News
City's September Sales Tax Check Down Modestly
September’s sales tax check for the City of Sand Springs continued a slightly downward trend when compared to the previous year. The month’s sales tax disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled 761,902 – down $15,913 or 2.05 percent from the $777,815 received by the City in September 2009. It marked the third consecutive month of declines for sales tax revenues. The September disbursement reflects sales in the last half of July and the first half o... read more »
City Preparing for Heavy Rains from Tropical Storm
UPDATED Wednesday, Sept. 8, 5 a.m.: City of Sand Springs Emergency Management officials are preparing for the potential for heavy rainfall and possible flooding conditions as Tropical Storm Hermine works its way toward the area later today and tonight.The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tulsa has issued a flood watch through Thursday morning for much of northeastern Oklahoma. Current forecasts indicate rainfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches in the region – with localized... read more »
UPDATED: City Monitoring Tropical Storm's Path
UPDATED Tuesday, Sept. 8, 9 p.m.: City of Sand Springs Emergency Management officials are continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Hermine as it works its way toward northeastern Oklahoma Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tulsa has issued a flood watch through Thursday morning for Sand Springs and the Tulsa metro area. Current forecasts indicate rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches in the area -- with some locat... read more »
Appeals Court Rules for City in Quarry Lawsuit
The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals has affirmed a Tulsa District Court ruling that upheld the City of Sand Springs’ denial of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to establish and operate a limestone quarry in south Sand Springs. Sand Springs Materials LLC had appealed Tulsa District Judge Mary Fitzgerald’s December 2008 decision supporting the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the City. The firm had filed a lawsuit in District Court to overturn the Sand Springs... read more »
Court Continues Apartments Injunction; No Council Hearing
Tulsa District Judge Deborah Shallcross continued a temporary restraining order until Sept. 28th blocking a Sand Springs City Council public hearing on a low-income housing tax credit program application by Zimmerman Properties LLC. Council will be unable to take any action on the matter at its Sept. 13 regular meeting. Shallcross made the ruling following a lengthy hearing on Friday, Sept 3rd. Zimmerman Properties is proposing to build a 56-unit apartment housing ... read more »
Public Input Sought on Floodplain Plan Update
It has been more than a decade since significant flooding occurred in the City of Sand Springs. Efforts to mitigate flood losses and keep affected residents safe are contained in a Floodplain Management Plan, which is periodically evaluated and updated. City Council will receive public comments prior to considering the plan’s latest updates during its Sept. 13th regular meeting. Draft copies of the Floodplain Management Plan Update are available by contacting City Floodplain Adm... read more »
City Closings Set for Labor Day Holiday
All City of Sand Springs offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. There will be no residential refuse collection on that day. Residents who normally have their trash collected on Mondays will instead have it collected on Wednesday, Sept. 8th. Trash polykarts need to be at the street curb by no later than 6 a.m. on that day to assure collection. The Case Community Center will be closed Saturday, Sept. 4th, through Monday, Sept. 6th. The... read more »
Back 2 School Bash Saturday!
Sand Springs police and firefighters, along with the community's Alert Neighbors programs, will sponsor the Back 2 School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River City Park. There will be plenty of food and fun activities for schoolchildren, as well as free haircut vouchers and school immunizations. School supplies will be provided for families needing assistance who have children in Sand Springs schools. Door prizes will be given away every five minutes. Families attending ... read more »
Process Outlined for Council Recall Petitions
Recall petitions for two Sand Springs City Councilors will each need the signatures of 2,077 registered voters living within Sand Springs’ city limits gathered within a month to move the recall effort forward. Petitions initiating a recall of Mayor Robert L. “Bob” Walker, representing Council Ward 4, and Brian Jackson, representing Council Ward 6, were filed with the City Clerk’s office on Wednesday, Aug. 25th. Each petition states the reasons for the recall an... read more »
Training Offered Locally for Red Cross Shelter Volunteers
A tornado drops out of the sky and does substantial damage to homes and businesses. High winds topple trees and sever electrical power to several neighborhoods. Heavy rains cause creeks to rise and flood hundreds of homes. Or, in a scenario very familiar to Sandites, freezing rain falls from the sky for hours and paralyzes the region’s power grid. In times of trouble, citizens often turn to the American Red Cross for shelter and life-sustaining resources following a disa... read more »
Public Hearing Delay Expected for Apartment Project
AUG. 23, 2010, 5 p.m. -- Sand Springs City Council is not expected to hold a public hearing or take action on a low-income housing tax credit program application by Zimmerman Properties LLC this evening.Consideration of any resolutions in the Zimmerman matter by Council are delayed by a court order. Tulsa District Judge Deborah Shallcross ruled this morning that Council could not adopt a new resolution concerning the application until the matter is given a fu... read more »
Came Hungry, Left Happy ...
Numerous customers were 'coming hungry and leaving happy,' as the slogan goes, at the new Sand Springs IHOP resturant, located at 101 S. Highway 97. The eatery -- fameous for its pancakes as well as a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu -- opened for its first official day of business on Aug. 23rd. IHOP is located adjacent to the future River West development and is one of the components of a shopping and dining destination planned for the Vision 2025 Keystone Corridor redeve... read more »
Court Order Delays Council Action on Housing Application
A Tulsa judge’s order Monday morning barring the Sand Springs City Council from taking action on a new low-income housing tax credit program resolution halted a public hearing on the matter Monday evening. The ruling, made by Tulsa District Judge Deborah Shallcross, was sought by Zimmerman Properties LLC to keep a May 10th conditional resolution supporting its proposed 56-unit low-income housing development at 51st Street and Highway 97 in place until a full court hearing can be... read more »
Court Delays Repeal Consideration for Housing Resolutions
Tulsa District Judge Jefferson Sellers issued a temporary injunction Thursday evening barring repeal of a May 10th resolution regarding apartments proposed to be built by Zimmerman Properties. However, Sellers denied Zimmerman’s request to stop any further consideration of the issue by Council. The injunction was sought by Zimmerman Properties in a lawsuit filed against the City of Sand Springs and the Sand Springs City Council on Aug. 18th. Members of the City Council are Mayor... read more »
City's Recycling Efforts Not Dropping Off
Sand Springs’ recycling drop-off center continued picking up business during the 2010 fiscal year. According to records tracked by the Metropolitan Environmental Trust (The MET), 623,692 pounds – around 312 tons – of recyclables were collected at the Sand Springs Recycling Depot between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010. That equates to more than 10 refuse trucks packed with trash not making a trip to the landfill. The Recycling Depot is located at 105 E. Morro... read more »
New Water Meters Need Handled with Care
Now that contractors have begun installing Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) devices, residents and businesses need to be aware of the different components in the water meter installation when working in or near their meter cans. Several hundred AMR water meters have been installed in neighborhoods immediately north of downtown Sand Springs, and crews are continuing to prepare meters for installation in south Sand Springs. Electronic links that will allow the meters to be read automatical... read more »
Litter More Than an Eyesore Around Storm Drains
Before throwing that fast-food restaurant cup or candy wrapper out the car window, here’s some food for thought. Litter is more than just an eyesore that costs the City of Sand Springs around $20,000 a year to clean up. It is often the source of clogged storm drains and storm sewers that can lead to street flooding during heavy rains, according to Carla Hayes with the City’s Public Works Department. “A cup or wrapper here and there may not seem like a big dea... read more »
Council to Consider Repealing Apartment Resolutions
Before City Council takes action on two low-income housing resolutions at its Aug. 23rd meeting, they are expected to consider resolutions repealing the resolutions adopted May 10th supporting the two projects. City staff is preparing new resolutions to repeal existing resolutions that were included in applications to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority (OHFA) by Zimmerman Properties LLC for a 56-unit housing development at 51st Street and Highway 97, and by Heartland Village Limit... read more »
Mayor Pitches Summer Reading Program Win
Sand Springs Mayor Bob Walker threw out the first pitch as part of the Tulsa City-County Library System's Summer Reading Program celebration at ONEOK Field. For the second time in three years, Sand Springs youths at the City's two libraries, Charles Page Library and Harry Pratt Library, had the highest summer readinbg completion rate of all communities in Tulsa County at 58 percent. Youths who completed the program were treated to a Tulsa Drillers game at ONEOK Field. The Summer Reading Progr... read more »
City's August Sales Tax Check Takes Another Dip
The road to economic recovery in Sand Springs continued to be bumpy in August. Sales tax revenues for City coffers dipped for the second consecutive month. August’s sales tax disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled 739,821 – down $31,795 or 4.12 percent from the $771,616 received by the City in August 2009. The news follows a 12.25 percent sales tax decline in July. The August disbursement reflects sales in the last half of June and the first half of ... read more »
Painting Partners for School Zones ...
Members of the Sand Springs Kiwanis Club don safety vests near Limestone Elementary School in south Sand Springs to lay down painted school zone street markings. With classes starting in a few weeks, the markings will alert drivers to slow down and be alert for returning schoolchildren. Kiwanis members pictured are, from left, Tracy McCorkle, Arin Jones and Rita Hinson. Also pictured is Scott Cheapham with Diamond-Vogel Paints showing the Kiwanians how to properly apply the firm's specia... read more »
Main Street Sewer Repairs Wrapping Up
Workers apply asphalt patches to Main Street near First Street to finish up an emergency sewer line repair that has kept a block-long section of the busy downtown street closed since last Sunday. The contractor, T G Excavating, will perform a camera inspection of the line Saturday morning, and then sweep and wash the street before reopening it to traffic. Conditions permitting, the street should reopen around noontime Saturday. Emergency repairs were necessitated after a 12-inch sanitary... read more »
Designer Recommended for New Skatepark
A skatepark review committee in Sand Springs has concluded months of research by announcing it will recommend Native Skateparks as their designer/builder of choice to Sand Springs Park Friends, Inc. and to the City of Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department.This announcement comes as Sand Springs Park Friends commits to build the new skatepark this fall. This past spring, members of the eight-person committee toured concrete skateboard sites in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Pa... read more »
Emergency Sewer Repair Keeps Main Street Closed
The sinkhole that opened up on Main Street Sunday afternoon, Aug. 1, has exposed the need for a major emergency repair project As City workers attempted to make repairs to the existing main line on Monday, Aug. 2, they discovered extensive deterioration that stretches the entire block from First to Second Street. The 12-inch concrete line is one of the first sewer lines installed in Sand Springs and may be nearly 100 years old. An emergency contract is being initiated with T G... read more »
Big Hole Blocking Main Street
Main Street was closed to traffic Sunday Afternoon when a sink hole left a void in the pavement between First and Second streets. The hole was caused by damage to a 15-inch sewer main where a private service line connects to it from a nearby business. Public Works crews began excavating the hole Monday morning to begin repairs. The hole will then be temporarily filled with compaction materials and the roadway reopened. Motorists will be driving over a gravel patch few a few days until&nb... read more »
Paving Project Set for Highway 97 South
Workers for Becco Construction are expected to begin a $2.4 million project on Monday, Aug. 2, to resurface Highway 97 from the Arkansas River bridge south to Sapulpa. Drivers can expect various lane closures on north and southbound Highway 97 during the project, which is expected to be completed in 60 days. As traffic will be narrowed to a single lane in the active construction zone, drivers should expect delays and plan on extra travel time. Alternative routes should be take... read more »
Public Hearing Set for Apartment Applications
Sand Springs City Council will hold public hearings on Monday, Aug. 23, for consideration of a final resolution and comments for two low-income housing tax credit applications currently being considered by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority (OHFA). The hearings will be included in Council’s regular meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. The meeting location is being moved to the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd., to accommodate the anticipated number of interested citizens.... read more »
Tulsa Transit Buses Rolling for Another Year
Tulsa Transit buses and Lift vans will continue to roll on Sand Springs streets for another year with no changes in frequency. City Council approved the 2011 fiscal year agreement between the City and Tulsa Transit during its July 26th meeting to continue services at current levels. According to Tulsa Transit officials, 39,308 patrons got on the bus in Sand Springs and rode into Tulsa during the 2010 fiscal year that concluded June 30th. The highest ridership occurred during t... read more »
City's Phone and Walk-Up Utility Services Closing for Lunch
Beginning Monday, Aug. 2nd, the City’s Customer Service Department will close from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for walk-up window and telephone customers needing to transact utility business. The City’s Municipal Court walk-up window will also close during that same time. The drive-thru lane located behind City Hall will remain open but will only accept utility bill payments. Customer Service will continue to open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday fo... read more »
Front Entry to City Hall Closed for Construction
Visitors to Sand Springs’ Municipal Building will need to use the back stairs to enter the building for at least the next week. The front entrance to the building was closed Friday morning, July 16th, so that contractors could begin renovations to make the entrance more user-friendly. The entry will be opened temporarily on Tuesday evening, July 20th, to accommodate Municipal Court. The $40,252 project is being funded with Urban County Community Development Block Grant p... read more »
Skatepark Plan Rolling; Fundraising Tops $100,000
Planning for a skatepark in Sand Springs is beginning to pay off in two ways. Six skatepark designer/builders responded to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) prepared by a Sand Springs Park Friends skatepark committee to build a new concrete skatepark near the City’s Case Community Center. Additionally, Sand Springs Park Friends announced that donations for the skatepark from the community have topped the $100,000 mark. The RFQ responses will help describe the potential ... read more »
City's July Sales Tax Takes a Tumble
July’s sales tax disbursement for the City of Sand Springs was a disappointment to City officials – coming in 12.5 percent below the disbursement received for the same month a year ago. This month’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) totaled $741,228 – down $103,431 from the July 2009 disbursement of $844,659. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of May and the first half of June. The downturn follows three consecutive month... read more »
Automated Water Meter Installation Beginning
Beginning this month, water meters in Sand Springs’ 150 square-mile service area will be transitioning to new technology that will improve service and billing accuracy for customers. Old meters that have been read manually will be replaced with meters that communicate data automatically using small radio transmitters. The new meters will provide more accurate meter readings in a timelier manner and can help detect potential water leaks sooner. Employees of Professional M... read more »
Citizens Can Take A Bite Out of Mosquito Nuisance
Although the calendar says July, there is no end in sight for the rainy season. Tropical rains and warm temperatures offer the perfect breeding ground for summer’s most annoying and potentially dangerous pest – the mosquito. Although it is difficult to eliminate them, citizens can take simple steps to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes thrive in tall grass and standing water – both of which are in abundance this summer, according to Sand Springs ... read more »
Let Freedom Wave ...
Members of the Sand Springs American Legion Billie A. Hall Post 17 proudly provided the color guard for the Project Summer Spirit patriotic parade by young school students in downtown Sand Springs Thursday morning. The Legion members carrying the flag are, Left to Right, US Flag carried by Richard Pidcock, Oklahoma Flag carried by Larry Stephens, POW-MIA Flag carried by Fred Esch, and the Marine Corps Flag carried by Matt Jansen. The parade celebrated the freedoms Americans enjoy an... read more »
Traffic Lights, Lane Markings to Get Upgrades
Traffic Signals at 15 intersections in Sand Springs will get new LED lighting as part of a project to save the City on utility and maintenance costs. Signal heads will be replaced and adjusted as necessary, back plates will be replaced, pedestrian signals and activation buttons will be replaced, and directional signage mounted on the signal mast arms will be upgraded as needed. New wiring will be installed at 10 of the 15 intersections, and each signal system’s timing will be ch... read more »
Freedom on Parade ...
Students in Sand Springs Schools' Project Summer Spirit program showed off their patriotism with a parade through downtown Sand Springs Thursday morning. The annual event marks the conclusion of Project Summer Spirit and also marks the beginning of the Independence Day holiday locally. Several hundred children dressed in patriotic attire and waving patriotic signs marched to Page Triangle for a brief ceremony to mark the nation's 234th birthday and to celebrate the freedoms enjoy... read more »
Street Overlays to Resume Later this Summer
Paving crews from Tulsa County are expected to return to Sand Springs later this summer to finish asphalt overlays on residential streets that were included in a bond package approved by city voters in 2005. The City of Sand Springs and Tulsa County have collaborated for nearly two decades to overlay residential streets throughout the community. Tulsa County provides the paving equipment, trucks and crews to perform the overlays. The City purchases the asphalt, and Street Division cre... read more »
Resolution Seeks to Acquire Property for Roadways
Sand Springs City Council adopted a resolution to acquire ownership of property located along Highway 97 between Pecan and Oak streets to accommodate roadway expansions and urban renewal objectives for the area. The property is Lot 1, Block 1, O’Reilly Addition, and is currently occupied by an O’Reilly automotive parts store. The land is needed for construction of a public street connecting Highway 97 with Main Street, as well as the future widening of the highway to six l... read more »
City Council Approves Firefighters' Contract
Sand Springs firefighters accepted a 3.3 percent reduction in compensation to maintain existing staffing levels as part of a 2011 fiscal year contract between the City of Sand Springs and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local No. 2173. The reductions for individual firefighters will come in the form of furlough time, reduced vacation leave, or a combination of both. Leaves will be planned to maintain current firefighter staffing levels at the City’s two fire stati... read more »
Fireworks Permits Available Through Saturday
This weekend will be filled with bangs and booms as Americans celebrate the Independence Day holiday. There will be no professional fireworks display in Sand Springs this year. The annual Sertoma Club fireworks show at River City Park was canceled due to construction on nearby Wekiwa Road. Several professional displays are planned throughout the holiday weekend at nearby locations. Sand Springs residents can have fireworks at their own homes within the city limits provided the... read more »
'Streaming' to Sand Springs ...
A Gulfstream 200/Israel Aircraft Industries Galaxy business jet recently landed at Sand Springs-Pogue Municipal Airport to allow its owners an opportunity to do business in the Sand Springs and Mannford area. The jet left Las Vegas, Nev., and made stops in Albuquerque, Oklahoma City and Sand Springs all in one day's time before returning to its home base in Dallas. The owners were able to use the airport's courtesy car to conduct their business before returning for departure... read more »
City Schedules Set for Independence Day Holiday
City of Sand Springs offices will be closed on Monday, July 5th, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. There WILL be City refuse collection on Monday, July 5th, for City of Sand Springs customers who normally receive Monday service. Refuse polykarts should be at the street curb by no later than 6 a.m. to assure collection. The Case Community Center will be closed on Saturday, July 3rd, Sunday, July 4th, and Monday, July 5th, for the holiday. The center will resume its... read more »
Heat Alert: Staying Cool is the Rule
The scorching days of summer have come to Sand Springs. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s for the next several days. High humidity levels from recent rains will push heat indexes well past the century mark – creating dangerous heat conditions for persons outdoors and in homes without air conditioning. There are public use facilities in Sand Springs where people can go for a cool break during the heat of the day – including the Case Community Center, ... read more »
June Sales Tax Breaks Even with Previous Year
June’s sales tax disbursement for the City of Sand Springs was a slight nudge higher than the disbursement for the same month a year ago. However, it lagged behind 2008 levels and still fell short of budget expectations. This month’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $786,178 – up 0.3 percent from the June 2009 disbursement of $784,004. However, the disbursement is off 4.4 percent from the $822,167 received in June 2008. The disbursement r... read more »
A 'Hole' Lot of Problems ...
Workers examine a large sinkhole that opened up on I-44 near Lewis Avenue in Tulsa Wednesday evening. The hole collapsed the roadway's eastbound lanes and undermined the westbound lanes forcing authorities to shut down the entire interstate. Thursday morning commuters, including many Sand Springs area residents who travel the road daily to and from midtown and south Tulsa, were forced to find alternate routes -- including the construction-laden Inner Dispersal Loop in downtown Tulsa. ... read more »
Swimming Pool Installations: Think Before You Fill
With temperatures soaring toward the century mark and children just out of school for the summer, soft-sided swimming pools are a hot item at local businesses. Many of the pools can be assembled in mere minutes. A lack of attention to where and how the pools are assembled can lead to tragedy in mere seconds. Swimming pools of any size are drowning dangers waiting to happen if not properly installed, says City of Sand Springs Building Official Fred Shawger. If the pool has any ... read more »
Community Garage Sale to Benefit Police Explorers
Sand Springs Police Explorers help local youths pursue their interest in law enforcement while helping the community during special events and other activities. They need the community’s help to raise funds to attend the 2010 National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference in Atlanta, Ga. Local residents and organizations can help the Explorers and themselves at the same time. The Explorers will hold a community garage sale on Saturday, June 19th, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in ... read more »
One Year Later: DigiTickets Making Streets Safer
The use of DigiTicket electronic citations by Sand Springs Police have slammed the brakes on vehicle collisions in the city. Vehicle crashes investigated by police officers have dropped 16 percent from 2008 levels – a testament to the effectiveness of traffic enforcement efforts enhanced by hand-held DigiTicket devices, according to Asst. Police Chief Mike Carter. Commonly called e-tickets, Sand Springs Police have worked in partnership for the past year with Tulsa-based... read more »
OZONE ALERT! Season Here Again
An Ozone Alert! day came early to the Tulsa area this year. Friday, May 28th, was the first declared Ozone Alert! day for the region – which includes Sand Springs. Ozone in the upper atmosphere is a beneficial and protective layer around the earth, but ground-level ozone is harmful air pollution that threatens the health and quality of life of area residents, as well as the region’s economic prosperity. Ground-level ozone is created when sunlight reacts with volati... read more »
City Fireworks Permits On Sale
It’s nearly time for the bangs and booms of Independence Day in Sand Springs – and that means obtaining a City fireworks permit before participating. Permits will go on sale at the City’s Fire Administration Building, 108 E. Broadway St. (next door to City Hall) beginning Monday, June 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Monday, June 28th through Friday, July 2nd, fire administration will remain open until 6 p.m. so that citizens can purchase their permit after normal busin... read more »
Water Meter Replacement Preparations Beginning
Before contractors can begin converting Sand Springs’ water meters to an automated reading (AMR) system, they literally need to get the dirty work out of the way. Beginning June 1st, employees of Professional Meters Inc. (PMI), the meter installation contractor, will be opening every meter “can” in the City’s system to check its components for any issues, drill a ¾-inch antenna hole in the lid, and remove any dirt, debris or foreign objects. The meter ca... read more »
'Pole' Out ...
Contractors removed the last vestages of the old traffic signals at the Highway 97 intersection with Wekiwa Road and the Sand Springs Expressway Wednesday afternoon. The newly-installed traffic signals were activated and functioning for rush-hour traffic. The new system features highly visible LED signal lights and camera sensors to detect traffic. The signals are part of the Wekiwa Road widening project, which is expected to be completed this fall. ... read more »
Closings, Schedules Set for Memorial Day Holiday
City of Sand Springs offices will be closed on Monday, May 31st, in observance of Memorial Day. There will be no City refuse collection on that day. Residential customers who normally have their refuse collected on Mondays will instead have it collected on Wednesday, June 2nd. Refuse polykarts should be at the street curb by no later than 6 a.m. on that day to assure collection. The Case Community Center will begin its summer hours over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The ce... read more »
Skatepark Fundraising Rolls On ...
Fundraising to build a skatepark adjacent to the Case Community Center in Sand Springs rolls on with the receipt of a $1,000 donation from Air Tech Products Inc. Mike Miller of Air Tech Products, center, presents a check to Jeannie Kvach and Gary Hargrove of Sand Springs Park Friends. The fund drive has raised around $100,000 toward its goal of $125,000 to initiate construction. (photo courtesy of Sand Springs Leader)... read more »
Downtown Activities This Weekend to Close Streets
Two events that are enjoyable for participants and spectators alike will be taking place in downtown Sand Springs this weekend. Cub Scout Pack 14 will sponsor their annual “Cubmobile” race on Saturday, May 22, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Sand Springs Museum. On Sunday, May 23, bicyclists will face a challenging figure 8 course in the 4th Annual Sand Springs Criterium Bicycle Race hosted by the Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. The “Cubmobile... read more »
New Changes Coming to IDL Construction Project
Sandites traveling to and from downtown Tulsa on the Sand Springs Expressway will have a new set of routing challenges when they reach I-244 – the Inner Dispersal Loop (IDL). Workers wrapped up the massive $75 million construction project’s second phase this week by pouring a median barrier along the westbound lanes of the Sand Springs Expressway near Quannah Avenue. They then opened the north leg of the IDL to provide a complete route for westbound traffic. Beginn... read more »
Work Begins to Replace City Hall Entrances
Visitors to Sand Springs’ Municipal Building will notice some significant changes around the building’s front and rear entrances in the coming weeks. Workers for Crestline Construction Inc. began removing the rear steps from the building on May 17. The existing steps will be replaced with ones that are deeper and less slippery when wet. Access to or from the rear door will be unavailable until the new steps are installed. Contractors will then begin reconstruction ... read more »
TotalCare and Rural Fire Option Forms Available
Local utility customers wanting to enroll in or opt out of the Sand Springs’ TotalCare ambulance subscription program with EMSA or the Rural Fire Protection subscription program can now do so. Enrollment and opt-out forms are available at the Customer Service window on the first floor of City Hall, 100 E. Broadway, or at the Fire Administration Office, 108 E. Broadway, or on-line under the EMS/Fire link on the City’s website – ww... read more »
Mayor's Cup Softball Championship Set June 4th
For the sixth straight year, softball players of all ages and abilities will take to the fields on Friday, June 4th, to help their neighbors. Each year, the Mayor’s Cup helps raise awareness and funds for Sand Springs Community Services to promote the assistance programs and services it provides to Sand Springs residents in need. The round-robin softball tournament is made possible by volunteers who enjoy the thrill of the game and the feeling of helping out those in nee... read more »
Skatepark Supporters ,,,
Sand Springs Parks Director Grant Gerondale holds a concept display for the City's proposed skatepark adjacent to the Case Community Center as Bob Anderson, Sr. Vice President of American Heritage Bank, presents a $2,000 check to Gary Hargorve, right, Chairman of Sand Springs Park Friends. American Heritage Bank is one of many donors large and small helping to make the skatepark reailty. To date, nearly $100,000 has been raised toward a construction goal of $125,000.... read more »
Wekiwa Road Closes Monday to Westbound Traffic
Contractors are scheduled to close Wekiwa Road in Sand Springs to all westbound traffic between Highway 97 and the Case Community Center on Monday, May 17, as work continues on a $3.2 million roadway widening project. The roadway will remain open to eastbound traffic through the entire construction zone – and access will be maintained to River City Park, Hall Addition and the businesses in Cimarron Plaza and Cimarron Center. However, drivers needing to reach these areas will hav... read more »
David Riggs Receives John Hess Citizenship Award
For nearly two decades, he was Sand Springs’ man at the State Capitol – serving as both a State Representative and a State Senator. For four decades, he has served as the senior partner at one of Tulsa’s most prestigious law firms. And for more than a half century, M. David “Pete” Riggs has given back to the community that he was born and raised in. His service to Sand Springs, along with other significant missions important to future generations, earned ... read more »
City Council Reorganization has No Changes
The annual Sand Springs City Council reorganizational meeting often brings change to the City’s governing body on the first meeting in May. This year, however, things stayed the same. Incumbent Councilors Michael Phillips and Dean Nichols were sworn-in for new three-year terms of office. Phillips has served on the Council since 2006, and Nichols has served on the Council since 2007. Following the swearing-in ceremony, Councilors voted to re-elect Ward 4 Councilor Robert ... read more »
Enevoldsen Recognized for City Manager Tenure
City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen received recognition from City Council members during their May 10 meeting for his four years of tireless work to improve Sand Springs. Enevoldsen will be leaving the City Manager’s post May 21st to accept a similar position with the City of Bixby. Councilors presented him with a resolution expressing their “most sincere appreciation for his leadership qualities that are far above the regular duties of city management” in movin... read more »
Bruce Ford Named Interim City Manager
The City of Sand Springs’ finance director will serve as the interim city manager until a new city manager is named by the city council this summer. Council named E. Bruce Ford as interim city manager during its Monday, May 10th, meeting. Ford will formally assume the duties of interim city manager on May 22. City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen’s last day in the position will be May 21st. He has accepted the city manager’s position with the City of Bixby. Ford br... read more »
City Receives $798,243 May Sales Tax Check
May’s sales tax disbursement for Sand Springs showed an increase from the same month a year ago when collections figures posted one of the worst performances in memory – a decline of 15 percent. This month’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $798,243 – up nearly 7.7 percent from the May 2009 disbursement of $741,261. However, this month’s disbursement is still off about 8 percent below the $867,330 received in May 2008. The dis... read more »
City Manager Reports Now on City's Website
Sand Springs City departments and employees are involved in a wide variety of activities that shape City government’s role in the community. Summaries of those activities are now available to citizens on the City’s website. City Manager Reports, a staple of regular City Council meeting agendas, are now available under the City Manager section of the website’s home page. Currently-posted reports date to the February city council meetings. 'Each report contains... read more »
Tony Hawk Foundation Awards Skatepark Grant
Representatives from the Tony Hawk Foundation have announced a $5,000 grant award to Sand Springs Park Friends Inc. for their conceptual plan to bring a professionally-designed skatepark to the community. “We are indeed grateful for their funding support with this announcement, and we are even more excited to add the good name of the Tony Hawk Foundation as an official partner on this skateboard project,” said Park Friends Chairman Gary Hargrove. The Foundation rec... read more »
South Main Street Conceptual Plan Outlined
Businesses and property owners along South Main Street will soon be receiving notification about planned roadway improvements as the project to widen and extend the roadway enters its environmental clearance phase. Conceptual plans for the project have been submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). The roadway’s final design may be different from the conceptual plans, according to City Public Works Director Derek Campbell. The maximum amount of area ... read more »
City Clerks Recognized For Diligent Efforts
Sand Springs City Clerk Bruce Ford and Deputy City Clerk Janice Almy were recently recognized in a proclamation by Mayor Bob Walker for their service to City government and the citizens of Sand Springs. The International Institute of Municipal Clerks has designated the week of May 2-8, 2010, as “Municipal Clerks Week” in recognition of the certification and continual training municipal clerks like Ford and Almy receive to perform their duties responsibly and in compliance ... read more »
Old Phone Books Join City's Recycling Program
Are you hung up on where to dispose of old telephone books? Perhaps the City’s MET Recycling Depot can ring a bell for you. With numerous companies distributing telephone directories for Sand Springs and the Tulsa area, residents often put their old directories on hold until they become household clutter. The MET Recycling Depot in Sand Springs has an eco-friendly answer for those directories. A specific bin is available at the Recycling Depot, 105 E. Morrow Rd., for dis... read more »
Smooth Ride ...
Contractors recently completed the pavement overlay project on Airport Road in Sand Springs -- providing drivers accessing Pogue Airport and the Shell Lake area a smooth ride. The work was funded through federal stimulus grant money and also included a pavement overlay completed last fall on Second Street in downtown Sand Springs.... read more »
Long Street Entrance to Wekiwa Road Closed
Contractors working on the Wekiwa Road widening project will be closing the entrance to Long Street so that they can rebuild the intersection. Local and emergency traffic access will only be allowed from Broad Street. The intersection closure will begin at noon Wednesday, April 28, and is expected to last about 48 hours.... read more »
'Sustainable' City Budget Involves Cuts
The City of Sand Springs’ 2011 fiscal year budget (FY-11) will be about $1.7 million tighter than the current year’s budget – matching expenditures with revenue declines seen over the last 18 months. Core City services that impact the public’s safety and quality of life will be maintained, although other service levels may be impacted, according to City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen. City Council adopted the FY-11 budget, which goes into effect July 1st, during it... read more »
Don't 'Zone Out' in Road Construction Zones
Many drivers do not have to travel far before they see orange. Street and highway work zones are all over the area. Major work zones Sandites contend with daily include the reconstruction of I-244 (the Inner Dispersal Loop) in downtown Tulsa and the widening of I-44 through the heart of Tulsa. Locally, Wekiwa Road is under construction from River City Park Road to Highway 97. Each of these work zones needs drivers’ undivided attention. Cell phones, snacks, personal groom... read more »
Council Approves Microbrewery/Restaurant Agreement
An old building that anchors a prime corner of Sand Springs’ Keystone Corridor redevelopment area may soon see new life as a restaurant, microbrewery and entertainment venue. Sand Springs City Council approved an agreement with Spring Loaded Brewing Company LLC at its April 29th meeting to purchase the former Sand Springs Power and Water building at 227 S. Main St. Commonly known as the “Powerhouse,” the building served as an electrical generating station for... read more »
Process Outlined to Hire New City Manager
Sand Springs City Councilors plan to name in interim city manager at their May 10th meeting and anticipate having the position filled permanently by the end of August. A resolution outlining the city manager application, interview and hiring process was adopted by City Councilors during their April 26th meeting. Current City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen will be leaving the post May 21st to accept the city manager’s position for the City of Bixby. Citizens will play a role ... read more »
Page Statue Restoration Project Ongoing
The first-phase restoration of the Charles Page statue that overlooks Page Triangle in downtown Sand Springs recently received a funding boost from Sand Springs American Downtown and other community partners. America Downtown Chairman Rick Walters presented a check for $1,200 to the City to defray the remainder of the approximate $2,500 cost for the first-phase restoration work. Other local donors provided contributions to fully fund the project through private sources. A seco... read more »
Mayor Appears on ‘2 The Point’ Interview
Sand Springs Mayor Bob Walker will share the community’s transformation and vision for the future in an interview Sunday evening, April 18th, on Tulsa television station KJRH Channel 2 (cable channel 9). Mayor Walker is being interviewed by 2 Works for You news anchor Russ McCaskey during a 10:35 p.m. “2 The Point” in-depth news segment. Some of the interview topics include Sand Springs’ future economic vitality, Arkansas River development, the community’... read more »
Skatepark Project Receives $25,000 Challenge Gift
Progress continues toward a new skatepark in Sand Springs with the announcement of a new $25,000 challenge gift this week by another anonymous donor. Sand Springs Park Friends board members announced that all gifts received this spring will be “doubled” in effect through a dollar-for-dollar challenge match gift of up to $25,000. “This is good news for the skate project, and for local fundraising efforts,” said Park Friends Chairman Gary Hargrove. ... read more »
April Sales Tax Check Shows Leveling
April’s sales tax disbursement was a breath of spring for Sand Springs after a long harsh financial winter. For the first time since September 2008, the City’s sales tax revenues were flat when compared to the same month a year ago. The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) disbursement for Sand Springs totaled $734,631 – up $789 or 0.1 percent from the April 2009 disbursement of $733,842. The April disbursement reflects actual sales for the last half of February and... read more »
City Manager Leaving to Accept Position in Bixby
City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen will be leaving Sand Springs in mid-May to accept the recently-vacated city manager’s position in Bixby. Enevoldsen’s resignation was announced by Mayor Bob Walker at the conclusion of Monday’s Sand Springs City Council meeting. Asst. City Manager Kevin Nelson will carry on administrative duties for a brief period while Council begins the search for a new city manager. “We have become a very dynamic community with Doug&rs... read more »
Excellent Weather Brought Plenty of CARE-ing ...
Bright sunshine and warm temperatures brought out a record number of participants in the 20th Annual CARE (Cleaning and Recycling Efforts) Day community cleanup event, held Saturday, April 10th. Sandites brought a record 387 loads , or 1,482 cubic yards, of bulky items and debris to the American Environmental Landfill for free disposal. Another 94 loads, or 359 cubic yards, of tree limb and brush debris was taken to the City's Street Division facility for chipping into mulch. If lined... read more »
New Life in Old Growth Forest ...
Tiny wildflowers bloom along the Irv Frank Trail amid a canopy of old growth trees at the Keystone Ancient Forest -- located west of Sand Springs along the banks of Lake Keystone. The 1,300 acre forest preserve is open the second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for hikers and naturalists. The greening trees and clear blue skies made Saturday, April 10th, a blooming good day to visit. For further information about the Keystone Ancient Forest, call the Sand Springs Parks and Recrea... read more »
Public Nuisances: If Grass is Growing, Start Mowing
Spring’s onset brings on the traditional public nuisance season, according to Keith Taylor, the City’s code enforcement officer. A little spring cleaning and continued attention to properties throughout the summer months can keep neighborhoods looking good and save property owners from the cost of a court fine or City abatement cleanup. “During the winter months, uncared for items tend to accumulate in yards or around houses because the weather’s often too cold... read more »
Public Invited to Hike at Ancient Forest Saturday
The City of Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Keystone Ancient Forest Trail Guides remind the public of spring/summer hours now in place for free hiking opportunities at the Keystone Ancient Forest. Visitation hours for the monthly “Open Trails” days will be from 8 am-2 pm during the months of April-September.The next hike is set for this Saturday, April 10th from 8am-2pm. Upcoming dates for future Open Trail hike even... read more »
New Website Highlights Sand Springs Community
Take a community full of unique beauty with an excellent quality of life and a proximity to numerous entertainment opportunities. Add the latest Web technology available to give visitors an unparalleled view of its neighborhoods and shopping areas. … And you have sandspringsliving.com. The new website was highlighted by the Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce during its April 5th Open Forum. Sandspringsliving.com features complete information people living in Sand Spr... read more »
Grant to Make City Hall More Energy Efficient
City officials hope to turn out the lights on high energy costs at City Hall with a $237,500 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). City Council approved the EECBG contract with the Oklahoma Energy Office, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, during its March 29th meeting. More than two dozen cities in Oklahoma received EECBG funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Funds will initially be used to perform an energy audit on the... read more »
Easter Fun Hunted at River City Park
The Easter Bunny and the IBC Free Bee teamed up to greet around 300 children during the annual Easter Egg hunt at River City Park sponsored by IBC Bank, the Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department and other area businesses. In addition to candy, several participants received prizes and savings bonds. (photo courtesy of Paul Waldschmidt, Sand Springs Leader)... read more »
Sand Springs -- You're Still Counting!
As of National Census Day, April 1, 2010, more than half of the households in Sand Springs' city limits had mailed in their U.S. Census forms. For those who have not sent their forms in, they will receive a follow-up mailing and, if necessary, a visit from a U.S. Census Bureau employee. To view information on the census, go to www.sandsprings-youcount.com.... read more »
Gift Extends Senior Meals; Permanent System Sought
An anonymous businessperson in Sand Springs has stepped forward with a $3,200 donation to continue hot meal deliveries to approximately 50 local homebound senior citizens through the end of May. The generous donation will assure that hot meals continue to be delivered five days a week for the time being, according to City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen. State funding cutbacks threatened to reduce the State’s program for homebound senior meals to alternating days, beginning last Nove... read more »
Council Awards Contract for Mowing Services
A firm that has provided mowing services to the City of Tulsa for many years will be providing similar services to the City of Sand Springs for the upcoming mowing season. City Council approved a contract with Lot Maintenance of Oklahoma Inc. to begin mowing street and highway rights-of-way maintained by the City, City-maintained drainage ways, City parks and other City-owned properties – including the flood buyout lots in the Meadow Valley subdivision. Lot Maintenance o... read more »
Rural Water District Accepted Into City's System
Customers of Tulsa County Rural Water District No. 1 are becoming Sand Springs water customers. Sand Springs City Council approved acquisition of the district at its March 29th meeting. The District’s members had recently approved transferring its assets to Sand Springs by a 97 percent vote margin. The transfer will become finalized after anticipated approvals by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners. Sand Springs water crews assu... read more »
Pecan Street Closing to Thru Traffic for New IHOP
Local drivers who are accustomed to using Pecan Street as a “cut through” from Highway 97 to Main Street will now have to find a different route. The roadway is being closed to thru traffic from just east of the highway to Elm Street for construction of the new IHOP restaurant. Access will still be available to the adjacent McDonald’s restaurant. A building permit for the IHOP restaurant was issued by the City last Thursday, and contractors have begun site pr... read more »
Sand Springs -- You're Being Counted!
With National Census Day, April 1st, just a few days away, Sand Springs is about a third of the way toward its total decennial U.S. Census count. As of Saturday afternoon, March 27th, 32 percent of households within the Sand Springs city limits had mailed in their census forms. That’s a little better than the current Oklahoma mail participation rate of 31 percent but slightly below the current national mail participation rate of 34 percent. Citizens can keep a daily scor... read more »
City Offices Closing for Good Friday Holiday
Sand Springs City offices will be closed on Friday, April 2, for the Good Friday holiday. There will be no residential refuse service on that day. Residents who normally have their refuse collected on that day will instead have it collected on Wednesday, March 31. Refuse polykarts should be at the street curb by no later than 6 a.m. to assure collection. Also, the monthly “Chipper Day” program, normally scheduled for the first Saturday of each month, will instead be held o... read more »
Get 'McReady' -- Spring Storm Season Blowing In
It is that time of the year – spring storm season. Sand Springs Emergency Management officials are asking: Are you McReady? Although severe weather events can occur in Oklahoma at any time of the year, they are most common in the spring months of April, May and June. To get people prepared for threatening weather, the City of Sand Springs’ Emergency Management Division has joined with McDonald’s restaurants in a “McReady Oklahoma” family preparedness init... read more »
IBC Bank Community Easter Egg Hunt Saturday
Sand Springs children are invited to have a hoping good time Saturday morning at the community Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored this year by IBC Bank and the Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department. This year’s event will be held Saturday at the Will Ramsey Softball Complex in River City Park. The event is FREE and open to all children ages 2-10. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Children will hunt for candy and toy-filled eggs. Some eggs will be filled with a... read more »
'Fierce' Winter Storm Leaves Like a Lamb
This weekend’s winter storm ushered in the beginning of spring like a lion, but left the Sand Springs area more like a lamb. A second wave of light to occasionally moderate snow dusted the area Sunday morning, but the second wave of snowfall that was supposed to bring several inches of the white stuff to the area overnight shifted to the south and east. The thermometer hovered around the freezing mark overnight and will slowing rise during the day Sunday. More seasonal t... read more »
Winter Storm: Snow Now Falling in Area
SATURDAY, March 20, 9:30 a.m. – The calendar may say it’s the first day of spring, but Mother Nature has wintry plans for the Sand Springs area. Rain turned to sleet and then snow at daybreak today, as a major winter storm began to take aim at the area. By 8 a.m., the thermometer had fallen below the freezing mark after reaching a daytime high Friday of 72 degrees. Sleet and snow slickened several bridges and overpasses in the area – leading ... read more »
Winter Storm: Snowfall Turning from Flurry to Fury
SATURDAY, March 20, 12:30 p.m. – The calendar may say it’s the first day of spring, but Mother Nature is giving the Sand Springs area a wintry wallop. Snow started falling in the area around 9 a.m. and has increased in intensity – coating most ground surfaces and roadways with a layer of slippery white stuff. Many area roadways are becoming slick and hazardous, and unnecessary travel is discouraged. No significant vehicle crashes have been re... read more »
Winter Storm: Ready for Round Two
SATURDAY, March 20, 4:30 p.m. – The winter storm that laid a layer of snow on Sand Springs has taken a brief breather before resuming with a vengeance this evening. Snow started falling in the area around 9 a.m. and increased in intensity around the noon hour. Many area roadways became slick and hazardous. However, no significant vehicle crashes were reported. By mid-afternoon, City Street Division crews had plowed all arterial and collector streets on t... read more »
From Sun to Snow -- Wild Weather Expected
FRIDAY, March 19, 12 p.m. – Pick a weather condition, and Sand Springs is likely to experience it over the next 48 hours. An approaching cold front has drawn warm temperatures and gusty south winds to the area this morning – creating an elevated danger for wildfires. Sand Springs firefighters worked several hours Thursday evening to contain a wildfire southwest of the city. The potential for thunderstorms exists this evening as the cold front clash... read more »
Snow Alert: Winter Weather Not Done Yet
FRIDAY, March 19, 5 p.m. – Sand Springs and much of northeastern Oklahoma will be the target for another blast of wintry weather this weekend. An approaching cold front will drop temperatures 40 or more degrees overnight Friday and into the day on Saturday. Rain will be mixed with snow Saturday morning and is expected to change over to all snow by Saturday afternoon. The heaviest part of the storm is expected to pass through the area Saturday night and Sunday mo... read more »
CARE Day 2010: Sandites Saving the Planet
Saving planet Earth starts in Sand Springs on Saturday, April 10th. Sandites are encouraged to CARE (Cleaning and Recycling Efforts) responsibly for their community on that day by picking up, trimming up and cleaning up their individual properties. Free disposal of bulky trash items will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Environmental Landfill (AEL) for residents who receive City of Sand Springs refuse service. Free tree limb and brush chipping is also available f... read more »
Flood Insurance: Don't Wait for the Creek to Rise
Although Oklahoma is most noted for its tornadoes, it is another natural nemesis that accounts for the largest share of federally declared disasters in the state – flooding. Of the 56 Presidentially-declared disasters in Oklahoma since 1955, 36 have involved flooding. Each year, thousands of Oklahomans who experience flood damage lack the protection afforded through readily available insurance. Governor Brad Henry has designated March as 'Flood Insurance Month' in Oklaho... read more »
Flood Insurance: Don't Wait for the Creek to Rise
Flood Insurance: Don’t Wait for the Creek to RiseAlthough Oklahoma is most noted for its tornadoes, it is another natural nemesis that accounts for the largest share of federally declared disasters in the state – flooding. Of the 56 Presidentially-declared disasters in Oklahoma since 1955, 36 have involved flooding. Each year, thousands of Oklahomans who experience flood damage lack the protection afforded through readily available insurance. Governor Brad Henry ha... read more »
Donor Keeps Meals Coming to Homebound Seniors
Approximately 50 homebound senior citizens in Sand Springs will continue to receive a delivered hot meal five days a week thanks to the generosity of an area businessman. Vice Mayor Mike Burdge and Ward 2 City Councilor Dean Nichols were on hand Wednesday morning at the Senior Citizens Center to receive a $3,200 check from George Taubel, president of Oklahoma Energy Services Inc. The check will continue funding for homebound senior meals through the month of April. The meal pr... read more »
Annual Utility Rate Adjustments Going Into Effect
The annual rate adjustments for Sand Springs utility customers go into effect this month. However, this year’s rate changes will be modest for most customers due to implementation of the new Automatic Meter Reading program. Water rates will remain unchanged for all customers – both inside and outside the city limits – until March 2011. Although customers receiving sewer service will see a rate adjustment this month, there will not be a change in their winter quarter ... read more »
Firm Begins Water Meter Replacement Process
Contractors have begun implementing Sand Springs’ automated meter reading system – with the first customers expected to come on-line in mid-May. Itron Inc., a Washington state firm, will be installing Water SaveSource devices in each of the 11,500 meter locations in the City’s 150 square-mile water service area. The firm will initially focus on setting up the hardware and software needed to operate the system before customers begin seeing meter replacements. ... read more »
March Sales Tax Check Down But Not Out
Sand Springs’ sale tax collections were down again for March, but the percentage decline was not as severe as the declines in the last quarter of 2009 and the first part of this year. The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) disbursement for Sand Springs totaled $749,632 – down $38,087 or 4.8 percent from the March 2009 disbursement of $787,719. The March disbursement reflects actual sales for the last half of January and estimated sales for the first half of February. Th... read more »
It's Wildfire Season: Learning Prevents Burning
The winds of spring blow swiftly most days in March – bringing warmer temperatures and low humidity to awaken the landscape from its brown wintry slumber. It is also the season for wildfires – a mix of weather conditions, dry vegetation, and in many cases, human indiscretion. Sand Springs experienced its first major wildfire March 7th. The blaze started southwest of the city and spread over hundreds of acres of thickly wooded terrain. Area firefighters worked hours... read more »
LANE CLOSURE TO AFFECT HIGHWAY 97 COMMUTE
The right lane of northbound Highway 97 will be closed at the interchange with the Sand Springs Expressway (US-412/64) from 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 9th, to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 11th, as part of the Wekiwa Road reconstruction project. This lane closure will have the greatest impact on traffic during the morning and evening commutes. Drivers northbound on Highway 97 should expect delays and may want to use alternate routes such as Morrow Road or Second Street. Driver... read more »
Make Sense of the Census: sandsprings-youcount.com
Sand Springs residents will be receiving their 2010 census questionnaires in the mail in the next few weeks. It’s now in their hands to be counted. A community website has been established to help citizens understand the importance of an accurate census count – www.sandsprings-youcount.com. In addition to some local information, the website has a link to 2010 census information from the U.S. Census Bureau. It is imp... read more »
Wekiwa Road Closed to Westbound Thru Traffic
Contractors have closed Wekiwa Road in Sand Springs to westbound thru traffic from Short Street to the Case Community Center as part of a $3.2 million roadway widening project. Two-way traffic still remains open from Highway 97 to Short Street – providing access to businesses in Cimarron Plaza and Cimarron Center. However, drivers wanting to reach River City Park, the Case Community Center, Wellston Park Road industries and Apple Creek Apartments will need to follow a marked det... read more »
Skiatook Water System Nearing Its Three-Year Checkup
Every hour of every day, raw water flows from Skiatook Lake to treatment plants in Sand Springs and Sapulpa to keep both communities awash in safe life-sustaining water. The system was first brought on-line in 1992 and became the main source for each city’s water supply a few years later. Failure is not an option. Therefore, once every three years, the line is shut down for an extensive checkup. That tri-annual checkup is slated to begin March 8th and conclude on March 1... read more »
'Fiscal Impact' Resolution Adopted by City Council
With most Oklahoma cities and towns struggling to make ends meet in a tough economy, unfunded mandates resulting from newly enacted state legislation can be a budget breaker. Officials in cities and towns throughout Oklahoma, along with a number of Chambers of Commerce, are supporting legislation introduced by Speaker of the House Chris Benge, R-Sand Springs, which would require “Fiscal Impact Statements” on legislation that has a direct adverse fiscal impact on municipal ... read more »
Bad Weather Potential Delays Wekiwa Water Line Work
Because of the possibility of inclement weather this Thursday evening, the water line work associated with the Wekiwa Road widening project has been moved to Monday evening, March 1. The working hours will remain unchanged with work performed between the hours of 11 p.m. Monday and 2 a.m. Tuesday, March 2. Customers along Wekiwa Road west of the Case Community Center to Candlestick Beach, along with customers located along the north side of Highway 412, will have service interruptions... read more »
Tulsa Tech Investing in New Sand Springs Campus
Tulsa Technology Center will be taking on a significant new presence in Sand Springs as it prepares to break ground on a highly-visibly stand-alone campus at the former Sand Springs Ford dealership, 924 E. Charles Page Blvd. Tulsa Tech is making a long-term investment in the Sand Springs community with the purchase of the former Ford dealership property from the John Rudy family. Tulsa Tech plans to renovate the existing structures to meet the needs of high school and adult students t... read more »
City's Budget Process Focuses on Sustainability
Sand Springs city officials have begun developing departmental budgets for the 2011 fiscal year which begins July 1 – an ordinary task for this time of year. However, the new budget will likely be anything but ordinary, according to City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen. Revenue sources such as the City’s sales tax collections have varied erratically in recent months, making it a major challenge to set a financial forecast for the coming year. One thing is certain &ndash... read more »
Wekiwa Water Work to Turn Line Off Thursday Night
Water line work related to the Wekiwa Road widening project is scheduled for Thursday night, Feb. 25. Work is planned between the hours of 11 p.m. Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26. Customers located along Wekiwa Road west of the Case Community Center to Candlestick Beach will be without water. This includes the Sandel Mobile Home Park and the Country Meadows Estates housing addition.... read more »
Police Chief, Officers Earn Traffic Safety Honors
Sand Springs Police Chief Daniel Bradley may not do a lot of traffic enforcement these days, but the importance he places on it for saving lives and reducing property damages from vehicle collisions earned him distinguished recognition recently. Bradley received the Michael J. Garner Safety Advocate Award for exceptional performance in the area of traffic safety through the use of enforcement, public information and education, and prevention efforts designed to reduce traffic collisio... read more »
A Look Back: Sand Springs' Census a Decade Ago
In 2008, Sand Springs has an estimated population of 18,459 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That was up nearly 6 percent from the actual 2000 census count of 17,451. In the 1990s, the city grew about 14 percent. Although city officials believe the actual population count on the 2010 Census Day, April 1st, will be higher than the most recent estimate, the overall growth pattern remains in what they term a comfortable range. “We have had steady and sustained growth th... read more »
City Continues Support for Rail Transit Study
Ongoing efforts by the City of Sand Springs and other communities in the Tulsa area may have citizens running into and out of town on a rail. An Alternatives Analysis study which will be coordinated by INCOG beginning this spring will look at the feasibility of using existing freight railroad corridors to develop future transit opportunities for citizens. Implementation is likely decades away, according to Sand Springs City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen. “It may seem unusua... read more »
WEEKEND REPAIR PROJECT TO CLOSE EASTBOUND IDL
A section of eastbound I-244 along the northwest corner and north leg of the Inner Dispersal Loop in downtown Tulsa will be closed starting at 9 a.m. Friday to make pavement repairs. The repairs will last through the weekend, and work crews expect to have the roadway reopened Monday. Despite recent repair efforts following harsh winter weather, this section of older pavement continues to deteriorate. Crews are counting on a possible break in freezing temperatures this weekend to allow... read more »
Council Adopts Drug House Contamination Ordinance
Sand Springs has joined a number of other communities in Oklahoma fighting back against the effects of homes contaminated by methamphetamine manufacturing on future occupants. Property owners who discover that methamphetamine or other noxious, hazardous or toxic substances have been manufactured or processed on their properties must notify Sand Springs police and have the contaminated area tested and remediated by a nationally certified cleanup firm. The process would also be ... read more »
City Approves Land Sale for Elementary School
Sand Springs City Council approved an ordinance at its Feb. 8th meeting authorizing the sale of 25 acres of land near 81st West Avenue and Old North Road for $225,000 for development of a new elementary school by the Sand Springs School District. Voters in the Sand Springs School District overwhelmingly approved a bond issue last fall to build the new school. “We are pleased to work with our partners at Sand Springs schools to facilitate this sale. The new elementary sch... read more »
Council Candidate Withdraws; Election Canceled
Sand Springs Ward 2 City Council candidate Kathy McFarland submitted a withdrawal affidavit to the City Clerk’s office on Feb. 9th -- withdrawing her candidacy in the March 2nd primary election. Incumbent Ward 2 Councilor Dean Nichols remains the only active candidate for the seat. Incumbent Ward 1 Councilor Michael Phillips did not draw any opposition in his re-election bid.With no races to be decided, City Council voted at a Feb. 11th special meeting to cancel the primary ... read more »
City Prepares for Another Round of Wintry Weather
MONDAY, FEB. 8, 10 a.m. – Moderate to heavy snow began falling in Sand Springs around 9 a.m. this morning as another round of wintry weather descended upon the Sand Springs area. A Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service office in Tulsa is in effect through 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. According to the latest NWS data, the Sand Springs area can expect to receive about 4½ inches of snow before the storm exits the area overnight tonight.... read more »
City Appears Spared from Snow; Cold Coming
MONDAY, FEB. 8, 2 p.m. – Although moderate to heavy snow fell in parts of Sand Springs this morning, temperatures at or above freezing kept most of it from sticking to the ground or on area streets and highways. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday, and additional bands of snow are expected throughout the day and into this evening. However, the latest National Weather Service data indicates only about an inch of snow accumulation is expe... read more »
Improvement Seen In February's Sales Tax Check
Sand Springs City officials continued to see dramatic fluctuations in sales tax revenues with the Friday posting of February’s sales tax disbursement. The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) disbursement totaled $887,678 – down $28,082 or 3.1 percent from the February 2009 disbursement of $915,760. Compared with double-digit sales tax revenue drops in recent months, punctuated by a 35 percent drop in January’s disbursement, the more modest decline this month was a welcomed... read more »
2010 Census: Sand Springs -- You Count!
The time is nearing where Sandites need to stand up and be counted. The 2010 census is just as important to local communities and schools as it is to the national population headcount. Sand Springs – You Count! Community leaders are urging Sandites to fill out their census questionnaires when they receive them in March. The more heads that get counted locally, the more Sand Springs will benefit from federal programs and services. April 1 is National Census Day &n... read more »
One City Council Race Set for Ward 2
Voters only in Sand Springs City Council Ward 2 will go to the polls on Tuesday, March 2nd, to cast ballots for one of two candidates seeking the post. The winner in that election will be seated at the Council’s annual reorganizational meeting on May 3rd. In Ward 2, incumbent Councilor Dean Nichols drew a challenge from Kathy McFarland. Nichols resides at 1118 N. Main St. McFarland resides at 178 Osage Ridge Dr. There will be no election for the Ward 1 Council seat. Incu... read more »
Winter Storm's Sandy Mess City's Next Cleanup Task
Last week’s ice and snow left many Sand Springs streets a sandy mess. City Street Division crews applied around 650 tons of sand to arterial and residential collector streets over a four-day period that wrapped up Monday. That followed an equal amount of sand being spread on local streets following the Christmas Eve blizzard. All that sand has to be swept up. Where it provided traction for vehicles during the ice and snow, it can lessen traction if left unswept. It also ... read more »
Filing Period Continues for Council Wards 1 and 2
Candidates seeking Sand Springs City Council seats in Wards 1 and 2 will be able to file for them this Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 1-3, 2010. As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, the following candidate filings had been received.Ward 2 -- Dean Nichols, 56, 1118 N. Main St. (incumbent).All candidate filings must be made in the City Clerk’s office, Room 206 in the Municipal Building, 100 E. Broadway, from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. on the respective da... read more »
Storm Gone -- Snow to Stick Around Awhile
Oh the weather outside looks whiteful, and driving around may be frightful. So if you have no place to go, stay in and enjoy the snow. The winter storm that weather forecasters anticipated to be the perfect storm of ice, sleet and snow lived up to some of its billing. The Sand Springs area received about a third of an inch of ice Thursday followed by 6½ inches of snow Friday. Most of the snow came in a three-hour window Friday afternoon that snarled traffic for several hours.... read more »
Roads Slick from Icing, Snow Expected Today
FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 6:30 a.m.. – Freezing rain and drizzle continued to fall overnight in the Sand Springs area, making many streets and rural roads slick and hazardous. Most heavily traveled roads are drivable with some slippery spots – especially on bridges and overpasses. Freezing rain and drizzle are expected to continue throughout the morning hours before changing over to snow this afternoon. A 4-inch accumulation is likely before the entire storm system... read more »
Snow Blanketing City After Icing Event
FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 11 a.m. – Snow replaced freezing rain and sleet in Sand Springs by mid-morning, reducing the threat of major electrical outages in the city and shifting winter storm operations to transportation mode. The City’s Emergency Operations Center was deactivated at 11 a.m. after being open 23 hours. Sanding and plowing crews will continue to work around-the-clock clearing streets until the storm exits the area this evening. The National W... read more »
Snow Blanketing City After Icing Event
FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 4 p.m. – Heavy snow replaced freezing rain and sleet in Sand Springs this afternoon, reducing the threat of major electrical outages in the city and shifting winter storm operations to transportation mode. Sand Springs city officials have closed West 41st Street from 65th West Avenue in Berryhill west to Highway 97 in Sand Springs; and Highway 97-T from the Sand Springs Expressway (US 412) interchange at 129th West Avenue north to McKinl... read more »
Winter Storm Winding Down; Cold Setting In
FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 7 p.m. – Around 7 inches of snow blanketed the Sand Springs area this afternoon – causing traffic to slow to a crawl and even come to a stop in some areas. Officials closed 41st Street east of Highway 97 and Highway 97-T north of the Sand Springs expressway around 4 p.m. As of 6:30 p.m., all stalled cars have been removed from 41st Street. City Street Division crews deployed two large plowing and sanding units to clear the roadway. They ex... read more »
Winter Storm Winding Down; Cold Setting In
FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 7 p.m. – Around 7 inches of snow blanketed the Sand Springs area this afternoon – causing traffic to slow to a crawl and even come to a stop in some areas. Officials closed 41st Street east of Highway 97 and Highway 97-T north of the Sand Springs expressway around 4 p.m. As of 6:30 p.m., all stalled cars have been removed from 41st Street. City Street Division crews deployed two large plowing and sanding units to clear the roadway. They ex... read more »
West Leg of Inner Dispersal Loop Reopens Ahead of Sched
Drivers commuting to Tulsa on the Sand Springs Expressway can now use the west portion of the Inner Dispersal Loop to make their way around downtown Tulsa.The west lerg of the roadway reopened Wednesday evening, Jan. 27th, enabling eastbound traffic on the Sand Springs expressway to take the 'hairpin turn' exit to travel directly to the Broken Arrow Expressway, as well as I-244 across the Arkansas River to west Tulsa. Construction on this portion of the roadway was ... read more »
Winter Storm Moving Into Sand Springs Area
THURSDAY, JAN. 28, 12 p.m. – Light to moderate freezing is expected to move into the Sand Springs area early this afternoon – the first round of wintry precipitation that will impact the area through Friday morning. Freezing rain is expected to transition to sleet and snow by this evening. Another round of snow is expected Friday morning. As of noon, the National Weather Service office in Tulsa is expecting about a half-inch of ice to accumulate on... read more »
Winter Storm May Become Snow Event Friday
THURSDAY, JAN. 28, 5 p.m. – Light to moderate rain, freezing rain and sleet is continuing in the Sand Springs area late this afternoon – with more freezing rain, sleet and snow on the way tonight and during the day Friday. The National Weather Service office in Tulsa is estimating the area will receive around one-third inch of ice accumulation throughout the evening before transitioning to sleet and snow overnight. Total snow accumulations of about 6 inche... read more »
Sleet Slickens City Roads; Snow Set for Friday
THURSDAY, JAN. 28, 7 p.m. – A heavy band of freezing rain and sleet passed through Sand Springs around 6 p.m. coating roadways with a glaze of slippery slush. The sleet storm is expected to exit the area later this evening. A second storm is expected to move in during the day Friday and bring up to 6 inches of snow to the area before the entire wintry weather system exits the area Friday evening. Only a few traffic collisions were reported on area roadwa... read more »
Winter Storm Could Be Major Ice Event
UPDATED THURSDAY, Jan. 28, at 5 a.m. -- If someone were casting a scenario for a perfect winter storm, they’d include ample freezing rain to damage tree limbs and power lines, follow it up with some snow, then throw in high winds and lingering frigid temperatures. That may be the weather forecast for Sand Springs beginning Thursday morning and extending through the weekend. At 4 a.m., the Winter Storm Warning forecast from ... read more »
Agreement Approved with Keystone Corridor Developer
An agreement has been reached with the Keystone Corridor’s new developer to share responsibilities for its future with the City of Sand Springs. City Council approved the agreement with Tapp Sand Springs LLC during its Jan. 25th meeting. The Edmond-based parent firm, Tapp Development, began formal negotiations with the City last November to develop the 30-acre tract adjacent to the Highway 97-Sand Springs Expressway interchange. Tapp Sand Springs LLC will serve as &ldquo... read more »
Downtown Parking Enforcement Part of Citywide Effort
People accustomed to parking their vehicles longer than the time limit on downtown streets may have a price to pay -- $10 to be exact. The Sand Springs Police Department’s Community Services Division has begun closer monitoring of downtown parking times in response to requests from several businesses. Community Service Officers have begun marking tires followed two hours later by issuing citation for overtime parking. “As manpower permits, we are working parking in... read more »
Phone Service Severed at Case Community Center
MONDAY, Jan. 25th -- A construction mishap has severed telephone service at the City's Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd., as well surrounding businesses and residences. A contractor doing digging work for the Wekiwa Road widening project severed a major telephone line around 10 a.m. this morning. Service is expected to be interrupted for the remainder of the day. The Case Center will remain open for regular hours.... read more »
Prepare Now for Perfect Storm of Winter Weather
The National Weather Service office in Tulsa has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Sand Springs area beginning early Thursday morning and lasting throughout the day. A potential exists for significant ice, sleet and snow accumulations followed by very cold temperatures into the weekend. Residents should monitor local news sources for continual weather updates. Although forecasting the storm’s exact track is not a perfect science, people should prepare for the perfect s... read more »
Changes 'Hailed' in Severe Storm Warnings
Severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tulsa are feeling the effects of inflation. To increase the significance of storm warnings, NWS is increasing the estimated size of hail that will prompt those warnings from penny-sized to quarter-sized. By measurement, severe hail size will increase from ¾-inch to one-inch in diameter. The difference is in the damages, said NWS Warnings Coordination Meteorologist Ed Calianese during a Jan. 1... read more »
Skateboarders Meeting Moved to Feb. 4th
The planning meeting with local skateboarding enthusiasts that was scheduled for this Thursday evening has been moved to Thursday, Feb. 4, from 7-8 p.m. at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd. The threat of severe winter weather later this week prompted the change.The Case Center site has been chosen to receive a skate park feature. A $50,000 anonymous donation has been received to initiate the project. Involvement is needed from the skateboarding community to help raise ... read more »
Charles Page Statue Getting a Facelift
Steve Spinharney of Green Country Service gives the face of city founder Charles Page in Page Triangle Park a thick coat of wax as part of a process to restore the bronze statue. Once the wax is applied, it is intensely heated to let the material soak into the metal. The result will be a clean and shiney restoration -- the first in many years for the 80-year-old monument which features Page and two children. Spinharney is well known regionally for his restoration and cle... read more »
Getting on the Road ...
Around 200 Sand Springs, Berryhill and Tulsa residents turned out at the new Chandler Park Community Center Wednesday evening to learn about the future of the Gilcrease Expressway -- including a bridge crossing of the Arkansas River at 57th West Avenue. A presentation on the project was followed by a question and answer session, along with comments from public officials and community leaders. The overwhelming consensus of the meeting was to move forward with completing the expressway,... read more »
City Offices; Case Center Closed for M. L. King Jr. Holiday
City of Sand Springs offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 18th, for the Martin Luther King holiday. There will be no refuse collection by the City on Martin Luther King Day. Residents who normally receive refuse collection service on Mondays will instead receive collection service on Wednesday, Jan. 20th. Refuse polykarts should be at the street curb by 6 a.m. on that day to assure collection. The Case Community Center will also be closed all day on Monday Jan. 18th. It will be open re... read more »
Refund Causes Drastic Drop in City's Sales Tax Check
A one-time refund of sales taxes previously paid in error by a local manufacturer caused January’s City of Sand Springs sales tax disbursement to plummet 35.2 percent from the previous year’s amount. The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) disbursement totaled $575,588 – down $312,374 from the January 2009 disbursement of $887,962. Most other cities in the Tulsa also saw significant declines in their sales tax revenues, but most of the dips were far less than that ... read more »
Wide Loads Coming Through ...
An army of utility workers moved wires and even lifted up traffic signals to get two oversized loads being transported by Contractors Cargo Co. through Sand Springs Tuesday morning. The loads combined weighed nearly a million pounds. Each load was about 21' high, 23' wide and 200' long -- necessitating plenty of traffic control by Sand Springs Police and City Street Division crews. Both loads moved through town in a little over an hour without incident on thei... read more »
Storm Spotter Training in Sand Springs Jan. 19th
It may be difficult to think of tornadoes in the middle of winter, but now is the best time to learn about severe storms that may spawn tornadoes. Trained eyes on the skies can tell the difference between an ominous-looking cloud that may drop a tornado from the sky and an ominous-looking but otherwise harmless cloud. Storm spotters – people on the ground observing severe weather as it is happening – can make the difference between reporting dangerous conditions wh... read more »
City Sees Increase in 2009 Housing Starts
New home construction in Sand Springs picked up the pace slightly in 2009 when compared to the previous year. According to City inspection records, 70 permits were issued for new homes during the year – up from the 66 permits issued for all of 2008. The number of permits matches the annual average of 70.8 new home permits logged over the past decade. “Given the economic difficulties we’ve faced both locally and nationally, as well as the challenges in the hou... read more »
Sand Springs Sees 'Lake Effect' Snow
Clouds rolled into the Sand Springs area overnight Friday -- leaving Saturday morning's low temperature in the teens rather than below zero as weather forecasters had predicted. The weather also brought a very unusual occurrence to the area -- lake effect snow. The flurries that left a dusting of the white stuff were not caused by Sand Springs Lake, pictured here in a placid setting Saturday morning, but rather by arctic air blowing across Lake Oologah, according to the National Weath... read more »
CASEtime: Movie Friday at Case Community Center
Make a date for this Friday, Jan. 8th, and the second Friday of each month – it’s movie night at Sand Springs’ Case Community Center. CASEtime, Come and See Entertainment, presents movie favorites featuring the ultimate hi-def theater experience. Family-friendly movies will be shown the second Friday of each month on a 14-foot screen with theater quality surround sound. Showtime is 7 p.m. The Case Center is located at 1050 W. Wekiwa Road, just west of the ent... read more »
Hard Freeze Warning Issued for Area
THURSDAY, Jan.7, 4 p.m. – The national Weather Service Office in Tulsa has issued a “Hard Freeze Warning” for the region through 6 a.m. Sunday. A Hard Freeze Warning means a long duration of very cold temperatures is imminent. Although sustained winds are expected to gradually subside, bitter cold arctic air will settle in place over the region through Sunday morning. Daytime highs will only be in the teens, and nighttime lows will hover around zero. Wind chill index... read more »
City Officials Comment on Gerdau Ameristeel Plant Idling Decision
After careful evaluation of a comprehensive proposal submitted to Gerdau Ameristeel by the State of Oklahoma and City of Sand Springs aimed at maintaining steel production at the company’s local steel mill, company officials have decided to continue idling the mill for the foreseeable future. City leaders expressed disappointment that the firm would not be taking advantage of the incentive proposal to reactivate the mill. However, they were appreciative of the company’s go... read more »
Sand Springs Locked In the Deep Freeze
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 10:30 a.m. -- Baby it's cold outside, but most of the ice and snow that was forecast for Sand Springs slid on to the east in a flurry. City streets are in good shape for travel, and the highways and Sand Springs Expressway are clear and treated.Sunshine is the order of the day, but so are stiff north winds of 15 to 25 mph. Some wind gusts may be as high as 35 mph. Wind chill indexes will remain near or below zero -- crerating p... read more »
Prepare Now for Plunging Thermometer
If you think it is cold now … just wait for what Mother Nature has in store later this week. Sand Springs has been stuck in the deep freeze since the Christmas Eve blizzard. Although temperatures have inched above the freezing mark a few times since then, nighttime lows have typically fallen into the teens. The deep freeze is expected to get deeper this week. A major arctic front will bring the possibility of snow to the area Wednesday. Minor accumulations are expected ... read more »
Hwy 51 Water Break Repaired; Service Being Restored
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 3:30 p.m. -- A water main break on Highway 51 has been repaired by City crews, and water service is being restored to about 1,000 customers between Avery Drive and the Keystone Dam area.A private contractor taking core soil samples at an old convenience store in the 12000 block of Highway 51 in Sand Springs struck a large City water main around noon today.Full service to all customers should be restored before 5 p.m.... read more »
Wekiwa Road Construction Starting Jan. 4th
Contractors will begin work Jan. 4th on a $3.2 million Oklahoma Department of Transportation project to widen Wekiwa Road to three lanes and improve its intersection with Highway 97 and the Sand Springs Expressway. The roadway will remain open to eastbound traffic throughout the project, and access will be available to nearby businesses and neighborhoods. Westbound traffic will need to follow detours during different phases of construction. The project’s first phas... read more »
Warming Helps to Melt Snow; More Expected
Bright sunshine and temperatures around 40 degrees Monday afternoon loosened up some of the snow-packed and slippery areas on Sand Springs’ residential streets. Meanwhile, City Street Division crews continued to break up slush on collector streets and major roadways to get to bare pavement. Most roads on the city’s plow list had at least one lane of bare pavement in each direction. To view plowing and sanding routes, visit the City’s Website at ... read more »
Public Meeting Jan. 13th on Gilcrease Expressway
It’s been nearly a half century since the line was drawn on a Tulsa metropolitan area expressway system map for the Gilcrease Expressway. Without strong support from affected communities in Sand Springs, Tulsa, Berryhill and western Tulsa County, it may be another half century before the roadway totally encircles the metro area. Local residents can learn about the expressway’s past, present and future plans during a public meeting hosted by Tulsa County on Wednesda... read more »
Remnants of Blizzard to Remain Awhile
Sunshine helped brighten Christmas weekend, but cold temperatures did little to melt the snow and ice left in the wake of what will be remembered for many years as the Christmas Eve blizzard of 2009. The area received between 8 and 10 inches of snow. High winds left snow drifts 2 to 3 feet deep in several locations. Major streets and residential collector streets in Sand Springs were plowed and sanded by City Street Division crews beginning at noon Thursday. Although operation... read more »
Blizzard Ends -- White Christmas Here to Stay
It was not only the snow, but the big blow that made the prospect of a white Christmas a dark nightmare for many area drivers. Heavy snowfall and sustained high winds gusting at times to 50 mph or more made many area roadways virtually impassible Christmas Eve as holiday shoppers attempted to crawl home with their last-minute treasures. In Sand Springs, 41st Street east of Highway 97 and Highway 97-T were closed due to blowing and drifting snow that created “white-out” con... read more »
Blizzard Ends -- White Christmas Here to Stay
It was not only the snow, but the big blow that made the prospect of a white Christmas a dark nightmare for many area drivers. Heavy snowfall and sustained high winds gusting at times to 50 mph or more made many area roadways virtually impassible Christmas Eve as holiday shoppers attempted to crawl home with their last-minute treasures. In Sand Springs, 41st Street east of Highway 97 and Highway 97-T were closed due to blowing and drifting snow that created “white-out” con... read more »
Worst of Winter Storm May Track East of Area
THURSDAY, Dec. 24, 7 a.m. – A Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect for the area until 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25th. A Winter Storm Warning means significant winter weather is expected. However, the brunt of the storm may be shifting north and east of Tulsa – leaving the Sand Springs area with less snow accumulation than first forecast. Sleet followed by snow is expected to begin falling locally around mid-day today and will contin... read more »
High Winds Expected with Winter Storm
THURSDAY, Dec. 24, 1:30 p.m. – Heavy snowfall expected later today and this evening combined with high winds may create periods of blizzard-like conditions in the Sand Springs area. A Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect for the area until 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25th. A Winter Storm Warning means significant winter weather is expected. The NWS has again revised its snow accumulation estimate for the area back to about ... read more »
Blizzard Warning Issued for Sand Springs Area
THURSDAY, Dec. 24, 3 p.m. – Heavy snowfall and winds expected to gust in excess of 50 mph have prompted the National Weather Service Office in Tulsa to issue a Blizzard Warning for Sand Springs and most of northeastern Oklahoma until 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25th. Visibilities of less than ¼-mile are expected into the evening hours, and travel has become treacherous if not impossible in some areas. Slick roads may have contributed to a triple-fatality crash on Highway 51 at Fi... read more »
Masons Deliver for Homebound Senior Meal Program
The Sand Springs Masonic Lodge No. 475 delivered on its efforts this week to keep hot meals coming to local homebound senior citizens. Funds raised from a Nov. 20 pancake breakfast, combined with other significant donations from local sources and the Masonic Order, helped the Masons raise $10,075 for the program. The monies are needed to offset a shortfall in funding from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Masons presented the check to City officials on Dec. 22nd. ... read more »
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Area on Thursday
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. – The National Weather Service office in Tulsa has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the area from 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24th, to 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25th. A winter Storm Warning means significant winter weather is expected. Snow is expected to begin falling in the Sand Springs area by noon on Thursday and will continue falling through Thursday evening. City Street Division crews will be on duty Thursday, and will sand and p... read more »
New Ride Arrives for Seniors
Sand Springs senior citizens will be riding in style with the arrival Friday, Dec. 18, of a Ford 14-passenger bus furnished by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and Sand Springs Park Friends. The bus will be used to transport senior citizens to the Senior Citizens Center, the Case Community Center, and other locations in the area. The $46,000 cost for the bus was funded by DHS with an $8,000 matching donation from Sand Springs Park Friends. Bus driver Tom Seay, pictured, ... read more »
Museum Toy Exhibit Offers Step Back in Time
Over a century ago, writer H.G. Wells predicted the possibility of time travel in his book “The Time Machine”. Pure science fiction? Well, maybe not! Anyone who has ever found a toy they once had as a child knows the sensation of traveling back in time. Holding that favorite truck or doll again can transport us back to the joys of our youth like nothing else. The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum is giving patrons a ride in that time machine with ... read more »
Dates Set for City Council Filings; Elections
Two City Council seats will be up for election when the candidate filing period opens Feb. 1-3, 2010. Council seats up for election are in Wards 1 and 2. Candidates drawing opponents will square off in a primary election on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. Only voters in Wards 1 and/or 2 will be able to cast ballots for their respective ward candidates. A general election will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, should more than two candidates file for a ward seat and no single candidate receiv... read more »
City Announces Holiday Closings; Trash Schedules
Sand Springs City offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday. City offices will also be closed on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, for the New Year holiday. The Case Community Center will be closed Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 23 to Dec. 27, for the Christmas holiday. The center will reopen for business on Monday, Dec. 28. It will also be closed on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, but will reopen for regular hours on Saturday, Jan. 2. City of Sand S... read more »
City Endorses Statewide Initiative for Financial Health
Cities are the economic engine of the United States. In many parts of the nation, healthy city governments receive operating monies from many equitable pieces of a diverse funding pie to fund their vital government operations. In Oklahoma, however, one revenue source dominates the local government operations funding pie – sales tax revenues. That’s not healthy for cities and towns, says a “Healthy Cities, Healthy Oklahoma” presentation prepared by the C... read more »
Parks Department Makes 'CASE' for Holiday Fun
Looking for things to do during the upcoming holiday break? The Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department is making its “CASE” for fun in the days leading up to Christmas. On Monday, Dec. 21st, children can hear stories about Christmas during “Story Time with Santa” beginning at 10 a.m. in the Case Community Center. The partnership between the Parks Department and Tulsa City-County Library will feature Vickie Baird reading to children for approximately 30 to... read more »
December Sales Tax Check Shows Smaller Decline
Sand Springs’ December sales tax check saw another sharp decline from the previous year – but warmed slightly compared to recent trends. Continuing a year of declining sales tax revenues, capped by double-digit losses in October and November, the City’s December disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $743,720 – down $73,899 or 9.0 percent from the $817,619 received in December 2008. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of October and ... read more »
Street Foreman John Ratliff Named City Employee of the Year
In the City of Sand Springs’ Street Division, there are a multitude of tasks to perform. John Ratliff has performed nearly every one of them, and his supervisors say he will perform any one of them at any time. It is such diversity and dedication that earned Ratliff the most coveted honor an employee can receive – Employee of the Year. Ratliff was among nine Employee of the Year nominees recognized during the City’s annual Employee Recognition Luncheon, held Dec. 9th... read more »
City Crews Ready to Respond to Winter's Wrath
Although sunshine and balmy temperatures would be the welcomed order of the day in Sand Springs this winter, reality will more likely bring occasional sleet and snow sweeping down the plain. City Street Division crews and emergency personnel are ready for Mother Nature’s wintry wrath..The City’s three frontline plowing and sanding units have been serviced and are ready to hit the streets on assigned routes. Two other plow and sanding units are also ... read more »
Festival of Lights Christmas Parade Friday
Get out those warm coats and hats and head for downtown Sand Springs Friday evening – the weather for this year’s Festival of Lights Christmas Parade will certainly have a holiday feel. The 27th annual parade will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, through the streets of downtown Sand Springs. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 30s at parade time. Sponsored by the Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade is Oklahoma’s oldest and largest n... read more »
City Selects New Developer for Keystone Corridor
Sand Springs City officials have selected a new firm to partner with in redeveloping the Keystone Corridor property at Hwy 97 and the Sand Springs Expressway. Tapp Development Corporation will be working with the City to redevelop the 30-acre tract known as River City Crossing. The Edmond-based firm has developed over one million square feet of retail and office projects throughout the United States, with six projects currently in the Tulsa area. Tapp replaces a previous devel... read more »
Winter Averaging Frozen for City Sewer Rates
The method used to calculate sewer rates for Sand Springs residential customers, called Winter Quarter Averaging, will remain frozen at last year’s level to accommodate changes resulting from the City’s Automated Meter Reading project. Winter Quarter Averaging (WQA) sets a customer’s sewer rate for the entire year based on water consumption during the months of December, January and February. This is the period where customers typically use water only for domestic pu... read more »
Meter Replacement Project Hitting the Ground Running
Sand Springs utility customers will notice a flurry of activity around their water meters beginning late this winter. Acting as Municipal Authority trustees, City Council awarded a $4,088,515 base bid contract to Itron Inc. on Dec. 1st to begin replacing all water meters served by the City of Sand Springs with new automated meters. Council also authorized seeking a low-interest loan up to $6 million through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to pay for the project. Federa... read more »
IHOP Announces Restaurant Location in Sand Springs
Sand Springs residents will soon be able to “Come Hungry, Leave Happy” when one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner opens its doors here next year. Officials with IHOP have announced that they are planning to open their next restaurant location in the Tulsa area at Highway 97 and the Sand Springs Expressway. The IHOP property will take in a portion of the Keystone Corridor redevelopment at Pecan Street. Owned and operated by fran... read more »
Projects Continue to Stimulate Area Roadways
Crews continue to take advantage of weather opportunities to move stimulus-funded street resurfacing projects along in Sand Springs. Workers have finished milling and resurfacing Second Street from near Adams Road to west of Main Street. Striping crews have moved in to apply pavement markings and delineate parking spaces. Other workers are raising manholes to match the pavement surface. Work is also continuing to resurface Airport Road from the Tulsa-Osage County line to the w... read more »
Three Water Tanks Getting Needed Refurbishing
Three of the City’s 15 water storage tanks will be getting some needed refurbishment in the coming months. A $263,430 contract was awarded to Luckinbill Inc. to begin sand blasting and repainting the exterior and interior of water storage tanks located on Shell Creek Road, in the Diamond Head Addition, and on 161st West Avenue. The work is part of a multi-year program to refurbish all water tanks in the City’s system except for the recently constructed North Woods tank on ... read more »
Angus Sewer Work Finishing, Eyes on North Side Project
The results may not be visible above ground, but work on the $1.23 million Angus Valley Acres sewer rehabilitation project is making a big difference below ground. The contractor, Sapulpa Digging Inc, is finishing up the year-long project that repaired or replaced about 2.6 miles of sewer line in the 40-year-old subdivision. Numerous deteriorated manholes were also rehabilitated. The project has gone well, and its effectiveness is paying off on rainy days and during rainy peri... read more »
City Offices Closing for Thanksgiving Holiday
Sand Springs City offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. City offices will reopen for regular business on Monday, Nov. 30. The Case Community Center will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 29. It will reopen on Monday, Nov. 30. Residential refuse customers who normally have their trash collected on Thursday will instead have it collected on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Trash polykarts should be at the ... read more »
Block Grant Opening Doors at City Hall
The entry to Sand Springs’ Municipal Building will soon be taking on a new look. Community Development Block Grant funds administered by the Tulsa County CDBG Urban County Consortium will be used to reconfigure the front entry doors to the building. An outdoor stairway at the rear of the building will also be rebuilt for improved safety. The program is providing $94,133 for design and construction. No local match dollars are required. “This project will mak... read more »
Case Community Center Could Hold Future Skate Park
Plans to build a future skateboard park close to the Case Community Center in Sand Springs got rolling with the acceptance of land use there by City Council. Tied to the siting request was a $50,000 pledge from an anonymous private donor. The donation will serve as seed money to encourage other contributions through Sand Springs Park Friends Inc., a non-profit organization that enhances quality of life for area citizens through the park and trails system. The Case Center locat... read more »
Masons Hosting Pancake Breakfast Nov. 21st for Senior Meals
Sandites can have their fill of pancakes on Saturday, Nov. 21, so that local homebound senior citizens can have filling meals after Jan. 1, 2010. The Sand Springs Masonic Lodge No. 475 will be hosting a community pancake breakfast at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd., from 7 to 11 a.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. Additional donations are welcomed. Funds raised from the breakfast will be used exclusively to benefit the senior nutrition an... read more »
Resurfacing Project Rescheduled on 2nd Street
Workers for Becco Contractors anticipate milling and resurfacing Second Street in phases over the next week. The project was expected to take place last weekend but was delayed due to mechanical problems. The new work schedule is weather permitting. The Second Street project involves milling a 2-inch layer of pavement between Adams Road and Main Street, and then overlaying it with a new 2-inch layer of asphalt. New lane, crosswalk and parking space markings will also be ... read more »
Keystone Ancient Forest Free Hike this Weekend
The City of Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department,, along with the Keystone Ancient Forest Trail Guides, wish to remind the public of free hiking opportunities at the Keystone Ancient Forest. The next hike date is Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call the Sand Springs Parks Department at 246-2561 Hikers are invited to come and go during these hours with no advance notice. Please allow 2 hours to hike the unimproved 3 mile round trip F... read more »
UPDATE: 2nd Street Work Delayed This Weekend
There will be no construction equipment milling about on Second Street this weekend. Work to begin milling existing asphalt pavement from the street this weekend (Nov. 12-14) has been delayed by Becco Contractors due to a breakdown at their asphalt plant. The firm is planning to mill the street in one day, and then begin applying a 2-inch asphalt overlay the following day. The work may be done sometime during the coming week. However, the schedule is subject to change dependin... read more »
City Employees Meet United Way Goal
Sand Springs City employees showed their generosity during this year’s United Way campaign by reaching this year’s campaign goal of $9,371. More than $8,700 was raised primarily through voluntary payroll pledges. Another $658.50 was raised through various activities during United Way Week, held Oct. 12-16. The campaign had a western theme, and some of the fundraising activities included a penny drive for campaign team leaders to serve time in a makeshift jail inside city h... read more »
November Sales Tax Revenues Take Another Hit
The City of Sand Springs’ sales tax revenues took another significant slide in November when compared to the previous year – a trend also shared by surrounding communities. The City’s $678,844 received from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for November dropped $108,776 or 13.8 percent from the $787,620 received in November 2008. The amount received reflects sales for the last half of September and the first half of October. Since the start of the 2010 fiscal year ... read more »
Builder Insurance Requirements Now In Place
Contractors building new homes, or remodeling or adding onto existing homes, must now provide the City of Sand Springs with proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to comply with state law. Provisions of Senate Bill 306 require governmental entities in Oklahoma that issue residential building permits to verify proof of both types of insurance. The law became effective Nov. 1. A residential building is defined as either a single-family or ... read more »
City Offices Closed for Veterans Day Holiday
Sand Springs City offices will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of the Veteran’s Day holiday. There will be no residential refuse collection on that day. Residents who normally have their refuse collected on that day will instead have it collected on Friday, Nov. 13. Refuse polykarts should be at the street curb by 6 a.m. to assure collection.... read more »
Freedom Plaza Triangle Park Getting A New Look
Many drivers pass by Freedom Plaza Triangle Park on a regular basis and may not notice its significance. City Parks Department crews hope to change that this fall – making it a site worthy of its honor. Located on the northwest corner of Adams Road and Charles Page Boulevard, Freedom Plaza Triangle Park was dedicated in 1973 to honor prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action during the Vietnam War. A POW-MIA flag flies there along with the American and Oklahoma flags. ... read more »
State Awards Wekiwa Road Construction Contract
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission has awarded a $3.2 million contract to widen a half-mile segment of Wekiwa Road to three lanes from Highway 97 west to River City Park Road and the Case Community Center. APAC Oklahoma was the successful bidder for the project. Work is expected to begin in early 2010 and should be completed by Oct. 31, 2010. The new road will provide safer access for westbound traffic making left turns into Cimarron Plaza and Cimarron Center businesses, a... read more »
'New' Plow and Sand Truck Joins City Fleet
Mother Nature’s age old signs are pointing to a potentially snowy winter this year. Spoon shapes inside the seeds of area persimmon trees are a hint to buy a snow shovel. In the City of Sand Springs’ case, it means get another snow plow. The City’s Streets Division currently has three plow-sander trucks to cover specified routes during winter storms. A fourth plow-sander truck is needed to reach critical spots where traffic emergencies are occurring without p... read more »
Please Don't Leave Leaves at Street
As the song says … autumn leaves must fall. Sand Springs’ abundance of trees means an abundance of leaves falling into residential yards. Disposing of fallen leaves often presents a challenge for residents wondering what to do with them. There are several “green” solutions to dispose of fallen leaves in an environmentally friendly way. Residents can also bag and place them at the street curb with their trash polykart for refuse pickup according to the City&rsq... read more »
'Storybook Christmas' to be Told at Sand Springs Parade
The 2009 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade in Sand Springs has a story to tell. This year’s theme, “A Storybook Christmas,” will mark another illuminated chapter in the Parade’s 27-year history. Parade participants are encouraged to adopt the theme in their entry. This year’s Parade Marshal is a story in itself – Oklahoma Speaker of the House Chris Benge from Sand Springs. “Storybooks are as much a bedtime ritual on the night... read more »
Two Longtime Employees Retiring form City
City employees said goodbye to longtime and well-respected members of their ranks during separate retirement receptions on Oct. 29th and 30th. Janette Hanson, Customer Service Supervisor, was honored on Oct. 29th, and Larry Pryce, Purchasing Administrator, was honored Oct. 30th. Each has served the City and its citizens for a quarter century. Hanson began her service as an account clerk in the Customer Service Division in November 1984. She served as the City’s Asst. Cou... read more »
Hours Falling Back at City's Customer Service Window
Beginning Monday, Nov. 3rd, walk-in and drive-thru window hours for utility bill payments at the City’s Customer Service office will fall back to their regular times of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both functions had previously been open a half hour earlier and later each day. Customers can still use the night depository, located in the drive-thru lane behind City Hall, anytime after regular business hours. They can also pay their utility bills directly on-line using the City’s websit... read more »
City Picking Up Cost to Feed Homebound Seniors
The City of Sand Springs is taking interim actions to help assure homebound senior citizens needing hot meals are not left out in the cold. Homebound senior citizens throughout Oklahoma who receive hot meals on weekdays through an Oklahoma Department of Human Services senior nutrition program learned last week that the number of meals provided will be reduced effective Nov. 1 to meet state budget cuts. Rather than receive five hot meals per week, as in the past, affected seniors would... read more »
Shell Creek Dam Road Closing Nov. 1 for Sealing
The bridge that carries Shell Creek Road across Shell Creek Dam will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, so contractors can apply an emulsified sealant on the road’s surface. The work is part of ongoing maintenance to keep the dam structure and roadway bridge safe and functional. The Sunday date was selected since it is the lightest traffic day on Shell Creek Road. Drivers who normally use Shell Creek Road between Pogue Airport and 177th West Avenue will need to d... read more »
'Fright Night' to Haunt Sandites Friday Night
Sandite youths looking to scare up some frightful fun this Halloween need not look any farther than the Springs Village Shopping Center Friday evening, Oct. 30th, from 6 to 9 p.m. Fright Night will feature free and safe community activities for children, young adults and their parents on the south side of the shopping center next to Homeland supermarket. There will be plenty of indoor and outdoor fun – including the Cust-O-Fab Haunted House, games, prizes, face painting, Jupiter... read more »
Project Burns Blight for Buford Colony Benefit
Sand Springs firefighters kept a watchful eye on a house as it burned recently as part of a project to remove two visibly blighted structures along Highway 97 in Buford Colony. The house had been well-maintained, but had fallen victim to storm damage -- including a collapsed roof. A second house near the Highway 97 intersection with 51st Street was removed by a demolition crew. The effort was coordinated by District 2 Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith and her staff,... read more »
Scott Thompson a 'Journey Stories' Speaker
You’re invited to attend a Journey Stories special event featuring Oklahoma’s most award-winning television writer, reporter and producer Scott Thompson! Scott will be speaking this Thursday, October 22nd from 7pm-8pm at the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum (9 E. Broadway, in the heart of downtown on the historic triangle). He’ll be brining the award winning television series “Tales Along the Arkansas” which featured the magnificent... read more »
Flu Victims Need to Remember Others in Public Places
Like many communities in the region, Sand Springs is experiencing its share of flu cases this fall. Some common sense measures can help keep flu victims from spreading germs to others, according to Fire Chief Mark Joslin. “The best thing people can do if they have flu-like symptoms is stay at home and out of the public for at least 24 hours after their fever breaks,” Joslin urged. “People need to remember that when they go out in public, they are a contagious source ... read more »
Police Awarded More Highway Safety Funding
Sand Springs police officers will continue keeping their eyes on the road this year watching for traffic violators. City Council accepted a $27,450 grant from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office to fund special traffic patrol assignments. The program’s goal is to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes through driver education and the enforcement of traffic laws. The grant is a continuation of similar grants previously received by the Police Department and prima... read more »
October Sales Tax Revenues Take Another Slide
Sales tax revenues for the City of Sand Springs took another significant slide in October when compared to the previous year – reflecting a trend seen in the regional economy. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for October totaled $765,006 – down $94,795 or 11.0 percent from the $859,801 received during the same month in 2008. Since the start of the 2010 fiscal year in July, sales tax disbursements from OTC have totaled $3,162,381 – down $... read more »
Fantasy Forest Event Not Being Held This Year
The Fantasy Forest Halloween event at River City Park will not be held this year. A message on City utility bills sent out on Sept. 19th showing a date for the event was printed in error.... read more »
Derby Delights ...
This 'Girl Power' car delighted spectators during the youth racing portion of the Great Sand Springs Downhill Sopabox Derby Race held Oct. 10th in downtown Sand Springs. Bright sunshine and comfortable temperatures delighted the crowds. The second annual event, sponsored by the Sand Springs Civitan Club, featured cars built for speed and built for looks. Most racers made it to the bottom of Mstops got frequent traffic. ... read more »
Free Disposal Day 'Cleans and Greens' City
Nearly 300 Sand Springs residents took advantage of beautiful fall weather Oct. 3rd to clean up their properties and dispose of their trash, tree trimmings and recyclables for free. The “Sand Springs Clean and Green” fall cleanup day, sponsored by the City of Sand Springs, American Environmental Landfill and the Metropolitan Environmental Trust, saw a good turnout, according to Public Works Division Supervisor Carla Hayes. The City also sponsors a cleanup day in the spring... read more »
Major Resurfacing Projects Starting to Hit the Road
Two Oklahoma Department of Transportation resurfacing projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are set to begin the week of Oct. 12th on Sand Springs City roadways. A separate widening and resurfacing project by Tulsa County is underway on Old North Road and 81st West Avenue. County funds are paying for that work. The first ODOT project will resurface Airport Road from just north of Euchee Creek Boulevard near the Tulsa-Osage County line to Shell Cr... read more »
Case Center Closed Oct. 11th for Electrical Work
The Case Community Center will be closed all day on Sunday, Oct. 11th, to allow contractors to install necessary electrical connections as they prepare for installation of an emergency backup power generator. All electricity will need to be shut off to the building on that day. Power is expected to be restored by day’s end, and the building should be open for business as usual on Monday, Oct. 12th “We apologize for any inconvenience the closing may cause. How... read more »
Flu Pandemic Prompts City, Citizen Preparedness
With all the recent publicity about the H1N1 flu virus, how prepared should a family, a company or even a governmental entity be to deal with it? Although Sand Springs Fire Chief Mark Joslin doesn’t advocate alarm over what could be a potentially busy flu season, he is urging preparation and prevention. Planning for a pandemic is essential when essential services are involved. “The flu is like a hurricane. We can no more prevent a flu pandemic than we can stop a hu... read more »
Options Available for Code RED Weather Alerts
Tired of late night Code RED Weather telephone calls warning of severe storms? Sand Springs residents who enrolled in the Code RED Weather program to receive weather alerts now have the ability to select the types of weather warnings they want to receive. “We’ve heard comments from many Code RED Weather recipients that they would like to see it fine tuned so that they would not be disturbed every time a storm passes through the area. We have worked with... read more »
Event Street Closings May Change Traffic Plans
Sandites who travel through the downtown Sand Springs area on their evening commute may want to plan a different route on Thursday, Oct. 1. The annual Charles Page High School Homecoming Parade will be held at 6 p.m. that evening – prompting the closure of several streets from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. They may also want to stop and enjoy the festivities. Likewise, several streets in the downtown Sand Springs area will be closed at various times on Friday and Saturday, Oct.... read more »
Old North Road Paving Scheduled to Begin Wednesday
According to Tulsa County highway maintenance, paving is expected to begin on Old North Road tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 30). Work will begin on the Adams Road end of the project and proceed eastward to 81st West Avenue. Crews will then work on 81st West Avenue from Old North Road south to 10th Street. The county has done some preparatory grading work and has patched some of the failed sections of roadway. They will now be installing the asphalt overlay that will widen the road from its curren... read more »
Cleanup Day Offers Free Disposal Oct. 3
City of Sand Springs residential refuse customers can get their homes and properties ready for winter by giving them a cleaning and greening on Saturday, Oct. 3rd. Residents can clean up and dispose of their bulky items for free at the American Environmental Landfill (AEL), located on 177th West Avenue a mile north of the Sand Springs Expressway. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A current City of Sand Springs utility bill showing residential refuse service must be shown for access. ... read more »
Mayor Walker Named 'Mayor of the Year' Finalist
Sand Springs Mayor Robert L. “Bob” Walker earned top honors as a finalist for Mayor of the Year in Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Conference of Mayors. Woodward’s Mayor, Bill Fanning, earned OCOM’s 2009 Mayor of the Year Award for Oklahoma cities with populations greater than 5,000. Walker, as one of four finalists for the award, received recognition for his good work and dedication to Sand Springs and its City government. The recognition was given during the... read more »
E-Grants and Digitickets Honored for Innovation
Sand Springs’ Entrepreneurial Spirit Grant program and the City Police Department’s use of digital citation technology earned finalist recognition for the 2009 Innovations Showcase Award sponsored by the Oklahoma Municipal League. Ponca City received the top award for implementing broadband technology in its city. The recognition was given during OML’s awards breakfast, held Sept. 24th in downtown Tulsa. “Both of these programs are outstanding examples ... read more »
Public Gets Glimpse of Low Water Dam Planning
Nearly 50 Sandites got a first-hand look Thursday evening at the future of the Arkansas River as it passes through Sand Springs, Tulsa and Jenks. They offered verbal and written comments on a range of alternatives that would place a low water dam in Sand Springs at the base of Main Street and impound a lake stretching eight miles westward to Keystone Dam. The alternatives range from environmentally sensitive to development friendly. The local turnout was the largest of three m... read more »
City's Crime Reports, Statistics Going On-Line
Sand Springs residents will now be able to see on-line what crimes and other police calls for service are happening throughout the city and in their individual neighborhoods. Using on-line report tracking software available through CrimeReports.com, Sand Springs Police will be posting the information on-line to keep citizens aware and informed, said Asst. Chief of Police Mike Carter. To view Sand Springs information, go to the CrimeReports.com website at ... read more »
City Helps To Partner in Regional Transit System Study
Could Sand Springs residents someday ride the rails for their commute to downtown Tulsa and other parts of the metro area? A regional transit alternatives analysis study by INCOG is on track to determine the viability of commuter rail connections. Utilizing existing rail lines or rights-of-way, connections could be made from downtown Tulsa to Sand Springs, Owasso, Broken Arrow and Jenks and Bixby INCOG has submitted an application for federal Urbanized Area Surface Transportat... read more »
Sale of Keystone Ancient Forest to State Contemplated
Sand Springs’ Keystone Ancient Forest may suit the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department’s need to preserve natural forest land in the state. City officials have begun preliminary discussions with the State agency to purchase the 1,360-acre forest preserve located between Prue Road and Lake Keystone. If the sale is consummated, the State would work with the City, The Nature Conservancy and other groups to develop and promote the property. City Council approved... read more »
Police Make Arrest in Meth Incident Near School
The Sand Springs Police Department made an arrest today in reference to a meth lab that was located in a vehicle in the area of 32nd and Skylane in Sand Springs. The SRO for the Sand Springs School District was in transit from one school to another when she observed two individuals near a vehicle at this location.Upon her stopping, the individuals fled on foot. She gave chase and took the suspect listed below into custody.Additional officer arrived on scene and searche... read more »
Smithsonian Exhibit Opening at Museum
The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum will soon embark upon a journey to tell the story of the quest for freedom in America. The Journey Stories exhibition will be hosted at the Museum, 9 E. Broadway St. in downtown Sand Springs, from Tuesday, Oct. 6th, through Friday, Nov. 13th. Sand Springs is one of six museum locations in Oklahoma – and the only museum in the Tulsa area – to host this unique exhibit of American heritage. Journey Stories is part ... read more »
Meeting Set at Case Center for Low Water Dam
A public meeting will be held in Sand Springs this Thursday, Sept. 17, to update the citizens on plans to construct two new Arkansas River low water dams in Sand Springs and Jenks, and improve the existing Zink Lake Dam in Tulsa. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd. The meetings are sponsored by Tulsa County and are a part of the projects’ federal environmental review process. Presentations will include ren... read more »
Fall Cleanup Takes Bite Out of Mosquito Nuisance
Summer is on the wane, fall clouds are bringing more rain, and mosquitoes remain a pain. Continual wet weather during August and September has led to a new crop of mosquitoes – including some that could potentially carry the West Nile Virus. City Street Division crews and Tulsa health Department personnel are continuing to spray for the pests, and local residents need to do their part as well. This year, Street Division crews have taken their attack to the source. They h... read more »
September Sales Tax Revenues Take Steep Slide
September’s sales tax disbursement to the City of Sand Springs marked the ninth consecutive month of revenue declines when measured against the previous year’s collections. The decline was expected. However, the severity was still significant, according to City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $777,815 – down $77,488 or 9.1 percent from the $855,303 received in September 2008. “This is th... read more »
County to Hold Meeting on Local Road Improvements
Tulsa County officials will hold a meeting at 5:15 p.m. this Wednesday, Sept. 9th, at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd., to discuss upcoming improvements to 81st West Avenue and Old North Road. The improvements are set to begin the week of Sept. 17th and should take about two weeks to complete. County crews plan to resurface both roadways and add a bicycle lane since the area is very popular with bicyclists. County officials, including District 2 Commissioner Karen... read more »
Trash Collection, Chipper Day Changes for Holiday
Changes are planned in the City of Sand Springs’ trash collection schedule to accommodate the upcoming Labor Day holiday. The timing of the holiday will also affect the monthly “Chipper Day” tree limb disposal program at the City’s Street Division facility. City offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7th, in observance of Labor Day. There will be no City trash collection on that day. Residential customers who normally have their trash collected on that day wil... read more »
Early Childhood Facility Reaches for the Stars
Local, state and federal star power gathered at Sand Springs’ new Early Childhood Education Center on Sept. 2nd to formally dedicate what many termed a world class facility that will have local students reaching for the stars. The ECEC has opened its doors to begin the educational process for children from birth to age 4. The $12 million campus, located at 81st West Avenue and Park Road, will offer “bold beginnings and bright futures” for Sand Springs students. ... read more »
Leaders Speaking with 'OneVoice' on Regional Issues
Leaders Speaking with ‘OneVoice’ on Regional IssuesWard 6 Councilman Brian Jackson and Vice Mayor Mike Burdge joined local legislative leaders, City and Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce officials in support of Sand Springs and area issues at the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s summit to create the 2010 OneVoice initiative. “OneVoice lets state and federal lawmakers hear and address issues of regional importance. It has proven to be an effective voice,” said Vi... read more »
City Responds to Gerdau Plant Agreement
Although the future of Sand Springs’ Gerdau Ameristeel plant is still very uncertain, City officials are encouraged by the Aug. 28th announcement that the company and union workers have reached agreement on a plan for how to suspend production at the plant while exploring future viability options. The company announced in a media release that it has reached agreement with the United Steel Workers (USW) regarding the suspension of production at the Sand Springs steel mill facilit... read more »
City Continues to Explore Skate Park Options
Sand Springs park officials attended an Aug. 26th meeting to help address questions from citizens interested in developing a skateboarding park locally. While a City bond issue for a skate park did not pass in 2005, a skate park is included in the City’s strategic plan for improving citizens’ quality of life. Parks Director Grant Gerondale estimated the cost of a quality skate park could exceed $100,000. “The questions are where to locate it and how to ... read more »
Dam Getting Facelift Along Katy Trail
Walkers and bicyclists along the Katy Trail will soon see an end to the drought in the City of Sand Springs-Rotary Centennial Park pond east of Adams Road. The water feature along the popular trail was established as a Vision 2025 project by the City and Sand Springs Rotary Club in 2007. A small dam was built to impound water from the City’s nearby namesake spring. Initially, it created a babbling brook from what had once been marshland. However, water eventually worked ... read more »
Smoking and Youth Tobacco Regulations Approved
There’s no lightening up on lighting up. New City of Sand Springs ordinances will bring local regulations on smoking and youth access to tobacco products in line with current state laws. City Council adopted the ordinances during its Aug. 24 meeting. They will go into effect Aug. 30th. Most smokers and non-smokers will not see any significant changes, as similar state regulations have been in place for several years. However, the ordinances give more local contro... read more »
Prattwood Park Trail Gets a Smooth Surface
Nestled between 33rd and 34th streets in the Prattwood Estates subdivision is a small Sand Springs city park that’s popular with residents who like to take a stroll through the neighborhood. Constructed more than two decades ago, the park features a trail that winds its way beside a babbling brook. For years, it was not much more than a greened gap between nearby back yards. That’s changed. Workers recently completed paving the winding trail with an asphalt surface... read more »
Museum Available for Visits, Volunteers Welcome
The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum is available for visits by the public. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Pre-arranged group visits are also available. To arrange individual or group tours, call the Museum at 246-2509. Located in the former Page Memorial Library, 9 E. Broadway, the Museum offers exhibits about the Sand Springs community’s heritage and special traveling exhibits. The Museum will host the ... read more »
Contract Awarded for City's Stimulus Street Project
Work will soon begin on an Oklahoma Department of Transportation street resurfacing project that involve two City roadways – Second Street from Adams Road to Main Street, and Airport Road from the Tulsa-Osage County line to the west side of Sand Springs Pogue Airport. Work is expected to begin in early October and should be completed within 45 days. Both projects will be managed by ODOT and funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Becco Contract... read more »
Tuesday on the Triangle Concert Canceled This Evening
The Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce announced late this afternoon, Aug. 18, that this evening’s Tuesday on the Triangle Concert, featuring the gospel group “Eternity,” has been canceled. One of the group’s members required emergency surgery today, and the group is unable to perform tonight.... read more »
County Plans Busy Fall Road Work Schedule
On a sunny summer morning, District 2 Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith and County Engineer Ray Jordan joined members of the Keystone Volunteer Fire Department and others to check out a new bridge on Campbell Creek Road southwest of Sand Springs. The bridge is the start of many Tulsa County road improvement projects in the Sand Springs area this fall, Keith and Jordan said. The bridge replacement cost $287,500 and took 90 days to construct. Engineering, right-of-way acquis... read more »
Expressway Bridge Repairs Prompt Lane Closures
Sand Springs Expressway (US 64/412 and SH 51) bridges over Lincoln Avenue, Main Street and Highway 97 in Sand Springs will be getting some needed repairs in the coming days – prompting some lane closures and parking restrictions. Contractors for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will do the work between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, and from 7 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday on weekends. Traffic will sometimes be reduced to a single lane on the expressway during... read more »
August Sales Tax Revenues Down Again for City
August’s sales tax news to the City of Sand Springs saw similar declines to State sales taxes overall. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $771,616 – down $58,943 or 7.1 percent from the $830,559 received in August 2008. This is the eighth consecutive month sales tax revenues have declined when compared to the previous year. Sand Springs is among many communities in Oklahoma seeing notable declines in sales tax revenues. Statewide... read more »
City Leaders Comment on Gerdau Ameristeel Efforts
Community and State officials have been meeting with representatives of Gerdau Ameristeel to determine what, if anything, can be done to make the Sand Springs plant viable for future steelmaking. These meetings have involved City and Chamber of Commerce officials, along with the area’s legislative delegation – including Speaker of the House Chris Benge, Rep. Lucky Lamons and Sen. Dan Newberry. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and other state agencies have been involved ... read more »
City Receives Stimulus Funding for Water Meter Replacements
The City of Sand Springs has received a splash of good news -- federal economic stimulus dollars administered through the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and Oklahoma Water Resources Board will help fund a needed water meter replacement program. The project was approved by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board at its Tuesday, Aug. 11, meeting. Through its Municipal Authority, the City will receive a portion of the $31.5 million in federal American Recovery and Reinve... read more »
Big Bumps Getting Smoothed on 2nd Street
Two significant bumps on Second Street near Cleveland and Roosevelt avenues are getting repaired this week by contractors for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The four-lane street, part of State Highway 97, will remain open to traffic at all times. However, drivers should expect some lane closures and lane shifts while work is progressing. The bumps were caused by the concrete roadway’s heaving and buckling during weather extremes. Contractors will saw cut the ... read more »
Quality Affordable Homes Boosts Building Activity
Its location is slightly off the beaten path, but that hasn’t stopped prospective homebuyers from beating a path to Walnut Ridge’s quality affordable housing opportunities. The 103-lot subdivision features new homes by Capital Homes ranging from 1,250 to 1,800 s.f., and prices ranging from $125,000 to $150,000. It is located south of 44th Street and Walnut Creek Drive in south Sand Springs – just a couple of blocks south of Limestone Elementary School. Since ... read more »
IDL Construction to Affect Many Local Drivers
Starting Monday, July 20th, drivers traveling from Sand Springs to downtown Tulsa and points east will need to make some significant travel adjustments. Contractors will begin the second phase of a $75 million project to rebuild the north and west legs of the Inner Dispersal Loop (IDL) around downtown Tulsa. The work will have a major impact on traffic routing through the downtown area to and from the Sand Springs Expressway. Delays should be expected during most times of the ... read more »
Tulsa Transit Buses to Continue in Sand Springs
With more riders onboard, Tulsa Transit buses and Lift vans will continue to roll on Sand Springs streets for another year. City Council approved a $44,000 agreement between the City and Tulsa Transit during its July 13th meeting to continue existing services. Although exact ridership figures for Sand Springs are not available, City officials estimate local ridership may have increased as much as 30 percent in the last year. Higher gas prices and an interest in going green may... read more »
City's July Sales Tax Revenues Down Modestly
Although Sand Springs’ sales tax disbursement for July marked the seventh month of declines from the previous year, the modest decrease is manageable. The disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $844,659 – down $17,772 or 2.1 percent from the 862,431 received in July 2008. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of May and first half of June. With continuing deterioration looming in the local economy, City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen expects t... read more »
Citizen Ice Storm Cleanup Efforts Pay Off for City
With relentless days of summer swelter, it’s difficult to remember a time when Sand Springs and the entire Tulsa area were coated in ice. The Federal Emergency Management Agency remembers, and City coffers are benefitting. City officials recently received a $34,702.50 final payment from FEMA for ice storm expenses. The payment was made for volunteer hours citizens logged cleaning up and disposing of debris from their properties. All reimbursements will be completed when ... read more »
City Fireworks Permits Sparkle for Second Year
The second year of allowing the discharge of fireworks at local residences in Sand Springs was both a boom and bust. The boom was in the community’s overall acceptance of the permit process. The bust was reserved for those persons who didn’t get a permit or who discharged fireworks erratically. The national economy may have fizzled some private fireworks displays, but there was still plenty of snap, crackle and pop heard throughout the community. “It ... read more »
'Chipper Day' Schedule Set for Coming Year
Got some tree limbs and brush that need disposed of? The City of Sand Springs won’t leave you out on a limb. The City’s Public Works Department has announced the 2009-2010 schedule for its free monthly “Chipper Day” program. Residents who live in the city limits and receive City residential refuse collection services can take their tree limbs and brush to the Street Division facility, 8620 W. 21st St. (located west of the sewer treatment plant), the first Satur... read more »
Water Supply Meeting Summer’s High Demand
Summer’s heat struck with a vengeance recently – with the Sand Springs area recording triple-digit temperatures for five consecutive days. Many Sandites responded by turning on their lawn sprinklers and filling their swimming pools to beat the effects of the scorching heat. They found a plentiful supply of cool, clear and clean water each time they turned a faucet. The extreme heat made water a hot commodity. The City’s treatment process and conveyance system... read more »
City Continues Stable and Steady Growth Trend
Comparing growth rates for cities can be challenging. In the end, quality growth comes down to something that’s sustainable, according to Sand Springs City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen and City Planner Rachel Clyne. Sand Springs’ 2008 population is 18,459, according to an estimate released July 1st by the U.S. Census Bureau. That represents a 0.9 percent increase from the 2007 census population estimate of 18,317. By comparison, the city’s growth rate matched t... read more »
Environmental Review Started for Airport Connector Road
Initial feedback from community representatives was all positive for a new road connecting Highway 97-T with the Pogue Airport access road about a mile to the west. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and The Benham Companies LLC held a public meeting June 29th to receive comments on prospective alignments for the new road. The small group of attendees – including City, Chamber of Commerce and Rock Fire Department officials – supported the roadw... read more »
Fireworks Permits on Sale Through Friday
Citizens popping fireworks in Sand Springs’ city limits this weekend need to have their City fireworks permit to avoid getting popped with a hefty fine. Permits for the upcoming Independence Day holiday are on sale from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Thursday at the Fire Administration Building, 108 E. Broadway (just east of City Hall). Permits will also be sold at the police dispatch window on the first floor of City Hall on Friday, July 3rd, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other City offices ... read more »
3rd Annual Criterium Bicycle Race This Sunday
The 3rd Annual Sand Springs Criterium Bicycle Race will be held Sunday, June 28th, through the streets of downtown Sand Springs. This annual event, sponsored by the Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, features... read more »
Fireworks Permits on Sale Saturday at Wal-Mart
Need a City of Sand Springs residential fireworks permit but can’t get by to pick one up during regular business hours? Fire officials have set two special sales dates this year for citizen convenience. City fireworks permits will be sold this Saturday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sand Springs Wal-Mart, 220 S. Highway 97... read more »
Funding Announced for 41st Street Sidewalk
A two-mile stretch of sidewalk along 41st Street, east of Highway 97, will soon separate the men, and women, from the vehicles. Joint funding through the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma ... read more »
Meeting Set for Airport Access Road Connection
A public meeting will be held Monday, June 29, to assist engineers in preparing an Environmental Assessment for construction of a new Pogue Airport access road. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd. The Environmental Assessment is being prepared by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, to build a new connecting roadway from the current end of Airport Road at the Tulsa-Osage ... read more »
Holiday Openings, Closings Announced for City
Sand Springs City administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 3, for the Independence Day holiday on Saturday, July 4. The Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd., will be open its regular hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 3, and Sunday, July 5. The Center will be closed all day on Saturday, July 4. For further information, call 246-2661. The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum, 9 E. Broadway, will be open its regular hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fri... read more »
City Offers Convenience for Paying Utility Bills
When it comes to paying City of Sand Springs utility bills, customers can pick from a menu of choices that suit their convenience. Among the payment choices are on-line bill pay, automatic bank draft payments, credit card payments in person or over the telephone, mailed payments, the night depository, drive-thru lane and, of course, ... read more »
Vigilance Assures Safe Water Supply for Customers
When water customers fill their glasses in Sand Springs, they can be assured that what they are drinking is safe, as well as refreshing and good tasting. Water customers are receiving the City’s 2008 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report in their June utility bills. Drinking water providers are required by federal regulations to annuall... read more »
Janette Hanson: Putting Service in Customer Service
Most people would shy away from a job that often deals with people problems and problem people every day. Janette Hanson, Customer Service Supervisor for the City of Sand Springs, takes pride in solving people’s problems and soothing str... read more »
New Trail Hours Set at Keystone Ancient Forest
Hikers can beat the heat with new summer trail hours at the Keystone Ancient Forest. The City of Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Keystone Ancient Forest Trail Guides, have announced new hours for free hiking opportunities at the 1,300-acre forest preserve, located on Prue Road (209th West Avenue... read more »
Take a Virtual Tour of the Case Community Center
Users of the Case Community Center in Sand Springs can now take a tour of the facility with just a few mouse clicks on their computer. A new series of 360-degree panoramic views of the 26,000 square foot multipurpose center prese... read more »
Sales Tax Revenues Down Again in June
June’s sales tax disbursement to the City of Sand Springs was down compared to the same month a year ago – marking the sixth consecutive month of declines. The City’s disbursemen... read more »
Shell Creek Dam Bridge Closing for Repairs
The road bridge that carries Shell Creek Road across Shell Creek Dam northwest of Sand Springs will be closed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17, so that City Street Division crews can seal asphalt pavement cracks. The sealing process and materials utilized will reduce the amount of drainage water that seeps through the roadway pavement to the dam’s buttresses below. It will also prevent water from ponding on top of the dam structure. The r... read more »
Fireworks Permits Going On Sale June 15th
The bang and boom of Independence Day fireworks will soon be heard in Sand Springs – and residents will again be able to do it legally with a City permit and proper supervision. Those who do not follow the rules will likely have their bang and boom busted. Residents inside Sand Springs city limits will be able to ... read more »
Ordinance Affirms Yard Maintenance to Street
How far does a front or rear yard go, and who’s responsible for keeping it maintained? A new ordinance adopted by Sand Springs City Council answers property owner questions about their responsibility for portions of yards that stretch to the public street or alleyway. The ordinance clarifies a provision that has been... read more »
City Offers Initial Comment on Gerdau Ameristeel Announcement
The Announcement Monday afternoon, June 8th, by Gerdau Ameristeel that it is entering into discussions with the United Steel Workers regarding the potential closure of the firm’s steel mill in Sand Springs has City officials concerned. “Gerdau Ameristeel is a significant corporate citizen in our community, and the fi... read more »
Community Leaders Link with Metro Chamber Partners
Sand Springs City and Chamber of Commerce leaders did more than just shake hands with their Tulsa Metro Chamber counterparts recently. They reached out to embrace a regional bo... read more »
Farmers Market Coming to Town Saturday
Looking for some fresh fruits and vegetables this summer? Look no further than downtown Sand Springs beginning this Saturday. Area farmers and growers have been invited to participate in th... read more »
TotalCare and Rural Fire Fee Programs Open for Changes
Starting June 1, local utility customers can opt-in or opt-out for the coming fiscal year to Sand Springs’ TotalCare ambulance subscription program with EMSA and the Rural Fire Protection subscription p... read more »
‘Discoveryland on Broadway’ June 4th Downtown
Get ready to hear a few yeehaws! In downtown Sand Springs Thursday evening, June 4th, as Discoveryland brings a sampling of their “Oklahoma!” performance to the stage at Page Triangle. “Discoveryland on Broadway” will mark the season opener for Discoveryland – the National Home of Rodgers and Hammerstei... read more »
Trail Guides Wanted for Keystone Ancient Forest
The Sand Springs Parks Department wants you to go take a hike … and take others with you. The Parks Department will offer an orientation for the Keystone Ancient Forest Trail Guide Program in June. Interested volunteers will learn more about the Keystone Ancient Forest and the volunteer trail guide program that hosts monthly free hik... read more »
Main Street Closing June 2-4 for Track Removal
Main Street will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 2nd, between Oak Street and First Street, so that a Sand Springs Railway contractor can remove two sets of railroad tracks. The project was originally set to begin May 29th, but was shifted to the new dates to accommodate the Railway’s contractor. The contract... read more »
Highway 151 Bridge Work Starts Wednesday
Work is set to start on Wednesday, May 27, to replace two bridges on State Highway 151 where it interchanges with State Highway 51 south of the Keystone Dam. Drivers will need to find alternative routes during the project’s six-month estimated duration. Incentives are in place for the contractor, Manhattan Bridge and Construc... read more »
Morrow Road RR Crossings Now A Smooth Ride
The noticeable bump that existed for several months on Morrow Road as it crossed the Sand Springs Railway tracks east of Main Street is gone. Contractors for the Railway finished lowering the crossing to the grade of the roadway ea... read more »
Holiday Trash Collection Schedule Set
City of Sand Springs offices will be closed Monday, May 25th, for the Memorial Day holiday. There will be no refuse collection by the City on Memorial Day. Residents who normally receive refuse collection service on Mondays will instead receive collection service on Wednesday, May 27th. Refuse polykarts should be at the street curb by 6 a.m. on that day to assure collection.... read more »
City Adopts Challenging FY 2010 Budget
The City of Sand Springs’ 2010 fiscal year budget has been cut to the bone, and City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen is concerned that it may not be enough. “These are unprecedented times for our nation economically, making it very challenging to write a stable budget we can feel completely comfortable with,” Enevoldsen told... read more »
Five- Year Utility Rate Structure to Continue
Sand Springs residents will see incremental adjustments to utility rates over the next five years under a plan to keep pace with cost increases. Rates had been adjusted each year since March 2005 to cover the increased costs to treat and convey water, treat and dispose of sewage, and collect and dispose of refuse. The City provides all ... read more »
Court Fines Increasing for Many City Offenses
If you do the crime, be prepared to pay a bigger fine. Most fines for traffic offenses and other misdemeanor crimes heard in Sand Springs Municipal Court will increase on July 1st. Although the amount of increase varies by offense, most fines in general will rise $20, $50 or $100. The larger increases will be implemented for the more se... read more »
Firm's Donation Firms up Banner Displays
Big events in Sand Springs sometimes take big announcements. With the help of an area firm, it will once again be a banner time for those announcements. For many years, drivers entering the community on Second Street from Ada... read more »
Wekiwa Road Closing Monday for Utility Work
Weather permitting, Wekiwa Road near the Cimarron Center will close Monday, May 18th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for utility relocation work. The roadway will close between the customer and delivery driveways for Wal-Mart in Cimarron Center. Local traffic will still be able to access Wal-Mart, as well as nearby restaurants and other Cimarron Plaza... read more »
May Sales Tax Revenues Continue Significant Slide
May’s sales tax disbursement for Sand Springs continued a trend of significant revenue declines for City coffers. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for May totaled $741,261 – down $126,069 or 14.5 percent from the $867,330 received in May 2008. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of March... read more »
Case Center Showcased for Training Sessions
Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment members from cities and towns big and small converged on Sand Springs May 8th to sharpen their skills and grow their knowledge of land use in Oklahoma. They were also joined by cit... read more »
Ribbon Cut for Platinum Air FBO Facility
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins helped to turn the first shovel full of dirt in March 2008 to begin construction of the Platinum Air aviation facility at Sand Springs-Pogue Municipal Airport. Askins returned Saturday evening, May 9th, to help local offic... read more »
'If I Were Mayor' Essay Contest Winners Named
It’s not uncommon for citizens to say “if I were mayor …” when talking about ideas to improve city government. Nearly five dozen eighth grade students at Clyde Boyd Middle School got to tell Sand ... read more »
Wet Weather Threat Again Delays RR Crossing Repairs
The threat of more rain this weekend has washed out plans by the Sand Springs Railway to make repairs to the two railroad crossings on Morrow Road between Adams Road and Main Street. The repairs were originally set to begin on Friday, May 1, but were rained out. The project was rescheduled for this weekend, May 8-12, but a significant chance of showers caused another postponement. The project is now scheduled to begin after the afternoon rush hour on Friday, May 15, and should... read more »
City Council Reorganizes for New Year
A new face was added to Sand Springs’ City Council during its annual reorganizational meeting on Monday, May 4th. Brian Jackson was sworn-in as the new City Councilor from Ward 6. He was joined by incumbents Harold Neal, Ward 5 Councilor, and Ward Sherrill, At-Large Councilor, in taking the oath for a three-year terms on t... read more »
Tilley Recognized for Years of City Council Service
Former Ward 6 City Councilor Kim Lee Tilley was recognized during the Sand Springs City Council’s reorganizational meeting on Monday, May 4th, for his 32 years of service on the Co... read more »
2009 Hess Citizenship Award Goes to George Paden
George Paden spent much of his life in Sand Springs making sure future generations of Sandites received the knowledge, character and educational fulfillment they needed to succeed in life. His dedication ... read more »
Morrow Road Crossing Repairs Planned This Weekend
Rainy conditions last weekend forced contractors for the Sand Springs Railway to delay making repairs to the two railroad crossings on Morrow Road between Adams Road and Main Street. The project is now scheduled to begin after the afternoon rush hour this Friday, May 8th, and should be completed on Tuesday, May 12th, weather p... read more »
Highway 151 Bridge Work On Hold Until May 27th
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has moved its scheduled start date for rebuilding the Highway 151 bridges near Keystone Dam back to May 27th – keeping nearby recreation areas and businesses on Lake Keystone easily accessible through the Memorial Day weekend. Contractors had originally planned to start work this week. ... read more »
State Funds Flowing Again for Low Water Dam
State funding to build a low water dam and pedestrian bridge in Sand Springs are back afloat following Gov. Brad Henry’s signature on a bill authorizing $25 million in bond monies. Funds were initially approved a ... read more »
'Social Host' Ordinance to Curb Underage Drinking
With prom and graduation events coming up, as well as summer vacations, adults may think it is acceptable to host parties where alcohol is provided to underage drinkers. A new ordinance adopted by the Sand Springs City Council April 27th may have them thinking twice. Commonly known as a “social host” ordinance, the new law makes it illegal for adults to allow gatherings where minors (persons under age 21) are consuming alcohol. Violators could face a maximum $500 f... read more »
Fee Changes to Benefit City’s Golf Course
Golfers hitting the links at The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge in Sand Springs will have an opportunity to turn their passion into an investment in the golf course through a new fee schedule adopted by the City. Gol... read more »
Morrow Road Railroad Crossing Repairs to Begin May 1
Contractors for the Sand Springs Railway will begin making repairs to the two railroad crossings on Morrow Road between Adams Road and Main Street starting Friday evening, May 1st. The road will close to through traffic at 6 p.m. Friday, after the afternoon rush hour, to let AmRail Inc. workers lower the crossing at 125 E. Morrow Rd. ... read more »
Know City Rules on Fences and Carports
The old saying that fences make good neighbors is not always true. During the spring and summer months, Sand Springs’ Planning and Development Department receives calls from citizens concerned about the size or loc... read more »
John Rudy Named 2009 Hometown Hero
Longtime Sand Springs Ford dealer John H. Rudy was honored as the 2009 “Hometown Hero” during the 20th Annual Herbal Affair and Festival in downtown Sand Springs on April 18th. The following tribute was presented during the ceremony: “We’re here today to honor a man who has been driv... read more »
Bridge Work Near Keystone Dam to Impact Local Traffic
The first round of economic stimulus projects by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will likely stimulate traffic challenges in Sand Springs in the coming weeks. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded a $7.1 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contract to Manhattan Road and Bridge Co. of Tulsa to ... read more »
April Sales Tax Revenues See Notable Drop
April’s sales tax disbursement showered city coffers with a precipitous drop in revenues. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $733,842 – down $60,475 or 7.6 percent from the $794,317 received in April 2008. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of February and the first half of Marc... read more »
City Ordinance Bans Animal Peddling
It’s been an all too common sight recently in store and shopping center parking lots – puppies, kittens, rabbits or other animals being sold from the back of a van or pickup truck. People set up shop usually on weekends to peddle animals. In some cases, the activity can be tied to so-called puppy mills where dogs are bred for res... read more »
Ordinance Expands Nuisance Citations to Tenants
Tenants and managers of rental properties in Sand Springs where weed and trash public nuisances exist may soon be explaining their case to a City judge. City Council amended the City’s public nuisance ordinance for weeds and trash at its April 13th meeting to hold tenants and property managers criminally accountable... read more »
Herbal Affair Springs Forth This Saturday
Spring will be in the air, on the ground and in the hands of thousands of visitors who descend on downtown Sand Springs on Saturday, April 18th, for the 20th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival. .Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 85 vendors will bring herbs, perennials, natives, and heirlooms plants, along with her... read more »
City Overlay Project On Stimulus Funding List
A project to overlay two streets that provide significant benefits to the Sand Springs economy is moving closer to receiving $921,420 in federal economic stimulus funding. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding would be used to restore smooth driving surfaces to Second Street from Adams Road to Main Street, and Airport Ro... read more »
Jackson Defeats Tilley for Ward 6 City Council Seat
Voters in City Council Ward 6 have elected Brian Jackson as their new City Councilor from Ward 6. Jackson defeated long-time incumbent Councilor Kim Lee Tilley by a 136 (60 percent) to 91 (40 percent) vote margin, according to updated unofficial Tulsa County election returns. Jackson, 26, will be sworn-in for a three year term at Council’s ... read more »
CARE Day Puts Fresh Face on Community
Sunny skies and warm temperatures on Saturday, April 4th, had lines forming early at the local landfill as Sandites cared for their community by disposing of bulky items from their homes and yards. Several of them also took time to care for others ... read more »
Highway 97 Lighting Project Dedicated
Cooperation between the Sand Springs community and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation flipped the switch which turned on new lights along Highway 97. Speaking at a brief dedication ceremony April 6th, ODOT Di... read more »
Swimming Pool Installations Nothing to be Toyed With
The advertisement for the large soft-sided pool says: “Ready for water in 45 minutes.” Such ease in setting up a do-it-yourself pool may lead to tragedy if residents fail to observe a few common-sense rules. Swimming pools of any size are drowning dangers waiting to happen if not properly installed and well supervised.... read more »
Highway 97 Lighting Completed; Dedication Set
On Monday, April 6th, local dignitaries will gather to ceremoniously turn on the lights that unite Sand Springs across the Arkansas River. They will be dedicating the new street lights that illuminate Highway 97 fro... read more »
Tuesday Election to Decide Ward 6 Council Race
The race for the Ward 6 Sand Springs City Council seat will be decided Tuesday, April 7th, as candidates Kim Lee Tilley (incumbent) and Brian Jackson, face off in a general election. Only residents living in Ward 6 will be eligible to vote in the general election. Ward 6 precincts open Tuesday are 855 – Cathedral of Praise Church, 4600 S. 129th... read more »
Sand Springs 'CARE' Cleanup Day This Weekend
Are you going to CARE for Sand Springs this weekend? This Saturday is the 19th Annual CARE (Cleaning and Recycling Efforts) Day in Sand Springs. And, the community could use a few good men and women to help care for their own properties and their neighbors in need. Sand Springs’ CARE Day encourages citizens to pick up, t... read more »
Egg-Citing Day Saturday at River City Park
The Sand Springs Parks Department has some egg-citing news for local children. The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April, 4th, at River City Park (located on Wekiwa Road a half mile west of Highway 97) for children ages 2 to 10. Registration for the egg-stravaganza begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Will Ramsey Softball Complex... read more »
Snowfall Beginning to Melt to Memory
SATURDAY, March 28, 5:30 p.m. – The winter storm has departed Sand Springs after leaving 6 to 8 inches of snowfall in its wake. ... read more »
Code RED Alerts: Severe Weather Is Serious Business
The severe thunderstorms that rattled and rumbled through Sand Springs early Tuesday morning, March 24, caused two Code RED weather alerts to ring on thousands of local telephones. Some people may have considered it an i... read more »
Platinum Air Offering FBO Services at Sand Springs Airport
Full aviation services for corporate, business and recreational pilots and aircraft owners in the Tulsa metropolitan area are now available at Platinum Air, a fixed base operator located in the northwest development area of Sand Springs-Pogue Airport.... read more »
Flood Insurance: Sign Up Before the Water Rises
The last time floodwaters caused damage to homes in Sand Springs was in 2000, but flash flooding that impacts streets and low lying areas in the city limits is usually an annual event. T.J. Davis, the C... read more »
City Sales Tax Revenues Staying Flat
Sand Springs’ March sales tax check stayed in a holding pattern consistent with local and regional economic forecasts. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $787,719 – down $5,316 or 0.7 percent from the $793,035 received in March 2008. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of January and ... read more »
Washington Visit Beneficial to City, Region
Sand Springs City Manager Douglas Enevoldsen literally flew in and out of Washington, DC, recently with other government and community leaders in the Tulsa area to strengthen ties with the state’s Congressional ... read more »
Police to Begin Using Electronic Ticketing System
Sand Springs Police will soon have a new high-tech tool for writing traffic tickets with a new electronic ticketing system that will allow officers to save time and money. The City of Sand Springs has entered into a five-ye... read more »
Airport Fuel Pump Goes Self-Serve
Self-service fueling has been a common practice with cars and trucks for decades, and the convenient concept is now taking wing for airplanes fueling at Sand Springs-Pogue Airport. The City has i... read more »
Help for Local Residents Only a 2-1-1 Call Away
By dialing 2-1-1, Sand Springs residents and others throughout east central Oklahoma have been getting connected with the health and human services information they need. With times growing tougher, the Community Service Council’s number for people needing help is dialing up for an even greater call volume, according to 2-1-1 Director Jame... read more »
City at Home with Home and Garden Show Display
How does your city grow? Find out how Sand Springs is growing this weekend at the 59th Annual Greater Tulsa Home and Garden Show. The City will again host a booth at this year’s show – which opens Thursday, March 12, and runs through Sunday, March 15, at Tulsa Expo Square’s Quik Trip Center. The Parks Department’s c... read more »
City Budget Faces 5% Cut for Coming Year
City of Sand Springs department heads are being asked to find ways to make their budgets 5 percent leaner in the coming year to keep City government fiscally fit during tough economic times. Budget preparations have started for the City’s 2010 fiscal year – which begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2010. Across the board reductions are being examined in all areas to produce a balanced budget that equalizes spending with anticipated revenues. In the end, some areas will... read more »
Tornado Season Here -- City Warning Systems Ready
Spring has sprung in Sand Springs – and warmer temperatures are on the way – along with springtime thunderstorms that often bring high winds, heavy rains, hail and even tornadoes. Severe storm season has arrived. Although severe weather and tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, they are most common during the spring months &nd... read more »
Spend Spring Break at the Case Community Center
Need something to do for spring break? The Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department is making a “Case” for some free spring break fun. From noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday of spring break week, Parks staff will offer fun for school children of all ages at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd. Children ages ... read more »
Hwy 97 Railroad Crossing Project Starts March 13th
A two-week project to rehabilitate the Highway 97 railroad crossing adjacent to Gerdau Ameristeel is scheduled to get underway after the evening rush hour on Friday, March 13. Significant traffic delays are likely as the busy roadway is narrowed to a single lane in each direction. AmRail Construction, a contractor for the San... read more »
Utility Rate Adjustments Going Into Effect
Sand Springs utility customers will see a change in charges for water, sewer and refuse services in this month’s utility bills as the fifth year of a five-year utility rate adjustment goes into effect. The adjustment helps to fund increased operational, maintenance and capital improvement costs to provide services. The new rat... read more »
Grab Those Gloves and CARE for Sand Springs
Do you CARE for your home and your community? Then grab some gloves, find a pickup truck, and come join the CARE Team to help clean up the town on Saturday, April 4th. Sand Springs’ spring CARE (Cleaning and Recycling Efforts) Day ... read more »
Tilley, Jackson to Vie for City Council Seat
The race for the Ward 6 Sand Springs City Council seat went from four candidates to two following Tuesday’s election. The top two vote-getters, Kim Lee Tilley (incumbent) and Brian Jackson, will face off in a general election on April 7th. Voting results from the March 3rd election were: - Kim Lee Tilley, 58 vot... read more »
Culvert Replacement Planned for Whispering Creek Drive
When heavy rains fall, the creek no longer whispers beneath Whispering Creek Drive in south Sand Springs. Years of scouring rains have caused the three large corrugated metal culverts to deteriorate and partially settle – ta... read more »
Four Candidates Seeking Ward 6 Council Post March 3rd
Sand Springs voters only in City Council Ward 6 will go to the polls next Tuesday, March 3rd, to cast ballots for one of four candidates seeking the post. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following Ward 6 precincts: 855 – Cathedral of Praise Church, 4600 S. 129th W. Ave.; 880 – Fisher Baptist Church, 2031 S. 161st ... read more »
Free Community CPR Training March 7th
Would you like to learn how to give the breath of life to others? Sand Springs firefighters are offering a free CPR class on Saturday, March 7th, that will get your heart pumping. Firefighters will hold the non-certification “Family and Friends” CPR class from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 7th, at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd. The class is designed to teach ordinary citizens how to perform CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation), said Fire Capt. Dan Call.... read more »
Mike Wood Named Deputy Fire Chief
Sand Springs Fire Capt. Mike Wood will be changing uniforms soon. Wood will now be donning the Deputy Fire Chief’s uniform. His promotion to the position was announced Feb. 23rd by Fire Chief Mark Joslin following a competitive application process. He will replace Deputy Chief Tom Jenkins, who is leaving the Sand Springs Fire... read more »
Study Authorized for Automatic Meter Reading
City officials are tuning in to the prospect of updating Sand Springs’ water system. If implemented, the City would replace each of its 11,500 meters within Sand Springs’... read more »
City Seeking Projects from Stimulus Package
President Barak Obama’s economic stimulus package will likely bring some dollars to Sand Springs for public infrastructure improvements. Questions remain, however, about how many dollars will come and how soon they will get here. One answer is certain. City officials will aggressively pursue project funding that is practical and beneficial to the community. “While many Oklahomans have understandable concerns about the stimulus package, it is the law now. Therefore,... read more »
Firefighters Offering CPR Training for Community
What to learn CPR? Sand Springs firefighters have a class that will get your heart pumping. Firefighters will hold a free, non-certification “Family and Friends” CPR class from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 7th, at the Case Community Center, 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd. The class is designed to teach ordinary citizens how to perform CPR (cardi... read more »
City Sales Taxes Following Economic Trends
Sand Springs’ February sales tax check continued to show signs of a slowdown in the local economy as City officials look to the coming budget year. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $915,760 – down $50,102 or 5.2 percent from the $965,862 received in February 2008. The disbursement ref... read more »
Airport Runway Project May Get Stimulus Funds
A $5.8 million project to preserve the runway pavement at Sand Springs Pogue Airport is on the taxiway to “shovel readiness” for the national economic stimulus program. City Council approved an $88,339 agreement with Garver Engi... read more »
Grant to Fund Radio Upgrades for Police, Fire Vehicles
When lives or property are on the line, often the only line of communication police officers and firefighters have are their radios. A $128,000 grant from the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security will help Sand Springs police and fir... read more »
Water Improvements to Boost Pressure SW of City
Customers in the southwestern quadrant of Sand Springs’ water system should notice significantly better pressures and flows following two improvement projects designed to get more water to the continually developing area. A new 12-inch water line is being put into service along the 41st Street section line from 225th West Avenue westwar... read more »
Four Candidates in Ward 6 City Council Race
Four candidates will vie for the Ward 6 Sand Springs City Council seat representing the southwestern part of the City. The filing period for council seats opened Monday, Feb. 2nd, and concluded at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4th. Elections will not be necessary for the Ward 5 and At-Large Council seats as the two incumbent candidates drew n... read more »
Wildfire Season Is Here -- Are You 'Firewise?'
Green Country looks pretty brown right now, and Sand Springs fire officials are urging residents to be extra vigilant to make sure the landscape doesn’t become blackened by wildfires. Dry weather over the fall and winter months has made conditions highly volatile for wildfires – grass and brush fires that rapidly consume acreages, ... read more »
HYPE Team Project Set for Ray Brown Park Feb. 28th
What’s all the HYPE about in Ray Brown Park on Feb. 28th? Sand Springs Parks officials want residents to find out as a team of volunteers prepares to give this site a major facelift. HYPE is the new acronym used to Help Your Park Environment, and it is coming to Ray Brown Park, said Park Facilities Manager Jeff Edwards.... read more »
City Permit Fees Lowest in Metro Area Study
A study of building permit and inspection fees for commercial construction in the Tulsa metro area by business students at Oklahoma City University ranked Sand Springs as the least expensive city to build in. The study submitted plans and specifications for an office building and an industrial building to permitting departments in eight cities. ... read more »
Ice Storm Leaves Sandy Mess to Tidy Up
Many streets in Sand Springs are living up to the community’s name. In response to the recent ice and snow storm, City Street Division crews laid 320 tons of sand down on area roadways. As the ice and snow disappear, crews are now using the City’s street sweeper to make the sand disappear. That process will take at least one to two w... read more »
Highway 97 Railroad Crossing Work Delayed
Improvements to the Sand Springs Railway crossing at 2300 S. Highway 97 (adjacent to the Gerdau Ameristeel plant) have been delayed until further notice. The project had been scheduled to begin Jan. 30, but has been delayed due to recent wintry weather and completion of a traffic plan by the Railway. On-site message boards will be placed at the crossing several days before the project’s new start date.... read more »
Shell Lake Level Dropping for Dam Repairs
Visitors to Sand Springs’ Shell Creek Lake will be noticing a significant drop in water levels over the next several months so that routine repairs can be made to the nearly 90-year-old dam that impounds it. Water le... read more »
Talley Golf Gains Course Management Contract
Brian Talley will be expanding his duties for a longer period of time as golf pro of The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course in Sand Springs. His management firm, Talley Golf, will continue operations at the award winning Cany... read more »
Road Conditions Improving Despite Ongoing Wintry Mix
UPDATED TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 12 p.m. -- Moderate to heavy bands of sleet and snow began falling in the Sand Springs area around 4 a.m. today. Roads already coated with ¼ to ½ inch of ice were expected... read more »
Wintry Weather Keeps Street Crews Sanding
As light to moderate freezing rain, sleet and snow continued falling in the Sand Springs area Tuesday, City Street Division crews continued their relentless efforts to keep roadways safe for emergency vehicles and motorists ... read more »
Ice Storm Making Travel Extremely Treacherous
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 4 p.m. -- Freezing rain is continuing to fall in Sand Springs – coating area roadways with a sheet of ice. City sanding crews hit the streets at noon as the frozen mess started falling – deploying up to five sanding trucks on assigned routes. The continued freezing precipitation is cau... read more »
Ice Coats Roadways; Closes City Facilities
Several hours of freezing rain Monday afternoon left area roadways an icy mess in Sand Springs – and more periodic frozen precipitation is expected throughout the day Tuesday. All City offices are closed Tuesday. The Case Community Center and Sand Springs Senior Citizens Center are also closed. Sand Springs Schools have cancele... read more »
City Preparing for Possible Ice Storm Event
Sand Springs city officials are watching the thermometer and the skies closely this weekend as a winter storm system that could bring significant accumulations of ice to the area begins to take shape. They are also staying abreast of the latest information from the National Weather Service (NWS), and are servicing vehicles a... read more »
Future Commuter Rail Connection Proposed
Everything old could someday be new again – but greatly improved. Sand Springs City officials submitted a regional economic stimulus proposal to begin building infrastructure for a future commuter rail passenger service connecting with downtown Tulsa. The project could potentially be part of a future commuter rail netw... read more »
Rock Quarry Lawsuit Appealed to State Supreme Court
Applicants seeking a Specific Use Permit to establish and operate a limestone quarry in south Sand Springs are taking their case to the state’s highest court. Sand Springs Materials LLC is appealing a ruling by Tulsa District Judge Mary Fitzgerald in December that affirmed the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the City. The firm had filed a lawsuit in District Court to overturn the Sand Springs Planning Commission’s denial of Specific Use Permit No. 010.... read more »
Highway 97 Railroad Crossing Project Starts Jan. 30
Weather permitting, contract workers for the Sand Springs Railway will begin Jan. 30th to rehabilitate the Highway 97 railroad crossing adjacent to Gerdau Ameristeel. Significant traffic delays are likely as the busy roadway is narrowed to a single lane in each direction. The project is expected to take at least 14 ... read more »
City Housing Starts Slower, But Not Stopped
The national economic downturn may have hammered new home starts in many areas of the country, but local builders are still nailing City of Sand Springs building permits to new home sites. Overall, 66 new home permits were issued insi... read more »
Popular Financial Report Going Out to Citizens
The City’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) will be enroute to around 2,300 local utility customers in the coming weeks. The 13th annual report, titled “Sand Springs – Safe and Secure,” focuses on the... read more »
January Sales Tax Check Takes a Dip
Sand Springs’ January sales tax check cooled city coffers, and City officials are watching to see if further chilling is in store. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $887,962 – down $26,834 or 3.0 percent from the $914,796 received in January 2008. The disbursement reflects sales i... read more »
Avery Drive Closing During Day Beginning Jan. 20
Avery Drive will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily from Tuesday, Jan. 20, to Friday, Jan. 23, so that Tulsa County District 2 highway maintenance crews can remove tree limb debris from the sides of the roadway. Work could extend into the following week if not completed by Jan. 23. All work is weather permitting. The busy roadway connecting Highways 97 and 51 in Sand Springs with 21st Street in Berryhill and West Tulsa will be opened to traffic during the morning and evenin... read more »
Storm Spotter Training in Sand Springs Jan. 22
An ominous-looking cloud forms over Sand Springs as a severe storm threatens. Is a tornado imminent? Or, are the clouds scary looking but harmless? Trained eyes on the skies can tell the difference – saving lives in severe events while avoiding panic in benign situations. Citizens who want to learn the differences between ... read more »
Mayor: 'What Are You Doing to Improve the Community?'
During his annual “State of the City” address at the Jan. 6 Chamber of Commerce Open Forum, Sand Springs Mayor Bob Walker asked the audience what they were doing to improve the community in the coming ye... read more »
City Offices Closed for Martin Luther King Holiday
Sand Springs city offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday. There will be no City residential refuse collection on that day. Residents who normally have their refuse collected on that day will instead have it collected on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Polykarts should be at the street curb by 6 a.m. to assure collection.... read more »
City Wins District Court Lawsuit Over Rock Quarry
A Tulsa District Court judge has upheld the City of Sand Springs’ denial of a Specific Use Permit to establish and operate a limestone quarry in south Sand Springs. District Judge Mary Fitzgerald affirmed the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the City in an appeal lawsuit brought by Sand Springs Materials LLC. The firm had asked the court to overturn the Sand Springs Planning Commission’s denial of Specific Use Permit No. 010. The SUP would have allowed ... read more »
Elections Set for Three City Council Seats
Three City Council seats will be up for election when the candidate filing period opens Feb. 2-4, 2009. Council seats up for election are in Wards 5 and 6, as well as the At-Large seat. Candidates drawing opponents will square off in a primary election on March 3, 2009. All voters within the Sand Springs city limits will be eligible to vote for the At-Large seat should two or more candidates file for the office. Elections in Wards 5 and 6 will be decided by voters in those individual ... read more »
New Administration Could Stimulate Street Improvements
President-Elect Barak Obama’s proposal to stimulate the national economy with public infrastructure projects could invigorate numerous street and drainage improvements in Sand Springs. City officials have ... read more »
City Enters Into Angus Sewer Consent Order
The City of Sand Springs has entered into a consent order with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to assure sanitary sewer overflows in Angus Valley Acres are corrected. Work is well underway to address the issues outlined in the consent order, according to City Attorney David Weatherford. The consent order follows a Notice of Violation issued by DEQ last September and focuses on reported sewage overflows near the sewer lift station at 129th West Avenue and... read more »
December Sales Tax Check Holds the Line
Sand Springs’ December sales tax check continued to hold steady amid deeper economic concerns. The City’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $817,619 – up $44,946 or 5.8 percent from the $772,673 received in December 2007. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of October and the first h... read more »
Tom Jenkins Honored As Employee of the Year
It’s 3 a.m. on a recent Saturday morning, and Sand Springs firefighters are awakened to a report of a house fire. As the fire companies respond from stations 1 and 2, they are joined by a familiar voice on the radio. “FD-2’s responding” indicates that Deputy Fire Chief Tom Jenkins is heading to the fire. A... read more »
Richard Lorton Retires After 31 Years with City
As the City’s Parks Director for 27 years, Richard Lorton blazed a trail that transformed community attitudes toward recreation. What he thought would be just a brief stop along his career path became a life&rsquo... read more »
Winter Hiking Available at Keystone Ancient Forest
Grab your coat, your hiking boots and a friend as you prepare to step into the great outdoors at the Keystone Ancient Forest! The Sand Springs Parks Department and Keystone Ancient Forest Trail Guides invite you to “Take a Hike” on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We are open for free hikin... read more »
Second Railroad Crossing Project Starts Dec. 6th
Drivers will again need to reroute their travels on Morrow Road for a few days beginning Saturday, Dec. 6th, as a second railroad crossing improvement project begins. Workers will remove the rubberized crossing just west of the Morrow Road-Adams Road intersection and replace it with a concrete panel crossing. Morrow Road will ... read more »
Case Community Center Wins Excellence Award
Sand Springs’ new Case Community Center is earning recognition for its facilities far beyond the city’s borders. The center, located at 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd., earned an Award... read more »
City Crews Ready for Winter's Worst Weather
As temperatures begin to take their normal wintry drop, City Street Division crews are ready to drop sand and, if necessary, snow plows, on local streets..The City’s three frontline plowing and sanding units hav... read more »
Sign-Up for CodeRED Alerts Now on City Website
Want to be sure you receive CodeRED emergency warnings and weather alerts? Signing up is only a few mouse clicks away. CodeRED is a free emergency telephone notification system available to all citizens and businesses inside Sand Springs’ city limits starting Jan. 1. The system provides timely information and instructions to both la... read more »
City's Customer Service Office Open Extended Hours
Sand Springs utility customers needing to pay their bill in person, set up a utility account or change their service will have a little extra time at the beginning and end of each business day to do so. Beginning Nov. 17, the City’s Customer Service Office – located on the first floor of City Hall, 100 E. Broadway – will be open for walk-in and drive-thru window business from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Previously, the office was only open during regular business hours fo... read more »
Stormwater Discharge Regulations Adopted by City
Much of the pollution that enters the Arkansas River in Sand Springs travels at some point through the City’s stormwater drainage system. A new City ordinance mandated by federal and state pollution laws seeks to stem the tide. City Council adopted the ordinance during its Nov. 17 meeting. Its provisions go into effect De... read more »
Railroad Crossing Improvements to Start Nov. 21
Local drivers will soon have a smoother ride at three locations where Sand Springs Railway rails meet the road. Contractors with AmRAIL International will begin Friday, Nov. 21, to upgrade the Sand Springs Railway grade crossing in the 100 Block of East Morrow Road. Work will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and should conclude by Monday afternoon, Nov. 24, weather permitting. The existing rubberized materials that surround the tracks will be replaced with concrete panels. New pavement markings... read more »
November Sales Tax Check Holds Steady
November’s sales tax check gave Sand Springs City officials something to be thankful for. The City’s November sales tax disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $787,620 – up $53,045 or 7.2 percent from the $734,575 received in November 2007. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of September and first half of October. The City collects a 3.5-cent sales tax for every dollar of goods purchased from businesses within the city... read more »
Go Green With Fallen Leaves; Don't Leave Them in the Street
Sand Springs’ abundance of trees has a down side, so to speak. Falling leaves often present a challenge for residents wondering what to do with them. There are several “green” solutions to dispose of fallen leaves in an environmentally friendly way. Mulching and composting leaves saves valuable landfill space and provides an excellent source of ground cover for plants and other vegetation during the upcoming winter months. One place they can’t end up is... read more »
Lowe's Store Still Planned, Economy Delays Timing
The recent national economic downturn has not changed the commitment to build a Lowe’s home improvement store in Sand Springs. However, it has pushed its opening date back a year. City officials recently learned that the anchor store for River City Crossing, located at Highway 97 and the Sand Springs Expressway, has begun negotiating a purchase agreement with the project’s developer – St. Louis-based Mpirical Development. However, the store’... read more »
City Going CodeRED for Emergency and Weather Alerts
When emergency situations develop with a potential for disaster, timely communication is the key to saving lives and protecting properties. In Sand Springs, developing a system to quickly get accurate information and instructions to citizens during an emergency was identified as the top priority in the City’s Hazard Mitiga... read more »
Fire Department Dedicates New Pumper Truck
Sand Springs firefighters and other City officials gathered Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, to dedicate the fire department’s new pumper truck – Engine 1. The 2008 Spartan Gladiator model was custom bui... read more »
City Holiday Closings, Trash Pickup Schedule Announced
'Tis the season for holidays, and with the holidays come closings for most City of Sand Springs offices and changes in trash collection schedules. Citizens should take note of the following closings and schedule changes. The Veteran’s Day holiday will be observed on Tuesday, Nov. 11. City offices will be closed, and there will be no residential trash collection on that day. Residents who normally have their trash collected on that day will instead have it collected on Wednesday,... read more »
New Community Center Sets Attendance Records
Build it and they will come … in record numbers. Since the Case Community Center opened in September, Sand Springs parks officials have watched its usage rise dramatically by citizens and community groups. At least 3,000 people p... read more »
Pavement Overlays Hitting the Streets
Tulsa County paving crews have begun spreading smooth rides on several south Sand Springs streets. Workers are currently laying down asphalt in neighborhoods north of 41st Street and west of Highway 97. They’... read more »
City Manager Discusses Annexation Benefits
With the recent adoption of a policy encouraging county residents to come into Sand Springs’ city limits, City Council has opened up a new frontier for the area’s future growth. It has also raised many questions about what is actually happening and what it means to residents currently residing outside the city lim... read more »
Residential Street Paving to Resume in November
Residents in several south Sand Springs neighborhoods should begin hearing the rumble of paving equipment and dump trucks loaded with asphalt on their streets in early November. Tulsa County paving crews are tentatively... read more »
Annexation Policy Adopted by City Council
Sand Springs’ land area has not grown appreciably in 25 years, but that is likely about to change. The number of residents living in the city limits may also see significant change as City officials hope to exceed a 2010 census count of 20,000 in population. City Council took the first steps to grow ge... read more »
City Earns Awards for Financial Reporting
Award plaques will again adorn the walls of Sand Springs’ City Hall recognizing that City government’s financial reporting is well in order. For the 18th consecutive year, the Government Fin... read more »
Downhill Soapbox Derby Takes Checkered Flag
Good crowds lined a sun-drenched Main Street Saturday, Oct. 11, to watch soapbox derby cars of every shape and size scoot downhill to victory ... at least in most cases. The first Great Sand Springs Downhill Soapbox Derby Race was deemed a win for partici... read more »
October's Sales Tax Check Cools Off Slightly
Like the fall weather, Sand Springs’ sales tax check for October cooled off when compared to the same month a year ago. The City’s October sales tax disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $859,801 – down $8,091 or about 1 percent from the $867,892 received in October 2007. The disbursement re... read more »
Highway 97 Widening Added to ODOT 8-Year Plan
A project to widen Highway 97 from Second Street to Morrow Road has gotten a green light from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission added the project to its eig... read more »
New Fire Truck Ready to Roll
It’s big, it’s red and it’s getting ready to roll! Sand Springs firefighters recently took delivery of a new pumper truck and will put it into service as soon as each shift of ... read more »
Free Disposal Day Oct. 4 for City Refuse Customers
On Saturday, Oct. 4, Sand Springs residential refuse customers can fall in line for free disposal of their bulky items at the American Environmental Landfill. Others will find a grind for their tree limbs and brush at the City’s Street Division facility. And, those wanting to recycle their glass, metal... read more »
Highway 97 Lighting Project Set to Start
On Monday, Sept. 29, workers will begin a six-month project installing lighting along Highway 97 from 41st Street to the Sand Springs Expressway. A $539,360 Oklahoma Department of Transportation contract was awarded in May to Midstate Traffic Control Inc. to install 101 light fixtures on 72 poles along the 2½-mi... read more »
September's Sales Tax Check Still Up
Sand Springs’ sales tax check for September continued a trend of moderate revenue growth for city coffers. The City’s September sales tax disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $855,303 – up $77,713 or 10 percent from the $777,590 received in August 2007. The disbursement reflects sales in... read more »
AEP-PSO Expanding Underground Electrical Project
If at first you succeed, try again. That’s what AEP-Public Service Co. of Oklahoma officials are planning to do with their Sand Springs project to move overhead resid... read more »
Ribbon Cut on Case Community Center
Cloudless blue skies provided the perfect backdrop to the Case Community Center’s earthly exterior colors as dignitaries, donors, city officials and citizens gathered Sept. 16 to cut the dedication... read more »
Lowe's to Anchor River City Crossing Development
A Lowe’s home improvement store will anchor Sand Springs’ River City Crossing development at Highway 97 and the Sand Springs Expressway. The 120,000 sq. ft. store will be located on the east end of the development toward Main Street and will face south toward Morrow Road. Other retail stores will continue to fill out the development to the west. Restau... read more »
Public Invited to Case Community Center Dedication
What’s big, bold, beautiful and bursting with Sandite pride … the newly-completed Case Community Center. The 26,000 sq. ft. facility opened its doors on Sept. 2 and has already hosted events that received rave reviews. Now, it’s the public’s turn to get a glimpse at this new communi... read more »
City Animal Shelter Sets Dog Adoption Day Sept. 20
Are you in the dating doghouse? Are you looking for a friend for life whose trust and loyalty will never waiver? Your date to meet that special someone is just days away! Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and come to the Atwoods store, 730 E. Charles Page Blvd. Your mate is waiting – and he or sh... read more »
Smith Honored for American Legion Work
During the Sept. 8th City Council Meeting, J.D. Smith was recognized by Mayor Bob Walker for receiving the distinguished honor of Oklahoma American Legionnaire of the Year. The Mayoral recognition read as follows: WHEREAS J.D. Smith has been actively serving and supporting the interests of veterans in Sand Spri... read more »
River Bridge Dedicated to Slain OHP Trooper
The Highway 97 bridge across the Arkansas River in Sand Springs has a new name – the “OHP Lt. Pat Grimes Memorial Bridge.” Local and state dignitaries ... read more »
Morrow Road Gets New Look for New Traffic
Drivers pulling up to the intersection of Morrow Road and Highway 97 from the west will notice that the traffic lanes have a new look. Workers from Roadsafe Traffic Systems realigned the lane ma... read more »
City Awards Contract for Angus Sewer Work
Sand Springs City Councilors committed more than $1.2 million during their Aug. 25 meeting to fix sanitary sewer problems in Angus Valley Acres neighborhoods. The project will consume a large portion of the dollars available in this year’s water and sewer capital improvements fund. Several other water and sewer projects were put on hold to make the needed dollars available. “We view this work as a top priority and are making significant funding adjustme... read more »
Mayor's Reading Challenge Books A Success
Plenty of Sand Springs youths turned plenty of pages this summer to win top community honors in the Mayor’s summer reading challenge through the Tulsa City County Library’s Summer Reading Program. Sand Springs Mayor Bob Walker had challenged other communities to keep pace with increased reading program participation by local childre... read more »
Police-Fire Communications Center Gets New Calling
When Sand Springs residents call for help, their calls are being answered in an enlarged communications center designed to get help where it is needed more quickly and efficiently. ... read more »
Mayor Proclaims 'Community Church Heritage Month'
In recognition of August as “Community Church Heritage Month” in the City of Sand Springs, Mayor Bob Walker signed a Mayoral Proclamation during the Aug... read more »
August Sales Tax Warms City's Coffers
Sand Springs’ sales tax disbursement heated up for August. The August disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $830,559 – up $63,642 or 8.3 percent from the $766,917 received in August 2007. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of June and first half of July. The City collects a 3... read more »
Smoke Testing Planned for Angus Sewer Lines
An engineering firm will be smoking out defects in the Angus Valley Acres sanitary sewer system during the next few weeks. As part of a major City project to rehabilitate sewer lines in the Angus basin, employees of Tetra Tech Inc. will begin smoke testing sewer lines on Thursday, Aug. 14, to identify specific areas where inflow and infiltration may be occurring. A contract is expected to be awarded this fall to repair or improve nearly five miles of sewer lines. W... read more »
FEMA Sends Ice Storm Checks; Creek Cleanup Picking Up
The City of Sand Springs’ checks from FEMA for most of its expenses related to the Dec. 9-10, 2007, ice storm have been coming in the mail – allowing contractors to get paid and assisting with ongoing creek cleanup efforts. The federal agency sent $926,705 to the City as its 75 percent cost share for 12 of 14 storm cleanu... read more »
Streets Getting Spruced-Up for School Safety
With the first day of school just around the corner, crosswalks around Sand Springs schools are getting a fresh coat of paint. Street Division crews are making sure all crosswalks around the city’s n... read more »
CDBG Sidewalk Project Strolls to Completion
Walking to schools parks churches or downtown businesses has gotten a little easer in several Sand Springs neighborhoods. Workers for Lamproe Construction have finished the latest round of sidewalk replacements and installations funded through the Community Development Block Grant program. The $96,142 project replaced 1,870 l... read more »
Community Center Fundraising Deadline Approaches
The deadline to raise $600,000 to furnish and equip the new Case Community Center in Sand Springs is in the home stretch. Sand Springs Park Friends board members announced July ... read more »
Firefighters Providing Award-Winning Medical Care
When Sand Springs residents need emergency medical assistance, they can take comfort in knowing that the best Emergency Medical Response agency in the state is on the way to help them. ... read more »
Low Water Dam Flowing Toward Design Phase
The prospect of a low water dam and pedestrian bridge on the Arkansas River at the base of Main Street is rolling with the current, but don’t look for construction to happen too swiftly. Tulsa County officials have begun negotiating a contract with engineering firm CH2M Hill Inc. for preliminary design and permitting service... read more »
Trash Collection 'Changing' with the Times
Residential trash collections in Sand Springs are usually made like clockwork – but don’t set your clock by them. Crews collect trash from about 7,500 residential customers each week. Under normal conditions, they follow a route that brings them by each house at about the same time on collection day. B... read more »
Community Leaders Get Preview of BOK Center
Calling it as much a part of Sand Springs as downtown Tulsa, Mayor Bob Walker led a delegation of community leaders on a tour of the new BOK Center. The $184 million centerpiece of Tulsa County’s Visi... read more »
Community Center, Fund Drive, in Final Stretch
Sand Springs Parks Director Grant Gerondale beams with enthusiasm as he explains to a tour group of Catoosa city officials that the new Case Community Center is a beacon of community ... read more »
Angus Valley Sewer Repairs Going Out for Bids
Sand Springs Public Works officials will begin seeking bids to rehabilitate the aging sanitary sewer system in Angus Valley Acres neighborhoods – putting the lid on overflows caused by groundwater infiltration during heavy rains. City Council authorized bid solicitations during its July 14 meeting. Work should begin this fall and conclude next spring. Costs are currently expected to exceed $1 million. “Our goal is to get the system tight to where our in... read more »
Council Revises Specific Use Permit Ordinance
The City of Sand Springs has had plenty of experience with Specific Use Permit (SUP) zoning requests – hearing 15 applications since the enabling ordinance was adopted in 2004. Based on those experiences and new legislation enacted at the State level, City Council approved several refinements to the SUP process during its July 14 meeting. An SUP is required for a variety of land uses which, by their nature, may need further impact evaluation outside the norma... read more »
July Sales Tax Revenues Fizzle for City Coffers
Sand Springs’ sales tax disbursement for July showed only a slight gain from the previous year. The disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $862,431 – up $7,007 or 0.8 percent from the $855,424 received in July 2007. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of May and first half of June. The Cit... read more »
Q&A: River City Crossing Still on Track
In the fall of 2003, Tulsa County voters approved the Vision 2025 funding package for countywide improvements. In Sand Springs, Vision 2025 provided $14.5 million for the Keystone Corridor revitalization effort. The project’s first years were spent successfully acquiring properties and relocating residents and businesses near ... read more »
Fireworks Ordinance Sparkles in First Year
Although the sights and sounds of fireworks are quickly fading from memory following the long Fourth of July weekend, City officials will have the benefits of legal bangs and booms fresh on their... read more »
Tree Limb Disposal Options Continue to be Offered
July’s hot weather has all but melted most memories of last December’s epic ice storm. Yet, scattered reminders still line streets in several Sand Springs neighborhoods. Some residents have continued to place tree limbs at the street curb anticipating collection by the City’s Street Division. ... read more »
Holiday Fireworks: Safety Starts with City Permit
With the Independence Day holiday just days away, it is fireworks season in Sand Springs. For the first time in more than three decades, discharging fireworks will be legal in Sand Springs’s city limits from noon to 11 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd, and Friday, July 4th. However, residents must buy a fireworks permit ... read more »
Work Being Expedited On Angus Acres Sewers
The City of Sand Springs is planning to fast track additional improvements to the Angus Valley Acres sanitary sewer basin to solve some of the excessive flow issues that occurred following recent heavy rains. The Public Works Engineering Division is currently preparing an expanded list of priorities designed to reduce groundwater infiltration into the sewer lines, as well as expand capabilities at the lift station that pumps sewage from the area for treatment. Bids... read more »
Trash Collection, Chipper Day Changes for Holiday
Changes are planned in the City of Sand Springs’ trash collection schedule to accommodate the upcoming Independence Day holiday. The timing of the holiday will also affect the monthly “Chipper Day” tree limb disposal program at the City’s Street Division facility. City offices will be closed on Friday, July ... read more »
Heavy Rains Cause Havoc; More Storms Possible
A deluge of rainfall Wednesday morning caused swollen creeks near the Meadow Valley subdivision to leave their banks, breached a weir in the Rolling Oaks Subdivision and washed out a bridge on... read more »
City Addressing Angus Acres Sewer Issues
Several recent rounds of heavy rain have flushed out sanitary sewer problems in the Angus Acres development in southwest Sand Springs. Rain water is finding its way into the sewer system at levels that overwhelm its capacity. Rehabilitating the lines is a top priority, and the City is making significant investments to make that happen, according to Asst. City Engineer Jesse Vaverka. However, there’s still a lot of work to do. Since 2000, the City has spent $3... read more »
Mowing, Mopping Up Mitigates the Mosquito Menace
Like many other communities in Oklahoma, summertime brings more than searing heat to Sand Springs. It brings stinging mosquitoes. The proliferation of mos... read more »
Students Turn Pages for Mayor's Reading Challenge
Sand Springs Mayor Bob Walker’s challenge to get more children catching the reading bug this summer has turned into an epidemic. Walker issued a challenge to local children in May to read more books than children in other Tulsa County communities through the Tulsa City Library System’s Summer Reading Program. This year’s program theme i... read more »
Buses to Keep on Rolling in Sand Springs
For Sandites getting squeezed at the gas pump, riding the bus to and from Tulsa can help squeeze out savings – both on family budgets and gas. And thanks to City Council action at its June 9th me... read more »
Sidewalks Are for Walking -- Not Parking
Sand Springs city officials will be putting the walk back in sidewalks in the coming weeks by putting the brakes on residents who use them for a parking lot. Cars parking on the sidewalk or otherwise blocking... read more »
June Sales Tax Revenues Finish Year with Small Increase
June’s sales tax disbursement to the City of Sand Springs garnered a slight increase for City coffers compared to a year ago – ending the 2008 fiscal year within budgetary forecasts. The disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $822,167 – up $8,333 or 1 percent from the $813,834 received in June 2007. The disbursement reflects sales in the last half of April and the first half of May. The City collects a 3.5-cent sales tax for every d... read more »
Council Resolution Recognizes House Speaker Chris Benge
Sand Springs City Council adopted a Resolution of Appreciation at its June 9th meeting recognizing State House Speaker Chris Benge for his crucial role in getting a State bond... read more »
City Council Adopts Challenging 2009 Fiscal Year Budget
City Council continued tightening the City’s financial belt Monday evening, June 9th, by adopting a 2009 fiscal year budget that trims five employee positions, continues leaving vacant employee positions ... read more »
Resolution Seeks Alternatives to Train Tie-Ups
For drivers who must wait in long lines of stopped traffic while a train crosses Highway 97 just north of the Arkansas River bridge, time seems to stand still. The mid-morning crossings of the Sand Springs Railway train to and from the Gerdau Ameristeel plant often blocks the roadway for several minutes and backs traffic up southward across the river bridge and northward to the Sand Springs Expressway. Tie-ups also occur when the railway occasionally has to deliver to the plant... read more »
Help Your Neighbors, Keep Storm Drains Clean
There are about 2,000 storm drainage structures in the City of Sand Springs that get routinely cleaned by City Street Division employees. But with the recent heavy rains, keeping up with the cleaning chore has been anything but routine. That’s where help from citizens would be greatly appreciated, according ... read more »
Two Options Available for Tree Limb Disposal
Sand Springs residents who sustained tree limb damage during recent severe thunderstorms have two disposal options available to them. Tree limbs no greater than two inches in diameter can be disposed of at the City’s monthly “Chipper Day” this Saturday, June 7, at the Street Division facility, 8620 W. 21st St. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. A current City utility bill showing refuse service is needed for admittance. Stumps are not accepted. Tree limbs are shredded... read more »
Creek, Stream Debris Cleanup Ongoing
City crews are working to clean streams and creeks of tree debris left from last December’s ice storm. However, the process will be ongoing for many months and will focus only on flood protection functions. Although the City reached an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on March 27 to fund creek and stream cleanup, the City has yet to receive FEMA’s share of the funding. In the interim, City employees are routinely clearing debris from accessible... read more »
City Fireworks Permits Go On Sale June 2
Sand Springs residents who want to legally have some snap, crackle and pop on Independence Day need to snap up a fireworks permit from the City to avoid getting popped with a hefty fine. Permits to legally discharge fireworks at individual residences in the city limits from noon to 11 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4, w... read more »
TotalCare and Rural Fire Subscription Opt-Out Forms Available
Starting June 1, local utility customers can opt out of enrolling in Sand Springs’ TotalCare ambulance subscription program with EMSA or the Rural Fire Protection subscription program for the coming year. Opt out forms are available at the Fire Administration Office, 108 E. Broadway, or by calling 2... read more »
Low Water Dam Funds Included in State Bond Package
Plans to build a low water dam and pedestrian bridge in Sand Springs gained more buoyancy with Friday’s passage of a measure which is part of a proposed state bond program that als... read more »
PSO Underground Electric Project Starts June 2
Residential electrical service in the Oak Park and Lakeside neighborhoods of Sand Springs will be going underground sooner than expected. Contractors for AEP-Public Service Co. of Oklahoma will begin work the week of June 2nd to convert overhead electric lines in these neighborhoods to underground service. Work is expected to start in western areas of Oak Park and proceed eastward. The project is part of an effort by AEP-PSO to provide more reliable service to its ... read more »
Policies, Fees Set for New Community Center
When the Case Community Center opens its doors this fall, it will offer groups a showplace to host receptions, classes, meetings, trade shows and indoor athletic events. The upscale facilities will come with updated policies to provide users with a quality experience and an updated fee schedule to help cover the costs of staffing and facility maintenance. The policies and fee schedules were adopted recently by the Park Advisory Board and City Council. ... read more »
Policy Set for Donated Park Trees, Benches and Other Amenities
Want to plant an Oeltis occidentalis (Hackberry tree) or an Acerrubrum (Red maple tree) in a Sand Springs park or at the golf course to honor a loved one? That may be possible under the Parks Department’s new donation policy for trees, benches and other park amenities. However, if the donation is a wobbly old bench that... read more »
Railway Concludes City's Corridor Property Purchases
Lengthy negotiations between the City of Sand Springs, the Sand Springs Railway and the Sand Springs Home for railroad property along the northern edge of the Keystone Corridor have finall... read more »
May Sales Tax Revenues Exhibit Modest Growth
May’s sales tax disbursement to the City of Sand Springs contributed a modest increase to city coffers – despite weakening national economic trends. This month’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $867,330 – up $19,809 or 2.3 percent from the $847,521 received in May 2007.... read more »
Puppy Peddlers A Problem Without Licenses
The peddler who sells his wares from a roadside stand is a part of American legend. But if they are doing it in Sand Springs, they need a City license. The same goes for individuals selling puppies or other pets in parking lots of local businesses. The City of Sand Springs has regulated peddlers and solicitors for decades – with the most recent revision to its ordinances occurring in 2005. Although peddlers and solicitors are common in the community throughou... read more »
John Selph Receives Hess Citizenship Award
What John Hess did for Sand Springs as Mayor in the 1960s, John Selph did for Tulsa County in the 1980s, 1990s and into the early years of this century. The citizenship displayed by both men reshaped the Sand Springs ... read more »
Walker Retains Mayoral Seat for Fourth Year
Robert L. “Bob” Walker will continue his tenure as Mayor of Sand Springs for a fourth year. He was re-elected to the position by his fellow City Councilors shortly after taking the o... read more »
Mayor Issues Summer Reading Bug Challenge
There’s a bug going around local libraries this summer, and Mayor Bob Walker hopes many children catch it. Walker believes more Sand Springs children will catch the reading bug than ever before, and he’s making it a challenge with other Tulsa County communities. He anticipates the Page and P... read more »
Community Center Shaping Up Inside and Out
Sand Springs’ new Case Community Center is rapidly taking shape as it heads toward a late summer completion date. Fundraising to help equip and furnish the center is also shaping up. Natu... read more »
Good Bids Received for Highway 97 Lighting
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission is expected to flip on the funding switch this month for a Highway 97 lighting project three decades in the making. The Commission is expected to award a $539,360 contr... read more »
Steel Plant's Trucks Moving - Intersection Changes Planned
By late summer, trucks will no longer tie up traffic on Highway 97 while entering and exiting the Gerdau Ameristeel plant in Sand Springs. New facilities are being planned by the steelmaker for truck access on the north side of the steel plant. Trucks will enter and exit the plant from an existing driveway at the intersection of Morrow Road and Broad Street. To make that intersection safer, the City’s Traffic Control Committee has approved installing a three-... read more »
City to Issue Permits for Fireworks Usage
The rockets can red glare, and the bombs can burst in air in Sand Springs this Independence Day – provided residents have a City fireworks permit. The permit process will end a ban on private fireworks usage in the city ... read more »
April Sales Tax Revenues Still Growing
The April sales tax disbursement to the City of Sand Springs showered some extra dollars into city coffers – continuing a regional trend of sales gains that bucks the national economic outlook. This month’s disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $794,317 – up $37,405 or 4.9 percent from the $756,912 received ... read more »
Community Partnership Launches ECC’s Bold Dream
A gathering of dignitaries watched as children dug into the dirt Friday morning, April 11, on a bold beginning for a bright future in Sand Springs education. Ground was broken to begin construction on the new $12 ... read more »
Meadow Valley Residents Alerted to Rising Waters
Emergency officials in Sand Springs are advising residents of the Meadow Valley subdivision on Highway 51 that flash flooding may occur from rising water in Fisher Creek. The flood warning siren in Meadow Valley was activated around 8:30 this morning, and police officers are going door to door advising affected residents of the conditions. A mandatory evacuation has not been ordered. At 9 a.m., Fisher Creek was at 12.4 feet and rising. Street flooding begins to occ... read more »
Flood Waters Receding in Meadow Valley Area
Flood waters are receding from streets in Sand Springs’ Meadow Valley addition after minor flooding this morning. Emergency officials report Fisher Creek crested at 12.55 feet around 9:45 a.m. and is slow... read more »
Cleanup Shows Community’s CARE-ing Nature
Plenty of Sand Springs residents took advantage of last weekend’s beautiful weather to “CARE” for their properties and their community. The 18th Annual CARE (Cleaning and Recycling Efforts) Day garnered 2... read more »
Murder Charge Filed; Arrest Made in Local Homicide
On April 4th, detectives with the Sand Springs Police Department presented information to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office in reference to the homicide of Anthony Michael Johnson, 21, of Sand Springs. As a result of this information, a charge of 1st degree Murder was approved, and an arrest warrant was obtained for Daniel Lee Thomas, who also resides in Sand Springs. The suspect’s attorney, Rob Nigh, was informed of the... read more »
AEP-PSO Plans Underground Service Project in Sand Springs
Overhead residential electrical service lines may be going underground soon in two Sand Springs neighborhoods as part of an effort by AEP-Public Service Co. of Oklahoma to provide more reliable service to its customers. Residents in the Oak Park and Lakeside neighborhoods will soon have an opportunity to determine whether they want overhead electrical lines located in the rear yards of their homes moved to underground lines in the front yards near the street. AEP-PSO officials ... read more »
There’s No Place Like ‘Zone’ for Safety
Most City of Sand Springs employees go to work every day expecting to go home when their shift is done. For those employees who share their office with motorists on city streets, it is job one to go home at the end of the day in on... read more »
Damaged Expansion Joint Narrows Highway 97 Bridge
The Highway 97 bridge crossing the Arkansas River in Sand Springs will be narrowed to one lane southbound through this evening’s rush hour so repairs can be made to a damaged rubberi... read more »
Wekiwa Road Widening Project Moving Forward
After experiencing several months of delays to acquire easements and remove encroachments from public right-of-way, City officials are preparing to move forward with the $3.6 million project to widen Wekiwa Road from Highway 97 to River City Park Road and the new Case Community Center. Construction on the roadway is still more than a year away and will likely not be completed until late 2010. However, work should begin by this summer to relocate utilities and prepare the right-... read more »
Paving Planned for 81st West Avenue, Old North Road
Both 81st West Avenue and Old North Road will receive needed asphalt overlays this fall, according to District 2 Tulsa County Commissioner Randi Miller. Responding to requests from reside... read more »
Local Landfill ‘CARES’ About Its Legacy
By Saturday morning, many Sand Springs residents will have loaded their pickup trucks and utility trailers with their once treasured bulky items – including old furniture, appliances and tires – for disposal as trash. They’ll be lining up at the American Environmental Landfill (AEL) on 177th West Avenue to dump their discards at no cost as part of the City’s Spring CARE Day. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents with tree limbs to dispose of ... read more »
EMSA Fees Staying the Same
Thanks to advance planning and excellent participation by local utility customers, no fee increase will be necessary to cover EMSA and TotalCare costs for the coming year. The combined subsidy and TotalCare fee ... read more »
Project Planned for Creek, Stream Debris Cleanup
A pilot project will provide the City of Sand Springs with funding assistance to help clear local creeks and streams of tree debris from last December’s ice storm. City staff signed a project work... read more »
River City Crossing Contract Extension Authorized
The City of Sand Springs and the developer of River City Crossing will now have up to six months to conclude a purchase contract for the City to sell the land to the developer. City Council adopted a resoluti... read more »
CARE Day Community Cleanup April 5th
For Sand Springs residents wanting to get rid of bulky trash items, tree limbs, recyclables or household pollutants, the big show is set for Saturday, April 5th. The curtain will go up on the 18th Annual CARE Day – showcasing the city and making it shine through community-wide Cleaning And Recycling Efforts. There’s no admission charge for residential customers who receive City refuse service. Showtime is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Environmental L... read more »
Flood Insurance: Don't Wait for a Rainy Day
Recent heavy rains swelled several creeks in the Sand Springs area to their banks. Although no flooding was reported locally, the next round of spring storms may not be as kind to homes and businesses in flood-prone areas of the city. March has been designated as “Flood Insurance Month” in Oklahoma by Gov. Brad Henry ... read more »
Cooking Oil to be Taken at Recycling Depot
Something new is cooking at Sand Springs’ Recycling Depot. Beginning Saturday, March 22, the facility will be collecting used cooking oil for recycling into biofuels. Located at 105 E. Morrow Rd., the Recycling Depot is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and accepts recyclables ranging from papers and plastics to motor... read more »
Costs of Ice Storm Cleanup Adding Up
The firms that contracted with the City of Sand Springs to clean up debris from the Dec. 9-10 ice storm have left town – leaving bills for $862,460 behind. Crowder Inc. is expected to bill the City $612,460 for removing nearly 160,000 cubic yards of tree debris, and trimming or removing nearly 5,800 damaged trees, from str... read more »
Speed Trailer Gives Local Drivers a Brake
There’s new meaning to the old police expression, “watch your speed – we are,” on Sand Springs streets these days. Sand Springs Police have purchased a portable “speed trailer” that can be located on any city street to track motorists’ speeds by radar. The speed of each passing vehicle app... read more »
Person of Interest Being Questioned in Local Homicide
Sand Springs Police have located a person of interest in the shooting death of Anthony Michael Johnson, 21, of Sand Springs. Johnson’s body was found March 10 by a contractor doing work along an abandoned walking trail near the 1600 block of North McKinley Avenue. Police report Johnson had been shot several times. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the exact cause and manner of death. Detectives have located Daniel Lee Thomas, 23, and ... read more »
March Sales Tax Numbers Continue Growth Trend
The City of Sand Springs’ March sales tax check continued to show strength and stability in the local economy – bucking hints of a national recession. This month’s sales tax disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $793,035 – up $25,660 or 3.3 percent from the $767,375 received in March 2007. ... read more »
Safety Stressed for Spring Home Improvements
As the days get longer and warmer, a homeowner’s fancy turns to … home improvements. Those improvements often include a swimming pool or hot tub, a carport or a new fence. City inspectors remind residents that there are rules governing these installations and safety is a paramount issue. “This is t... read more »
Police Seek Person of Interest in Local Homicide
On Monday, March 10, at approximately 11:10 a.m., officers with the Sand Springs Police Department were notified that a contractor doing work near the 1600 block of North McKinley Avenue had found a body. Upon officers’... read more »
New Utility Rates Going Into Effect
Sand Springs utility customers will see a change in charges for water, sewer and refuse services when they receive their utility bills this month. The changes reflect the fourth year of a five-year utility rate adjustment to fund increased operational, maintenance and capital improvement costs. Also, customers receiving sewer ser... read more »
Transportation Planning a 'Training' Exercise
When it comes to transportation, Sand Springs’ future may lie in its past. INCOG transportation planners have begun looking at the region’s transportation needs far into the future – 2035 to b... read more »
Ice Storm Debris Removal Completed From Streets
It is finished. Contractors hired to remove tree debris from the epic Dec. 9-10 ice storm have completed all collections along City streets and alleyways seven weeks after they started. Crews made at least three passes through the entire city over the seven week period. City officials had earlier established a Feb. 18 deadli... read more »
Walker Re-Elected to Ward 4 Council Seat
Voters in City Council Ward 4 have re-elected Robert L. “Bob” Walker to a second three-year term on the Sand Springs City Council. Walker, 53, who has served as Mayor since first being elected to the Council in 2005, defeated challenger Howard Siegel by a 114 (60 percent) to 76 (40 percent) vote margin, according to unofficial Tulsa County Election Boa... read more »
City Presence Growing at Home and Garden Show
Visitors to this year’s Greater Tulsa Home and Garden Show should easily be able to identify the City’s of Sand Springs’ exhibit. The Parks Department’s “busette” will serve as the backdrop... read more »
Tornado Season Here -- City Siren System Ready
It’s that time of the year again … the days warm, the grass greens and, unfortunately, windy funnels drop from the sky during severe storms. Spring means storm season in Sand Springs and throughout Oklahoma. Although severe weather and tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, they are most common during the spring months... read more »
Contract Awarded for Sidewalk Improvements
Residents in several neighborhoods north of downtown Sand Springs will get new sidewalks installed in front of their homes as part of the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) sidewalk connections program. Nine segments of sidewalk w... read more »
Council Adopts Policy for Highway Median Crossings
A new policy adopted by Sand Springs City Council seeks to strike a happy medium on median crossings along Highway 97 to serve existing and developing business properties. The newly adopted policy also includes and preserves most of the features of the previous driveway policies governing driveway accesses onto that highway between ... read more »
Election Tuesday for Ward 4 Council Seat
Voters in two Ward 4 precincts will go to the polls Tuesday, March 4, to select their City Council representative for a three-year term. Two candidates are seeking the post: Incumbent Mayor Robert L. “Bob” Walker, 53, 4201 S. Rustic Road; and Howard Siegel, 51, 5311 S. Redbud Pl. Since the winner of Tuesday’s election will receive a majority vote, a second election in April will not be necessary. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Only Ward ... read more »
New Location Found for Tornado Siren
One of the three new emergency warning sirens installed by the City of Sand Springs last fall will be moving to a new location to better accommodate concerns by nearby residents at its old site. The three new sirens were added to the City’s existing 16-siren system to improve coverage in areas where distance or topography limited e... read more »
Police Conclude Investigation of Steroid Use
The Sand Springs Police Department has completed a month long investigation in reference to steroid use among police officers. This investigation started as a result of rumors that an officer brought to the attention of the Chief of Police. As a result of these rumors, as well as extensive interviews with many officers within the department, four officers were subjected to drug testing to confirm or disprove use of steroids. The testing was conducted at Saint Franci... read more »
Ice Storm Debris Cleanup Nearing the End
It’s last call for the December ice storm debris haul – and closing time is near. Contract tree debris removal crews began making a final pass along all city streets and alleyways on Feb. 18. They have wrappe... read more »
Report Evaluates South Sand Springs Commercial Needs
The south Sand Springs business community could benefit from a collaborative environment between private investors and public resources, according to a consultant’s report. The South Sand Springs Economic Development Initiative, received by Sand Springs City Council at its Feb. 25 meeting, evaluates the area’s significan... read more »
Quarry Firm Files Lawsuit Against City
A firm which was denied a City of Sand Springs permit to operate a limestone quarry has taken its case to Tulsa District Court. Sand Springs Materials LLC is asking the court to overturn the Sand Springs Planning Commission’s denial of Specific Use Permit No. 010. The SUP would have allowed the firm to quarry limestone over a 25-year period on a vacant 500-acre tract between Avery Drive and 41st Street, east of Highway 97. The Planning Commission denied SUP-0... read more »
Time to CARE - Citywide Cleanup Day April 5
With spring just around the corner, it’s time for Sand Springs residents to give their homes and yards a CARE-ful cleaning. The 18th Annual Sand Springs CARE (Cleaning and Recycling Efforts) Day offers residents three sites to take their discards and recyclables on Saturday, April 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refuse items can be taken to American Environmental Landfill, located on 177th West Avenue a mile north of the Sand Springs Expressway. Tree limbs and brush... read more »
Susan Pitts Named 2007 Employee of the Year
Community Development Coordinator Susan Pitts has been named the City of Sand Springs’ 2007 Employee of the Year. The announcement came at the Feb. 20 Employee Recognition Luncheon, which was delayed two months from its normal December date due to the ice storm. Pitts have been employed with the ... read more »
City Council Denies Limestone Quarry Appeal
An appeal seeking to locate a limestone quarrying operation in south Sand Springs was denied Monday evening, Feb. 18, by the Sand Springs City Council. Applicants for Sand Springs Materials LLC had sought a Specific Use Permit to quarry limestone over a 25-year period from 515 acres of vacant land located between Avery Drive and 41st Street, east of Highway 97. The SUP application was denied by Sand Springs Planning Commission members in December. Council upheld th... read more »
City's Recycling Depot a Busy Place in 2007
Think before you toss. Sandites did plenty of thinking before throwing recyclable materials into the trash in 2007, according to statistics for the City’s Recycling Depot. The City is a member of The MET (Metropolitan Environmental Trust), which operates the Sand Springs Depot, one of 14 recycling facilities in the Tulsa metropolitan... read more »
Utility Workers Say Thanks to Sand Springs
The kindness shown by Sand Springs residents to out-of-state utility workers immediately after the Dec. 9-10 ice storm was returned in a letter received recently by Mayor Bob Walker. An army of utility workers descended on the Tulsa area following the epic storm to rebuild much of the electrical infrastructure. In S... read more »
Free Loblolly Pine Seedlings Available
Sand Springs residents pining for hearty trees to replace those lost in the December ice storm have an option available while they last at the City’s Recycling Depot. Free Loblolly Pine tree seedlings are av... read more »
Police Investigate Report of Steriod Use
Sand Springs Police are investigating a report that police officers employed by the Department may be using anabolic steroids. The investigation was initiated by Police Chief Daniel Bradley after an officer reported he heard rumors of other officers illegally using steroids. The investigation is ongoing, and Bradley declined to comment on how many officers might be involved. Anabolic steroids have gained recent notoriety for their illegal use by major league baseba... read more »
Council Endorses Plan for Road, Bridge Funds
Current Half Cent Sales Tax Would be Returned to Cities Cities and towns across Oklahoma have critical funding needs to maintain and improve their roads and bridges. The state has a half-cent of its 4.5-cent sales tax that could benefit those needs. Legislation currently under consideration would return the existing half-cent to cities and towns for their road and bridge needs. Sand Springs City... read more »
Popular Financial Report Going Out to Citizens
The City’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) will be beating a path to around 2,500 local utility customers in the coming weeks. Titled “Happy Trails,”... read more »
City Finances Perform Well on 'Performeter'
When it comes to managing its money, an annual financial report says the City of Sand Springs performs well. On a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 being the highest rating, the City’s 2007 fiscal year finances for the period ending June 30, 2007, received an overal... read more »
City Council Meeting Monday for Quarry Appeal
A special City Council meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 18, to consider the appeal of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to locate a limestone quarrying operation in south Sand Springs Sand Springs Materials LLC is seeking an SUP to quarry limestone over a 25-year period from 515 acres of vacant land located between Avery Drive and 41st Street, east of Highway 97. The SUP application was denied by Sand Springs Planning Commission members in Decem... read more »
New Website Format Ready to Go Live Monday
The domain name will remain the same, but the functions will reach for new frontiers. The City of Sand Springs’ website will have a new look Monday – one that is more user-friendly and oriented toward the information citizens need from their City government. The Website can still be found at www.sandspringsok.org. ... read more »
City's Storm Debris Cleanup Costs Adding Up
Residents need to have remaining debris to street by Feb. 18 As the removal of tree limb debris from the Dec. 9-10 ice storm in Sand Springs begins to wind down, paying for the work is beginning to add up. Through Feb. 10, overall costs for the cleanup effort total $766,475. The City’s tab for cleanup costs to date totals $95,809, according to Storm Recovery Coordinator Mike Carter. &nbs... read more »
Budget Adjustment...
Mid-Year Changes Made to Resolve $2.2 Million Funding Gap A wet summer and accounting adjustments have taken their toll on Sand Springs’ City budget this fiscal year. City Council approved nearly $2.2 million in mid-year budget adjustments during its Feb. 11 meeting – resolving a nearly 9 percent gap in the City’s $ ... read more »
City in Love with February Sales Tax Check
The City of Sand Springs has received a good Valentine’s Day present from Christmas sales. This month’s sales tax disbursement from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $965,862 – up $71,697 or 8.0 percent from the $894,165 received in February 2007. When comparing this month’s check to the $947,313 received in February 2006, it was $18,549 or 2.0 percent higher. The disbursement, which i... read more »
Chris Benge Named Speaker of the House
Sandite Rep. Chris Benge was selected by his fellow Republicans Feb. 4 to serve in one of the highest positions in State government – Speaker of the House. Benge, who lives in the City of Sand Springs’ Rolling Oaks Addition, has represented District 68 since 1998. The district includes south Sand Springs, Berryhill and the west Tulsa area. ... read more »
Council Election to Take Place in Ward 4 Only
Incumbent Draws No Opposition for Ward 3 Seat The filing period for City Council seats in Wards 3 and 4 closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, with both incumbents filing their candidacy and only one drawing a challenger. The candidate filings are: Ward 3: Mike Budge, 57, 1007 N. Lincoln Ave. Ward 4: Robert Walker, 53, 4201 S. Rustic Rd. Howard Siegel, 51, 5311 S. Redbud Pl. Burdge, who currently serves as Vice Mayor, wi... read more »
Final Ice Storm Debris Cleanup Starting Feb. 18
Residents Urged to Get Tree Limbs to Street Curb Sand Springs residents who want their remaining tree limb debris from the Dec. 9-10 ice storm collected by the City need to have them at the street curb by Monday, Feb. 18. Debris removal contractors will begin making a final pass along all public streets and alleyways on that day. All cl... read more »
River City Park Reopens After Ice Storm Cleanup
Plans Being Made to Clear Creek of Storm Debris River City Park is back in the recreation business. City park officials reopened the park at noon Friday after determining enough cleanup work had been done on trees damaged by the Dec. 9-10 ice storm to make the park safe. More than 800 trees in the park sustained damage and needed attention. Sports teams can begin using their facilities at the park. Contractors will continue to work in t... read more »
Funding Share Provided for Highway 97 Lighting
Turn on the lights. Matching funds are in place to pay the City’s portion of project costs to install lighting along Highway 97 from the Sand Springs Expressway to 41st Street. City Council approved a resolution and project agreement to provide $122,600 to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) as the City’s 20 percent share of the project’s estimated $613,000 construction cost. ODOT plans to bid the project in April and should award a contract by Jun... read more »
Citizens Reminded of Best Ways to Handle Debris
Many Sandites took advantage of last weekend’s nice weather to continue clearing their yards of debris left from the Dec. 9-10 ice storm. Debris cleanup crews also used the good weather to make headway on the massive cleanup effort. To date, nearly 74,000 cubic yards of debris has been brought to the STAR Center for burning – around 61 percent of the 120,000 cubic yards estimated for cleanup. De... read more »
Brush Burn...
To date, more than 46,000 cubic yards of debris has been br... read more »
Sand Springs Museum to Host 'Journey Stories'
Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit Coming in Fall 2009 The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum has been chosen by the Oklahoma Humanities Council to host Journey Stories as part of the Museum on Main Street Project — a national state and local partnership to bring exh... read more »
Tree Trimming Begins for City Streets, Parks
First Round of Storm Debris Cleanup Continues There’s a buzz about town – the buzz of chainsaws trimming or removing hazardous trees damaged by the Dec. 9-10 ice storm along city Streets and in city parks. Four crews began tree trimming and removal operations Jan. 23 along public right-of-ways adjacent to streets. Two more crews began trimming tree limb debris in River City Park. Their work will likely take several weeks to complete. Me... read more »
'Action Agenda' Maps Out Downtown's Future
Downtown Sand Springs businesses can benefit greatly from nearby retail redevelopment if they collaborate on their futures. There’s room for a mix of downtown commercial uses with the anticipated big box and other retailers, along with nationally branded restaurants, that will likel... read more »
Challenge Grant Offered For Community Center
Mike Case announces his $300,000 challenge gift for the new Community Center. With the City’s new Community Center building taki... read more »
Operation Helping Hand: Volunteers Needed Feb. 2
There are about two dozen elderly or disabled residents in Sand Springs who still need some helping hands to help them move their storm-damaged tree limbs to the street. On Saturday, Feb. 2, a force of hands is being organized to help get those tree limbs cleaned up and to the street curb for collection by the City. “Operation Helping Hand” needs volunteers from the community to finish cleaning up debris from the ... read more »
Debris Cleanup Moving Through Entire City
Workers have grabbed hold of the tree limb debris cleanup effort from the Dec. 9-10 ice storm. Crews are now making initial passes on streets citywide collecting tree limb debris that residents and businesses have stacked at the curb. The work should continue daily into next week. Tree limbs will be removed from the public right-of-way adjacent to stre... read more »
Storm Spotter Training in Sand Springs Jan. 24
When the weather turns ugly around Sand Springs, trained eyes trained on the skies can save lives. Citizens who want to learn the differences between a scary-looking cloud and one that may actually spawn a tornado are invited to attend a storm spotter class sponsored by the City’s Emergency Management Division. The class will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Plaz... read more »
Wet Summer, Ice Storm Chill City's Budget
December Sales Tax Check Shows Revenue Drop Mother Nature’s recent round of wintry wrath may put a chill on Sand Springs City revenues in coming months, but her tricks last summer have already put a freeze on budgets. Cool temperatures and record rainfall amounts last July dampened water sales. City finance officials report actual water revenues were down more than $800,000 from normal levels. Combined with recent adjustments in budget proj... read more »
Costs for Ice Storm Cleanup Already Adding Up
Expense reports and invoices are still coming in, but the City of Sand Springs’ initial response to the epic Dec. 9-10 ice storm looks to be epically costly. Fortunately, at least 87.5 percent of those costs shou... read more »
Traffic Alert
Westbound traffic on the Sand Springs Expressway traveling from Tulsa to Sand Springs can now exit at 81st West Avenue. The westbound exit ramp has reopened. However, drivers need to use caution as the outside (right) lane is still closed along the expressway’s westbound lanes from 65th West Avenue for shoulder paving. The eastbound entrance ramp from 81... read more »
Appeal Filed for Quarry Specific Use Permit
Applicants seeking to locate a limestone quarrying operation in south Sand Springs have appealed the denial of their request for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to the City Council. The appeal letter was received Dec. 17 by the City Clerk’s office on behalf of Sand Springs Materials LLC. The firm had sought an SUP to quarry limestone over a 25-year period from 515 acres of vacant land located between Avery Drive and 4... read more »
Ice Storm Damage...
City Explains Electrical Service Inspections for Safety The lights came on for nearly all Sand Springs residents this week following extended power outages related to the Dec. 9-10 ice storm. However, power stayed off to about 200 homes with damages to their electrical services. Those repairs are the homeowner’s responsibility and must be done in compliance with current electrical codes. “There’s nothing more frustrating tha... read more »
Disaster Declared for City Cleanup Assistance
Individual Assistance Pending, Illegal Dumping Targeted A federal disaster declaration issued Tuesday, Dec. 18, by President Bush clears the way for Sand Springs and other Tulsa County communities to clear tree debris caused by the Dec. 9-10 ice storm. City officials have started the bidding process to hire a firm familiar with disaster debris removal. A contract is expected to be awarded the week of Jan. 7, and work ... read more »
City Moving Forward With Debris Contract
Those tree limbs that are stacking up along street curbs in Sand Springs may start disappearing by mid-January. City staff is initiating a process to seek proposals from commercial contractors to remove and dispose of debris from the estimated 30,000 trees that were destroyed or damaged during the Dec. 9-10 ice storm. The City must follow its purchasing guidelines for such a significant contract, according to City Manager Dou... read more »
AEP-PSO Powers Up Sand Springs Area
City Golf Course Reopening Tuesday, Dec. 18 The lights are now back on to nearly all Sand Springs area homes and businesses following the Dec. 9-10 ice storm, according to an update from AEP-Public Service Co. of Oklahoma. All Sand Springs schools have full electrical power, and Berryhill schools had full power restored Monday evening. Most residential areas have power restored except for an area near Adams Road which... read more »
City Moves to Ice Storm Recovery Mode
All Rural Customers Getting Water Service It will be months before damages from the Dec. 9-10 epic ice storm fade from view, but Sand Springs City officials are shifting their focus in that direction. “We are moving from response mode to recovery mode,” said Deputy Fire Chief Tom Jenkins Friday morning. Recovery will include making arrangements for removal and disposal ... read more »
AEP-PSO Reports Progress on Power Restoration
The lights came on in several parts of Sand Springs Thursday, and line crews hope to make a big push to restore many more customers Friday before more wintry weather sets in this weekend. AEP-Public Service Co. of Oklahoma officials are stressing safety around the numerous electrical lines that are still down throughout the city. Also, residents using generators need to make sure they are properly installed... read more »
Sand Springs Opening Tree Limb Disposal Site
The City of Sand Springs is opening a disposal site for residents living inside the city limits who want to dispose of their downed tree limbs from last weekend’s epic ice storm rather than placing them at the street curb for later collection. The disposal site is located at the STAR Center (former Hissom Memorial Center), 13801 W. Highway 51. It will open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Users will have... read more »
Water Service Restored to Nearly All Rural Areas
Water service has been restored to all but a few areas on the City’s 150-square-mile water distribution system. Generators are running pump stations to service customers in north and northwestern areas. The Diamondhead addition near Lake Keystone is the only area out of water, according to Derek Campbell, Public Works Director. A third generator is being sought from state or federal sources to power the pump stati... read more »
PSO Provides Update for City's Power Outage
Residential and commercial customers of AEP-Public Service Co. of Oklahoma that are served by underground electrical services may see their power restored by the weekend. However, it may be next week before areas with overhead line services get the lights back on. In the interim, PSO officials are stressing safety and patience. “”We have an extremely hazardous electrical situation. We have lines down everywhere,” said Steve Penrose o... read more »
Ice Storm Freezes City in Devastation
MONDAY, DEC. 10, 6 p.m. – It may be days before electricity is restored to much of Sand Springs in the wake of Mother Nature’s worst wintry wrath in modern memory. Hundreds of trees have been damaged or destroyed under the inch-thick coating of ice. The epic ice storm has left most of the City without electricity, and water supplies are draining due to power outages at the water treatment plant. Mayor Robert Walk... read more »
Ice Storm Casts Darkness on Sand Springs
SUNDAY, DEC. 9, 5 p.m. – Ice accumulations on tree limbs and power lines have turned off the lights in numerous Sand Springs homes and businesses. Another wave of moderate to heavy icing is expected to hit the City early this evening. City officials activated the Emergency Operations Center around 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon and were opening the Plaza Community Center, 420 Plaza Ct., at 7 p.m. as a shelter for residents sus... read more »
Planning Board Votes to Deny Quarry Permit
After an extensive hearing and information gathering process, Sand Springs Planning Commission members voted Tuesday, Dec. 4, to deny a Specific Use Permit for a proposed limestone quarry. The applicant, Sand Springs Materials LLC and Westward Environmental, had sought an SUP to quarry limestone over a 25-year period from 515 acres of vacant land located between Avery Drive and 41st Street, east of Highway ... read more »
Purchase Completed for Childhood Center Building
City Pays $3.5 million in Partnership with School The Sand Springs City Council formally authorized purchase of the Early Childhood Center building Monday evening, Dec. 3 – completing a partnership agreement that will benefit both the City and the Sand Springs Public Schools. A subsequent lease will allow the facility at Morrow Road and Highway 97 to be used for school functions through ... read more »
River City Crossing Developer Agreement Extended
The development firm behind River City Crossing in Sand Springs will have more time to put together their final agreement with the City. Keystone Redevelopers LLC will have until March 31, 2008, to conclude its purchase of the 27-acre River City Crossing site in the Keystone Corridor revitalization project. Sand Springs Development Authority members and City Council approved the extension Dec. 3. ... read more »
Almy Earns Municipal Clerk's Certification
Citizens only see her behind the scenes at City Council meetings, yet Janice Almy’s job as Sand Springs’ Deputy City Clerk is at the forefront of important governmental operations. Almy is the go to person for just about any official record of the City. She maintains agendas and meeting inutes from 1943 through the present day. She keeps track of all ordinances, contracts and leases. And, she oversees the retention and disposal of documents and materi... read more »
Festival of Lights Parade in Sand Springs Friday
Get ready to light up the night in downtown Sand Springs Friday, Nov. 30. The 25th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade will shine its way through downtown streets beginning at 7 p.m. The parade features more than 100 entries and is annually viewed by 20,000 to 30,000 spectators along its 1.1-milre route. All entries are required to have some form of lighting – providing for a blaze of color amid the darkness. The parade route begins at Ad... read more »
City Initiative 'Sticking' It to Sign Litter
They literally litter the roadsides – signs advertising everything from dating services to garage sales to civic events. City officials hope a forthcoming initiative will stick it to what they affectionately term “litter on a stick.” The phased initiative was presented to City Council at its Nov. 19 meeting. The initiative will concentrate on four types of temporary signage that are frequently seen on street corners and highway right... read more »
City Council Elections Set for Wards 3 and 4
The filing period and election dates have been set for the 2008 City Council elections. Voters in Wards 3 and 4 will be deciding candidates from within their individual wards. The Ward 3 Council seat is currently held by Vice Mayor Mike Burdge, and the Ward 4 seat is held by Mayor Robert “Bob” Walker. The filing period for both Council seats will open on Monday, Feb. 4, at 8 a.m. and close on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at... read more »
Financial Reporting Excellence Awards Received
More wall space will need to be found to hang all the awards the City of Sand Springs has consistently received for financial reporting excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. For the 11th year in a row, the City received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting. A second award, received by the City for 17 years in a row, recognizes outsta... read more »
Park Superintendent Wins Professionalism Award
The Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society recently recognized Jeff Edwards, Parks and Recreation Maintenance Superintendent for the City of Sand Springs, as its Young Professional of the Year for 2007. Edwards was presented with the award during ORPS’ recent annual conference held in Tulsa. Edwards joined the City’s Parks Department nearly three years ago. A native Sandite, he ... read more »
City Readies for Winter's Snow and Ice Season
Although the thermometer has been reading in the 60s and 70s recently, City Street Division employees know November can be a month of weather extremes. Winter’s snow and ice are just around the corner. “It can be balmy one day and in the deep freeze the next. We’re prepared if that happens,” said Carla Hayes, Street Division Supervisor for the City’s Public Works Department. “We learned from last year that epic snow... read more »
City's November Sales Tax Check Breaks Even
November’s sales tax check for the City of Sand Springs was just slightly higher than its counterpart from a year ago, according to a disbursement letter from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. This month’s OTC disbursement totaled $734.575 – up $3,684 or 0.5 percent from the $730,891 received in November 2006. When comparing this month’s check to the $698,964 received in November 2005, it was $35,611 or 5.1 percent higher. ... read more »
Hundreds Attend Clock Dedication Ceremony
Time seemed to stand still as hundreds of Sandites gathered in Page Triangle beneath perfect blue skies Friday morning, Nov. 9, to unveil the City’s new clock celebrating Oklahoma’s centennial. All eyes initially focused on Broadway Street as the Charles Page High School band swept into the ceremony to a drum cadence. As the band played the National Anthem, a police and firefighter honor guard raised the American ... read more »
Ancient Forest Offers Backdrop for Osage Meeting
Sunlight glistened through the trees at the Keystone Ancient Forest Wednesday morning, Nov. 7, warming the crisp fall air to an inviting temperature for hiking. Fallen leaves rustled as a party of Sand Springs City staff members, Vice Mayor Mike Burdge, Osage Tribal Chief James Gray, members of the Osage Tribal Congress, and tribal administrators trekked from the forest preserve’s parking area to hilltop points overlook... read more »
Police, City Adjust to New Immigration Law
Sand Springs police and City administrators are adjusting to the realities of House Bill 1804, Oklahoma’s legislation addressing illegal immigration. The law went into effect Nov. 1 and has spurred plenty of confusion and debate. However, City policy will deal with the law in a straight-forward manner, according to Asst. City Manager Kevin Nelson and Asst. Police Chief Mike Carter. “... read more »