Incumbent Karen Keith defeats Josh Turley in Tulsa County Commissioner election

Incumbent Karen Keith won re-election to the office of Tulsa County Commissioner for District No. 2 Tuesday, beating Republican challenger Dr. Josh Turley, again. The election was a rematch of 2016, and this time Keith got 54.56% of the 78,725 votes cast, compared to 56.96% last time.

According to her Tulsa County bio, Keith is a Muskogee native and Oklahoma State University graduate who built a successful career in broadcasting with 21 years at KJRH as an anchor, reporter, and executive producer. She also traveled the world producing documentaries, and hosted “Oklahoma Living.”

She entered politics in 2002 as the Director of Community Relations and Vision Implementation for Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune. She then worked for the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Partnership Development for the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau. Keith won her first election in 2008.

State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman loses re-election bid to Republican Cody Rogers

State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was defeated by Republican challenger Cody Rogers in the Tuesday election for District 37. Rogers received 67% of the 33,737 votes cast.

Rogers billed himself as a conservative businessman and political outsider in the spirit of President Donald Trump throughout his campaign. According to his website, Rogers is the owner of a pavement construction company, and he is a proponent of reeling in excessive government regulations in order to stimulate private sector job growth.

He also vows to vote against any proposed regulations that prohibit or seek to limit gun ownership. He wants to make Oklahoma a top-ten state for education by investing in both K-12 and trade schools. He aims to lower prescription drug costs, and he opposes sanctuary cities.

Ikley-Freeman won her seat in a 2017 special election against former Jenks City Councilman Brian O’Hara with 50.3% of the vote, and has served the final two years of Dan Newberry’s unexpired term. That election had low turnout of less than 8,000 voters.

Jadine Nollan wins sixth term in Oklahoma Legislature

Native Sandite Jadine Nollan won a sixth and final term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday. The Republican candidate defeated Democratic challenger Greg Laird in a two-way race with 65.1% of the 15,316 votes cast. The election saw the highest voter turnout in at least a decade.

Nollan previously served as Executive Director of Sand Springs Community Services and on the Sand Springs Board of Education before being elected to House District 66 in 2010.

Her first election was a close one, winning 50.6% of the vote. In 2012 she got 66.8%, she ran unopposed in 2014, then won 68.1% in 2016 and 58.5% in 2018.

From 2019 to 2020 Nollan served on the Children, Youth & Family Services Committee, the Health Services and Long-Term Care Committee, and chaired the Higher Education and Career Tech Committee.

Oklahomans are term-limited to twelve total years in the legislature, meaning she will not be able to run for House or Senate in the future.

Pictured: Football, Dance, Cheer, and Band Senior Night

Sango Whitehorn is the son of Sango and Lisa Whitehorn, and special son to Adam and Amanda Dudley. He has been a Sandite Football player for four years.

Sango Whitehorn is the son of Sango and Lisa Whitehorn, and special son to Adam and Amanda Dudley. He has been a Sandite Football player for four years.

Lane Webster is the son of Adam Webster and Sarah Jordan. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Lane Webster is the son of Adam Webster and Sarah Jordan. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Jamon Sisco is the son of Samico Morgan and Jelani Sisco. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.

Jamon Sisco is the son of Samico Morgan and Jelani Sisco. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.

Brycen Peterman is the son of Chad Peterman and Candice Hopkins. His grandparents are Andrew and Marilyn Flores. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.

Brycen Peterman is the son of Chad Peterman and Candice Hopkins. His grandparents are Andrew and Marilyn Flores. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.

Tyyee Atkinson is the son of Katherine Atkinson. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Tyyee Atkinson is the son of Katherine Atkinson. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Nate Casebolt is the son of Tony Casebolt and Autumn Brown. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Nate Casebolt is the son of Tony Casebolt and Autumn Brown. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Bryson Wooten is the son of Rachel Julich and Jeff Wooten. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Bryson Wooten is the son of Rachel Julich and Jeff Wooten. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

JaRighteous Evans is the son of Anthony and Shannon Evans. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.

JaRighteous Evans is the son of Anthony and Shannon Evans. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.

Trevin Corona is the son of Ashley Corona. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.

Trevin Corona is the son of Ashley Corona. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.

Noah Gourd is the son of Richard and Kelly Gourd. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Noah Gourd is the son of Richard and Kelly Gourd. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Thomas Huckelberry is the son of Michael and Cheryl Rettig. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.

Thomas Huckelberry is the son of Michael and Cheryl Rettig. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.

Jacob Weathers is the son of Ron and Laura Weathers. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Jacob Weathers is the son of Ron and Laura Weathers. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

John Reed is the son of John and Melissa Reed. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.

John Reed is the son of John and Melissa Reed. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.

Katie Daniels is the daughter of Rustin Daniels and Tamra Lovell. She has been a Football Trainer for two years.

Katie Daniels is the daughter of Rustin Daniels and Tamra Lovell. She has been a Football Trainer for two years.

Madeline Bateman is the daughter of Lance and Melanie Bateman. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for four years.

Madeline Bateman is the daughter of Lance and Melanie Bateman. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for four years.

Renise Gabriel is the daughter of Rex and Kimberly Gabriel. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for two years.

Renise Gabriel is the daughter of Rex and Kimberly Gabriel. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for two years.

Jaslynn Mock is the daughter of Tirita and Ari Montross, and Jason and Sherri Mock. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Jaslynn Mock is the daughter of Tirita and Ari Montross, and Jason and Sherri Mock. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Katie Smith is the daughter of Brian and Amy Smith. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Katie Smith is the daughter of Brian and Amy Smith. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Shelbie Winzenburg is the daughter of John and Jamee Winzenburg. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Shelbie Winzenburg is the daughter of John and Jamee Winzenburg. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Corri Evans is the daughter of Rikki Evans and Shawn Haskins. She has been in Sandite Cheer for three years.

Corri Evans is the daughter of Rikki Evans and Shawn Haskins. She has been in Sandite Cheer for three years.

Kathryn Call is the daughter of Jeff and Diann Call. She has played French horn and mellophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on joining the National Guard for Engineering.

Kathryn Call is the daughter of Jeff and Diann Call. She has played French horn and mellophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on joining the National Guard for Engineering.

Alyssa Crutcher is the daughter of Kendall and Shannon Crutcher. She has played saxophone in band for seven years. She has been a Drum Major for two years. After graduation she plans on attending the University of Arkansas.

Alyssa Crutcher is the daughter of Kendall and Shannon Crutcher. She has played saxophone in band for seven years. She has been a Drum Major for two years. After graduation she plans on attending the University of Arkansas.

Samren Gillispie is the son of Anita and Eric Gillispie and has played percussion in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on studying multimedia.

Samren Gillispie is the son of Anita and Eric Gillispie and has played percussion in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on studying multimedia.

Cheyenne Hampton is the daughter of Ric and Miranda Hampton. She has played clarinet and saxophone, as well as holding positions  of responsibility in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University and opening a restaurant.

Cheyenne Hampton is the daughter of Ric and Miranda Hampton. She has played clarinet and saxophone, as well as holding positions of responsibility in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University and opening a restaurant.

Tamika Jones is the daughter of Aaron and Anita Jones. She has played french horn and mellophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Northeastern State University to study Music Education and Jazz Studies.

Tamika Jones is the daughter of Aaron and Anita Jones. She has played french horn and mellophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Northeastern State University to study Music Education and Jazz Studies.

Olivia Moore is the daughter of Amy and Caleb Solomon. She has been in color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University.

Olivia Moore is the daughter of Amy and Caleb Solomon. She has been in color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University.

Sara Nance is the daughter of Steve and Lori Nance. She has played percussion and held positions of leadership in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University.

Sara Nance is the daughter of Steve and Lori Nance. She has played percussion and held positions of leadership in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University.

Katy Pinson is the daughter of Melinda Smith and Staff Sergeant Clint Pearson. She has been in color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on attending Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma State University to study Special Needs Education.

Katy Pinson is the daughter of Melinda Smith and Staff Sergeant Clint Pearson. She has been in color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on attending Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma State University to study Special Needs Education.

Hudson Shelton is the son of Tammy and Tommy Shelton. He has played trumpet in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending Northeastern State University.

Hudson Shelton is the son of Tammy and Tommy Shelton. He has played trumpet in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending Northeastern State University.

Bryson Chase is the son of John and Krystal Chase. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Bryson Chase is the son of John and Krystal Chase. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Daren Hawkins is the son of Durrell Hawkins and Sacora Poncil. He has been on the Sandite Football team for four years.

Daren Hawkins is the son of Durrell Hawkins and Sacora Poncil. He has been on the Sandite Football team for four years.

Caden Harris is the son of Sherman and Megan Faulkner. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Caden Harris is the son of Sherman and Megan Faulkner. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Micah Calico is the son of Bobby and Casey Duck. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Micah Calico is the son of Bobby and Casey Duck. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Kale and Kyle Hilligoss are the sons of Keith and Ronee Hilligoss. They have been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Kale and Kyle Hilligoss are the sons of Keith and Ronee Hilligoss. They have been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Ian Britt is the son of Stephanie Ledbetter and Allen Britt. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Ian Britt is the son of Stephanie Ledbetter and Allen Britt. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Zach Heinen is the son of Alisha Heinen and Zane Pidcock. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Zach Heinen is the son of Alisha Heinen and Zane Pidcock. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Alex Favela is the son of Terri and Pete Lowe. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Alex Favela is the son of Terri and Pete Lowe. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Ryan Johnson is the son of Tom and Stephanie Johnson. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Ryan Johnson is the son of Tom and Stephanie Johnson. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Shawn Brauer is the son of Glen and Tiffany Brauer. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Shawn Brauer is the son of Glen and Tiffany Brauer. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Samuel Higgins is the son of Willie and Teresa Higgins. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Samuel Higgins is the son of Willie and Teresa Higgins. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Jacinto Rodriguez is the son of Jacinto and Lacey Rodriguez. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Jacinto Rodriguez is the son of Jacinto and Lacey Rodriguez. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.

Kali Baker is the daughter of Ronald Baker and Lois Deppe. She has been a Football Trainer for three years.

Kali Baker is the daughter of Ronald Baker and Lois Deppe. She has been a Football Trainer for three years.

Kylin Coonce is the daughter of Sarah Coonce. She has been a Football Trainer for three years.

Kylin Coonce is the daughter of Sarah Coonce. She has been a Football Trainer for three years.

Maddie Bristow is the daughter of Johnie and Tiffany Bristow. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Maddie Bristow is the daughter of Johnie and Tiffany Bristow. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Zandi George is the daughter of David and Roxanne George. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Zandi George is the daughter of David and Roxanne George. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Karlie Roulet is the daughter of Chris and Kendra Roulet. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Karlie Roulet is the daughter of Chris and Kendra Roulet. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Reanna Smith is the daughter of Lowren Smith, and Preston and Kim Smith. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Reanna Smith is the daughter of Lowren Smith, and Preston and Kim Smith. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.

Mattie Dorsey is the daughter of Carla and the late Gerald Dorsey. She has been in Sandite Cheer for three years.

Mattie Dorsey is the daughter of Carla and the late Gerald Dorsey. She has been in Sandite Cheer for three years.

Claire Smith is the daughter of Janet and Kelly Smith. She has been in Sandite Cheer for two years.

Claire Smith is the daughter of Janet and Kelly Smith. She has been in Sandite Cheer for two years.

Stevie Courrier is the daughter of Anastasia Mollenhauer and Samuel Courrier and has been in the color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on being productive.

Stevie Courrier is the daughter of Anastasia Mollenhauer and Samuel Courrier and has been in the color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on being productive.

Jessica Essley is the daughter of Susan Areneault and Reanna Phillips and has played flute in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on working hard.

Jessica Essley is the daughter of Susan Areneault and Reanna Phillips and has played flute in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on working hard.

Bryce Gregory is the son of Johnny and Buffy Gregory. He has played percussion in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending the University of Oklahoma.

Bryce Gregory is the son of Johnny and Buffy Gregory. He has played percussion in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending the University of Oklahoma.

Brooklyn Jines is the daughter of Donna and Tom Jines. She has been in color guard for three years and plans on studying Environmental Engineering after graduation.

Brooklyn Jines is the daughter of Donna and Tom Jines. She has been in color guard for three years and plans on studying Environmental Engineering after graduation.

Kerrigan Koss is the daughter of Michelle Beyard. She has been in color guard for two years. After graduation she plans on becoming an EMT.

Kerrigan Koss is the daughter of Michelle Beyard. She has been in color guard for two years. After graduation she plans on becoming an EMT.

Zachary Moreo is the son of Brittany and Manny Jiminez and has played trombone in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on being an astronaut.

Zachary Moreo is the son of Brittany and Manny Jiminez and has played trombone in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on being an astronaut.

Quinn Paden is the daughter of Wendy and Todd Paden. She has played percussion and held positions of leadership in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on studying psychology.

Quinn Paden is the daughter of Wendy and Todd Paden. She has played percussion and held positions of leadership in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on studying psychology.

Delaney Roberts is the daughter of Todd Roberts and Tonya Lawley. She has played saxophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans to study nursing.

Delaney Roberts is the daughter of Todd Roberts and Tonya Lawley. She has played saxophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans to study nursing.

Carl Wilkerson is the son of Leonard and Laura Wilkerson. He has played saxophone and held positions of responsibility in band for three years. After graduation he plans on attending Oklahoma Baptist University.

Carl Wilkerson is the son of Leonard and Laura Wilkerson. He has played saxophone and held positions of responsibility in band for three years. After graduation he plans on attending Oklahoma Baptist University.

Zander Zieman is the son of Michelle Nicholas and Clifford Love. He has played trumpet and baritone in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending Wichita State University to study Music Composition and Performance.

Zander Zieman is the son of Michelle Nicholas and Clifford Love. He has played trumpet and baritone in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending Wichita State University to study Music Composition and Performance.

Unavailable for photo was Lincoln Medlin. Lincoln is the son of Joseph and Joyce Medlin. He has played trumpet in band for eight years. After graduation he plans on learning more about the culinary and restaurant industry.

2020 General Election is Tomorrow – State Election Board Offers Election Day Tips

The State Election Board says this is a unique election year for many reasons – the pandemic, a recent ice storm, and a surge in voter registration numbers.

State Election Board Secretary, Paul Ziriax, says Oklahoma county election boards are prepared.

“Our county election boards are facing challenges they’ve never experienced before, but they have been preparing for this election for months. We want to assure Oklahomans that every registered voter that wants to vote will be able to vote. This election will be conducted safely, fairly, and securely. We ask that voters be patient and courteous not only to other voters, but election workers as well,” Ziriax said.

The State Election Board offers these tips for successful voting in the 2020 General Election:

ELECTION DAY HOURS

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Lines at the polls are typically longest before work, during the lunch hour, and after work.

Heavy turnout is expected, so voters should plan for extra time to vote on Election Day. New COVID-19 safety protocols — including social distancing — may slow down the check-in lines and the voting process on Election Day. Additionally, in areas where municipal elections are taking place, issuing and voting these extra ballots could also add time to the voting process.

All voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

BE PREPARED

Voters are reminded to check the OK Voter Portal to verify their polling place before heading out to vote. A few polling places may have changed due to the COVID-19 emergency.

The State Election Board also recommends voters view a sample ballot using the OK Voter Portal. Many voters have county and local elections in addition to state and federal elections.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

The State Election Board worked with OU Health Sciences Center to develop safety protocols for all of Oklahoma’s polling places and county election boards, including social distancing procedures and disinfection requirements for voting equipment and surfaces. Poll workers at every location have been supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and disinfectant. 

Voters are asked to be patient and follow signage and procedures. Election officials strongly recommend that voters wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and those around them.

Find more on COVID-19 and the 2020 elections on the State Election Board website.

PROOF OF IDENTITY

Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.

There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law. (Only one proof of identity is required):

  1. Show a valid photo ID issued by the federal, state, or tribal government. If it has an expiration date, it must be AFTER the date of the election; or

  2. Show the free voter identification card issued to every voter by their County Election Board; or

  3. Sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. (If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.)

FOLLOW THE LAW

The law prohibits electioneering within 300 ft. of the ballot box. This includes wearing clothing, accessories, or having material in public view related to a candidate or issue on the ballot. No one other than authorized individuals are permitted within 50 ft. of the ballot box or inside the election enclosure.

Alleged violations should be reported to precinct officials at the time the incident is occurring.

Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

URL Guide:

OK Voter Portal: https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html

COVID-19 and the 2020 Elections:

https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Covid-19_and_2020_Elections.html

Proof of Identity: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Proof_of_Identity/index.html

State Election Board Website: https://www.ok.gov/elections/index.html

County Election Boards: https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (11/1 - 11/8/2020)

Monday

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

Tuesday

  • 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Election Day.

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. Fourth Annual Monster Ball.

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

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

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

Friday

  • 11:00 a.m. Keystone Kids Kickoff at the Canyons golf tournament.

    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Avenue
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Putnam City West.

    • Putnam City West Patriot Stadium
      8500 Northwest 23rd Street
      Oklahoma City, OK 73127

  • 7:30 p.m. Free concert with Tim Menzies.

    • 5 West Outpost
      5 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Saturday

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

    • Free disposal of tree limbs up to 2” in diameter, free woodchips and firewood while supplies last.

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

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

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

  • 7:30 p.m. Free concert with Tim Menzies.

    • 5 West Outpost
      5 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063


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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Sand Springs City Council approves new dispensary, minimum wage increase for City jobs

Samuel’s Jewelry is the planned site for a new medical marijuana dispensary.

Samuel’s Jewelry is the planned site for a new medical marijuana dispensary.

The Sand Springs City Council approved a Specific Use Permit for a new medical marijuana dispensary at their last Monday evening meeting. Samuel Newport applied for the permit on behalf of Westside Wellness, which will be located in the Samuel’s Jewelry building at 1138 East Charles Page Boulevard. The building will likely be split in half with a new interior wall, and the two businesses will operate independently with separate entrances.

Councilman Phil Nollan posed the question “How much is enough for our little town, as far as the number of dispensaries?” Although many residents have voiced objections to the rising number of marijuana businesses in the town, the City actually has little ability to restrict them from opening.

“We’re limited to the SUP process,” said City Attorney David Weatherford. “So if the restriction deals with a valid concern about the impact on adjoining property or the impact on infrastructure, that’s something you could look at. The problem is, the Planning Commission looked at all that and didn’t impose any of that. You have a lot of freedom to do a lot of things, but you may be challenged on it someday by someone, and you have to be able to defend it. Why did we put that restriction on this business as opposed to someone else?”

“If we’re going to put that kind of restriction on one business, then we have to on another,” added Vice Mayor Patty Dixon. “I mean, maybe there’s too many glass shops for me, or too many mobile glass people for me, or too many pharmacies. If we start going there, then it’s going to be discriminatory and we just can’t do that.”

“I’m a proponent to let the market play out,” said Councilman Beau Wilson. “We saw the vape stores come in. They were strong and heavy. Now where are they? I think that this competition will weed out a lot of lesser competitors, so to speak.”

Councilman Nollan was also concerned about signage, and expressed a desire for Westside Wellness to be discreet with its branding. City Planner Brad Bates allayed that concern by pointing to zoning regulations that already limit all businesses according to the size of their building.

Ultimately Nollan moved to approve the SUP, and Council unanimously passed the measure.

Sand Springs Ward map.

In other news:

Council unanimously approved a resolution of Notice of Election for City Council members from Ward 5, Ward 6, and the At-Large position. Those seats are occupied by Wilson, Brian Jackson, and Mayor Jim Spoon, respectively. Wilson has occupied his seat since 2015, Jackson since 2009, and Spoon since 2015. Terms are three years, and councilmembers are non-partisan unpaid volunteers.

The filing period for Council will be from December 7th through December 9th, and declarations of candidacy must be filed at the City Clerk’s office at 100 East Broadway, in Room 200 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The primary election, if needed, will be held on February 9th. The general election, if needed, will be held on April 6th.

Council unanimously approved a minimum wage of $13.01 for benefit-eligible City jobs. The existing minimum wage was $10.40.

Council unanimously approved a $30,000 transfer of appropriations for the purchase of a new Animal Welfare vehicle. Those dollars were originally budgeted for new cat cages, but the shelter recently acquired new cages through a grant program, and ongoing issues with the existing vehicle have altered the department’s priorities.

Council unanimously approved a professional services agreement with Schuermann Enterprises at a cost of up to $59,780 to upgrade and automate systems at the Sand Springs Water Treatment Plant. Currently, the five water filter units at the plant each have their own flow meter, but the City plans to install a single combined meter that will help with better water quality and reduced chemical usage.

Council unanimously approved final acceptance of a wheelchair ramp installation project. The City recently awarded C&F Concrete a project installing 21 wheelchair ramps to sidewalks across the city, funded by a 2018 General Obligation Bond measure.

Council unanimously approved a resolution awarding a bid to Vexus Contracting in the amount of $94,000 for modernization of the elevator at the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum. Vexus had the lowest of five bids.

Council unanimously voted to re-appoint Judy Treat, Michael Miller, and Steve Lane to serve additional three-year terms on the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority.

Council unanimously voted to appoint Sarah Tvzynka to serve an unexpired term to July 2021 on the Sand Springs Development Authority.

Council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance amending the zoning map for a property at 214 North Wilson. The vacant lot was previously zoned Residential, but was changed to Commercial Shopping. If a pending sale proceeds as planned, the property will be combined with an existing parking lot to the south, and a new laundromat will be constructed.

Angus Valley Elementary breaks ground on new gymnasium and storm shelter

Sand Springs Public Schools officials, students, and community leaders gathered Friday afternoon for a ground-breaking ceremony on a new gymnasium at Angus Valley Elementary. The gym will also serve as a hardened storm shelter.

Sand Springs voters overwhelmingly approved the project in March of 2019 as part of a $32.85 million bond proposition. Of the nearly 2,000 votes cast, 92.83% were in favor of the proposal, which also funded the recently-completed Freshman Academy and STEM center at Charles Page High School.

“This is the last elementary school that has yet to have a separate cafeteria and gym in our district,” said Superintendent Sherry Durkee. “They’ve been having to share a space as a place to eat, a place to do assemblies, and a place to hold P.E. classes. Now we have the versatility of having different schedules, so that P.E. can be held in a separate place.”

Construction will officially begin next week, and the project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2021, before the new school year. Part of the construction will be to include a reinforced grass surface that will be able to support fire trucks, while still maintaining a natural look, instead of a paved fire lane.

The gym will be large enough to hold the entire school, both students and staff, in the event of a serious weather event.

The project is expected to cost approximately $2 million, with half coming from the 2019 bond election, and half coming from existing building funds.

Sand Springs suffers two COVID-19 deaths in past week

After going 70 days without a COVID-19 related death, the city of Sand Springs has suffered two in the past week. The town’s sixth death was reported on Sunday, and its seventh was reported Thursday. The deaths come at a time when the town’s active caseload has seen significant decrease.

Sand Springs peaked at 100 active cases on October 9th, but is currently at 60, its lowest level since September 26th. There are 1,265 active cases in nearby Tulsa, however, and 2,121 in the county.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1,041 new cases statewide Thursday, but the seven-day rolling average is at 1,101, down from a state-record of 1,348 on Sunday. The state’s active case total dipped below 15,000 for the first time in eight days. There are currently 14,968 cases, down from 15,946 on Sunday.

20 new deaths were reported on Thursday, but due to technical difficulties the OSDH Situation Report was unable to provide specific demographics. There have been 85 deaths reported in the past week, and the seven-day rolling average is at an all-time high of 12.1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 8,834,393 cases since the pandemic began with 227,045 deaths. Oklahoma ranks 23rd in the country in per capita cases over the past seven days.

The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,040,203 and Brazil with 5,439,641. According to the World Health Organization, there have been 44,351,506 cases since the pandemic began, with 1,171,255 deaths.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (10/25 - 11/1/2020)

Sunday

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

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

  • 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Boo at Case Park.

    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Monday

Tuesday

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

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

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

  • 6:00 p.m. Fourth Annual Monster Ball.

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

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Bartlesville.

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

Saturday

  • Halloween.

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Marketplace / Fall Festival.

    • Angus Church
      4401 South 129th West Avenue
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. House Church Tulsa’s Trunk or Treat.

    • Chandler Park
      6500 West 21st Street
      Tulsa, OK 74107

  • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Elks Lodge Trunk or Treat.

    • Elks Lodge
      546 Imperial Boulevard
      Sand Springs, OK 74063


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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Has investing become an extreme sport?

This past weekend my family decided to be a part of a team building event at Extreme Water Sports in Oklahoma City, OK. This is a U.S Olympic and Paralympic training site that allows regular individuals to partake in many adrenaline inducing activities. Whitewater rafting, by far is the most exciting and dangerous activity offered at this facility. I avoid risk by nature and wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into but figured I could handle it. I was not prepared for what happened next.

After listening to a short and totally inadequate safety speech by our guide, we headed out to conquer the rapids. As the roar of the rapids filled our ears our guide yelled, “We’ll go through this course three times. Do you want to go aggressive now or later?!” The six of us in the raft chose later. At the first spillway I realized I had made a big mistake. The waves smashed into my face as our guide yelled, “Row forward!”

As I thought, “Ok, that wasn’t so bad,” we hit the next rapid and I found myself ejected out of the raft and into the swirling rapid along with two others from our group. I was dunked repeatedly, and terror engulfed me as I was pulled under the raft by the raging current. I could not remember a thing from the prior safety instructions. Needless to say, I was saved and was unscathed, except for a few scrapes, bruises, and drinking gallons of river water. I am forever in the debt of our guide!

As I was reflecting on my “near death” experience I realized that as investors there are many parallels between white water rafting and what we have experienced over the past year or so. Our guide gave me some really good advice, however, in the moment I forgot it all. Here’s what he said…

“YOU HAVE TO THINK LOGICALLY!” - If you have to rescue someone that has been thrown out of the raft, you must grab them by the shoulder straps of their life jacket and dunk them under the water to get buoyancy and momentum needed to drag them into the raft.

When I was in the water I wasn’t thinking logically, I was in survival mode. I would have fought against someone trying to dunk me to pull me in the raft. The same applies to investing, when the market has dropped drastically all the investor thinks about is survival and your survival instincts scream, “Get out! You can’t recover from this! At least you won’t lose any more!” This is where retirement plans capsize and never recover. Sticking to a plan when you are going through the volatility of the market is a must if you are to make it out. Benjamin Graham summed up this sentiment best when he said, “The investor’s chief problem - and even his worst enemy - is likely himself.”

“LISTEN TO YOUR GUIDE AT ALL TIMES.” - Whether I was in the water or in the raft, it was the precise and timely instruction of the guide that got me through any situation that I was encountering. If I could hear his voice over the roar of the rapids, I was ok. Trust me, he received a big tip at the end because I felt that I owed him my life!

There is a reason you hire an advisor. It’s not for the good times, nor is it only for the bull markets; a real advisor proves his worth when the going gets rough and things get crazy. This is because he knows that he is handling your future livelihood. As long as you are able to hear your financial advisor’s voice, allow him to shred the narrative and follow his promptings. If you can do this, you will be ok. Don’t jump ship, hang in there. This is what he was trained to do. You were smart to hire your advisor so trust yourself, listen to your financial professional because they are there to help you succeed. Your financial advisor will celebrate your financial successes because when you succeed, they too are successful.

“SOMETIMES ALL YOU CAN DO IS HUNKER DOWN” - There were times our guide would yell, “GET DOWN!” This meant to lock your feet in, hunker down, and hold on because we were about to hit a massive rock or rapid. He was diligent in watching out for what we were approaching, and his verbal commands were an indication of his concern for our safety. Most importantly, he knew that in that moment, we were safest in the vessel and by not jumping ship.

There are times when the best course of action is hunkering down. No one knows the exact future of the markets, the economy, or what the results of the elections will be. Choosing a financial advisor is like selecting a long-term whitewater rafting guide, but more personal because you are selecting an individual to build an intimate relationship with based upon your future financial needs and/or goals. You have to trust that your advisor will guide you through the process of putting together a strategy that will be ready for such a time as this. You also have to trust that you have been properly allocated and diversified before any indications of a market decline. Through carefully selected and diversified investments, your advisor will guide you through hunkering down and holding on for the ride. You’ll pray it ends sooner rather than later, but if you listen to your financial advisor, you’ll be able to hold on and come out safely on the other side.

Daran Tucker, ChFC
LPL Investment Advisor Representative
www.f-p-r.com

Oklahoma reaches 15,000 active COVID cases and record 910 hospitalizations

The COVID-19 pandemic is reaching record heights in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record single-day increase of 1,628 new cases Thursday, bringing the seven-day rolling average to a record-high 1,235. The active case total has set new record-highs in eight of the past nine days, and is currently at 15,017.

Current hospitalizations reached a record-high for the third straight day, now at 910. A previous record of 663 held from late July till October 6th, and since then it has gone up ten times. There were 870 hospitalizations on Wednesday and 821 on Tuesday.

The OSDH reported eleven additional deaths on Wednesday, including one in Tulsa County. Of the 11, only two were under 65 years of age, and all were over the age of 50. There have been 48 deaths reported in the past three days, bringing the seven-day rolling average to a record-high 11.1. The previous record average was 10.4 in late August.

While numbers are going up across the state, they are slowly declining in Sand Springs. The city reached a record active total of 100 on October 9th, but is down to 64 now, the lowest level since September 27th. There are 1,428 active cases in Tulsa, and 2,318 in Tulsa County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 8,312,667 cases nationwide since the pandemic began, with 221,438 deaths. Oklahoma ranks 15th in the country in new cases per capita over the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 41,104,946 cases worldwide since the pandemic began, with 1,128,325 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in cumulative cases, followed by India with 7,706,946 and Brazil with 5,273,954.



HillSpring Church provides hurricane relief in Lake Charles, Louisiana

While most high school students were relaxing and hanging out with friends on Fall Break last week, students at HillSpring Youth Ministries were getting their hands dirty in Louisiana. HillSpring Church in Sand Springs sent a group of 26 on a relief mission to aid in cleaning up after Hurricanes Delta and Laura, and half were teenagers.

Hurricane Laura was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana in over a century and was listed as a Category 4 when it hit on August 27. That storm caused an estimated $14 billion in damages, and was followed just six weeks later by the Category 2 Hurricane Delta, causing an additional $2 billion in damages.

The HillSpring group partnered with Lakewood Bible Fellowship in Lake Charles to help with clearing debris, mucking out flooded houses, removing downed trees, mowing lawns, as well as offering prayer and support for families who were affected, said Executive Pastor Will Holder.

“I enjoyed getting to go meet all these different people,” said Jacob Dennis. “Their homes and surroundings are ruined, trees fallen everywhere. It was just good to go out and help them - bring a little light into their world in a dark time.”

Brooklyn Taber’s favorite part of the trip was the impact it made on the hurricane victims, and seeing them happy. “Their world just got ripped apart,” said Taber. “We made it just a little bit better.”

“For me personally, it was just something fun to get to go do,” said Dalton Wilcox. “The benefit of people’s smiles was incredible, and I always enjoy a good hard day’s work.”

“Our goal and our hope is that students would make a difference, not just in their neighborhood, but the world around them” said Associate Pastor Matt Barnett. “This was a week where we got to get them out of their element. 90% of them were new missionaries, first time on the mission field. They went out and really saw the world outside of themselves, saw the devastation, saw pain, saw hopelessness, and they got to bring just a little bit of hope to each of these families. What’s really cool is a lot of the kids got to talk with the people and pray with the people.”

HillSpring Church meets at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings with Student Ministries every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 8801 West 41st Street. For more information visit http://www.hillspring.tv/

City of Sand Springs announces Community Survey

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs announces the latest Community Survey, now being made available for residents of Sand Springs. The 2020 survey is an update of a previous survey completed five years ago which identified citizen feedback on items ranging from public safety to park priorities. City officials experienced a strong response from the public then, and incorporated those survey results into the City’s comprehensive plan- a major planning tool which aides in policy and decision making for the city.

“The community survey is an important tool for engaging our citizens. It provides vital feedback on the wants, desires and preferences of the community. Results from this survey will be used to help create long term goals and actions plans that will improve the city in the future”, stated the City’s Planning Director Brad Bates.

The Community Survey can be accessed in several ways for citizens to participate. The survey can be found online at: www.sandspringsok.org/556/community-survey-2020 A link to the survey will also be shown on the City’s Facebook page. Citizens can also request a printed hard copy M-F at the office of the City Planner at 100 E. Broadway in downtown Sand Springs, and simply return the completed survey to that office.

“Information gathered from this important survey will be incorporated into our comprehensive plan by creating priorities and action plans that can be carried out by staff and council to improve our entire community”, added Bates.

To add interest, the City will be conducting door prize drawings from survey respondents. Three randomly selected winners will receive prizes including a Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf experience and gift cards in the Sand Springs community for great food and shopping.

The deadline to submit your Community Survey is Monday, November 23, 2020.

Sand Springs City Council meeting addresses upcoming community improvements

The Sand Springs City Council held a lunchtime meeting Wednesday to hear updates regarding ongoing and upcoming projects in the public works and parks departments.

Council held a Zoom call with representatives from the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Quality Communities on ways to improve the City’s downtown streetscape. The IQC is a program within the University’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture that partners with local communities to create concepts and suggestions for helping cities reach goals like improving safety, aesthetic, and economic development.

The IQC has previously worked with the towns of Pryor, Luther, Hooker, Waurika, Chickasha, Altus, Wewoka, and Oklahoma City. They also hold a biennial Placemaking Conference with students, advocates, and civic leaders to learn from leading experts. Councilman Beau Wilson was appointed to be the Council’s representative at the November conference, along with City Planner Brad Bates, and Community Development Director Grant Gerondale. Participation in the conference is free to the city.

Representatives from the University will study downtown Sand Springs and take input from City and community leaders on ways to improve the community space, including landscaping, and improving safety on sidewalks and crosswalks.

Wilson expressed a desire to try and create a downtown atmosphere where people will shop, eat, and actually spend time hanging out. He cited Broken Arrow’s success in the Rose District as an inspiration.

Councilman Mike Burdge expressed a desire to look at more than just the downtown area and to try and tie downtown into River West and the areas beyond. An ongoing Main Street expansion project will connect the downtown and River West areas to Sheffield Crossing and Case Community Park when it is complete. “Let the landscape show that’s the future… we need to do something to direct growth,” said Burdge. “We need to do something that will help everybody know we’re going that direction.”

“More than anything, we’ve got to make our sidewalks walkable,” added Councilwoman Nancy Riley. “We can’t do anything with our downtown if people are not able to walk on our sidewalks without falling over.” Councilman Brian Jackson wants the City to make safety upgrades to crosswalks across heavy traffic areas like the intersection of Morrow Road and Highway 97.

According to Bates, the City has a sidewalk inventory list that includes current sidewalk conditions across the city and prioritizes them. Bates also talked about the different sidewalk possibilities that Council could consider when it comes time to improve or replace downtown paths. Decorative, stamped, sidewalks offer aesthetic appeal, but can be difficult for disabled citizens to navigate.

Bates also talked about the possibility of creating gateway entry points to the Triangle District, with signage and maps located along Katy Trail, historical markers, and other ways to push people towards downtown. Gerondale challenged the IQC to create a design that would tie in River West with downtown so the two districts feed off each other.

According to Bates, next summer the City will be looking into shaving down road levels that have grown too high from past overlays. “If you look at the street levels right now, they’ve kind of been built up and built up in their arch, and kind of created slopes everywhere in downtown. So a lot of that’s going to get milled out and they’re going to try and lower that base level back down to a useable level that doesn’t have a crown to it.”

Public Works Projects Administrator T.J. Davis gave an update on long term project plans to improve downtown drainage. According to Davis, a 2009 study on the City drainage systems identified 55 needed projects that need to be completed at at an estimated cost of $78 million, and the top ten most-needed projects totaled $39 million.

The City recently began a project to address downtown flooding issues that have affected many businesses. Phase 1A was tied into the ongoing Main Street renovation project, and is replacing a 1920s-era 48-inch storm sewer from Highway 412 south to the Arkansas River, and 80% of it is being funded by federal grants. That drain pipe is being replaced by a new 96-inch pipe and levee penetration. The $8.5 million Main Street project is expected to be completed several months ahead of schedule by the Spring of 2020.

Phase 1B will add additional piping improvements on First Street from Garfield to Main, and northbound on Garfield. That project will cost an additional $1 million to complete, and that area is not eligible for federal grants, meaning the City will have to come up with local funding.

Phase Two would create a second trunk line on the eastern half of downtown that would add an additional levee penetration at an estimated cost of $7.5 million.

One of the recurring themes of the meeting was how to fund the various projects that the City is interested in, and how to balance growth improvements with standard maintenance and repairs. Drainage improvements are typically funded via storm-water utility fees, which generate about $1 million per year for construction revenue. Compare that $1 million in annual revenue to the $78 million needed to complete the 2009 project list, which doesn’t even account for unforeseen issues like the section of 10th Street that collapsed during a July flash flood.

Any downtown beautification/safety/economic development projects that the City chooses to take on based on the IQC’s recommendations would likely need to be funded by a General Obligation Bond election, but the City has committed to capping their millage rate at 13 and voters already passed more than $18 million in bond measures less than three years ago.

Gerondale gave a presentation on the Keystone Ancient Forest tower project. The City plans to purchase and relocate a disused 100-foot 1950s-era fire lookout tower from the Oklahoma Forestry Service that is currently located in Cookson. The tower will eventually be erected on the KAF hiking trails and will have a new observation platform at the top.

The City currently has $118,000 available for the tower project, and needs an additional $54,000 to move the tower. They need an additional $330,117 to fully fund the project, which would pay for the relocation, painting, new wooden planks, concrete footing, and hand railing, as well as design and construction of a new observation deck.

The Keystone Ancient Forest is already a popular tourist destination that attracts hundreds of visitors every weekend it is open. A visitor center is currently under construction, and when the center and the tower are open to the public, the City will begin branding and marketing the park.

City of Sand Springs receives Excellence in Financial Reporting honor

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs has received an Excellence in Financial Reporting Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for their Certified Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The award is the 30th consecutive year for the City of Sand Springs’ Finance Department to receive this honor, and covers the financial report for the year ending June, 2019. The CAFR reports are judged by GFAO, using an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate the City’s financial story, and motivate users to read and understand the CAFR.

“The GFAO’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management,” stated GFAO’s Michele Levine from their office in Chicago, Illinois.

Click here to view the current CAFR on the City’s website.

Each year the City produces two financial reports, the CAFR (which is an exhaustive, audited depiction of the City of Sand Springs’ financial position) and the PAFR (Popular Annual Financial Report). The Popular Annual Financial Report will be released in early 2021 and provides brief, descriptive information about the City’s activities, community milestones, organizational structure and financial information.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award for the 30th consecutive year,” said Kelly Lamberson, Finance Director. “Sand Springs has a long history of financial reporting excellence and we are happy to continue this tradition. This award is made possible by the diligence and commitment of the entire finance department and the great support of our City Council.”

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.

Sand Springs couple joins Wheeler Dealers Camping Club

Story and photos submitted by Kathy Tippin.

Sand Springs residents Bill and Pam Doyle joined the Wheeler Dealers Camping Club at the El  Dorado State Park in Kansas this month. 

 Hosts for the October campout were Bartlesville members Clarence and Karla Hill and Gary and Charlotte Piersall. The campout had an Oktoberfest theme. Fifteen couples from Ponca City, Norman, Sand Springs, Wichita and Bartlesville pulled into the campground including three new couples, Bill and Pam Doyle, Sand Springs; Mark and Donna Metevia, Norman; and Larry and Elaine Stevens, Bartlesville. Also joining was Charlotte Piersall’s brother from Wichita. 

Some members arrived on Wednesday with the majority arriving on Thursday and the rest on Friday.  Thursday evening the group feasted on Mexican food served pot luck style with more than enough food for everyone from tamales and enchiladas to taco’s and queso.

Friday morning some of the Wheeler Dealers visited the Kansas Oil Museum in El Dorado while others participated in making gnomes. The Kansas Oil Museum is one of the state’s largest museums focusing on the history of the early 20th century oil industry. The history of Butler County KS is preserved from the earliest days of Native American tribes and pioneers, to small-town and ranch life. The group enjoyed exhibits both inside and outside.

Gnomes were the craft project for others organized by Karla Hill and Charlotte Piersall. A Styrofoam cone wound with yarn placed on top of a wine bottle formed the hat with a beard of fur placed below covering the bottle topped off with a small wood nose.  Inside each gnome was placed a string of lights that when turned on shines through the beard making a festive fall German style gnome.

Friday afternoon members challenged each other with games of Corn Hole and Horse Shoes. Saturday evening prizes were awarded to Ellen Cobb, Women’s Corn Hole champion and Joe Brown, Men’s Corn Hole Champion.          

Friday evening the Hills and Piersalls continued with the Oktoberfest theme with a German Oktoberfeast preceded by sampling of various German beers. On the menu were various sausages grilled by Gary Piersall. Also featured were German potato salad, red cabbage, and a cucumber salad. Members enjoyed sitting around the campfire that evening getting to know the newer members.

Saturday Wheeler Dealers spent the day in nearby Wichita. First stop was the Nifty Nut House, established in 1937. Known for its vast assortment of nuts and candies, members shopped for various specialty nuts and candies to take home. From there some of the members ate lunch in Wichita’s Old Town and met up with the rest of the group at the Old Cowtown Museum. There they toured this version of early day Wichita from 1865-1880 including houses to churches to various businesses. The 54 historic and recreated buildings tell the story of Wichita’s early days. Wheeler Dealer member Nancy Murdock Shepard enjoyed reading about her relative Marshall M. Murdock, the founder and editor of the Wichita Eagle in the Wichita City Eagle Print Shop.

Saturday night each couple prepared a soup, salad or dessert to be served to the group pot luck style.  This was followed by three tables playing Mexican Train. 

Sunday morning following a potluck breakfast, the business meeting was held with Lowry Blakeburn, president, presiding. Joe Brown told about the upcoming November Wheeler Dealers campout at Wa Sha She, Hulah Lake’s campground hosted by Joe and Pat Brown and Lowry and Rebecca Blakeburn. The group will eat at Buck’s Steakhouse in Sedan, KS Friday night. The campout theme will be Oklahoma Thanksgiving with a Saturday night pot luck dinner featuring various traditional Thanksgiving dinner foods.

Wheeler Dealers monthly campouts usually are held weekends from March to August with a lunch or breakfast gathering in February and a special Christmas Party in December. Members can make their own reservations at many of the Corps lakes through recreation.gov, the Corps of Engineers reservation service. 

Current members are from Bartlesville, Ponca City, Sand Springs and Norman. However, anyone from northern Oklahoma or southern Kansas is invited to join.

Persons interested in joining or knowing more about the Wheeler Dealers Camping Club should contact Lowry, president, at 580-304-5445 in Ponca City or Joe, secretary, at 918-977-0805 in Bartlesville.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (10/18 - 10/25/2020)

Tuesday

  • 1:30 p.m. Sand Springs / Sapulpa Joint Board Meeting.

    • Click here to view agenda.

    • Sand Springs Public Works Administration Building - Conference Room 106A
      13101 West 46th Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Wednesday

  • Sand Springs Development Authority meeting - CANCELED.

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

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

Friday

  • 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Stop the Hate in the 918.

    • Free cover-ups for any hate, gang, or racial tattoos.

    • The Parlour Hair & Ink
      100 North Garfield
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Choctaw.

    • Choctaw Yellowjackets Stadium
      14300 Northeast 10th Street
      Choctaw, OK 73020

Saturday

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

  • 10:00 a.m. OSSAA 6A-East Regional Cross Country meet.

    • Case Community Park
      2500 South River City Park Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Fall Family Festival.

    • Mountaintop Worship Center
      7709 West Cameron Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Sunday

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

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


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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

McTeacher's Night raises $1500 for grants to Sand Springs teachers

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Oklahoma, it resulted in the cancelation of the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Sand Springs Education Foundation. When the Sand Springs McDonald’s found out, they stepped up to help out.

McDonald’s held a fundraiser Saturday, October 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and pledged to donate 20% of all sales to the foundation’s Grants for Teachers program. But they also committed to donating a minimum of $1,500, regardless of turnout.

“I think everyone in the community understands how supporting (the SSEF) are for teacher grants,” said District Superintendent Sherry Durkee. “They work really hard to scour the community in terms of fundraising to make sure they’re very supportive. What happens now is they will form a grant committee and teachers are submitting those (applications) right now and then before Thanksgiving they’ll be visiting site by site to give those grants away for innovative ideas for the classroom.”

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted the event in many ways. In a normal year, district teachers take over behind the counter to serve up food and give the kids some familiar faces to look for. This year there was no indoor dinning available, only carry-out and drive-through. District personnel were on hand to greet customers in the drive-through, however. The event was also moved to the morning time.

McDonald’s stepped up and not only made a big donation to the foundation, but they also held a laptop giveaway for registered customers. Kelly Durborow was selected as the winner of the Lenovo computer. Event organizers expect to make the event an annual occurrence in Sand Springs.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (10/11 - 10/18/2020)

Sunday

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

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

Monday

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

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

Tuesday

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

    • Church That Matters
      3 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Volleyball vs. Union.
    7:30 p.m. Regional Championship Match.

    • Frank Herald Field House
      323 East B Street
      Jenks, OK 74037

Wednesday

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

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

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

  • 6:00 p.m. CTM Tailgate Party.
    7:00 p.m. CPHS Football vs. Bixby.

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

Saturday

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

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

  • 6:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Wrestling Cornhole Tournament.

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

  • 7:30 p.m. 2nd Annual Wrestling Alumni Social.

    • Minuteman Pizza Parlor
      7 West 41st Street
      Sand Springs, OK 74063


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

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.

  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.