JENKS BEGINS PHASE 1 OF RE-OPENING TODAY
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
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Jenks Senior Athletes Honored With Banners Along B Street By Hayden Tucker Spring sports in 2020 were wiped away with the COVID-19 pandemic, but senior athletes will not go completely unrecognized. Drive down B street this week and along the fence at Allan Trimble Stadium and you’ll see the faces of each of the nearly 70 senior athletes from golf, soccer, tennis, track, baseball, lacrosse, and slow pitch softball. Senior banners are typically hung at the respective venues in which the athletes compete, however, this year they’ll be placed where everyone can see. Girls lacrosse coordinator Tracy Isbell got the idea on Facebook where a town in Georgia had hung senior banners in their downtown. Isbel worked with Shannon Ledford, who creates senior posters and senior banners, to come up with the idea. The two coordinated with Athletic Director Tony Dillingham and the various booster clubs and parents to arrange the banners. Each student-athlete was given instructions on how to take the pictures since Ledford couldn’t take the photos herself.
“I think it’s going to give a sense of community,” Ledford said. “I think it’s going to be incredible when it’s all up there and everybody can drive by and see it.” 2020 seniors haven’t had a normal school year since they were freshmen. The teacher walkout in 2018, the flood in 2019, and this year their season was cut short again. The banners are no substitute for memories that will never be made but Isbel hopes this small token of appreciation will subdue the hurt. “I think it certainly won’t replace their lost season but at least it will let them know that they aren’t forgotten, and that the Jenks athletic department recognizes their senior season was important,” Isbell said. “We feel their pain, their heartbreak, and we will remember them. Hopefully, they’ll get to see their face on social media and that means something to them.”
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
JENKSTRIBUNE.COM
Jenks Begins Re-Open Process Today By Kyle Salomon Jenks City Council approved Phase I re-opening of the city Monday in a special City Council meeting. The vote carried 7-0. At the order of Governor Kevin Stitt, the State of Oklahoma officially began its re-opening process April 24. Phase I for the City of Jenks will consist of most businesses opening with strict social distancing guidelines in place. Notable businesses that will not be allowed to reopen will be bars. However, if the establishment also sells food, they are considered a restaurant. People 65 and older are being encouraged to stay in continue to follow a shelter in place policy through Phase I. “We want to emphasize this does not mean we are in the clear,” Lee said. “We strongly encourage people to stay in as much as possible and to follow the social distancing guidelines. They are put in place to keep people safe. We know that there will be a bounce in the numbers once we begin to re-open, so it is imperative that we all be smart and practice social distancing when you leave your home.”
Here is a list of businesses that are now allowed to be open in the state’s Phase I: • Personal care businesses, such as hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons, and pet groomers can reopen for appointments only, must adhere to sanitation protocols, and follow guidelines posted on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce website regarding social distancing between customers and visitors at personal care businesses • State parks and outdoor recreation should be reopened • Grocery stores should continue to maintain hours for vulnerable populations
“We’re working on finding the right balance between opening the city while not overwhelming our local hospitals,” Lee said. “Our community has been successful in slowing the rate of infection, so we’re dipping our toe in the pool with this first phase.”
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Restrictions Have Been Lifted, Its Our Job To Keep It That Way By Kyle Salomon Since March 19, our way of life here in Jenks has changed dramatically due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus has dominated the headlines across the globe since early March and as we enter the end of spring and see summer around the corner, we are desperately wanting to get back to some sense of normalcy. March 19 was the first time the City of Jenks began climbing down the ladder of restrictions and by March 29, the “Shelter In Place” order was issued by the Jenks City Council. Monday at a special meeting, the City Council unanimously voted to end the “Shelter In Place” order Friday and allow most businesses to re-open under strict social distancing guidelines. “We are not limiting capacities, but capacities are going to be limited by how many people businesses can accommodate while practicing social distancing,” Jenks Mayor Robert Lee said. “We are wanting people to keep a good distance of at least six feet and wear masks. We are not saying that everything is okay and to go out and gather with as many people as you can. For my family and I, we are working from home and we are only leaving to pick up groceries and medications, but I understand not everyone has that luxury.” Gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited within the six-feet social distancing. Bars that do not serve food will remain closed and those who are the age of 65 and older are being asked to still practice the “Shelter In Place” policy. “This is the guidance we are getting from the (Oklahoma) governor (Kevin Stitt) and from the White House,” Jenks City Manager Chris Shrout said. “This is guidance to our businesses, but there is no actual new ordinance with an enforcement mechanism. We are aligning with the governor and hopefully other municipalities in the region. Our plan is to use this phased-in approach similar to what the governor and White House recommend.” On Monday when the previous ordinances were repealed, there was no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the City of Jenks. Tuesday, there was one confirmed case. There is no question that the actions that have been taken to help stop the spread have worked, but there is a good chance we will see a rise in numbers once we officially open back up this weekend. “We have every indication that as things start to open and people start moving around more, we will see an increase in positive cases,” Lee said. “What we are trying to do is allow these businesses to open just enough and long enough, so they can have a lifeline for the time being. Whenever this clears up entirely, we want these businesses to still be in business.
We want to give them a chance to make some money while there is a lull in cases here with the anticipation we may have to go back to where we were with more intense social distancing requirements. This is little bit of a reprieve here with the low number of cases right now.” As a business owner, I don’t want to see that happen. I don’t want to watch other businesses open up and start operating and making money again to see it all be taken away because of a spike in case numbers. I went to Lowes this past weekend and saw people packed into a place and not practicing any type of social distancing. I struggled understanding how that was considered safer than going to a golf course to play a round of golf or a tennis court to play a game of tennis. I believe in people having the personal responsibility to make the right decisions and be smart in a time like this, but seeing people who don’t make quality decisions is irritating because they are delaying the process of when we can all look in the rearview mirror and wave goodbye to the Coronavirus. “When we are responding to a pandemic that spreads around like this, we have to do everything we can to keep that from happening,” Lee said. “People that have been most opposed to the ‘Shelter In Place’ order are saying we don’t need to do this and to give people personal responsibility to do the right thing. I haven’t seen a lot of evidence of that.” Governor Stitt began the Phase I opening of the state April 24. Like any other politician, Stitt has drawn a lot of criticism and praise for his actions taken throughout this epidemic. He believes getting the local economy back up and running as soon as possible will help give this state the boost it needs to get through this time. Lee does not share in that sentiment. “The weekend before we issued the stay at home policy, I was encouraging people to stay home and flatten the curve,” Lee said. “Meanwhile, the governor is out at a crowded restaurant tweeting about it and posting selfies with his family. This is the same guy that is saying personal responsibility is the way to go. If we can’t expect the governor to exercise personal responsibility to slow the spread, I don’t know how fair it is to count on the general public to do the right thing in every circumstance. I have faith people will make good decisions, but we are going to see the limits of that.” Whether you agree with Governor Stitt or Mayor Lee, we are getting our chance to prove to our state and city officials that we can, in fact, handle the personal responsibility. The restrictions have been lifted, its our job to keep it that way. Sincerely, Kyle Salomon ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
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Fall ACT Test Is Possible For Current Juniors By Kyle Salomon Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and public-school buildings being shut down across Oklahoma, the spring ACT test for high school juniors was cancelled.
Muller said the district is waiting for additional information from the Oklahoma State Department of Education on the matter.
This topic was one of the agenda items discussed Monday at the Jenks Public Schools School Board meeting. According to Jenks Public Schools Associate Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Muller, there is strong potential for a make-up ACT exam that could happen in late September. The test would be free for this year’s junior class, who would be seniors in the fall. If the test happens, it will not be a requirement for students to take in order to graduate, so it would be taken voluntarily.
There is also an ACT test that is scheduled to take place in June at Jenks High School, but it is in danger of also being cancelled, according to Muller.
“This is wonderful because it is free for those students and their families,” Jenks Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stacey Butterfield said at the meeting. “The fact that they are still looking to provide that is a big advantage to our students.”
“If it is not cancelled because of restrictions and there is a possibility of face-to-face administration, our plan is to go ahead and offer the June ACT,” Muller said at the meeting. “I will tell you based on the current timeline it is not likely to happen. The ACT has had discussions about the possibility of having an at-home testing model as an option if the June test is not able to happen in face-to-face fashion.” The SAT test is also considering an at-home option. “We will continue to monitor all the information and all the resources we have, and we will provide updates as we have those available,” Butterfield said.
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Jenks Mayor Encourages Citizens To Find Balance In Phase I Of Re-Opening On March 19, our council voted to limit capacities of many Jenks businesses to 10, and on March 22, with near unanimous consent from council, the city of Jenks closed restaurants to dine-in patrons, closed bars, gyms, and entertainment venues. On March 29, council approved our safer at home order, closing all non-essential businesses and requiring citizens to remain at their residences under most circumstances. We took these extraordinary steps because of the ongoing pandemic, in order to slow the rate of spread to keep our local hospitals from being overwhelmed. Our region’s quick action has accomplished this goal so far, and our hospitals have remained at about two thirds of the way full. Jenks was one of the quickest to respond to this pandemic, and we have the lowest numbers of confirmed cases per capita as a result of our quick action.
This time, I’m not as certain, but we will continue to watch the daily progression of this pandemic, and we’ll be prepared to take further action if circumstances warrant it. Tulsa Health Department is calculating the benchmarks for further action, and I recommend that we follow their advice.
This first phase will end our Safer at Home order for the time being. It will On April 22, Governor Stitt announced a push to put the allow most businesses to open, with strict social distancing state into the first phase of reopening, which is similar to guidelines. It will allow the Oklahoma Aquarium to reopen, the first social distancing measures our council put in place. and they’re working on a system for admitting visitors by Last night we voted to enter into this first phase beginning appointment. The dog park and skate park will reopen, May 1, along with the state and our regional neighbors. although playground equipment will remain closed. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, it does look like our actions over the past weeks have managed to slow the spread of Covid-19 and have avoided swamping our hospitals. Businesses and the workforce have suffered tremendously, and it appears that loosening up a bit is something we can sustain for the time being. On the other hand, we know the virus is still here. It’s not entirely clear that we have peaked in our region, and we are all but certain to see an uptick in infections once people start to mix around more. There are businesses that rightly won’t feel safe opening, who may no longer be eligible for financial assistance if they stay closed. There are employees who rightly won’t feel safe returning to work, who will no longer be eligible for unemployment assistance and may not be able to keep their jobs if they don’t risk their health to come into work. This concerns me very much. What we’re trying to do with this first phase is find a balance. A balance that allows businesses to function just enough, while slowing the rate of infection just enough. As difficult as our previous votes have been, I was certain each time we were doing the right thing.
Easing restrictions is by no means an announcement that the coast is clear. The virus is still here, and as our region begins to lift restrictions, we can expect to see higher numbers of cases. My message is: don’t be one of those numbers. It’s not enough to stay home just if you feel sick. If you’re infected, it could take weeks before you show symptoms, and some will never show symptoms at all. This means we all have the power to spread this virus far and wide, even if we don’t feel sick. The best and safest thing you can do will be to continue to stay home if at all possible. If you have to leave your home, keep your distance. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it frequently. The virus can survive on surfaces for days, so use a disinfectant wipe off the gas pump handle, and any other surfaces you may come into contact with that others touch. Use curbside pickup and delivery whenever it's an option. Support local businesses wherever you can, and please be safe. - Robert Lee, Mayor of Jenks
Opening Doors With The Keys Of Success What do you need to do if you are ready to sell? First, hire a full-time realtor to help you through the process. Why would you not trust a professional to handle the most expensive purchase you have ever made? A good realtor will guide you through the steps to get it ready to list. Decluttering is a big step (which you may have started doing during the “safer-at-home” order) and get it presentable, inside and out.
Andrea Salomon, Coldwell Banker Select, asalomon@cbtulsa.com It's May 1 and Phase I has begun. During the time that you were staying home did you say, “Help! We need more space!” or “I don’t want to keep up with this much house!” or “I just want something different!” Did you think, “How can I do this with the coronavirus?” “Is it even possible to look at houses during this time?” “Is it really different out there?” Yes! It is possible with all these things. During this pandemic, people really are listing their houses. People really are looking for another one. Some were already in the process of being transferred with their companies when this quarantine began. Real Estate did not stop. Realtors were deemed essential workers, thankfully, so that these transactions did not have to be put on hold. Some of the process had to change, but we, along with lenders, inspectors and title companies, adjusted along the way and kept going. Let me tell you, there is no better time than now to list your house for sale. There are fewer houses on the market than there have been in years. There are buyers out there just waiting for something to come up on the market and they are ready to pounce.
Second, a trustworthy realtor should know the market price for the neighborhood or area you live. Case in point. I was getting ready to list a property last year and asked the seller what he thought would be a good listing price. He gave me a figure and my jaw dropped. Why? Not because it was too high, but because it was too low. I said, “Your home is worth so much more!” At my suggested price, it went under contract in 24 hours (I know, not always typical). And yes, there are those sellers who think their houses are worth 20 times the market price. A knowledgeable realtor should never guess but give you comparable and actual “sold” prices in your area. Third, do not sign up for “forbearance” with your mortgage company. In other words, do not stop paying your mortgage if they offer that during this pandemic time. Pay your bills on time. You do not want anything to hinder the sale of your house at closing. Fourth, work with your professional realtor as to how you want your house to be shown during this time. What types of precautions do you want them to take? Fifth, talk to your lender before you sell. Make sure you have enough equity in the house, so you do not have to bring money to the closing table. Make sure you can afford to buy another house when yours sells. I hope this helps! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. This should be a time of excitement, not fear. It is my desire this will add value and provide you an experience for the keys of success.
Kyle James McKinney Troop: 185
Andrew Conner Seneker Troop: 185
Ethan Felts
Scoutmaster: Scott Matson Sponsor: Jenks United Methodist Church Parents: Tim and Amanda McKinney Benefactor: Faith United Methodist Church Eagle Scout Project: Redesign and update landscaping of an overgrown memorial garden island. Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a huge accomplishment. Kyle has learned and demonstrated knowledge in first aid, emergency preparedness, communication, wilderness survival, rifle shooting, personal management, robotics, leatherworking, engineering, personal fitness, chemistry, canoeing, cooking, electricity, woodcarving, geology, aviation, metal working, citizenship, kayaking, etc. Kyle has been on numerous camp outs across several states, logged hundreds of miles of hiking and backpacking, reached the summit of more than 14,000-foot mountains twice, completed his Eagle service project which included landscape design and development for Faith United Methodist Church in Tulsa. He has served in various leadership positions that helped prepare him for Eagle, including Quartermaster, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Patrol Leader, and Leave No Trace Trainer. He attended Pine Tree and is a member of the prestigious Order of the Arrow. He has been heavily involved in scouting and service since 2010 when he joined Pack 385 in Jenks, OK as a tiger scout. He has been very involved in Troop 185 for the past five years and continues to be active in the troop as Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, mentor, and guide for younger scouts. He is currently training to attend Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a 14-day high adventure backpacking trip in August 2020. Kyle is sophomore at Jenks High School. He is a member of FFA, National Honor Society, and Key Club. He is interested in woodworking/building and plans to pursue a degree in engineering after he graduates in 2022.
Scoutmaster: Scott Matson Sponsor: Jenks United Methodist Church Parents: Jason and Amelie Seneker Benefactor: Tulsa Hub Eagle Scout Project: Design and fabrication of utility trailers for bicycles to those in need to carry groceries or personal items. With the help of his fellow scouts, Andrew designed and constructed 6 bicycle trailers that can be towed behind a bicycle to carry groceries or personal gear. He spent the summer volunteering at the Tulsa Hub to learn more about their mission. He learned how he and his troop could help benefit the Tulsa Hub and the local community. The Tulsa Hub founder asked him to design and build a costeffective utility trailer for bicycles. He raised money for his project through troop popcorn sales and fundraisers. The project included the challenging task of designing the trailers to be durable. He built a prototype trailer and tested it, except it was unstable and broke under a heavy load. Andrew persevered, gathered improvement ideas and finalized the best design. Andrew purchased the raw materials, recycled existing wheels and organized and supervised around twenty scouts building the trailers over several weekend workdays. The labor included metal working, wood cutting, painting and assembly. Once constructed, he delivered the detailed design drawings and trailers to the Tulsa Hub. Several trailers have already been distributed to those in need. Andrew has been heavily involved in scouting and service since the fall of 2010 when he joined Pack 970 in Tulsa at Darnaby Elementary school as a Tiger Scout. Since becoming a Boy Scout for Troop 185 in Jenks, OK of the Eagle District in the Indian Nations Council, Andrew has held numerous leadership positions that helped prepare him for Eagle. He was Quartermaster, Webmaster, Chaplain’s Aid, and Senior Patrol Leader. In 2017, he attended Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a 14-day high adventure backpacking trip. Andrew is a sophomore at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa and is on the cross-county team, drum line and is a student pilot training to earn his private pilot's license. He is interested in aerospace and plans to apply to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Andrew will graduate in 2022.
Ethan Felts has been in the boy scouts for seven years. He has learned so much through scouting and the great mentors in Troop 185 he is especially thankful for his Brit Mum and scout mentor Jan Henry. He has developed a love for the outdoors and camping. He has had so many opportunities to experience new things such as hiking 99 miles in New Mexico and camping in the Colorado Mountains. He was voted honor scout during his time at Pine Tree. Scouting has helped him become the young man he is today and becoming an Eagle Scout is one of his greatest accomplishments.
Troop: 185
Three Members Of Jenks Boy Scout Troop 185 Earn Eagle Scout Rank FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020 JENKSTRIBUNE.COM
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Deadline For Senior Salute Pictures Set For May 11
Church Directory Beaver Street Baptist Church 102 W. Beaver Street Service times: 9:30am Sunday 10:45am Sunday 6pm Sunday Crossroads Church 2525 W. Main Street Service times: 10:30am Sunday 6pm Sunday 6:45pm Wednesday Dove Ministry 2833 W. Main Street Service times: 10:30am Sunday 6pm Sunday First Baptist Church 11701 S. Elm Street Service times: 8:30am Sunday 9:45am Sunday 11am Sunday First Christian Church 308 E. Main Street Service times: 9:45am Sunday 10:45am Sunday First Jenks United Methodist Church 415 E. Main Street Service times: 8:45am Sunday 10am Sunday 11:15am Sunday
Jenks Bethel Baptist Church 11808 S. Elm Street Service times: 11am Sunday Jenks Bible Church 708 W. Main St Service times: 10am Sunday 6:30pm Wednesday Jenks Church 1015 W. Main Street Service times: 10am Sunday Kirk Crossing 11420 S. James Avenue Service times: 9am Sunday 10:30am Sunday Life Church Jenks 890 W. 81st Street Service times: 4pm Saturday 5:30pm Saturday 8:30am Sunday 10am Sunday 11:30am Sunday 1pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 5:30pm Sunday 7pm Monday
Newspring Family Church 2907 W. 108th Place South Service times: 9:30am Sunday 10:30am Sunday River Oaks Christian Church 300 N. Elm Street Service times: 9:30am Sunday 10:30am Sunday 6:30pm Sunday St. James Presbyterian Church 11970 S. Elm Street Service times: 10:30am Sunday The Church at Jenks 2101 W. 118th Street 9am Sunday 11am Sunday The Connecting Co. 1737 W. 81st Street Service times: 10am Sunday