Oklahoma reports record-high 1147 new cases of COVID-19 with 7 deaths

/

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record single-day increase of 1,147 COVID-19 cases Friday, bringing the active total to 5,355. There are currently 628 Oklahomans hospitalized from the virus.

Seven additional deaths have been linked to COVID-19, bringing the statewide death toll to 484.

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

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

  • Three in Oklahoma County, one female and one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one female in the 65 or older age group. 

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

The city of Sand Springs reported seven new cases Friday, but active cases dropped from 29 to 27 with nine new recoveries. Tulsa County is currently reporting 1,082 active cases and the city of Tulsa has 740 active cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,024,492 cases nationwide with 143,868 deaths. There have been 72,219 new cases and 1,113 new deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (37th per capita), but is 17th in new cases per capita over the past week. The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 15,296,926 cases worldwide with 628,903 deaths. There have been a record-high 284,196 new cases reported in the past day. There have been 9,753 new deaths reported Friday, the highest single-day total since April 17th. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,227,514 and India with 1,287,945.

Oklahoma reports 628 new COVID-19 cases and 638 hospitalizations Thursday

/

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 628 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday. For the first time in eleven days, the number of active cases went down instead of up, dipping to 4,908 after peaking at 5,015 the day before. Current hospitalizations continued to rise, however, reaching a record-high 638.

There have been six additional deaths linked to the virus: a McCurtain County female in the 65+ age demographic, an Oklahoma County female in the 65+ demographic, an Osage County male in the 65+ group, a Rogers County male in the 65+ group, a Tulsa County female in the 50-64 group; and a Tulsa County male in the 65+ group. There have been 438 total deaths in Oklahoma.

In Sand Springs there have been five new cases reported in the past 24 hours, with three more recoveries. There are 17 active cases in the town. Tulsa County currently has 1,080 active cases and remains in the “Moderate Risk” category.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,483,832 cases and 136,938 deaths nationwide. There have been a record-high 67,404 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, along with 947 new deaths. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (38th per capita) and 34th in total deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 13,378,853 cases and 580,045 deaths worldwide with 226,181 cases and 5,579 deaths in the last 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,926,824 and India with 968,876.

Oklahoma reports first pediatric death from COVID-19, record-high 499 Oklahomans hospitalized

/

Oklahoma County alert graphic.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 510 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 20,745 since the pandemic began. There have been 15,815 recoveries and 424 deaths, leaving a new record-high of 4,506 active cases.

499 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized - the most since the pandemic began. Oklahoma hospital beds are currently at 20.3% capacity overall, and Adult ICU is at 82% capacity.

Sand Springs reported one new case on Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 98. Two more Sandites recovered from the virus, leaving 16 active cases. Tulsa County currently has 1,143 active cases.

The OSDH reported the state’s first pediatric death from COVID-19 Sunday evening. “I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of the state’s first child impacted by COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Oklahoma,” said Interim Health Commissioner Lance Frye, MD. “Our prayers are with the family and community as they mourn the loss of a young, innocent life. It is critical for Oklahomans to partner with us in following the latest public health guidance to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable populations. Wash your hands often, limit social engagements, and consider wearing a mask where physical distancing is challenging.”

Commissioner Frye and the OSDH would like to remind Oklahomans that preventive measures - including frequently washing hands, limiting social engagements and wearing a mask where physical distancing is challenging – are essential actions to take as the threat of the virus remains within our communities.

OSDH provides free COVID-19 testing at 80 locations throughout Oklahoma and encourages everyone to get tested. An interactive map of testing sites can be found by clicking here.

“This heartbreaking tragedy underscores how important it is for us all to wear masks when in public,  follow social distancing guidelines and practice good hygiene,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. 

“Students need to learn. We want schools to reopen this fall, but for that to happen, it is critical that Oklahomans take decisive actions now to mitigate spread of the virus. Wearing a mask around other people is a small sacrifice for the sake of literally saving lives. We owe it to our children, teachers and staff for them to be able to go to school knowing that strong safeguards are in place for their safety and well-being.” 

Hofmeister acknowledged that some parents might find distance learning to be a preferable course of action. She commended many school districts that are providing such options for their families. 

“School is vital, especially after the significant learning loss from last spring’s building closures,” she said. “At the same time, we must take every precaution to protect our children and those who serve in schools across this state.”

Sunday’s death is the first in Oklahoma in the 5-17 age demographic. There have been 6 deaths in the 18-35 demographic, 10 in the 36-49 age range, 67 in the 50-64 range, and 340 in the 65+ group.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,296,599 cases nationwide with 134,884 deaths. There have been 60,469 new cases and 312 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 33rd in total cases (39th per capita) and 34th in deaths (38th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 12,768,307 cumulative cases and 566,654 deaths worldwide. There have been 215,539 new cases and 5,037 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. The United State continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,839,850 and India with 878,254.

Oklahoma reports new records in COVID-19 hospitalization and single-day case increase

/

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a new record increase in COVID-19 cases Tuesday. The 858 new cases are a significant increase over the previous single-day record of 585 reported June 30th. The state has totaled 17,220 cases since the pandemic began, with 13,005 recoveries, leaving a new high of 3,811 active cases.

426 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, the highest number since the pandemic began. The previous high was 374 on July 1st. 1,741 total Oklahomans have been hospitalized since February. Statewide adult ICU bed availability is currently at 23%. Five new deaths were reported Tuesday, bringing the statewide death toll to 404.

The city of Sand Springs reported three new cases Tuesday, bringing the total to 86. There have been two deaths and 66 recoveries, leaving 18 active cases. In Tulsa County there have been 4,365 total cases with 71 deaths and 3,294 recoveries, leaving 1,000 active cases.

There have been 371,798 negative COVID tests in Oklahoma. The OSDH has launched a drive-through testing location portal at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 2,932,596 cases nationwide with 130,133 deaths. There have been 46,329 cases and 322 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 34th in total cases (39th per capita) and 34th in total deaths (36th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 11,500,302 cases worldwide with 535,759 deaths. There have been 172,512 new cases reported in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,603,055 and India with 719,665.

State Question 802 passes, Jadine Nollan and Josh Turley win primaries

/
vote.jpg

Nearly 700,000 Oklahoma voters turned out Tuesday to vote in the statewide primaries, and to vote on a State Question for Medicaid expansion. State Question No. 802 narrowly passed with 339,747 votes (50.48%) in favor and 333,311 (49.52%) against.

Republican incumbent Todd Hiett handily won his party’s nomination for Corporation Commissioner with 74.58% of the vote, defeating Harold D. Spradling. Hiett, 52, is a Kellyville native and career politician, serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1995 till 2007. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 2006, but won the Corporation Commissioner race in 2014. In November he will face Libertarian candidate Todd Hagopian of Bixby.

Republican incumbent Jim Inhofe won a landslide victory for the United States Senator nomination with 74.05% of the vote in a four-man field. Inhofe, 85, has held the office since 1994, and previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as Mayor of Tulsa. Abby Broyles, 31, won a four-way race for the Democratic Party nomination for United State Senator. Broyles is an attorney and former broadcast journalist. Broyles and Inhofe will take on Libertarian Robert Murphy and Independents Joan Farr and A.D. Nesbit in November.

Kojo Asamoa-Caesar, 34, won the Democratic nomination for Congressional District No. 1, defeating Mark A. Keeter with 63.63% of the vote. Asamoa-Caesar is a former kindergarten teacher, elementary school principal, and interim director of 36 Degrees North. He will take on Republican incumbent Kevin Hern, 58, and Independent candidate Evelyn L. Rogers, 67, in November.

Republican incumbent Markwayne Mullin, 42, easily held off two primary challengers in the race for Congressional District No. 2. He earned 79.91% of the vote to defeat Joseph Silk (12.7%) and Rhonda Hopkins (7.39%). The Muskogee resident was a rancher and businessman before running for office in 2012.

During his first campaign Mullin promised to only serve for three terms, but announced in 2017 that he would run for a fourth term after all, and is now pursuing his fifth. He will take on Democrat Danyell Lanier and Libertarian Richie Castaldo in November.

Republican incumbent Tom Cole, 71, of Norman, won a landslide race for Congressional District No. 4. He earned 76.34% of the vote to defeat James Taylor (15.18%), Trevor Sipes (5.97%), and Gilbert O. Sanders (2.51%). The former college professor has been a career politician since 1988 and assumed his current office in 2002.

Mary Brannon, 68, won a three-way race for the Democratic nomination for Congressional District No. 4. She received 63.85% of the vote to defeat David R. Slemmons (19.42%) and John D. Argo (16.73%). The retired teacher and school counselor previously won the Democratic nomination in 2018 and received 33.0% of the vote against Tom Cole. Brannon and Cole will take on Libertarian Bob White in November.

Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District saw a field of nine Republicans seeking nomination. Terry Neese, 72, and Stephanie Bice, 46, both of Oklahoma City, will advance to a runoff in August. Neese, an entrepreneur, received 36.49% of the vote and Bice, a State Sentor, received 25.41%. Democratic incumbent Kendra Horn, 44, defeated party challenger Tom Guild in a landslide with 85.69% of the vote.

Cody Rogers won the Republican nomination for State Senate District No. 37 with 50.88% of the vote against Chris Emerson. Rogers, 32, owns a Tulsa paving company. He will take on incumbent Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman in November.

Republican incumbent Jadine Nollan handily won the nomination for House District 66 against challenger Emily DeLozier. Nollan, 61, received 69.12% of the vote and will take on Tulsa Democrat Greg Laird in November.

Tulsa County Court Clerk incumbent Don Newberry won a landslide race in the Republican primary with 75.2% of the vote against Ron Phillips. Newberry, 53, will earn a second term without an additional election as no non-Republican candidates filed.

Dr. Josh Turley won the Republican nomination for Tulsa County Commissioner District No. 2 against Eddy Barclay with 58.04% of the vote. Turley, 47, works for the Tulsa County Sheriffs Office and will take on Democratic incumbent Karen Keith in November.

Other Results:

  • State Senate District No. 1 - Republican: Michael Bergstrom 4980 (64.68%), James Fuser 2720 (35.32%).

  • State Senate District No. 3 - Republican: Blake Cowboy Stephens 4410 (60.43%), Wayne Shaw 2888 (39.57%).

  • State Senate District No. 5 - Republican: George H. Burns 2343 (38.28%), Justin Jackson 2071 (33.84%), Jimmy Westbrook 1706 (27.88%).

  • State Senate District No. 5 - Democrat: Randy Coleman 3893 (76.6%), Bevon Rogers 1189 (23.4%).

  • State Senate District No. 7 - Republican: Larry Boggs 3348 (46.42%), Warren Hamilton 3045 (42.22%), Kevin Woody 819 (11.36%).

  • State Senate District No. 7 - Democrat: Jerry L. Donathan 5125 (64.73%), Cathy Zukosky Thornton 2792 (35.27%).

  • State Senate District No. 13 - Republican: Greg McCortney 5146 (74.5%), Carisa Roberson 1761 (25.5%).

  • State Senate District No. 15 - Democrat: Alex Scott 5070 (61.71%), Matt Hecox 3218 (38.83%).

  • State Senate District No. 17 - Republican: Shane David Jett 4577 (44.18%), Ron Sharp 3453 (33.33%), Brandon Baumgarten 2331 (22.5%).

  • State Senate District No. 19 - Republican: Roland Pederson 6680 (54.44%), David M. Mason 5591 (45.56%).

  • State Senate District No. 28 - Republican: Zack Taylor 5679 (59.32%), Mike Haines 3197 (33.39%), Christian Ford 698 (7.29%).

  • State Senate District No. 35 - Republican: Kyden Creekpaum 3348 (43.8%), Cheryl Baber 2600 (34.02%), Linda Morrissey 1695 (22.18%).

  • State Senate District No. 35 - Democrat: Jo Anna Dossett 4981 (57.2%), Carly Hotvedt 2688 (30.87%), Stan Allen Young 1039 (11.93%).

  • State Senate District No. 43 - Republican: Paul Scott 5683 (49.9%), Jessica Garvin (39.25%), Kaity Keith 1235 (10.84%).

  • State Representative District No. 1 - Republican: Eddy Dempsey 1784 (60.31%), Eric Ensley 1174 (39.69%).

  • State Representative District No. 3 - Republican: Rick West 1852 (53.96%), Lundy Kiger 1580 (46.04%).

  • State Representative District No. 11 - Republican: Wendi Stearman 3096 (55.49%), Derrel Fincher 2483 (44.51%).

  • State Representative District No. 12 - Republican: Kevin McDugle 2514 (52.94%), Justin Dine 2235 (47.06%).

  • State Representative District No. 14 - Republican: Chris Sneed 1952 (60.32%), George Faught 1284 (39.68%).

  • State Representative District No. 15 - Republican: Randy Randleman 2587 (73.27%), Angie Brinlee 944 (26.73%).

  • State Representative District No. 17 - Republican: Jim Grego 2100 (61.87%), Shannon Rowell 1294 (38.13%).

  • State Representative District No. 18 - Republican: David Smith 1733 (61.56%), Brenda Angel 659 (23.41%), Brecken Wagner 423 (15.03%).

  • State Representative District No. 20 - Republican: Sherrie Conley 2748 (56.95%), Steve Herburger 2077 (43.05%).

  • State Representative District No. 24 - Republican: Logan J. Phillips 1401 (52.89%), John Andy Baca 533 (20.12%), Sam Stampler 418 (15.78%), Elijah Harelson 297 (11.21%).

  • State Representative District No. 25 - Republican: Ronny Johns 2035 (68.24%), Gary Rhynes 947 (31.76%).

  • State Representative District No. 28 - Republican: Danny Williams 1845 (54.6%), Jerri Parker 1534 (45.4%).

  • State Representative District No. 30 - Republican: Mark Lawson 3243 (76.13%), Jake Rowland 686 (16.1%), Kate Stromlund 331 (7.77%).

  • State Representative District No. 31 - Republican: Garry Mize 4090 (66.78%), Karmin Grider 2035 (33.22%).

  • State Representative District No. 33 - Republican: John Talley 2455 (53.92%), Brice Nathaniel Chaffin 2098 (46.08%).

  • State Representative District No. 40 - Republican: Chad Caldwell 2412 (56.62%), Taylor Venus 1848 (43.38%).

  • State Representative District No. 42 - Republican: Cynthia Cindy Roe 2921 (61.46%), Nicole Stevens 1818 (38.36%).

  • State Representative District No. 52 - Republican: Gerrid Kendrix 2319 (64.13%), Scot Simco 1297 (35.87%).

  • State Representative District No. 56 - Republican: Dick Lowe 1803 (53.49%), Randy Talley 1568 (46.51%).

  • State Representative District No. 59 - Republican: Mike Dobrinski 4376 (71.73%), Adam N. Masters 1725 (28.27%).

  • State Representative District No. 61 - Republican: Kenton Patzkowsky 2943 (55.77%), Kenny Bob Tapp 2334 (44.23%).

  • State Representative District No. 62 - Republican: Daniel Pae 1243 (74.61%), Robert Johns 423 (25.39%).

  • State Representative District No. 69 - Republican: Sheila Dills 3594 (61.8%), Angela Strohm 2222 (38.2%).

  • State Representative District No. 70 - Republican: Carol M. Bush 3329 (68.08%), Taylor Woodrum 1561 (31.92%).

  • State Representative District No. 71 - Republican: Mike Masters 1301 (48.87%), Beverly A. Atteberry 1184 (44.48%), David Matthew Hullum 177 (6.65%).

  • State Representative District No. 72 - Democrat: Monroe Nichols 1653 (68.96%), Maria Veliz Barnes 744 (31.04%).

  • State Representative District No. 74 - Republican: Mark Vancuren 4009 (85.39%), Brad Peixotto 686 (14.61%).

  • State Representative District No. 79 - Republican: Clay Iiams 1491 (46.45%), Margie Alfonso 924 (28.79%), Maria Mercedes Seidler 795 (24.77%).

  • State Representative District No. 83 - Republican: Eric Roberts 3580 (80.32%), Robert McMaster 877 (19.68%).

  • State Representative District No. 88 - Democrat: Mauree Turner 3036 (52.15%), Jason Dunnington 2786 (47.85%).

  • State Representative District No. 89 - Democrat: Jose Cruz 699 (74.36%), Chris Bryant 123 (13.09%), Cristian Zapata 118 (12.55).

  • State Representative District No. 91 - Republican: Chris Kannady 3802 (79.61%), Bruce Fleming 974 (20.39%).

  • State Representative District No. 94 - Republican: Lauren Rodebush 1201 (58.27%), Franklin Paul Cromack 860 (41.73%).

  • State Representative District No. 95 - Republican: Max Wolfley 1370 (56.96%), Daren Ward 1035 (43.04%).

  • State Representative District No. 96 - Republican: Preston Stinson 2343 (35.44%), Margaret Best 2057 (31.11%), Ken Warner 1843 (27.88%), Chris DeCloud 368 (5.57%).

  • State Representative District No. 99 - Democrat: Ajay Pittman 2833 (51.95%), Susan Porter 2620 (48.05%).

  • State Representative District No. 100 - Republican: Marlyn Stark 2363 (59.1%), Cobi J. Ceron 1635 (40.9%).

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

/

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

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

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

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

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

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

/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tulsa County announces upcoming major construction to Wekiwa Road in Sand Springs

/

Tulsa County Engineering is announcing that construction improvements on Wekiwa Rd., just west of Sand Springs, will begin near the end of June 2020. Work will be done between 161st W. Ave. and 129th W. Ave. and will include widening Wekiwa Rd. to accommodate bike lanes and provide a safer roadway for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists accessing the nearby USACE Keystone Dam and Keystone Lake. Wekiwa Rd. will be used as a portion of the bicycle leg of the Ironman competition in May of next year.

This Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) project is funded by state and federal monies combined with Vision Tulsa bond funds and will widen the roadway from 18 feet to 24 feet, including 11-foot lanes with 1-foot paved shoulders and recoverable foreslopes. New signs and striping will be provided, including "share the road" type signage for bicycle traffic. Guardrails will be added to two existing box culverts and milling and overlaying of the existing pavement will be completed. Through traffic will be maintained for the duration of the project.

The contract for this work was awarded to Ellsworth Construction in March 2020 and is scheduled to be completed within 120 calendar days from the start date.

Keystone Dam to 177th W. Ave.

Design is currently underway for the section of Wekiwa Rd. farther west, from Keystone Dam to 177th W. Ave. This Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) project will be done by County employees with an anticipated completion time slated for the early spring of 2021. The project will include widening the road 3-feet on each side, lengthening several culverts, widening structures to accommodate the wider roadway, and overlaying the entire width.

The portion of Wekiwa Rd. between the TAP-funded and FLAP-funded sections will be concurrently repaired by County employees to complete the roughly 6-mile corridor

Sand Springs hits zero active cases of COVID-19 after 34 recoveries

/

The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 5,398 overall with 288 deaths and 4,008 recoveries, leaving 1,102 active cases statewide. The city of Sand Springs now has zero active confirmed cases. There have been 36 total cases with 34 recoveries and two deaths. Case totals only count confirmed diagnoses, and do not account for individuals who are asymptomatic.

In the city of Tulsa, there are 548 total cases with 23 deaths and 445 recoveries, leaving 80 active cases. In Tulsa County there are 787 cases, 37 deaths, and 650 recoveries, leaving 100 active cases.

885 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic, and 180 individuals are currently hospitalized. No deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.

On Sunday, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reported 78 new positive COVID cases, for a total of 5,310 positives, and today the agency is reporting 88 new positive COVID-19 cases for a total of 5,398 positives.

Of today’s new positive cases, 64% were in Texas County, where the agency is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), businesses and the community on a robust testing and tracing strategy to contain and minimize further spread of COVID-19 throughout this region.

The OSDH, CDC, Texas County Health Department (TCHD) and Seaboard Foods have teamed up to increase understanding of COVID-19 spread in the community. The team is working to determine the impact of the novel coronavirus on the population and find solutions to reduce the level of COVID-19 throughout Guymon, the county and surrounding areas.

Since March, OSDH and TCHD proactively collaborated with Seaboard Foods, the largest employer in the area, to develop and implement quarantine and isolation guidelines and contact tracing for all individuals with positive results in Texas County. OSDH also deployed at the company’s request broader testing at Seaboard Foods’ plant operations while providing guidance to Seaboard Foods in implementing the CDC’s guidelines for sanitation and preparation for safely returning to operations.

For several weeks, TCHD has offered COVID-19 drive-thru testing centers at strategic locations in Texas County. Additional testing supplies were provided to local hospitals and medical providers to support testing in the general public, with or without symptoms of COVID-19.

“Our goal is to provide expanded COVID-19 testing while supporting contact tracing efforts to contain and mitigate the spread in Guymon and surrounding communities,” said Oklahoma State Health Department Regional Director Terri Salisbury. “We appreciate the partnership of Seaboard Foods and its strong focus on the health of plant employees and their families.”

On Sunday, May 10, OSDH sent a team of nurses at the request of the company to support testing efforts for Seaboard plant employees to know their COVID-19 status and help bring peace of mind. Seaboard Foods partnered with Oklahoma State University to produce face shields for employees as an additional form of personal protective equipment.

“We appreciate the collaboration to work with the community to find solutions that will help minimize and reduce the level of the virus,” said Seaboard Foods Senior Director of Communications David Eaheart

Through a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma and The Caring Foundation, OSDH is deploying Caring Vans providing free COVID-19 testing to underserved communities in Oklahoma City, increasing testing accessibility. COVID-19 testing is open to everyone 16 and older; people do not need to exhibit symptoms to be tested. 

This week, a Caring Van will be at the Latino Community Development Agency (lcdaok.com) Monday through Thursday, May 18-21, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Agency is located at 420 SW 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Testing at the Caring Van will be open to everyone 16 and older, and people do not need to be exhibiting symptoms to be tested.

COVID-19 testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-county, city and state health system partnership. Visit this page for updated dates and locations. There have been 117,807 negative tests statewide.

The CDC is reporting 1,480,349 cases nationwide with 89,407 deaths, an increase of 13,284 cases and 698 deaths in the past 24 hours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting 4,628,903 cases worldwide with 312,009 deaths. There have been 100,078 new cases in the past 24 hours.

The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Russia with 290,678, The United Kingdom with 243,699, Brazil with 233,142, and Spain with 231,350.

Number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma up to 719 with 30 deaths

/

The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has increased to 719 as of Tuesday. The coronavirus has caused an additional seven deaths, bringing the total to 30. Greer County has reported its first case and will now be required to come into compliance with Governor Stitt’s “Safer at Home” executive order. There have been 219 hospitalizations in the state.

Counties in red have active cases, counties in yellow have had fatalities.

Oklahoma County leads the state in diagnoses with 192 and ten deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 115 cases and three deaths. Cleveland County is third with 87 cases and six deaths. Canadian, Comanche, Creek, Kay, and Washington counties all have 20+ cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 186,101 cases nationwide with 3,603 deaths. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in the nation in cases.

The World Health Organization is reporting 827,419 cases worldwide and 40,777 confirmed deaths. The United States lead the world in confirmed cases, followed by Italy with 105,792, Spain with 94,417, and China with 82,638. Italy leads the world in fatalities with 12,430.

Oklahoma selects Trump, Biden in primaries, Tulsa County approves Sunday liquor sales

/

Incumbent Republican President Donald Trump overwhelmingly won Oklahoma’s Republican Party primary election on Super Tuesday, receiving 92.6% of the vote in a field of six candidates. Joe Walsh, who had already dropped out of the race prior to Tuesday, came in second with 3.7%, followed by Matthew Matern with 1.3%.

Former Vice President Joe Biden won the Oklahoma Democratic Party’s delegates with 38.7% of the vote in a fourteen candidate field. Senator Bernie Sanders received 25.4% of the vote, followed by Senator Elizabeth Warren with 13.4%. Sanders previously won the Oklahoma election in 2016.

295,409 votes were cast in the Republican primary. 303,977 votes were cast in the Democratic primary, which was also open to Independents. No Libertarian candidates filed in Oklahoma. More than 32,000 Oklahomans voted for candidates who had already dropped out of the race.

A Tulsa County proposition to allow Sunday liquor sales was overwhelmingly approved, with 73.3% of voters in support. 106,590 voters responded to the question. Liquor stores in Tulsa County will be allowed to operate as soon as this coming Sunday.

Keri Fothergill appointed as Tulsa County District 2 Chief Deputy under Karen Keith

/

Earlier this month, Keri Fothergill was appointed District 2 Commissioner Karen Keith’s Chief Deputy. Fothergill replaces John Fothergill who moved to the Tulsa County Treasurer’s Office to serve as First Deputy.

Keri Fothergill comes to Tulsa County from the City of Tulsa where she most recently served in the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development as Development and Constituent Services Liaison. In this capacity, Fothergill coordinated and facilitated business and land development procedures, projects, and programs for the City.

Throughout her career, Fothergill has served in numerous related functions including:

  • Community Involvement Coordinator for City of Tulsa Refuse and Recycling Department

  • Constituent Services/Real Estate for Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett, Jr.

  • Commercial Project Manager/Government Liaison for Williams & Williams Auction

  • Council Legislative Aide for Tulsa City Council

  • Mayoral Aide for Mayor Bill LaFortune and Mayor Susan Savage

  • Event Coordinator for Tulsa Metro Chamber

The Sand Springs resident has also served as Commissioner for the Sand Springs Planning and Development Commissions. She was also a Tulsa Global Alliance Board Member.

“I’ve worked as a public servant since 2001, but this is the first opportunity for me to have my day job impact my own community,” said Fothergill. “Working for the City of Tulsa was wonderful; I look forward to working in District 2 with the people I call friends and neighbors. I will be their champion and help them make an impact not only in District 2 but through all of Tulsa County.”

Echoing Fothergill’s sentiments, Commissioner Keith said “The common thread through all Keri’s extensive experience, which I saw firsthand when I worked with her at the City, is her focus on serving as a liaison between the government and its constituents. This simply made her the best choice for my new Chief Deputy. The ease with which she can develop, coordinate, and implement initiatives that positively affect the community and the local government is just one of the many reasons I approached her about this position. I am so pleased she is on board and am looking forward to all she will accomplish.”

Jack Blair, Chief of Staff for Mayor G.T. Bynum, said of Keri’s movement to the County, “Keri is the most diligent and hard-working person I’ve worked with on a regular basis since I started working with the City. We were very sorry to lose her, but we know she’ll do an outstanding job for the County. The work she’ll be doing is the kind of work she was doing so effectively here—she solves problems for constituents, and she does that better than anyone else I know.”

Those in the development community have also noted how valuable Fothergill will be in her new role at the County.

“Keri is a highly accomplished and credible individual,” said Stacey Bayles, Director of Association Issues for the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Tulsa. “She will certainly be able to build upon what John did and what can be done in the future. She earned her nickname with us as ‘the fixer’ because of her ability to facilitate relationships. It’s what allows the ‘fixing’ to occur. She’s just tremendous at relationship building. We hated to lose her as a partner with the City, but this is an important step for the relevance of the County, and we see it as nothing but a positive move.”

Jeff Smith, Executive Vice President/CEO for of the HBA of Greater Tulsa, expanded on Bayles comments, saying “Honest and accessible, Keri Fothergill recognizes that the issues, problems, and misunderstandings that affect business are not only important for the businesses themselves, but for the public sector agencies that depend on private sector resources. For almost two decades, Keri has provided constituents with the highest level of customer service that is responsive and results driven. In particular, the HBA holds Keri Fothergill in the highest esteem for her industry knowledge and effective communication. Without a doubt, she is the right person to address the needs and concerns of Tulsa County constituents now and in the future.”

ODOT to begin resurfacing US64 in Sand Springs on Monday

/ Sandite Pride News/

A $2 million project to resurface approximately five miles of US-412/US-64/SH-51 between 161st W. Ave. (over Shell Creek) and 81st W. Ave. in Sand Springs is scheduled to begin Monday, March 6. 

Crews will be patching sections of the roadway before the resurfacing operations start. Drivers should be alert to crews and equipment moving into the area on Monday and can expect delays throughout the project, especially during peak travel times.

Lane closures will be announced in the Traffic Advisories section of www.odot.org as they are scheduled. Drivers can sign up to receive the daily traffic advisories by clicking the “Sign Up For News & Alerts” link on the main page of this website.

The overall project is expected to complete in early summer 2017, weather permitting.

Additionally, a contract was awarded for bridge rehabilitation work in Tulsa County, Sen. Dan Newberry and Rep. Glen Mulready recently announced.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the project will involve bridge rehabilitation work on several roads and bridges on I-44 Gilcrease Expressway ramp over the I-244 western junction in Tulsa.

Newberry, R-Tulsa, said the State Transportation Commission awarded the nearly $6 million contract to Becco Contractors, Inc. The Tulsa company was the lowest of three bidders for the job, said Mulready, R-Tulsa.

Once construction begins, the project is estimated to be completed within eight months.

Tulsa County Library Summer Reading Program encourages reading at all ages

/

By: Virgil Noah, Marketing Director

The Tulsa City-County Library Summer Reading Program is officially underway, and this year they're offering programs for the entire family to participate in. In addition, having a library card is not required to participate in this year's programs.

The Children's Summer Reading Program is available for newborns up to children who have completed fourth grade. To sign up, simply go to any of the 24 TCCL locations and visit the Summer Reading Program table.

When signing up, children will receive a reading log, their first library visit sticker, event guide for the summer, and a free bookmark and bag. If they read, listen to, or have parents read eight books to them as well as visiting the library four times, kids will receive a medal and book of coupons for free food and entertainment. The book of coupons includes coupons for admission to the Oklahoma Aquarium, Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa Drillers game, and more! If they read twenty books and visit four times they will earn a bonus prize, an inflatable baseball bat!

After completing the program children can enter into grand prize drawings to win a bicycle, Tulsa Roughnecks FC tickets, and more. Entering the grand prize drawing at Charles Page Public Library or Pratt Public Library, conveniently located on opposite sides of Sand Springs, will result in a better chance of winning a grand prize. Each year the Sand Springs Women's Chamber donates the money for each library to purchase a bike to give away. The only way to win is the enter the drawing at Charles Page or Pratt Library. 

To sign up for the Teen and Tween Summer Reading Program you must have completed the fifth grade. Reading or listening to 6 books results in completion of the program and earns teens an ID wallet and earbuds, plus coupons for free food and entertainment. 

Charles Page Branch Manager Mark Carlson has his own reading challenge that he extends to the children and teens that filter through his library throughout the summer. If they read 100 books, they will receive a certificate recognizing their completion of his challenge and a giant Hershey's chocolate bar.  

This year is the first time the SRP features a program for adults. Adults can sign up at any of the 24 TCCL locations or at www.tulsalibrary.org. For reading or listening to 4 books, those who register will receive coupons for free food and a cool messenger bag in one of five colors. 

The Summer Reading Programs will run through August 6th, with June 20th being the first day that you can submit completed reading logs to receive prizes. 

Charles Page Public Library
551 E 4th St, Sand Springs, OK 74063
(918) 549-7521

Pratt Public Library  
3219 S 113th W Ave  
Sand Springs, OK 74063
(918) 549-7638

Free Tulsa Zoo Tickets Offered to Blood Donors This Summer

/

May 9, 2016– Blood donors get a free trip to the zoo, just by giving this summer with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI). May 16 through August 31, each person who donates at a donor center or blood drive will receive a voucher redeemable for two free admissions to the Tulsa Zoo. T-shirts with the message, “You Otter Give Blood”, will feature the Zoo’s lively otters and celebrate the zoo’s support will be given to all who donate. 

Since as many as three patients’ lives in area hospitals are saved each time someone gives blood, donors can always feel good. Oklahoma Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 90 percent of the medical facilities across the state, thanks to its volunteer donors. Oklahoma Blood Institute exclusively provides blood to all Children’s, VA and Indian Hospitals.

“We are very grateful to those who don’t let summer activities interrupt their commitment to giving blood,” said Jan Laub, Executive Director, Oklahoma Blood Institute Tulsa. “There’s no ‘vacation’ for those facing life-threatening conditions that require blood transfusions. We truly appreciate the Tulsa Zoo’s support of our mission, understanding the challenge of sustaining the blood supply during summer. Its partnership provides great motivation for people to take time to donate.”

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years of age* can usually give blood, and donations can be made every 56 days. Health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable in OBI’s online store, are also provided to donors.

Tulsa’s donor center is located is located at 4601 E 81st St. To schedule an appointment to give or find a blood drive in your area, call 877-340-8777, or visit www.obi.org.

* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least ;125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

Tulsa County holds special election and Vision Tulsa vote on Tuesday

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Tulsa County residents are headed to the polls Tuesday morning.

On the ballot is a special election for the unexpired term of former Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz who was indicted in September on charges of refusal to perform official duty in regards to an officer-involved shooting. Glanz is accused of failing to release an internal investigative report to media, as well as another willful violation of law regarding taking a monthly stipend for travel within the county, despite using a county vehicle and county-supplied fuel.

Running for the unexpired term are Democrat Rex Berry, a 26-year veteran of the City of Tulsa Police Department, and Republican Vic Regalado, a 10-year veteran of the Tulsa SWAT team and lead homicide detective in 81 homicides. Berry was the lone Democrat to file for the candidacy, while Regalado won a landslide primary election last month, winning 40% of the vote in a crowded nine-candidate election. Whoever wins this election will only get seven months in office before the full-term election in November. 

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

Also on the ballot is a County Question regarding Vision Tulsa, a 0.5% tax package. The tax would not be an increase on current rates, but rather, an extension of the Vision 2025 initiative that passed in 2003. Vision 2025 led to more than $650 million in economic development that has been used in projects in all 10 cities of Tulsa County. The flagship of the initiative is the BOK Center which has arguably been the crucial centerpiece in an ongoing Tulsa culture development that supporters are calling a "Tulsa Renaissance."

Specific to Sand Springs is the Keystone Corridor development plan that allowed the City of Sand Springs to purchase the old Early Childhood Education Center in 2007. The school district used these new funds to build a new state-of-the-art facility at 81st West Avenue and Park Road. The previous building was a century old and was formerly the segregation-era Booker T Washington high school for black Sandites. The old building was demolished as part of the clearing of the 30-acre "River West Development" site, which now includes an IHOP, Starbucks, and Holiday Inn Express.

The new initiative has many ambitious goals, including hiring more police officers and firefighters, street maintenance, a Gilcrease Museum renovation, improvements to the Tulsa Zoo, housing incentives for teachers at Tulsa Public Schools, Union, and Jenks, Route 66 beautification, and renovations for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Word of Life Free Community Carnival moved to Memorial Day Weekend

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Word of Life Church is preparing for their fourth annual Free Community Carnival, this year with some changes. Instead of taking place at the end of summer, the church is moving the date forward to the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The event will take place on May 28, 2016 from 11:00 am through 2:00 pm. 

Why the change? The ride company that the church was previously using is going through a transition and was unable to ensure their availability. Instead of putting the beloved community event on hiatus for a year, the church managed to locate an Oklahoma City based company that only had the one day available. Instead of looking at the change as an inconvenience, the church is counting it as a blessing and an opportunity to improve the experience for everyone.

Pastors Chad and Sarah (left) serving food at a past carnival.

"We feel Memorial Day weekend is a great time to do it since it's the first holiday of summer. Many families are looking for something to do, so why not a free carnival!" said Senior Pastor Chad Stewart. The temperature difference will also be a big improvement. The carnival volunteers have often had to work in 90+ degree temperatures in August, so the move to Springtime will make it far more enjoyable both for the workers and the guests.

This year the carnival will have seven rides and they are hoping to secure a Ferris Wheel, depending on availability. They plan on 3-4 large rides and 3-4 smaller rides for the little kids, in addition to games, inflatables, and other activities. As always, the church will be offering free hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, and lemonade. There will also be food and game trucks associated with the ride company, Sam's Amusements & Carnivals. These additional options won't be free, but will provide an even more authentic carnival feel than in previous years.

Like last year, parking will be located at the old K-Mart building on Charles Page Boulevard, as well as Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, and free shuttling will be provided. 

Then, on Sunday morning, the church will be giving away $5,000 to bless guests at their 9:00 and 11:00 AM services. Each service will have five winners of $500 each.

March 22nd is officially Frank Cooper Day in Tulsa County, here's how you can celebrate

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Earlier this month, the Board of County Commissioners of Tulsa County declared today, March 22nd, 2016 to be Frank Cooper Day, in honor of the Charles Page High School social studies and leadership teacher Frank Cooper. 

Cooper has been a public school teacher for the past 23 years, after giving up a promising legal career to instead pursue a more fulfilling path. The proclamation reads what we all know, that "Mr. Cooper promotes core values of kindness, respect, honesty and affirmation so convincingly with students changing the entire culture of Charles Page High School."

Cooper has a long resume of recognition, including the 2016 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence and the University of Tulsa Secondary School Teacher Award for Inspiration. He was a 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist and was the subject of an American Story segment with Bob Dotson on NBC's Today show.

So how does one celebrate Frank Cooper Day?

Unfortunately there's no parade planned, but there are ways you can celebrate on your own.

Firstly, say the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag. Cooper begins every day by leading his class in the pledge, a practice that is more and more uncommon in schools today.

Then, circle up with your fellow Sandites and sing the Alma Mater. 

Charles Page High forever, and true to her we'll be
for to our Alma Mater we owe our loyalty.
Our love is always with thee
as onward we will go.
Charles Page High forever, may she live eternally.

Then, turn this up full volume, and sing along as loud as you can. Get your whole workplace involved if you can. Sweet Caroline has been an anthem for the Charles Page students for years and is frequently played at sporting events and performed by the band. This arose from Cooper frequently playing it in class with full participation. 

 

If you're looking to make a Frank Cooper playlist for the day, be sure and include Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," Vanilla Ice's "Ice, Ice, Baby," Journey's "Don't Stop Believing," and as much Elvis as you can get your hands on.

Finally, spend the duration of the day giving positive affirmation to everyone you encounter, especially to those who you normally wouldn't. Be kind to everyone, strangers included, and make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. If you like, you can email Cooper at frank.cooper@Sandites.org and let him know the impact he's made on your life or your student's life. 

Phil Nollan wins Ward 1 City Council seat by landslide, Cruz and Sanders win OK primary

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Super Tuesday voting drew record participation across Oklahoma. In addition to the Presidential primaries, some Sand Springs residents had as many as three issues to vote on. 

Residents of Ward 1 voted between third-term incumbent Michael Phillips and challenger Phil Nollan for City Council. The citizens overwhelmingly voiced their support for a changing of the guard as Nollan won by a landslide 65% to 35%. 

Nollan is a nationally certified Project Management professional who has been serving on the Parks Advisory Board for five years and is currently the Vice Chair. He is an Oklahoma State graduate has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University and an executive master of business administration certification from the University of Tulsa. Nollan's wife, Jadine, represents Sand Springs as the District 66 Representative in the Oklahoma House where she is an avid public education advocate. 

Joining Nollan on City Council is Patty Dixon who inherited the Ward 2 seat from Dean Nichols after filing unopposed. Nichols asked Dixon to run for election after deciding not to seek another term. Dixon has previously served the city as a two-term councilor from 1990-1996 and has an extensive volunteer background working with the Tulsa County Parks Department, the Parks Advisory Board, the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Association, Sertoma Club, and more. She has also served as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society.

Sand Springs Republicans also voted in the primary for Tulsa County Sheriff. The Democrats did not have a primary as they only have one candidate in Rex Berry. Sand Springs resident and Tulsa Police Sergeant Vic Regalado won a significant victory in a crowded field of nine Republican candidates with 40% of the vote. 

Regalado's closest competitor was Luke Sherman who pulled only 16%. The nominee has extensive background in law enforcement with a decade of SWAT experience. He's been the lead investigator on 81 homicide cases and currently oversees a Special Investigations Gang Unit. 

The Medal of Valor recipient will go against Berry in a special election in April to take over the unexpired term of the current Tulsa Sheriff who resigned after being charged with misconduct in office. The winner will have only a couple of days in office before having to file once again for a full-term election in November. 

In the Presidential primaries Ted Cruz struck a note with the State's Evangelical population and edged out Donald Trump in a 34% to 28% upset victory. He did not, however, break the 50% margin needed to secure the State's full delegation. If no single candidate gets 50%, then in the State of Oklahoma, delegates are split proportionally between all candidates who won at least 20%. Marco Rubio also walked away with a significant chunk of delegates after winning 26% of the vote. 

African-Americans have largely backed Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders thus far in the election process, but Oklahoma significantly lacks in black voters compared to other Southern States and Sanders was able to edge out Hillary with 51% of the vote. The Democratic Party doesn't use the same formula as the Republicans do for delegation, and Clinton still won a significant amount of delegates despite drawing in only 42% of the vote.