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• FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •
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A UNIQUE PATH TO JENKS Sew It Alterations officially opened its doors in Jenks Dec. 1. Read the story on Page 7A.
The final plat for the Tulsa Premium Outlet Mall was approved at the Dec. 2 Jenks City Council Meeting moving it one-step closer to being able to issue building permits. See the story on Page 2A. Photo Illustration/Courtesy of Tulsa Premium Outlets
Jenks schools sets February bond at $12,487,260
Capital funding items highlight special City Council meeting
By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
CHAMBER ADDITION The Jenks Chamber of Commerce hired Zach Thomas as Director of Economic Development. Read the story on Page 8A.
TOUGH LOSS AT STATE The Jenks football team fell to Owasso 14-6 Saturday in the 6A-1 state title game. Read the story on Page 1B.
Jenks Public Schools will be asking voters to approve more than $12 million in bond money in 2020. The bond would help cover district-wide equipment, facilities management equipment and repairs, printing improvements, technology, textbooks and media equipment, and transportation. It will also go toward classroom/ instructional space and freshman academy classroom renovation and upgrades. If approved, Jenks Public Schools would be awarded $12,487, 260 for the bond issues. A bond vote will be held in February 2020.
By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
Jenks citizens will have an opportunity to vote this spring on several items that will impact the future of their community. Those items were the topic of the special meeting hosted by the Jenks City Council Monday at the Hive in Jenks. The General Obligation Bond the City of Jenks will put in front of its citizens this spring will be around $20 million in total. The G.O. Bond items include: -road widening on 111th Street from Elwood to U.S. Highway 75 -road widening on Elm Street from 111th Street to 131st Street -road widening on Elwood Avenue from 111th Street to Main Street -road upgrades on Main Street from Elm Street to the railroad tracks -New Fire Station 1 located in the Central Park area
-New Jenks Adult Activity Center located in the Central Park area Jenks Ward 1 City Council Member Kaye Lynn is spearheading the charge for a new senior center to be built in Jenks. The current senior center holds a max capacity of 90 seniors, while there are more than double the amount of seniors wanting to participate in the senior center activities. Lynn invited Regan McManus and Joy McGill to speak at the meeting Monday night. McManus is the Director of INCOG Tri County Council on Aging and McGill is the Assistant Director of the AARP. McManus said the entire country is facing unprecedented times when it comes to aging. She said the fastest aging group in the United States is the G.I. Generation followed by the Baby Boomer Generation. McManus said that the
United States has more people who are 65 and older than the entire population of Canada and by 2030 older adults will outnumber children in this country. In other surrounding communities in the Tulsa area, Broken Arrow has a standalone senior center, while Reportedly, Owasso has a combined community and senior center, but there are discussions for Owasso to build a stand-alone senior center. McGill said a stand-alone, new senior center for Jenks would help get people out of the homes and combat social isolation and make Jenks a healthier community overall. The senior center that is being proposed would cost the Jenks tax payers $3.5 million to build. Jenks Fire Chief Greg Ostrum addressed the crowd Monday at the meeting as well to talk about the benefits of a Continued to PROJECTS, Page 2A
City plays waiting game on Perryman Ranch land By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
The land known as Perryman Ranch in Jenks was all set to be developed into a neighborhood beginning this coming summer. However, the plans have stalled, and the City of Jenks is now in waiting mode. “The Perryman Ranch issue has been tabled for now,” Jenks City Planner Jim
Beach said. “We are going to gather more information from the developer on what the project is going to look like. Once we have the information, we will be able to start the hearing on the P.U.D. (Planned Unit Development), and get the project going again. The last time we heard from the developer was around early November. There is no timetable at this
point, we are just in waiting mode.” Assistant City Manager Robert Carr said the type of development may change from the original plan. “Last Thursday, I spoke to the engineer in charge of the projects and they are weighing different types of development,” Carr said. “They are continuing to work on the P.U.D.”
The plan to develop the Perryman Ranch land in south Jenks has stalled. Photo/Courtesy
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID JENKS, OK PERMIT NO. 7
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Friday, December 13, 2019
Outlet mall taking steps in right direction By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
The final plat was approved Nov. 2 for the Tulsa Premium Outlet Mall that is scheduled to open in Jenks in 2021. The Jenks City Council approved the
Projects
plat at the Nov. 2 City Council Meeting. “The plat defines the boundaries, dedication of easements, right away and memorializes the condition of the P.U.D. (Planned Unit Development),” Jenks City Planner Jim Beach said. “It also sets up
From page 1A
new Fire Station 1 in Jenks. Ostrum said the current Fire Station 1 was built in the 1950s and has been used in multi-
ple ways over the decades. The bays in the current facility are too small for a lot of modern-day equipment to enter and therefore
private restrictions on development standards the developer wants. The city accepted those dedications and easements in the plat. This final plat must be done before the building permits can be issued. Now, we are waiting on
the appearance review, which will be looked at Thursday at the Planning Commission Meeting.” If the appearance review is accepted and approved Thursday by the Jenks Planning Commission, building
permits for the Tulsa Premium Outlets can take place and plans will then be reviewed by the City of Jenks and Jenks Fire Department along with building inspections. Construction to the Tulsa Premium Outlet
Mall is expected to finish in 2021 with 400,000 square feet of space for stores. There will also be a plaza area for entertainment, such as live music and other events and a place for a trail system to connect to the river trail.
holds the Jenks Fire Department back from functioning as highly as it could with a new station. The sleeping quarters in the current facility are not separate and with the Jenks Fire Department bringing
on several female fire fighters, separated sleeping quarters are a necessity. Ostrum also said the fire department’s administrative offices are located at Fire Station 2 because of the space and newer build-
ing, but with the new station, the administrative offices would move to Fire Station 1 making them closer to the downtown Jenks area. If the new Fire Station 1 is approved and voted yes by Jenks citizens, plans are to
tear down the current facility and turn that space into parking. The G.O. Bond items discussion will continue at 7 p.m. Monday at the next City Council Meeting and at the Jan. 7 City Council Meeting.
Jenks Police incident reports Nov. 25 through Dec. 8 INCIDENT REPORTS November 25 through December 8 UTTERING FORGED INSTRUMENTS- 510 S ELM An unknown person presented a counterfeit $50.00 US currency bill at Kum & Go. MALICIOUS INJURY/ DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY- 600 N RIVERWALK TER The suspect destroyed property of FlyingTee, causing a loss of aggregate value of less than one thousand dollars. ($1,000.00) DUI – LIQUOR OR DRUGS- 11100 S ADAMS POSS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA111TH S ELM ST Betchol was in possession of stolen property, marijuana, and paraphernalia while driving under suspension without insurance.
PUBLIC DRUNK111TH S ELWOOD Thawn Pian Tluang was operating a motor vehicle on public streets. Thawn was unable to maintain lanes and causing a disturbance to where police were contacted by several 911 callers. Thawn had an odor commonly associated with alcohol coming from his person. Thawn was unable to maintain balance. DUI – LIQUOR OR DRUGS- 9555 S RIVERSIDE PKWY RECKLESS DRIVING (CITY)- 3200 W MAIN ST LARCENY OF SERVICE STATION GASOLINE-PUMP516 W 121ST ST Suspect, pumped fuel and left the scene without paying. WARRANT CHARGE (CITY)- 116 W
NEEDLES FTA-E19842, Speeding WARRANT CHARGE (CITY)- 100 E MAIN ST Failure to Appear (City of Jenks) FTAE15134-37 MALICIOUS INJURY TO PROPERTY-OVER $2500- 200 BLOCK W MAIN ST Unknown suspect switched off the power to the victims business, causing significant financial losses. LARCENY- 1000 N 3RD ST Trailer was taken from the victim’s property during the overnight hours. PETIT LARCENYAFCF-SHOPLIFTING823 W MAIN ST The suspect walked into Dollar General with the intentions of stealing. The suspect picked up items belonging to Dollar General and walked out without
paying for the items. LARCENY- 1000 BLOCK N 2ND PL Suspect(s) cut chains and took victims property depriving the owner of the use and value of the property. LARCENY- 113TH S FRANKLIN AVE A male, wearing a white-in-color long sleeve t-shirt, dark pants and dark shoes took packages off the front porch. The suspect then placed the packages in the front seat of a UHAUL box truck and drove from the scene. BURGLARY FROM AUTO- 2800 BLOCK W 115TH PL The suspect(s) stole the victim’s truck from the victim’s driveway. The suspect(s) drove the stolen truck within the neighborhood, then parked the stolen truck approximately 900 feet
away from victim’s residence. The suspect(s) stole items from inside of the victim’s truck. BURGLARY FROM AUTO-3000 W 113TH ST Suspect(s) entered the vehicles of the two victims and took property depriving the owners of its use and value. ARRESTS LAURA BECHTOL 11/30/19; TAXES DUE STATE, POSS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSS OF MARIJUANA1ST, DRIVING W/ LICENSE CANC/ SUSP/REVOKED, FAILURE TO CARRY INSURANCE VERIF, REC/POSS/CONC STOLEN PROPERTY SHAWN BOLDING 11/29/19; SPEEDING IN POSTED ZONE, DUI – LIQUOR OR DRUGS MALEAH BUTLER 12/7/19; DOMESTIC
A&B BY STRANGULATION KENDELL FRAZIER 12/3/19; WARRANT CHARGE (CITY) GREGORY HARRIS 12/4/19; WARRANT CHARGE (CITY) PATRICK HOPE 12/8/19; REC/POSS/ CONC STOLEN PROPERTY, POSS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA THANG LIAN 12/7/19; ACTUAL PHYSICAL CONTROL – APC KRISTOPHER MCCLAIN 12/1/19; RECKLESS DRIVING, DUI – LIQUOR OR DRUGS JUSTIN SMITH 12/5/19; PETIT LARCENY-AFCFSHOPLIFTING THAWN TLUANG 11/30/19; PUBLIC DRUNK
Friday, December 13, 2019
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Aquarium staff to travel to Israel for aquarium partnership SUBMITTED Local biologists will cross-train with staff at the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium and perform educational and scientific research for one week Oklahoma Aquarium biologists will travel to the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem to share successes in the areas of animal health and husbandry as well as educational programs and research from December 7 to 15. Amy Alexopoulos, Lead Aquarist of Marine Fishes, and Ann Money, Director of Research and Education, will crosstrain with Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium staff in animal husbandry, present educational opportunities, and perform coral research in the Red Sea in Eilat, Israel. Working closely with husbandry staff in Jerusalem, Amy Alexopoulos will share her experiences in aquarium animal care, while also studying the husbandry techniques of the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium staff. The collaboration will bring new ideas and exposure to species from different regions. Ann Money is currently in her final trials of coral research for a PhD in Integrative Biology at Oklahoma State University. Her research, which is being conducted at the Oklahoma Aquarium, focuses on coral bio-fluorescence as an earlier indicator of coral health, and the symbiotic relationship between coral and algae. While at the
Left: Amy Alexopoulos, Lead Aquarist of Marine Fishes. Right: Ann Money, Director of Research and Education. Photo/Courtesy Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium, Ann will collaborate with other coral researchers for an exchange of ideas and potential reef recovery partnerships. “The opportunity to visit the first standalone aquarium in the Middle East is extremely exciting,” Money says. “I am most interested in how they convey their conservation message and how we can partner to further research for healthier coral reef systems.” The Oklahoma Aquarium was proud to announce its Sister Aquarium partnership with the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium on March 25.
Kenny Alexopoulos, Chief Operating Officer of the Oklahoma Aquarium, made the announcement and highlighted how the two facilities share similarities in size, design, opportunities, and inland location. “We’re looking forward to cross-training our staffs together,” Alexopoulos said. “This partnership will allow us to work with new and different species of animals and technologies, and to experience cultural enrichment with new ideas and techniques.” Many of the life support features in the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium were
designed by the Oklahoma Aquarium’s COO Kenny Alexopoulos and Deputy Director John Money. Alexopoulos and Money were contracted as head design consultants to advise on the exhibits, animal collection, visitor experience, staffing, as well as the aquarium’s filtration and other equipment necessary to care for the animals. The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks and the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem are landlocked facilities, and both aquariums address their environmental impact on the region and large bodies
of water. The Oklahoma Aquarium is located on the Arkansas River and educates visitors on human impact on local waterways and the ocean. The Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium highlights local impact on the Mediterranean and Red Sea, Lake Tiberias, the Dead Sea, and the Suez Canal. The Oklahoma Aquarium illustrates the impact of invasive species such as zebra mussels on area lakes, lionfish in the Atlantic and Caribbean, ocean pollution, and damage to aquatic ecosystems. The Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium edu-
cates visitors on the impact of commercial fishing, invasive species, plastic, and ocean pollution. Both aquariums support each other in research and environmental education, which began with trainings in Oklahoma for staff members Noam Katsir and Pablo Ditnis from the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium. Katsir and Ditnis worked alongside staff at the Oklahoma Aquarium focusing on the reproduction of seahorses and jellyfish and filtration maintenance. During their visit, they joined Oklahoma Aquarium staff in Long Beach, California for the Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) international conference. This will be the first time for Oklahoma Aquarium biologists to visit Israel specifically for animal husbandry, education, and research. “We’re excited for the Oklahoma Aquarium to continue its partnership with the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium,” says Kenny Alexopoulos. “We want to continue to expose employees from both institutions to different cultures and opportunities to ensure that new ideas are shared across continents.” A photographer and videographer based in Israel will document the trip, and assets will be available for media use. All are encouraged to follow the journey with #OKAQinIsrael.
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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
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Friday, December 13, 2019
HEARING FROM THE OWNER’S BOX Hello Jenks, America! I hope everyone has had a great week in our wonderful community. Monday, the City of Jenks hosted a special City Council Meeting to get community feedback and discussion on the capital funding projects that are going to appear on the G.O. (General Obligation) bond this coming spring. There were several topics discussed. The road projects, such as the widening of south Elm Street from 111th Street to 131st Street, the widening on 111th Street from Elwood to U.S. Highway 75 and road improvements in the downtown area of Jenks started the night off. The new Fire Station 1 was also on the list of items and
then the possibility of a new senior center or the Jenks Adult Activity Center. The only group of people that showed up to discuss the items were senior citizens there to pitch for a new senior center to be built in Jenks. My question to the rest of the Jenks community is … why? Our city officials have asked us repeated-
ly time and time again to come out and share our opinions on such matters and yet we decline to go and do so? I understand we all have lives and different activities going on, but at the end of the day, it is all about priorities, right? Five years down the road, when these projects are made tangible, I am betting a lot of you, who decided to not show up and share your thoughts and give your feedback to our city leaders, will lead the charge of complaining about some of these items not being done to your liking. To those of you who practice that type of behavior, I say if you are going to stay on the sidelines during this part of the process, you need to stay on the side-
lines during the entire process. The next meeting that City Council is going to have an open forum to discuss the potential G.O. bond items is taking place at 7 p.m. Jan. 7. I sure hope to see a lot more diversity in age at that meeting. I applaud the senior citizens for taking the time to come out and show their support for a new senior center. I wish every generation would follow in suit. Progress is taking place in this community, but full progress cannot happen unless the entire community is bought in 100%. We can do better Jenks, let’s get it done.
GUEST COLUMNS
MAIN STREET MATTERS WITH SARAH CLAVIN LEGACY “Carve your name on hearts, for a legacy is etched into the mind of others and the stories they share about you.” In times of passing, we reflect on lives well lived. In the recent weeks there have been many significant members of local communities, families, and teams, who have passed on prematurely. While the loss of those we love creates mourning, heartache, and sorrow, there is a rare juxtaposition in time where in parallel we lament their deaths and we celebrate their lives, we weep and we breathe in deeply, we reflect on the past and gaze ahead to the future as it now stands. Creating a legacy is not simply creating a life full of achievement. For the achievement itself is just a landmark in one’s life of the transitional position of our change in character. It is who we become in the process of achieving or striving to achieve goals that chisels a legacy of a mentor in our lives. Some will leave a legacy in the history books and almanacs, and others will leave a legacy in the lives that were changed under their inspiration.
While the legacies of great men like Alan Trimble are clear and easy to see. It creates reflection in our own lives of the legacy we are creating through memories, stories and lessons left behind by those we love. In the life of Alan Trimble, his sole purpose was not to just be a great football coach. His goal was to change lives and help boys become young men with character and he used football as his vehicle to achieve that goal. What we will leave behind when we pass on? What stories will people tell? What words will they use to describe us? How will they say we lived? What was our greatest contribution? Did we change the world? So many questions we begin to ask ourselves. If you’re anything like me, thoughts like this begin to run through my
mind. “What matters most? How do I want my children and my grandchildren to remember me? Who do I want to reflect as I age? What three words would people use to describe me now? Does that need to change? Is that how I want to be remembered?” To be transparent with you, I think I have a way to go. If I were to pass prematurely, I would not be pleased with the way I would be remembered at this point in my life. It is easy to list the most idyllic reflections of ourselves, but far more difficult to think of what might be realistic for us to accomplish individually. Being so keenly aware of this personal current lack of legacy, I am going to share with you dear reader, the legacy I hope to move towards and be remembered by. That my children would remember me as present, time spent with them was not wasted or distracted, but that I was present and intentional with each one, and that I illustrated faith and Christ for them daily. That my friends would remember me as loyal, by their side through thick and thin, that they felt as though we were more family
than friends. That my husband would remember me as a wife who worked hard to put our family first, that I was faithful and loving. That my colleagues would remember me as a visionary with big ideas and a big heart, always looking for ways to grow and help people personally and professionally; that I gave my all to the success of an heirloom I was privileged to inherit. That my family would say I was I was giving and supportive, that family was my top priority. The list could go on and on, and perhaps with time it will change. Nevertheless, a time of loss is always a season for reflection on both their lives and our own. John Allston once wrote, “the only thing you take with you when you’re gone, is what you leave behind.” We leave this world as bare as we entered it, with the one great exception; how we touched the lives of those we encountered while we were here on earth. What stories will those you leave behind say about your legacy in their lives?
NAKED NETWORKING WITH KARI MIRABAL Question: What’s the secret to networking over the holiday season? Answer: Networking is a gift that keeps on giving – no matter what season it is. Investing just fifteen minutes of concentrated networking activity daily can make big impacts. Utilize holiday downtime to create networking objectives for 2020. Suggestions include
reconnecting with people you’ve lost touch with, practicing your
TMAY (Tell Me About Yourself Statement), asking others how you can help support them, and exploring LinkedIn’s Find Nearby feature to build and sustain powerful networks. Some connections come easily while others require more work. When the process wears you down, remind yourself that setbacks are just setups for different possibilities. Be open to where the adventure might
take you. Some of my best networking connections were products of failure. I’ve been rejected more times than I can count but I maintain a spirit of gratitude for lessons learned along the way. No matter how long it takes to reach your networking goals, don’t quit. Have a networking question? Send us your inquiry to ksalomon@ jenkstribune.com
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Friday, December 13, 2019
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Jenks Freshman Academy is beaming The ceremonial final beam was placed on the Freshman Academy expansion this week. Jenks Public Schools officials and students signed the beam Monday. Construction is expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2020 school year. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Kingfisher man looks to change the game By RAY DYER
Special to the Jenks Tribune
Brian Walter wants to move a mountain. And he wants those who believe as he does, that the nation is suffocating under a mountain of self-inflicted debt, to push with him. A native of Kingfisher who operates businesses there and in El Reno, Walter has been transfixed on the idea that the United States will eventually fail to be a nation if it does not reduce and even eliminate its estimated $22 trillion in debt. So far he has a few people willing to push with him, most notably former U.S. Sen. Dr. Tom Coburn. Walter, 56, read Coburn’s third book “Smashing the DC Monopoly” and he said it “changed my world.” So enamored was Walter with Coburn’s
writings, he contacted him and was surprised when Coburn agreed to meet for coffee in Tulsa. The two met and then they met again. At the second meeting, Walter said Coburn threw the issue into his lap. “He challenged me,” Walter said. He said Coburn explained he’s “done what he can” to change the mindset of the powers-that-be in Washington, D.C. and with very little success. Coburn said the problems are “human greed” and “corruption.” He then told Walter it was his turn to try and make a difference. And so it began. Walter is spearheading an effort to convince members of Congress to sign a pledge sacrificing their pay unless a balanced budget is made the primary goal.
The pledge is contingent upon a majority of Congress signing on. It is based on Senate Bill 39 sponsored by Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia. Walter has chosen newspaper advertising to begin his campaign. He said newspapers “are real” and can’t be deleted unlike social media. He’s taken out a full-page ad in today’s issue of the El Reno Tribune. He’s prepared to advertise more in other areas of the state if necessary, he said. So far, Walter has received support in the form of $1,000 contributions from Coburn and Clay Thompson and $500 from Carl Nick as well as a $10,000 donor who at this time wishes to remain anonymous. Walter said he is starting with his own representative, Congressman Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne. He
is asking Lucas to sign the pledge. Walter said he is not undertaking the launch of a political campaign of his own. He is simply looking for “patriots” who are willing to put country above self-interest. A spokesman for Lucas said the congressman would have no comment. “If you believe there is nothing wrong with debt, this is not for you,” Walter said. He said he does not expect everyone to jump on board with the idea. He said he was watching New York Congresswoman Alexandria OcasioCortez being interviewed on “60 Minutes” and said she gave “a very good answer” when asked how the nation would pay for her Green New Deal. “She said, ‘We’ll pay for it like we pay for everything else.”’
He called that an “honest answer” but not one that will benefit the people of the United States. Walter does not expect to attract those with a similar mindset of the New York lawmaker. He said he’s looking for elected leaders and “patriots” who are willing to sacrifice for the good of the nation. Walter said members of Congress are good at really only one thing, getting re-elected. He said it’s time to “change the incentive structure.” He said the only way to accomplish this is for the people of the United States to demand it. “You can’t fix the problem from the inside,” Walter said. And it’s not a matter of blame on Democrats or Republicans, saying both parties are guilty of feeding the debt monster.
Walter said his Unity Above Self in America has obtained its 501 C-3 status, meaning it is a registered not-for-profit. He said no salaries will be paid from the funding the organization receives. El Reno attorney Roger Rinehart is the organization’s attorney of record, Walter said, and Brian Henderson, president of F&M Bank in Kingfisher is the finance director. Jim Coughlin, a Kingfisher certified public accountant is keeping the books, Walter said. Every dime, Walter said will go toward furthering the effort to lessen the debt of the nation. Walter said solving the debt issue is about creating a better future for “our children and grandchildren.” He said the solution can be found in “old-fashioned common sense.”
Jenks’ Elm Street Pub taking part in Cowboys in the Community Toy Drive Cowboys in the Community is a group of former Oklahoma State University football players, who give back to their community through an annual toy drive. This year, the Tulsa Dream Center is the recipient of the annual toy drive. They will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for ages zero to 18. Stuffed animals or simulated weapons are not allowed as toys. The Tulsa Dream Center has requested new and used clothing, as well as coats, hats and gloves. Elm Street Pub will be accepting donations through Saturday at the final kick off toy drive. There will be a live band, raffle, a silent auction and photo opportunities with former OSU players. A Venmo account is set up and donations can be made to Legends-Brotherhood-1.
TO YOU! From Representatives Sheila Dills and Lonnie Sims and families!
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Friday, December 13, 2019
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Thousands gather to remember a life well-lived by Allan Trimble
Thousands gathered Dec. 4 at the Mabee Center in Tulsa to celebrate the life of legendary Jenks football coach Allan Trimble, who passed away Dec. 1 following a three-year battle with ALS. Top, former Jenks football assistant Darren Melton reflects on Trimble as a football coach. Above, the worship team from Trimble’s church sang several of his favorite songs at the service. Photos/Kyle Salomon
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Mai Lee and her mother Ker Vang recently moved back to the Tulsa area to start Sew It Alterations in Woodland Hills Mall and their new location in Jenks. Photo/Courtesy of Lane Castleberry with the Jenks Chamber of Commerce
Sew It Alterations takes unique path to Jenks By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
Sew It Alterations opened its doors in Jenks Dec. 1, but its owner Mai Lee didn’t take the easiest path to opening her store in Jenks. Mai’s mother, Ker Vang, got her daughter into the sewing game when Mai was a young child. Ker had learned to be a seamstress also at a very young age when she was in a refugee camp in Thailand after fleeing Vietnam following the Vietnam War.
Ker would meet Mai’s father at that refugee camp and eventually got married and had Mai and her younger brother before getting the opportunity to move to the United States of America in 1988. “My mom learned how to sew in the refugee camp,” Mai said. “When we moved to the U.S., mom got a lot of sewing jobs where we lived in Long Beach, California.” In 1992, the family moved again, this time to the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, where
Mai’s mother continued her sewing career, while her father worked for different companies. One of the sewing jobs Mai’s mother had was with the Minnesota Twins and also added tailoring and alterations to her list of things she could do. Mai would help her mom with her work when she came home after school and learned the family business at a young age. “Once I was done with high school, I attended Minnesota School of Business,”
Mai said. “My parents split, and my dad moved to Missouri and I had an uncle who moved to Tulsa. I went down to visit him and I liked it a lot and decided I wanted to move down to Tulsa and start a sewing business.” Mai moved to Tulsa with her mother in 2007 and opened Sew It Alterations in the Woodland Hills Mall. After four years of being in business, Mai and her mother decided it was time to move back to Minnesota to be closer to the rest of the family, but after eight
years of being back in Minnesota, Mai decided she had enough of the colder weather and wanted to move back to Tulsa and restart her sewing business. Mai’s mother agreed to come with her, and they moved back to the area at the beginning of the fall, and then secured the same location they had previously in the Woodland Hills Mall. However, Mai wanted more than just a location in the mall, she wanted a store on the west side of the Arkansas River.
“The first time we had the store down here, a lot of our customers were from the Jenks area, so I wanted to have a location in Jenks,” Mai said. “Jenks is a great community and I love how it has that small-town feel, but also is fastpaced. Me and my mom are the only seamstresses at both stores right now, but we want to hire more and train them.” The new location in Jenks is at 96th and E. A St.
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.
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Friday, December 13, 2019
Chamber of Commerce welcomes Thomas as director of economic development By LANE CASTLEBERRY
Jenks Chamber of Commerce
The Jenks Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the addition of Zach Thomas to its staff, who will serve as director of economic
development. Thomas previously served as a staff assistant for Senator James Inhofe from 2016 to 2019. He also served as an economic development intern for the Stillwater Chamber of
Commerce in 2016. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in political science in 2016. Thomas will be responsible for implementing elements of
Elevate Jenks, the Chamber’s economic development plan. He will work with and recruit retailers and other businesses to Jenks. Other responsibilities include implement-
ing the Chamber’s business retention and expansion plan, as well as working with economic development entities across the region and state. Excited about new things on the horizon for Jenks, Thomas said he looks forward to working with the Jenks community. “I look forward to working with the community to make Jenks the best it can be,” Thomas said. “It’s an exciting time to be living in Jenks and I am eager to help keep the momentum going.” President and CEO of the Chamber Josh Driskell is glad to welcome Thomas to the
Chamber staff. “Zach brings an energy and unique perspective to this newly-created position. The board of directors and I look forward to him helping build a robust and successful economic development effort for Jenks,” Driskell said. When not working at the Chamber, Thomas said he enjoys watching college football, reading, skiing, hiking, duck hunting and spending time with friends and family. For questions about the Chamber, or to welcome Zach to the team, email zach.thomas@ jenkschamber.com or call 918-299-5005.
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•FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •
Turnovers cost Trojans in loss By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Jenks boys basketball could have hung its head after falling to Booker T. Washington Tuesday but they didn’t want to focus on the negatives. In a close battle, Jenks let small mistakes create a big lead for the Hornets they would ride to a 51-59 win. Along the way, though, the Trojans would find many positive takeaways from the second game of the year. “To only lose by eight to a team that good, when we didn’t
execute at all offensively, it comes down to our kids’ toughness and their ability to keep competing,” coach Clay Martin said. “That’s what kept us alive, help us make that run.” The No. 8-ranked Trojans kept the number one team in the state in check in the first half. The Hornets held a 22-18 lead at the halftime break. To start the third quarter Jenks made mistakes that would ultimately cost them. “We started out the third quarter with four empty trips,” Martin said. “We traded four
straight turnovers for baskets for them. Against the number one team, you can’t do that.” Booker T. Washington took advantage of Trojan mistakes and led the game 43-28 at the end of the third period. Despite the big disadvantage, Jenks didn’t give up. The comeback bid came quietly and swiftly. One moment Jenks was down by 15, the next, it was within 10 points. With less than a minute to go the Trojans brought the lead to Continued to TURNOVERS, Page 4B
Ike Houston puts up a shot while being fouled by a Hornet player. Photo/Hayden Tucker
Jenks falls in defensive battle By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
EDMOND – It wasn’t the kind of game anyone expected from the two hottest offenses in the state. Jenks and Owasso squared off last Saturday at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Wantland Stadium in a state championship game poised to be an offensive onslaught. Owasso came into the game averaging 44 points a game; Jenks was averaging a little over 40. But offense wasn’t a featured part of the eventual 14-6 Ram win. “Both offenses have played so well, especially as of late,” coach Keith Riggs said. “To only have three touchdowns in the game is a bit of a surprise.” Defense, however, was at a premium. Owasso was first to possess the ball. On the first drive, the Rams faced a fourth down and decided to test the Trojan defense. Jenks got the stop and set the tone for the rest of the game. Owasso would fail to convert its next three fourth down conversion attempts. “I don’t know what their logic was, going for it on fourth down,” Riggs said. “I was glad they did, our defense was able to get stops on so many of them and get the ball back to our offense.” Neither team found the end zone in the first half. Jenks took advantage of a sluggish start to the third period by Owasso and scored just eight seconds into the third quarter. Quarterback Stephen Kittleman hit Waylon Adams for a 54-yard score. The point after touchdown was blocked by the Rams, putting the Trojans in a tough spot for the remainder of the game. Minutes later Owasso fired back, scoring on a Continued to BATTLE, Page 3B
Will Cox maneuvers his way around several Owasso defenders in the state championship game Dec. 7 at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Wantland Stadium. Photo/Hayden Tucker
Maroon & White
Lady Trojans grow in loss to Booker T. Washington By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Jenks wrestling held its annual maroon and white scrimmage last Thursday. The Trojans prepared for the seaosn by wrestling against one another before the season began. See more on page 4B. Photo/Hayden Tucker
In the first two games of the season, Jenks girls basketball has had two very different showings. On Dec. 3 the Lady Trojans handled Webster 71-14 and Tuesday night against Booker T. Washington, roles were reversed. The Lady Hornets handed Jenks its first loss of the season in the 71-42 game at Frank Herald Fieldhouse. Despite poor play, the Lady Trojans keep a positive mindset. “It’s an opportunity to learn and grow anytime you go out and play,” coach Mike Acord said. “They don’t learn necessarily from last week when everything went perfect for us. You learn from your mistakes and you grow from those.”
Khalise Berry shoots over two Booker T. Washington defenders. Photo/Hayden Tucker Jenks kept the Lady Hornets from taking a large lead in the first period. The Lady Trojans trailed 15-12 heading into the second quarter. Booker T. Washington used the second frame to get out to a big lead. At the halftime break the Lady Hornets led 44-23. The halftime lead
would prove to be what did the Lady Trojans in. During the second half of play they were outscored just 27-23 before the final buzzer. Many mistakes made by the Lady Trojans weren’t a result of BTW’s play, rather, it’s what they did to themContinued to GROW, Page 4B
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JenksTribune.com
Friday, December 13, 2019
Jenks swim continues home success
Both Jenks swim teams have had early success with no signs of slowing down. On Tuesday Jenks hosted Union, Muskogee and Bartlesville in another home victory. All three girls teams outscored the other nine teams. Jenks boys A team scored 220, more than Union’s A team which scored 194 for second place. Photos/Drew Bethell
Friday, December 13, 2019
JenksTribune.com
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Column: Trojans should be proud even if they didn’t win it all Hayden Tucker htucker@jenkstribune.com
At the end of every football season I’ve had the same thought; ‘Man, that went by fast.’ Saturday night at Wantland Stadium, I found myself muttering those same words to Kyle Salomon just before Jenks took on Owasso in the state championship game. And this year, of all three years I’ve been covering high school football, I guess I probably shouldn’t have said it. After all, the Trojans churned out the longest season I’ve had the luxury of covering yet. Last year I began my second season covering Minco, a Class A program west of Oklahoma City. I must admit, I find myself missing the small-town Friday night lights I covered for a season and a half. I ended the 2018 season covering the playoff run of eventual Class C state runner up Southwest Covenant. I haven’t been around high
Battle
school football for a long time, but after this season I feel like I’ve seen it all. It feels like just last week I made the trek to Dallas for Week Zero. The Trojans have seen some of the lowest lows and highest highs since. Sure, Jenks started the season out with a convincing 38-0 win over MansfieldLegacy, but reality quickly kicked in Week One against Bixby. I regularly saw the winning side of 50-plus point victories covering Southwest Covenant last season; what happened against the Spartans at home was nothing short of a disaster. Before the season I tried to gage where the team stood with the schedule. Two seasons ago, Jenks began the year 0-4 and, in typical Trojan fashion (as I’m finding out), they made the playoffs. This year looked like the same could happen with Mansfield, Bixby, Union and Broken Arrow. When I asked about the possibility of starting 0-4, I was astonished at how confident players were in knowing they could right the
ship. Each of them had a similar response, ‘we did it once, we’ll do it again.’ What happened against Bixby was one of the most gut-wrenching things I’ve ever seen. ‘Surely, there’s no way they can turn this around,’ I thought. That was before I found out what Jenks football is all about. Not only did the team lose 57-7 at home to the eventual Class 6A-II state champion, Jenks would go on to lose the next two to rivals Union and Broken Arrow, falling to 1-3. It seemed like bleak times, however, things were about to change. Yes, Jenks was set to face some of the state’s most lowly teams in Enid, Yukon and Edmond Memorial. I imagined they would take care of business, but I never thought I’d see such a dramatic change from one three game stretch to another. The Trojans didn’t just take care of business, they dismantled the teams in front of them. Jenks beat the Plainsmen 62-10 on the road, defeated Yukon 68-14 at home and defeated Edmond Memorial 55-10. These wins were somewhat
of a proverbial frustration release, as if to say, ‘We’re still Jenks.’ The Trojans closed out the regular season defeating Norman and Westmoore and losing to Edmond Santa Fe. The Trojans went on the road for the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Jenks traveled to the Oklahoma City area to defeat Mustang in convincing fashion 55-28 and Moore 48-20. In 2017 the team started 0-4 and lost in the first round of the playoffs, which they hosted. This team started 1-3, played on the road throughout the playoffs and came seconds from winning the state championship. I would be lying to you if I said that football in Jenks wasn’t a big reason I took this job. In my first year I tried to soak up the history and tradition this program has had. From the moment I stepped foot in Jenks I could tell I would get to hear about 1998, a team literally as old as I am, and 1996, and this year and that year more than just a few times. Though it felt like I would never hear the end of it, I
always made sure to listen because it wasn’t just that fans wanted to reminisce over good times, the people of Jenks are making sure the legacy of those historic teams live on. This year saw Will Cox dominate the run game on his way to over 1,000 season rushing yards. Stephen Kittleman stepped up in his first year starting at quarterback and led the Trojan offense with comfortability. Fans saw the excitement of improbable Bo Estes catches, the awe of Kittleman hitting Justin Murphy in stride (which always left me wondering how he got so open) down the field. In the first year under defensive coordinator Adam Gaylor, the Jenks defense came to play night after night, the fruits of its labor showing in holding Owasso, who averaged 44 points per game, to 14 points. I know the expectation at Jenks is to win a state championship, I just hope that 2019 is a year that the people of Jenks talk about for years to come. It was one for the books.
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36-yard pass. The PAT would give Owasso a 7-6 lead it would ride for the win. With three minutes to go in the third quarter, the Rams scored for the final time on a two-yard run. Though there would be no more scoring, the fourth quarter retained the game’s excitement. Jenks had chances to score with just 30 seconds left. One pass to the end zone was wiped out by the Owasso defense. As time expired, Kittleman heaved it to the end zone but found no one. “Offensively, for us, we were really close,” Riggs said. “Had some penalties that hurt us on drives, couple of missed deep shots that were close but just really proud of our kids, they fought right to the very end. It wasn’t a particularly clean game, necessarily, but their effort was outstanding.” Looking at the stat sheet it can be easy to see where the Rams had the advantage. Both teams were close in rushing yards, Owasso with 71 and Jenks with 69. Through the air, there was a disparity. The Rams amassed 254 passing yards to the Trojans’ 186. “We just missed on a couple of deep balls,” Riggs said. “That changes, potentially, the whole dynamics of the game. If we complete one and finish off that drive or take it on in on that play... We have plays like that every game. You’re going to catch some, you’re going to miss some. They just made a couple of more plays than we did.” Penalties hurt Jenks throughout the contest. The Trojans were whistled nine times, pushing them back 105 yards. Owasso committed five penalties for 60 yards. Will Cox finished the game with 69
yards on 14 rushing attempts. Stephen Kittleman went 11-for-23 for 186 yards. Waylon Adams’s touchdown reception put him at the top of the receivers with 65 yards on three catches. The Trojans have made giant leaps in terms of development from the start of the season. Jenks began the year with many question marks in starting roles and faced inexperience throughout the locker room. They stumbled out of the gate 1-3 but since have gone 7-2. Riggs credited his players for sticking to the plan when it would have been just as easy to give up. “I think it (the season) speaks volumes for our kids and their character and their work ethic,” he said. “They never stopped believing through the rough spots of the schedule. They kept working hard. “It would have been easy to just throw in the towel at points this season, but they never did. Kept at it and kept getting better throughout the season and that’s what got us in the position to have a chance to win a state championship is all that hard work, that focus, persevering through the difficult times. I couldn’t be prouder of them and how they fought throughout the season.” Though it has only been days since ending the season, Riggs admitted he’s excited to see what next season’s team has in store. With many key pieces getting reps this season, things should come easier in 2020. “We’ve got a lot of really good football players coming back that got valuable experience this year. While we’re still wrapping up what happened Saturday night, we’re also looking ahead and excited about what the future holds,” he said.
Left: Matt Ackerley tackles the Owasso quarterback. Above: Griffin Forbes uses a block to get around the Ram defense. Photos/Hayden Tucker
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JenksTribune.com
Turnovers
Friday, December 13, 2019
From page 1B
six, but buckets off turnovers for BTW sealed the victory. “Like Will Rogers said, when you find yourself in a hole stop digging. We were digging our hole with turnovers,” Martin said. Another disadvantage came from free throws. The Trojans went 11-for-23 at the charity stripe, yet it didn’t keep them from making it a close game. “Offensively, less than 50% from the foul line is not going to help you in a big game like that,” Martin said. “To see our kids battle and come back, there’s a lot to be thankful for.” This game showed Jenks can play with some of the best teams. They believe a win over an opponent like BTW will come. “We’re close, we need to win a game like that to really put ourselves on the map but I’m proud of our guys,” Martin said. But they know they’ll have to work in order to get where they want to be. “It’s not just going to happen,” Martin said. “It’s not just going to fall out of the sky. You have to earn it. You have to earn it by taking good shots and making good shots.” Jenks will play Bartlesville on the road Dec. 20 for the last game of the calendar year.
Benjamin Averitt goes for a layup. Averitt scored 12 points. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Braxton Scott gets fouled on his way up to the basket. Scott hit two three point shots in the game.
Senior guard Leanne Morris reaches out to save a loose ball. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Trinity Jackson puts up a shot after grabbing a rebound. Jackson scored eight points.
Grow
Sydney Ellis shoots a midrange jump shot over the arms of a Lady Hornet. Ellis scored 15 points, a team high.
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what they did to themselves. “The self-inflicted wounds are the most painful and that’s what we talked about tonight,” Acord said. “A lot of the game tonight was us making mistakes, beating ourselves. We need to eliminate some of the careless turnovers, some of those poor defensive rotations.” Acord said despite the shortcomings, his team needs to focus on the future. “We can’t live in that,” he said. “We need to think of that
as something we did, that’s not who we are. We need to bounce back and get ready for the next play, the next game and just keep moving forward.” Sydney Ellis led the Lady Trojans in scoring with 15 points. Avery Franklin’s two three point makes led her to scoring eight points, the second most on the team. Acord believes if his team keeps progressing, they can look back on this game as a building block moment.
“In life when you feel like you’re as good as the best moment or as bad as the worst moment, neither one of those things are true. I think our kids just need to stick to their character, stick to their values and just keep moving forward. Only take things we can get better from.” The Lady Trojans will be in action one more time before the holiday break. Jenks travels to Bartlesville Dec. 20.
Jenks wrestlers were pitted against one another in the Maroon and White scrimmage last Thursday. The Trojans got to get dual experience before the start of the season on Dec. 12 at Glenpool. Jenks grapplers will be in action Dec. 17 at home against Muskogee on its 50th anniversary night. Photos/Hayden Tucker
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PET OF THE WEEK MIKE
Firefighter Tyler Baxter wants you to meet Mike! Mike is about 1 year old, with lots of energy to play. He gets along with other dogs. He is also super sweet and cuddly. He likes to go on walks but needs to learn his leash manners. If you would like to meet Mike or any of his adoptable furry friends just in time for the holidays email animalcontrol@jenksok.org or call 918-299-6311. Photo/Courtesy
The Jenks High School drama department performed “Deadwood Dick” last weekend at the Jenks High School Performing Arts Center. See more photos of the play on Page 6B. Photos/Drew Bethell
The Jenks High School vocal music department put on “The Messiah” Monday at the Jenks High School Performing Arts Center. See more photos of the performance on Page 8B. Photos/Drew Bethell
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JenksTribune.com
Friday, December 13, 2019
Drama department performs ‘Deadwood Dick’
Friday, December 13, 2019
BancFirst gives back with Angel Tree For the 20th straight year, BancFirst in Jenks is helping those in need during the holiday season with their annual Angel Tree. There are 174 angels this year with 114 being women and 60 being men. Ages of the angels are 39 to 99 years old. All of the angels are residents at the Grace Living Center in Jenks. To help provide an angel with a memorable Christmas, come to the BancFirst in Jenks and select which angel you would like to provide for and then bring the gifts back to the bank ready to be delivered. Photo/Kyle Salomon
Memorial Park Cemetery announced as on official location for National Wreaths Across America Day National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announced today that Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa will be joining in the effort to support the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, as an official location for 2019. This is the first year that the cemetery will participate in this national event. Wreaths Across America started as a
simple gesture of thanks that has grown into a national movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together to not only remember the nation’s fallen and honor their service, but to teach the next generation about the sacrifices made for us to live freely. This year, there will be more than 1,600 participating locations placing wreaths on National Wreaths
Across America Day – Saturday – with more than two million volunteers coming together. This year, National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday. At Memorial Park Cemetery, the event will be at 11 a.m. Memorial Park Cemetery is located at 5111 S. Memorial Drive in Tulsa. It is always a free event and open to all people.
JenksTribune.com
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JenksTribune.com
Friday, December 13, 2019
Vocal music department puts on ‘The Messiah’