FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 , 2020
JENKSTRIBUNE.COM
Jenks-Area Voters To Decide Several Local Elections, State Questions
Nov. 3 will be a big day across the country, as voters from every state will hit the polls to determine who will hold some of the highest political seats in the nation. Here are several elections that will have a direct impact on the people living and working in the Jenks community, as well as information on the two state questions being voted on Tuesday: United States Representative District 1 -Kevin Hern, Republican -Kojo Asamoa-Caesar, Democrat -Evelyn L. Rogers, Independent State Senator District 37 -Cody Rogers, Republican -Allison Ikley-Freeman, Democrat State Representative District 68 -Lonnie Sims, Republican -Michael Ross, Democrat County Commissioner District 2 -Josh Turley, Republican -Karen Keith, Democrat
LOW WATER DAM DEADLINE NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED By Kyle Salomon Bond issues are a great thing for cities like Jenks. General Obligation Bonds allow cities to grow and prosper, while giving the taxpayers a say in how their town moves forward into the future. G.O. Bonds are in many ways how a city will improve its infrastructure and its road system. They give residents of a city a way to invest into their community and improve the quality of life in a town like Jenks. For instance, in late August, the citizens of Jenks passed a G.O. Bond of $20.5 million to improve the roads in south Jenks. The bond issue passed by more than 71% of the vote and several thousand people came out and let their voices be heard. Yes, property taxes will go up, but according to the residents of Jenks, it will be money well spent to alleviate the traffic issue in the south part of town. The main thing I like about G.O. Bonds is they allow the taxpayers to let their voices be heard. If a citizen is in favor of the projects within the bond issue, he or she can vote yes. If another citizen is not in favor of that same bond issue, he or she can vote no.
its portion was around $56 million. That money was generated from a sales tax revenue increase and is there for both cities to use to construct the dam. However, included in the fine print of the 2016 ballot was text saying if a maintenance endowment fund is not secured by Dec. 31 of 2020, both the city of Jenks and city of Tulsa can use the money secured for the construction of the dam for other capitalfunded projects.
by the COVID-19 pandemic and made it nearly impossible to get any business done, such as trying to secure the maintenance funding needed to construct a low water dam.
There have been several instances since the bond issue was passed in 2016 when both cities felt they had secured a maintenance endowment fund, but every time, it fell through for a variety of reasons. The latest one was a rejected federal grant application, which INCOG applied for on behalf of the city of Jenks and city of Tulsa. The amount of the grant was $25 million and would have sufficed for the funding needed to move forward with the project.
When the bond was passed, the deadline was 45 months to secure the maintenance endowment fund, from April of 2016 to the end of 2020. Given that we have been in a global pandemic for most of 2020, I don’t believe we have been given the full 45 months.
As Dec. 31 quickly approaches, I can understand if both cities are exhausted with trying to find the funding needed to move forward with the low water dam project. It would make sense if both cities are starting to consider other options for the money designated for the construction of the structure. For Jenks, there are numerous capital-funded projects the $16.67 million could be used for instead of the dam. Even after the passing of the August bond issue, there is still more than $120 million in projects the city has declared need to be capital funded before being completed.
For residents in Jenks, the centerpiece of that bond issue was the inclusion of a low water dam, which would be built in the Arkansas River connecting Jenks and south Tulsa.
However, I strongly urge both the city of Jenks and the city of Tulsa to take a step back and take other considerations into play before scrapping the low water dam project. I would like to see the city of Jenks and city of Tulsa come together and extend the deadline one more year to Dec. 31, 2021.
For Jenks, its portion of the low water dam construction would cost $16.67 million and for Tulsa,
The year 2020 was in large part engulfed
Afterall, the right to vote is one of the most patriotic practices we can perform as American citizens. Let us rewind back to April of 2016. The citizens of Jenks and citizens of Tulsa voted to pass the Vision 2025 Sales Tax Extension.
I believe if leaders in both cities came together and extended the deadline 365 days, it would be looked upon favorably by the citizens on both sides of the river.
Let’s do the right thing here Jenks and Tulsa. Extend the deadline to the end of 2021 and let’s work as hard as we can to secure that funding and get the low water dam completed. Why? Because that is what your citizens voted for and that is what they paid for. It is your job to make it happen. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the Jenks Tribune. Sincerely, Kyle Salomon ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
807 East A Street Jenks, OK 74037
Call or text us 918-955-8152 biergartenjenks.com
Technical Theatre Students Host ‘Creativity Night’
Jenks High School students in Technical Theatre hosted a "Creativity Night" to show off their crafty skills and demonstrate what can happen with the right tools and some imagination. These students work extremely hard behind the scenes to help productions come to life. Photos/Courtesy
Women In Business To Host Annual Giving Event Thursday The Jenks Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business program is hosting its annual Giving event at noon Thursday. This year’s event will benefit Dress for Success Tulsa. “The Giving event is a wonderful way to connect women in our community with organizations that serve women across our region,” said program chair JayCee Kerns. Dress for Success Tulsa is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since its opening, Dress for Success Tulsa has helped over 13,000 women make transitions to thriving lives of self-sufficiency. The Jenks Chamber website has a full list of items attendees can donate including steamers, shout wipes, tide sticks, body wash, clothes, coats, gloves and more. The luncheon requires an RSVP at jenkschamber.com. Cost to attend is $15 for Jenks Chamber members and $20 for non-members. It will take place at The Hive, 115 S. First St.
Shop Small. Shop Local. Hire 381 Creative For All Your Graphic Design And Marketing Needs! Logos, T-shirt design, Masks, and More! Jinger Wiesman Owner/Graphic Designer 381creative.com 918.813.0654
‘THERE IS A CHILD IN EACH OF US, WHO IS STILL A TRICK-OR-TREATER LOOKING FOR A BRIGHT LY LI T PORCH’ By Sarah Clavin This weekend is one of the first “holidays” of the Holiday Season. For many families, Halloween kicks off the season of celebration followed shortly by Thanksgiving and culminated by Christmas and New Year’s. In this time of “cancel culture” however, there is tremendous pressure to cancel Halloween and all that comes with it. But, let’s not do that. How about we just go all out. With the extra time that we are spending at home, we can put our creative minds to work and turn the costume into a home school project or even a contest (if you have more than one) to see who can create the most unique costume. Maybe a t-shirt decorating costume or a face painting. And if you decide to purchase a costume you could still decorate a creative candy sack. But in an effort to achieve some sense of normalcy, many families have found a way for their children to still celebrate the holiday. Additionally, many communities still plan to [safely] host annual “trunk-or-treat” and “family fun day” events. While these events may feel a bit more “sanitary” this year, many parents are simply thankful for the opportunity to let their kids showcase their costumes and snag a few extra pieces of candy to satisfy those late night cravings.
I have never been one to enjoy dressing up; my kids on the other hand, start planning their costumes sometime around the end of August. Our family has seen everything from Jessie (Toy Story), to Minnie Mouse, and Mulan. Between the kids and my husband, we get enough candy from Trick-Or-Treating to last us till Easter (wherein I promptly trash the Halloween Candy and replace it with the goodies the Easter Bunny brings). Annually this time of year, our family enjoys Asbury TrunkOr-Treat, the Jenks Main Street Trunk-or-Treat, and an evening out trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. When I heard there was a possibility these events would be canceled, I dreaded breaking the news to the kids. Tack that onto the long list of things 2020 has canceled out. I am happy to report, however, that our local groups have worked extremely hard to create a plan for a safe and sanitary execution of these beloved community events. Here are a few places to safely celebrate Halloween with your family this year: -Through -Through -Through -Through -Through
Saturday - Hallowmarine at Oklahoma Aquarium Saturday - Hallowzooeen Friday - Phil-O-Ween at the Philbrook Museum Friday - Jenks Main Street Trunk or Treat Saturday - Asbury Trunk or Treat
Ghosts and Goblins Spooks galore Scary witches at your door. Jack-o-lanterns smiling bright Wishing you a haunting night.
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 | jenkstribune.com
Kyle Salomon Owner Hyperlocal LLC Publisher: Jenks Tribune
Jinger Wiesman Creative Director/ Advertising Executive Jenks Tribune
Office | 918-528-7272 Mobile | 918-231-0787
Office | 918-528-7272 Mobile | 918-813-0654
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
jwiesman@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.”
Johnson, Acebo crowned 2020 Homecoming Queen, King Jenks High School seniors Macy Johnson and Anderson Acebo were named the 2020 Jenks High School Homecoming Queen and King Friday at halftime of the Jenks football game against Yukon at Allan Trimble Stadium. Photo/Kyle Salomon
Hallowmarine 2020 To Conclude This Saturday The annual Hallowmarine event, put on by the Oklahoma Aquarium and Jenks Chamber of Commerce, will conclude this weekend. There is plenty of time for people to come and enjoy some indoor trick-or-treating for children of all ages. Guests will be able to follow the Trick-or-Treat trail for candy and to be able to see all the marine life in the surrounding exhibits at the aquarium. All children are encouraged to dress up in their best Halloween costume for a chance to win prizes. There will also be numerous chances for guests to interact with some of the ocean’s most curious creatures. This year’s event will include safety protocols for all guests, vendors, staff and volunteers, such as nightly admission caps, mask requirements and glove requirements for vendors. The remaing dates for Hallowmarine 2020 are Friday and Saturday. The event will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each night with the last admission being sold at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.95 for adults, $13.95 for youth, $13 for adult members and $9 for youth members. Admission is limited, so to reserve your spot in advance, you purchase tickets at www.okaquarium.org.
We’ll be here when you need us most WE’LL BE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US MOST
To learn how Aflac can help protect your financial security, contact: SPENCER GRODEN 918-704-0624 {{XXX-XXX-XXXX}} spencer_groden@us.aflac.com {{email@us.aflac.com}} 300 Riverwalk Terrace Suite 260 | Jenks {{agent license number}}
Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, Georgia 31999
Z190607 Z180082
EXP 7/20
Chamber To Host Trick-Or-Treat On Main Street Friday Downtown Jenks will become home to ghouls, superheroes and more during the annual Trick-or-Treat on Main Street event on Friday. Come in your costumes and join us for a wicked good time from 4-6 p.m. Chamber member are welcomed to set up a booth on First Street for no cost. Non-members may set up booths on First Street for $50. This year, vendors are required to wear gloves and masks to pass out candy and marketing items directly to families. Families and children may not grab items from tables or from an individual not wearing gloves or masks. Contact the Jenks Chamber of Commerce to register to be vendor for Trick-or-Treat on Main Street.
Voting Is An Important Right, We Need To Treat It That Way By Hayden Tucker In 2016, I was a fresh 18-years-old and excited to vote in my first election. I showed up to the ballot, prepared to vote for President of the United States. When I got my ballot, I became anxious to see so many other boxes. I had no clue who any of these people were or what they were running for. This year, there’s been a rise in voter interest, which is great, but I fear many people are heading to the polls to fill out one box, like I did in 2016. Don’t get me wrong, voting for President is important, but it’s a little overblown. There are many other races that are just as important, if not more so. As Oklahoman’s we have the chance to choose who we want making decisions for us on a local level. Would you like U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe to keep representing us in Washington D.C., or do you think it’s time for a change? In the Jenks area, U.S. Representative of District 01 Kevin Hern has a democratic and independent challenger. If you care about business in Oklahoma, the Corporation Commissioner race between Republican Todd Hiett and Libertarian Todd Hagopian might pique your interest. Don’t know what U.S. Representatives or the Corporation Commission does? Neither did I before this election. Election cycles give us the chance to learn how our democracy works and I try to take the opportunity to build my knowledge. It’s not too late to learn, to get involved. There are great internet resources like Ballotpedia.com, okpolicy. org, or you can simply search for a candidate and you’ll be learning in no time. State questions are always important and this year we get to decide whether we want to end the use of sentence enhancements for people convicted of nonviolent crimes with SQ 805. State question 814 gives us the opportunity to change the way the state’s tobacco settlement money is distributed. These are just a few things on the ballot and while I’m not asking you to mark every single box, I urge you to take a few minutes out of your day and research one or two of these candidates and what they’re running for and make a difference. I’m not telling you how to vote or who to vote for, all I’m saying is that this democracy doesn’t work if the majority isn’t heard. And don’t just vote every four years. There are elections each year to decide your mayors, your city council men and women, your governors, to decide how much money goes into fixing roads and schools. Elections are important and this year I think people are finally understanding that. Don’t let the excitement for voting end on Nov. 4 and don’t go to the ballot unprepared like I was in 2016.
Jenks Police Department Incident Reports October 19 through October 25
BURGLARY; 1000 BLOCK W MAIN ST UTTERING FORGED INSTRUMENTS; 13000 BLOCK S 4TH ST UTTERING FORGED INSTRUMENTS; 9200 BLOCK S ELWOOD AVE DUI; 108TH S ELM ST DUI; 119TH S ELM ST IDENTITY THEFT; 1200 BLOCK W 112TH DR IDENTITY THEFT; 1200 BLOCK W 115TH ST IDENTITY THEFT; 12000 BLOCK S UMBER ST LARCENY OF MOTOR VEH. ROBBERY BY FORCE OR FEAR; 11000 BLOCK S ELM ST SHOPLIFTING; 1000 BLOCK W MAIN ST BURGLARY FROM AUTO; 1200 BLOCK W 117TH S BURGLARY FROM AUTO; 11700 BLOCK S UMBER ST BURGLARY FROM AUTO; 3700 BLOCK W 107TH CT BURGLARY FROM AUTO; 3700 BLOCK W 107TH ST MALICIOUS INJURY/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY; 1100 BLOCK W 115TH PL
Letter To The Editor A few words about city growth Dear Mayor (Robert) Lee and (city) council members, I have recently moved from another state to Oklahoma, from the "failing" state of California. Before I go on; I will tell you that I am college educated and conservative, (politically, financially, and socially). I have also sat on city, and home-owners councils. I would like to make Jenks my home permanently; but was very disappointed in your recent ruling concerning bringing a popular restaurant (Mondo's) into the city. As I look at the little businesses struggling in the town, and the empty buildings; I see a town that simply does not know WHAT to do, or HOW to secure monies to sustain and grow. There is also an outdated idea that a restaurant, if properly built, would cause a negative noise factor, as well as a parking area creating problems, if logistically positioned. I am becoming very familiar with other areas near Jenks, such as Glenpool, Bixby, and Sapulpa. They do not seem to be threatened by businesses near their homes, and developments, if properly coordinated. Was there a resistance to the high school here, AND the Riverwalk so close to homes, and apartments? What about the strip-mall that contains Louie's? I am coming from a town that has lost most of its restaurants due to the pandemic. They will never open again. California is broke. We do not honestly know how the revenues will come into these smaller communities with the uncertain future ahead in both government and industries. To refuse to allow, or even work with, (it sounds like), an entity that would have brought millions in revenue to Jenks is unsound leadership. To stand still is to go back words. If "old Jenks" wants to continue with their present ideas; I hope they have a sugar daddy or a good fairy waiting in the wings to pick up the pieces down the road. A good city planner could have taken care of this. Many regrets, Lauran E. Findlay at LFin10@aol.com
Letter To The Editor October 12 article on Jenks losing deal with Mondo’s Mr. Salomon, I am very concerned that this article did not fully represent all the facts, and that it unfairly puts blame on Kaye Lynn. My home is on the cul-de-sac bordering the north end of the 813 E B Street property, and I will therefore be affected greatly by whatever development takes place there. I purchased my home in 1986, and until late 2018 the 813 E B property was zoned residential and had 2 homes on it. Around that time zoning was changed to OM to allow an office building. We in the surrounding neighborhood felt this was a good compromise because there would likely be minimal noise and traffic in the evenings. (Two attempts to change the zoning to commercial (CS) were denied by Planning Commission/City Council previous to this.) On 5/21 the Planning Commission recommended change of zoning to River Oriented Commercial with the stipulation that the development would be limited to either office or a restaurant with some protection for the surrounding homes. On 6/2 the City Council, including Kaye Lynn, voted unanimously to change the comprehensive plan and include this property in the River Entertainment District. On 6/4 the Planning Commission recommended change to ROC so the restaurant could operate there, with basic stipulations that a masonry wall be built on the two sides bordering homes, that there would be no amplified outdoor sound, and that the dumpster be located on the east side. The City Council voted unanimously on 6/16 for the change to ROC zoning, and again unanimously to approve the mentioned protections. In no way is Kaye Lynn standing in the way of progress in Jenks, as the article seems to suggest! She is doing her job of supporting development, while also protecting the quality of life for Jenks residents in her area. This is a relatively small property surrounded on 2 sides by homeowners who deserve the reasonable protections unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission and approved unanimously by the City Council. I feel that Kaye Lynn as our representative on the Council worked very hard for a win-win situation for all concerned. Marie Olsen
Jackie Dale Bess Jackie Dale Bess was born to J.R. and Pearl Bess on January 20, 1947 at Checotah, Oklahoma. He passed from this life and entered his heavenly home on October 17, 2020. He lived with his parents, one brother and two sisters in McAlester, Oklahoma. He graduated from McAlester High School in 1965 and enlisted into the United States Air Force in August 1965. He was stationed at Lakeland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas when he was reunited with his youth camp sweetheart, Rachel Hamm. They were married October 1, 1966 in Checotah, Oklahoma. Jack and Rachel were blessed with three beautiful children, Mark Edward, Alicia Marie and Timothy Steven. Their military life took them to many places; Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, Albrook Air Force Base in Panama Canal Zone, Special Assignment to Oklahoma State University with the ROTC Detachment in Stillwater, Oklahoma for two tours, Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Saigon-Vietnam, Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina and the Air National Guard Base in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he retired from more than twenty years of service. Following retirement from the military, he worked at Jenks High School Gymnasium as a custodian and attended college at OSU. After graduation, he worked at OSU Medical Hospital as Assistant Department Head of Radiology. Due to hospital cutbacks he moved to the Radiologists’ private billing office. After emerging the billing office, he went to work for Troxell Heating and Air in their billing office. Following cutbacks once again, Jack went to work as a maintenance guy for the Unites States Postal Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After five years, he officially retired to spend lots of time fishing, watching the grandchildren in their cattle shows, choir performances, baseball, golf, band activities and enjoying family. Wherever Jack was, he was always a faithful church member and served in many capacities. His love for the Lord was evident in his study of the Word and his quiet spirit to always be there to serve. He loved to visit with friends and always talking about fishing. When asked how he was, his response was always, “If I was any better, I would be fishing.” He loved fishing for men to know Jesus as much as he did catching a live fish. His love for the outdoors was seen mostly by fishing with his best buddies, Roland Hayes, Craig Birchall and Jim Doss. They were truly like brothers-they spent a few years together with an RV in Zapata, Texas fishing as often as possible. They made great memories and caught lots of fish with many “fish stories” to tell. In describing Jack, one of his buddies said he would like to get Jack out in a boat with several fishing rods all tangled up and watch him work with extreme patience to untangle each one. Greatest man with patience. His second love for the outdoors was playing baseball with the Air Force, coaching his sons in little league and
then watching his grandson, Zachary, and his team play baseball for the Labette Community College Cardinals team. He loved watching his grandson, Nicholas, play baseball and then was coaching him all the way to the car. He also loved watching Minor and Major League on television at night. Jack’s love for the outdoors was also seen in his lawn business. He and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Wilson, took their sons, Mark and Kyle, and started them in a lawn business at the age of 14 years old. They helped their sons through high school when the boys took it over themselves. The “A Family Lawn Service” is still in action today with Jack’s youngest son, Tim, carrying on the business. He is preceded in death by; his parents, J.R. and Pearl Bess, his only brother, Doyle Bess, his second grandson, Taylor Christian Belmear, three brother-in-laws, Kenneth Wilson, Charlie Bowman and Dennis Hessaforfer, one sister-in-law, Naomi Ruth Hamm Olsan and Father and Mother-in-law, Elijah and Virtie Marie Hamm. He is survived by; Wife, Rachel Hamm Bess, son, Mark Edward Bess and wife Meredith Pickering Bess of Okemah, OK, one daughter, Alicia Marie Bess Belmear and husband Steve of Owasso, OK, son, Timothy Steven Bess and wife Kammy Sams Bess of Collinsville, OK. Six grandchildren, Brady Andrew Bess, Zachary Nathan Bess, Chandler Reed Bess, Faith Elaine Belmear, Madison Marie Belmear, and Nicholas Dale Bess. Two sisters, Patricia Ann Bess Poole of McAlester, OK, and Vickie Sue Bowman of Clinton, MD. Four sister-in-laws, three brother-in-laws and multiple nieces, nephews, family and friends. Funeral services were held on October 22, 2020 at First Baptist Church Jenks. Care was entrusted to HargroveMarker Funeral & Cremation Service.
CONT on pg 11
CONT from pg 1... Tuesday State Questions – Brief Summary and Political Landscape -Oklahomans will be asked to consider two state questions on the Nov. 3, ballot STATE QUESTION 805: Felony Sentence Modification Background information -SQ 805 is a criminal justice-related measure. It would prohibit using an individual’s past non-violent felony convictions as the grounds for a greater sentence when sentencing a person convicted of a non-violent felony. It would also provide for sentence modifications for eligible individuals serving enhanced sentences. SQ 805 was put on the ballot through the signature process and was submitted to the state in July 2020. Criminal laws typically provide a time range for use in sentencing convictions, with the legislature given power to modify the sentencing range for a crime. Oklahoma law allows for “sentence enhancements” that may be considered if a person has prior convictions. These enhancements can allow much longer sentences than the original time range provided for many crimes. SQ 805 would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to limit this “sentence enhancement” only to crimes that the legislature classified as violent on or prior to Jan. 1, 2020. Individuals who are currently incarcerated for felony sentences that were enhanced based on one or more former felony convictions, and whose sentences are greater than the maximum sentence that may currently be imposed for such felonies, may seek sentence modification in court. As stated above, this would not apply to those individuals convicted of violent felonies. Political Considerations -Supporters of SQ 805 include the ACLU of Oklahoma and Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. OCPA has been supportive
of and very active on the issue, although it is unknown whether they have officially endorsed the state question. The State Chamber and Oklahoma City Chamber have remained neutral. Opponents of SQ 805 include Governor Kevin Stitt, who has been outspoken on the issue, and the District Attorney’s Association. It is important to point out that SQ 805 is an important issue for some Chamber retail businesses who find themselves victims of repetitive non-violent crime. STATE QUESTION 814: Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund (TSET) Background Information -SQ 814 aims to secure the funding needed for some of Oklahoma’s portion of Medicaid expansion through adjustments in structure to the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Fund. If approved, the question would decrease the percentage of money (75% to 25%) deposited into the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Fund, sending those funds instead to Medicaid expansion efforts. SQ 814 was placed on the ballot through a bill authored by Oklahoma Senator Kim David. The TSET Fund was created through State Question 692 in 2000, approved by voters with 69% in favor and 31% opposed. The TSET was funded through a percentage of revenue from tobacco companies under the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). The money in the TSET fund was earmarked for tobacco use prevention, smoking cessation programs, education, health care, and other purposes as established by the fund’s board of directors. As of 2020, the average annual payment received by Oklahoma under the Master Settlement Agreement was around $75 million. About $56.25 million was deposited into the TSET fund. Under SQ 814, the amount deposited into the TSET fund would be about $18.75 million, and the remainder (about $56.25 million) would be allocated to drawing down federal matching funds for Medicaid.
Ready to buy a home, new construction or existing? Ready to sell your current home? Want to buy or sell land?
CALL ME! Sarah Foley 918-798-3251 sfoley@mcgrawok.com
Long-time Jenks resident, a former City of Jenks employee, and a proud parent of a Jenks High School golfer! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2020
JENKSTRIBUNE.COM
Sophie Bufogle named to All-State volleyball team By Kyle Salomon If you attended Jenks High School volleyball matches in 2020, there is one thing you probably got used to seeing and that is No. 11 dominating the net area for the Lady Trojans. That No. 11 is senior Sophie Bufogle and she was recently named to the 2020 All-State East Volleyball Team. “I was excited because it meant I get the chance to play volleyball with some of my old teammates again before we leave for college,” Sophie said. “I’ve always looked up to the players who were on the All-State team, but it wasn’t something I focused on during the season. I was more focused on team goals and going to state.” The Jenks volleyball team had a strong 2020 season. The Lady Trojans had a perfect 9-0 record in their Frontier Valley Conference matches, hosted and swept through their regional tournament and made a semifinal run in the 6A state tournament before losing to eventual state champion Bishop Kelley. “This one was one of the best seasons I’ve had at Jenks,” Sophie said. “It was so fun to have a last season with girls I’ve played with for so long. We always worked hard and had so much fun together as a group. It was challenging at times but overall, it was a great season and we all worked together. It wasn’t just one person that won our games, it was everyone pulling weight. I think that’s what made it so fun for everyone.” Sophie has attended Jenks Public Schools since she was in eighth grade. She said she is not going to play volleyball in college and is undecided on where she is going to school when she graduates from Jenks in May. “I’m going to miss all the players because everyone is so encouraging and accepting,” Sophie said. “Jenks volleyball is like a family, we all supported each other. I’ll definitely miss all the fun things we did together as a team.”
Five Jenks Softball Players Earn District Postseason Honors
By Kyle Salomon Jenks softball ended its 2020 season in the 6A state tournament after upsetting regional host Broken Arrow on their home field. One week following the end of their season, the Lady Trojans had five players named to the 6A-3 All-District Team. Senior shortstop Jessica Watson was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the district. Senior Emma Lang made the team as an All-District pitcher. Junior Faith Russell was named as an All-District second baseman. Junior Emma Vickery was named as an All-District catcher and sophomore Kayla Adams was named as an All-District utility player.
918-254-1988 | www.millerswimschool.com
Trick Or Treat Under The Sea With Us At Jenks Main-Street Trunk Or Treat!
Jenks Girls Dominate Cross Country Regional By Kyle Salomon SAND SPRINGS – Jenks girls cross country took its first step to repeating as 6A state champions Saturday with a firstplace finish at the 6A East Regional at Case Community Park in Sand Springs. There were 15 teams and 102 runners competing in the 5k race. “We ran a great race today,” Jenks girls coach Rachael Graddy said. “I think we looked a lot more confident in this race. I saw some girls take some risks and I saw some girls fighting at the end, which is what we want. It was a great race, I think it is a positive change from last week (Frontier Valley Conference Meet), we were able to fix some things and I think we looked pretty good. I think this sets us up for a perfect way to go into state next weekend.” Avery Mazzei was the top placer for the Lady Trojans with a third-place finish and a time of 18:39.90. Deborah Mazzei was right behind her older sister with a fourth-place finish and a time of 19:16.59. Ryann Barber was also in the top 10 with a sixth-place finish and a time of 19:36.08. Emily Coffey and Tarryn Lowry finished in the top 15 with Coffey taking 14th with a time of 20:26.94 and Lowry placing 15th with a time of 20:28.35. Gabrielle Vargus placed 27th with a time of 21:13.06 and Lidia Routh rounded out the seven Jenks runners with a 37th place finish and a time of 21:42.31. The 6A State Championship Cross Country Meet will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Edmond Santa Fe High School.
Logan Nobles, Senior Offensive Lineman
Senior offensive lineman Logan Nobles is the Jenks Tribune Player of the Week for his performance last Friday against Yukon. The Oklahoma State University football commit helped lead the way for the Trojan offense, as they scored 31 points and rolled up 297 yards of offense in the 38-7 win over the Millers at Allan Trimble Stadium.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Craig Bowman
Farmers Insurance Agent 1100 W. Main St. | Jenks 918-299-0945
No. 2 Trojans Hit The Road For Edmond Memorial Friday By Kyle Salomon
Jenks football continues its path to the postseason at 7 p.m. Friday with a district matchup at Edmond Memorial. The Trojans come into the game with a 5-1 overall record and a 3-0 district mark. The Bulldogs are winless in 2020 with an 0-8 record and 0-5 mark in the district. Despite Edmond Memorial’s struggles this season, Jenks coach Keith Riggs said his team needs to be ready to play Friday. “You can’t take anybody for granted,” Riggs said. “If you look at their games closely, and we have been studying them on film this weekend, they have been in every game recently. They had Edmond Santa Fe tied late in the third quarter and were ahead of Westmoore late in that game. They have some talented football players. Things just haven’t been going their way in some games. They are certainly not a team you can take for granted. They definitely have got some talent on their team.” Riggs said the Bull Dogs are balanced on both sides of the ball. “Offensively, they are kind of a multiple spread offense,” Riggs said. “They have got a couple of different running backs they use, and they do a little bit of wild cat. They have a safety, who is a really talented football player, and they use him in a wild cat offense. They just try and get you out leveraged with their formations and motions. Defensively, they run a 4-2-5, which we have seen quite a bit of over the years.” Riggs added he wants to see continued improvement out of his team this Friday. “I was really proud of our guys last week with all the distractions and disruptions we have had in the previous two weeks,” Riggs said. “We came out and played some really solid football. I saw some guys step up and do some good things. We just need to continue that these next two weeks and get some quality district wins and get rolling going into the playoffs.”
Trojans Will Use Softball Indoor Facility This Week. The forecast for the Jenks-area through Thursday is a wet one. According to the local meteorologists, heavy rain is supposed to fall until Thursday, but Friday is looking promising with sunny skies and highs in the 50’s. With the game forecast looking different than the impending weather over the next couple of days, Jenks will use the softball indoor facility some to get its work done for the week. “If we know the weather is going to be similar on Friday, like if there was a high probability of rain Friday, we would be out in it everyday getting used to it,” Riggs said. ‘We will still be out in it some, but the fact that they forecast is really good for Friday, we will probably go indoors a little bit this week and take the elements out of the picture.” Riggs said heavy instructional time and installation of the game plan will take place indoors. “An indoor environment would be more conducive for that, but we will probably have a mix of inside and outside practices,” Riggs said. “Our softball facility is the best options for us, it’s not quite wide enough, but it is turfed and is the best option. It’s a great facility. We will send our offense over with the scout team today (Monday) for about an hour and then bus our defense over and send our offense back for film and meetings, while the defense spends some time over there. We have used it a couple of times the past couple of years, and it has worked out really well for us.”
Jenks Corrals Yukon Rushing Attack In Route To 31-Point Win By Kyle Salomon Following a week off due to COVID-19, Jenks handled business Friday with a 38-7 win over Yukon at Allan Trimble Stadium. The Trojan defense held the Millers’ flexbone, triple-option rushing attack to more than 100 yards less than their per game average. Yukon came into the game averaging 353 yards on the ground and Jenks kept them at 249 on the night. “Just like we thought, it is tough to adjust to that offense,” Jenks coach Keith Riggs said. “They had some big plays on us early, really proud of our defense though, they came out and made some adjustments and I thought they did a great job in the second half. We will see how the film looks, but it is a good win against a quality opponent, got our max points for district play and here in about 24 hours we will get ready for the next one. The offense did a really good job, had a couple of drives fizzle out, but overall, when you score 38 points against a good team, you are always going to have a chance.” The Trojans got the scoring party started in the opening quarter with a touchdown drive on their opening possession capped by a five-yard run from Grant Lohr. Max Paskvan was solid with the extra-point and Jenks led 7-0 early. Yukon didn’t wait long to respond. The Millers scored on their second play from scrimmage on a 74-yard touchdown run straight up the middle to even score at 7-7. The two offenses continued to trade punches, as Jenks responded to Yukon’s touchdown by scoring another touchdown of its own on the second play of its next possession on a 19-yard pass from Stephen Kittleman to Griffin Forbes followed by the Paskvan PAT to make it 14-7, which would be the score heading into the second frame. The Trojans got the ball back following a Yukon punt and Jenks went down the field again, this time capped by a nineyard touchdown pass from Kittleman to Waylon Adams. Paskvan was again good with the extra-point and the score was 21-7 Trojans midway through quarter No. 2. The defense then decided to join the scoring party on a Lohr interception and return for a touchdown from 42 yards out to make the count 28-7 following Paskvan’s PAT. That would go on to be the halftime and end of third quarter score. Jenks added 10 more points in the fourth quarter on a one-yard run from Lohr and a 32-yard field goal from Paskvan. Lohr also earned his second interception of the game in the final quarter. The Trojans finished the night with 297 yards of offense, including 168 on the ground and 129 in the air. On top of the 249 rushing yard Jenks allowed, Yukon had just 12 yards passing for a total of 261. Jenks had 17 first downs, while the Millers had 13. The Trojans converted 3 of 6 third down attempts and Yukon converted just 1 of 8. Kittleman finished the night with 129 yards in the air on 7 of 9 passing with two touchdowns. Lohr had 67 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns and Forbes had 65 yards rushing on six carries with one touchdown. Glenver Jones had two receptions for 61 yards and Adams had two receptions for 27 yards with a touchdown. Linebacker Maxwell Mitcho had 10 tackles on the night for Jenks. The win improves the Trojans’ record to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in district play, while the Millers are now 4-4 and 2-3 in league play. Next up for Jenks will be a trip to Edmond Memorial with kickoff taking place at 7 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Stadium.
Boys Cross Country Misses State Meet By One Point By Kyle Salomon SAND SPRINGS - Jenks needed to finish in the top seven Saturday in the team standings at the 6A Boys East Regional Cross Country Meet to qualify for the 6A State Cross Country Championships. The Trojans came just one-point shy of achieving that goal, as they finished eighth out of 15 teams. Yukon edged Jenks out of the final spot to move on to the state meet. Carter Ford was the top placer for the Trojans with a 32nd place finish and a time of 17:32.04. Tyler Mcdoulette placed 37th with a time of 17:40.91. Ethan Lacey finished in 39th place with a time of 17:41.72. Britton Garcia took 40th place wit a time of 17:43.36. Elijah Nyambura placed 50th with a time of 18:04.33. Todd Mcdoulette finished in 52nd place with a time of 18:06.18 and Emmanuel Arthur took 55th place with a time of 18:15.19. However, Jenks boys cross country will not go without representation at the 2020 6A state meet. The top four placers, Carter Ford, Tyler Mcdoulette, Ethan Lacey and Britton Garcia all qualified individually for the competition. The 6A Boys Cross Country State Championship will begin at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday in Edmond.