Attorney General and Five Tribes Release Agreement in Principle for Criminal, Civil Jurisdiction

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter and tribal leaders collaborating after the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision today released an agreement in principle for proposed federal legislation that will clarify respective state and tribal jurisdiction in both criminal and civil matters.

The full agreement is included below.

The attorney general released the following statement on the progress being made.

“Although there are many more details to be ironed out in the near future, we believe this agreement regarding civil and criminal jurisdiction is the best path forward for protecting the public and promoting continued economic growth in Oklahoma,” Attorney General Hunter said. “My commitment to our tribal partners is to work together to forge common ground on the issues brought to light by this case. Oklahoma’s tribal nations are a fundamental part of Oklahoma’s culture, economy, politics and governance. The relationship between the tribes and my office is based on trust and mutual respect. And that synergism has been essential to the successful formation of this important agreement.”

In addition to today’s announcement, the state and the tribes are continuing to collaborate on the immediate provision of public safety on-the-ground, including law enforcement and child welfare matters.

Murphy/McGirt Agreement-in-Principle

With the Supreme Court cases of Sharp v. Murphy and McGirt v. Oklahoma in mind, the Five Tribes and the State of Oklahoma believe intergovernmental cooperation will best serve our shared interests in consistency, predictability, and a mutual respect for sovereign rights and interests. To this end, the Five Tribes and the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General (OAG) look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Justice and Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in crafting proposed legislation that generally (1) recognizes tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and the continued importance of the Five Tribes’ respective boundaries set out in treaties and statutes while (2) also affirming continuity of the State of Oklahoma’s jurisdiction within Eastern Oklahoma but outside of Indian trust or restricted lands (meaning, those lands held in trust by the United States on behalf of the Tribe or an individual Tribal member or citizen, restricted title lands, and Tribal treaty lands that have never been allotted), subject to limitations concerning Tribes and Tribal hunting, fishing, or water rights protected by treaty or other Federal law.

Accordingly, the Five Tribes and OAG today recommend to Oklahoma’s congressional delegation a set of principles that memorialize our shared position. Our goal is to see these principles implemented in appropriate Federal law for purposes of enhancing and clarifying respective State and Tribal jurisdiction, both criminal and civil, without limiting the jurisdiction or immunities of either the State or any Nation. We believe implementation of these principles will preserve sovereign interests and rights to self-government while affirming jurisdictional understandings, procedures, laws, and regulations that support public safety, our economy, and property rights.

  1. Criminal Jurisdiction: Presently, the Federal government has law enforcement jurisdiction within the Nations’ treaty territories. With respect to criminal matters, the legislation should:

    1. Affirm the Five Tribes’ criminal jurisdiction throughout their respective treaty territories over Indian offenders, as well as those non-Indian offenders over which federally-recognized tribes generally have jurisdiction in Indian country, such as domestic abusers covered by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013;

    2. Provide and affirm the State’s criminal jurisdiction over all offenders throughout that same area, including appropriate and legal mechanisms to address matters concerning existing convictions, with the exception of crimes involving Indians committed on Indian trust or restricted lands; and

    3. Authorize and direct the U.S. Department of Justice to coordinate with the State and Nations concerning deployment of law enforcement resources and respective authorities under the law.

  2. Civil Jurisdiction: With respect to civil jurisdiction, including the ability to legislate, regulate, tax, and adjudicate on non-criminal matters, legislation should:

    1. Affirm the Five Tribes’ civil jurisdiction throughout their respective treaty territories, to be exercised subject to Federal law that generally governs Tribal civil jurisdiction in Indian country. The Five Tribes would accordingly be affirmed in their civil jurisdiction over, for example, matters of self-government and their members but would remain subject to the Federal law that provides, as a general matter, that Tribes do not have civil jurisdiction over non-members outside Indian trust or restricted lands, as described above, except for (1) subject matters for which Federal law specifically grants Tribes jurisdiction; (2) activities of non-members that are part of a consensual relationship, such as contracts, with the Tribe; or (3) conduct of non-members that threatens Tribal self-governance or the economic security, health, or welfare of the Tribe.

    2. Provide and affirm the State’s civil jurisdiction over all persons throughout the treaty territories, except on Indian trust or restricted lands, but legislation would not grant the State jurisdiction to regulate or tax, directly or indirectly, any Tribe, Tribal official, or entities owned or operated by one of the Five Tribes. Also, the legislation would not affect jurisdiction over Tribal rights relating to hunting, fishing, or water that are protected by Federal law.

  3. General Provisions: In addition, the legislation should:

    1. Protect Tribal sovereignty and consistency in law enforcement by affirming that only the Nations will exercise Tribal jurisdiction within their respective treaty territory.

    2. Allocate resources sufficient to ensure public safety and effective law enforcement.

Each of these components would reaffirm or expand upon the Tribes’ and the State’s sovereign authorities and should not be read as limiting any authority possessed prior to legislation being enacted, including any sovereign immunity.

We recognize that details about how these broad principles will be worked out in particular situations will require further development. Accordingly, we believe the legislation should encourage the State and Nations to resolve any remaining concerns through intergovernmental compacting, while providing also that it does not alter or terminate any existing compact or other intergovernmental agreement between the State and one of the Five Tribes.

Drawing conducted for party order on Oklahoma ballots

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(Oklahoma City) – Republican Party candidates will appear first on Oklahoma’s November General Election ballots following the results of a public drawing held Thursday, Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced. Libertarian Party candidates will be listed second, followed by Democratic Party candidates.

State law requires the State Election Board secretary to conduct a drawing every two years to determine the order of political parties on the ballot. Representatives of the three political parties observed the drawing at the State Election Board’s meeting room at the Jim Thorpe Building in Oklahoma City. The drawing was also livestreamed on the State Election Board’s Facebook page.

Drawings were also held to determine the order of Independent candidates for President of the United States and United States Senator.

For more information about elections in Oklahoma, visit the State Election Board’s website at https://www.ok.gov/elections/.

2020 Great Raft Race canceled due to COVID-19

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The Great Tulsa Raft Race, scheduled for Labor Day, has been canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race ran from 1973 to 1991 before being canceled, then was resurrected in 2015 by the Tulsa Young Professional Foundation.

“Due to public health concerns, the Board of Directors for Tulsa’s Great Raft Race, Inc. made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Labor Day event,” reads a Thursday press release. “The safety of all participants and attendees is our top priority, and as COVID-19 cases have risen, we do not feel we can produce an event that properly adheres to social distancing recommendations.”

“We were hoping to get everyone back outside to enjoy the recreational opportunities of the Arkansas River, while also highlighting STEM education principles, but we feel at this time it is best to focus our efforts on 2021 event planning.”

“The Great Raft Race brings thousands of people to the banks of the river every year on Labor Day starting in Sand Springs Case Community Park, floating 8 miles downriver, and ending at River Parks West Festival Park. The event was originally started in 1973 and ended in 1991 before its current revival in 2015. Tulsa’s Great Raft Race, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and could not be produced annually without the generous support of our sponsors, corporate and non-profit partners, and hundreds of volunteers that make this Labor Day tradition a reality. We look forward to seeing you on the river in 2021!”

Sand Springs orders new COVID-19 personal safety kiosks for City facilities

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs has taken more steps as it attempts to stay ahead of the expected surge of COVID-19 impact from the pandemic within the Sand Springs community.

Sand Springs Police placed an order for several COVID-19 personal safety kiosks for use across the City. The kiosks are expected to arrive in mid-July and will be stationed at the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Complex, the Sand Springs Case Community Center, the City of Sand Springs Municipal Building and the City’s Spring Lake Public Works Complex. Each station will feature a “touch free” temperature check, a liquid COVID-19 disinfectant dispenser and a personal safety mask dispenser. There is no cost for the public to utilize the kiosks while visiting any of the four City locations.

Sand Springs Mayor James Spoon commends the action, “We simply want to be proactive and visible within the community as we all work together to combat this widespread health pandemic. We feel these kiosks will be of great value for our citizens and we look forward to placing them in service soon.”

As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to work together, a remote meeting was held today with leadership from the Sand Springs Local Church Network and city officials. During the meeting, strategies were shared about minimizing people’s exposure to COVID-19 while attending places of worship, as everyone is working to find ways to keep church sites open during this difficult time. Sand Springs church leaders described their reduced weekly programs and the intense cleaning regime that they have adopted, as well as use of masks and social distancing measures.

City staff has had success using backpack sprayers (rather than hand wipe cleaning) in the fight to clean larger areas of virus activity. City staff now use electrostatic charged disinfectant solutions in sprayers, which encourage cleaning particles to spread out, providing a more complete coverage on the targeted surface.

Interim City Manager Daniel Bradley stressed the need to spread educational information and best practices to combat COVID-19 as the group pledges to continue monthly joint meetings to monitor the situation in Sand Springs.

The City encourages everyone to continue to maintain social distancing practices; use hand sanitizer routinely and embrace wearing a facial mask while visiting indoor destinations or attending areas with large groups of people.

Sand Springs Fire Chief Mike Wood monitors COVID-19 data for the community and warns citizens to be proactive today, as the discussion about the threat for a large resurgence of COVID19 cases continues to grow.

As of Wednesday, the city of Sand Springs has totaled 72 cases of the virus with 57 recoveries and two deaths, leaving thirteen active cases. There are 3,118 active cases in the state of Oklahoma.

POSTOAK announces Farm to Table Wine Dinner as part of Summer Shindigs at the Lodge

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2017 POSTOAK Wine & Jazz Festival.

2017 POSTOAK Wine & Jazz Festival.

OSAGE CO., OKLAHOMA, 6/25/2020 – What do musicians, ranchers, farmers and health instructors all have in common?  A place to meet this summer and provide a bit of relaxation, good food and entertainment to the good people of Tulsa and “Green Country”. 

POSTOAK Lodge Chef Damien Jacob is working with Grassroots Ranch owners Daniel & Maria Rose, and Bob Wickizer of Pecan Creek Winery to offer POSTOAK Lodge’s first Farm to Table Wine Dinner, July 11, 6:30 p.m. The four-course meal with wine pairings is limited to 30 guests and will be served in the Lodge’s most spacious banquet room to ensure physical spacing. Chef Damien has curated a Prime Pork Chop dinner from Grassroots Ranch. It will be served with roasted red pepper polenta, sweet corn, black-eyed pea and green bean succotash. Diners will start with a small bite lamb “gyro’, enjoy a grilled pear salad and wrap up with smoked honey buttermilk ice cream atop berries and sweet oat crumble. 

Chef Damien said “we are excited to offer this true farm to table meal. In addition to what Grassroots Ranch is providing we are also sourcing the dinner from Abundant Microgreens, Crooked Shed Homestead, Farrell Family Bread, Gibson Gardens, Lomah Dairy, Swan Bros. Dairy, Inc. and Wagon Creek Creamery. The honey from Okie Bee Farms is harvested here on our property. Pecan Creek Winery is passionate about making great wines from locally-source grapes, thus, the whole menu will be Oklahoma sourced.”

The July 11 Farm to Table Wine dinner is $65 per person, plus gratuity and taxes. Reservations are required and can be purchased through EventBrite at  https://bit.ly/3et55fn or by calling POSTOAK at 918-425-2112.

The dinner is part of POSTOAK’s “Summer Shindigs at the Lodge”. Trisha Kerkstra, general manager of POSTOAK, said “Like others in the hospitality industry, we’ve been hard hit by the pandemic, and learned how it has also affected musicians, farmers and even yoga instructors. There is no better way to support one another than by offering our property – known for its wide-open spaces- as a venue to carefully create some opportunities for entertainment and relaxation.”

Other “Summer Shindigs at the Lodge” events:

The “Sounds of Summer” wraps up with Jonny Miller on July 2 and the Red Dirt Rangers (RDR) July 9. There is no cost to attend, but donations are encouraged. The Red Dirt Rangers are donating a portion of the proceeds to the Red Dirt Relief Fund, which has granted $136,500 to 46 Oklahoma music professionals since mid-March.  

“Body, Mind & Soul Workshops” include “Rise & Shine Zumba” on July 25 with Dakota Dunn and “Meditation at the Lodge” with Nicole Pearl on August 15. Reservations required with payment in advance 72 hours via Venmo to the instructors for these workshops.

Just minutes from downtown Tulsa, POSTOAK is located around the bend from Gilcrease Museum. POSTOAK boasts 60 guest rooms and ample space for small group gatherings. Book a room and enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, and even zip-lining.  For more information, call 918.425.2112 or visit  www.postoaklodge.com

Hofmeister’s Student Advisory Council shares thoughts on distance learning, systemic racism

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Paeton Watkins (left) and Joy Hofmeister (right).

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 30, 2020) – In a Monday meeting of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister with her Student Advisory Council, high school students voiced their concerns about learning amid a global pandemic and how racism impacts the classroom experience. The group, which met through Zoom, consisted of spring 2020 graduates and members of the Class of 2021.

Mariah Martin (left) and Joy Hofmeister (right).

This is the fifth consecutive year Hofmeister has convened a student group to assist her and the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) in matters of policy.

Students said the abrupt transition to distance learning this past spring was confusing for many, with the closure of school buildings causing some students to lose focus and drive. Others said they were worried they might miss skills needed for college and sensed their teachers were unprepared to use technology for virtual instruction.

Paeton Watkins of Stillwater High School commended her school for having worked to give seniors flexibility that, in turn, eased the transition to a new style of learning.

“Normally, we’re used to being able to pick what happens in our lives, especially when it comes to school. We weren’t able to do that [with the pandemic],” she said. “My district battled that by giving seniors choices. I think that might be a good thing to look into for upcoming semesters – how can we give students a little bit more of that control back?”

Hofmeister said addressing internet connectivity is critical as schools prepare for the uncertainties of next school year.

“Connectivity is key, and that is our biggest hurdle. We are determined that internet service for all be a basic utility of life. Just like water and electricity, all students should have internet at home,” she said.

Hofmeister noted that $145 million in federal relief funding is available for districts to use on connectivity and devices to close the digital divide, and in the event of a district’s move to virtual instruction. In addition, the state is offering all districts an individualized e-learning tool, Exact Path, at no cost through June 30, 2021.

Trakel “Kel” Pinkston (left) and Joy Hofmeister (right).

Prompted by current events and nationwide protests, students also discussed their experiences with racial and ethnic identity in schools. Many suggested a new approach to teaching diversity and how to discuss such matters.

“Everyone in my class looked like me, and I wasn’t aware of the struggles other people faced. I couldn’t sympathize with it because I didn’t understand it,” said Mariah Martin of Ringling, who suggested a diversity course as a new high school requirement. “We’re really lacking the ability to have the hard conversations. We have financial literacy. How can we have ‘communication literacy?’”

Trakel “Kel” Pinkston of Putnam City High School pointed out the necessity of a clear-eyed view with such issues: “It’s like putting a Band-Aid on an open wound and not expecting bad results. We have to go back and face our problems. They won’t go away on their own.”

Students also talked about inequity of education resources and suggested an enhanced approach to expose different perspectives of historic events and discussions that include cultural context.

"We need a better curriculum to teach people the mistakes of our past and how we can do better going forward,” said Natalie Rojo of Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, who also stressed the importance of teaching students how to respect others.

Natalie Rojo.

Hofmeister said that the teaching of subjects like the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has evolved over the years. She added that curriculum resources such as the OSDE’s newly released Oklahoma Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks and curriculum developed by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission are equipping schools to more effectively teach students about historical events and the lingering impact of systemic racism.

“We are not bystanders,” Hofmeister said. “There’s power in youth, and we must change things.“

The students, recommended by educators and counselors in their respective districts, represent rural, urban and suburban schools of all sizes across Oklahoma. Twenty-four are returning members who have served on the council in previous years.

This year’s Student Advisory Council also met Feb. 21 at the State Capitol. For a list of members on the council and their home schools, click here.

POSTOAK Lodge to host "Summer Shindigs" including music, yoga, and more

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2017 Wine and Jazz Festival at POSTOAK Lodge.

POSTOAK Lodge has pulled out all the stops and swung their front gates open wide to welcome in a summer of celebration with their Summer Shindigs! Spring may have had us flattening a curve and tightening our belts - but we did it - together! Come on out for some relaxing live music on Thursday nights, some rejuvenating body and soul workshops on Saturdays, or dinner and room packages. What better place for all three than out at POSTOAK Lodge on 1,000 acres of beautiful vistas?

Summer Shindigs at the Lodge will resume June 25th with the Sounds of Summer Thursdays featuring Denise Hoey and Mike Wilson. From 5:30 to 7:30 it's a BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket - or lawn chair) and enjoy live music in the shade under an Oklahoma sky. Willow Cafe will be open for beverages, snacks and sandwiches, but the music is FREE!  Trisha Kerkstra, general manager of POSTOAK, said “We'll be taking care of our musicians the old-fashioned way and will be passing the hat for donations to support the performers each Thursday. They have been hit as hard as our industry; thus, it is a way we can lighten the load and help one another by giving them a performance outlet and inviting folks out to the Lodge”.

June 27, 2020, kicks off the Body, Mind, & Soul Series on selected Saturdays with Yoga in the Oaks. It might be Zumba one week or Yoga the next, but the body and soul workshops will be inexpensive opportunities to try something new in a spacious and beautiful setting. 

So, come on out to POSTOAK Lodge for some Summer Shindigs filled with social distancing fun! Just minutes from downtown Tulsa, enjoy urban amenities amidst rural extravagances. We are unique, and uniquely safe as Osage County, Oklahoma has cornered the market on social distancing fun!

For more information, call 918.425.2112 or visit  www.postoaklodge.com

ODOT reminds candidates that campaign signs don’t belong along highways

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Candidates are reminded that it is illegal to place signs inside state rights-of-way, which includes the area along highways or on bridges. In this photo from 2018, ODOT maintenance workers pause mowing operations to remove a large campaign sign from along the highway.

As the 2020 election season shifts into high gear approaching the summer, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is reminding political candidates and volunteers to not jeopardize safety and to do their part in saving taxpayer money and keeping Oklahoma’s highways and interstates free of unsightly litter.

Placing yard signs to help promote candidates may be a long-standing tradition in Oklahoma politics, but the areas along highways or on bridges are off-limits. State law actually prohibits such signs from being placed in state rights-of-way due to safety concerns. In addition to potentially blocking drivers’ views at intersections or ramps, illegal sign placement endangers volunteers who try to post them along high-speed roadways or on bridges. Generally, the public right-of-way includes the area of grass between a highway and the nearest fence.

The best strategy for safe and legal politicking is for candidates to place signs on private property with the landowner’s permission. Inside city limits, candidates should check local ordinances for questions regarding municipal streets and rights-of-way. However, even within city limits, signs are prohibited on state-maintained highways, overpasses and bridges.

When signs are illegally placed, ODOT crews spend time away from other highway maintenance operations to pull them out of the ground, which can be time-consuming and hazardous. Removal of litter, including illegal signs, also delays highway mowing since the signs and posts could potentially damage state equipment.

Each year, nearly $6 million is spent by the department to pick up trash along Oklahoma highways, including illegally placed signs. This money comes out of ODOT’s maintenance budget, the same source of funds for patching potholes, repairing guardrail, mowing and clearing snow and ice. This expense is in addition to the untold amounts of time and money volunteer groups and local governments spend removing litter.

Oklahoma surpasses 10,000 cases of COVID-19, Sand Springs with 14 active cases

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The number of cumulative COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 10,733 with 7,648 recoveries and 369 deaths, leaving 2,716 active cases statewide. In Sand Springs there have been 58 total cases with 42 recoveries and two deaths, leaving fourteen active cases. Tulsa County has totaled 2,392 cases with 876 currently active.

Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is urging Oklahomans who have chosen to attend large-scale gatherings in recent weeks to seek out testing for COVID-19, even if symptoms are not present.

As previously announced, OSDH encourages Oklahomans to seek COVID-19 testing both prior to attending large-scale gatherings and in the days following, and to wear a mask when physical distancing is a challenge. With active COVID-19 cases on the rise, OSDH is well positioned to support and partner with local government leaders and communities with free testing, resources, and local public health guidance.

“As expected, Oklahoma’s urban areas as well as a few communities around the state are experiencing a rise in active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to increased social activity and mobility. We continue to have more than 80 free testing locations across the state, and we need Oklahomans to get tested, even those without symptoms, so we can identify active cases and work together to minimize community spread,” said Interim Commissioner Lance Frye, MD. “The Stitt administration and the Legislature prioritized COVID-19 data transparency with our nationally-recognized online dashboard. These daily updates protect individuals’ personal information while equipping local leaders with the best data to make adjustments to local public health guidance if needed. Our agency is well resourced to pro-actively partner with and provide guidance to those changes.”

The OSDH continues to make COVID-19 data transparent and publicly available, pointing to evidence-based guidance that allows local leaders, business owners, communities and individuals to make adjustments, and frequently reassess protocols, based on the active presence of COVID-19 locally. OSDH is committed to partnering with stakeholders on crafting recommendations for populations to take proactive measures to keep themselves safe and minimize spread.

Governor Kevin Stitt first charged the agency with a mission to build its nationally recognized data dashboard, launched within a month of COVID-19 arriving in Oklahoma. At the expiration of the Catastrophic Emergency Declaration, Attorney General Mike Hunter determined the Legislature had made appropriate adjustments in State law to allow a substantial portion of the data reporting to continue.

“OSDH has also deployed strike teams across 11 regions in the State to support communities when a COVID-19 hot spot has been identified,” said Commissioner Frye. “These strike teams are comprised of public health professionals, testing experts, and epidemiologists who partner with local stakeholders to increase testing capacity and provide additional infrastructure support and guidance to minimize spread.”

While the rise in cases certainly calls for increased vigilance, the State’s emergency protective supplies, and testing capacity remain strong. OSDH’s surge plan remains in place, and daily monitoring and communication continue should a need be identified to activate additional resources.

As to contact tracing, OSDH has hired over 700 full and part-time contact tracers since March 2020 to support these efforts. Additional contact tracers are being hired and trained to expand efforts.

“Personal responsibility remains key in protecting yourself and our local communities from COVID-19. We continue to encourage Oklahomans to consider wearing a mask, to routinely wash hands, and to use physical distancing measures, which are recommendations set forth by the CDC,” says Commissioner Frye, “As a society, we face a delicate balance of creating a new normal that takes into account public health, mental health, and economic risks. It will take all of us working together, as one State, to overcome the many challenges COVID-19 presents until there is a widely available vaccine.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 2,275,645 cases nationwide with 119,923 deaths. There have been 27,616 new cases and 308 deaths in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 37th in total cases (41st per capita) and 34th in deaths (35th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 8,860,331 cases worldwide with 465,740 deaths. There have been 183,020 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, the highest number of daily new cases since the pandemic began. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,067,579, Russia with 592,280, and India with 425,282.

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd gives update on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman

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OKLAHOMA CITY –Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement Friday on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman’s continuing recovery. The Tulsa Democrat was seriously injured in a collision on the Turner Turnpike while traveling to the state Capitol for the legislative session on May 22.

“On Wednesday, June 10, Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was released from Kaiser Rehabilitation Center in Tulsa. She returned to her home but undergoes daily rehabilitation treatment for her many injuries. With permission from Allison and her family, I can share that her injuries from the accident included six broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, two vertebrae fractures, and five fractures to her pelvis. She works daily to regain the ability to walk but will use a wheelchair for the time being.

“Although Senator Ikley-Freeman is not available for comment at this time, she and her family continue to extend gratitude to her church, friends, and fellow legislators in the state Senate and House of Representatives for their sustained support. She and her family request continued privacy and prayer for Allison and for the family of the other person involved.”

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce hires Kyle Smith as new President

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Erick Stuckey (left) welcomes Kyle Smith (right) to the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce. (SUBMITTED).

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the hiring of new President, Kyle Smith. After a four-month search process the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously voted to employ Smith as the new head of the Chamber of Commerce. 

Smith is originally from Chicago and his career has led him through Detroit and eventually to Tulsa. He has extensive experience in sales and management and brings an exciting resume of experience to Sand Springs.

“Kyle has an energetic leadership style; this combined with experience in non-profit and for-profit management positions makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Sand Springs Chamber,” said Erik Stuckey, the Chairman of the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. 

Smith has worked for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Pfizer Inc, and multiple pharmaceutical companies. For the past five years, Smith has led the management team for Workforce Tulsa in both their Tulsa and Sapulpa locations.

“I’m both humbled and excited to work with the Sand Springs Chamber. To take the role as President will be challenging but I know with help from this historic community and guidance from above, we will have a mutually beneficial relationship,” Smith said.

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce currently has 264 active members and is growing.  Over the past few years, the Chamber has focused its effort on the launch of the Webco Industries Center for Entrepreneurial Engagement, which currently houses a co-working space and a new business incubator. 

“As a former Project Director and One Stop Operator, overseeing the day to day operations was nothing short of a learning journey. I believe those roles have prepared me to be a leader and performer. I hope to keep that standard of excellence with the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce.”  Smith said.

The Chamber of Commerce is in the process of re-opening from the COVID-19 closures.  Should things continue a re-opening path many of the Chamber events will resume over the summer and fall. For more information on future events, visit the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or the website at www.SandSpringsChamber.com.

Absentee Deadline Approaches; Early Voting Scheduled for Primary Election

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(Oklahoma City) – Voters have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, to request a mail absentee ballot for the June 30 Primary Election, State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said today.

Voters can apply for absentee ballots online using the OK Voter Portal at https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html. Applications can also be downloaded from the State Election Board Website at https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Absentee_Voting/index.html and mailed to the voter’s County Election Board. A directory of County Election Boards is available at https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html.

Voted absentee ballots must be received by the county election boards no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 30.

In-person absentee voting, or “early voting,” begins Thursday, June 25. “Early voting” will be available at all 77 county election boards across the state and at additional locations in some counties. A list of additional “early voting” sites is available on the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov. Early voting will be available Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Primary Election allows voters to select nominees for various federal, state, and county offices for November’s General Election. In primary races with more than two candidates where no one receives a majority of the votes, runoffs will be held August 25.

Also on the ballot is State Question 802 (SQ 802), which would expand Medicaid coverage for some Oklahomans. You will find ballot language for SQ 802 at https://www.ok.gov/elections/Election_Info/State_Question_info.html. Additionally, many elections postponed from April due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be on the ballot, as well.

Oklahoma has closed primaries; however, recognized parties may open up their primaries to Independent voters by notifying the Secretary of the State Election Board. For the 2020 and 2021 election years, the Democratic Party has elected to open its primaries to Independents. The Republican and Libertarian parties have chosen to keep their primaries closed.

Voters can view a sample ballot or track their absentee ballot using the OK Voter Portal at https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html.

Fireworks permit sales available in Sand Springs

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs will offer fireworks permits for $20 each for any resident wishing to discharge fireworks within the city limits of Sand Springs. Walk up sales for the mandatory permits begin on Monday, June 22 and will end at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. The permits must be purchased by an adult age 18 or older that serves as the responsible party for activities at an individual residence. Permits are non-transferable.

During the holiday, permit holders can use residential streets as a fireworks discharge area provided that activities do not hinder traffic and all debris is removed. Fireworks may be discharged in the Sand Springs city limits on July 3 from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. and on July 4 from 11:00 a.m. until 11 :00 p.m. No other use of fireworks is allowed outside of these times.

Permits may be purchased by using either of two methods:

  1. Purchase in person at City of Sand Springs Customer Service, located at 100 E Broadway Street from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning Monday, June 22 and running through Thursday, July 2;

  2. Purchase via Eventbrite online, available until 4:00 p.m. on July 3, 2020 at: www.sandspringsok.org/fwpermit

“The continuation of online permit sales provides an excellent option, enhancing the level of convenience for our citizens,” said Sand Springs Fire Marshal Mike Nobles. Online sales will end however at 4:00 p.m. on July 3. There will be a processing fee of approximately $2 added to each transaction.

Although citizens can enjoy fireworks, fire officials urge residents to remember that live fireworks often frighten and stress animals. Officials ask that citizens take a moment to secure their pets to reduce the chances of animals running away.

Fees collected from permits help offset overtime costs of police and fire officials who patrol neighborhoods on this busy holiday to assure fireworks are being discharged responsibly with a valid permit. Without the permit, the pre-set court fine for illegally discharging of fireworks in the city limits is $171. However, a maximum fine of $500 plus court costs can be imposed for serious or repetitive violations.

For further information about fireworks permits, call the Sand Springs Fire Administration Office at (918) 246-2548, extension 2551.

Gov. Stitt, Supt. Hofmeister announce $16 million in Incentive Grants to Oklahoma schools

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OKLAHOMA CITY (June 12, 2020) – Gov. Kevin Stitt and State Supt. of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister announced today they have partnered to give eligible Oklahoma school districts an opportunity to apply for $16 million in emergency relief funds through the federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Incentive grant funds were made available through $8 million from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) set-aside amount from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund and $8 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) discretionary funds. Under the CARES Act, the OSDE funds must meet “emergency needs” of districts in response to COVID-19, while GEER funds must be expended to schools “most significantly impacted by coronavirus.” 

Hofmeister said the partnership will help educators bridge the “digital divide” and strengthen distance learning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we plan for a new school year after the major disruptions we experienced this past spring, we must do all we can to ensure districts can provide digital instructional delivery and social-emotional supports to every student when needed. This is no easy task as districts grapple with budget shortfalls and various unknowns stemming from the pandemic. School leaders are rising to the challenge, however, and these incentive grants will go a long way toward helping fuel their heroic efforts.”

Use of GEER funds to provide additional connectivity for schools is critical, according to the Governor.

“I welcome this partnership with Superintendent Hofmeister and OSDE to maximize the impact of our federal dollars on students,” said Gov. Stitt. “Digital transformation has been one of my priorities since I took office and we are working on more projects to help ensure technology is an enhancement to learning rather than a barrier.”

In order to apply, districts must have opted in on their ESSER formula funds application and commit to spending at least 30% of those funds in at least two of five priority areas:

  • Expanding connectivity for students to enable distance learning accentuating digital transformation (i.e., purchasing devices, hotspots, access points, partnership agreements, etc.)

  • Purchasing a Content Management System (CMS) or Learning Management System (LMS) – either a new system or services added to an existing system to support students in distance learning

  • Providing mental health supports through social and emotional learning tools for students experiencing trauma due to COVID-19 

  • Providing compensatory services to students identified to be at risk as a result of the closure of school buildings in spring 2020 (i.e., English learners, students with disabilities, students needing credit recovery, etc.)

  • Providing training in the science of reading for teachers in Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with a specific focus on delivering instruction remotely (i.e., contract with a vendor for professional development, use of programs identified through What Works Clearinghouse, purchase of curriculum or materials to be used in teacher training)

Grants will be awarded in amounts based on student enrollment on Oct. 1, 2019:

  • Up to 500 students: Eligible for up to $50,000

  • 501 to 1,000 students: Eligible for up to $100,000

  • 1,001 to 2,500 students: Eligible for up to $200,000

  • 2,501 to 7,499 students: Eligible for up to $300,000

  • 7,500+ students: Eligible for up to $500,000

Districts will apply for Incentive Grants through the OSDE Grants Management System, and eligible expenditures must be reimbursed between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. 

For more information on CARES Act-funded Incentive Grants, click here. 

Tulsa Federal Credit Union branch in Prattville Reasor's to close June 30

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Tulsa Federal Credit Union announced Tuesday that the Prattville branch located inside the Sand Springs Reasor’s grocery store will be closing at the end of the month.

“Tulsa Federal Credit Union leadership, along with the Board of Directors, have made the difficult decision not to renew our lease for the Prattville Reasor’s branch located at 3825 State Highway 97, Sand Springs, OK 74063,” reads the public statement. “A Tulsa FCU ATM will remain accessible inside the Prattville Reasor’s store indefinitely, but the last day of business at this location will be June 30, 2020.

Since this branch opened in 2012, it has contributed greatly to our growth and success in the Sand Springs area. While Prattville has been an integral part of that success, the majority of member activity at Prattville are simple transactions which can still be done through our ATM on location or via Online/Mobile Banking. In addition, we believe we can more adequately service our Prattville and Sand Springs membership through our traditional branch located at 220 Jefferson Street, Sand Springs, OK 74063.

Our branches continue to be a vital channel to deliver products and services to our membership, potential members, and our community. To sustain our branches’ livelihood in an industry with ever-evolving technology, we must strategically invest in our branch infrastructure to grow and improve our branch network. Our recent branch renovations and new branch in Midtown Tulsa, which opens later this summer, are evidence of that commitment.

Financially, Tulsa FCU remains strong as we approach $800 million in assets with more than 56,300 of members. The current employees of the Prattville branch have been offered comparable positions within our organization.

Our primary objective through this closure is to provide you with the same exceptional member service and convenience you have come to expect from us. Depending on your needs, there are several ways you can continue your relationship with us.

  • The in-store ATM at the Prattville Reasor’s will still be available 24/7/365 to process cash and check deposits, cash withdrawals and transfers.

  • Visit one of our other 12 Tulsa FCU locations including our Sand Springs location which is only 3 miles from the Prattville branch.

  • Whether you are currently using online/mobile banking or not, there are many features you may benefit from utilizing like bill pay, automated transfers, mobile check deposit, and a robust money management portal.

  • The Member CARE Center is available at 918.610.0200, Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

  • Tulsa FCU is a shared branching network partner which means our members can handle basic transactions at any credit union in the CO-OP network nationwide. There are several locations near the Prattville location, including Green Country FCU located at 3350 South 113th, Sand Springs, OK 74063.

We would like to thank you for your membership and are grateful for the trust you place in us as your financial partner. We look forward to continuing to serve you into the future.”

Sand Springs Sertoma Club cancels July 3rd fireworks show and Murder Mystery Dinner

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Sertoma supporters attend the 2017 Sertoma Murder Mystery Dinner.

The 2020 Sand Springs Sertoma Fireworks display, scheduled for July 3, 2020, has been postponed until July 3, 2021, due health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 virus.

The Sertoma Club has hosted an annual fireworks show on July 3rd since 1989, but this is the third time in the past four years that the event has been canceled. In 2017 the club had to cancel their show due to construction in Case Community Park. In 2019, it was called off due to extensive flood damage after the entirety of Case Park was submerged for more than a week.

Also, The Sand Springs Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presented by the Sand Springs Sertoma Club and Women’s Chamber of Commerce scheduled for August has been cancelled due to health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 virus. Each August the nonprofit organizations hold a silent auction, banquet, and murder mystery show to raise money for individuals with hearing and speech impairments. The Murder Mystery Dinner is their biggest fundraiser of the year, and it's a blast. Participants are given a back story, clues, and the opportunity to interrogate local actors to try and guess who committed the murder. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Election Board: Oklahoma Financial Institutions to Offer Free Absentee Voting Services

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(Oklahoma City) – The Secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board joined representatives of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, Oklahoma Credit Union Association, and Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma today to announce that financial institutions across the state plan to offer free absentee voting services to all Oklahoma voters.

Participating banks and credit unions will offer one or more of the following services to voters:   

  • Free ID copy (lobby and/or drive-thru)

  • Free absentee ballot notarization (lobby and/or drive-thru)

Voters can find a list of participating banks and credit unions at elections.ok.gov. Services and hours may vary by location.

“Banks and credit unions are in almost every community in Oklahoma. They’re our neighbors and community partners and they realize the importance of democracy. That’s why we’re excited to work with these financial institutions to ensure that every voter—both customers and non-customers alike—have free and convenient absentee services available to them,” said Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board.

Craig Buford, President and CEO of the Community Bankers Association agrees.

“The Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma is proud of the hard work and diligence of the Oklahoma Legislature and the Oklahoma Election Board to streamline the absentee ballot process while maintaining its integrity. Community Financial Institutions are not just the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy, but leaders in their communities. This partnership was a natural fit as we all work together to protect one of our most cherished rights, the right to vote.”

“Community banks across Oklahoma are excited for the opportunity to make absentee voting easier for all Oklahomans,” said Adrian Beverage, Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President for Government Relations for the Oklahoma Bankers.

According to Nate Webb, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Credit Union Association, “Voting is one of the greatest privileges we enjoy as Americans. Oklahoma credit unions are pleased to help our fellow Oklahomans participate in the process.”

While participation by banks and credit unions is voluntary, associationfficers said they have had a positive response of support from financial institutions across the state.

Voters can apply for absentee ballots online using the OK Voter Portal at elections.ok.gov/OVP.html. Applications can also be downloaded from the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov.

The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Tuesday (5 p.m.) before Election Day. Absentee ballots must be received no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information about absentee voting in Oklahoma, visit our website at elections.ok.gov. Voters with specific questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Department of Education releases school reopening framework

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State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 3, 2020) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education has published a framework for Oklahoma school districts as they plan for the 2020-21 school year. Return to Learn Oklahoma: A Framework for Reopening Schools includes a host of considerations for how districts can plan for a variety of contingencies that may impact the upcoming school year amid continued incidence of COVID-19.

“Educators know students will experience greater learning losses this year, given that the ‘summer slide’ has been compounded by the unconventional ending of the spring term,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.

“As they plan for the new school year, our districts are now focused on how to recapture learning and ensure the safety and health of students, staff and families. The details of how that is determined will vary widely, based on the extent to which COVID-19 is impacting local and school communities and what processes are feasible and practical for districts. It is our hope that Return to Learn Oklahoma will be a valuable tool as educators work to make decisions that are in the best interest of their students.” 

The Return to Learn framework is built on four categories – School Operations, Academics & Growth, Whole Child & Family Supports and School Personnel. Each includes a checklist of actions and considerations districts can review to produce optimal safety and learning outcomes, given the challenges that may arise from COVID-19. Underpinning the information is guidance from health officials including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Oklahoma State Department of Health and others, with an emphasis on districts hewing to the CDC’s recommendation that reopening protocols be layered to mitigate risk in ways that are feasible, reasonable and acceptable in local contexts.