Sand Springs City Council enacts COVID-19 Emergency Response

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The Sand Springs City Council took action during a special meeting Monday evening to combat the recent dramatic rise in COVID-19 pandemic statistics in the Sand Springs community. During the meeting, City of Sand Springs Ordinance No. 1359 was approved unanimously by council members. The new ordinance outlines specific educational information, statistics, definitions and requirements for persons to wear face masks within the boundaries of the City of Sand Springs. An Emergency Clause was also approved by Council, putting the new ordinance into effect this Friday.

The ordinance requires that persons located within the City of Sand Springs are required to wear a face covering at all times while present in spaces being used for business, entertainment, education, athletic and recreational uses. Some spaces identified in the ordinance include:

Business

Retail businesses; spas; entertainment venues; food service facilities including restaurant and bars; hotels; motels; professional offices; banks and financial services; repair facilities and/ or motor vehicle dealerships.

Public Setting

Workplaces; child care facilities; hospitals and health facilities; gymnasium and physical fitness facilities; sports facilities; parks; trails, sidewalks and outdoor retail areas.

Educational Setting

Any building or facility used for academic or athletic purposes including campuses; any private school or preschool.

The ordinance relies on some guidelines from the US Center for Disease Control which allows exemptions to facial coverings for:

  • persons with medical, mental health or developmental disability reasons

  • children age 9 years or younger 

  • restaurant patrons while eating or drinking 

  • occupants in a personal vehicle 

  • persons exercising, who can maintain a 6’ (six foot) social distance

An additional exemption was added to the ordinance last night by council members for individuals engaged in a team sports activity where the level of exertion makes it difficult to wear a face covering.

Religious facilities and places of worship are provided the opportunity to be governed by their own policies regarding facial coverings. The Sand Springs Local Church Network and the City of Sand Springs have worked together since before the pandemic outbreak, sharing community health updates, statistics and other important information related to COVID-19 to lessen the spread of the virus.

Enforcement of the ordinance shall be made upon complaint from any property owner or from a law enforcement officer. Sand Springs Police advises that their intent is to meet any initial response to a call out with educational information for all persons involved in a situation, but will take each instance on a case-by-case basis.

According to a study in an October “Oklahoma Weekly Epidemiology Report”, COVID-19 cases in areas without a facial covering requirement grew by 88%, whereas areas adopting a facial covering requirement saw a much slower spread of only 21%.

This ordinance will remain in place until further notice and shall expire along with other COVID-19 emergency proclamations or declarations.

As of Tuesday, there are 267 active cases in Sand Springs, down from 291 on Monday, marking the first decline in the past two weeks. Active caseload was as low as 77 on November 1st. 11 Sand Springs residents have died from the virus.

Sand Springs passes mandatory mask ordinance

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The Sand Springs City Council unanimously voted 6-0 to approve a mandatory mask ordinance at a special meeting Monday evening at the Case Community Center.

Ordinance 1359 states that “persons located within all City of Sand Springs public buildings, Public Service Areas of Place of Public Accommodation or an Education Institution are required to wear face coverings at all times when present therein.” Furthermore “persons in any Public Setting wherein social or physical distancing cannot be maintained are required to wear face coverings.”

The ordinance exempts persons who have medical or mental health conditions or developmental disabilities, children under 10 years of age, restaurant patrons while they are eating or drinking, people walking or exercising in outdoor communal space (while physical distancing is maintained), people who are undergoing dental or medical treatments, swimmers, occupants of personal vehicles or private homes, patrons of gyms (while physical distance of six feet from other patrons is maintained), and offices and workplaces that are not Public Service Areas (so long as physical distance is maintained). Religious facilities are encouraged to require masks, but will not be forced to do so.

Even in outdoor settings, masks will be required if you are in close physical contact with individuals from outside of your household. Even in gyms, masks will be required if you are not actively exercising.

The ordinance defines a “face covering” as a covering that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth, and includes but is not limited to cloth face masks, towels, scarves, face shields, and bandanas as recommended by the CDC, or OSDH, an N95, KN95, or other mask that would be appropriate for a health care setting, or a surgical mask. The face covering should fit snuggly on a person’s face, but allow the person to breathe easily and be worn consistently with the guidance provided by the CDC or OSDH.

There are currently 291 active cases in Sand Springs, marking fourteen-consecutive days of increase. Four Sand Springs residents have died in the past eight days, and the city’s death toll is at 11 since the pandemic began.

Names released of two Sand Springs motorcycle crash victims

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The Sand Springs Police Department has released the names of two individuals who were killed in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday evening on 41st Street.

Mitchell Raymond Overton, a 21-year-old Tulsa resident, was driving a motorcycle eastbound on 41st Street at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the time of the incident. Accompanying him on the rear of the bike was Kennedy Alexis Behm, a 20-year-old Mount Joy, Pennsylvania resident.

The two were struck by Ernest William Steagall, Jr., a 56-year-old Tulsa resident, who was making a left turn from Teal Ridge Drive onto 41st Street to proceed westbound. The motorcycle struck the car and caught fire. Both riders were pronounced dead at the scene.

Steagall was transported by EMSA to a local hospital for evaluation. The incident is still under investigation by the Sand Springs Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team.

41st Street was prone to accidents in years past, and the speed limit was lowered from 50 MPH to 40 in 2017 after the Teal Ridge subdivision opened. It is unclear if speed was a factor in Wednesday’s accident. The road is also located on rolling hills that can limit visibility.

HillSpring Church, located near the accident, was forced to cancel services Wednesday after SSPD shut down the road during the investigation.

Sand Springs man celebrates birthday at Wheeler Dealers Camping Club November campout

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Wheeler Dealers Camping Club members gather for the traditional campout group photo at Hulah Lake. SUBMITTED.

“An Oklahoma Thanksgiving” was the theme for the final Wheeler Dealers Camping Club campout of 2020 held the second weekend of November at Hulah Lake Wah-Sha-She campground near Bowring, OK. 

Hosts for the November campout were Bartlesville members Joe and Pat Brown and Ponca City members Lowry and Rebecca Blakeburn. Members were glad to once again greet each other including new members this year Bill and Pam Doyle, Sand Springs and Vie and Charley Bottger, Ponca City.

 Everyone attending gathered on Thursday and enjoyed a blazing campfire that evening. Carrying on with the Oklahoma Thanksgiving theme Friday afternoon members made pine cone turkeys to use in Thanksgiving decorations. That evening the group met up with three other Bartlesville members who weren’t camping this time, but joined the others for steak dinners at Buck’s BBQ in Sedan, KS. While there the group celebrated Bill Doyle’s birthday.

Saturday members began working on their special dishes for that evening’s Oklahoma Thanksgiving dinner served pot luck style. The menu included ham, turkey and dressing, mashed and sweet potatoes, and a variety of other sides and desserts. That afternoon members sampled various Oklahoma brewed beers provided by the hosts and voted on their favorite. Also drawings were held for door prizes provided by Bell Camper Sales, Bartlesville.

Bill Doyle, Sand Springs, celebrated his birthday over dinner at Buck's BBQ in Sedan, KS during the Wheeler Dealers November campout. SUBMITTED.

Sunday morning following a potluck breakfast, the business meeting was held with Lowry Blakeburn, president, presiding. He shared information from Gary and Nancy Shepard about the annual Christmas Party to be held at the McCord Senior Center in Ponca City. Since that time the group, concerned about rising Covid rates, has decided to postpone the party this December and look at gathering again in February.

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.

COVID-19 claims tenth Sand Springs victim, Oklahoma tops 30,000 active cases

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The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma has risen to a record-high 30,484 according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Thursday report. 2,915 new cases were reported, bringing the seven-day rolling average to a record-high 2,807.

18 new deaths were reported, including a tenth victim in Sand Springs. Three Sandites have been reported dead in the past four days. The seven-day rolling death average is at a record-high 15.3 across the state and 107 Oklahomans have died in the past week.

1,381 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized from the virus, down from yesterday’s record of 1,434. There are currently only 56 adult ICU beds available in the state, and 16 pediatric ICU beds.

Sand Springs reported 29 new cases on Thursday, bringing the active total to a record-high 251. Active case load has doubled in the past ten days. There have been five deaths in the past month. Sand Springs Public Schools have announced they will be going to distance learning for all grade levels until after the Thanksgiving Break. City Council is expected to vote on a mandatory mask ordinance at their Monday meeting.


Sand Springs elementary schools to shift to distance learning

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The Sand Springs Public School District announced Wednesday that it would be shifting to distance learning for all elementary sites, including the Early Childhood Education Center, effective Friday, November 20th. The district already went to distance learning for grades 6-12 last week. In-person learning is expected to resume for all grades on Monday, November 30th, following Thanksgiving Break.

“We have had an incredibly successful twelve weeks of school this year,” said Superintendent Sherry Durkee in a letter to district parents. “I am proud of our staff and students who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to give their very best effort in the teaching and learning process, and we have made some tremendous gains. With tenacious determination, we continue to deliver quality instruction to all students.”

“For those of you who are following our district’s data on positive COVID-19 cases and quarantines, you are keenly aware of the rising numbers in our district. Last week we were forced to shift to distance learning at Clyde Boyd Middle School, the Freshman Academy, and Charles Page High School. We are also experiencing a high number of quarantines at our elementary sites affecting our ability to adequately staff our classrooms. Our staff and students’ health and safety must be protected to the greatest extent possible. As such, we are making the difficult decision to shift to our Distance Learning Model for all elementary sites including our Early Childhood Education Center beginning Friday, November 20th through Tuesday, November 24. Students will return to in-person instruction on Monday, November 30, immediately following Thanksgiving Break. This decision was made through much deliberation with our Leadership Team. We feel this is the right decision, giving our students and staff the time to distance themselves from others while continuing the education process. The 21st Century after-school program at Garfield STEAM Academy and Northwoods Fine Arts Academy will be cancelled Thursday afternoon on November 19. Page Academy and our Virtual Academy will be open and continue regular operation.”

“The school breakfast and lunch program will continue to offer free meals to all children ages 18 years and younger at all sites with the exception of Charles Page High School. Lunch, and breakfast for the next day, will be available for pick up from 11 to 12:30 Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. Your child does not have to be present to receive the meals.”

“While we understand this learning model is not optimal for all students, we are committed to giving our best effort to make sure we continue to meet students’ needs. Teachers will be working from their classrooms during the DLM period and will provide instruction and support to students. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time,” concludes the letter.

In Monday’s COVID-19 Weekly Update, there were 57 current positive cases and 639 active quarantines across the district, with the majority coming at the high school level. Page Academy was the only school, on Friday, without an active case. 11.91% of the district population (students and faculty combined) were in quarantine as of Friday’s census.

As of Wednesday’s daily report from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, there are a record-high 242 active cases in Sand Springs, 4,497 in Tulsa County, and a record-high 29,823 active cases in the state.

State Senator Cody Rogers sworn into office

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Newly elected Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, takes the official oath of office.

Cody Rogers took the oath of office Monday and was officially sworn in as the State Senator for District 37, representing Sand Springs.

Rogers will be serving his first four-year term in the Oklahoma Senate. The newly elected Tulsa Republican started a paving construction company in 2015 and has since grown it into a successful business. Rogers plans to advocate for reduced regulations on small businesses and Second Amendment issues at the Capitol. He also supports investing in Oklahoma’s educational systems and lowering prescription drug costs for seniors. 

Rogers defeated incumbent Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman with 67.07% of the vote on November 3rd.

“I’m honored to be trusted with the responsibility to uphold our conservative values of Senate District 37 in the state Senate,” Rogers said. “More small businessmen are needed at the Capitol, and I’m excited to bring my business skillset to deliver real results for our state.”

The Senate will hold a one-day organizational meeting on Jan. 5 and will begin the 2021 legislative session on Feb. 1.

COVID-19 claims ninth victim in Sand Springs

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A ninth Sand Springs resident has died from COVID-19, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Tuesday numbers. Two Sandites have been reported dead in the past 48 hours, and four in the past month.

30 new cases were reported in Sand Springs, bringing the active total to a record-high 227. There are 2,228 active cases in the city of Tulsa, and 4,340 in Tulsa County.

1,551 new cases were reported across the state, the lowest single-day total in ten days, though the seven-day rolling average is still at 2,607. The statewide active total dropped to 28,807, the first decline in 15 days, but it is still the second-highest total since the pandemic began.

Hospitalizations reached a record-high 1,381 on Tuesday, up from 1,249 the day before. State census shows adult ICU at 95% capacity and pediatric ICU at 75%. Six new deaths were reported, bringing the statewide death toll to 1,544.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 11,136,253 cases nationwide since the pandemic began, with 246,232 deaths. Oklahoma currently ranks 26th in per capita cases in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 54,771,888 cumulative cases worldwide with 1,324,249 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,874,290 and Brazil with 5,863,093.


Sand Springs City Council places potential mask mandate on agenda for special meeting

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Sand Springs United Methodist Church Pastor Stephen Cagle spoke in favor of mask mandate at Monday’s Sand Springs City Council meeting.

As the number of active COVID-19 cases continues to climb dramatically in both Sand Springs and Oklahoma at large, the pandemic once again took center stage at Monday’s City Council meeting. Although the Council passed no specific measures to combat the virus, they did pass a measure that will place a potential mask mandate on the agenda at a special meeting that will be held next Monday at 6:00 p.m.

The Council had already placed a recurring item on the agenda to discuss the pandemic at each meeting since it began, but has avoided the ever-controversial mask mandate issue that has polarized the country. City leadership has instead relied on the community itself to voluntarily to action to reduce the spread.

“For the last few months we have relied on the idea that if we strongly suggest that people do the right thing, then the numbers will stay down,” said Mayor Jim Spoon. “That has been our game plan, and it has worked until recently, it seemed like. Now that just doesn’t seem to be working."

On Monday, there were 214 active cases in Sand Springs, 4,389 in Tulsa County, and 29,157 in the state. Councilman Brian Jackson attending the meeting virtually due to quarantine, and he made the motion to hold a special meeting in which the Council would consider a mask mandate. The motion passed 6-1 with Beau Wilson dissenting.

Prior to the vote, extensive conversation was held between Councilmembers and City officials, and several citizens also spoke both in favor of and against a mask mandate.

“Each month we have spoken about this, and we have been maintaining fairly well,” said Police Chief Mike Carter. “The goal of what we were doing is flattening the curve, so we were looking for a pretty stable number. In the last two weeks we have had a 256% increase here in Sand Springs in the number of cases.”

“Month after month we have not recommended any change to what we are doing,” said Carter. “With this rate of increase, I think we need to do something to break the trend.” According to Carter, Sand Springs ranks third in the Tulsa Metro area in per capita cases, behind Collinsville and Skiatook, while Tulsa has the lowest rate.

“My job is to provide you with the information,” said Carter. “I think it’s clear that there is something that Tulsa is doing that is positive, because they have half the rate that we do. I don’t think that’s by accident because it’s been happening day after day for a while now. Before they took that action (mandating masks in public businesses), they were mid-pack and sometimes towards the top early into this. So I do think (masks) have some sort of mitigating effect. To be clear, masks are not a cure for this. Masks will not make us go to zero, and we should never be under the illusion that they’re a magic answer to this. But I do think they have a mitigating effect that we should look at.”

Sand Springs United Methodist Church Pastor Stephen Cagle spoke at length in favor of a mask mandate. “To me and many others, the need for such a mandate is self-evident. However, I know that in the past the council has resisted such a mandate, and I know that there is a vocal minority that oppose such a mandate.”

Cagle rejected the notion that a mask mandate is a violation of rights. “Nowhere in our Constitution is the right to not wear a mask specifically protected. On the other hand, the Declaration of Independence, which forms the philosophical basis for our system of government, proclaims without caveat that the right to life is inalienable, granted to us by God Himself, and it is the moral responsibility of government to protect this right.”

“Do we not have the right to a reasonable expectation of safety in the public sphere?” asked Cagle. “Indeed, a failure to pass a mask mandate at this juncture would be a violation of our basic rights. Secondly, I would like to address the criticism that a mask mandate is unenforceable. Saying that a law should not be passed because someone might break that law is not an argument. By that reasoning there would be no laws at all.”

Five total Sandites spoke against a mask mandate, and two spoke in favor of a mandate.

In other news:

Council unanimously approved a resolution relating to a planned trail extension along Highway 97. The planned trail will be 5,400 feet long and 10 feet wide, along the east side of the highway between 41st Street and 51st Street. The project will cost an estimated $1,204,385.97 but the City is submitting a grant for 80% to the Transportation Alternatives Program. The City will commit to paying the other 20% with local designated sales tax.

Council unanimously approved a supplemental appropriation of $25,988 for the purpose of hiring a new full-time employee at Keystone Ancient Forest. Upon the completion of the KAF Visitors Center, the Parks Department will need an employee to run the center, open and close the park, perform janitorial duties, maintain the trails, manage the trail guide volunteer program, etc. The reserve is expected to open to the public Thursday through Sunday, weekly.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of four police pursuit units from Bob Howard Dodge at a cost of $92,063.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of an Elgin Whirlwind 1 Vacuum Street Sweeper from J&R Equipment at a cost of $299,314.

Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the Tulsa Regional Chamber OneVoice Legislative Agenda for 2021.

214 active cases of COVID-19 in Sand Springs, 29157 in Oklahoma

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As of Monday, the OSDH COVID-19 Alert System has all counties in the Moderate Risk Phase.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Sand Springs has doubled in only ten days, reaching a record-high 214 on Monday with 58 new cases in the past 48 hours, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. An eighth Sand Springs resident has died from the virus, the first death since October 29th and the third in the past month. City Council is expected to discuss the ongoing pandemic at their Monday evening meeting.

City Council meetings are open to the public, and Sand Springs residents can sign up to speak on the issues. The meeting will be convened at Case Community Center at 6:00 p.m. There is no agenda item to pass a mask mandate, though Council could consider the idea. To enact a mandate, the Council would have to reconvene at a later date.

The Sand Springs Public School District is reporting 57 active cases among students and personnel. There are 639 active quarantines. Last week the district announced it would be going to distance learning at the secondary level after contact tracing led to a combined 350 quarantines between Charles Page High School and Clyde Boyd Middle School. In-person schooling is expected to resume the Monday following Thanksgiving Break.

The Tulsa Health Department has the 74063 ZIP Code designated as a Severe Risk area on Monday.

Last week there were only two active cases and 76 quarantines at the primary level, but in Monday’s report there were 16 cases and 249 quarantines across the five elementary sites plus the Early Childhood Education Center. SSPS numbers are collected on Friday and reported the following Monday.

The OSDH reported 2,729 new cases statewide on Monday, bringing the seven-day rolling average to 2,629. There are 29,157 active cases statewide, marking nine-straight days of increases. Active hospitalizations are at 1,249 and there have been 1,538 deaths. There are 2,306 active cases in the city of Tulsa, and 4,389 in Tulsa County.

In a Monday afternoon press conference, Governor Kevin Stitt announced new restrictions to combat the pandemic’s spread. Effective Thursday, November 19th, all restaurants will be required to provide at least six feet of space between tables, or will be required to install partitions. All bars and restaurants will be required to close at 11:00 p.m. except for curbside and drive-through windows. All State employees will be required to wear masks at work and State buildings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 10,984,398 cumulative cases nationwide since the pandemic began with 245,470 deaths. Oklahoma ranks 23rd in per capita cases in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 54,301,156 cumulative cases worldwide with 1,316,994 deaths.
The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,845,127 and Brazil with 5,848,959.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (11/15 - 11/22/2020)

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

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

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

  • 7:30 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Stillwater (Playoffs).

    • Pioneer Stadium
      1224 North Husband Street
      Stillwater, OK 74075

Saturday

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

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

  • 6:00 p.m. Side FC 92 vs. FC Bagos II.

    • Roger S. Bush Soccer Complex
      2500 South River City Park Road
      Sand Springs, OK 74063

Sunday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Jake Peebles Clinic.

    • Sand Springs BMX Track
      2500 South River City Road
      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.

Oklahoma surpasses 24,000 active cases of COVID-19, Sand Springs has 164

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As the number of active COVID-19 cases in both Sand Springs and Oklahoma at large continue to set new records, Sand Springs community leaders joined together to release a video Friday morning pleading with Sandites to remain smart and cautious in this unprecedented time.

“Sand Springs we need your help to get through this latest COVID challenge. It will take all of us working together to combat this highly infectious disease,” said Mayor Jim Spoon. “We’re counting on you, Sand Springs, to take this matter seriously. If we all work together we can regain control of this pandemic spread. If we all work right now, we can keep Sand Springs healthy.”

“We love Sand Springs. We’re just asking to not to give in to the divisiveness and the anger that’s all around in our culture here today,” said HillSpring Associate Pastor Matt Barnett. “What we know is that we’re all in this together, and if we’re all in this together that means that we can make it through this together. As we go into our Holiday season, we’re just asking to use common sense in everything that we do so on the other side of this pandemic we can come out stronger and better.”

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 2,667 new cases on Friday, the second-highest single-day total since the pandemic began, bringing the seven-day rolling average to a record-high 2,230 and the active total to a record-high 24,091.

20 new cases were reported in Sand Springs on Friday, and there have been 114 new cases in the past week. The active case load is at a record-high 164, doubling in only ten days. There are 1,947 active cases in the city of Tulsa, and 3,551 in Tulsa County.

In the last situation update from the Sand Springs Public School District, there were 26 positive cases and 428 active quarantines. Those numbers were collected last Friday and reported on Monday. They are expected to go up on next Monday’s report.

The rising number of quarantines led SSPS to move to virtual schooling at the secondary level, beginning yesterday. Of the 26 cases, 19 were at Charles Page High School, and five were at Clyde Boyd Middle School. Grades 6-12 will move to virtual till the Monday following Thanksgiving Break, while Elementary schools will continue with in-person learning for now.

SSPS Superintendent Sherry Durkee and Chamber of Commerce President Kyle Smith also appeared in the City’s video. Watch their full comments below.

The Tulsa Health Department’s Daily New Active Case Rate map has moved the 74063 ZIP Code into the Severe Risk category with 0.34 cases per 1,000 residents.

There are a record-high 1,279 active hospitalizations statewide. There are currently only 64 adult ICU beds available across the state, and only 48 pediatric ICU beds. 12 new deaths were reported Friday, bringing the statewide death toll to 1,493.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 10,508,864 cumulative cases nationwide since the pandemic began. There have been 242,216 deaths. Oklahoma currently ranks 15th in per capita cases in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 52,487,476 cumulative cases worldwide with 1,290,653 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,727,795 and Brazil with 5,748,375.

Sand Springs Public Schools shifting to Distance Learning for grades 6-12

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The Sand Springs Public School District announced Wednesday that grades 6-12 will be shifting to the Distance Learning Model for two weeks, beginning Thursday, November 12th due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the district and the community at large.

“We have had an incredibly successful ten weeks of school this year,” reads a statement from Superintendent Sherry Durkee. “I am proud of our staff and students who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to give their very best effort in the teaching and learning process, and we have made some tremendous gains. With tenacious determination, we continue to deliver quality instruction to all students.”

“For those of you who are following our district’s data on positive COVID-19 cases and quarantines, you are keenly aware of the rising numbers in our district. Last week we saw a significant increase. This week those numbers have continued to increase to a level in which our staff and students’ health and safety must be protected to the greatest extent possible,” said Durkee.

In the weekly update published on Monday, based on data collected on Friday, 7.98% of the district population is in active quarantine. The 428 quarantines includes both students and faculty. Of those, 26 have confirmed positive cases, and the rest have been isolated due to contact tracing.

The vast majority of those quarantines are at the secondary level. There are five positive cases and 125 quarantines at Clyde Boyd Middle School and 19 positive cases and 225 quarantines at Charles Page High School. Thus far, elementary schools have remained relatively unscathed with only two positive cases and 76 quarantines across all six sites. Those numbers were collected on November 6th, and according to Durkee’s statements, they are likely higher at press time.

“The ability to adequately staff our classrooms has become a challenge as well,” reads Durkee’s statement. “As such, we are making the difficult decision to shift to our Distance Learning Model for our secondary students in grades 6 through 12 beginning Thursday, November 12, returning to in-person instruction on Monday, November 30, immediately following Thanksgiving Break. This decision was made through much deliberation with our Leadership Team. We feel this is the right decision, giving our students and staff the time to distance themselves from others while continuing the education process. Pre-K and Elementary sites will remain open and continue in-person instruction. Page Academy and our Virtual Academy will be open and continue regular operation.”

“Please be reminded that students in the Distance Learning Model are expected to complete their assignments while at home. Unlike last spring, assigned work that is not completed may affect student grades.”

“Transportation for the elementary students will continue as usual, and the district will provide transportation for secondary students who attend Tulsa Technology Programs. The school breakfast and lunch program will continue at both CPHS and CBMS.”

Free meals will be provided for students throughout distance learning. Students or parents can pick up their meals at either CPHS or CBMS between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Packages will include lunch for that day, as well as breakfast for the following day. Meals are free for all children 18 years or younger, even if they are not enrolled in SSPS. Non-students must fill out a meal order form on the SSPS website each day.

“While we understand this learning model is not optimal for all students, we are committed to giving our best effort to make sure we continue to meet students’ needs. Secondary teachers will be working from their classrooms during the DLM period and will provide instruction and support to students.”

The increase in COVID numbers isn’t unique to the district. Sand Springs reported a record-high single-day increase of 24 new cases city-wide on Wednesday, bringing the active total to a record-high 141. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 2,177 new cases statewide, bringing the active total to a record-high of 21,720, and state hospitalizations are at a record-high 1,248.

CPHS Freshman Academy and STEM Center receives Excellence in Construction Award

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KKT Architects and L.D. Kerns Contractors were recently awarded the Excellence in Construction Eagle Award by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma for their work on the new Freshman Academy and STEM Center at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs. The project was entered in the Institutional $10-25 million category.

The 58,000 square foot addition to the high school unified the district’s high school students for the first time in decades, replacing the old Central Ninth Grade Center in downtown. The project included 24 classrooms (including four STEM classrooms), a cafeteria/commons space, administrative offices, and a grand lobby and entrance.

KKT previously shared an Eagle Award with Flintco LLC for their $1.3 million renovation at the Ed Dubie Field House in 2011, and won an AIA Oklahoma Award of Excellence Merit Award for their work at Charles Page Library in 2003.

Oklahoma State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman charged with First Degree Manslaughter

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Outgoing Oklahoma State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was charged with First Degree Manslaughter Monday relating to a vehicular accident earlier this year. Ikley-Freeman represents Senate District 37, which includes Sand Springs, Jenks, and portions of Tulsa.

The accident for which she has been charged occurred Friday, May 22nd at 7:32 a.m. on the Turner Turnpike, when she was on her way to the State Capitol. Another vehicle, occupied by 44-year-old Enrique Lopez, had reportedly hydroplaned while traveling westbound and was stuck in the grass on the right-hand side of the road. Approximately eight minutes later, Ikley-Freeman also left the roadway and struck Lopez’s Camaro on the driver’s side. Ikley-Freeman was pinned inside her own wreckage for more than half an hour.

Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ikley-Freeman was transported to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center for treatment. She underwent surgery immediately following the crash after suffering a ruptured spleen, broken ribs, and fractures to her vertebrae and pelvis. Her recovery has gone well, and she has since appeared in an official capacity at Sand Springs events.

One witness called 911 to report Mr. Lopez’s initial accident, and stated that he was having difficulty keeping his vehicle on the road while traveling only 55 MPH due to the heavy rains and moderate wind gusts. Two other drivers called to report the second accident, and both were reportedly driving under the 75 MPH speed limit due to weather conditions.

Senator Ikley-Freeman was interviewed at the OU Medical Center by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Kimmons. She told Kimmons that her cruise control was set to 75 MPH, but crash data obtained from the Event Data Recorder in her vehicle indicated she was actually driving 91 MPH just five seconds prior to the collision.

Court documents state that “Allison Ikley-Freeman was operating her vehicle in complete disregard to the motoring public and was in the process of committing several misdemeanor crimes, those being: 1. Speeding, 2. Reckless driving, 3. Operating a vehicle at a speed greater than reasonable and proper for the weather conditions and 4. Fail to stay in a single lane of travel, when the collision resulting in the death of Enrique Loepz occurred.”

Ikley-Freeman’s traffic record has been spotless for the past decade, though she was cited for driving 26-30 MPH over the limit in 2009.

Bond was set for $30,000 and Ikley-Freeman’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 7th. If convicted, she faces no less than four years imprisonment.

Ikley-Freeman, 29, lost her re-election campaign last Tuesday to Republican candidate Cody Rogers. She was previously elected as a Democrat in a 2017 special election to fill an unexpired term. Rogers won last week’s two-way election with 67.1% of the vote and will be sworn into office on Tuesday.

11th Annual 2 Angels Toy Run scheduled for Saturday

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The 11th Annual 2 Angels Toy Run is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th. The event will begin at Berryhill Baptist Church at 6305 West 40th Street, and will end at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs.

The event began in 2010 after the tragic deaths of Hannah Christian and Cassidy Rotramel, who were only in 10th grade. The two CPHS students were killed after the vehicle in which they were passengers rolled a stop sign and was t-boned. The driver and another passenger, both minors, survived. None of the four were wearing seatbelts.

Both victims were popular and beloved by their classmates, and hundreds of students had to visit with grief counselors following the incident. A memorial service was held at the football stadium, and local singer Jake Tankersley performed an original song in their honor. That song, “See You Soon,” went on to see airtime on local radio, and recording sales raised $7,500 for the girls’ funerals. Tankersley returned to perform the song at last year’s 10th Annual Toy Run.

Church That Matters hosts the event each year, and hundreds of cars and motorcycles turn out to celebrate the girls.

Registration will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Berryhill, and the toy run will begin at 12:30 p.m. A free hot lunch will be provided at registration. The event is open to anyone in any vehicle. There is no entry fee, but participants are asked to bring new unwrapped toys. The toys will be donated to the Sand Springs Salvation Army for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

T-shirts will also be sold at the event, and proceeds will go to the Hannah Christian and Cassidy Rotramel Memorial Scholarship Fund. The 2019 Toy Run raised $8,000 for scholarships for two CPHS students. Shirts are $20, or $22 for plus sizes.

Sand Springs Christmas Parade canceled

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For the second time in three years, the annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade has been canceled in Sand Springs.

The parade theme was supposed to be The Joy of Giving, and the 38th annual Chamber of Commerce event was scheduled for Friday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m.

The Festival of Lights ran annually from 1983 to 2012 and didn’t face its first cancelation till 2013. Inclement weather struck again in 2018, and this time around the COVID-19 pandemic is the culprit. Active caseload in the state reached a record-high of 20,632 on Tuesday, and Sand Springs is reporting a record-high of 125.

What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (11/8 - 11/15/2020)

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Monday

Tuesday

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

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

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

Wednesday

  • Veterans Day.

Thursday

  • 6:00 p.m. BINGO.

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

Friday

  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. TBA (Playoffs).

    • 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

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fourth Annual Disc Battle for the Kids.

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

  • 7:00 p.m. The Side FC vs. Mansfield Revolution SC.

    • Roger S. Bush Soccer Complex
      2500 South River City Park Road
      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.

Oklahoma reaches 17,000 active cases, Sand Springs has 103

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The Oklahoma State Department Health reported 1,878 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, the second-highest single-day tally since the pandemic began. Thursday set the single-day record at 2,101, and the seven-day rolling average is at a record-high 1,465. Active case totals are at a record-high 17,095.

Current hospitalizations are over 1,000 for the third-straight day, but declined slightly to 1,025 from Thursday’s record-high 1,055. The state’s adult intensive care units are at 93% full, and pediatric ICU is at 72%.

The state reported 16 new deaths on Friday, bringing the pandemic death toll to 1,429. 103 Oklahomans have died in the past week, and the seven day rolling average is at 14.7. Newly reported deaths include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Four in Oklahoma County, two females and two males in the 65 or older age group.

  • Four in Tulsa County, one female in the 50 - 64 age group and one female and two males in the 65 or older age group.

The city of Sand Springs reached a record-high active case total of 103. The previous record was 100 on October 9th, but it had declined as low as 60 on October 29th. There are 1,518 active cases in the city of Tulsa, and 2,721 in Tulsa County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 9,581,770 cumulative cases nationwide since the pandemic began. There have been 234,264 deaths. 117,988 new cases and 1,135 new deaths were reported in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 22nd in per capita cases in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 48,534,508 cumulative cases worldwide with 1,231,017 deaths. There have been 581,679 new cases in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,411,724 and Brazil with 5,590,025.

Oklahoma Health Department reports record-high 1026 COVID-19 hospitalizations

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported record-high COVID-19 related hospitalizations Wednesday, along with 1246 new cases and 17 new deaths.

There are currently 1026 Oklahomans hospitalized from the virus, up from yesterday’s record-high of 974. The adult intensive care unit is at 92% capacity, and the pediatric ICU is at 79%. There are still 740 ventilators available.

The 1246 new cases reported on Wednesday marks seven straight days with at least 1000 new cases, and the seven-day rolling average is at 1231, down from a record-high of 1348 set on October 25th. The active case total is at 15,927, slightly down from Monday’s record of 15,948.

The 17 new deaths bring the seven-day rolling average to a record-high 15.1. One of those cases was a Tulsa County man in the 50-64 age group. 106 new deaths have been reported in the past week.

Sand Springs is at 83 active cases, down from the record-high of 100 on October 9th. There are 1402 active cases in Tulsa and 2453 in Tulsa County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 9,268,818 cumulative cases nationwide since the pandemic began. There have been 230,893 deaths. Oklahoma currently ranks 23rd in per capita cases in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 47,362,303 cumulative cases since the pandemic began with 1,211,986 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by India with 8,313,876, Brazil with 5,554,206, and Russia with 1,693,454.