Bristow Holiness Church Construction
Passersby traveling in the area of 1st Avenue and South Main Street may have noticed new construction activity in the last couple of months. Bristow Holiness Church, on the southwest corner of the intersection, demolished its north parking lot and removed the north-facing exterior of the church. Now, new utility ducts and pipes are visible, protruding from the freshly poured concrete foundation of what will be the church’s new, larger sanctuary once construction is complete.
Construction Underway for New Market
Also located at 1st Avenue and South Main Street, residents have noticed the busy construction work of crews and large machinery at the posted future site of DAK’s Market. The new store will be located on the northeast corner of the intersection. With the sign having been posted for a significant amount of time yet no action having been taken, many Bristowans doubted the business would ever be built and announced plans fulfilled to fruition. Recent efforts shocked many and suggested the business will, in fact, build its store in Bristow, after all.
Turner Turnpike Moved to Plate Pay
As of May 1, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority announced that the entirety of the Turner Turnpike, from Oklahoma City to Tulsa, is now one continuous trip without stops to pay tolls. All turnpike users will now pay tolls via their PikePass accounts or Plate Pay; however, Plate Pay tolls will be a bit more expensive as PikePass account holders are eligible for discounted rates. OTA stated the purpose of converting all tolls to fluid, cashless systems is to help keep drivers and employees safer, citing a multitude of wrecks having occurred as drivers attempted to navigate various lanes and traffic while stopping to pay tolls or traveling through available PikePass lanes.
Summer Reading Program
In the last week, Bristow Public Library announced that its registration for the Summer Reading Program has opened.Participants may register online by visiting https://bristowlibrary.beanstack.org or visiting the library.
Bristow Nights
Area self-proclaimed “gearheads”, mechanics, classic car and automotive loving individuals and families gather around the first and third Friday evenings each month to share their vehicular endeavors for fun and camaraderie, to share tips, play games, chat, and cruise the town. Anyone is welcome to join in the fun as they host informal gatherings in the parking lot between Charlie’s Chicken and Tractor Supply. Participants begin to convene around 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and exit to cruise as the sun sets. Follow the “Bristow nights” Facebook page for updates or stop by as they meet and introduce yourself.
National Day of Prayer
Last Thursday, May 2, local ministers and residents gathered in front of Bristow City Hall, on the north lawn, to pray at the flagpole for the National Day of Prayer. Attendees gathered in a large circle to pray. The prayer service was held at noon.
Gas Leak
Late last week, an apparent gas leak was said to have been identified in the area of 6th Avenue and Main Street. Community Bank employees were reportedly evacuated as a precaution. However, I was unable to verify details by time of print.
New Organization Competition within Wildflower Run
Bristow High School alum Carl Chasteen longed to see camaraderie and community-building fun return to Bristow events, so he sought to work with the City of Bristow and Dr. Chip Cooper with the Wildflower Run to create a friendly competition amongst the community’s civic organizations within the 5K run. This year marks the inaugural effort to grow the competition. As of time of writing, only the Bristow VFW and Masonic Lodge had joined. Chasteen hopes to gain more organizational three-person teams in future years with memories of Western Heritage Days’ exciting and crowd-pleasing bed races in mind.