One of our favorite stories to write is the annual recap, where we get the opportunity to reminisce and be reminded of all the great things that Sapulpa experienced this year. It’s an unfortunate reality that our most popular stories aren’t always the most heartwarming. Here’s a mixture of what we could find, both popular and just good stories. (Some links may require a subscription to the Sapulpa Times.)
January
- Right out of the gate, Sapulpa got hit with a freeze in the middle of January that had Shoulder 2 Shoulder Ministries holding an emergency shelter at the Sapulpa Senior Citizens Center.
- Sapulpa made headlines again in late January when police began looking for the driver of a vehicle that struck a child and then left the scene. Police later said what happened was more of an extremely unfortunate accident than a hit-and-run.
- Bartlett Foundation awarded a record-high of $343,788 in grants for Sapulpa Public Schools’ programs
- We welcomed Riley Rineheart as a Sapulpa Times intern for the month, and she churned out a few great stories, including this one about Tookie, who started a business after taking classes at Central Tech.
- Our History section also got off to a nice start this year with several great stories, but our favorite is this piece on the St. James Hotel.
February
- February saw a few big stories too, with the announcement that Boss Hawg BBQ was planning to drop prices in their menu as part of an effort to serve the community and make it easier for folks to go out to eat.
- City Council made the move to approve a Master Plan for the area formerly known as “Town West,” as they work to give capitalize on the now-named “Edge District’s” strength in convenience for travelers and freight, while working on increasing connections for driving, walking and biking.
- In Sapulpa History, February of 1929 saw the completion of the installation of a new sound system for Sapulpa’s Empress Theatre, which opened the new auditory reception with Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.”
March
- Sapulpa City Council reviews the proposed 27-acre Muskogee Creek Nation medical facility to be constructed on Highway 177 near 49th W. Ave.
- Youth Services of Creek County breaks ground for $1 million expansion to their Sapulpa facility.
- Roger Hendrick, the General Manager responsible for launching several Kante Group businesses in Sapulpa, most prominently, the Crossroads Cookery, retires from Kante Group.
April
- Construction on a sinkhole at Sapulpa golf course unearths old city swimming pool and revived a lot of memories for folks who used to swim there.
- A swath of severe weather made its way through Oklahoma, killing two people and leaving 12 counties in a “state of emergency.” Thankfully, Sapulpa was unaffected by these storms.
- Challenger Sherry Capps defeats incumbent Brian Stephens in City Council race
- Sapulpa City Council discussed a new Route 66 park near the Historic Rock Creek Bridge.
May
- Ten-year-old from Bristow made a splash with his crinkle-cut-french-fry-shaped fishing lure, now selling across the country.
- Sapulpa Assistant Superintendent Johnny Bilby was named 2024 OASA District 8 Assistant Superintendent/Central Office Administrator of the Year.
- Isabella’s began a promotion donating proceeds of their shirt sales to tornado victims.
June
- Challenger Zac Moore defeats incumbent Leon Warner in Creek County Commissioner Race.
- Waypoint Lounge held the grand opening of their new outdoor Beirgarten—an outdoor recreational space for live music, lawn games, and more.
- In Sapulpa History, we had the grand opening of Frankoma Pottery in June of 1938.
- Sapulpa’s Chuck-It Axe Co. announced they were closing, but that their Chuck-It Dogs are sticking around, will join Sapulpa’s first brewery.
July
- The release of the new “Twisters” movie actually proved to be great for Sapulpa, even though none of the movie was filmed on location here.
- Sapulpa man pled guilty to first-degree murder, was sentenced to life in prison.
- Bob Hughes, Sr., a graduate of Sapulpa’s Booker T. Washington High School, passed away in June, and at the time held the record as America’s “Winningest High School Boys Basketball Coach” ever.
August
- Police made two arrests in a serial vandalism case that happened across several of Sapulpa’s public parks.
- A mysterious beacon notification at Sapulpa’s Camp Okiwanee brought no answers after Creek County Sheriff’s deputies were called out to investigate.
- In August of 1930, Sapulpa’s famed Harvey House Frisco Depot suspended their dinner services, ending business in what was at one time Sapulpa’s largest employer.
September
- The Kickstart 66 Tour, preparing for the 2026 Route 66 Centennial, made a stop in Sapulpa this month.
- Sapulpa’s Route 66 Christmas Chute wins Innovation Award at Oklahoma Municipal League
October
- James Calley Brewing Company opens, bringing community-minded craft brews to downtown Sapulpa.
- Greg Pugmire wins “Citizen of the Year” at the 2024 annual Chamber Awards Banquet
- It’s clearly awards season as Sapulpa Main Street wins “Program of the Year” at Oklahoma Main Street Awards
November
- Sapulpa resident Karrah Youngblood is once again going viral for pop-culture pumpkin carvings of Taylor Swift and Chapell Roan
- Sapulpa Schools set to start construction on new High School.
- “A devastating loss:” Jordon’s Flower Farm left reeling after storms destroy crops.
- Kellyville teacher named finalist for $40,000 classroom makeover. (And she won!)
December
- Central Tech celebrated 10 consecutive years as a Top Workplace this month.
- Controversial energy transmission line was halted following a standing-room-only meeting at Creek County Fairgrounds.
- Sapulpa Representative Mark Lawson has been named House Majority Leader.
- Sapulpa’s Salvation Army delivers gifts for 318 Angel Tree recipients this year.
- A strong finish to the year’s “This Week in Sapulpa History” with this fantastic story about “Oklahoma’s Only Woman Doctor.”
