• FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •
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PERFECT LANDING
Jenks gymnastics program makes local impact By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
COMMUNITY BANKING First Oklahoma Bank has taken community banking to a new level with its Jenks location. See the story on Page 9A.
It’s been over 40 years since the inception of the Jenks gymnastics program, yet club leaders are trying to let the community know they’re here. Jenks gymnastics isn’t part of the school’s athletic program rather it’s part of Jenks community education. The club isn’t well known but it’s well received. “We usually hear, ‘We didn’t know Jenks had a gymnasContinued to GYMNASTICS, Page 8A
The Jenks gymnastics program has been around for 40 years, but few people know Jenks has a gymnastics program. The club leaders are looking to change that in the near future. Photo/Hayden Tucker
U.S. Sen. Lankford holds open forum in Jenks
TAMING THE WILDCATS The Jenks High School softball team took down Ponca City Monday at home. See the story on Page 1B.
HOLLYWOOD LIGHTS AT JHS The Jenks Pom Fashion Show took place Tuesday at Jenks High School. See photos of the annual event on Page 9B.
United States Senator James Lankford (R) visited Jenks last week to speak at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Lankford also took questions from anyone willing to ask one. Photo/Drew Bethell with the Trojan Torch.
Jenks schools introduce Trojan Tip Line By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
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Postal Customer Jenks, OK 74037
Jenks Public Schools is using new technology to keep its campuses safer. JPS rolled out the Trojan Tip Line app Monday. It’s a new tool the district hopes its students and faculty use for added safety. Trojan Tip Line is an app that allows students, parents, and staff members to send anonymous tips to administrators regarding any safety risks they may see. “As a district we are always looking to improve and enhance and reevaluate our
school’s safety and security,” Jenks Public Schools communication director Rob Loeber said. “We were looking at what are some of the trends out there, what are some of the tools other districts are using, what are some of the things that we could easily implement here to add another tool to our toolbox. I think this fit that category.” After launching the app, the user must choose which campus they are in and then they can send the tip. An administrator at that location will be alerted immediately and can decide how to react from there.
The app is available for iPhone and android users, but the service isn’t limited to the app. Students, parents, and faculty may also send a tip via text message to 847411. The user must type a location code followed by a space and then the information. See the end of the story for location codes. There is also an online option. Users can go to www. jenksps.org/vnews/display.v/ SEC/About%20 Us%7CSchool%20Safety%20 and%20 Security%3E%3ESubmit%20 a%20Safety%20Tip%20
via%20Trojan%20Tipline and submit their tip that way as well. Allowing for anonymous tip submissions may make students more apt to speak out against safety concerns. “Students in this day and age feel a little more compelled to share if they can do so anonymously,” Loeber said. “Before, they might not want to come forward and say something but now through an anonymous system they can provide information and they don’t have to be identified.” Continued to TIP, Page 8A
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID JENKS, OK PERMIT NO. 7
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Chinese exchange students from Chengdu #7 High School in Chengdu, China stop to take a photo Monday during the September Jenks Public Schools Board of Education Meeting. Jenks Public Schools and Chengdu #7 High School have been working together in an exchange program since 2003. Photo/Kyle Salomon
Students flourish in exchange program By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
Monday, at the Jenks Public Schools Board of Education meeting, foreign exchange students from Chengdu #7 High School in Chengdu, China shared their experiences with the JPS school board from their time in Jenks and the United States. Since 2003, Jenks High School has partnered with Chengdu #7
High School in an exchange program. Each fall, Chengdu #7 sends two teachers and roughly 10 students to Jenks for three weeks. The Chengdu teachers usually stay into November. In the spring, Jenks High School sends two staff members and approximately 10 students to China for three weeks. In the past 16 years, more than 200 students and staff from Jenks High School and
more than 200 students and staff from Chengdu have participated in the program. Jenks High School teacher Justin McCrackin is in charge of the program on the Jenks High School side. McCrackin said during those three weeks the Chinese exchange students are here in Jenks, countless students and staff welcome their guests and give them a taste of what life in the United States and par-
ticularly Jenks is like. Teachers open their classrooms willingly in order to share what JHS’ educational practices entail. This year, Chengdu visitors participated in the annual Pom Fashion Show; visiting the planetarium, the Southeast Elementary Immersion Program, Agricultural Program, The Tulsa Port of Catoosa and the Tulsa Zoo. They also joined in classroom lessons
involving leadership, human anatomy, yearbook, advanced film, foods and nutrition and others. Last spring, McCrackin was one of the faculty members who went to Chengdu. He said his experience was great. “I had the honor of being one of the sponsors for the program,” he said. “While in Chengdu, school rank-
ings were released for high schools in China and Chengdu #7 was ranked No. 4 in the entire country. We are truly blessed to have this relationship with such an exceptional school and the experience for students and staff is life changing.” This spring, assistant principal Eric Vanzee and Mandy Anders will sponsor 11 Jenks High School students in Chengdu.
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Jenks Public Schools’ student Darbi Mulkins recently won the Doodle For Google competition, which is a national competition among children of all ages. Darbi spoke to the Jenks Public Schools Board of Education Monday at the September School Board Meeting. Photos/Kyle Salomon
Special delivery Jenks boy Shane Armstrong had the honor of being the Kickoff Kid at the Oklahoma State-McNeese State football game Saturday. Photos/Courtesy of Glen Miller
POLICE LOGS INCIDENT REPORTS Sept. 3 through Sept. 8 GRAND LARCENY Suspects cut through the gate of a job site, and stole a trailer and all equipment contained therein. BURGLARY Attempt to gain access to an unoccupied dwelling using force. IDENTITY THEFT Suspect unlawfully used the victim’s name and address to apply for multiple credit
cards. BURGLARY FROM AUTO - An unknown person(s) entered and stole the red Chevy Cruz belonging to the victim with the intent of depriving the victim of her vehicle and the victim of the property the vehicle contained. BURGLARY FROM AUTO - Unknown suspect took items out of the victims 2016 Honda Odyssey and went through the victims 2011 Chevy Malibu.
BURGLARY FROM AUTO - Unknown suspect enters the unlocked passenger side of the victims white 2015 Acura MDX takes items then exits, walks to the back of the vehicle takes an amazon.com package and leaves. ARRESTS Robert Vanbibber 9/7/19 FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE Tyson Wynn 9/3/19 ACTUAL PHYSICAL CONTROL - APC
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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.
Friday, September 13, 2019
HEARING FROM THE OWNER’S BOX u It’s time to walk the walk Jenks, America There is one thing I believe in when it comes to doing business and it is at the core of why I started this newspaper. That one thing is community. We have to ask ourselves what does community mean? Does it mean just waving “hi” to someone as they walk by because you know they also live in your community? Does it mean showing up to a city council or school board meeting and voicing your opinion because you think you have the right? Or does it mean truly investing in this community with all you heart including your money? I prefer to believe it is the third option.
However, from what I have seen, I don’t believe everyone in this community has truly bought into the true meaning of “community”. There are many locally-owned businesses in this town who need your support, so why go outside of this town to spend your money? To some of you, this may come across as harsh. It may not be what you want to hear,
but what you need to hear. Jenks is a wonderful place to live, but it is also a wonderful place to work. Many people consider this a bedroom community and it is our job as Jenks citizens to ensure that it is not. Our city officials, school leaders and elected officials are working tirelessly to put together a plan that will take this city to new heights through “Horizon Jenks” and with the new outlet mall coming to town. If we choose to spend the bulk of our money outside of the Jenks city limits are we not saying to them that we don’t believe in them? Are we not saying to the business owners in this town that their products aren’t good enough? Am I saying that we
can’t go across the river or to the Tulsa Hills area or anywhere else outside of the 74037 to do our shopping, eating or purchasing? Absolutely not. But when you are spending 75-80% of your money elsewhere, it is does effect Jenks and is the very reason many people on the outside consider this a bedroom community. I believe we can do better. I believe we have wonderful citizens here, who care about their community and want to see the City of Jenks prosper and grow, but if we don’t do our part, I can promise you, it will not happen. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the Jenks Tribune. Kyle Salomon ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
KEEPING IT LOCAL WITH LAURI WHITE Kyle Salomon Owner of Hyperlocal LLC Publisher of Jenks Tribune
Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 918-231-0787 Email: ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
Hayden Tucker Director of Media Jenks Tribune
Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 405-651-8451 Email: htucker@jenkstribune.com
Jinger Wiesman Graphic Designer/Marketing Jenks Tribune
Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Email: jwiesman@jenkstribune.com
Good day Jenks. Let’s jump into this weekend with an open heart. What is Unconditional Love? Well, some would say it is an action and others may say it is a feeling. I believe it is the innate act of loving someone or something with no limitations. A love that cannot be broken because it has no restrictions. It is a behavior that we often display that reflects a deep unfailing for one another. As parents, we are all too familiar with this type of love because we have it for our children. A child may disappoint us yet due to our unconditional love for them we find ourselves wanting to help them, inspire them or just holding on to them. Why? Because we love them without conditions. Another innate form of this love is from our pets. As I prepare to leave my house for work each day I can hear the cry of my little schnauzer already missing our family. She feels lonely, scared and just loves us so much she wants us to stay
home. As I pull in the driveway each evening, I see her little face in the window just bouncing around waiting for the garage door to open so she can love on us all night long. Our pets unconditionally love us and we love them. There is a phrase, “A dog is a man’s best friend.” That appears to be due to an undeniable love we see in our four-legged fur babies. They get beyond excited just to see our faces, or when they hear the rattle of the dogfood as we give them the basic necessities of life. They roll over with no inhibitions at the gentle stroke of their bellies. They sit when asked, they have a natural ability to defend us
when they feel threatened or see us in danger. They comfort the scared child as nighttime approaches. They bring hope to the little elderly woman whose husband just passed. Dogs are incredibly loyal to their masters. They bring joy to families all over the world by just being a display of unlimited love yet only “1 in 4 dogs remain with their original owner,“ according to the City of Tulsa Animal Welfare Shelter. This is mind blowing to me and that means that often the dogs are going to local shelters for re-homing. As we all know, the shelters become overcrowded and the numbers keep climbing. We have such a great ability to help stop this epidemic by opening our homes and hearts to these animals and it creates an undeniable opportunity for us to teach our children the process of caring for a pet. Kids who have pets have a tendency to be more empathetic, calm and patient as they learn to unconditionally love these little four-legged babies.
Where am I going with this? Well my loving Trojans this weekend is going to be very special. I would like to invite all of you to join me at the Riverwalk this Saturday, September 14th from 10am to 2pm for Woofstock 2019!!! This event is free and pet friendly. There will be vendors, music, local celebrities and of course all of the wonderful spots to eat, drink and be merry. There will be dogs from all of our surrounding animal shelters that will be on their best behavior ready for a new home. They will have adoption services available on site , microchipping and more for you and the family to enjoy. If you have a dog and would like them microchipped they will provide that service as well. For more detailed information you can go to Riverwalktulsa.com and check it out. I look forward to seeing you all at Woofstock. Have a wonderful work week ahead and keep sharing love, kindness and smiles with each other.
MAIN STREET MATTERS WITH SARAH CLAVIN – Jenks/Union style Highlighted as one of the most infamous High School Football rivalries in the nation, the Backyard Bowl has arrived for its 42nd year. With its own Wikipedia page, the Jenks-Union rivalry is a deeply rooted tradition, not just for the local Tulsa sports teams, but for the Greater Tulsa Area community as well. Until the 1970’s both schools were on the outskirts of Tulsa and not a blip on anyone’s radar. But during the late 70’s the schools were building an identity and as most schools do, they began building their identity through the athletic departments. The athleticism proves rich at both schools, having produced athletes such as; Justin Fuente, Rocky Calmus, Garrett Mills, and Dominique Franks, just to name a few. Today, however, both schools are not only
known for their excellence in athletics but also in academics and the performing arts. As the big game approaches, not only do the teachers and students alike spend the week prior in pep rallies, preparing to beat their rival, but the cheerleaders design and sell game day tshirts, the alumni roll out in their highest attendance of the season for the game, and even non-football fans find enjoyment from the excitement and
thrill of the competition thrumming through the air. The whole community rolls out to support their home team. That same pride that the high school students feel when they “paint up” for the game, is instilled everywhere you go in the community; from school board, to the chamber of commerce, the businesses on Main Street to the homes in your neighborhood has created a culture of excellence in all areas and has fostered a familial partnership among commerce and kick off, transaction and touchdown, where both the schools and their surrounding communities’ benefit. So, whether you raise a tomahawk with the Redskins or you charge with the Trojans on Friday night, everyone
wins in their own right. The scoreboard might not reflect the big “W” for your team, but just as competition produces prodigiousness on the football field, it also creates economic excellence, camaraderie in the community, and growth in the geographic areas of both schools. As a major community event for both the Union and Jenks districts, each year, we have seen the old adage proves true; competition breeds innovation, it drives improvements. It allows for performance increases in athletics and it drives new business and new markets. The results of Jenks striving to create excellence in athletics is most likely one of the foundational pillars for population and economic growth in the community.
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Jenks High School vocal music Pancake Breakfast 2019
The Jenks High School Vocal Music Department hosted its eighth-annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser Saturday at Jenks High School. The Jenks High vocal music students and Trojanaires showchoir performed during the annual event. Photos/Kyle Salomon
Tulsa Greek Festival set for Sept. 19 – 22 The annual Tulsa Greek Festival is set for Sept. 19 through Sept. 22. The event will take place at the OPAhoma just off Route 66. The four-day celebration will consist of music, and numerous Greek delicacies. The Greek food includes gyros, Greek fries, calamary from Greek Street Eats, crisp salads, kefthedes (Greek meatballs), loukaniko (Greek sausage)
and Athenian special small plates. There will also by saganaki (flaming cheese) and baklava, baklava sundaes or loukomades (Greek doughnuts). Greek beer, wine frappe or a frozen OPArita will also be available. There will be live Greek music with dance groups performing as well as a kids’ zone. There will also be a market area inside that includes a bou-
tique, expanded markets complete with frozen items to take home, Yia Yia’s Attic, fine jewelry and historic church tours. There will also be a Greek French fry eating contest to win the “Lord of the Fries” title. For more information on the Tulsa Greek Festival, visit www.tulsagreekfestival.com// www.tulsagreekfestival. com.
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JenksTribune.com 2019-2020 Jenks Varsity Cheer
2019-2020 Jenks Freshmen Cheer
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JenksTribune.com 2019-2020 Jenks Junior Varsity Cheer
2019-2020 Jenks Eighth-Grade Cheer
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Aftermath presents check to Jenks Special Olympics Tom Donalson of Aftermath presented a $1,000 check to Jenks Public Schools Special Olympics last Friday after Jenks Police Officer Sean Scott posted a video with the JPS Special Olympics students. Photo/Hayden Tucker
Gymnastics tics program. This is really cool,’” assistant program director Bailey Whitmore said. There are programs available for children ages three to 15 at competitive and non-competitive levels. Those that have spent years in the program say it leaves a lasting impression. “It feels like a family,” said Abigail Zemanek who is entering her fourth year with the club. “We might be mad at each other, but we still cheer each other on and then we get over that stuff. We’re all friends and family at the end of the day.” Jenks gymnastics has built a culture of growth and giving back in the three years since director Katherine
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Siwek and Whitmore took over. Siwek and Whitmore operate under the belief that they can mold young minds into being outstanding citizens through gymnastics. They do that first by teaching tough life lessons. “One thing I tell the team girls is, ‘We’re teaching you how to fail. You’re going to fall more times than anything and what’s the goal of that? To get up and try again.’ That’s part of life…. We really want to teach life lessons here. Whether it’s a long time or a short time, teaching them resilience and perseverance is important,” Siwek said. The program heads find avenues to teach the athletes about
responsibility in a fun way. If the group leaves equipment out instead of putting it away, they must pay the consequences by standing on the beam and singing “twinkle, twinkle little star.” “We like them to clean up the gym after practice is over,” Whitmore said. “So, when they would leave their grips out all over the place, we would confiscate them, and they would have to sing that in order to get them back.” It’s all part of the plan, Siwek says. “We’re trying to teach responsibility and that there are consequences for your actions. We tried to make it a fun consequence,” she said. Most of them were scared or embarrassed except for Abigail, who says singing the song is
one of her favorite memories. Aside from working to create a good work ethic, Siwek and Whitmore ensure the athletes are bettering the community. Each year during the Winter Classic competition, Jenks holds a food drive. The team that brings the most food gets a community service award and the proceeds are donated to the Jenks food bank. Last year over 450 gymnasts participated. “We think it’s important to make sure they know they’re fortunate to have this experience, but they also learn how to give back to the community,” Siwek said. Throughout the year the club hosts activities for members and non-members. They’ll be holding a national gymnastics day event Sept. 21 from
12-2 p.m. at the middle school where there will be an open gym, ice cream, raffles, and more. Jenks gymnastics currently has around 150 enrollments but they’re seeking more. Normal class programs are held Monday through Thursday 4:307:30 p.m. Friday classes begin at 5 p.m. which leads into open gym from 6-7 p.m. Those who are interested can contact Siwek at (918) 299-4415 ext. 5364 or katherine. siwek@jenksps.org. The regimen’s balance between gymnastics and growing the athletes has worked, leaving several happy customers. “I like my coaches because they’re really nice and they help me and correct me,” said Karissa Roig, a six-year veteran of the program. “I also like my
teammates; they support all of us and they’re good friends.” Siwek and Whitmore hope more will give gymnastics a chance. Siwek has a long history of coaching gymnastics at the club and collegiate level. Whitmore spent time in the Jenks gymnastics program growing up. The two understand how beneficial the sport can be to participants. “I think, for the most part, everybody can learn something from gymnastics,” Whitmore said. “Whether you’re truly athletic or truly coordinated or not, there’s always some benefit of gymnastics. Gross motor skills, fine motor skills, just being able to learn how to work with other people or other coaches.”
things we always want to reinforce to our students, staff members, and parents is that safety and security is the top priority at Jenks
Public Schools. We have a mission here to provide an outstanding educational experience for every kid who comes through our doors. We can’t provide that great educational experience if we don’t first provide a safe
learning environment. “That’s why we’re so committed to always looking at what we can do, what can we do differently. What resources can we pick up…. This is just one more layer for us, it’s one
more resource, one more tool for us to say we are doing everything we possibly can to make our schools safer and more secure.” High School – JENKSHS, Freshman Academy – JENKSFA,
Alternative Center – JENKSAC, Middle School – JENKSMS, Elementary or Intermediate sites – JENKSK6, Jenks facilities or departments not affiliated with a site – JENKSPS.
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Loeber said by creating the new tip line system the district can offer more safety than ever before. I think one of the
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First Oklahoma Bank opened its Jenks location in November of 2014 and has become the state’s fastest growing bank in history containing more than $740 million in assets as of Aug. 31. Photo/Kyle Salomon
FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK
Leading the way in community banking values By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
As you drive west on the Jenks bridge, you might notice a large, extravagant, six-story brick building with a gold dome and an American Flag flying on top of it. Move over Jenks Lighthouse because that is the new face of Jenks, First Oklahoma Bank. First Oklahoma Bank started in November 2009, but it didn’t open its doors in its Jenks location until November 2014. “We had been in community banking since 1988 as a family when we moved to Tulsa,” First Oklahoma Bank Chairman of the Board and Co-CEO Tom Bennett Jr. said. “When we decided to start First Oklahoma Bank, we looked at different sites, but we chose this location because the Jenks community has good people to work, good people to do busi-
ness with and a strong local economy. This location was fantastic. The city was 100 percent cooperative with our building and the parking garage, and the government and business leaders were great.” First Oklahoma Bank acquired Glencoe State Bank and it’s $10 million in assets in 2009 and as of June 30, 2019, First Oklahoma Bank has grown to $725.6 million in assets, which makes it the 16th largest bank headquartered in Oklahoma out of 201 total banks. Tom Bennett III, First Oklahoma Bank President and Co-CEO said Jenks is a special place. “Being a graduate of Jenks High School, I appreciate the wonderful support of the Jenks community and the greater Tulsa area over the last 10 years,” he said. “The entrepreneurial climate in Jenks makes this a great place to build a
company. The values of the people of Jenks align with our corporate values of treating others like we want to be treated. We are proud to be headquartered in Jenks.” That rapid growth has made First Oklahoma Bank the fastest growing bank in Oklahoma history, the fastest growing community bank headquartered in Tulsa county in the last 10 years and the fastest growing new bank started in 2009 in Oklahoma and Texas. In the last two months, First Oklahoma Bank has reached $743.9 million in assets as of Aug. 31. “What I call the Jenks-Union corridor (in south Tulsa) of deposits has grown dramatically over the last 20 years,” Tom said. “This has been an amazingly cooperative community. It is an ideal scenario for us. I believe the philosophy of a community bank should be to take depos-
its from one generation of the community, generally the older part of the population who has saved their money all their lives and want to be safe with it and not take much risk and want to be able to get their money back if they need it, and then turn it around and loan that money to the younger generation of depositers who are building homes, families, businesses and professional practices of all kinds. Our job is to manage risk of transfer of wealth between generations in the community. If we do a good job, we help the community grow, if we don’t the community doesn’t grow as it should. That is the role of community banking and we are honored to do that here in Jenks.” Bennett’s wife and First Oklahoma Bank EVP/Marketing and Investor Relations Sue Bennett said she enjoys the small town feel that Jenks provides.
“The values of this community are incredible,” Sue said. “It has a small-town feel and allows us to connect with people on a personal level. We do the same kind of banking as big banks, but we are a big bank with small-town values. We really believe in the saying you ‘treat others as you want to be treated’. The people here are incredible. Everyone’s heart is into what they are doing. It is not just about the job, it is about what is best for the community.” Another aspect of the community Tom said he appreciates is the school district here in Jenks. The Bennett’s children all graduated from Jenks High School. “Jenks Public Schools is fantastic,” Tom said. “Our family has been involved with Jenks schools for a long time. Our grandchildren go to Jenks Public
Schools now. It was a big part of the draw. This community is special because it starts with good values, good people, people who want to get things done. It is a good business community and it is a great place to recruit people to. It is a wonderful environment. In other places, local government can be tough to work with, but not here. They are a great group of folks to work with. The people here are very friendly and you just feel very safe. It is a winning community. Hard work and good values are instilled in our kids at Jenks Public Schools.” Tom said there is one other aspect of Jenks he really enjoys. “The faith community here in the Jenks area is great,” he said. “The way they all cooperate and work together is special. We are very glad to be here.”
Burn Co. People’s Choice BBQ Competition heads for Jenks The Jenks Public Schools Foundation has announced the creation of the new People’s Choice BBQ Competition in Jenks. The Burn Co. Craft of Q People’s Choice BBQ Competition will take place Sept. 20-21 at the Riverwalk in Jenks. A call for amateur BBQ enthusiasts to create teams and participate in the first Craft
of Q competition is currently underway. Competing teams will receive direction from Burn Co. owner, Adam Myers, when the event kicks-off on Sept. 20. Teams will include a pit master and up to four team members. Registration is available at the event website – www.CraftofQ. com and the cost is $200 per team.
US Foods is generously donating the meat for the competition which will include brisket, pork, and ribs. Competition food will be provided with each entry. Details and contest rules are available at www.CraftofQ.com Teams will distribute 1 oz. servings to tasters when the People’s Choice Contest begins
at 11 a.m. on Sept. 21 on the Riverwalk. Taster plates will be sold at the event for $15 a plate while supplies last and will include one ticket for tasters to vote for their favorite BBQ team. (children under 5 sample free with a paid adult) Awards will be given for 1st through 10th
place, in addition to auxiliary awards for “most spirited”, “cleanest”, and “most creative”. Family friendly festivities during the weekend event include live music and inflatables. Proceeds from The Craft of Q benefits the Jenks Rotary Club and the Jenks Public Schools Foundation.
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Kari Mirabal presents ‘Naked Networking’ The Jenks Chamber of Commerce hosted Kari Mirabal and her presentation of “Naked Networking” Aug. 28 as part of its Women in Business program. About 90 people attended the event at the Hive in Jenks. Mirabal spoke about her many networking techniques. Mirabal has made speeches all over the country and has been featured in a TED Talk. Photos/Courtesy
Sen. Lankford comes to Jenks United States Senator James Lankford (R.) came to Jenks last week to speak to area residents at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Lankford also took questions from anyone who wanted to ask. Photos/Drew Bethell with the Trojan Torch
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Taming the Wildcats By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Chaney Hupp makes the throw to first base Monday against Ponca City. The Lady Trojans defeated the Lady Wildcats 14-3 in five innings. Photo/Hayden Tucker
After trailing 3-0 in the top of the first inning, Jenks softball rallied to defeat Ponca City 14-3 by run rule in the middle of the fifth. The Wildcats (6-15) opened the game with confidence, scoring three earned runs. “That first inning they had two down the line and they had a baserunner in scoring position,” coach Todd Williams said. “They did what they needed to do to score those runs. It wasn’t anything we did to help them. Had a passed ball to help them move up a base but other than that they just swung it good that first inning. It took us a little while to get on track.” It appeared Ponca City might ride the lead, however, the Lady Trojans (11-4) later answered back with authority. Two scoreless innings from Jenks were followed by seven runs scored in the third and fourth. Jenks put up enough for the run rule after changing its attitude. “We finally were patient at the plate,” Williams said. “We got good pitches to swing at. Early on we were pressed a little bit, so we took pitches out of the zone.” Tara Hall’s four runs-batted-in led the team. Continued to TAMING, Page 8B
Girls cross country sneaks out win at BA meet By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Jenks girls cross country continued their dominance Saturday, winning the Broken Arrow Invitational. The Lady Trojans took first place as a team for the third time in three competitions this season. Jenks scored 39, beating out Bishop Kelly by one point. The win was narrow, and it came thanks in part to Paige Twiehaus. The meet scored just the top five from each school and Twiehaus was the fifth to complete the race for Jenks. Along the way to her finish, she passed three Bishop Kelly runners. “Without that we wouldn’t have got the win,” coach Rachel Graddy said. “We were really proud of her and the way she finished the race.” Avery Mazzei took second place behind Broken Arrow’s Payton
Jenks girls cross country takes off at the beginning of Saturday’s meet at Oneta Ridge Middle School in Broken Arrow. Photo/Hayden Tucker Hinkle. Mazzei completed with a time of 19:14.29. Deborah Mazzei was the second Lady Trojan to finish, coming in at
seventh place at 21:05.26. Ryann Barber’s 21:07.15 time gave her eighth place. Shelby Kihega finished at 21:27.29,
Twiehaus took 12th place at 21:55.93 to round out the top five. Tarryn Lowry (22:31.53) and Gabrielle Vargus (22:51.45) were the sixth and seventh runners to finish for Jenks. Avery Mazzei has finished with the best time in the first two meets of the season. This time she didn’t, and it emphasized how complete the roster is. “It’s essential that we have all five up there,” Graddy said. “If you have four way up at the front but your fifth one is really far back, that’s the difference between first place and fifth place, depending on what their place is.” It’s been three straight wins in as many tries but Graddy says her athletes aren’t getting ahead of themselves. “I think we all know what the goal Continued to COUNTRY, Page 3B
Volleyball spikes Sandites at home Mikiah Perdue sends a shot over two Sand Springs defenders in the 3-0 win Tuesday. The Lady Trojans moved to 11-5 on the season with the victory. Photo/ Hayden Tucker
By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Jenks needed a win Tuesday night following two straight losses to end the Heather Harkness Invitational over the weekend and it got it. Despite defeating Sand Springs in straight sets, the team still wasn’t happy. The Lady Trojans did what they needed to in order to pull out the win, but some believe they could have done more. Looking across the court, Jenks saw the leadership and energy the Sandites brought which left coach Tanna Smith wondering why her team couldn’t be the same. “We need to have more of that on our side of the court,” she said. “It’s going to take no less than every girl on the roster for Jenks volleyball to be successful. Every kid on the roster is going to have to be an active participant in our success, mentally, physically.” Continued to VOLLEYBALL, Page 5B
BACKYARD BOWL Jenks is looking to rebound from a big loss to Bixby a week ago. The Trojans face rival Union tonight at Tuttle Stadium. For more info on the game see page 2B.
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Trojans hope to rebound in Backyard Bowl By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Another installment of the Backyard Bowl between the Jenks and Union football teams will be played Friday with both teams searching for a much-needed win. The Redskins have gone winless in their first two games. They lost to Mansfield-Lake Ridge 47-44 Week Zero and dropped the game against Broken Arrow 14-0 last week. The Trojans began the season with a blow-out victory over MansfieldLegacy 38-0 but hit a roadblock last week with a 57-7 loss to Bixby. Now, Jenks has to ensure the way they played against Bixby doesn’t travel into this Friday’s rivalry game. “With any game, especially a loss, you look at the things you didn’t do well, and you try to fix and move forward,” coach Keith Riggs said. “There were just more of those that
game than normal… One game does not define us as a team, but we do need to have a sense of urgency to fix some things.” Having a comeback game won’t be easy against Union. The Redskins sport the fastest player in the state according to Riggs in A.J. Green. At wide receiver, Kyler Pearson, a University of Kansas commit, can be tough to keep up with. “He’s (Pearson) really hard to cover, he can be very quick and elusive,” Riggs said. “Those two guys will be a big challenge for our defense.” Against Bixby, Jenks gave up 445 total yards of offense, 291 in the air and 154 on the ground. The Trojans had trouble establishing a run game against the Spartans. Jenks collected just 82 rushing yards Week One after posting 196 the week before. It’ll be imperative for Jenks to get
its run game going to break the losing cycle. “We have to be able to establish the run,” Riggs said. “We’ve been able to do that so far. Unfortunately, last week we got in a situation last week where we had to throw the ball when we got behind. Being able to run the ball and pass when we want to pass it versus being forced to is going to be really important for us.” Gameday conditions won’t be like in years’ past. Fans typically make the trek to Chapman Stadium for the Backyard Bowl but for the first time since 2010, the game will be played at Union’s Tuttle Stadium. Despite the location change, Riggs believes the atmosphere will be just as great. “It’ll be, I suspect, a packed stadium,” he said. “It’ll still be extremely loud just like it has been at TU. I think it may feel a little different pregame but once the game starts you don’t notice your surroundings
Jenks fumbles, falls to Bixby by 50 points By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
The transition from Week Zero to Week One was tough for Jenks. After defeating Mansfield-Legacy 38-0 in their season opener, the Trojans (1-1) were throttled 57-7 by Class 6A-II Bixby Friday. The Spartans (2-0) set the tone early and never looked back. Bixby scored three touchdowns in the first quarter, four in the second, and two in the third for its 57 points. Jenks got on the scoreboard for the first time late in the third period on a two-yard run from Griffin Forbes. Despite the large discrepancy in scoring, the Trojans put up 311 total yards of offense to Bixby’s 445. The Spartans managed to stifle the Jenks run game, allowing just 82 rushing yards. Although he threw five interceptions, quarterback Stephen Kittleman was 20-for-33 passing with 229 yards. Bo Estes led the Trojans in receiving catching three passes for 62 yards. Griffin Forbes led the team in rushing with 34 yards on eight attempts. Jenks will be on the road Friday facing long-time foe Union at Tuttle Stadium.
Above, a group of Trojans tackle the Bixby ball carrier. Jenks allowed 445 yards of offense. Right, Will Cox takes the ball down field 19 yards in his only reception of the game. Photos/Hayden Tucker
very much. Our kids are pretty focused on the coaches and what’s going on, on the field.” With a young team, the Trojans hope to gain experience playing in a big game. “You can’t stop them from looking at this game a little differently, it’s a huge rivalry,” Riggs said. “Every year it’s a big game. Quite often most years we end up playing them twice. We have a lot of respect for their program and I think they’re the same towards us. “It’s a big game and it’s a great atmosphere for our kids to learn what a big game is all about. It’s a great experience this early. This is why you play these types of games, so you understand what it takes in big games to deal with adversity and changes in momentum. It’s an exciting week for our kids, for our school, and our community because everybody looks forward to it.”
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is. We get excited at the meets. We won by onepoint last week so that was a really close one. They were really excited we pulled it out. “I think they do a pretty good job overall knowing what our goal is and knowing that each step, we learn something each meet about what to do,” she said. Despite Twiehaus’ clutch performance in Broken Arrow, the Lady Trojans believe their biggest weakness lies in finishing races. “We want to get better at strong finishes,” Graddy said. “Trying to be able to not get passed at the end, when you’re really tired. We’re just working on the end.” The Broken Arrow meet was Jenks’ final for three weeks. The Lady Trojans will spend time training for the Pre-State meet at Edmond Santa Fe Sept. 28.
Below, the team takes off at the starting line. Right, Avery Mazzei runs just ahead of Broken Arrow’s Payton Hinkle. Mazzei and Hinkle have traded first place spots in the two meets they’ve seen each other. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Jenks boys cross countrytook seventh place at the Broken Arrow meet with a score of 181. Andrew Laffita was the first Trojans to finish at 17:18.49. Photo/Hayden Tucker
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Friday, September 13, 2019 Volleyball
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Adison Morgan sends the ball over the net in the second set. Middle school volleyball players were honored at Tuesday night’s game against Sand Springs. All middle school players were announced and ran through a tunnel created by varsity players. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Mikiah Perdue (1) and Sydney Williams (5) jump to deflect the Sand Springs spike. The mental side of the game is something they’ve struggled with throughout the course of the season and it hasn’t gotten better. “I think we just need to just focus and spend more time training better mental toughness,” Smith said. “It’s going to take having a consistent voice that’s on the floor.” There’s a lot of hope within the team, however. The Lady Trojans have shown flashes throughout the season of a team that communicates well and takes care of business. Smith cites
Emma Rhodes (8) sets up Savanna LaBiche (4) for a kill.
the Broken Arrow match in the previous weekend’s tournament where they won 3-1. “They’re completely capable of it because we’ve seen it,” she said. “The Broken Arrow match, even though it wasn’t the prettiest game, was one of them. Even against our five losses we do have, there were moments that were absolutely phenomenal and Jenks volleyball looked amazing.” Even through the sometimes-bad play against Sand Springs, there were flashes of the potential the
Megan Slayer digs the ball to keep the play alive.
Lady Trojans could reach. “In the moment the team needed a ball to be terminated, I think we did a much better job of rising to the need and making it happen for the team,” Smith said. “Our defense did well, we did a great job rallying and getting some long rallies, keeping the ball up for the offense to continue to go after them.” Despite Smith’s disdain for the effort level, she appreciated where her team worked to get the win. “I think we did a great job of moving the ball around shot-wise, which
Sydney Williams adds a kill to her stat line. is something we’ve been working on. I think the setters did a great job of mixing up the offense. Our serve-receive was solid. They always say if you can serve and pass, you can win a lot of matches. I think our aggressive serving was definitely helpful. “They played well tonight, they just didn’t play as well as I know they can. I know they’re capable of better and I know they can.” Jenks will be at home Tuesday playing Broken Arrow at 6 p.m.
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Hall finished going 2-for-3 at the plate and scoring two runs. Jordyn Pipkin trailed not far behind Hall with three RBI’s on 2-for-3 hitting. Pipkin also stood out in the circle. In three innings, Pipkin held the Wildcats to just one hit and she struck out four. It took some time, but once the Lady Trojans put their minds to the task at hand the victory was easy to secure. “I think they know they can. It’s just a matter of getting locked in every pitch. That’s what we talk about, every pitch matters. Some games we have that approach and some games we have to be
reminded,” Williams said. Jenks may have entered the game with sluggish attitudes, affecting the score in the beginning of the contest. “The first time we played them we beat them 10-0 and I think we weren’t as focused early as we should be,” Williams said. “When we got behind, I think they finally locked in and played the way they usually do.” This weekend Jenks will be at the Bixby Tournament. The Lady Trojans will face the likes of Skiatook (12-7), Broken Arrow, (20-2), Ft. Gibson (10-3) on Friday and Glenpool (3-8) Saturday.
Demetria Golliday hustles home for one of her two runs scored Monday.
Jordyn Pipkin throws one of her 48 pitches in Jenks’ 14-3 win over Ponca City Monday. Pipkin allowed just one hit and struck out four during her time in the circle. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Golliday was 1-for-3 at the plate against the Lady Sandites.
Jordyn Pipkin makes a throw to first base on a short pop-fly.
Jessica Watson rounds third base in a hurry to get to home plate. Watson scored two runs in the game.
Coach Todd Williams gives Dacia Sexton a high five on her homerun trot.
Kylan Watters (2) gives words of encouragment to Dacia Sexton (7) after her home run hit.
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HOLLYWOOD LIGHTS
Jenks High School students participated in the annual Jenks Pom Fashion Show Tuesday at the Jenks High School Performing Arts Center. Photo/Lily Heritage with the Trojan Torch.
Pets of the Week MaryAnn and Ginger Sergeant Shouse would like you to meet these two castaways, MaryAnn and Ginger. These lovely ladies are around two years old and were lost at sea (aka abandoned) in Jenks just a couple weeks apart. Ginger has some chemical scarring on her back and rope burns on her neck, which we like to call her Warrior Markings. She has fought some hard battles and still has an open heart to finding someone that will give her the love
she deserves. MaryAnn was found after she recently weaned puppies. They both took a little time to catch – as most abandoned/ dumped dogs do, they accepted food but kept a distance. MaryAnn and Ginger became instant friends at the shelter – both have bonded over hula dancing and pig roasts as they wait on their “island” for that perfect someone(s) to rescue them. They are both super friendly and affection-
ate with humans and other dogs, however, we have not tested them with cats. As close as friends as they are, they do not need to be adopted together – they just want a loving home and never have to play the role of Castaway again. If you would like to meet Ginger, MaryAnn, or any of their adoptable friends, call the Jenks Animal Control at 918-299-6311 option 8 or email animalcontrol@jenksok.org
Trojan Pride performs at football game The Trojan Pride Marching Band got its first taste of the football season last Friday at halftime of the Jenks-Bixby football game. Photos/Hayden Tucker
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OBITUARY Suzanne Bowman
Fun on the stage The annual Jenks Pom Fashion Show was another big hit in 2019. Numerous Jenks High School students enjoyed themselves, while getting up on stage Tuesday at the JHS Performing Arts Center. Photos/ Lily Heritage
September 1, 2019 marked the passing of Suzanne Bowman of Jenks, Oklahoma. Born Suzanne Jude Kindig on March 17, 1959 to Dr. Frederick Eugene Kindig and Marie Matilda (Doyle) Kindig in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Suzanne was raised in Upper Arlington, Ohio and attended primary and high school there as a Golden Bear. Upon graduation in 1977, she began her college career at Kent State University, but ultimately transferred to and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1981 with her degree in Occupational Therapy. It was in pursuit of this career goal that Suzanne moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma for an internship and met the love of her life Gregory Thomas Bowman. They were married August 6,1983. Never one to be confined by societal constructs, Suzanne chose to start her own business and she worked with the fervor of a woman who truly loved her career. She owned and operated her business, Oklahoma Occupational Therapy for nearly 4 decades. She also served her state association in numerous roles, that culminated in her election as President of the state association. There truly are not enough adjectives to describe Suzanne, but she was vivacious, friendly and beautiful. She had two children, Bradford Sterling and Whitney Tempest. They were the lights of her life. She always and only worked to make their lives better, happier, and more fulfilling. Suzanne was the home
room mom for each of them in alternating years despite running her own business. The kids played numerous sports and took part in every possible activity, and all while Suzanne was at their sides cheering them on. She was the greatest wife, mother, and grandmother. She and Greg traveled the world and always had fun. Her effervescent smile told the story and made no one a stranger. She is survived by her husband and soulmate Greg Bowman, son Brad Bowman and his wife Kelly, daughter and best friend Whitney Webb and her husband, Richard, precious granddaughter Logan, sisters Pam Kindig of San Diego, CA, Bonnie Toll and husband Chris of Stow, OH, Gretchen Thomas and husband Charlie of Mariemont, OH, nephew Chase Thomas, and fiancÊ Hannah, niece Chelsea Fagin and husband Adam. A celebration of Suzanne’s life will be held at Floral Haven Funeral Home (6500 S 129th E Ave) at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28. In lieu of flowers please donate to an organization Suzanne loved, the Oklahoma Aquarium.
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