CPHS Drumline takes 1st Place at Pryor, Gold Pride Marching Band places 6th overall

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The Charles Page High School Gold Pride Marching Band took 6th place at the Pryor Band Day. (Photo: Tristia Watson). 

On Saturday, September 30th, the Charles Page High School Band competed in the 41st Annual Pryor Band Day in Pryor, OK.  Sixteen bands from around the state competed for Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding Drum Majors and the overall Field Competition.

In the preliminary round, the CPHS Drumline took 1st place in the 6A schools' competition. The band was then selected to participate in the Finals round and ended the night with a 6thplace overall. Pryor Band Day is the first of several competitions that the band will attended this season and we look forward to seeing the results of the hard work and dedication that they put into their performances.

Drum Majors Brandi Sigala, Laura Loomis, and Jake Thompson lead the band onto the field for competition. (Photo: Tristia Watson).

Bill Knight Auto partners with Sand Springs Education Foundation in Driven to Give Day

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For the fifth time, the Sand Springs Education Foundation (SSEF) will partner with Bill Knight Auto for "Driven to Give Day." 

The event will be held on Saturday, October 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Charles Page High School parking lot at 500 North Adams Road. This is a FREE event.

Participants, 18 years or older, can come and test drive a new Lincoln. For each test drive, the SSEF will receive $20. Participants are asked to fill out some basic information before the drive and immediately after the drive to complete the process and help secure the donation. NO obligation, NO sales, NO return contact unless the participant agrees.

What an easy way to come help the SSEF raise $8,000! All Sand Springs teachers are also encouraged to stop by and do a test drive and put their name in the drawing for $500 to use in their classroom. This year the SSEF will give away $500 to two district teachers. 

CPHS Gold Pride Marching Band to compete in 3rd Annual Southwest Missouri Regional

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The Charles Page High School Marching Band will be competing at the Third Annual Southwest Missouri Regional in Branson, Missouri on October 14th. The competition is presented by the Pride of Branson Bands in partnership with US Bands, the largest sanctioning body for scholastic music competition in the United States.

US Bands are part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!) which is a non-profit organization based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. They are also the parent organization for The Cadets; 10-Time World Champion Drum and Bugle Corps. 

The Gold Pride band is one of sixteen bands performing at the SWMO Regional and it should be another year of top-tier performances, a nationally-renown judging panel, detailed feedback and evaluation, and a superb performance venue in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

Competition will take place in a Prelims-Finals format with the highest-scoring band from each class continuing on to the Finals, along with the next eight highest-scoring bands regardless of class. 

The event is hosted at Branson High School (935 P Rd 65-60, Branson, MO 65616). Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from CPHS Band Director Kyle Wright (kyle.wright@sandites.org) prior to the competition. The band would love to have their fans in the stand during this extraordinary competition! Come join us in Branson for a day of exceptional performances!

Sand Springs Education Foundation Golf Classic raises $40,000 for Grants to Teachers

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The Sand Springs Education Foundation held their 21st Annual Golf Classic on Monday, September 18th at Tulsa Country Club. 92 golfers competed during the day as participants in “Teed Off for Education,” raising upwards of $40,000; funds of which will go towards the SSEF Grants to Teachers Program. 

The 4-Man Scramble format allows the golfers to participate in 2 Flights.

Winners of Flight A were:

  • 1st Place-Gene Case Team with golfers Gene Case, Harold Neal, Brandon Biles and Regan Streck.
  • 2nd Place-Keystone Insurance with golfers Guy Griggs, Jason Ward, Doug Haddock and Mike Ward.
  • 3rd Place-Direct Energy Team #2 with golfers Allen Rachel, Leslie Brackett, Chance Ross and Chris Miller.

Winners in Flight B were:

  • 1st Place-Mohawk Materials with golfers Lance Elliott, Megan Elliott, Matt Waller and Bob Bivens.
  • 2nd Place-Air Solutions Sand Springs with golfers Keith Hilligoss, Josh Copeland, Eli Tallent and Mike Bartlett.
  • 3rd Place-Sand Springs Home Team with golfers Ron Weese, Jason Charles, Mike Hixon and Erik Stuckey.

Honorable Mention was Sand Springs Public Schools with golfers Sherry Durkee, Rob Miller, Kristin Arnold and Laura Hamilton. Contest Hole winners were, Closest to the Pin on #6—Eric Davis and Closest to the Pin on #14—Tyler Sullivan. Raffle Prize was won by Brent Mackey.

A major Thank you goes out to this year’s Flagship Sponsor Sand Springs Meter Company, Adam Dudley. 22 area businesses and individuals participated as Hole Sponsors and Bill Knight Auto sponsored the Hole-in One Challenge on #9. Financial Advisors Paul Bizjack and Rocky Walters were the Logo Golf Ball Sponsor, Arvest Bank was the Lunch Sponsor and Direct Energy & Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boyd were the Dinner Sponsor. The SSEF also wishes to thank Bubble Town Car Wash, American Heritage Bank, Sand Springs CVS, TTCU, Tulsa Tech and Sherry Durkee for providing items for the Golfer Goodie Bags.

Funds raised at the Golf Classic go toward the Grants to Teachers Program, awarding of grants submitted by Sand Springs Schools teachers and principals.

Wilson's Call: Missions are not an event, they are a way of life

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The following is a monthly newsletter shared by Michael and Baylee Wilson. The full-time ministers are from Sand Springs and consider Word of Life to be their home church. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH

Fontil now has his own 6X10 room, sleeping on a bed, receiving meals on a regular basis and hearing about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

Fontil

You remember Fontil? One of our Haitian friends found him sleeping on trash under some banana leaves and cardboard exposed to the elements. She moved him to Lascahobas to keep a better eye on him. He seems to have dementia. There are times we see him and he doesn't know where he is or what's going on around him. When we met him he was sharing a 6X6 room with another man and sleeping on the floor not knowing where his next meal is coming from...

Fontil now has his own 6X10 room, sleeping on a bed, receiving meals on a regular basis and hearing about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

From Death to Life

The Bible says to go lay your hands on the sick and pray for them to be healed. Today we saw that happen. We walked down a steep windy trail, walked along a river bank into a group of houses really close together. As we navigated through these houses we came to THE house we were looking for. We walked in to a man struggling to breath. We went in to pray for him and he accepted Christ and he gave his last breath right after we finished praying. God took him from glory to glory. He is healed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

After he passed, we walked out of the house and 3 voodoo priest came running up. They said that "Voodoo" told them to hurry before he dies so they can save him. They were late because our God is always one step ahead and this world offers what only God can give. Jesus Christ has defeated death and he stole the keys to the grave. God is so good! 

His Hope Ministry Growth

We are so excited to let you all know that we are now feeding eight abandoned elderly a week and increased to three feedings a week! 

We are still believing to start a home/living facility for our elderly. We know this may be a long way off, but we believe with God and your help, we can make it happen. To give them a place to live means we will be able to give them the care that they need on a daily basis, feed them every day, allow them to spend time with others their age, and be able to share the gospel in their every day lives. Please join us in prayer about this. 

Celebrate

Baylee and I celebrated two years of marriage in our favorite place, as well as Baylee's 23rd birthday!

We are so happy to share these joyful moments with the amazing people of Haiti. We look forward to a lifetime of happiness and serving together!

Michael will be doing a monthly Facebook live video where we will talk about everything missions. We will talk about Haiti, local & global missions, what it means to be on mission and everything else under the sun!

There will be an episode on the first Monday of every month at 6pm (CTD). I am excited to see how God uses this to be glorified. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP. Would you please send suggestions for what you would like to hear about? Simply message Wilson's Call on Facebook to share your thoughts.

Prayer Request

In Haiti you pay for your rent a year at a time and at the beginning of the year. We are believing that God will provide it all this month so that we can have a year of housing behind us and another amazing year of ministry in front of us here at RTS Missions! This would free up resources to be used in other ways to further the kingdom of God in Haiti for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord. We're believing that God is going to show up in a big way!

Would you consider joining our mission team with a one time donation this month? Thank you all for your continued prayer and support! We could never tell you how much we thank God for each and every one of you!

For more details message Baylee or myself or follow these steps
(all donations are tax deductible)
1. Go to www.rtsmissions.com
2. Click the red "donate" button
3. Create an account
4. ***click the scroll down arrow and select "Michael & Baylee Wilson"***
5. Enter and donate the amount God puts on your heart to give.

Praise Reports: We had our first ever Game Day at our house for those in the His Hope ministry, along with some other elderly in the neighborhood. We ate together, played bingo, sang a few songs, and prayed together. It was an amazing day and they all had a great time. We are working on putting together our next event for them and they are looking forward to it. 

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to pay for the first year of kindergarten for a little girl whose mom and dad left her whens she was a baby. She means the world to us and we were blessed to be able to do this for her. She is enjoying school and we pray that she makes many friends and learns more each day. 

Senator Mike Schulz releases Senate GOP budget plan

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz on Monday released the Senate Republicans' plan to address the $215 million hole in the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget.

“This plan not only addresses the immediate need of $215 million for critical health care agencies that was struck down in court, but it also provides recurring  revenue streams to help us address the long-term stability of the budget and prevent further cuts to core government services,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

“Oklahoma Senate Republicans have proven our willingness to address the state's long-term budget problems by passing a similar revenue package during the regular session. The elements of this plan for special session were fully vetted by the Senate during the regular session, and all received the necessary votes to pass constitutional muster. I’m confident Senate Republicans, if given the chance, again will put Oklahoma’s interests first and will be able to pass this responsible revenue plan that ensures education, public safety, transportation and other core services avoid further cuts.”

The Senate plan is as follows:

  • $1.50 per-pack increase in the cigarette tax, which generates $128.9 million in Fiscal Year 2018 and leaves $122.4 million for FY’18 appropriation;
  • a six-cent increase in the motor fuels tax, which generates $71 million in FY’18 and leaves $67.45 million for FY’18 appropriation; and
  • the elimination of the wind manufacturer sales tax exemption, which generates $10.97 million in FY’18 and leaves $9.87 million for FY’18 appropriation.

Because FY’18 collections are for less than a full fiscal year, the Senate plan also calls for a drawdown of $15.2 million from the Rainy Day Fund to entirely plug the hole in the FY’18 budget.

The governor’s call for special session included other issues like a teacher pay raise and finding more efficiency in government spending. Schulz said while the immediate need is addressing the FY’18 budget hole, Senate Republicans were open to considering those issues during the special session.

“Senate Republicans have said all along we must first address the short-term budget issues before acting on a teacher pay raise plan. Once we take care of the budget, Senate Republicans would consider a teacher pay plan that includes a permanent funding source,” Schulz said. “Additionally, Senate Republicans will keep working on making government more efficient and effective. We’ll keep pouring over agency spending and look at options like consolidation to improve the quality and delivery of services. There’s no doubt agencies can be more efficient in spending taxpayer dollars, and Senate Republicans will keep working on behalf of Oklahomans to make sure that happens.” 

OPINION | Does protesting the protesters make you a crybaby too?

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The following is the opinion of an individual. It does not reflect the opinions of the company, the Editorial board, or the company owners. Opinion pieces from differing viewpoints are welcome, so long as they are written respectfully.

"I don't personally believe that black people are persecuted in America. I don't believe that there is still systemic racism in America. I have seen no evidence of it. I could be wrong. But the fact that there's a large amount of my fellow countrymen who feel persecuted, denigrated, and unfairly treated is concerning to me. It should be concerning to you. If you call yourself an American, you should care about all Americans. You should care about unity, understanding, and constructive discourse.

Rioting, looting, vandalism; these are all still present in our society. So when someone chooses to make a silent, peaceful protest that doesn't harm anyone in any way, we should applaud that.

I attend sporting events every week. Usually 2-3 a week. I see young people and adults, athletes and fans, casually standing during the anthem, not paying attention, looking at their phones, whispering to their neighbors, etc. I was raised to stand at attention, hand over heart, eyes on the flag. When the music starts you drop everything, get your hands out of your pockets, and take off your hat. I'm more annoyed by someone pretending to be patriotic but not actually paying attention than by someone kneeling, being quiet, and respecting those around them.

Many of the NFL athletes who kneel during the anthem have made statements that their actions are in no way intended to be disrespectful to the men and women who fought for our country. They simply want to bring attention to something that concerns them, and something that should concern all of us.

Our country has a problem that needs to be fixed. Maybe we have a problem with systemic racism. I don't know. But I'm 100% confident that we have a major problem with communication. People are too hostile. Both sides of the fence. Conservative, Liberal, Moderate, Christian, Atheist, Black, White: I have friends and family of all labels. The one thing that I consistently see in all of them is an inability to separate emotions from logic and listen to opposing viewpoints.

I've had friends who portrayed the stereotypical snowflake liberal, who think 50% of the country and everyone who voted for Trump is a disgusting racist. I've had friends who portray the stereotype of a hypocritical christian bigot. I've seen church employees talk about cleansing the world of Muslims who are unwilling to convert.

I also know a lot of loving and accepting people, both Christian and otherwise, who try to be compassionate to everyone.

There was a time when the radicals were a slim minority fringe group. The silent majority was middle of the road. Maybe it's the prevalence of social media. Maybe it's manipulation by the mainstream media. Maybe it's politicians, Hollywood, the NFL, whatever. Or maybe it's all of us. No politician, actor, or news reporter can force me to hate. They cannot force me to discriminate, stereotype, or make inflammatory statements. 

It's time for the American people to take responsibility for the condition of our country. Our economy is changing, our culture is diversifying, our values differ wildly. We can't keep pretending that our way is the only way, my way or the highway. We can't keep expecting people to settle for the status quo when they're not the ones benefiting from it.

The fact is, both sides are patriots. One side believes themselves to be defending their country from disrespect. One side wants to improve their country and see it move forward and succeed. There's no reason to be so bitter towards each other. The fact is, you can love your country and still see its flaws. America has done horrible things. Japanese internment camps, native American genocide, slavery, Red Scare trials, Salem witch hunts. America has also done incredible things. We defeated a world power to gain our independence and stand up to tyranny. We defeated the Nazis, we fought a war to end slavery, we fought a culture war to end segregation. 

There are people who actually hate America and want to see it fall. People who are actively plotting against us. Instead of condemning people who want to make America better, why not condemn people who actually want to see America fall?

Abortion, Confederate heritage, economics, nationalism, religion, sexuality. The number of controversial topics grows every year. People need to understand that it's human nature to feel threatened by the unknown. To be opposed to change and difference of opinion. But what separates humans from animals is our ability to use reason, to empathize with our neighbors, and to work together to make this country better for everyone, not just a few. 

The next time you see something that offends you, breathe. Relax. Don't waste your time being offended. It doesn't change anything. Take the opportunity to learn about someone else's viewpoints. You don't have to agree with them. You're not going to catch a disease. Stop freaking out on people, calling them racist, bigot, idiot, libtard. We used to spank our kids for calling people names. Nowadays it's grown adults treating each other like children, lashing out at people in anger with no goal of understanding them. Choose to be an adult today."

State Party leaders comment on upcoming Special Legislative Session

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin issued an executive order last week calling for a special session of the Oklahoma Legislature for lawmakers to address the shortfall in the current fiscal year budget as well as develop long-term solutions to government inefficiencies and fund a pay increase for public school teachers. The legislature will convene Monday, September 25th. 

Oklahoma Senate Prop Tempore Mike Schulz issued the following statement last week.

"All along, I've encouraged lawmakers to put Oklahoma's interests ahead of their own political interests. I'm encouraged by the ongoing work of the Senate and House toward reaching a budget agreement. I'm also encouraged by the public comments of the House Minority Leader who indicated ample members of his caucus would support a cigarette tax bill. I hope he is serious and that he can deliver. If given the chance, I'm confident the Senate can pass a cigarette tax bill. This is the clearest option available to address the $215 million budget hole. It's an idea that's been thoroughly vetted and one that could be considered quickly during the special session to help shore up funding for three important health care agencies. Additionally, the cigarette tax would improve health outcomes by reducing smoking rates and stopping young Oklahomans from ever lighting up - two things that will save money in the long run. The Senate continues to prepare for the special session and is ready to get to work to solve these problems."

Falling today issued the following statement on the upcoming session:

“This special session is an opportunity for lawmakers to solve lingering, critical structural problems in our state budget. I am hopeful lawmakers will consider thoughtful, realistic solutions in a timely manner. Many ideas have been fully vetted over the past couple of legislative sessions, so it really should be a matter of taking care of unfinished business.

“Certainly, the most pressing need is to address the immediate budget shortfall created by the loss of the $215 million cigarette fee revenue. The cigarette tax alone will not fill this year’s hole because it would be implemented much later in the fiscal year than originally proposed. We will need to identify other revenue sources to make up the difference. If we do not, additional cuts to core government services will occur.

“Additional cuts to agencies will further harm state services. I will veto a proposal that calls for cuts to state agencies. Also, sending the cigarette tax to a vote of the people is not an option. The earliest the issue could be decided by voters is June, the last month of the current fiscal year. It doesn’t fix the budget hole because it would not generate any revenue for this fiscal year.

“I hope lawmakers do provide a long-term solution to the state’s continuing budget shortfalls. It is apparent that rapid changes in our economy have created unsustainable and unpredictable revenue collection patterns. We need to seek long-term sustainability and stability as opposed to unpredictability and volatility. Our legislators must work to make more recurring revenue available, stop balancing our budget with one-time funds and come up with a teacher pay raise.  Because of the use of one-time funds to balance this year’s budget, we are anticipating a $500 million shortfall next year. The limited focus and attention of a special session can allow us to address these long-term structural issues.

“My staff and I have been talking for many weeks with legislative leaders from both parties, and I will continue to work with them until an agreement is reached. Our challenges in front of us are difficult, but I am hopeful that, with great resolve and statesmanship, we will succeed.”

The Oklahoma Senate Democratic caucus issued the following statement through Senator John Sparks.

“The Senate Democrats have spent the last several weeks meeting with those involved in the upcoming special session of the legislature as well as those affected by the decisions made in this special session.

“Members of our caucus have held meetings with constituents concerned about potential cuts to core services or regressive taxes which will burden them disproportionately, we have engaged in negotiations with the Governor and her staff, Senate Republicans and House Democrats, and we have held a caucus meeting where we heard from the heads of the healthcare agencies facing the possibility of running out of money before the end of the year and being forced to cut services to some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable people.

“After all these meetings, we are more sure than ever that this special session of the legislature needs to be swift and certain with real plans for recurring revenue for our state. Now more than ever, we know that the numbers don’t lie. We cannot simply show up on Monday, decide that finding hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue is ‘too hard,’ waste hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money on a special session with no plan and no direction, and settle on across the board cuts that affect millions of hard working Oklahomans and their families.

“Now more than ever, we are certain that this is the time for a plan of action, actual compromise, true accountability and real results. This is the time for leadership and a long-term plan for our state and its people.

“We owe it to our constituents to focus on a long-term budget solution which protects the most basic, core government functions and services without balancing the budget on the backs of the poor and the vulnerable. This is what our constituents demand of us and what they deserve from each and every one of us, with no exceptions and no excuses.”

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce looking for new Chamber Ambassadors

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The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its Chamber Ambassador program and looking for new allies in recruiting community-involved members. 

The Chamber of Commerce has been working since 1946 to bring together area businesses and organizations for the betterment of the community and local economy. Chamber members work together to host events such as the Taste of Sand Springs, Chillin & Grillin Festival, and Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. 

Members enjoy benefits including: monthly forums with speakers such as local politicians, business owners, and other important regional figures, a weekly "What's Happening in Sand Springs" newsletter, a listing in the online Chamber directory, ribbon cuttings for new businesses and businesses that have changed ownership or location, and participation in Chamber events. 

Anyone interested in being a Chamber ambassador can contact Chamber President Kristen Valentine by Friday, September 29th to RSVP for a Tuesday Kick-Off meeting at noon in Crescent Cafe. 

Kristen can be reached at Kristen@sandspringschamber.com or at 918-245-3221. 

Baylee and Michael Wilson celebrate seven months of ministry in Haiti

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Submitted by Michael Wilson, Wilson's Call.

This month we will be living in Haiti for 7 months. It's been over half of a year in this beautiful country. We knew that we loved the country before we moved here. But after moving, God has broken our hearts for the people of Haiti all over again. We've seen heartbreak, joy, loss, and lives changed because of Jesus Christ. We've met so many amazing people on this journey and we can't imagine living without them. We've only seen a glimpse of what God can do when you allow him to use you for his glory. God has given us a burden for the lost. Over 40% of people in Haiti are illiterate. Therefore, 40% of people will never be able to read God's word, all they know about the gospel is what they're told, which can often be wrong. We want to share the TRUTH of Jesus Christ, and tell the people we meet that Jesus saves the worst of us. We don't need to get our lives right before we come to him, because when we completely give our lives to Christ, he will change us from the inside out. 

This is Christie. She was given away as a little girl to become a restavek (civil slave) to another family in Haiti. Her whole life has been devoted to doing other peoples laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping in the market, etc. We invited her to church and she gave her life to Christ. Because of her new faith, her mom traveled to our area to go to church with Christie. Earlier this month she came to our house to tell us that she is no longer going to be living with this family, and that she gets to move back home with her mom. When we add God to the picture, things change. Lives are made new. Although we miss Christie, we are so thankful that she is now living a life of freedom. 

Everyone meet Viergelie, our new sister in Christ. We had a team a few weeks ago doing house to house evangelism. We noticed Viergelie watching us from a distance as we visited with multiple people on the streets. She finally came to us, her head down, not wanting to look us in the eyes. She told us that she is living with her boyfriend, and hasn't accepted Christ because she knows she's sinning. After sharing the gospel with her, the truth of Jesus changed her life. She was always told that she can't be a follower of Christ until she gets her life right first. But we know that WHEN we surrender our lives to him, he will begin to change every aspect of our lives. We gave Viergelie a new Bible, and you wouldn't believe how her face lit up. She hugged the Bible so tight to her chest, you would of thought she had never held the word of God in her hands before, maybe she hasn't. She began to go around telling everyone the decision she had just made. She said she couldn't wait to go home and tell her boyfriend that she was ready to change her life around. 

RTS Missions has been very busy lately with back to back short term mission teams. We had a medical team last month who gave each of our elderly individuals a health check-up, along with a bag full of medicine and hygiene products.

Lately we've been asking God to give us huge vision for the future of His Hope and we are believing to start a home/living facility for our elderly. We know this may be a long way off, but we believe with God and your help, we can make it happen. To give them a place to live means we will be able to give them the care that they need on a daily basis, feed them every day, allow them to spend time with others their age, and be able to share the gospel in their every day lives. Right now we are doing many different things at RTS Missions and aren't able to put our full focus on the elderly ministry. We are praying that there is a way to put our full effort into it soon. Please join us in prayer about this. 

Prayer Request: Our constant prayer is that no matter where we are at, we would continue to Love God, and Love people. We know that God has called us to serve the people of Haiti, and we will do so with grateful hearts until we feel that he is calling us somewhere else. We just ask that you would pray as we continue to seek vision and guidance for God's plan for our lives here in Haiti. 

As you read above, we are praying about the growth of the elderly ministry. We know that the vision we have is huge, but our God is bigger, and he will fulfill his promises. It will take a lot of time, and money, but it is possible. Please pray that God would continue to show us the path we need to take with the elderly ministry in growing it so that we can reach more people who are no longer able to care for themselves. 

As of now we are without a personal vehicle. We are so thankful that RTS Missions lets us use the ministry vehicles but with it being a growing ministry the vehicles are in constant use so that sometimes limits what we are able to do. Would you continue to pray with us for the funds to buy a personal truck or SUV so that we can further what God has called us to do or that God would provide a vehicle through donation. Cars in Haiti are not reliable if you buy used and extremely expensive brand new. Our God can do all things.

Praise Reports: In the month of July we had back to back teams coming down to serve with RTS. During that month, we saw 67 people give their lives to Christ. Sometimes we minister to people and they say they are not ready to accept Christ yet. But we thank God for each person who comes down to serve. There are some teams who plant seeds, some who water those seeds, and then there are some who reap a harvest. Nothing we do in Haiti is insignificant and even if we had one salvation, it would all be worth it. 

We now have a fridge in our house! This might seem very small but it is huge for us. We use to have to rely on going to the Shepherds house for all of our meals (Which is not bad) but now we have the ability to cook at our own house.

State sales tax exemptions surpass $6 billion annually in Oklahoma

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State Sen. Roger Thompson is calling his just-concluded study on Oklahoma’s tax code a success. The second of two meetings, featuring in-depth presentations on state taxes, exemptions, credits and spending, concluded Wednesday with eighteen members of the Senate attending the final hearing. Thompson, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance, organized the hearings.

“You can’t reform what you don’t understand—that’s why these meetings were so important,” said Thompson, R-Okemah. “It’s an extremely complex issue, but ultimately it affects every single person in Oklahoma. These hearings were comprehensive, and included research gathered over the past two decades. We didn’t need to reinvent the wheel—but now it’s time to get that wheel rolling.”

Thompson noted that Oklahoma’s current sales tax exemptions are in excess of $6 billion a year. Various tax credits cost the state more than $250 million. But he said the amount of credits claimed, though not taken represent a potential liability of several hundred million dollars more.

Thompson said the next step will be an interim study on reforming Oklahoma’s tax code.

“We must be able to provide adequate resources for our most fundamental services, but instead of raising taxes, we need to broaden the tax base—doing that will provide the resources we need and we could even lower the overall tax rate,” Thompson said.

As part of his work on several national committees examining taxes and revenue, Thompson said a major issue for states like Oklahoma is the failure to adapt to significant economic shifts and other changes over the decades.

“In the early 1950’s, 67 percent of goods sold were taxed.  Today it’s just 32 percent—less than half. Yet here in Oklahoma, our population has grown by half a million people,” Thompson said.  “Modernizing our tax code and broadening the tax base will enable us to stabilize our budget and better fund our schools, health and mental health, public safety, and better address other critical needs.”

Senate District 37 candidate Brian O'Hara speaks at community forum

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Brian O'Hara, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"It's fantastic to be here, and what's even more fantastic is the fact that my wife and I have been married 34 years (points to McAtee and Nollan), 36 years, 35 years. That says a lot about the candidates that you have running for this office. 

There are certain people that when they run for office, they're a part of your community. I have been incredibly blessed to have been a part of your community. That's why I decided to run. Like Phil and others, I've had the opportunity to hear what you guys have to say. Not only on the doorstep, not just for the last two or three months, but for the last five years.

Working for Congressman Bridenstine, I've had to hear your concerns. I've had to listen. It's a privilege to know what you guys are talking about. Yes, education clearly is the first and foremost thing on most of your minds.

I want to set your minds at ease right now. I know people ask me, and they often ask me because they know where the congressman stands, 'where do you stand on education?' Well let me explain to you. I have five children, all five of them went to public school. My last just graduated from Jenks. I've had six exchange students come into my home. All six of them went to public school.

I was a PTA president. My wife has been a part of the PTA as well. My mother taught, my brothers teach - one has passed away - so I have a real desire to work on education. My youngest son's going to go to UCO and what he wants to do is be a teacher. Again, I have a vested interest because I don't want him coming home.

I say all this to say this. Congressman Bridenstine, and some of you may know this, does support vouchers. I met with a very conservative group, and I knew where they stood on vouchers. And they asked me point blank, where do you stand on vouchers? I said I don't support them, and I explained why.

One, the money. Two; when you allow City government, State government, Federal government to come into your classrooms, whether it be home schooling or private school, then you have the ability to have those entities tell you how to educate your children. And most of you are sending your children to private school or home schooling because you don't want that.

The budget is the second thing I hear on the doorstep, and you hear often. I've been saying this for two and a half years. The budget needs to be our priority. I owned a business, I owned a couple of Subways before I came to work for the congressman. It is ludicrous for us to consider the last two weeks of the session what we're supposed to do in the beginning of the session.

As a businessman, if I wanted to say my subway sandwiches, this is what I need to sell, at the end of the month rather than the beginning of the month, I would have gone broke. So I understand how important that is.

I was a City Councilman in Jenks. Look, Elizabeth (Grey) will tell you, we need to find a way to help fund them. The safety districts is something I will support. And what that does is give you the opportunity to decide what you want your money to go to.

Going back to education, one of the things I'd like to start seeing us do on education is to allow you, the individual voters, the people in the school districts to decide. We have an antiquated system that's thirty years old on how we fund schools. We need to look at that. We need to give off-the-top dollars, your dollars. Only about 78% of the money you use, you pay in taxes, actually goes to your school district. We have to change that. We have to allow you guys to decide where you want your money to go. So I would advocate that we change the funding to allow you guys to have your schools in better shape.

There are a lot of other things going on. Those are just three areas where I think I can be of benefit to you. But the main thing is, Phil said it, is relationships. I've built relationships over the past five years. With each and every one of you. I've come to your events. I've come to Chillin' and Grillin'. I've come to Boo On Broadway and I've had the opportunity to meet you individually, so I know who you are. I know where you stand on the issues. Now also note, that unless we build relationships what we do at the Capitol won't matter. 

So I'm asking for your support. The Republic primary is September twelfth. I would love for your vote. My cards are out there, my personal cell phone is on them. Any questions you have, I'll answer. And sometime's it's not going to be the answer you want, but it'll be an honest answer, it'll be a truthful answer, and I appreciate your support."

Senate District 37 candidate Phil Nollan speaks at community forum

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Phil Nollan, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"I'm used to being the guy in the background, doing the research. I know a lot of you out here in the audience already, and you know our background as a family. Maybe you don't know that I grew up in Tulsa and went to Tulsa Public Schools. I graduated and went to Oklahoma State University where I met my lovely, and through some miracle - I'm not sure how - I managed to talk her into marrying me, and we've been married thirty-six years ourselves. 

What was neat about that is, she brought me back to Sand Springs at a home football game when John Blake was still playing football. When Barry Switzer was recruiting him I saw him in a big fur coat down on the sidelines. But what was neat about that was the home town feel that we had here in Sand Springs, in the stadium. When Jadine walked around, she knew everybody. That's something I didn't get in Tulsa. I said, 'Jadine, when we get married I want to move back to Sand Springs and I want to raise our kids here.' That's what we've done. 

We have three kids, two grandkids, and we're blessed to have our two grandkids living close to us. I love being a papa, it means more to me than anything else.

Now a bit more about me and my career. I got a computer science degree at OSU when computer science was not the cool thing to get. I went to work for the oil and gas industry. I've been in the industry about thirty-five years as an information technology professional.

I'm a nationally-certified project manager. I think during my process of my early years I learned how to manage projects and programs, I learned how to lead teams, learned how to work on big IT budgets, learned how to deliver things as promised - on time and under budget. 

My recent employment with EMC, I had to work with Fortune 100 customers like Chesapeake, Devon, Williams, Conoco, Phillips 66, OU, OSU, and a lot of companies here in Oklahoma. What I found in working with those companies is, they had big demands like I know this job has. Like I know the job that my wife has to do. Meeting those demands is not going to be easy, but you've got to keep your word. You've got to keep your promises, and you have to do the best you can do to make it happen.

You've got to develop relationships with people in the organization. You've got to develop relationships with the people up in the House, and in the Senate. You have to develop relationships in the business community and in the school community. I think that's maybe an advantage that I have a little bit at least in the Sand Springs and West Tulsa and Berryhill area, because I've knocked on a lot of the doors that Jadine's knocked on. I've heard the concerns of the people at the door.

The number one polling issue is education and education funding. That is the number-one polling. What's number two? The State budget. How do we fix the State budget. Then public safety and health follow that.

Those are the big issues, and they're glaring everybody in the face. Everybody has answers to them. There's a lot of opinions on both sides of the aisle. There's even opinions within the caucus itself, and that kind of fragmented everybody to try to come up with a solution this past year which we didn't come up with too many good solutions this past year.

My wife and I, we've served all our lives in the community. We enjoy serving. We're at a stage in life now where our kids are grown up. This is something that I could do full time. I could be your State Senator full time.

I have a personal passion for education. My wife was on the school board for eleven years. I worked closely with her behind the scenes doing research and working with the schools. Heck, I was on the committee that helped build the stadium that we have now after fifty-seven years of the rock stadium that we had before. What a great project that was for Sand Springs. Our new stadium that we have and the track out there and our fine arts center. Those are some of the things that we've done.

We've got a lot of good things happening in Sand Springs in our community business-wise with the Vision 2025 corridor, our parks, our quality of life projects have really stepped up. We've had a lot of new things.

I want to take that excitement and that energy to the State Capitol. I want to say there are a lot of great things we can do, all we have to do is get together. We've got to come together, we have to stop this bickering between the aisles. And really, the Republican caucus is so big, there's bickering within the caucus itself. Those don't all work good together.

I'm just excited to be here. This is so much fun. I've been on the sidelines for seven years and I've wanted to get in the game. Coach, call me in! And I haven't had a chance. This is an opportunity and I'd appreciate your vote on September twelfth."

Senate District 37 candidate Nicole Nixon speaks at community forum

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Nicole Nixon, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of her opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"My name is Nicole Nixon. I'm a mom. I live in Southwest Tulsa.

Three of my community schools were consolidated. The schools that were consolidated; they'll have you believe that it was because we have low enrollment numbers. They'll have you believe that we have too many schools out there and we're spending too much money on them. The truth is, the more that I dug into this, the more their numbers were skewed, and the more none of this made sense. 

I was told that they were going to consolidate North Tulsa schools but because of the Betty Shelby case, that they didn't want to have a riot on their hands. So they attacked Southwest Tulsa. 

As far as the funding, Tulsa Public Schools is the second largest school district in Oklahoma. Tulsa Public Schools is not properly utilizing their funding. And the second-largest school district in the state not properly utilizing their funding is sending a message to the legislature that none of the public schools are adequately utilizing their funding. It makes all of us look bad. And when they stand their and they point their finger at the legislature, half of the reason that they have problems is because they put themselves in that. It's not acceptable. 

I used to be a metal salesman. I worked in the steel industry. I am familiar with hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots. I worked with tons of manufacturing businesses: aerospace, defense. I have the ability to negotiate.

I want to have a voice when it comes to my children's education. I want all of us to have a voice when it comes to our community and what is going on in our legislature. It's not acceptable what they're doing.

We have leaders that are not being leaders. A good leader makes more leaders. They have tried to blame it on the freshman legislators. But when in actuality, they haven't reached out and tried to help them learn or pulled them on the team. They've been using them as pawns. 

I decided to run because I'm tired of it, as most of us are. As far as job growth and our economy, education comes number one. We have a great education, we attract businesses, we have a well-educated workforce.

Some of you may have seen me on the news. I was down in Oklahoma City at the Capitol, fighting for our schools. If you visit my website, there's media links to all the reports of me standing up and fighting. Tonight I'll be at the Tulsa Public Schools Board meeting, like I am at most of those board meetings.

Without a presence by the parents and the people, we have no chance of making government accountable to the people. We've got to step up, join our PTAs. You don't have to have a student that goes to school there to join. We have to make a bigger presence. 

As far as bringing more voter awareness, I think the key to that is having a solid election day every year. From school board all the way up, we need to create a culture where people know 'today is voting day and I'm gonna go vote for this candidate, but I know there's going to be a whole bunch of other names on that list and I don't want to get it wrong.' We need to have them looking at our school board members. We need to have them showing up. We've all got to do this together.

I humbly ask for your vote. Give me a voice. I just want to be able to help my children and your children and our state. I want to have the opportunity to get in there and find out what is going on and start fixing the root of our problems rather than treating symptoms."

 

 

 

Senate District 37 candidate R. Jay McAtee speaks at community forum

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R. Jay McAtee, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"My name is R. Jay McAtee. Today's my anniversary, I've been married to my wife thirty-five years today. I love you dear.

I'm a lawyer in Tulsa and a judge here in Sand Springs. I've been a municipal judge for fifteen years, it's taught me a lot. I've represented businesses and families for thirty-five years. I represent workers' compensation businesses and insurance companies, defending workers' compensation claims. 

I've been living in South Sand Springs (Prattville) since 1990. I live on Overholt Drive off 51st Street. Raised my two kids there, my wife and I did. We call Sand Springs home. I attend First Presbyterian Church, I'm a Clerk of Session there. I've been attending First Pres for sixteen-seventeen years. That's my church home.

That's who I am. Now why am I running for State Senate District 37? It's not for the money. I don't need it. I'm a successful attorney, I've got a good practice. My wife asked me 'why are we doing this?' I told her because I'm fed up of forty-eighth or worse. It's time I give something back to this state, and I think I've got the ability to do that. 

Just yesterday, what was in the Tulsa World? 'Deep-pocketed non-profits use dark money to sway Oklahoma elections.' Oklahoma is controlled by special interests. That's not right. We need to take Oklahoma back. We need to give it back to the citizens of Oklahoma. And I don't intend to let special interests dictate my vote. I truly believe that special interests have caused Oklahoma's problems.

The legislature needs to take the budget and make it their number one item on day one, February 8-9, 2018 and they need to not attend to any other business until that budget is addressed. Folks, you can't cut forever. I'm a businessman. You cannot cut down to the bone. If you get to the bone, you're done. So we have got to figure out how to meet Oklahoma's budgetary needs.

Gross production tax - yes I made the oil industry mad at me last week when I went in front of the State Chamber's lobbyists and I said this. First thing out of their mouth was 'where do you stand on gross production tax?' Well folks, the reality of it is, the horizontal drilling is robbing us. That horizontal gross production tax is for the first three years. You know what they get in the first three years? They get all that they're gonna get out of that well. 

The vertical drillers are paying 7%. They're getting robbed. And we're getting robbed by out-of-state interests - big oil - and it's time for them to step up and help fix Oklahoma.

We can't pay our teachers until we figure out how to do the budget. I am absolutely in favor of paying teachers. My mother taught in Laverne, Oklahoma, out in the panhandle thirty-plus years. She had her Master's in English. I believe in teachers. It's a profession just like lawyers, just like anything else. There's good, there's bad, there's mediocre, and there's excellent. I think teachers generally are excellent, because they're responding to a calling, and we need to support them.

We need to support roads and bridges, we need to do a lot of things, but none of it's going to happen until we have bold leadership that's ready to step up at the Capitol and say 'no, we are going to stop the special interests from dictating to Oklahoma what Oklahoma needs.' 

I hope I get your vote. We have a lot of good candidates running against me. It's gonna be a fun race."

Senate District 37 candidate Rick Hardesty speaks at community forum

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Rick Hardesty, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"What I'm hearing is, we need to get our schools better funding. We need to get more money into our education system. To me that makes sense as a small business owner in needing to have a viable workforce and things like that...The reason I started running, the main reason, was I sat and watched...and they have practically closed every school over there and it kind of got me angry.

Normally I'm not that politically involved, but after seeing all this going on I decided that our legislators that we currently have in Oklahoma City aren't really doing the job that they're supposed to be doing. That's looking out for the best interests of our state, not just a few corporate entities. 

The reason I think I can do a fairly good job over there is that I also do real estate, and in real estate we negotiate stuff every day. That's what real estate is. If I take a contract with a customer to sell their house or sell their business, I'm gonna get them the exact highest price we can get. And vice-versa. If I'm working with a buyer, I'm going to get them a property as cheap as I can. So every day, we're negotiating and I'm good at it. 

It's gonna take the citizens in the community to get together with public forums and let them know exactly how you feel.

We have over 75 different business tax incentives in Oklahoma in the name of promoting new business. They're not working. Very few of them give us a return on our investment and that's by their own studies. We have a tax incentive commission and they randomly pick different ones. And of the last report they did, ten out of the eleven that they did had a negative impact on our state. The businesses that are taking advantage of the tax incentives are the larger corporate people who are trying to hit a home run. 

I think that we had the opportunity to get our horizontal well drilling credit back to 7% and we missed out on it. In Oklahoma they've been paying 1%. Now it's 2%, which is far below the national average. If they go to Texas they're going to pay 11-13%. If they go to North Dakota they're going to pay 13%. In Oklahoma they pay 2%. I think it's time to do away with that. That was set up in times for if oil prices dropped below $15 per barrel. That's costing us hundreds of millions of dollars a year that could go toward other things. 

In all the surveys that are taken to attract businesses into Oklahoma, good education system was the number one answer to attract corporations and companies to start businesses in Oklahoma. It's not tax incentives. We need to get our priorities straight, put money back where it matters. That's my goal."

City of Sand Springs adopts new 2017 Policing Plan

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Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter speaks at a City Council Meeting.

The Sand Springs City Council recently approved the 2017 Sand Springs Policing Plan. The department created their first policing plan in 2016 following national discourse on race, bias, and social injustice. The plan identifies six pillars that will help the department to better serve the public while effectively enforcing the law and promoting social justice.

Pillar 1: Building Trust and Legitimacy

In 2015-2016 the Sand Springs Police Department greatly increased the amount of warnings given during traffic stops to help combat accusations of "revenue  collection." According to Police Chief Mike Carter, nearly half of all traffic stops result in warnings instead of fines.

"There will always be traffic citations because that's what we're out there to do; enforce traffic laws," said Carter. 

SSPD officers will participate in and achieve the certification levels offered by CLEET.

The department will take steps to ensure that citizens may file a complaint for investigation. 

All SSPD officers have been issued business cards which identify them by name and badge number. The cards are given out on routine contacts as well as to anyone who wishes to file a compliment or complaint. 

The department aims to keep a more formal appearance to encourage approachability. Officers are allowed to utilize external body armor, but weapons are not allowed on the front of the vest. 

The department prides itself on its transparency. A seventeen-year span with zero shooting incidents came to an end in 2015, and video footage of the two incidents that year were released to media within three days. They have a policy of not charging fees for electronic document requests.

New officers are under immediate probation for a twelve-month period.

The department has had only one grievance filed since 1993.

The department is proactively working with local businesses to combat drug manufacturing and aggressive panhandling. 

The department employs a Spanish-fluent officer on the Hispanic Affairs Commission.

Regarding immigration enforcement, Carter says that "we're not a sanctuary city, but we are here to serve all people, even undocumented, if they are the victim of a crime." When responding to a report of a crime, SSPD officers will not inquire as to the immigration status of the victim. 

Pillar 2: Policy and Oversight

The department has two instructors who attended the Fair and Impartial Policing - Train the Trainer program that was sponsored by the COPS office of the Department of Justice. These officers in turn train all SSPD officers in anti-bias policing. The training centers on the belief that all people have some implicit bias.

The department has adopted a policy of consulting with non-police community members for input regarding complaint review. These representatives receive Use of Force training before participating.

The SSPD became the first department in the State of Oklahoma to formalize an agreement with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to conduct investigations into any officer-involved shooting resulting in injury or death, and in-custody deaths.

Pillar 3: Technology and Social Media

The SSPD has been using body cameras since approximately 2008. They were deployed department-wide in 2014.

The SSPD launched a Facebook page in March of 2016. The page has just under 4,000 "likes" at press time. The department uses the page to educate the public about ongoing crime problems, crime trends, and investigations in which the public's involvement is helpful. 

All officers carry a non-lethal weapon at all times and all patrol units are equipped with a Stinger tire deflation unit to help end pursuits. The department will also cease pursuing suspects if the situation begins to pose a likely danger to the community. 

The SSPD recently helped the Sand Springs School District obtain and install security cameras and a Lobby Guard system that requires all school visitors to scan a valid Oklahoma ID. That scan immediately identifies sex offenders and violent crime offenders. 

Pillar 4: Community Policing and Crime Reduction 

The SSPD participates in a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team with the cities of Bixby and Sapulpa, called South-West Area Tactical. The SWAT team employs a full complement of crisis negotiators with training in advanced levels of mental health. During the team's history, they have never injured or killed any subject.

The SSPD has a philosophy of community involvement through positive contacts. Officers participate in Neighborhood Watch and HOA meetings to hear first-hand concerns from the community. 

The SSPD recently launched the "Pop With A Cop" program where officers and City officials hold meetings in each of the City's Wards to meet with citizens and talk about the city.

The SSPD has never worked on quotas or taken fine revenue into account as it relates to enforcement efforts. The department claims some of the lowest fines in the metro area and looks to minimize increases. 

The department held its first-ever "Food for Fines" program last year, allowing citizens to pay off up to $200 in fines with non-perishable food donations to Sand Springs Community Services. The event granted temporary amnesty to individuals with outstanding warrants, allowing them to set up payment plans and get back in good standing with the department. The department also allows for community service to reduce or eliminate their fines.

The department also partnered with State Representative Jadine Nollan and State Senator David Rader on House Bill 2159, which sought to keep people out of jail while still holding them accountable. 

The department has instituted a policy of limiting officers in how many citations they may issue during a single traffic stop. Officers are required to attain supervisor approval before issuing more than three citations to one individual.

Individuals held in municipal jail on open charges are released within 72 hours as a matter of policy to prevent the risk of causing individuals to lose employment, as well as family strife, medical issues, etc. 

Pillar 5: Training and Education

Approximately 75% of all Sand Springs patrol officers are currently trained in advanced mental health techniques such as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model of police response to mental health situations. The department aims to have all officers trained by the end of 2017. 

All SSPD officers attend use of force simulator training instructed by the Oklahoma Municipal Insurance Group. The training covers shoot-don't shoot simulations, verbal interventions, and non-lethal force simulations.

All SSPD officers are trained in Verbal Skills, with focus on de-escalation and officer approachability. All SSPD officers attend annual training on the topic of custody and control techniques. Current policy discourages the use of force on children, elderly persons, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. All officers are required to train and certify twice  year in firearms training. Officers are required to score 84% on a more complicated course than is required by the State of Oklahoma.

The department is training dispatchers and jailers in suicide prevention. The new jail facility is being designed free of potential hanging points with attention to any other ways that a suicidal subject may use the facility while in crisis. 

The department has a goal of achieving National and State Accreditation. 

Pillar 6: Officer Wellness and Safety

The department aims to ensure that officers receive the best training available and equip them with the best tools and resources. Every officer is equipped with body armor and tactical tourniquets. Body armor and seatbelts are required.

Any citizens arrested for resisting arrest or assaulting an officer are remanded to State court instead of municipal court. The department maintains that citizens who view an arrest as unjust must express their concerns through the judicial system, not during the arrest. 

SSPD officers are provided with gym membership and access to the city fitness center. Officers are physically tested by University of Tulsa students in the Exercise and Sports Science Program. The program tests officers for Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. 

The SSPD has authorized pay increases amounting to nearly $10,000 that will propel Sand Springs to the third-highest paying community in the Tulsa Metro area. Previously Sand Springs was eighth.

The department is also making changes to their hiring process and standards that have kept some potential applicants from applying. The department requires either 64 hours of college or time served in the U.S. Military. Previously they required four years of service, but that number is now reduced to two years.

The department will also lessen restrictions around visible tattoos due to the culture change and greater acceptance of body art. 

2016 Sand Springs Police Department Statistics

Calls for Service: 21,178
Traffic Citations: 4,077
Written Traffic Warnings: 2,065 - does not include verbal warnings.

The following statistics refer to reports of crimes only, and does not indicate crimes resulting in a conviction.

Homicide: 1
Rape: 4
Robbery: 7
Assaults: 210
Burglary: 88
Larceny: 508
Motor Vehicle Theft: 68

Use of Deadly Force: 0
Tactical Vehicle Intervention: 0
Impact Weapon Use: 0
Less Lethal (non Taser) Use: 0
K-9 Bites: 0
Taser Use: 6
Physical Control: 5
OC Spray Use: 1
Pursuits: 11
Excessive Force reports: 0

The Mission of the Sand Springs Police Department is the protection of constitutional rights, protection of lives, reduction of criminal activity and fostering of community partnerships. This shall be accomplished by each employee being empowered to provide the best service possible. Our relationship with the Citizens of Sand Springs shall be the foundation for this success. Our legacy within this community will be service with honor, treatment of people with dignity and dedication to excellence.

Residents give their opinions on Sand Springs in online survey

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In the fall of 2015, the City of Sand Springs launched an online survey for residents of Sand Springs. More than 600 individuals responded, representing more than 3% of the population.

43.9% of residents view the image of Sand Springs as Good. 19.7% of residents have a negative view of the City. 44.5% of residents believe non-residents have a Below Average view of the City. 55.4% of residents believe non-residents have a positive image of Sand Springs.

28.4% of residents rank the quality of life in the city as High, 66.9% ranked it as Moderate, and 4.7% ranked it as Low.

79.8% over residents rank the quality of Public Safety as above average. 1.2% rank it as below average. 82.9% of residents are satisfied with Police services in Sand Springs while 1.8% are dissatisfied. 90.6% of residents feel safe while walking alone in their neighborhood. 71.3% of residents feel safe walking in downtown Sand Springs at night.

85.9% of residents are satisfied with Fire response services. 84.9% of residents are satisfied with the Emergency response service provided by the Fire Department.

49.3% of residents would definitely support a funding mechanism to hire additional police and fire personnel. 44.5% would possibly support it, and 6.1% would not support it. 

85.4% of residents are satisfied with the variety of housing for sale. 63.9% of residents are satisfied with the variety of housing for rent. 81.6% of residents are satisfied with the overall condition of housing.

76.5% of residents have a favorable view of the appearance of downtown. 74.7% of residents are satisfied with the appearance of the business areas outside of downtown. 

89.9% of residents sited Additional Retail/Restaurants as the primary development need in Sand Springs. 75.4% of residents listed Hardware/Home Improvement as the top retail need in Sand Springs. 93.2% of residents desire more Sit-down Establishments. 49.3% of residents visit Tulsa to eat very frequently. 

46.3% of residents would definitely like to see an increase in establishments providing night life opportunities. 71.1% of residents would definitely support the redevelopment of old industrial areas as something else other than industrial.

47.5% of residents definitely support the construction of the Sand Springs Dam, 43.9% would possibly support it, and 8.6% would not support it. 64.3% of residents would definitely support development of the Arkansas River, 30.9% would possibly support it, and 4.8% would not support it.

51% of residents definitely support a system of city-wide trails, 41.2% would possibly support it, and 7.8% are opposed. 

35.9% of residents would like to see additional Residential Development West of town, 31.6% said South of town, 24.4% said North of town, and 8.1% said East of town. 70.3% of residents are in favor of the annexation of additional lands into City Limits. 34.8% of residents support additional multi-family apartment complexes, with 24.9% opposed. 

25.7% of residents are dissatisfied with the Sand Springs Parks and Recreational Opportunities. 36.1% are dissatisfied with the quantity/quality of parks in Prattville. 33.5% are dissatisfied with the quantity/quality of parks on the North side.

73.6% of residents cited a need for the demolition or redevelopment of blighted areas. 35.4% of residents said the Street and Road Conditions were in the greatest need of public improvement. 59.8% of residents believe Sand Springs road conditions are the same as other communities, while 27.6% believe they are better and 12.7% believe they are worse.

If public funding is required to improve the city, 66.1% of residents would support a dedicated sales tax, 33.1% would support a revenue bond, 31.2% would support a property tax, 21.6% would support development fees, and 15.8% would support a surcharge on utilities. 

City of Sand Springs looking to hire seven new employees, three new police officers

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The City of Sand Springs is currently accepting applications for three open positions, including three police officers.

The City is in need of full-time Street Driverw with a wage of up to $11.83/per-hour. Job duties include driving trucks and operating various pieces of machinery, manual labor, street repairs, and maintenance. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid Oklahoma Class A commercial driver license. 

Click here for more information on the Street Driver position, or to apply.

The City is in need of three full-time CLEET-certified police officers with  wage of up to $46,371.39. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. They must also have 64 credit hours or an Associate Degree from a regionally accredited college, or have received an honorable discharge after a minimum of two full-time active years with a branch of the military. Lateral transfers are available.

Click here for more information on the Police Office position, or to apply.

The City is looking for a part-time Community Enhancement Supervisor at a wage of $10/per-hour. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a valid Class D Oklahoma driver license. The position will include supervising small crews on job sites, maintaining log books pertaining to community service hours, coordinating between departments, maintaining walkways, vegetation, public restrooms, underbrush, and other City property. 

Click here for more information on the Community Enhancement Supervisor position, or to apply.

Animals up for adoption at Sand Springs Animal Shelter

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The following animals are available for adoption at the Sand Springs Animal Shelter as of 6.16.2017.

Photographs are courtesy of Renae Williams with Snapdragon Photography in Sand Springs. 

Adoption cost is $65 and covers spaying/neutering, vaccination, and a general health examination. 

Sand Springs Animal Welfare
8620 W. 21st St.
Sand Springs, OK 74063
918.246.2543
animalcontrol@sandspringsok.org
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday

Snapdragon Photography
Sand Springs, OK 74063
918.625.6853
renae@snapdragonphotography.net
www.snapdragonphotography.net
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Felix. 2-3 year old Pit/Catahoula mix. Male. 

MayBelle. Adult female. Labrador-mix.

Domino. Adult female. Pit mix. 

Lucky. Adult male. Rottweiler/Labrador mix. 

Diva. Adult female. Pit Bull Terrier.