4th Annual Ancient Trail Trek to benefit Keystone Ancient Forest Visitors Center

/

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department and TATUR (Tulsa Area Trails and Ultra Runners) invite runners of all ages to the magnificent Keystone Ancient Forest for the 4th Annual Ancient Trail Trek! This year's event is Saturday, February 9, 2019 with gates opening at 7:00 a.m. and the first race at 8:00 a.m.

Event registration and information can be found at the City’s website at www.sandspringsok.org. Use the Explore/ Keystone Ancient Forest/ Ancient Trail Trek drop down menus to access the registration site. Registration is online only, and runners must register before the midnight deadline on February 7, 2019.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the beautiful 1,400-acre crosstimbers nature preserve, including the planned visitor center, which is currently in design.

This year's Ancient Fun Run offers a 5K, 10K and even an 8-mile run for both adults and children. The varied courses will meander over grassy trail portions, bare soil and rock. Routes will challenge runners with some downhill glides and moderate uphill challenges! Runners can glimpse wintertime views of Keystone Lake below, and might even spot area wildlife along the course!

"We’ve partnered with the TATUR group again and so we’ll have the standard electronic timing devices for accuracy and convenience for runners,” stated Jeff Edwards, Parks Director for the City of Sand Springs. "We’ve got several great courses this year and feel we have one of the best trail running venues in Oklahoma."

The race fee (including registration) is $28.00 per runner without an event T-shirt, or $40.50 per runner with an event T-shirt. Gates will open at 7:00 a.m. on the day of the race, with the first race beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Park staff and members of the Keystone Ancient Forest Trail Guide (volunteer) group will be on site to help with water and hospitality after the race. Parking is on gravel and grassy areas with porta potty service. No pets allowed.

With proceeds from this year’s race, again going towards the Keystone Ancient Forest- this year’s event can help with the planned visitor center also! The concept for the forest’s new state of the art facility will be unveiled just weeks before the race event!

Storm Spotter Training Class coming soon to Sand Springs

/

Sand Springs, OK - Weather changes constantly in Oklahoma – and sometimes not for the better. Understanding what is going on in the skies above can be a life or death proposition.

Sand Springs’ location on the western edge of the Tulsa metropolitan area places it on the front lines for severe weather events, which can potentially impact thousands of Oklahomans. Trained citizen storm spotters play a critical role in providing life-saving information to local emergency managers and meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tulsa.

Area residents can receive storm spotter training from NWS meteorologists on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd. There is no charge to attend, and pre-registration is not necessary. The training lasts about two hours.

The training benefits all citizens – from those affiliated with storm spotting organizations to those just wanting a better understanding of what is happening around them when skies turn dark. It includes videos of severe storms and information on how severe storms form and what they look like. The training will include statistics on severe storms and the damages they cause each time severe weather happens.

The training will help citizens better understand the different severe weather watches and warnings issued by NWS and help storm spotters analyze the differences between storms with real severe weather potential from those that only have menacing-looking clouds.

Although recent technology has greatly enhanced meteorologists’ abilities to provide critical and accurate storm information, trained storm spotters are irreplaceable for providing on-the-ground accounts of what is actually happening at specific locations. Many citizens have taken the class over the years to enhance their own piece of mind, as well as possibly save the lives of others during a weather emergency.

City Invites Local Businesses to Join at Tulsa Home and Garden Show

/

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs is announcing its plans for the 2019 Tulsa Home and Garden show. This year the City is extending an invitation to Sand Springs retail businesses to join them during the show to promote the Sand Springs community- and their business! The annual home improvement event takes place March 7-10, at the Riverspirit Expo at the Expo Square Tulsa County Fairgrounds.

For more than a decade municipalities have reached out to area citizens during the Tulsa Home and Garden Show as a means to promote their community to area citizens by providing information about quality of life, new projects, services and more. This year, the City of Sand Springs wishes to expand on that approach by including a handful of local retailers.

“We’re excited to invite our partners in the retail business sector to invest a little time with us and work alongside city staff as we promote Sand Springs,” stated Grant Gerondale, Community Development Director for the City. “Sand Springs has so many unique retail outlets, each with their own great history of successful business service and great products.”

Interested businesses can apply at no cost; however, each business will be asked to provide one or more door prizes to be given away during a raffle drawing. Door prize winners will then be asked to visit each Sand Springs retailer later to redeem their prize.

Businesses will also be asked to help staff their display portion of the booth during an assigned segment of the Tulsa Home and Garden Show. Most volunteer opportunities for each business will last approximately 4-6 hours. To apply, simply email Grant Gerondale at grant@sandspringsok.org with your request for an application! Deadline to apply is January 31, 2019.

Senate votes Greg Treat as president pro tempore

/

OKLAHOMA CITY - Members of the Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday voted Senator Greg Treat as president pro tempore, the chamber’s top leadership post.

Treat previously served as the majority floor leader, the Senate’s second-highest leadership office, and was selected by Senate Republicans last year as their choice to lead the Senate. On Tuesday during organizational day, the entire Senate made it official and voted to name Treat as the Senate leader.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the leader of the Oklahoma Senate. I very much appreciate my colleagues for their trust in my leadership and look forward to the challenge ahead. I also want to thank my wife and children. Without their love and support, I would not be able to serve in the Senate,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

“As leader of the Senate I promise our chamber will work hard, we’ll work together across political parties, and we’ll work toward policies that are good for all Oklahomans. There are certainly challenges facing our state, but there is nothing standing in our way that we can’t overcome together. I am optimistic about the future of our state and feel very blessed to be in a position to help lead Oklahoma to an even better and brighter future.”

Treat lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Maressa and their three children: Mason, Cooper, and Olivia. The Treat family attends Frontline Church. He was elected in a 2011 special election to represent District 47, which encompasses northwest Oklahoma City and portions of Edmond, Deer Creek, and Bethany. Treat serves on the executive committees of both the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Southern Legislative Conference.

The Oklahoma Constitution calls upon the Legislature to meet before the start of each two-year session to formally elect its leaders and certify the previous year’s election results. On Tuesday, the Senate certified the 2018 election results and officially elected Treat and other senators to Senate leadership positions. The Senate GOP leadership includes:

  • Senator Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, President Pro Tempore

  • Senator Kim David, R-Porter, Majority Floor Leader

  • Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, Appropriations chair

  • Senator Jason Smalley, R-Stroud, Majority Caucus chair

  • Senator Rob Standridge, R-Norman, Majority Whip

  • Senator Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City, Assistant Floor Leader

  • Senator Frank Simpson, R-Springer, Assistant Floor Leader

  • Senator Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, Majority Caucus vice chair

  • Senator Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, Assistant Majority Whip

  • Senator Casey Murdock, R-Felt, Assistant Majority Whip

  • Senator Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, Assistant Majority Whip

  • Senator Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, Rural Caucus chair

Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman appointed to serve on five Senate committees

/

OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was selected this week to serve on five Senate committees for the 57th legislature by Senate Democratic Leader Designate Kay Floyd. Ikley-Freeman represents District 37 which includes Sand Springs.

The Tulsa Democrat was appointed to serve on the Education, Appropriations and Budget and Rules Committees. She will also continue to serve on both the Senate Committee for Health and Human Services and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

“I am honored to have been chosen by Senator Floyd to serve on these committees,” Ikley-Freeman said. “Ensuring access to health care and mental health care services are just two of my passions and my professional experience as a mental health therapist brings a unique perspective and skillset to my role as a legislator.” 

Ikley-Freeman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical mental health. She continues to work in her community providing mental health services and fighting for increased access at the Capitol.

Members will return to the Capitol for an organizational day on January 8, 2019, and the 2019 session will formally begin on February 4.

Tulsa Botanic Garden unveils new Garden of Lights event

/

[Tulsa, OK] — Tulsa Botanic Garden is offering an illuminated garden escape from the holiday hustle and bustle with a new event, Garden of Lights, running from Nov. 23 to Jan. 6. Visitors will be able to stroll through whimsical displays in the Children’s Discovery Garden and enjoy elegant views and dazzling lights in the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces and other areas of the Garden.

“Being in the Garden any night is wonderful, but with the light display we’ve created with our designer, it’s just magical,” says Garden CEO Todd Lasseigne. “The path through the Children’s Discovery Garden includes fun surprises along the walk and a soundscape created by a Tulsa musician especially for that area. We also have the traditional music and colors for the holidays in the Tandy Floral Terraces. With all of the activities going on, there’s really something for everyone.”

Every night of the event warm beverages and s’mores kits will be available for sale in the “Holiday Hearth” area located near the Garden’s visitor center. Fire pits will be available for roasting marshmallows. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22, a food truck and cash bar with seasonal warm drinks will also be available.

From Dec. 7 to 14, a large scale model train exhibit by the Tulsa Garden Railroad Club will be in the Garden’s Mabee Grange building. Members of the Railroad Club will be staffing the 1,200 sq. ft. display nightly from 5 to 9 p.m.

The schedule of activities during Garden of Lights also includes:

Wednesdays with St. Nick: Every Wednesday from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, the Garden’s “botanical” Saint Nick will be available for informal visits and photos from 6 to 9 p.m. (bring your camera).

Musical Thursdays: Each Thursday, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20 enjoy live music from talented Tulsans including:

·         Nov. 29, 6-8 p.m.: Holiday Gypsy Jazz with David Horne and Friends

·         Dec. 6, 6-7 p.m.: Bravo School of Performing Arts; 7-9 p.m.: Cascia Hall Singers

·         Dec. 13: TBA

·         Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m.: Harpist Lorelei Barton

Holiday Express Train Rides: Every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 23 to Dec. 22, you can take a train ride to see the lights from across the Garden’s Lake. Free with admission.

Tickets are $15 for ages 13+ and $5 for ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. Members of the Botanic Garden receive discounted pricing of $10 for ages 13+.  Tickets are limited each night and pre-purchasing is highly advised.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.tulsabotanic.org/gardenoflights, in person in the Garden’s visitor center or by phone at 918-289-0330.

During the event, the Botanic Garden will alter its daytime hours closing at 3 p.m. (instead of 5 p.m.) Tuesday through Sunday. The Garden will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 and only open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Sponsors for 2018 Garden of Lights include Closebend, ePumps, GableGotwals, Triad Eye Institute, Osage Casino Hotel, Premier Advisors Group, Public Service Company of Oklahoma and T.D. Williamson. Drs. James & Samuel Owens Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry, Howell & Vancuren, Proceeds from the event help support the Garden, a non-profit organization.

For more details on Garden of Lights events, visit www.TulsaBotanic.org/GardenofLights or call 918-289-0330.

ABOUT US:

Tulsa Botanic Garden is an all-season oasis blooming in the Osage Hills northwest of Tulsa.  The A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces feature over 8,000 plants with seasonal beds, beautiful art deco designs and water features, and a spectacular spring display of over 100,000 bulbs. The Children’s Discovery Garden is a wonderland of interactive fun for the whole family including the iconic Spring Giant, spitting animal fountains, carnivorous plants, Sensory Walk, whirligigs, and the Tree Fort where the canopy provides a natural backdrop for storytelling and imaginative play. The Lakeside Promenade gracefully encompasses a seven-acre lake, and the Cross Timbers Trail provides a 1.5 mile hike through the trees. Admission:  Free for members, $8 for ages 13 and up, $4 for ages 3-12, and free for ages 2 and under.  Memberships are available beginning at $50. Tulsa Botanic Garden is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, call 918-289-0330 or visit www.tulsabotanic.org.

Sand Springs Parks Dept. receives State honors for Riverfest celebration

/

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs Parks staff received two statewide honors during the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society (ORPS) annual conference held in Norman, OK. Sand Springs Riverfest was cited an Award of Excellence by parks professionals in the state, one of only three such awards given out annually at the parks conference. Riverfest also earned an Award of Excellence for marketing from ORPS.

“We’re honored to represent the citizens of Sand Springs, not only in our traditional park work throughout the year, but also with the special events we create,” stated Jeff Edwards, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City. “We have a great staff who reach beyond their daily tasks to offer quality parks and recreation services in Northeast Oklahoma, and we’re very pleased to receive this honor.”

Riverfest was created by parks staff to celebrate the completion and dedication of the former River City Park into the new $6.2 million project known currently as Case Community Park. The park name change recognized Mike and Pat Case for their $2 million contribution toward Sand Springs’ largest Vision 2025 park project.

Sand Springs Riverfest took nearly a year of planning thanks to a large committee that included local businesses, school and city officials, church members, and more. The event was held in September of 2017 after raising nearly $30,000 for the park celebration.

A few highlights of the day included an appearance by Sand Springs racing legend Bennie “The Wizard” Osborn, who was the NHRA top fuel dragster world champion in 1967 and 1968. The OKC Thunder’s mascot, Rumble, made an entrance, and helped kick off a Thunder Cares new basketball court dedication and basketball camp for kids. There was an artistic Chalk-A-Thon sidewalk art-chalk contest. A few former cast members from the live outdoor production of Oklahoma performed a brief segment from the musical. The Charles Page High School marching band performed on stage before the Rogues Five took over, followed by local interactive DJ Morgan Ganem’s performance, which was choreographed with the grand finale fireworks display.

Sand Springs Riverfest was awarded state ORPS honors for its excellent use of private funds to create the event for citizens; the strong use of volunteers; utilizing creative marketing methods and offering a diverse number of activities for people during the event.

“Special events can be a struggle for any community and they can consume large amounts of resources,” stated Edwards. “The resources, funding, and commitments from local civic groups, businesses, churches and more launched Riverfest into an award winning quality event.”

For more information on the Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow them on Facebook.

ORPS was founded in 1956 to advance the parks and recreation profession and industry in Oklahoma. Annual conference attendees receive professional training, continuing education credits and more. For more information about ORPS visit: http://www.orps.us/

Sand Springs Police Department receives international award for policing plan

/

The Sand Springs Police Department is pleased to announce that their partnership with the citizens of the Sand Springs in community policing efforts have resulted in an award to the agency. The Sand Springs Police Department received the 2018 IACP/Cisco Leadership in Community Policing Award. Chief Mike Carter accepted the award on behalf of agency and the Citizens of Sand Springs at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Convention on October 9, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The award was open to departments around the world for communities 20,000 to 50,000 in population.

The IACP and Cisco presented the award to the Sand Springs Chief for their “Policing Plan” which has been produced by the Sand Springs Police Department in cooperation with the citizens of Sand Springs. The 2018 plan is the third edition of the plan, which started after the department reviewed the Department of Justice Report on Ferguson, Missouri in 2015.

Chief Carter stated, “We read the DOJ report on Ferguson after our City Attorney David Weatherford suggested that we may want to look at missteps that had taken place in there, and what we could do to assure our public that we were policing in a positive manner”. He added, “We took a look at not only what we could do to promote procedural justice, officer accountability, transparency, training etc, but also at our past practices and decided to produce an annual plan”. The Department has modified and refined the Plan each year by including input from its citizens. Upon presentation by the Department, the City Council holds a public hearing and adopts the current plan by resolution.

Chief Carter spoke about the future of the program, he stated, “The police work we do is constantly changing, and police departments will need to change as the public’s perception of us and the reality of what we face changes. Preparing the plan helped us map a plan for the future, but also captured many of the great things our department has been doing for years to serve the public. It also reflects what our officers have historically done to bring people together and show that we are a police department for all people”. He added, “This award is not just to the police department, but to the Sand Springs community as a whole; it is their faith in us and the relationship that we have with them that made this possible”. Mayor Mike Burdge stated, “We are happy to see the recognition for our police department and the citizens of Sand Springs. With so many great police departments across the globe, it is an honor for our community to receive such an honor.”

Anyone who is interested in reading the plan or the versions of previous years may do so by going to http://www.sandspringsok.org/491/SSPD-Policing-Plan

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

/

Bill Knight Lincoln donated $8,000 to the Sand Springs Education Foundation last year.

For the sixth 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 20th, 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. 

City Councilman Jim Spoon receives national honors

/

Sand Springs, OK - Sand Springs’ own Jim Spoon has been recognized by the National Community Pharmacists Association during the NCPA’s 2018 convention in Boston, MA. Spoon has been recognized as the 2018 Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to independent pharmacy and his community.

“Jim has been a tireless advocate for independent pharmacy over the years, helping shape not only its future but the future of his community through service,” said NCPA President David Smith, RPh as part of the national convention’s announcements.

Spoon currently serves as Sand Springs City Council Member “At Large” and is a member of the council’s Legislative and Finance and Development Committees. He is a Sand Springs Rotarian, and has been an active member of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy and the Sand Springs Education Foundation.

He received his BS in Pharmacy in 1975 from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and received his PharmD from the University of Oklahoma in 2002. Many local Sand Springs residents may be familiar with Spoon Drug, which he opened in 1979.

“We wish to express our sincere congratulations to Jim Spoon on this well-deserved recognition,” said Elizabeth Gray, City Manager for the City of Sand Springs. “We enjoy the opportunity to work with Mr. Spoon on our council and appreciate his long-standing commitment to improve our city and this community.”

City of Sand Springs Welcomes New Assistant City Manager

/

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs is pleased to welcome aboard new Assistant City Manager, Mike Tinker. Tinker brings nearly three decades of public service and government leadership to the City of Sand Springs.

“This is an exciting time for our City, with major infrastructure investments, steady economic development and new projects taking shape,” noted Mayor Mike Burdge. “Mike Tinker will be an asset to our city, and we will all benefit from his knowledge and expertise.”

Tinker, former City Manager for the City of Jenks, brings a wealth of municipal government experience as well as strong local and regional ties to Sand Springs. Tinker’s leadership and experience will increase Sand Springs’ positive momentum and provide instrumental guidance as the community continues to grow.

“Mike’s experience and collaborative spirit will be a tremendous addition to our team as we address various projects and opportunities,” stated City Manager Elizabeth Gray. “His work is diverse, anchored in community engagement and has driven positive change across all levels of municipal government. That’s a winning combination.”

Prior to his role as a City Manager for Jenks, Tinker served 13 years on the Jenks City Council with 9 years served as Mayor. Tinker also served on the Board of Directors with the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG). He chaired both INCOG’s General Assembly and INCOG’s Transportation Policy Committee.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant City Manager and be a part of an organization that has a well-earned reputation of excellence in governance,” says Tinker. “I look forward to working with an amazing team to serve the residents and businesses of Sand Springs.”

Sam Shook wins inaugural SalsaFest at OkieSpice & Trade Co.

/

OkieSpice & Trade Co. held their inaugural SalsaFest Saturday in Sand Springs and the event was a big success according to business owner Kim Zieg.

The event featured local craft, spice, and salsa vendors, as well as a homemade salsa making competition. Sam Shook took top prize in the salsa competition out of a field of 24. According to Zieg only a handful of the competitors were local and most traveled from out of town to participate.

“We exposed most to this area for the first time,” said Zieg. “Customers loved the event and the store. Our vendors were well pleased with their day and we had more entries than we could have hoped for!” She says the store plans to bring the festivities back next year.

OkieSpice opened in November of 2017 and have already made a big effort to be involved in the local community. In April they held their inaugural Westival event to coincide with the 29th Annual Herbal Affair and Festival. They are located at 501 West 2nd Street just west of downtown.

Sand Springs Mayor and City Attorney receive Oklahoma Municipal League honors

/

Sand Springs, OK - Members of the Sand Springs Council and City of Sand Springs administration received state honors last night during the annual Oklahoma Municipal League Conference held in Oklahoma City. Mayor Mike Burdge was awarded the Don Rider Award by the OML for his outstanding leadership among municipal governments in the state.

Burdge is also a 2015 inductee into the OML Hall of Fame for his long-standing service and commitment to statewide municipal work as well as to the Sand Springs community.

The OML also awarded David Weatherford the honor of induction into the league’s Hall of Fame during the honors banquet. Weatherford has served as the City Attorney for Sand Springs since 2002, and has provided specialized legal counsel and training for many years to multiple municipalities across much of Oklahoma. In addition to serving the Sand Springs community, Weatherford assists the City of Mannford and recently assisted the City of Coweta.

The honors reflect both recipient’s long-standing commitment and work toward improving municipal government and addressing issues which can affect daily lives for citizens in Sand Springs and Oklahoma.

The OML was created in 1913 to create a statewide municipal organization to bring public attention to the issues confronting city and town officials and their impact on Oklahomans. The City of Sand Springs is a member of the Oklahoma Municipal League.

City of Sand Springs to host Fire Station Grand Opening Saturday

/

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs Fire Department will host a Grand Opening celebration of the newly constructed Fire Station No. 2 on Saturday, September 22. This event will take place at 4201 South 113th W. Avenue in Sand Springs, beginning with a presentation and speakers at 12 noon followed by a ribbon cutting at approximately 12:45 p.m. Members of the media and the general public are invited to attend.

Following those ceremonies, the public is invited to enjoy tours of the new fire station, FREE hot dogs and children’s activities (including inflatables) at the station until 4 p.m. Fire Chief Mike Wood and his staff are excited to share this state of the art public facility and invites families to meet their neighborhood firefighter.

“We’re looking forward to meeting some of the citizens of Sand Springs again to not only share with them our appreciation for their support of this new facility, but to also offer tours of the station and meet some of our firefighters,” stated Chief Wood.

The new facility was funded through a Sand Springs Public Safety Tax, which dedicates funding support for facilities such as the new fire station but also for critical equipment for both police and fire. With public improvements such at this, the City continues to demonstrate its commitment to investing in the community and improving public safety.

“Fire stations like these only come along once every few decades for any community”, stated City Manager Elizabeth Gray, “and we are eager to show the citizens the results of their support and the well thought out professional design and construction that went into this new facility. We’re pleased to show them the added safety value for surrounding neighborhoods and the larger Sand Springs community.”

Sand Springs Fire Department staff moved into the facility on July 23 and began operations there immediately. The older station was demolished shortly afterwards.

Gubernatorial candidate Chris Powell vows to oppose Federal government on gun restrictions for marijuana patients

/

Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Chris Powell responded to reports that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation intends to enforce federal laws that would prevent individuals legally using marijuana under state law from possessing a firearm, saying "that's not going to happen on my watch. I'll order the OSBI and all other state agencies to adhere to state law rather than federal law, not just in this instance but also when there is any other appearance of conflict between the two." Powell has been outspoken regarding federal overreach, specifically promising to "protect Oklahoma's state and local law enforcement agencies from being deputized into serving the national government."  

Voters overwhelmingly passed SQ 788, legalizing medical marijuana, on June 26th and medical marijuana cards could become available within weeks. Included in SQ 788 was a provision that no state issued license may be unduly withheld from an individual because they hold a medical marijuana license, concealed carry permits being specifically mentioned. Despite this now being state law, the OSBI has already amended its form to advise medical marijuana license holders to answer "yes" to a question about unlawful use of a controlled substance, with Special Agent Steve Tanner saying “They may be precluded from being issued a firearms permit."  

Don Spencer of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association (OK2A) has stated the organization's official position to be that "No person in legal possession of a prescription drug should be denied their Second Amendment right to the peaceful possession or ownership of a firearm or be denied a license to carry a handgun under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act unless previously arrested for any violation of the Self Defense Act."  Powell applauds OK2A for speaking out in favor of the rights of medical marijuana users in Oklahoma, further suggesting that "most OK2A members would be supportive of all efforts to uphold state prerogatives in the face of federal interference."

Powell has advocated for legalizing cannabis since joining the Libertarian Party in 2000, and has stated that he would have signed SB 1212, the constitutional carry bill vetoed earlier this year by Gov. Fallin. He will be on the run-off ballot on August 28th after finishing first in the Libertarian gubernatorial primary with 49%.

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce to participate in community revitalization project

/

55 community structures across Oklahoma have been chosen to participate in Fresh Paint Days. This Keep Oklahoma Beautiful (KOB) program is designed to encourage volunteers to seek out community structures and renovate them with the creative use of resources. This year, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce was chosen as one of the participating groups.

Fresh Paint Days is a program founded on the collaboration between H-I-S Paint and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful. KOB, with the help of sponsors, provides the paint and a stipend for supplies; selected communities supply the volunteers and elbow grease. This program has helped to revitalize communities across Oklahoma with a fresh coat of paint.

“This building is in a rather blighted area of Sand Springs and we are hoping the remodel of this building will bring back this portion of town,” said Kristen Cepak, of Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce.

H-I-S Paint and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful started the Fresh Paint Days program in 2005.

“HIS Paint is thrilled with the transformations that are being made within each of the communities participating in the Fresh Paint Days in Oklahoma initiative. It’s amazing how a fresh coat of paint can help to transform an entire community,” said Joe Cox, founder and CEO of H-I-S Paint.

Amelia Schoenhals, the projects coordinator for KOB, works with potential participants throughout the application process.

“I am honored to be able to assist communities in renewing their pride for the town they have built a life in,” Schoenhals said. “The participants of Fresh Paint Days truly exemplify how Oklahomans can make a change by working together, asking for help and applying a vision for the future of their community.”

When the Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) began to support the program, KOB was able to offer participating groups a cash stipend to purchase supplies and make the program entirely cost-effective for participating groups.

“Public Service Company of Oklahoma is pleased to continue its support of Fresh Paint Days, and of the individuals and organizations who work hard to make their communities great places to live and work,” said James A. Evers, with State Governmental & Environmental Affairs for PSO.

CL Boyd, an Oklahoma equipment company, is providing three pressure washers to the recipients of their equipment grant.

The group will have 30 days to complete their projects using donated paint from H.I.S Paint of Oklahoma City and a stipend from Public Service Company of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce will be one of 43 groups competing for the “Best Visual Impact Award” through the, ‘Communities Primed for Change’ online contest. Finalists will be chosen based upon their ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos. Winners will be announced at the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 28th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards Celebration on November 30, 2018.

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful is a statewide nonprofit with a mission to empower Oklahoma citizens to preserve and enhance the state’s natural beauty and ensure a healthy, sustainable environment.

For more information about KOB, Fresh Paint Days, and the sponsors of this program visit: www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com

Attorney General Hunter Advises Health Board to Amend Rules on Medical Marijuana

/

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today advised the State Board of Health to convene a special meeting to amend the rules it passed regulating medical marijuana.

Attorney General Hunter said his advice is faithful to and in accordance with the new law created when Oklahomans voted in favor of State Question 788.

“The current rules contain provisions that are inconsistent with the plain language of State Question 788 and the State Board of Health acted outside of its authority when it voted to implement them,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Although I didn’t support State Question 788, the people of the state have spoken and I have a legal duty to honor the decision made by the electorate. My advice today is made pursuant to that responsibility as attorney general.

“Moving forward, I encourage all stakeholders to engage with the legislative working group looking at medical marijuana to ensure they have their concerns and recommendations heard and addressed by the legislature.”

In a letter sent today to Health Department Interim Director Tom Bates, the attorney general writes, the board’s role in limiting the forms of marijuana products is confined to food and safety standards that are in line with food preparation guidelines, not prohibiting the sale of smokable, vapable, edible or other forms of marijuana.  

Attorney General Hunter also took issue with the board’s action to require dispensaries to hire a pharmacist, writing, “the board has not been given any express or implied statutory authority to impose additional requirements on licensees. Thus, the board rules improperly require every licensed dispensary to have “a current licensed pharmacist” present “on-site at least 40 hours per week.” Nothing in the text of State Question 788 expressly or impliedly authorizes this rule.”  

Other concerns outlined in the letter include:

  • Restricting dispensaries to limited locations;
  • Prohibiting dispensaries from co-locating with other businesses;
  • Requiring medical marijuana be grown, processed and dispensed in enclosed structures;
  • Requiring a surety bond for licensing;
  • Setting hours of operation;
  • Limiting the amount of THC in flower, leaf or concentrate for sale or distribution.

“I have no doubt that the board in good faith sought to regulate marijuana in a manner it believed would best promote the health and safety of Oklahomans,” the letter concludes. “However, in so doing, the board made policy judgments not authorized by statute. Such policy decisions are the exclusive prerogative of the legislature and the people.”

Read the full letter, here: https://bit.ly/2LvVQMO.

Astronomy Night at Keystone Ancient Forest set for Friday July 20

/

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs Parks Department along with the Broken Arrow Sidewalk Astronomers and the Keystone Ancient Forest Trail Guides invite the general public to a rare astronomy night on Friday, July 20. The gates open late at 9:30 p.m. and guests will be allowed to stay until after midnight. There will be NO hiking during this event. Trails will be closed.

An evening of star and planet gazing (weather permitting) is planned for this free event thanks to the help of the Broken Arrow Sidewalk Astronomers. This group will share as many as six high-performance telescopes (transportable) which range in size from 4-18 inch glass diameter to view the planets and stars. A brief introduction on astronomy will begin at 9:30 p.m., with viewing happening until the event concludes after midnight.

"This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy the Keystone Ancient Forest in a unique way," stated Jeff Edwards, Parks Director for the City of Sand Springs. "Even though it will be a late night to see the heavens, this is a great summer event for kids and families."

Astronomy activities will require a night free of cloudy overcast. For the latest updates on this and other hiking events, please follow the Keystone Ancient Forest FaceBook page. Pets are not allowed for this event. Porta potty service is available.

For more information about the City of Sand Springs Parks Department, contact their offices Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at (918) 246-2561 or visit www.sandspringsok.org.

OPINION: Gubernatorial candidate Chris Powell calls for Terri White's resignation

/

After learning that Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Terri White may have been the individual who wrote the proposals to ban smokable cannabis from dispensaries and to require dispensaries to employ pharmacists, Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Chris Powell said a resignation is in order. 

"If media reports are correct and Commissioner White did instigate these obstructionist measures designed to thwart the will of the people as expressed in the landslide vote in favor of SQ 788 then she ought to resign. No one with such contempt for the voters should be heading a state agency."  

SQ 788 was approved on June 26th with nearly 57% of the vote in an election with exceptionally high turnout, causing Governor Fallin to change her mind about calling a special session and putting responsibility for making rules regarding medical cannabis in the hands of the Board of Health, who added each of the last-minute amendments against the advice of the Health Department's general counsel, Julie Ezell. These were similar to several obstructionist proposals offered by the Oklahoma State Medical Association on Monday.  Lana Ivey, executive director of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, was quoted as saying "Terri (White) pretty much generated the recommendations..."

Powell, who finished first in the Libertarian gubernatorial primary with 49% of the vote but still faces a runoff, believes that voters are fed up with state government officials that forget they work for the people. "The political establishment routinely makes it clear that they don't care what voters think," said Powell. "If Commissioner White was behind these measures to gut SQ 788 then she is part of the problem along with Gov. Fallin who eagerly signed the rules in yet another display of blatant disregard for the wants and needs of the people of Oklahoma."    

Sand Springs Spirit Grant Workshop Set for July 30

/

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs recently announced a Spirit Grant workshop on July 30, at 7 p.m. at the Case Community Center (1050 W. Wekiwa Rd.) in Sand Springs. The workshop is free and open to the public. Following a brief overview of the City's new Spirit Grant program guests are invited to ask questions and learn more about for this new local economic development grant program.

Earlier this week, the City announced the Spirit Grant- a competitive grant program intended to boost economic development in Sand Springs. The program is looking for new events or projects and expansions of existing events or projects to primarily generate sales tax and tourism in the community. Community beautification and quality of life projects in Sand Springs are also eligible.

Spirit Grant projects can range from as little as $500 to projects costing $5,000 or more. With that range in mind, the grant amount will range from $400 to a maximum of $4,000 for any single grant award. Once the project has been completed, the applicant may submit original invoices for reimbursement from the City.

Examples of types of Spirit Grant awards include:

  • advertising and marketing expenses designed to attract and draw tourism to Sand Springs
  • group advertising campaign to support local merchants that results in more local sales
  • community cleanup efforts
  • special event designed to increase tourism to Sand Springs
  • exterior building facade upgrade (awning/painting/landscaping/lighting of business workplace to improve outward appearance)
  • group project to provide new community facilities or improvements to existing
  • public art (murals, statuary, etc.)
  • historical interpretation or other displays relating to Sand Springs

Grant applications will be reviewed by the City. Successful grant applications will be graded on many factors, with a focus on each grant's potential to add value to the community.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.sandspringsok.org or contact the Spirit Grant Team at (918) 246-2504 or spiritgrant@sandspringsok.org