Photo Gallery: CPHS Gold Pride Marching Band celebrates 24 on Senior Night

The Charles Page High School Gold Pride Marching Band celebrated 24 seniors at halftime of the Sandites’ last football game.

Andrew Berryman is the son of Neil Berryman and the grandson of Peter and Mary Berryman. Andrew has been in band for six years and plans to attend Tulsa Tech after graduation.

Chandler Blake is the son of April Boone and Nathan Blake. Chandler has been in band for seven years and plans to attend the University of Oklahoma after graduating.

James Collins is the son of Laurie and Greg Collins. He has been in band for seven years and is undecided on where he will go to college.

Korbyn Cowan is the son of Amber and Shawn Cowan. He has been in band for seven years and plans on attending Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.

Kallie Cox is the daughter of Jessica Seawright, Kurtis Cox, and Vicki Seawright. She has been in band for seven years and pans on attending Tulsa Community College and Northeastern State University.

Steven Dorris is the son of Michael and Sheila Dorris. He has been in band for seven years and plans on enlisting in the United State Army.

Ben Hunt is the son of Todd and Chantel Hunt. He has been in band for seven years and plans on attending the University of Oklahoma.

Holle Keeth is the daughter of Travis Keeth and Cynthia Keeth. She has been in the band for four years. After graduating, Keeth plans on enlisting in the U.S. Army and pursuing a career as a writer.

Sam Keiper is the son of Eric and Michelle Keiper. He has been in band for seven years, and is undecided on his college destination.

Evan Kral is the son of Niki Counce and Dan Kral. He has been in band for seven years and plans on attending Youth America College.

Garrett Lincoln is the son of Rob and Kendra Lincoln. He has been in band for seven years and plans on attending Oklahoma Baptist University.

Klaire Pinson is the daughter of Melinda Smith and Staff Sergeant Clinton Pinson. She has been in band for seven years and plans on attending Tulsa Community College and Northeastern State University.

Tonja Pipes is the daughter of Heather and Robert Pipes. She has been in band for seven years and plans on attending Oklahoma State University.

Kristin Shipley is the daughter of Pam and Darin Shipley. She has been in band for six years and plans on attending Oklahoma State University.

Izzy Smith is the daughter of Daniel and Angela Smith. She has been in band for seven years and is undecided on her college destination.

Blakely Staton is the son of Celeste and Justin Thompson, and Jeremy Staton. He has been in band for seven years. After graduation Staton plans on pursuing a career in aviation and continuing to work at QuikTrip.

Haley Stuckey is the daughter of Erik and Kerri Stuckey. She has been in band on seven years and plans on attending Oklahoma State University.

Elie Summar is the daughter of Stephanie and Toni Summar. She has been in band for seven years. After graduation Summar plans on becoming an astrophysicist and working at NASA.

Jacelyn Trotter is the daughter of Jason and Mary Ann Trotter. She has been in band for seven years and plans on attending Oklahoma State University.

Luca Vaca is the son of Lana and Stephen Vaca. He has been in band for seven years. After graduation Vaca plans on saving sea turtles.

Amberly Watson is the daughter of Tristia Watson and Lance Watson. She has been in band for seven years and is undecided on her college destination.

Anabeth Wiebe is the daughter of Jesse and Jennifer Wiebe. She has been in band for six years and plans on studying biomedical engineering.

Elizabeth Whittington is the daughter of Amy Whittington. She has been in band for seven years and plans on enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

Wanageeska Nokose Williams is the daughter of Rodney and Sherri Williams. She has been in band for four years, and plans on attending the U.S. Naval Academy.

CPHS Band Director Kyle Wright awarded OkMEA Exemplary Teacher Award, Sandites march in Tulsa Veterans Day Parade

Charles Page High School Band Director Kyle Wright was recently named as the upcoming recipient of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) Exemplary Teacher Award. Wright will receive the award on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the OkMEA Winter Conference at DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Tulsa.

To qualify for the award, teachers must have completed at least 15 years of active service as a music teacher and/or music administrator and must be a member of OkMEA for a minimum of 10 years. They must also demonstrate excellence in the teaching of music, as evidenced by competitions, awards, and peer or administrator statements. Exemplary teachers are nominated by their peers, recommended by the OkMEA Awards committee, and confirmed by the OkMEA Executive Boad.

Wright is married to Sarah Wright and has three children. Jack Molly, and Maggie Wright are all percussionists. Wright was a trumpet student of James Gilmartin and Ron Predi before graduating Muskogee High School in 1990. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Tulsa and has completed further study at the University of North Texas.

Wright’s performing career includes being a founding member of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey with whom he performed nationwide before turning to a career in teaching band. He began his teaching career at Berryhill High School and led the group to an OBA Grand Championship for marching band (their first in the 3A classification). After studying at UNT, he taught for a couple of years in the Carrolton-Farmers Branch School District in Texas before coming to Charles Page High School in Sand Springs.

The CPHS Gold Pride Marching Band recently participated in the OSSAA East Regional at Northeastern State University last week. The band received an Excellent rating for their performance.

In their first performance of the year the Sandites placed 3rd in 6A and 6th overall at the East Central University Tigerpalooza Marching Festival. At the Branson Marching Invitational they were 4th in their class and 7th overall.

Most recently the Gold Pride marched in the 101st Annual Veterans’ Day Parade in downtown Tulsa.

Future events for the band include the December 6th Festival of Lights Christmas Parade in Sand Springs, and a December 7th performance at the Hometown Holiday Christmas Celebration in Sand Springs. The Fine Arts Winter Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, December 12th at the high school.

Bill filed to create tax credit for Oklahomans taking gun safety courses

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation Wednesday to create an income tax credit for Oklahoma citizens who successfully complete the gun safety training course required to get a concealed carry permit.

“Since Constitutional Carry has gone into effect, many people have expressed concerns about no longer forcing people to undergo government-mandated training in order to exercise their rights. Even though we haven’t had any major incidents, I encourage everyone to exercise their rights in a safe and informed way. This bill will allow those who wish to take the training course to do so and then claim an income tax credit for the costs of the course.” Dahm said.

Senate Bill 1090 includes several provisions, including a tax credit for those who complete the course, a tax credit to cover the fingerprinting, pictures, and licensing costs for those who get their concealed carry, as well as a tax credit for those who renew their existing carry permit.

“Whether it’s our second amendment rights to bear arms, first amendment rights to free speech, exercising our religion, or truthfully engaging in the freedom of press, it is important that we all use our rights without harm to others,” Dahm said.  “I look forward to having all those who have expressed concerns about the training requirements to join me in promoting this solution to encourage additional training without government force.”

TTCU breaks ground on new Sand Springs branch

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TTCU Federal Credit Union broke ground on a new branch in Sand Springs on Oct. 30. The branch will be part of TTCU's network of branches serving communities in northeast Oklahoma. 

"TTCU is excited to join the River West Development," TTCU President and CEO Tim Lyons said. "Our members have been wanting a branch in Sand Springs for a long time, and this location will be easy to access."

The branch will be located at the entrance of the 30-acre River West Development at the intersection of Main St. and Morrow Rd. The 2,700 square-foot, energy-efficient branch was designed by Cyntergy and will be built by Cowen Construction.

"I'd like to welcome TTCU to the Sand Springs community," Mayor Jim Spoon said. "Sand Springs has been experiencing a lot of growth, and TTCU is helping us continue to build that momentum."

The branch employs a hybrid design – in-between a traditional branch and an open-concept branch - to meet multigenerational needs. The branch entrance features community space with seating and a coffee bar, and a wall of glass brings lots of natural light. Four offices will provide also space for meeting with branch staff. In addition to traditional tellers, the branch will also feature cutting-edge technology. Three interactive teller machines will connect members with video tellers for simple transactions to cut down on wait times. 

"It's great news that TTCU is moving forward with their investment in our community, and we're excited to see this project come to fruition," City Manager Elizabeth Gray said. "They will be a great addition to the retail and restaurants already in place in the River West Development."

The new branch is expected to open in 2020.

Congenital Syphilis Cases in Oklahoma Increasing at An Alarming Rate; Health Care Providers Urged to Increase Testing of Pregnant Women

Oklahoma has experienced a 283% increase in the number of congenital syphilis cases in women since 2014. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is already seeing a 92% increase in the number of cases from 2018 to 2019, and is urging health care providers to test patients during the first and third trimesters.

Congenital syphilis is an infectious disease transmitted by an infected mother to her baby in the womb. Adults transmit syphilis through sexual contact but mothers can transmit the infection to their baby in the womb or through the birthing process. The disease can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, death shortly after birth, prematurity and birth defects. A woman can be treated and cured for syphilis during pregnancy, but it is important for women to be tested in time for treatment to be effective. Babies who test positive for syphilis at birth must be treated immediately to prevent serious health issues. 

Terrainia Harris, an administrative program manager for the OSDH Sexual Health and Harm Reduction (SHHR) Service, said it is important for women to be tested at the first prenatal visit or at the time pregnancy is confirmed, and again early in the third trimester.

“The most effective method for getting ahead of this epidemic is early testing and treatment,” said Harris. “The resurgence of syphilis cases in recent years highlights the fact that challenges remain and we are encouraging clinicians to get back to basics with syphilis prevention, testing, and treatment. We are asking them to assist us in focusing efforts to strengthen treatment administration and adherence, as well as improve case identification and reporting.”

The OSDH is working to address the issue by collaborating with health care providers and community partners to engage in education, partnership and planning. The SHHR Service is hosting a call to action for providers, Nov. 8, at the Nicholson Conference Center on the University of Oklahoma Medical Center campus. To register for the event, providers can visit https://addressingcongenitalsyphilis.eventbrite.com.

A person can have syphilis and not have any signs or symptoms. Symptoms may also be very mild or may be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses. The only way to know for sure if someone is infected is through testing. It is important for everyone to include testing for sexually transmitted diseases as a part of their routine health care. This doesn’t only apply to pregnant women and their babies. It’s important for their sexual partner to be tested and treated as well.

Prenatal care is a key component to the overall health and wellness of a mother and her unborn child. The sooner a woman begins receiving medical care during pregnancy, the better the health outcomes for her and the unborn baby. Anyone wishing to be tested for syphilis or any other sexually transmitted infection should contact a health care provider or a local county health department.

For further information about diagnosing or treating syphilis, contact the SHHR Service at (405) 271-4636.

City of Sand Springs awards $2 million in improvements at Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course

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The Sand Springs City Council approved two resolutions during the October 28th City Council meeting which put into play construction plans to improve the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge Golf Club. The approved plans propel new contracts which are funded by the 2018 general obligation bond measure, which allocated $2M to make much needed improvements to the City’s course.

“These initial improvements will concentrate on the interior bones of the facility as well as the underground infrastructure work throughout the course,” stated Jeff Edwards, Parks Director for the City. “We’re building the foundation of the future for this facility. In doing this difficult work up front, we’ll create seamless transition options for future improvements with minimal downtime in course play.”

Approximately $1M of the funding will be invested on a significant clubhouse remodel project. The work will produce a much more modern, space-efficient layout for golf pro, special event and golf course grill operations including a fresh look to the clubhouse overall. The remainder of funds will be invested into a modernized and automated irrigation system, golf green replacement package and more.

“These improvements will play a major role in our goal to offer the best possible golfing experience we can,” stated Director of Golf Brian Talley for the City, whose golf operations team has made great strides with the popular course recently.

All of this work will commence before the year’s end. Golfers who enjoy one of Oklahoma’s top- rated golf courses in the Tulsa metro area should plan to see the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge closing for play during the spring and summer months of 2020. The temporary golf course closure has been determined to be the most efficient and least disruptive method for progress in order to expedite the remodel and construction work.

The clubhouse is expected to be closed December 2019 through July 2020. Staff will operate from a mobile office to keep the golf course open until the course construction company mobilizes and commences work. The golf course itself is slated to be closed from late February 2020 through much of the summer, hopefully reopening before Labor Day.

All of this work is designed to keep this tourism and quality of life destination in top condition and ready for play for many years to come. The golf pros at the Canyons and City Parks staff are excited to show the public the finished result, and are already planning a special event when the course reopens before the fall of 2020.

Once work begins, golfers can follow construction progress and receive updates from staff at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge’s Face Book page. For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

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Pre-registration open for young voters at 17.5 starting Nov. 1

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma citizens will be able to pre-register to vote when they turn 17.5 years old thanks to a new law going into effect on November 1. Senator Jason Smalley, R-Stroud, and Representative Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, authored Senate Bill 496 this past session to make it easier for young voters to remember to get registered to vote before they turn 18.

“Voting is one of our greatest freedoms, and that first time to vote is such a memorable experience. Unfortunately, many forget that they have to register 60 days before the election and end up not being able to vote until the following year,” Smalley said. “Hopefully, by using age rather than a specific time period, it’ll be easier for people to remember to get registered to vote and we’ll see more of Oklahoma’s youth getting involved in the voting process.” 

Currently, a 17-year-old can pre-register to vote 60 days before an election if their 18th birthday is on or before election day. The new law will allow citizens to pre-register when they turn 17.5 regardless of when the election occurs as long as they will turn 18 on or before election day.

“We hope this bill will encourage more young people to do their civic duty and elect candidates to represent their interests at the local, state and national level,” said Taylor, R-Seminole.

SB 496 is among more than 300 new laws set to go into effect on November 1.

State Board approves $3.29 billion common education budget request for Fiscal Year 2021

OKLAHOMA CITY  – The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved a Fiscal Year 2021 budget request of $3.29 billion for common education, which includes an increase of nearly $220 million over last year. The request seeks to restore critical instructional funding, including funds to reduce class sizes and hire additional teachers and school counselors.

“This proposed budget reflects the real needs of Oklahoma students,” said Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We have made great strides in teacher pay and must now continue our investment in classrooms and student support. This budget request will help us reach the goals outlined in our 8-year strategic plan, Oklahoma Edge.”

This year’s request includes an increase of $117.9 million to the state funding formula, to be used to hire additional teachers to reduce class sizes. Rising health insurance benefit costs for school teachers and staff account for an additional $32.8 million.

The budget request also includes $19 million for a School Counselor Corps, a critical investment due to the state’s high student-to-counselor ratio, which, at 421-to-1, far exceeds the 250-to-1 recommendation by the American School Counseling Association. The corps will assist in providing the supports students need in elementary, middle and high school and will help meet the requirements for successful implementation of Individual Career Academic Planning, or ICAP. Beginning this school year, ICAP is a graduation requirement for all ninth-grade students.

Oklahoma has the highest incidence of childhood trauma in the country, including family violence, substance abuse and other challenges that adversely impact learning. The School Counselor Corps will be instrumental in supporting students who have experienced similar hardships.

The FY21 budget request also includes an additional $42.6 million for Support of Students and Teachers, a line item that directly impacts classroom programs and investments. Key areas that would receive additional funding include:

• Alternative education programs to reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates

• School support, to provide resources that facilitate rapid school and academic improvement

• A competitive grant pool that will increase district access to a variety of reading, math, robotics and other student success programs

• Sooner Start Early Intervention program for children age birth through 36 months with developmental delays

• Required and enhanced assessments

• Development of a digital transcript

View the complete FY21 budget request here.

Church That Matters opens free Mobile Medical Clinic in Sand Springs

Good Samaritan Administrator Heath Placek speaks at the grand opening of the Sand Springs clinic.

Good Samaritan Founder and President John Crouch speaks at the Grand Opening of the Sand Springs clinic.

Church That Matters Pastor Rusty Gunn speaks at the Grand Opening of the Sand Springs Good Samaritan Mobil Healthcare Clinic.

Site Coordinator Susan Hood speaks at the grand opening of the Sand Springs Good Samaritan Health Clinic.

Good Samaritan Health Services and Church That Matters held a grand opening and ribbon cutting at their new Sand Springs Mobile Medical Clinic Tuesday. The free bi-monthly clinic will provide comprehensive medical care for the uninsured at 3 West 41st Street.

Church That Matters Pastor Rusty Gunn, Good Samaritan President John Crouch, and other individuals involved in the clinic spoke at the grand opening event. A line of patients was already forming well before the doors opened for the first time.

“We are so very delighted to be in the Sand Springs community,” said Crouch. “We have seen that Sand Springs is a community that really cares and shares and really helps each other.”

The clinic will be open to the public on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, opening at 4:30 p.m. The only requirement for patients to receive medical care at the clinic is that they have no health insurance. Walk-in patients are welcome. Any person wanting to receive medical care at the clinic should arrive at 4:30 p.m. Patients will be triaged and as many patients will receive services as resources will allow. Anyone unable to see a physician on the day of the clinic will have a future appointment made.

Each clinic will provide quality comprehensive medical care for approximately 10 to 12 people. Gunn hopes to be able to bring the clinic to Sand Springs weekly in the near future.

“Our church’s mission is to be a church that matters to God, to each other, to our city, and to our world,” said Gunn. “We’ve just seen this great need for health care for those who don’t have access to that. Oklahoma is 47th in overall health, 49th in cardiovascular disease, 44th in preventable hospitalization, and 43rd in diabetes. We know that there are people within this city…who sometimes have to make a choice between getting healthcare, and eating.”

Volunteers from Church that Matters along with Good Samaritan staff members will operate the clinic. This is Good Samaritan’s 13th Mobile Medical Clinic location in the greater Tulsa area. Good Samaritan’s Mobile Medical Clinics provide medical care at over 5,500 patient visits each year. Many individuals in the greater Tulsa area have come to rely on these clinics as their primary care provider.

“Our church will always have more vision than we have resource to accomplish,” said Gunn. “It takes community partners and those who are willing to jump in on those causes.” Gunn praised local philanthropists Montie and Betty Box for contributing to the clinic, as well as Ron and Pat Halcomb, and Green Country Federal Credit Union. Susan Hood will be the Site Coordinator for the clinic.

“A big thanks to the people of Church That Matters who are willing to take risks, willing to do things outside of the box, willing to do whatever it takes to see that mission accomplished. So many people from our church have jumped on board to volunteer.”

Church That Matters is known for pioneering nontraditional ministries. The church operates the Prattville Market and Southside Coneys in the same shopping center as fundraisers for their various charities and ministries. They also own the Lee’s Charburgers food truck, which is currently closed but expected to resume operations in the future.

CTM is an active member of the Sand Springs Local Church Network and is frequently involved in community events. They are one of the first churches in the state to offer a special service on Sundays geared specifically towards families with special needs children. They also operate a free coat rack at Prattville Market during the winter months, and have been extremely proactive in helping the community recover from the historic May flooding that devastated multiple neighborhoods along the Arkansas River.

SEE RELATED:
Sand Springs woman opening free health clinic in Sapulpa
SouthSide Coneys holds grand opening, owned by Church That Matters

Church That Matters opens free Mobile Medical Clinic in Sand Springs

Good Samaritan Health Services, in partnership with Church that Matters of Sand Springs, celebrates the opening of a free Mobile Medical Clinic location. This clinic will provide quality comprehensive medical care for uninsured and underserved individuals living in the Sand Springs area. Pastor Rusty Gunn led the effort for his church to partner with Good Samaritan Health Services to offer this valuable and much-needed service in the Sand Springs community.

Church That Matters and the free clinic are located at 3 West 41st Street in south Sand Springs, also known as Prattville. A Ribbon Cutting event will be held at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, October 22nd, on its first day of operations.

This clinic will be open to the public on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, opening at 4:30 p.m. The only requirement for patients to receive medical care at the clinic is that they have no health insurance. Walk-in patients are welcome. Any person wanting to receive medical care at the clinic should arrive at 4:30 p.m. Patients will be triaged and as many patients will receive services as resources will allow. Anyone unable to see a physician on the day of the clinic will have a future appointment made. Each clinic will provide quality comprehensive medical care for approximately 10 to 12 people.

Volunteers from Church that Matters along with Good Samaritan staff members will operate the clinic. This is Good Samaritan’s 13th Mobile Medical Clinic location in the greater Tulsa area. Good Samaritan’s Mobile Medical Clinics provide medical care at over 5,500 patient visits each year. Many individuals in the greater Tulsa area have come to rely on these clinics as their primary care provider.

Church That Matters also operates the Prattville Market and Southside Coneys in the same shopping center as fundraisers for their various charities and ministries.

SEE RELATED:
Sand Springs woman opening free health clinic in Sapulpa
SouthSide Coneys holds grand opening, owned by Church That Matters

Oklahoma churches invited to free security seminar in Claremore

The Oklahoma Church Security Association (OCSA) will host a Basic Church Security Seminar in Claremore Saturday, November 16, 2019 and Sunday afternoon, November 17, 2019 at Calvary Free Will Baptist Church, 1921 Holly Rd, Claremore, Oklahoma 74017.  This seminar is the first unit in a one year church security volunteer training program offered by the OCSA. 

This seminar is directed toward church security team and hospitality/greeter staff. Pastors and senior staff may opt out of the afternoon hands on training. If a sufficient number of pastors request it, OCSA will provide a separate executive briefing for pastors which provides more content concerning the need for church security, basic organizational and leadership principles and legal issues. 

Total enrollment is limited to 100 participants. Only pastors or senior staff can enroll for the morning only session. Morning only enrollment is limited to 50 participants. Because of the hands on nature of the instruction, enrollment is limited to 25 participants each in the two afternoon sessions. Local participants should enroll in the Sunday afternoon session to allow people who are travelling from out of town to attend the Saturday afternoon session and not have to spend the night.

This is not a public event. Enrollment is by invitation only after submitting an application. You may apply by email to okbizlaw@cox.net or by telephoning 918-381-9792. Prior approval is required for all attendees.  Enrollment will be closed 7 days before the seminar date and no “drop ins” or last minute enrollments will be allowed. Public record background checks will be conducted on all prospective enrollees. The OCSA reserves the right to refuse enrollment. Attendees will be required to sign a complete release of legal liability. CLEET certified LEO’s and Security personnel should notify OCSA in advance so that they can contact CLEET about possible Continuing Education Credits.

There will be no charge for the seminar but a love offering will be taken to help defray the expenses of the instructors. The OCSA does not sell or promote books, DVD’s, so called “church security kits” or any other such material.

The Oklahoma Church Security Association is an unincorporated association of retired military and law enforcement veterans. OCSA board members and instructors must be veterans of a combat arms or military police branch of the US military or have served as an armed law enforcement officer. All board members and instructors must be certified in the subjects they teach and show evidence of a call by the Holy Spirit to the ministry of protection. OCSA instructors serve as force multipliers to the church security community by providing security consultation and professional level training to select church security volunteers.

For more information or to apply to enroll email okbizlaw@cox.net or telephone 918-381-9792.

Church That Matters to host Porn and Pizza event

Church That Matters will host an event called Porn and Pizza on Sunday, October 13 at 6 p.m. at 3 W 41st Street in Sand Springs to bring to light and start an open conversation about pornography and its effects on men, families, children, and our community.

The event will include Andolinis Pizza and some straight talk porn and the issues surrounding porn, from someone who gets it: speaker – Blaine Bartel, author of Death By A Thousand Lies and former pastor at Church On The Move in Tulsa. The event is open to men and boys in junior high and up.

Tickets will be required for the event and space is very limited. Tickets are on sale now online at churchthatmatters.com/pornandpizza or at Church That Matters’ Worship Encounters at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $5 and include pizza and a drink.

Just a few facts about pornography in our culture:

• Seventy percent of men ages 18 to 34 view porn at least once per month.

• There are 420 million pornographic pages online.

• Every second over $3,000 is spent on internet pornography.

• Every second over 28,000 people are viewing internet porn.

• Porn revenues are greater than the combined revenues of all professional football, baseball, and basketball franchises.

• Oklahoma ranks 5th in the nation for online pornography subscriptions.

Rusty Gunn, Lead Pastor of Church That Matters, says “This MATTERS! Addiction to pornography is destroying marriages, threatening jobs, and damaging lives and we want to do something about it. What begins as an “innocent look” and a moment of pleasure leads many men to a path of destruction they cannot get off of. Pornography rapes the mind and robs men and women of the sexual intimacy and pleasure they are intended to get from their spouse. More than half of divorces today name online pornography as a primary reason for the marriage break-up.”

“No one is immune to the temptation of pornography. Many addictions to pornography begin by accidentally going to a porn site by misspelling a website domain or by clicking on something inadvertently that leads to a porn site.

Seven out of ten men are looking at porn and no one wants to talk about it. Most men feel extreme guilt and shame because of it. Most men want to stop but can’t. It’s time to get it out in the open. It’s time for a change.”

During the event, key Note Speaker, Blaine Bartel will share his story of losing his ministry, marriage, and almost losing his life due to his addiction to pornography.

The event will offer hope to those who are ensnared by pornography and some tools to win the daily battle. For those who are not currently struggling in this area, tools to stay free from the traps of pornography will be given as well as ideas on helping friends who are in slavery to an addiction to porn.

Gunn says “Porn and Pizza will be a fun event that every man will be able to relate to and then will have some hard hitting truth that will challenge and inspire every man to win the battle we all face. We promise we won’t make you sing and there will be no holding hands! And to top it off, you get to tell people you went to Porn and Pizza. What more needs to be said?”

He adds “Wives need to encourage, maybe even require their husbands to attend this event and not be offended if they do. Dad’s need to bring their teenage sons (Jr. high and older) and get the conversation started before it is too late.”

For more information on the Porn and Pizza event being hosted by Church That Matters, contact Church That Matters at 918-512-1486 or see churchthatmatters.com

ODOC Adult Basic Education receives CareerTech's 2019 Outstanding Overall Achievement Award

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Jeana Ely, Oklahoma Department of Corrections correctional school superintendent, poses for a photo with, at left, Clint Castleberry, acting director of Populations, Programs and Strategic Planning, and Nate Brown, at right, ODOC Programs Director, on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, at the Oklahoma Adult Basic Education State Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections’ Adult Basic Education program has received CareerTech’s Outstanding Overall Achievement award.

The agency received the award Thursday during the annual Oklahoma ABE State Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman. ODOC received the award out of the 119 ABE sites in Oklahoma.

Accepting the award for ODOC was Jeana Ely, correctional school superintendent.

The ODOC Education Program serves inmates at 24 facilities in the state, and helped 5,736 student inmates in 2019.

Over 58 percent of students improved overall skills after assistance from the program as shown in reports to the US. Department of Education. That is well above the state’s target of 42 percent for measurable skill gains.

Additionally, 949 inmates received their high-school equivalency in 2019.

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Educations funding helps support the ABE program at ODOC and other sites through federal ABE grant and state funding.

Through the program, inmates can earn an education while they’re incarcerated to ease their transition to life on the outside once they release, helping them avoid returning to prison.

Sand Springs Citywide Garage Sale event set for September 21st

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs announces plans for a Citywide Garage Sale, happening on Saturday, September 21st . The event is FREE and open to the public. To learn more about listing your Sand Springs area garage sale, or to research addresses you plan to visit simply go to the “big map” listing. The map can be found at: https://arcg.is/Gqajv

The map is the creation of the City’s Public Works GIS Division, and allows users to add their Sand Springs (area) street address to the site via computer or cell phone. Once added, each garage sale destination appears on the map with an icon for shoppers to find. The map is active now and will remain available to users until after the event is complete.

“We not only want to offer this map product to our citizens to enjoy, but hope to alert nearby Oklahomans to visit our community”, stated Grant Gerondale, Community Development Director for the City. “Where else might you find dozens and dozens of super garage sales in one easy stop, using one map?”

The GIS map/software product was designed by staff at the Public Works Department office and has been used for several years. The City points out that some cell phone platforms may not interact with the GIS map product as well as others, and suggest using a traditional PC platform to print off and use the map on the big day if you are experiencing any problems.

“While you’re looking for that rare find on September 21st ,” Gerondale added, “we wish to remind visitors to enjoy the Sand Springs community. While you’re here, you can enjoy a local restaurant, visit one of our great splash pads or parks or maybe check out the open hike event at the Keystone Ancient Forest before you return home.”

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Face Book and Instagram for the latest updates.

City of Sand Springs receives Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The award recognizes the City’s 2018 fiscal year-end comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR), and is the 29th consecutive year for this honor.

The GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The honor reflects a constructive “full spirit of disclosure” to clearly communicate the City of Sand Springs’ financial story on an annual basis.

The honor falls to the City’s Finance Department, who produces an annual CAFR and works closely with independent auditors each year to verify the City’s financial activity and standing.

“We’re pleased to again receive this honor,” stated Finance Director Kelly Lamberson. “Our entire finance department works tirelessly to maintain accurate records, audits, reports and summarize our financial status in an transparent manner in the annual CAFR which we produce for the city.”

The GFOA is based in Chicago, Illinois and serves member organizations through the advancement of uniform standards and procedures in financial management for governments as well as assisting with professional development for public finance managers. For more information on the GFOA, access them at www.gfoa.org

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Face Book and Instagram for the latest updates.

Public Health Officials Encourage Personal Health Preparedness

One of hundreds of flooded homes in Sand Springs, Oklahoma during a historic flooding event in May of 2019.

September is National Preparedness Month and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) joins state and national partners in encouraging year-round personal and community preparedness for disasters and disease outbreaks. Oklahoma’s recent storms are a reminder that severe weather can strike any time of year.

Personal health preparedness is about people having the ability to care for themselves and their family in the immediate hours and days following an emergency or disaster. Oklahomans have seen numerous severe weather events where power outages affected thousands of residents across the state.

Scott Sproat, director of the OSDH Emergency Preparedness and Response Service, said personal preparedness is vital to being able to recover from a disaster or public health emergency.

“It’s important for a household to be able to sustain itself for at least 72 hours,” said Sproat. “More resilient households make more resilient communities who are better able to recover after a disaster.”

In addition to basic supplies such as non-perishable and ready-to-eat food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights and batteries; families should ensure they have enough personal items such as prescription medication for several days and a cooler or chemical ice packs to keep certain medications cold during a power outage.

OSDH Emergency Manager Darrell Eberly said those with disabilities or special medical needs should plan ahead for accessible transportation needed for evacuation or to seek medical care.

“Those who use medical equipment requiring electricity should talk with a health care provider about how to prepare for its usage during a power outage,” said Eberly. “If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information explains the best way to communicate with you. Those who rely on dialysis should discuss with your dialysis provider how to access service if the regular site is inaccessible.”

In addition, families should have easy access to important documents such as insurance policies and proof of identification in an electronic format on a flash drive or secure cloud-based service.

For more information, preparedness information is available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language by visiting the OSDH YouTube channel and selecting the Preparedness playlist.

Oklahoma Senator files legislation to prevent red-flag laws

OKLAHOMA CITY- Senator Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, announced Tuesday he had filed Senate Bill 1081 to push back against any proposed red flag laws coming from the federal government. The bill, titled the “Anti-Red Flag Act,” would preempt all current or future proposed red flag laws coming from Washington D.C. and make them null, void, and of no effect in the State of Oklahoma.

The bill also would prohibit any state or local entities from accepting federal funds to try and entice state agencies into implementing infringements on Oklahoma citizens’ Constitutional rights.

“The Second Amendment is abundantly clear that it is an individual right to keep and bear arms. And it is necessary to keep a free state. Oklahoma has a responsibility to protect our citizens’ rights from anyone who would try to infringe upon them,” Dahm said.

“In America, we learn from an early age that we are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. We have due process protections enshrined in our Constitution. Red flag laws violate all these principles, violate numerous constitutionally protected rights, and set a dangerous precedent,” Dahm said. “In Oklahoma, we already have legal processes for those who are adjudicated as a threat to themselves or others. We don’t need new laws that will further infringe on rights. We should be about protecting rights.”

SB1081 will be available to be heard in the next legislative session beginning February 2020.

State Health Department releases Kindergarten vaccination survey results

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is releasing the results of an annual survey conducted throughout the state to assess vaccination coverage and exemption status of children enrolled in public and private kindergarten programs. The survey measures the amount of students who are up to date for the six vaccines required for children to be enrolled in school.

In effort to improve transparency to the public, OSDH officials have used geographic mapping technology to create an interactive online search tool for the public to view results by county, or by individual school. This is the first time for OSDH to release the information in such a format where the public can see results of the survey through a map to observe trends across the state.

Each school’s listing provides the percentage of kindergarten students who were up to date on each individual vaccine for polio, varicella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP); and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Results indicate the DTaP and MMR vaccines have the lowest current coverage.

While school participation in the survey was voluntary, a high rate of participation was achieved assessing the immunization status of approximately 92% of Oklahoma’s kindergarteners during the 2018-19 school year. The survey also collected the percentage of students who claimed exemptions from receiving the required vaccinations.

 “Analysis of this data drives program activities to improve vaccination coverage in our state,” said Interim Commissioner of Health Tom Bates. “We appreciate the support from the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the local school officials who contributed to such an important project. We know that vaccinations are among the most effective ways to protect against serious diseases.”

Overall, the study indicates the number of kindergarten students up to date on all vaccines increased by 1% from 90.4% in 2017-18, to 91.4% in 2018-19. Up to date rates for MMR, Hep B, and Hep A all increased when compared to last year while DTaP and Varicella rates decreased. The number of students with record of exemption for any vaccination increased by 0.2% from 2.4% in 2017-18, to 2.6% in 2018-19. The majority of these exemptions were approved for non-medical reasons such as personal or religious reasons.

Responses from schools represented 94% of students enrolled in public kindergarten programs and 51% in private school programs.

To view the recommended immunization schedule, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVC9k or contact the OSDH Immunization Service at (405) 271-4073.

Below are the percentages of Sand Springs Kindergartners who were up-to-date on their vaccinations:

Angus Valley Elementary
DTaP: 77.94%
Hep A: 92.65%
Hep B: 94.12%
MMR: 82.35%
Polio: 79.41%
Varicella: 94.12%
All: 75%
Exempt: 2.9%

Limestone Elementary
DTaP: 81.82%
Hep A: 93.18%
Hep B: 95.45%
MMR: 84.09%
Polio: 81.81%
Varicella: 95.45%
All: 81.82%
No exemptions.

Pratt Elementary
DTaP: 83.61%
Hep A: 95.08%
Hep B: 96.72%
MMR: 83.61%
Polio: 85.25%
Varicella: 93.44%
All: 78.69%
Exempt: 1.6%

Garfield Elementary
DTaP: 84.06%
Hep A: 84.06%
Hep B: 94.2%
MMR: 84.06%
Polio: 86.96%
Varicella: 92.75%
All: 78.26%
Exempt: 2.9%

Northwoods Elementary
DTaP: 96.39%
Hep A: 96.39%
Hep B: 96.39%
MMR: 96.39%
Polio: 96.39%
Varicella: 96.39%
All: 96.39%
Exempt: 3.6%

Keystone Elementary
DTaP: 83.87%
Hep A: 90.32%
Hep B: 90.32%
MMR: 83.87%
Polio: 83.87%
Varicella: 93.55%
All: 83.87%
Exempt: 6.5%

Anderson Elementary
DTaP: 72.73%
Hep A: 95.45%
Hep B: 97.73%
MMR: 72.73%
Polio: 70.45%
Varicella: 97.73%
All: 68.18%
Exempt: 4.5%

Give Blood, Get Free Tickets to a Tulsa Roughnecks FC Game - Saturday, August 31

Oklahoma Blood Institute is urging blood donors to give blood and let the adventure begin! Oklahoma Blood Institute is once again teaming up with the Tulsa Roughnecks FC to save lives.

On Saturday, August 31, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Tulsa Roughnecks will host a blood drive with Oklahoma Blood Institute at ONEOK Field, located at 201 N. Elgin in downtown Tulsa.

Each donor who gives blood at the drive will receive 2 tickets to a future Roughnecks game, a free Bedlam t-shirt of their choice, and a voucher for free entry of their choice to Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park, Frontier City, or Science Museum Oklahoma. Donors will also be entered for a chance to win use of a field level suite for 16 people, including parking and meal vouchers.

Healthy adults, age 16 and older, can give blood.*

“Everyone knows someone who’s needed blood. It impacts all ages of people and often arises unexpectedly as a result of accident or illness,” said Jan Laub, Executive Director, OBI Tulsa, “Whether we know them or not, there are people now who are counting on us to give.”

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Oklahoma Blood Institute,” said Wayne Farmer, General Manager of the Tulsa Roughnecks, “We hope to grow drive participation to support as many patients in our community as we can!”

As the region’s leading blood provider, Oklahoma Blood Institute relies solely on volunteer blood donors to meet the needs of patients at more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and all air ambulances statewide. Those with negative blood types are especially urged to give. Blood can be donated every 56 days.

Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by visiting obi.org or calling (877) 340-8777.

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

Attorney General Hunter Announces Collaboration with Phone Companies to Fight Illegal Robocalls

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter recently announced the result of an 18-month investigation by a bipartisan, multistate, working group of attorneys general and phone companies that have partnered to find meaningful solutions to illegal and unwanted robocalls.

The ongoing working group consists of attorneys general from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and 12 different service providers. Working collaboratively, the companies agreed to adopt a set of eight principles to fight illegal robocalls, which will protect customers and make it easier for attorneys general to investigate and prosecute the criminals orchestrating the schemes.

Attorney General Hunter said the agreement marks another positive step in combating illegal robocalls.

“The agreed-upon principles will implement much-needed prevention and enforcement mechanisms that will have a meaningful impact for all Americans,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Scams committed over the phone continue to be one of the top ways fraud is committed in the United States. Too many individuals have already fallen victim and have either lost money, their identities or other personal information. Our best weapon against this crime can no longer only be advice to not pick up the phone.

“I commend the companies that have pledged to work with my colleagues and me to implement new technology, while actively monitoring networks for robocall traffic and committing to cooperating in investigations that trace the origins of the calls so we can take enforcement action.”

Phone companies will work to prevent illegal robocalls by:

• Implementing call-blocking technology at the network level at no cost to customers;

• Making available to customers additional, free, easy-to-use call blocking and labeling tools;

• Implementing technology to authenticate that callers are coming from a valid source; and

• Monitoring networks for robocall traffic.

Phone companies will assist attorneys’ general anti-robocall enforcement by:

• Knowing who the customers are so scams can be identified and investigated;

• Investigating and taking action against suspicious callers – including notifying law enforcement and state attorneys general;

• Working with law enforcement, including state attorneys general, to trace the origins of illegal robocalls; and

• Requiring telephone companies with which they contract to cooperate in traceback identification.

To read the principles in more detail, click here: https://bit.ly/2P8qmmo.

Additionally, phone companies will stay in close communication with the coalition of attorneys general to continue to optimize robocall protections as technology and scammer techniques change.

The coalition of companies includes AT&T, Bandwidth, CenturyLink, Charter, Comcast, Consolidated, Frontier, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon and Windstream.