths in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 18,354,342 cases worldwide with 696,147 deaths. There have been 206,709 new cases and 5,116 deaths in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,750,318 and India with 1,908,254.

OTC authorizes $95,000 in improvements for Industrial Avenue bridge in Sand Springs

On Monday, Aug. 3, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved the nearly $880 million County Improvements for Roads and Bridges plan that has been updated for State Fiscal Years 2021 through 2025. The plan, managed by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, is set to replace or rehabilitate 313 bridges on the county system – of which 151 are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete – and to improve 585 miles of county roads in the next five years.

“Oklahoma’s county road network accounts for 60 percent of the state’s bridges and 73 percent of its centerline miles on our state’s transportation system and this funding is fundamental to keeping the ‘off-system’ infrastructure online for years to come,” said Tim Gatz, Oklahoma secretary of transportation and ODOT executive director.

The plan is comprised of 209 projects with all 77 counties represented. The department works with the counties’ eight Circuit Engineering Districts to prioritize projects of the highest need in each county and make the most of state, federal, local and tribal funding sources. The plan allows counties to work together to pool resources to address high-priority projects too large for any one county to accomplish. By law, ODOT administers the plan and partners with the counties to oversee the state and federal funds incorporated into many projects.

The plan identifies funding for one project in Sand Springs. $85,000 has been set aside for either repairs to or replacement of the Industrial Avenue bridge over Sand Creek. $5,000 has been designated for right-of-way improvements on Industrial Avenue, and another $5,000 will be spent on utilities improvements.

Sand Springs Public Schools mandate masks for upcoming school year

The Sand Springs Board of Education approved a plan Monday night for the new school year that will include mandatory face masks for both students and employees. Students in grades 4 through 12 will be required to wear a cloth face covering while at school. Students in Pre-K through 3rd grade will be required to wear a mask in hallways and common areas, but will be allowed to remove them in classrooms, while eating lunch, and during outdoor activities. Students will be exempt from wearing a mask if they have a medical reason documented by a physician.

District employees will have their temperature taken and will answer a health screener before entering their work stations each day. Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or greater will not be allowed to return to campus until they have been temperature-free for 24 hours without medication.

Employees will have to wear a face mask while in a school building or vehicle unless they have a medical reason, documented by a physician, that prevents them from wearing one. However, they will be allowed to remove the mask if they are in a room/vehicle alone or are able to maintain at least six feet of space from others. They also won’t have to wear a mask if they work in the heat or with machinery that could cause a safety hazard.

Employees who come into close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Close contact is defined as being within six feet of a person for more than 15 minutes, living in the same household, or being exposed to coughing, kissing, sharing of utensils, etc. They will not be required to stay home from work if they’ve been near an infected person, but not in close contact. They will also be allowed to come to work if they are showing some COVID-like symptoms, but aren’t feverish and haven’t knowingly been exposed to an infected person.

The district is encouraging parents to personally bring their kids to school, if possible, so that buses operate under capacity. Windows will remain open on the bus whenever possible and students will be socially distanced as much as possible. Cloth face masks will be required unless the student has a medical excuse documented by a physician.

Classrooms will be equipped with disinfectant wipes and teachers will be spending additional time disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout the day. Shared school supplies will be discontinued when possible.

Large group gatherings and assemblies will be avoided when possible, and masks will be required when events are held, with medical exceptions. Students will be discouraged from congregating in the hallways and lobbies before, during, and after school. The cafeteria will be limited to no more than 250 students at a time, and they will be allowed to remove masks while eating. Tables will be disinfected after each group exits.

Visitors will only be allowed to enter the school with prior administrative approval, and will be subjected to screener questions and temperature checks. Approved volunteers will be required to wear masks at all times. No parents or family members will be allowed to accompany their students into the building at any time. Assemblies at all grade levels will be limited to students and staff only.

Back to School nights, Meet and Greets, Parent Nights, etc. will be restricted to 250 people. Athletic events, band and choir performances, plays, etc. will be managed by the designated department leader.

Board members Mike Mullins, Jackie Wagnon, and Whitney Wagers voted in favor of the proposal, while Rusty Gunn and Bo Naugle voted against it. Immediately following the vote, Gunn donated 300 masks to the district and pledged 1,000 more.

For families that aren’t comfortable sending their children to school this fall, the district also offers virtual and blended learning. According to Virtual Academy Director Jay Rotert, elementary enrollment in the virtual academy has increased from 11 students last year to 162 for the upcoming semester.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (8/2 - 8/9/2020)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Blood Drive.

    • Utica Park Clinic
      20 East 34th Street

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

    • American Legion Post 17
      500 North Main Street

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Back to School Backpack giveaway.

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

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 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.

Attorney General Hunter Prepares Brief with Court of Criminal Appeals Seeking Guidance on Cases Affected by the McGirt Decision

OKLAHOMA CITY – In response to the flood of inmates challenging their state convictions on historic tribal lands, including those lands not associated with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Attorney General Mike Hunter today plans to file a brief with the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals that seeks guidance on these many cases affected by the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt ruling.

In the filing, the attorney general writes that the U.S. Supreme Court created numerous issues that could result in the release of inmates convicted of violent crimes, like Shaun Bosse, a non-Indian who is on death row for murdering a Chickasaw family—a mother and her two children—in 2010.

Bosse is challenging his conviction on the basis that his crimes took place on the undiminished boundaries of the original Chickasaw Reservation.

“My team and I plan to challenge every single appeal that attempts to overturn longstanding convictions on historic tribal land,” Attorney General Hunter said. “We are not questioning the Supreme Court’s ruling in McGirt, but instead seeking to promote public safety by saying these convicted criminals waited too long to bring their claims. Also, we are asking the court to make clear that the state still has jurisdiction to punish non-Indians who victimize tribal citizens, which would provide the maximum possible protection to tribal members. In the meantime, we are asking the Court of Criminal Appeals to provide guidance on these cases and deny any requests by inmates attempting to get released from prison.”

One question the attorney general points to in the Bosse case is whether the state has jurisdiction, concurrently with the federal government over non-Indians, like Bosse, who victimized tribal citizens.

“We take the position that the state has a right and duty to protect our Indian citizens from those who murder them like Bosse,” Attorney General Hunter said. “There can be no good that comes from tying the state’s hands when we are trying to protect Native Americans by exercising jurisdiction over non-Indians. This is no way undermines tribal sovereignty, but instead is a way for the state to work with the federal government in making sure tribal members receive police protection and justice when they are victimized.”

The attorney general is also asking the court to clarify how Indian status is to be proven, and to put the burden of proving Indian status on the defendant and that the location of the crime fell within the boundaries of a legal reservation.