Jenks Tribune, Digital Issue 14 November 22, 2019 by jenkstribune6

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •

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LITTLE FOUND GUILTY Jason Dale Little found guilty on homicide charges from April of 2018 By HAYDEN TUCKER

htucker@jenkstribune.com

KEY TO GOOD COFFEE

A man accused of killing his wife’s lover was found guilty before a Tulsa County jury last week. Jason Dale Little, 26 of Bristow, was found guilty on homicide charges after he gunned down another man on the railroad tracks in Jenks by the high school on B Street a year and a half ago.

The trial began Oct. 5 and ended Nov. 8 after a four-hour deliberation from the jury. The jury recommended they sentence Little to life with the possibility of parole. Little will be up for sentencing Dec. 17. How it happened: Jenks police responded to reports of a man down on the railroad tracks near B Street by the high school on April 22,

Vintage Key gives Jenks a local coffee shop. It officially opened its doors on Main Streeet Oct. 10. Read the story on Page 7A.

2018. Upon arrival, officers discovered 21-year-old Johnathon Weatherford had taken a bullet to the back. Police quickly found their suspect in Jason Little. JPD arrested Little and took him in for questioning. Little was subject to hours of questioning the 22 and 23. During this time, Jenks Police gathered video evidence from houses, a nearby stor-

Jason Dale Little age unit facility and the high school. In the beginning, Little claimed he

wasn’t in Jenks at the time of the murder, however, as police showed him the video of his car in the area of the crime, he changed his story. “He (Little) eventually put himself in every location that the videos catch him in, which was a big deal,” said case officer Major Melissa Brown. “Those video surveillance Continued to GUILTY, Page 2A

Dyke named new Ward 4 City Council Member with 4-2 vote over Bowman By KYLE SALOMON

ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

ADVANCING TO THE SEMIS The Jenks football team took care of business last Friday against Mustang to open the playoffs. Read the story on Page 1B.

Donna Ogez

Council Member Ogez selected as Jenks’ next Vice Mayor Monday By KYLE SALOMON

ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

For the third time since April, the City of Jenks has a new Vice Mayor. However, the City Council hopes the third time is the charm with City Council Member Donna Ogez being elected as the new Vice Mayor at Monday’s City Council Meeting. “It’s exciting,” Ogez said. “I am looking forward to bringing us together as a team and developing a great rapport with the citizens and getting more in contact with our

CLEAN SWEEP OF CHAMPS The Jenks Middle School, junior high, junior varsity and varsity pom squads impressed at local competition. See photos on Page 5B.

Continued to OGEZ, Page 2A

Anthem Road Academy takes teaching trip to Ghana Last month, a group of 10 musically inclined dreamers stepped off a plane in Accra, Ghana. Anthem Road Academy, a music school in Jenks, traveled to Ghana for the first time, ready to teach music and the Dream Traders curriculum, written by the group’s leader and Anthem Road Academy owner, Heather Turner. See the story on Page 6B.

The Jenks City Council has been without a Ward 4 Member since early September when former City Council Member Dr. Josh Wedman stepped down for personal reasons. Monday, at the Jenks City Council Meeting, a new Ward 4 City Council Member was selected and that was Dawn Dyke. Dyke was sworn into office immediately. Dyke defeated local Jenks business owner Craig Bowman with four votes compared to Bowman’s two to claim the seat. “I was pleasantly surprised when Council Member Isbel nominated me,” Dyke said. “I appreciated all of the kind words he had to say. It was a little overwhelming when I was selected. I do understand Mr. Bowman had

Dawn Dyke was sworn into office Monday at the City Council meeting as the new Ward 4 City Council Member. Photo/Kyle Salomon a lot of experience. I felt really special that they chose me to fill that position.” Going into Monday’s meeting there were five candidates for the Ward 4 vacancy. Dyke, Bowman, Grant Butler, Matt McDonald and Christopher Woods were the five up for the job.

Following Isbel’s nomination of Dyke, City Council Member Cory Box nominated Bowman. None of the other candidates were nominated, so the vote was between Dyke and Bowman. Box and Isbel had a passionate debate on Continued to DYKE, Page 2A

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID JENKS, OK PERMIT NO. 7

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Friday, November 22, 2019

JENKS PD INCIDENT REPORTS INCIDENT REPORTS November 11 through November 17 LARCENY-AUTO AIRCRAFT OR OTHER MOTOR VEH-2000 E 132ND The suspect(s) stole the victim’s utility trailer that was parked on the victim’s driveway located at 2009 E 132nd St, Jenks OK, 74037 (Tulsa County).

VANDALISM (CITY)700 W 115TH ST Damaged the victim’s property by cutting the fence denying her of its use. LARCENY FROM THE HOUSE-400 N FOREST ST Unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered the victim’s house and stole a laptop, without the victim’s permis-

sion. DUI – LIQUOR OR DRUGS-10800 S HWY 75 Cesar was driving under the influence of alcohol and hit a guardrail. LARCENY FROM THE HOUSE-300 E 122ND CT The suspect entered the victims residence and stole a blank check

from the victim. The suspect, with intent to defraud, forged the victims signature on a check made out for $100.00. GRAND LARCENY-700 W MAIN ST Unknown suspect(s) unlawfully took the victim’s trailer, without the victim’s permission.

BURGLARY 2ND DEGREE-117TH S HOLLEY ST Unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered the victim’s residence and removed the victim’s property from the residence. BURGLARY 2ND DEGREE-900 N BIRCH ST The suspect unlawfully entered the vic-

tims residence and stole a bank money bag with $900 inside. ARRESTS CESAR HERNANDEZ 11/15/19 TRANSPORTING OPEN CONTAINERBEER; FAILURE TO CARRY INSURANCE VERIF; DRIVING W/ LICENSE CANC/ SUSP/REVOKED; DUI – LIQUOR OR DRUGS

NOTE: The Jenks Police Department submits the weekly incident reports to the Jenks Tribune and the Tribune runs the reports as they are delivered

Guilty

cameras catching him and him being the only vehicle in the area that possibly could have had a problem with this person was really what put it over the edge.” But there wasn’t enough video evidence at the time JPD had Little in custody and the paperwork wasn’t complete. They had to let Little walk.

Ogez

After a few days of evidence gathering, Jenks issued a warrant for Little’s arrest. He was taken in on no bond the first week of May 2018 and hasn’t left since. The motive: Jason and Hannah Little were high school sweethearts and even had a child during that time. Jason and

Hannah eventually grew apart after graduation and Hannah tried to move on. Hannah dated others, all of whom Jason had a problem with. The two married shortly before the homicide. Jason told Hannah he was being deployed to an unsafe place and the best way to make sure their son would get good benefits was for the two to be married. It was a “mutual agreement for

financial reasons.” Major Brown said they found no evidence solidifying that he was going to be deployed. Little was a member of the Army National Guard. JPD believes that wasn’t Jason’s motive to get married, rather, it was for love. “We believe that was just a ploy to get her (Hannah) to marry him (Jason),” Brown said. On the day of the incident, Little was to bring his son to see

Hannah at Johnathan Weatherford’s place. Hannah asked Weatherford to leave while Little dropped off her son. Little watches Weatherford leave his house and followed him down the railroad tracks. That’s when Little snuck behind Weatherford where he would be shot in the back with a high-powered rifle. Johnathan

Weatherford and Hannah Little had been dating for approximately four days, according to Brown. This is the first murder case in Jenks since a 2014 murder-suicide. Before that, there was a murder in 2012. “This isn’t something that happens very often,” Brown said. “It took a lot of manpower, took a lot of hours. We’re very proud that we were able to give justice for the family.”

Vice Mayor in April, before stepping down during the summer

months when former Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council Member Dr. Josh Wedman was voted into the position to replace Lynn. Wedman stepped

down from the Vice Mayor and City Council Member positions in early September forcing the City of Jenks to find another Vice Mayor. During Monday’s meeting, City Council Member Gary Isbel nominated Ogez, while City Council Member Craig Murray nominated City Council Member Cory Box. Box declined Murray’s nomination, which forced Murray to withdraw his nomination of Box and then Ogez was unanimously

voted in as Jenks’ next Vice Mayor. Ogez mentioned one area of the city she wants to see improved. “I am very passionate about the city’s infrastructure. With the outlet mall coming, we need to make sure we are working on alleviating as many of our already huge traffic issues as quickly as we can.” The Vice Mayor’s responsibilities include supporting the current Mayor and stepping in and helping when and where he or she is

needed. With Dawn Dyke being voted in as the new Ward 4 City Council Member during Monday’s meeting, the Jenks City Council is now complete for the first time since Wedman stepped down in early September. “It was a tough call,” Ogez said. “We had some very good applicants. It is good that we can now move forward and cohesively work together to help this city move forward.”

Member and now Vice Mayor Donna Ogez voted Dyke, which gave Dyke the victory. “I am looking forward to getting in and getting my feet wet and to go through the training, so I can really understand the laws,” Dyke said. “I am going to ask a lot of questions and get a feel for what is happening. If I don’t know what is going on,

I won’t be able to serve to the best of my ability.” Dyke said she was stunned with the support she had throughout the community. “So many friends and family supported me. It means a lot to have the chance to represent them. I am going to take extra special care with what I am doing and how I am voting, so it is appropriate and the best for everyone.”

From page 1A

citizens.” City Council Member Kaye Lynn was elected

Dyke

From page 1A

why they each felt their nominee was the best selection for the Ward 4 position. Box voted Bowman, Isbel voted Dyke, which left four more votes to decide the seat. Mayor Robert Lee voted Dyke, City Council Member Craig Murray voted Bowman, City Council Member Kaye Lynn voted Dyke and City Council

Friday, November 22, 2019

JenksTribune.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear business owner, Jenks Middle School offers a one-of-a-kind program every year named JMS Global. The program consists of a year-long course for eighth grade students who learn about a selected country (or countries) and its customs, followed by a spring tour of the selected location(s). Upon their return, students will produce a

video detailing what they’ve learned, how it compares to their own culture and customs, and what we can learn as a community from the nation they visited. The goal of this unique program is to foster understanding and tolerance within our young men and women, so Jenks students are prepared for their own futures within our global community. This year’s two JMS

Global classes will be studying and touring the beautiful country of Greece. One class will be studying Arts and Humanities while the other class will focus on Science and Agriculture. We are seeking donations from businesses like yours to help sponsor our students as they travel abroad. Funds raised will go toward airfare costs, room and board while

abroad, entry to museums and local sites, as well as experienced tour guides while in country. Our ultimate goal is to provide this incredible opportunity for qualified students free of charge so that everyone is able to attend, regardless of their financial situation. Item donations will be used as prizes for our annual BINGO Night on Nov. 23rd. Students are selected

through a rigorous selection process including an application, grade checks, teacher recommendations, and an interview with the selection panel. Forty-seven students were selected this year out of over 150 who applied. These students truly represent the best that Jenks Middle School has to offer, and we couldn’t be more proud of our group.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, or go to www.jenksfoundation. org to donate directly. Thank you for your consideration, Morgan Brown Morgan.brown@jenksps.org

Stephen Tillinghast stephen.tillinghast@jenksps.org

JenksTribune.com

Jenks Tribune Founded, owned, operated and published by Hyperlocal LLC 329 S. Elm Street Suite #201 Jenks, Oklahoma 74037 Phone: 918-528-7272 Fax: 918-528-5605 www.jenkstribune.com

Jenks Tribune Mission Statement “We are the Jenks community’s hometown source for hyperlocal news, sports and information that the people of our community need to know.” Jenks Tribune is mailed weekly through the Jenks Postal Office and United States Postal Service to all U.S. Postal customers in the 74037 zip code.

Jenks Tribune Staff Kyle Salomon

Owner: Hyperlocal LLC Publisher: Jenks Tribune Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 918-231-0787 Email: ksalomon@ jenkstribune.com

Hayden Tucker Director of Media/ Sports Editor: Jenks Tribune

Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 405-651-8451 Email: htucker@ jenkstribune.com

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Creative Director/ Advertising Executive: Jenks Tribune Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 918-813-0654 Email: jwiesman@ jenkstribune.com

Cami Rogers Advertising Executive: Jenks Tribune Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 918-688-2264 Email: camirogers9@ cox.net

Friday, November 22, 2019

HEARING FROM THE OWNER’S BOX Hello Jenks, America! I hope you all have had a wonderful week here in our great community. The weather for the first four days of this week was incredible. Sunny skies, warm temperatures and gorgeous nights made this week hard to beat when it comes to weather. However, this time of year, things can change on a dime and that is what has happened today. It is chillier and a little more wet today, but still very thankful for the rain and thankful that we can enjoy many different types of weather here in northeastern Oklahoma. The annual Chamber of Commerce event, Lights On, took place Thursday evening in downtown Jenks. The Jenks vocal music choir and show choir performed flawlessly and helped get the holiday season underway in our community. I sure hope you had a

chance to see all the wonderful holiday decorations many people have worked hard to put up in preparation for the event. The annual Jenks Christmas Parade is taking place at 10 a.m. Saturday on Main Street in Jenks. Area people come and line the streets, as one ofJenks’ best traditions takes center stage. I strongly encourage you to get out and show your holiday spirit by attending the annual parade. The Jenks football team has found its groove at the right time. The Trojans took

care of business last Friday with a firstround playoff win at Mustang and they face a tenacious Moore team at 7 p.m. tonight at Edmond North High School in the 6A-1 semifinals. If Jenks can beat the Lions, the Trojans will advance to the 6A-1 state championship game to face the winner of Owasso and Broken Arrow, who play at 7 p.m. Saturday in the other semifinal game at Jenks’ Allan Trimble Stadium. Good luck Trojans and beat Moore! Today’s Jenks Tribune is the first in our new subscription model. We want to thank all that have signed up to get a printed copy of the Jenks Tribune and if you are one who likes to read our e-edition on our website, we appreciate you as well. If you want to sign up for a printed copy, you can still do so by emailing you name and

address to office@jenkstribune.com, filling out the subscription ad in the paper and mailing it to the Jenks Tribune at 329 S. Elm St. Ste 201 Jenks, OK 74037 or filling out the subscription box on our website at www.jenkstribune.com. Thanksgiving week is next week, which means the Jenks Tribune is printing early. We are going to mail out our papers Wednesday instead of Friday next week to allow our advertisers to get Black Friday sales in the paper prior to Friday, so be sure to look for the Jenks Tribune on Wednesday instead of Friday. Well, that is all for today folks. I hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend here in Jenks. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the Jenks Tribune. Sincerely, Kyle Salomon ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

A NEW APPRECIATION Editor’s note: Hayden Tucker joined JPD’s Sean Scott on a ride along last Wednesday. Tucker did this with the intention of better understanding the day-to-day of Jenks Police. Like many people, I’ve long wished to experience the excitement and drama of a police officer. And like most people, I didn’t want to become a police officer to get that experience so I decided this would be the next best thing. I joined Corporal Sean Scott from 3-5:30 p.m. last Wednesday as he showed me around Jenks, answered questions I had and explained how he does his job. We started out with Scott driving me around JPD’s limits. He explained to me where Jenks responded to, and where they didn’t. I was interested to find that there were many areas outside of the Jenks city limits that JPD covers. Being that I’ve only lived in Jenks for five months, it was nice getting to look around places in Jenks I had never seen before. He showed me the Snow Tree, which I’ve found many people don’t know about, as well as some of the best places in Jenks to catch the fall foliage. When I told friends and family I would be

doing a ride along, I was met with wide eyes and enthusiasm. Many people have a picture painted in their heads that being a police officer is always full of excitement and adrenaline. I’ve been around police departments for about two years now, so I had a pretty good understanding that life as a police officer isn’t always all that’s depicted in Live PD and during the course of my ride along, I found out that was mostly true. While we were out, there were only two calls made. One for a semi-truck needing a wrecker, the other a response to a deer found hit in the middle of the road. Scott and I didn’t go to the scenes as other officers were more available, but that shows how slow the job can be sometimes. Scott explained that there are many days like last Wednesday, but there is an equal amount of days where JPD officers can’t catch

their breath. Jenks Police Department has a slim staff, and many are forced to pick up extra duties. Scott said he doesn’t get to go out and patrol as much as he used to. These days, Scott sticks around the department doing administrative work such as grading police reports. Scott explained that, just like in newspapers, a report must be checked to ensure it’s factually correct and that there are no spelling mistakes. When Scott does go out, he likes to do what he calls ‘focused enforcement.’ Scott will sometimes follow a school bus on its route watching for would-be traffic violations. Other times it’s a stop sign that’s notorious for people not stopping. I particularly liked this notion, as the topic of people passing school buses while stopped has ramped up in the recent years. Jenks Public Schools recently added cameras to 12 buses for added safety and they hope in the near future they will be able to invest in cameras on the bus stop sign. Until then, what Scott does is important. Scott has Marvel decorations lightly scattered throughout his car. While he admits he’s a fan, he says that when children are in

his vehicle, they like to see Spiderman hanging from the ceiling or Captain America’s shield as cup holder coasters. Scott and the Jenks Police Department try as often as they can to establish a bond with the youth in the community. While we were patrolling a neighborhood, children at the end of a cul-de-sac playing noticed the car and began waving. One boy jokingly put his arms up as if to say, ‘I’m innocent!’ Scott pulled over, reached around his seat to grab a bag of plush toys, got out of his car and gave them to each of them. Moments like this show the importance JPD places on strengthening the bond with citizens. Acts like these are small but will play a pivotal role in how those children may view the police when they are older. I didn’t come into my ride along expecting excitement and drama, I simply wanted to get a feel of the day-to-day operations of a Jenks police officer. I thank Sean Scott and Captain Cameron Arthur for their being candid about the operation, and I hope the people of Jenks see the hard work and effort they put in each day to ensure we all lead safe, quiet lives.

GUEST COLUMN

MAIN STREET MATTERS WITH SARAH CLAVIN There is something profoundly satisfying about sharing a meal together. Eating, breaking bread together, is one of the oldest and most fundamentally unifying of human experiences. Sharing a meal with friends and family during the holidays is a foundational aspect of a celebration. Whether it be a holiday, a birthday or just a special event, sharing a meal is almost intuitive to the process of the celebration. The table has always been the place where the family, friends and even enemies come together. Relationships are built around the table. Celebrations and tragedies are shared around the table. Life

happens at the proverbial table. Stories of the day, experiences shared, and lessons learned, are conversations that forge memories and shape lives. All from breaking bread and sharing a meal. Since all of us “kids” are now grown up, family night at our parents house results in both hilarious and serious

conversations around the table (and even the center island while we snack and sneak our dinner before its ready). But they often reflect the conversation from meals during childhood. One of my earliest memories is sitting at the kitchen table eating some casserole my mom made with warm croissants (also my dad promptly stabbing me in the elbow with his fork because my elbow was on the table again). We learned to listen, we learned to share, we learned to negotiate and we learned charity. During one dinner in particular, my siblings and I planned and prepared to ask our Dad if we could get a puppy. We presented, Dad lis-

ten, we debated, we promised, and in the end Dad said ‘’No”. So we wound up with a little brown poodle puppy name Riley. We have shared powerpoint presentations at the table, tears over a broken relationship, and many many bible verses. The term “breaking bread” is generally synonymous with sharing a meal. In many cultures bread is a staple item at most meals. Bread takes on many forms in our society from sliced bread to hot raised rolls, from flat bread to bagels. The recipe I’m sharing today is a secret family recipe for what we call “Beer Bread”( this one is for you Ms Continued to CLAVIN, Page 5A

Friday, November 22, 2019

JenksTribune.com

Oklahoma Wing Flight conducts cadet change of command ceremony SUBMITTED On Oct. 14, Cadet Lt. Col. Bailey Lunsford of Tulsa handed over cadet command of Riverside Flight’s cadet squadron to Cadet 2d Lt Jeremiah Groves of Grove. “Over the last five years, I have watched Groves grow into an excellent leader,” outgoing Cadet Commander Lunsford, said. “I have no doubt he will command the cadet squadron well.” The tradition of the change of command goes back to the time of the Roman Legions, when the passing of the commander’s baton occurred in front of the troops, so that they would witness the leader who would take them into battle. In the late 18th century, the Continental Army resumed the tradition in the Unites States. This ceremony was practiced even before the Air Force became a separate branch of the United States military. According to Air Force Pamphlet (AFP) 34-1202, “The primary purpose of a change of

Clavin

command ceremony is to allow subordinates to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another. The ceremony should be official, formal, brief and conducted with great dignity.” The AFP also stresses the importance of the flag or guidon exchange as follows: “The flag/guidon is exchanged during the change of command as a symbolic gesture providing a tangible view of the command authority being transferred from one commander to the next.” “I am looking forward to this next chapter for not only myself but for my unit,” said Cadet 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Groves, the incoming cadet commander. “There are a lot of passionate cadet noncommissioned officers in this unit and a lot of cadet airmen eager to continue learning.” Follow the adventures of Riverside Flight at Facebook. com/RiversideOK.CAP. Riverside Flight meets Monday’s from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Tulsa Tech’s Riverside Campus.

From page 4A

Mahaffey!) . Of course the name is derived from the liquid ingredient used in the bread; beer. Now, you may be

able to use other beers, but we’ve always used the King of Beers in our recipe; Budweiser it tends to give a rich

Outgoing cadet commander, Cadet Lt. Col. Bailey Lunsford and incoming cadet commander, Cadet 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Groves pictured at Riverside Flight’s Change of Command Ceremony. Photo/Courtesy

final flavor and guarantees the bread to rise properly (thanks to the key ingredient, yeast). I can’t guarantee your loaf will turn out to perfection, but I can guarantee that it will

be warm, and inviting, and will spark conversation in your home and among those with whom you share it. Bon Appetit. Beer Bread Ingredients:

• 3 cups Self rising flour • 1 cup of Sugar • 12oz can of beer Directions: • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. • May want to distrib-

ute beer slowly into the mixture • Transfer to loaf pan • Bake 45 min at 350 degrees • Add melted ¾ stick of butter and bake for 15 min at 350 degrees

JenksTribune.com

Friday, November 22, 2019

Anthem Road Academy leaves impact in Ghana SUBMITTED Last month, a group of 10 musically inclined dreamers stepped off a plane in Accra, Ghana. Anthem Road Academy, a music school in Jenks, traveled to Ghana for the first time, ready to teach music and the Dream Traders curriculum, written by the group’s leader and Anthem Road Academy owner, Heather Turner. The first two days were spent at The Pearl House Academy, a school established by the Ghanaian non-profit, The Pearl House. The Pearl House Academy is a preschool, primary and junior high school located in the Central Region of Ghana. The team spent two days rotating between the preschool classes, the primary classes, and the Jenks High School classes. During the rotations, the group taught the Dream Traders curriculum

and led the classes in music using a variety of instruments. Students were encouraged to uncover their “Big Dream” and they were empowered to discover the steps they need to make to achieve that dream. In order to learn more about the history of Ghana, the group made a visit to Elmina Castle, a former hub of slave trade in West Africa. That afternoon their talents were used to work with the choir at our local church. The team taught and learned some worship songs while also teaching the audio-visual team. The following day, the group had the opportunity to teach, preach, and lead worship in church. The morning was a beautiful blend of two cultures coming together in worship. The next day, the Dream Traders group visited another non-profit in Ghana called Project Nyame Nsa (meaning “Project

God’s Hand”). This non-profit has a foster care structure that gives aid to children in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The team spent the day training the staff in the Dream Traders curriculum so they would be able to teach their children. The staff engaged in meaningful and challenging discussions on the importance of empowering their children. These group discussions took place while the children were at school. When the children returned, the team led them in a fun time of music and games. To say the group was busy is an understatement, not a moment was wasted. Every moment was used to love, to serve and to learn. We are so grateful for the partnership between Anthem Road Academy and The Pearl House. It is a partnership that spans the ocean and the future possibilities are endless.

Last month, a group of 10 musically inclined dreamers stepped off a plane in Accra, Ghana. Anthem Road Academy traveled to Ghana ready to teach music and the Dream Traders curriculum. Photos/Courtesy

7A • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •

KEY TO GOOD COFFEE

Lee and Kelley Churchill make mark with new coffee shop on Main Street By KYLE SALOMON

ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

Local main street coffee shops are mainstays in many communities similar in size to Jenks and now thanks to Lee and Kelley Churchill, Jenks can say that have joined the coffee shop scene. Vintage Key opened its doors Oct. 10 after months of hardships of preparation and obstacles to overcome, but the Churchills were determined to give Jenks a new coffee shop. Lee’s job moved the couple to Tulsa at the end of 2017 and with Kelley having to look for a new job following the move, the Churchill’s decided to pursue another dream, opening a small business. “We both worked in

the corporate world and had talked about someday opening a small business,” Lee said. “The question was who was going to quit their good corporate job to be the one to run the business. With me being transferred to Tulsa, it forced our hand because Kelley was no longer be able to work for her company she was with anymore, so we decided maybe it was time to do something different.” The Churchill’s had expressed interest in the Main Street location at 111 E. Main St. when they first moved to Jenks, but the current owner decided to sell his location to another buyer. Several months went by and in April of 2018, Kelley got a call from the landlord when they were standing in line at

Burn Co. waiting to eat dinner. The landlord asked Kelley the current owner had decided to sell the location after just several months of business and asked if the Churchill’s were still interested in leasing the store. Kelley asked for a day to talk with Lee about it and after a long discussion that night and without a completed business plan, they decided to jump in feet first and pursue the small-business dream. “We wanted a Main Street location, so we wanted to make sure we didn’t miss the chance because we knew it wouldn’t be on the market long,” Kelley said. The couple knew the store would require a lot of work before they opened because they

said they wanted to be different than the previous coffee shops that had been in that location. “We wanted something opposite of the former stores and change the reputation of coffee in downtown Jenks,” Kelley said. The flooding that hit the Tulsa and specifically the Jenks area in May and June effected the ability for the Churchill’s to get contractors out to the store to do work that needed be done throughout the summer months. The couple didn’t start to gain much traction until late July into August, but even then, they had trouble getting the right people out to help with the work, so they had to do a lot of it themselves. Lee had to work evenings and weekends

around his day-time job to help get the store ready to go. For the month of November, the Vintage Key’s hours are 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and closed on Sunday and Mondays. “It takes time to build a customer base, but we are off to a good start,” Kelley said. “People are starting to come in almost daily and we are starting to get regulars. I chose the name Vintage Key because I really love vintage keys and I felt like it followed the theme down here on Main Street.” Lee said the response thus far has been humbling. “Everyone loves the coffee and that is

important to us. Customer service is the most important thing to us. We want feedback. We want to be able to accommodate people and what they want from their coffee and their pastries. All of our pastries are made in house. We have been humbled by the hospitality here in Jenks and the entire Tulsa area. We want to listen to people and here what they have to say about us and our products. We want to enhance the coffee drinking experience and accommodate every kind of coffee drinker. People go to coffee shops for the experience and we have been humbled by the support in the short time we have been opened.”

Smitty’s Garage looks to make impact in community Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer, located in Tulsa just across the Jenks bridge, is eager to make an impact in the community. Smitty’s Garage is

looking for non-profits in the area, who are interested in participating in a benefit night hosted by the restaurant. It provides a way for

members of the non-profit to get together and raise money, while enjoying food and the family-oriented atmosphere the Garage employs.

Benefit nights take place Monday through Thursday during the three-hour dinner time slot and 10% of the food and beverage sales gets donated to that

particular non-profit. The benefit night will be advertised on the Garage’s social media accounts and in house. If interested in hav-

ing a benefit night at the Garage, call 918-2967239 or email garageriverside@halsmith.com and ask for Luther or Whitney.

JenksTribune.com

Friday, November 22, 2019

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •

Matchup with Moore could be handful for Jenks By HAYDEN TUCKER

htucker@jenkstribune.com

Griffin Forbes runs in the open field. Forbes talllied 61 of Jenks’ 266 rushing yards against Mustang. Photos/Hayden Tucker

Trojans make statement with win over Mustang By HAYDEN TUCKER

htucker@jenkstribune.com

MUSTANG – It was unchartered waters for Jenks football on the road for the first round of the playoffs. The Trojans ended their regular season 6-4, giving them the three seed in Class 6A-I Division I. This put them on the road facing the turnaround Mustang Broncos. Jenks walked out of Mustang with a 55-28 statement win. “We just wanted to show that we’re the best team in the state and we wanted everyone to know it,” senior offensive lineman Max Johnson said. “We wanted to be humble going into the game. We knew they were an athletic team and

we just had to play to the best of our ability.” It didn’t take long for the Trojans to send their message. Jenks came out of the gate on a mission, going up 21-0 by the halftime break. Senior running back Will Cox scored the first two, quarterback Stephen Kittleman connected with Justin Murphy late in the second period to ensure the Trojans had momentum going into the break. Mustang wasted no time in the third quarter getting on the board. Bronco quarterback Hayden Conrad hit Khary Brown for an 82-yard score. Jenks would go on to score on each of its next three possessions.

Trojans dive in at home

Mustang answered with one of its own after, closing the deficit to 40-14. Kittleman would close the third period with a 36-yard touchdown pass to Bo Estes. Grant Lohr sealed the game with 1:08 remaining in the third quarter with a pick six, putting Jenks up 55-14. Mustang would go on to score two touchdowns in the fourth for a 55-28 final score. The Trojans outgained the Broncos on offense 537 to 438. Cox led the team in rushing yards, collecting 150 of the 266 rushing yards. Cox eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards on the season with his outing. Kittleman was 16-for-25 with 271 Continued to WIN, Page 2B

Moore sent shockwaves across the state taking down the number one team in Class 6A-I District I in Edmond Santa Fe, pitting itself against Jenks in the state semifinals. The Lions took down the Wolves 41-26 in the quarterfinals. Edmond Santa Fe is coming off a season in which it defeated both Broken Arrow and Jenks in the regular season, being the first west side school to win in Jenks since 2002. Moore is now Jenks’ problem, and they proved they were a problem with the impressive offensive numbers put up. Moore quarterback Daniel Hishaw Jr. has been no secret as one of the state’s best athletes. He’ll be continuing his football career with the University of Kansas next fall. Last Friday he proved his talents again. Hishaw posted 67 rushing yards and four touchdowns against the Wolves. As well as he can run the Continued to MOORE, Page 2B

Jayden Patrick and Cade Stacy celebreate a big play against Mustang. Photo/Hayden Tucker

REGIONAL CHAMPS

Jenks opened the regular season Tuesday night at home. Photo/Drew Bethell By HAYDEN TUCKER

htucker@jenkstribune.com

Jenks swim held its regular season home opener Tuesday on a high note. The boys and girls teams combined to take first place over visiting Stillwater and Broken Arrow. Jenks scored 412 points as a school. Jenks won all but two of the 22 events. Stillwater’s Gavin Sires took first place in the 100 yard backstroke and the 50 yard freestyle in the only events not won by Jenks. Both girls 200 yard medley relay teams were first and second as well as the boys. Jenks will host Ft. Gibson, Bixby and Norman Dec. 3.

Above, Jenks varsity pom reacts to the announcement they took first place in the Regional Championship. The middle school, junior high and junior varsity squads took first place as well. Photos/Drew Bethell

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The Trojans held Mustang to 98 rushing yards. Photos/Hayden Tucker

Stephen Kittleman was 16-for-25 with 271 yards and five touchdowns.

Bo Estes pulled down six passes for 79 yards.

Cade Stacy racked up three tackles against the Broncos.

Win

Will Cox eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards this season with his 150 against Mustang.

Moore

From page 2B

yards and five touchdowns. Senior Justin Murphy secured four catches for 97 yards, a team high. Bo Estes grabbed six receptions for 79 yards. The Trojan defense limited the Broncos to just 98 rushing yards and forced two turnovers. The win moves Jenks on to the semifinal round where Moore awaits. The fourth-seeded Lions upset top ranked Edmond Santa Fe in the quarterfinals. Edmond Santa Fe had notable wins over Broken Arrow and Jenks during the regular season. Moore and Jenks will play Friday at Edmond North High School at 7 p.m. The Trojans will be ready for the challenge. “We take it one day at a time,” Johnson said after the game. “We’ll come in on Monday, watch some film on them and game plan.”

Friday, November 22, 2019

Grant Lohr looks to get around a Bronco defender last Friday.

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ball, something can be said of his passing game as well. “He throws it really well,” defensive coordinator Adam Gaylor said. “Kind of an unorthodox release but he can get there. He can make all the throws. He can throw the come back to the field from the far hash. “He was a really good athlete when we faced him when I was at Mustang but I don’t think people give him credit, and accurate for the most part.” Hishaw’s game is similar to that of Norman quarterback Cade Horton who torched the Trojans for 205 passing yards and 219 rushing yards during the regular season. Gaylor says he doesn’t anticipate Jenks making the same mistakes it did against the Tigers. “The biggest thing we didn’t do against those guys was make tackles,” he said. “Tackled very poorly and had some misfits with our d-line and our linebackers with our quarterback run game. That was a major issue. I don’t think it was necessarily a structure issue.” But Moore doesn’t need to solely rely on its quarterback to keep them in a game. Lion running back Jayce Gardner lit up Santa Fe last week with 284 yards and two touchdowns. Moore’s offense is unorthodox, and players like Gardner will be a threat when

he’s running with the ball in his hands. “Their run game, it’s not flexbone but it’s almost like triple option,” Gaylor said. “They make different plays look the same to get you to play it the same but if you play it the same, you’re going to be wrong. They make it extremely difficult.” Stopping the Moore offense won’t be easy but the key play of a few defenders will make the difference. Having a young talent on the defensive line like A.J. Brown can make the difference against a lofty Moore offensive line. “He’s a sophomore so he’s starting to figure it out, starting to get into a zone,” Gaylor said. “His effort is unbelievable, he just plays so hard.” Junior Quinn Hill has made exchanges in position between corner and safety. Hill has impressed over the past few weeks. Against Mustang Hill recorded 5.5 tackles, proving that he’s coming into his own. “Quinn comes in and he’s the fastest guy on the team. That guy can fly, he can flat out run… He’s starting to see things and understand, ‘I see this, my key does this, I trigger.’ He’s starting to play really fast.” Jenks and Moore play Friday at Edmond North beginning at 7 p.m.

Friday, November 22, 2019

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Pom claims four regional championships

Jenks pom swept the DTU Regional Championships last weekend at Broken Arrow. The middle school, jurnior high, junior varsity and varsity squads took first place. The junior varsity took the award for â&#x20AC;&#x153;best costume.â&#x20AC;? On the middle school team, Caroline Fulton and Maggie Turner took third in the Youth Duet Division. In the junior solo division for varsity, Lauren Conkling placed sixth and Chantal Le placed second. Photo/Drew Bethell

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Friday, November 22, 2019

Swim sweeps Tuesday home opener

Jenks boys and girls swim teams took first place in the first home meet of the season. The Trojans edged out visiting Stillwater and Broken Arrow. Photos/Drew Bethell

5B • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •

Pom domination The Jenks Middle School, junior high, junior varsity and varsity pom squads all took first place at the DTU Championships Saturday at Broken Arrow High School. See more photos on Page 6B. Photo/Drew Bethell

Jenks Public Schools Foundation receives $100,000 grant SUBMITTED The Jenks Public Schools (JPS) Foundation is pleased to announce it has received a $100,000 grant from The Mary K. Chapman Foundation. This gift, directed towards STEM Learning, will enable the JPS Foundation to complete a $1.7 million STEM Learning Funding Initiative. The STEM Learning Funding Initiative began in 2015 when Jenks Public Schools leaders turned to the JPS Foundation to fund STEM Learning Labs at six school sites. (Jenks Middle School, two intermediate Schools, and three elementary schools) The funding initiative also included two years of payroll support for facilitators at each STEM Lab. As a result of the request for help in 2015, the JPS Foundation staff and Board of Directors immediately embarked on a journey to bring 21st century

STEM learning environments to over 6000 students. A lead gift of $500,000 from Danny and Stephanie Christner began the momentum to secure funds for the project. Today, the Christner’s and The Mary K. Chapman Foundation, along with over 60 other restricted gifts from parents and businesses, have enabled the JPS Foundation to fulfill their commitment to the district. “The Chapman Foundation has chosen once again to help fund our STEM programs because they saw firsthand how the collaboration between the Jenks Public Schools Foundation and the District were meeting the needs of all students with invigorating STEM curriculum that can propel them to pursue further education and possible careers in those fields,” said Danny Christner, JPSF Board Member & Past President. In addition to the recent gift, a previous

$100,000 grant from The Mary K. Chapman Foundation contributed to the funds required to install STEM Learning Labs at three Jenks elementary sites. “The Jenks Public Schools Foundation has raised and distributed $1.59 million out of a total project cost of $1.74 million. The Mary K. Chapman grant and unrestricted funds raised this year will enable the Foundation to fulfill its commitment to the district,” said Elizabeth Inbody, Executive Director of the JPS Foundation. Community support has been overwhelming! The STEM Learning Funding Initiative is a perfect example of how mobilizing a community of supporters produces results. It’s only takes a few minutes in a STEM Learning Lab before an observer sees first-hand the amazing learning experience students receive here. We are extremely grateful to all the STEM Learning donors for making an

investment that will benefit the students at JPS for years to come.” STEM Learning Labs at JPS are designed and provisioned for project-based, technology-enabled learning by Creative Learning Systems in collaboration with JPS Teaching & Learning administrators. STEM Learning Lab resources include computers, media equipment, a broad spectrum of software applications, and hands-on learning resources such as scientific probeware, test equipment, manipulatives and construction sets. In a STEM Learning Lab, students progress through a series of curriculum-guided and self- directed project engagements. As they tackle these projects, students learn technology skills and systems, including: mechanics and structures, computer graphics, publishing and multimedia, robotics and control technol-

ogy, circuitry, and computer simulation. In addition, students develop 21st century skills, such as: critical thinking & problem solving, application of technology to workflow, project management, collaboration & teamwork, and communication and research skills. A single teacher is trained in the resources and educational methodology. In the STEM Learning Lab, this professional is called a “Facilitator” in recognition of their primary role to facilitate learning. A facilitator does not need to be an expert in all of the classroom technologies. Rather, since self-direction is one of the primary 21st century skills to be developed in the lab, students are expected to be able to source and utilize resources other than the teacher when they have questions about the technology. It is

much more important that the Facilitator be competent in guiding a project-based, student-centered style of learning than have specific expertise in the various technology applications and tools. The JPS Foundation is an independent notfor-profit corporation that invests in programming to achieve district- wide excellence. The sole reason for its existence is to serve the Jenks Public Schools system along with the generous donors who support the district. In addition to STEM Learning the JPS Foundation provides funds for Vision of Excellence Awards, AVID, Go Noodle, JA BizTown, Jenks Wild, Artists in the Schools, Writers Workshop, Operation Aware, and most recently ICAP Programming (Individual Career Academic Plan). Visit www.jenksfoundation. org to learn more.

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Friday, November 22, 2019

Champions across the board It was a clean sweep Saturday at the DTU Championships for the Jenks pom teams. All four Jenks pom squads took first place at the event. Photos/Drew Bethell

Annual Grady Nichols Christmas Show set for Nov. 30 SUBMITTED The new 2019 version of the Grady Nichols Christmas Show is Nov. 30 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Chapman Auditorium. This is the third year for what has become a new Christmas tradition to many. Nichols will host and headline the concert which also features nationally known vocalists Kelly Ford and Andy Chrisman, who both now call Tulsa home. Acclaimed pianist Donald Ryan also joins the show this year. They will be backed by a vocal ensemble, a horn section, strings, and Nichols’ very popular band. Also new this year is the debut of “Tulsa’s Christmas Choir.” Grady Nichols says, “I feel like I’m hosting Tulsa’s largest Christmas party along with some of my closest friends, and all of Tulsa is invited!” He

added, “I always look forward to planning a new show every year, with new songs and some surprises. But as we plan the show, we also focus on more than the music. As performers, we really want to celebrate the spirit and meaning of Christmas, and we build that into the show. I think that’s what makes the show fun for us and for the audience.” Proceeds from the show benefit ALS Patient Services Outreach (APSO), a Tulsa-based organization serving ALS patients, their families and their caregivers. Jackie Cooper Imports is the Presenting Sponsor. The show will feature over fifty performers and over 90 minutes of traditional and contemporary Christmas music, including music co-written by Nichols. The show’s producers promise “surprises,” stating “It’s all about Christmas.” Almost 3,000 people

attended either or both the 2017 and 2018 shows and a SOLD OUT performance is expected this year. To date, the concerts have raised over $35,000 for the ALS charity. Grady Nichols first hit the smooth jazz scene in 1995. He was soon featured on radio and his career took off. His popularity has never waned. Grady has performed literally coast to coast and on national TV. He is the Winner of Best Jazz Act 2018 (Tulsa Music Awards) and has received the key to the city in Hot Springs, AR & Tupelo, MS. He also received the Charlie Christian Jazz Music Award for Outstanding Achievements In Jazz and the Legacy Tribute Award from the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. He has recorded and released seven CDs nationally. His music can be heard on all the streaming services and on smooth jazz radio, including nationally on SiriusXM.

Andy Chrisman is a native of Waco, Texas and came to Tulsa by way of Orlando, Florida. He co-founded and toured nationally with the Contemporary Christian vocal group 4Him for 16 years. With 4Him, Andy won ten Dove awards and received a Grammy nomination. The group also has three certified gold albums to their credit. Chrisman now hosts a weekly Contemporary Christian music radio show “Worship with Andy Chrisman” which is heard on some 200 radio stations in the US, Canada and Europe. In Tulsa, the program is broadcast every Sunday morning on KXOJ, 94.1FM. He also serves as Worship Director at Church On the Move. Kelly Ford has crisscrossed the United States and Canada countless times singing for corporate events, church conferences and professional sports teams as well as an

extended gig at DisneyWorld. He has performed the National Anthem for both MLB and the NFL. He has also performed for Presidents George H W Bush and George W Bush as well as for Colin Powell, Lee Iacocca, Paul Harvey, Charlton Heston and other dignitaries. Kelly has recorded three CDs including a compilation of hymns, a compilation of patriotic songs and a contemporary CD recorded with fellow Tulsan Donald Ryan. Donald Ryan was born in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, where he began playing piano at age three. His professional career has taken him to stages from Carnegie Hall to Germany, France, England, Spain, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, the Caribbean and South America. At the Ninth International Frederic Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Poland, Mr. Ryan was the recipient of the prestigious

Madeyska Award. He has recorded over a dozen CD. Mr Ryan is a Steinway artist. Larry Seacat, executive director of APSO said, “We are extremely proud to have introduced this great Christmas show in 2017 and now we’re excited to see it grow into a new and bigger show every year. Fan feedback tells us the show has rapidly developed into an annual Christmas tradition with many families throughout Green Country.” SHOWTIME: 8 p.m., Saturday, November 30, 2019 Tulsa Performing Arts Center – Chapman Theater 110 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103 Tickets are on sale now ($55-$45-$35-$30) Presented by Jackie Cooper Imports Benefitting ALS Patient Services Outreach (APSO)

Friday, November 22, 2019 Edwin Bryden Bates III Edwin Bryden Bates III passed from this life on November 10, 2019, at the age of 75 years. He was born December 10, 1943 in Fort Meyers, Florida to Edwin II and Bertha Bates. Ed traveled throughout most of his childhood as his father was in the Air Force. Like his father, Ed enjoyed airplanes and worked with American Airlines for twenty-five years. He spoke fondly of the time he spent and was fortunate to make lifelong friends with the colleagues he worked with for so long. Ed looked forward to his weekly breakfast gathering to catch up on the new and reflect on the past. Ed met Sandy in 1989 and was married almost exactly a year later. Their years of life together was filled with deep friendships, traveling to be with family, spending time at the pool, and caring for the shop. They spent countless hours at their pool entertaining family and friends. Ed would lightly tease Sandy for always being in the water that he gave her the endearing nickname “Bug” after a water-bug. He adored Sandy and would do anything for her. So much so, that he would help out at her shop all the time. Ed always made sure the shop was well stocked, made weekly runs to the beauty supply shop in his beloved white pickup truck, and would stay current on all the latest products that were available. Sometimes you would forget who was the professional! Ed was a simple man. One who worked hard, enjoyed the simple pleasures, had a routine, and was not in the “game” to compete with others. He loved being around people and doing things with and for them. From

being on the Country Lake Estates board to trying to find the right screw to a broken garage door, he liked being helpful. Ed preferred being behind the scenes. Things that may be seen as mundane, boring, or maybe not as important to others- you could count on Ed to make sure that it was not only taken care of, but that it was done right. Friends and family knew that Ed was always up for an adventure. He appreciated being included in other’s lives. When Ed would visit Bob, Gale, and Ben, he would wake up early to go to the barn. He would even help out in cooling down the horses. At the end of the morning, you would find Ed talking to other horsemen that it was challenging at times to get him to leave. Or the time when Nate went to the state for wrestling. Ed couldn’t believe that someone he knew was wrestling on tv, let alone it being his nephew. Ed always found a way to make things exciting and interesting. And somehow, he was able to get all of us to ask questions that he was too shy to ask…. like “How do those farmers get Porter peaches so sweet?” The memories are endless! Ed Bates made all our lives better. No matter who you were, he made sure you felt valued, loved, and heard. He will be remembered most for his love of

family and friends, curiosity of how and why things worked, watching all his favorite: wrestling, football, and bull riding, being around horses, and his joy of working with Sandy at her shop. Ed is preceded in death by parents; Edwin II and Bertha Bates. Survivors include his wife; Sandy, two sons; Ben Allen and wife Siobhan of Palatine, Illinois, and David Bates of Houston, Texas; grandson Tristan Allen of Palatine, Illinois; brother Jared Bates of Phoenix, Arizona; brother-in-law Bob Springer and wife Gale of Glenpool, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Casee Finnell and husband Brad of Rocky Ford, Colorado; nephews Seth Finnell and Nate Finnell, and many extended family members and friends of all ages. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at LeonardMarker Funeral Home Chapel, 6521 E. 151st St., Bixby, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers or gifts of condolence, please make donations to Galloping Out foundation. http://www.itharacing.com/galloping-out/ donate Services entrusted to Hargrove-Marker Funeral & Cremation Service, Jenks, Oklahoma.

Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

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Friday, November 22, 2019