(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story)
"It's hard because when I order things I can't count on the prices," said Bill Jenks
"I check almost every day from my suppliers," Jenks said
He said right now prices are starting to climb due to former President Donald Trump's tariffs
"I can't bid jobs very well because I can only guarantee the prices only a couple of days out," he said
Jenks said the next time he orders supplies like copper pipes and water heaters
the cost could be nearly 20% more expensive
"Pretty much everything in our industry," he said
Jenks said he is also renovating his building
this is the price for today but tomorrow could be different," Kevin Butts said
which will impact neighbors looking to buy or build a home
What can I afford if I'm building or doing a remodel?" he said
He added that materials for supplies come from across the globe
"A lot of our lumber comes out of Canada," Butts said
he said he hopes prices will eventually fall again
since this is something impacting everyone
"We ordered a lot of materials ahead of time so we could try and keep prices as low as possible for our customers," he said
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Grinder Ball Rule #45Order Now The White Sox and Chicago White Sox Charities announced a special initiative
inviting fans to show support alongside 2005 World Series Champion Bobby Jenks in his fight against cancer
while also directing the proceeds to one of his favorite local charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI)
The Jenks-inspired T-Shirt features a new addition to the memorable White Sox era of team rules
“Grinder Ball Rule #45: Fight like it’s the bottom of the 9th.” The T-Shirts are on-sale now for $30
Fans also have the option to purchase a T-Shirt with an additional donation to RMHC-CNI for $45 – a nod to Jenks' White Sox number
Proceeds benefit RMHC-CNI and its mission to provide essential services that remove barriers
and promote healing when children need healthcare
A cause close to the heart for the two-time All-Star
fan-favorite pitcher and father of six throughout his big-league career
the funds raised will provide critical housing and support services for families with children undergoing treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses and injuries
Fans can purchase a T-Shirt online or at the Charities Corner in Section 154 at Rate Field (while supplies last)
All orders will be shipped within two weeks of purchase
you will receive additional information on shipping details and exact timing
If you have any questions, please contact charities@whitesox.mlb.com or call 312-674-5367
Already with more than 20 major-college football offers
announced on X that he will be moving from Jenks to Broken Arrow
he also was used occasionally at wide receiver
Tulsa World Sports Columnist & Writer
Email notifications are only sent once a day
the OSSAA voted to implement a shot clock in Oklahoma high school basketball
It won't be as big of a game-changer as some think
With regard to the movement of talent in high school football
the ultimate “wow!” moment occurred in May 2022 — when then-Jenks freshman quarterback Shaker Reisig moved to arch-rival Union High School one day after the Trojans concluded their spring-practice period
The Reisig switch was executed 5½ months after he and the 2021 Trojans had beaten Union for the Class 6AI title
impactful player moves since Reisig’s Union switch
but on Tuesday morning there was a call that elicited a reaction similar to the Reisig-to-Union reaction of three years ago
a four-star recruit and an elite defensive back with more than 20 major-college offers
My “wow!” caller notified me after Stanford released a statement on X
When the Broken Arrow Public Schools hired Travis Hill away from Muskogee in December
talented kids are going to want to be on Hill’s roster
Player movement is a common thing now at the prep level
the brilliant Semaj Stanford soon will be a Broken Arrow Tiger — and for two more seasons
He will be a junior during the 2025 season
Stanford will conclude the track season with his Jenks teammates
An interesting layer in the Jenks-Broken Arrow dynamic: Last season
Jenks starters at running back (Oklahoma State commit KD Jones)
quarterback (Owen Jones) and wide receiver (Kayleb Barnett) had started their varsity football careers at Broken Arrow
In August 2023: While watching Trojan Preview scrimmaging at Allan Trimble Stadium
I chatted at field level with several football figures
“The best player in the state is a ninth-grader
all I knew about Semaj Stanford is that he is the younger brother of former Jenks star Jalyn Stanford
who now is a third-year sophomore at Sam Houston State
But because that football figure made such a heavy statement about Semaj Stanford before he had played a single varsity game snap
I’ve always sustained a close watch on a 6-foot
180-pound DB who is said to have a high-level football IQ and always seems to make the right play
College recruiters know all about Semaj Stanford
who also has been occasionally used as a dynamic pass-catcher on offense
There are Big 12 offers from Oklahoma State
There are offers also from the University of Tulsa
Spartan teams have captured three consecutive 6AI championships
Spartan quarterback Carson Kirby enters his senior season with a career total of 26 starts
the 2025 Spartans are favored to get a fourth 6AI title (and what would be an incredible 11th title overall in 12 seasons)
The Tigers will be a problem for every opponent
Hill coached championship teams at East Central and Muskogee
and now he has Broken Arrow’s massive enrollment and impressive resources with which to work
With Bill Blankenship having returned as the Owasso head coach
and as junior-to-be QB Drew Frankenfield chose to stay at Owasso instead of making a move to Union
I’d probably position the 2024 state runner-up Rams at the No
2 position in a pre-spring practice ranking of 6AI teams
the Oklahoma Game of the Week should be Owasso at Broken Arrow
After having been the Tiger head man for four seasons
Josh Blankenship was dismissed in November
Bill Blankenship has his son Josh Blankenship as his offensive coordinator
Travis Hill soon will have Semaj Stanford in the Broken Arrow secondary
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
Goodman had been the Central High School athletic director since 2020 while also coaching Carver Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade footb…
Barry Lewis offers insight into picking All-World and All-State basketball
"Nothing had rivaled the Shake Reisig move until yesterday ..
if Broken Arrow is a desirable destination for kids like Semaj Stanford
WATCH: Bill Haisten gives his reaction on Semaj Stanford's shocking move from Jenks to Broken Arrow
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Bobby Jenks asked his family to buy him a tent
he wants to take his family on a road trip through Europe
“We understand that may not be possible,” said his mother-in-law
“But we don’t want to break his spirit either.”
the once-elite Chicago White Sox closer is living in Portugal with his wife and her family
His days are a mixture of hospital visits and constant exhaustion
his family’s home in California burnt to a crisp in the Palisades wildfires
Every memento of his baseball career turned to ash
It was a loss that Jenks called “a shock to the system.”
After suffering pulmonary embolisms in October
followed by months of fatigue and a hospitalization for jaundice
Jenks was diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma
It’s a terminal illness for which there is only treatment
“I’ll never forget the sadness in his eyes when the doctors said that to him,” said Antonio Da Cunha
He’s had to sign baseballs to pay for medical treatments
The family dropped their medical insurance years ago
Being overseas has only complicated efforts to have his treatments covered
Those close to him waffle between the hope that this strong
everybody thinks about death on a daily basis,” Jenks said
“It’s just that people don’t usually have an actual day on theirs.”
Jenks said he strongly believes that he will beat this cancer
His otherwise weak and fatigued voice was sharp
as it had been throughout his phone interview with The Athletic earlier this month
But with that faith comes an understanding
“I’ve come to the realization that it could be six months
all in just six seasons with the White Sox
But that doesn’t tell the full story of his career
or the mark he left on a franchise that continues to celebrate him
275 pounds in his playing days — who came in throwing triple digits
The rookie who closed out the White Sox’s only World Series championship in the last century
“Bobby is a larger-than-life figure,” said longtime White Sox catcher A.J
and take home a device that attaches to his chest and dispenses chemo for two more days
He tries to save what little energy he has for when he and Eleni’s kids
old enough to grasp everything but still too young to process it
these months have been extremely difficult
Jenks hangs onto that tent and the hope it represents
“Having the strength to do my daily activities
Jenks unequivocally told his doctors not to schedule any appointments for him in early July
For all the bad things that have befallen him
getting to Chicago to celebrate a milestone anniversary with his teammates represents a source of genuine excitement
“The doctor looked blankly at him,” Souglides said
So can you organize that all my treatments are done?’”
It’s been 20 years since the White Sox won the World Series
Two decades since Jenks threw his arms above his head
celebrating a 1-0 win to cap a 4-0 series sweep
Jenks pitched in every game of the World Series
She always knew that her husband played the sport
but didn’t internalize how important he was to it — until she attended the team’s 10-year championship reunion in 2015
manager of that championship team and a South Side legend in his own right
it just wouldn’t be the same,” Pierzynski said
Bobby meant so much to a lot of White Sox fans.”
Pierzynski said they’ve texted here and there with messages of encouragement
After connecting with Jenks last week, the White Sox announced a charity event
benefitting the Ronald McDonald House charities in greater Chicagoland
with proceeds going to a cause he cares about
Jenks was never projected to be the important South Side figure that he became
During Jenks’ first spring training in 2005
Guillen said he saw the rookie throwing heat on a backfield
His initial reaction was to tell the pitcher
but at the notion that going all-out early in spring training would somehow impress him
Jenks spent the first half of that championship season as a 24-year-old in Double A
Guillen spent 13 years as a player with the White Sox
he famously called for Jenks from the bullpen by spreading his arms out wide and then raising them over his head
He lost most of his worldly possessions to the fire
But one thing that he still has is his World Series ring — a physical reminder of his legacy and what he means to his old team
The normally brash Guillen suddenly became more solemn: “If I can hold him
“that would be special for everyone here in Chicago.”
All of Jenks’ medical expenses are paid out of pocket
Every dollar spent is burning through their savings
They’d hoped to rent out their California home to supplement their income
Nor is it possible for Jenks or his wife to work
Their time and money go to his treatments and their two children
“It’s not a position I wish anybody was in,” Jenks said
Jenks enlisted the assistance of B.A.T., more formally known as the Baseball Assistance Team, a resource for former players. His friend and former big leaguer Darren Dreifort started a GoFundMe
Jenks signed memorabilia from his bed as a part of a fundraising effort
And we’re counting on as much support as we can have.”
Two suitcases full of memorabilia were flown to Portugal with a representative of the company PastPros
baseball cards and other mementos for Jenks to sign
was unable to sign everything; his illness made it impossible
other players are participating in the signing
and guys that never played against him or never met him
that are jumping in on this,” Dreifort said
“It’s nice to know that you made an impact somewhere.”
For all the financial assistance that Jenks needs
the people closest to him have helped with everything else
flew to Portugal to spend 10 days with Jenks last month
it was Jenks who slipped a check into Grim’s pocket when his mentor was in need
Grim returned the favor simply with his presence
whose current youth team jerseys all have Jenks’ name on the back
I tried to hold it together in front of Bobby
Because I didn’t want him to think that I thought it might be the last time.”
has also been his “rock star” over the past three grueling months
The two met nearly 15 years ago at a rehab center in Arizona. Bobby had become addicted to painkillers following a botched surgery that ended his career
They moved to Portugal in October because Jenks wanted to be in his wife’s close family unit
mother and stepfather have all rallied around Jenks
She handles the affairs of their burnt home and finances
kissed all the items that were brought for her father to sign
but there are certain challenges that financial help can’t fix
told (our son) we’re doing the best we can,” Eleni said
“We’re doing the best that we can to get his dad right
His mind was on the four children that he did not have by his side
all living in the United States with their mother
and said he’s hardly spoken to them since his diagnosis
“I think about it every single day,” said Jenks
the pain of the topic clearly overtaking him
The pain of this illness transcends the physical
He’ll have chemo “hot flashes,” which cause him to shout for reasons he can’t understand
managing the Windy City Thunderbolts — an indy ball team in the Frontier League
Jenks would have been in his second season
he’ll watch his team’s games via an online stream
close friend and the Thunderbolts’ interim manager
And I’m going to make him proud,” Hall said through tears
there’s a seesaw between optimism and the unavoidable realities of a terminal diagnosis
Eleni said she hasn’t allowed herself to think of a world without her husband
There’s been no planning ahead — a deliberate choice
“Because it’s too overwhelming for me to think about anything other than the present
I think it will paralyze me to have any fear or doubt.”
the doctors asked him if he had any further questions
He didn’t want to know the doctor’s timeframe for the end of his life
he’s adamant that no doctor or medical determination can define what happens next for him
But he knows he wants to make the most of that time
If they turn around and throw it right in the trash and say
I think this world needs more love than anything else
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Mario Tama
Sam Blum is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Los Angeles Angels and Major League Baseball
he was a sports reporter for the Dallas Morning News
he covered Auburn for AL.com and the University of Virginia for The Daily Progress in Charlottesville
Grinder Ball Rule #45: Fight like it’s the bottom of the 9th
the White Sox and Chicago White Sox Charities announced a special initiative
inviting fans to show support alongside 2005 World Series Champion Bobby Jenks in his fight against cancer
Grinder Ball Rule #45 🤍Net proceeds will support one of Bobby Jenks’ favorite local charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
the White Sox are selling t-shirts with the aforementioned “Grinder Ball Rule #45” on them
a call-back to the team’s “Grinder Ball Rules” that were popularized during the team’s 2005 World Series run and subsequent seasons
The T-Shirts are on sale now for $30 and can be purchased online or at the Charities Corner in Section 154 at Rate Field
Fans also have the option to purchase a t-shirt with an additional donation to RMHC-CNI for $45 – a nod to Jenks’ White Sox number
RMHC-CNI’s mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers
Jenks had the following to say about the initiative:
“My family and I are so humbled by the response and support we have received
I want to turn this news into a positive and powerful source of support for families who are dealing with cancer too
and it means so much to me and my family to use my situation to help others who are also in the fight against cancer
My goal is to get back to Chicago this summer and spend time with my teammates
Ronald McDonald House families and White Sox fans.”
Over seven seasons with the White Sox and Red Sox
helping lead Chicago to a historic World Series Championship in 2005 and earning All-Star selections in 2006 and 2007
Jenks tied a major league record by retiring 41 consecutive batters
Jenks completed his first season as the manager of the Windy City Thunderbolts in Crestwood
he was diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma
and has been undergoing treatment in Portugal
where he is living this offseason with his family
You can buy your t-shirt online HERE
Follow us @SoxOn35th for more throughout the season
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I’m a 2019 graduate from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Economics
along with being a 3x #SoxMath Finals Runner-Up
is likely why I've been given the title of "resident nerd" of the page
I look forward to bringing you analytical and thought-provoking content for years to come
Suite Shots is opening its doors in Jenks on Thursday
The golf entertainment venue is along the Jenks Riverwalk at 600 Riverwalk Ter
Related Story: Suite Shots opening in Jenks as Part of $8.5M Riverwalk revitalization effort
Here are the 3 things to know about its grand opening:
Suite Shots Jenks is a 3-story entertainment space that features 60 outdoor heated golf bays
Guests can order food and drinks directly to their golf bay or order at the bars. The menu includes salads
The golf hitting bays are equipped with Toptracer
Within it are several game options as well as instant shot replays and statistical feedback
"The beauty of this is you do not have to be a true golfer to come and enjoy this," said Chief Operating Officer Chuck Johnson
I think of it as similar to bowling where you get out there and you might not be the greatest at it
Suite Shots Jenks has both outdoor range bays and indoor full-swing simulators that people can play on
Pricing for the outdoor bays ranges from $29-$59, and the indoor simulators are $43 or $54 per hour, depending on the time of day. For more information, visit the Suite Shots Jenks website
Alyssa joined the News On 6 team as a multimedia journalist in January 2023
Alyssa anchored 13 NEWS This Morning and told Northeast Kansans stories as a reporter for WIBW-TV
she won several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards for her anchor and reporter work
Suite Shots is opening its doors in Jenks on Thursday
Related Story: Suite Shots opening in Jenks as Part of $8.5M Riverwalk revitalization effort
Guests can order food and drinks directly to their golf bay or order at the bars. The menu includes salads
The golf hitting bays are equipped with Toptracer
\"The beauty of this is you do not have to be a true golfer to come and enjoy this,\" said Chief Operating Officer Chuck Johnson
Pricing for the outdoor bays ranges from $29-$59, and the indoor simulators are $43 or $54 per hour, depending on the time of day. For more information, visit the Suite Shots Jenks website
and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox
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Jenks' Spring Riverwalk Market is finally here every Thursday featuring plenty of vendors and even live music
Lane Castleberry stopped by to give a preview
JenksRiverwalk.com
the Chicago White Sox developed a marketing campaign out of one of then-manager Ozzie Guillen’s most-used words about his players and the way they played
They were “grinders” who could “grind” out a victory
The White Sox and Chicago White Sox Charities on Friday announced the creation of Grinder Ball Rule #45 in honor of their beloved closer from that team
A command to fight like it’s the bottom of the ninth
That might be the kind of fight Jenks is in as he battles Stage 4 adenocarcinoma
but thinking of fellow cancer patients in the Chicago area
The campaign is meant to offer inspiration to Jenks while raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
White Sox Charities is selling T-shirts to honor Grinder Ball Rule #45. Shirts cost $30 and are available online or at a specific stand at Rate Field
Proceeds that go to the Ronald McDonald House will be used to provide support
for parents while their children are being treated for cancer or other serious illnesses
“My family and I are so humbled by the response and support we have received,” Jenks
“I want to turn this news into a positive and powerful source of support for families who are dealing with cancer too
Jenks was a rookie on the World Series team and went on to pitch six seasons with the White Sox and his final season with the Boston Red Sox
He was an American League All-Star with Chicago in 2006 and 2007
HIGH PRAISE: Baseball America says the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, rank very high on the talent scale. CLICK HERE:
RARE BREED: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s new contract with the Toronto Blue Jays puts him in extremely rare company. CLICK HERE:
ALMOST BACK: Former Chicago White Sox all-star readying for first MLB game in almost two years. CLICK HERE:
JAMI LEABOW
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Does Semaj Stanford make Broken Arrow a 6AI championship contender this year
The OSSAA guidelines on NIL opportunities for Oklahoma prep athletes
Bill Haisten: Here it comes – NIL at the high school level of Oklahoma sports
announced last week his decision to move from Jenks High School to Broken Arrow
where he would be a junior during the 2025 football season
Semaj Stanford is a 16-year-old Jenks sophomore and a four-star football prospect with offers from OU
along with additional offers from four SEC programs and seven Big 12 programs
180-pound Stanford announced his plan to move from the Jenks school district to Broken Arrow and play for new Tiger coach Travis Hill
Stanford expects to be finished at Jenks by May 21
the spring-practice period begins on Monday
In a rating of recruits for the class of 2027
247 Sports has Stanford among the top 15 safeties in the nation
The Tulsa World conducted a Q&A with Stanford exactly 24 hours after his stunning announcement:
Stanford on Jenks coach Adam Gaylor’s reaction to the Broken Arrow decision
Gaylor had been Stanford’s defensive coordinator
What was Broken Arrow coach Travis Hill’s reaction to Stanford’s decision
“I haven’t been in contact with any of the BA coaches.”
With regard to college football projections
Stanford is identified mostly as a defensive back
he wants to be used far more offensively than he was at Jenks
Colorado’s Heisman Trophy-winning Travis Hunter was a two-way star who averaged 112 snaps per game
Does Stanford want a comparably heavy load
I don’t work this hard on conditioning for no reason.”
Was the potential of NIL a factor in Stanford’s Broken Arrow decision
It was a (simple matter) of seeing the coach they have and moving into that district.”
Stanford recalled the first few hours after his Broken Arrow announcement: “I had some good from it and some bad from it
I was sitting in class with my phone buzzing and going off
And there were some guys who texted me and said
When did Stanford first began to consider a move
“We first started to think about it a couple of weeks ago
I woke up one day last week and had a sit-down with my parents
and felt like (Broken Arrow) was the best move for me and us as a family.”
Stanford on his recruiting process: “It’s been blowing up
and (in June) I plan on going back to LSU and then to Ohio State
I plan to go to Georgia during the summer.”
Stanford on his recruiting experience and the travel: “It’s a blessing
Stanford had a ringside seat to witness Jenks running back KD Jones’ recruiting process
which culminated on March 26 with his commitment to Oklahoma State
At what point might Stanford formulate a list of finalists
“I don’t know how many teams I’m going to shave it down to
Did he watch last week’s draft and does he pay attention to how players prepare for their draft experience
“My dad has always made sure that I pay attention to those things
and (emphasizes) the importance of not doing the wrong things.”
“would be (discovered) when NFL teams look at your history
I’m visualizing myself at that stage of my football career
Stanford on his NFL role model: “As someone who handles himself so well off the field
and Ashley Blanche of Jenks High School were among the school’s film students who were honored Thursday for placing in this year’s C-SPAN StudentCam competition
Suraj Panchel's film “In God We Trust: An Exploration of Christian Nationalism” is screened during a program at Jenks High School where students who placed in the C-SPAN StudentCam 2025 competition were honored
talks with Emma Curry and Ashley Blanche about their second-place prize in the C-SPAN StudentCam competition
JENKS — The wins keep coming for Jenks High School’s film program
municipal and county officials and representatives from C-SPAN came to Jenks High School to celebrate four films from six Jenks seniors that are among the winners of the C-SPAN StudentCam 2025 competition
This year marks the 19th consecutive year that at least one Jenks project has placed in the nationwide competition
and these kids give me so much energy and excitement because they are so excited to make something that really makes a difference while being able to stretch their creative muscles and challenge themselves,” said film teacher Hannah Rogers
who was a StudentCam competition winner when she was a Jenks student
Participating middle and high school students were asked to address this year’s theme — “Your message to the president: What issue is most important to you or your community?”
About 3,500 students from 42 states and the District of Columbia participated in this year’s contest
The videos were judged by a panel of educators and C-SPAN representatives
Emma Curry and Ashley Blanche were among 16 second-place finishers nationwide with their film about homelessness
“Invisible People: Hidden in Plain Sight.”
Curry and Blanche received an honorable mention in the 2023 competition and placed third nationally in 2024
They said they drew from those experiences when making this year’s film
“We immediately started working on this on the first day of school by discussing topics and throwing ideas around,” Blanche said
Two of the 32 third-place films nationwide were by Jenks seniors: Suraj Panchel for “In God We Trust: An Exploration of Christian Nationalism” and “House Divided,” a short film about housing policy by Jaxon Smith and Waleed Zainatieh
Hendrik DuBois received an honorable mention for his film exploring meritocracy
“These are complex and complicated issues,” Tulsa County Commissioner Lonnie Sims said
“I’ve had the opportunity to serve at the municipal
and it’s important that our young people … debate these issues openly and get to the best solutions.”
All of the winning films can be viewed online at studentcam.org/studentcam-2025-prize-winners
lenzy.krehbiel-burton@tulsaworld.com
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Bobby Jenks, our beloved 2005 World Series hero, now faces an unthinkable battle — one that transcends the physical trials of the baseball field. The former two-time All-Star closer, who enjoyed a successful career with the White Sox and remains one of the franchise’s top closers all-time
is currently grappling with the diagnosis of Stage 4 adenocarcinoma
Jenks has also suffered the heartbreaking loss of his home in the recent California wildfires
further compounding the pain and struggle he and his family are enduring
It’s one that way too many of us intimately understand
Jenks is dealing with a particularly advanced form of the disease
As his body continues to fight this insidious illness, the former MLB star is also reportedly facing a financial strain that many would find hard to comprehend. Various social media posts surfaced today that Jenks has partnered with PastPros
a website that connects fans with their favorite sports icons
The site is working with Bobby and his family to offer a signing event to raise funds for his medical expenses
The money raised will go towards covering Jenks’ mounting medical bills and helping him navigate the costly treatments required to fight his disease
The good news is Bobby is not facing this battle alone
several of his former teammates and coaches have rallied behind him to support the fundraising efforts and will be hosting signings to benefit Jenks and his family
Their involvement is a testament to the strong bond of camaraderie and respect that Jenks cultivated during his time in the big leagues
The support of his colleagues offers Jenks not just financial assistance but also a reminder that he is surrounded by people who care deeply for him
it’s clear that Jenks’ fight is one we can all rally behind — because
Former White Sox closer receiving treatment in Portugal
Sadly, our first real remembrance of the magical 2005 season — to be celebrated all season by the White Sox
as it remains their only title of the past 107 years — comes with a tinge of sadness
The 43-year-old currently is in Portugal receiving treatment for the disease
which has spread into his bones and lower back
The cancer was found only when Jenks felt persistent fatigue after treatment for blood clots upon arrival in Portugal last October
despite a grim prognosis as he’s now into a second round of radiation treatment
with substance abuse and a botched back operation (which contributed to the quick end to his career) in his rear-view mirror
indicated to Merkin that he’s lucky to still be alive
cancer nothwithstanding: “The shit I was doing in my 20s and early 30s
Jenks was in Europe after completing his first season as manager of the independent-ball Windy City (Crestwood) Thunderbolts
visiting and living near his wife’s family in Sintra
His second round of chemotherapy is 70% finished
in hopes of shrinking and drying out his tumor
as the family home (containing all of Jenks’ personal memorabilia)
burned down last month in the Pacific Palisades fire
“I’ve got one suitcase left to my name,” Jenks told Merkin
Jenks knows it’s not too good — but he’s not focused on working against
“Now it’s time to do what I got to do to get myself better and get myself more time
“I’ll tell you one thing: I’m not going to die here in Portugal.”
Jenks in fact has his sights set on recovery
and managing another season with the Thunderbolts
and won the Pioneer League title and the circuit’s Manager of the Year honors in 2022.)
Jenks broke in with the White Sox during that storied 2005 season and remained with the club until 2010. He then signed a two-year, $12 million deal with Boston but only saw action in 19 total games with the Red Sox. A botched, concurrent back surgery
which eventually saw Jenks recover $5.1 million in damages
contributed to his swift fall out of the game
Jenks ranks third all-time in saves by a White Sox pitcher
the hurler tied a major league record (with Jim Barr) by retiring 41 consecutive batters
World Series teammate Mark Buehrle broke Jenks’ record two seasons later
He later sued the doctor who operated on him in 2015 for malpractice
and eventually reached a $5.1 million settlement in 2019
Bad Bobby was one of 2005’s most exciting stars
He gave his all in five full seasons for the White Sox after that
Please join our staff in wishing Jenks a recovery from his health crisis and his family’s loss of home
World Series Champ Bobby Jenks Undergoing Stomach Cancer Treatment
Ex-White Sox closer Bobby Jenks is being treated for stage 4 adenocarcinoma
Former Chicago White Sox closer and World Series champion Bobby Jenks is being treated for stomach cancer, the two-time All-Star told MLB.com
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago White Sox (@whitesox)
The father of six has been living with his wife and two younger children (5 and 11) in Sintra, Portugal, where they moved to be near his wife’s family and where he is now receiving radiation treatment
Jenks had a deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot) in his right calf
which led to multiple blood clots in his lungs
he noticed his energy levels had significantly dropped
After a series of tests and a CT scan, doctors located a tumor in the middle of Jenks’ chest that had spread throughout his stomach lining
The tumor “blew up” and bled into his stomach
Jenks is currently undergoing a second round of 10 sessions of radiation to stop the bleeding and shrink the tumor before discussing next steps
“It’s awful to think about,” Jenks told MLB
“It’s just been a whirlwind.”
Adenocarcinomas develop from the gland cells in the innermost lining of the stomach
The number of new cases of stomach cancer has been decreasing by about 1.5% annually over the last 10 years, according to the ACS. Early detection and treatment of stomach cancer increases the likelihood of long-term survival
Treatment for stomach cancer depends on how advanced the cancer is
how large they are and whether they have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body
Most cases of stomach cancer are diagnosed at a more advanced stage and require more intensive treatment
Jenks and his family were victims of the recent Palisades fire
His 2005 World Series ring is the only item he has left because he had it with him while managing the Windy City Thunderbolts
an independent professional baseball squad located in a suburb outside Chicago
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Windy City ThunderBolts (@wcthunderbolts)
Although Jenks is not expected to be with Windy City at the start of the season
he aims to get healthy enough to manage a second season with the team later this year
“I want them to know I’m doing well and send their prayers and go down to Windy City and root for those boys,” Jenks said
everybody needs to be more mindful about what they put in their bodies
Be more careful and be conscious of where they are getting their information
Jenks also hopes to attend the 20-year World Series reunion at Rate Field this July
“Now it’s time to do what I got to do to get myself better and get myself more time
however you want to look at it,” Jenks said
“I’ll tell you one thing: I’m not going to die here in Portugal.”
To read more, click #Stomach Cancer or read Cancer Health’s Basics on Stomach Cancer
What are the risk factors for stomach cancer
A major risk factor for stomach cancer is Helicobacter pylori
bacteria that commonly cause stomach ulcers
infection can lead to inflammation and precancerous changes in the lining of the stomach
a history of stomach surgery or other stomach problems
having type A blood and possibly Epstein-Barr virus
processed or grilled meat and fish and pickled vegetables raises the risk of stomach cancer while a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables lowers the risk
Rates of stomach cancer have decreased in North America since the 1930s
perhaps because refrigeration has lessened the need to preserve foods by salting or smoking
Pylori may have contributed to the decrease
Comments
The Jenks Police Department is asking for help identifying the suspect shown
Police said the man dressed in all grey walked into Michael Kors on April 19 around 5:17 pm
He reportedly grabbed two bags and left the store without paying for the items
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The City of Jenks has declared a local state of emergency as a massive mulch fire near West 101st Street and Highway 75 continues to burn more than a week after it started
The Tulsa Fire Department said that as of 1 p.m
the fire at Gem Dirt is contained but will continue to smolder for some time
Jenks Mayor Cory Box said the declaration allows the city to seek additional help from state and federal agencies
and Louisiana have been battling the 30-foot-tall fire since last Monday
Jenks Fire planned to let the fire burn itself out but has since shifted strategies to extinguish it
Box said officials are looking at all possible methods to put out the fire
and simply dumping water on it may not be the right solution
we're looking at all possible ways or technology options that we have opposed to what we might think is normal
and we're waiting on the experts to give us that help."
The Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency warns that air quality in the area will continue to be impacted for the next few days as crews work to extinguish the fire
For more wildfire coverage, visit this link: Oklahoma Wildfires
Jonathan Polasek studied Journalism at the University of Texas
and has covered the oil and gas industry as well as sports
Jonathan joined News On 6 as a multimedia journalist in August of 2022 after working in Midland and Odessa
and we're waiting on the experts to give us that help.\"
For more wildfire coverage, visit this link: Oklahoma Wildfires
Seven months after the Tulsa Premium Outlets mall opened in Jenks
the suburb received word earlier this week that the state will match sales tax funds
The matching funds from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce will be based on the sales tax performance of Jenks
The maximum amount is $138.9 million over 25 years
Jenks originally set up a tax increment financing or TIF district to spur outside investment into areas without infrastructure
The move led to Simon Property Group coming to town to build the mall and the infrastructure
Jenks Mayor Cory Box said that by giving Simon some money back from sales tax revenue the city gained a mall and more
“The city will relinquish two of its pennies (per each dollar of sales tax revenue) to offset some of these costs,” Box said
and the mall is going to attract a lot of other good business.”
but now the city gets matching money back from the state to improve public infrastructure and increase economic growth
The success of the TIF district led to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce certifying Jenks as a qualified recipient for the matching funds
Box said the sales tax revenue inside of the TIF district will benefit the area outside of the district
and there’s a bigger circle around that called the project area,” Box said
“Where the dollars that are generated inside the little circle can be matched to add value and benefit outside the larger circle.”
city officials announced plans to allocate the matching funds for many projects
This includes sewer and water line extensions
improving Arkansas River accessibility and the repair and repainting of Jenks Main Street and the pedestrian bridge
The highly anticipated Suite Shots Jenks golf entertainment venue will officially open its doors to the public on Thursday
and interactive golf at the Jenks Riverwalk
The grand opening celebration kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m.
and the facility will begin regular operations at 3 p.m
Community members are invited to attend the event and explore the newest addition to the Riverwalk's growing lineup of family-friendly attractions
Suite Shots Jenks is operated by Suite Shots
North Dakota in 2019 and known for its combination of high-tech golf experiences and elevated dining
The Jenks location is operated under Onefire Holding Company
which is wholly owned by the Muscogee Creek Nation
“We’re incredibly proud to open our doors in Jenks and become part of this vibrant community,” said Chuck Johnson
and community in mind — a place where everyone can come together
Guests can expect a curated menu featuring unique
locally influenced dishes and a welcoming space designed for all ages and skill levels
The facility also includes convenient features like a kiosk/ATM for quick cash-outs
The opening comes as part of a broader revitalization plan for the Jenks Riverwalk
which includes $8.5 million in improvements approved by the Muscogee Nation National Council
Other new attractions coming to the Riverwalk this spring include District Burger and School of Rock
reinforcing the area’s reputation as a vibrant community hub
For more information or to book an event space, visit Suite Shots' official website
More things to do in Tulsa
Things to do in Tulsa this weekend
Flavor of Oklahoma
Tulsa’s best hiking and biking trails
Tulsa’s top spots to beat the heat: lakes, waterparks & more
Graham joined the News 9 team in February of 2025
He is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories that have shaped his country and his community
For more information or to book an event space, visit Suite Shots' official website
More things to do in Tulsa
Things to do in Tulsa this weekend
Flavor of Oklahoma
Tulsa’s best hiking and biking trails
Tulsa’s top spots to beat the heat: lakes, waterparks & more
Jenks school: ‘Gender’ lesson an enrollment mistake
During a recent weather-related “virtual” day in the Jenks school district
some parents got a glimpse of course content—and didn’t like what they saw
One lesson informed students that sex and gender are two different things
Images from that online course quickly spread on social media
A Jenks spokesman says that course content is the product of an enrollment mistake
“The provider of our virtual course offerings (Edgenuity) created two different virtual health courses
Some of our high school students were mistakenly enrolled in the course containing content that does not align with our District academic standards,” said Rob Loeber
executive director of communications for Jenks Public Schools
we communicated with the families of the affected students and made sure they were re-enrolled into the correct course within the same day
Our administrators have taken steps to ensure this kind of error does not occur in the future.”
“There is a difference between biological sex and gender.”
The slide stated that biological sex is “either male or female” and “determined by biological factors
such as the chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males) and the type of reproductive organs one has.”
the course slide said that gender is “the set of attitudes
and behaviors associated with a person’s biological sex within a culture” and is “reinforced by stereotypes.”
one local parent posted the slide online and wrote
A message sent to parents by Jenks officials following public pushback stated
your student was mistakenly enrolled in a virtual semester-long health course
The course included content that does not coincide with JPS academic standards
which align with the Oklahoma Academic Standards
JPS immediately removed students from the course and re-enrolled them in the appropriate course giving students credit for lessons already completed,” the Jenks district message continued
“We sincerely regret this error and ask that you contact your student’s principal if you have additional questions.”
Ray Carter is the director of OCPA’s Center for Independent Journalism
He has two decades of experience in journalism and communications
He previously served as senior Capitol reporter for The Journal Record
media director for the Oklahoma House of Representatives
and chief editorial writer at The Oklahoman
Carter received 12 Carl Rogan Awards in four years—including awards for investigative reporting
including first place in the editorial writing category of the Associated Press/Oklahoma News Executives Carl Rogan Memorial News Excellence Competition for an editorial on the history of racism in the Oklahoma legislature
© 2025 Oklahoma Council Of Public Affairs
OKLA (KTUL) — An existing fire at Gem Dirt
is causing a large amount of smoke to be seen throughout Jenks
According to the Jenks Fire Department (JFD)
residents have been calling to report the smoke near and on Highway 75 by the Creek Turnpike
JFD crews are monitoring the fire that began on Monday
The smoke can cause low visibility when driving; JFD is urging drivers to be cautious on the roads
"While we do not anticipate evacuations
please note that if any evacuations were needed residents would be notified through various means: door-to-door when necessary
the 44-year-old and his family need some help
Jenks has been diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. In addition, the family lost its home in the Palisades fire
“As many will have heard, former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks has been diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer (after losing his home in the LA fires),” PastPros posted Wednesday on Instagram.
“To help Bobby and his family with medical costs, we have arranged an in-person private signing with him. All profits will be given to the Jenks family.”
Sports
sports great Tommy Hawkins barely escaped the Palisades fire
which destroyed the home she lived in with the former Lakers player and Dodgers executive before his death in 2017
Fans are asked to send the items they wish to have signed (cards, photos, balls or jerseys) to an address provided on the PastPros website by March 25
The items will be signed by Jenks in Portugal — where he
his wife and two of his six children are currently living — and returned by mail
PastPros also announced that former Dodgers pitcher Darren Dreifort is donating his proceeds from a similar signing event to Jenks and his family
Born in Mission Hills, Jenks later attracted the attention of baseball scouts as a hard-throwing teenager on an American Legion team in North Idaho. After graduating from Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Wash., in 2000, Jenks was selected by the Angels in the fifth round of that summer’s draft
Jenks spent much of the next several years dealing with injuries and was designated for assignment after the 2004 season. He was claimed by the White Sox and made his first MLB start in July. In October, he appeared in all four World Series games during Chicago’s sweep of Houston, giving up three hits and two earned runs with seven strikeouts and two walks over five innings pitched.
fled his Pacific Palisades home with his dog and three other items
He was unable to go back for his 10 medals
Jenks played six seasons with the White Sox, earning All-Star nods in 2006 and 2007, then one season with the Boston Red Sox before his career ended after he underwent emergency surgery on his spine to fix a spinal fluid leak that caused a major infection.
Jenks was in Crestfield, Ill., managing the Windy City Thunderbolts independent professional baseball team when the Palisades fire hit. He had his World Series ring with him at the time, Jenks told MLB.com in February
but all the other tangible memories of his baseball career are gone
“I’ve got one suitcase left to my name,” Jenks said
× (()=>{const e=document.getElementById("yt-img-0OMv-3b-tFs");e&&e.addEventListener("load",(t=>{t.target.naturalWidth<=120&&(e.parentNode.children[0].srcset=e.parentNode.children[1].srcset=e.src)}),{once:!0})})() Former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks on returning to U.S
He added that he has every intention of being able to manage the Windy City team again this year, as well as attend the White Sox’s 20-year World Series reunion in July.
“Now it’s time to do what I got to do to get myself better and get myself more time, however you want to look at it,” said Jenks, whose family moved to Portugal to be closer to his wife’s family. “I’ll tell you one thing: I’m not going to die here in Portugal.”
Chuck Schilken is a sports reporter on the Fast Break team. He spent more than 18 years with the Los Angeles Times’ Sports Department in a variety of roles. Before joining The Times, he worked for more than a decade as a sports reporter and editor at newspapers in Virginia and Maryland.
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One of the top prospects in the Sooner State
has announced that he will make his college commitment on March 26 at 4 p.m
170-pound playmaker narrowed his list down to five schools on January 22: Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University has recently made a strong push for Jones
hosting him on an unofficial visit this month
Coach Mike Gundy also made an in-person recruiting visit to Jenks several days after Jones narrowed his list to five schools
Jones burst on the scene early in his career and has been on the radar of major programs since his freshman year at Broken Arrow
where he rushed for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns
the OKPreps star has rushed for 3,900 yards while also contributing to the passing game and returning kicks
He's currently 11th on the all-time Jenks rushing stats
and he's 1,110 yards behind second-place Treyvonne Barre
Jones is one of 10 players to rush for 200+ in a game at least twice
He's 12th all-time with 70 catches in his career
and he's on pace to go over 100 receptions and he will become one of 19 players with 1,000 receiving yards
Recruiting Status: 4-Star (with some 3-star rankings)
Jones is the son of former Oklahoma running back Kejuan Jones
Oklahoma has had a significant edge in his recruitment
with the Sooners hosting him multiple times on campus
March 20 (UPI) -- Former Chicago White Sox World Series champion Bobby Jenks
announced Thursday that he is holding a final autograph signing event to raise money for medical bills
Jenks was the closing pitcher for the White Sox when the southside Chicago club swept the Houston Astros in the 2005 World Series
Jenks was also widely known for his stocky frame
by his less than healthy eating habits and off the field lifestyle
"We stand with you, Bobby," the White Sox posted last month on Instagram
Many fans on social media credited Jenks as among the biggest reasons the team won the World Series that year
Jenks will hold the autograph signing in Sintra
where he lives with his wife and two of his six kids
He moved there to be closer to his wife's family
He abruptly changed his lifestyle following the cancer diagnosis in January
He had been having health issues related to a deep vein thrombosis in his leg
which developed into multiple blood clots in his lungs and was receiving treatment when doctors discovered a tumor in the center of his chest
"Now it's time to do what I got to do to get myself better and get myself more time
however you want to look at it," Jenks said
"I'll tell you one thing: I'm not going to die here in Portugal."
(KTUL) — One person is in custody after a barricade situation near 71st and Elwood in Jenks Thursday morning
Tulsa Police said the standoff started around 4 a.m
Officials report that Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police initiated a traffic stop
but the suspect tried to ram one of the police cars
The suspect then pulled into the garage of a person he knew
A SWAT team then entered the house and took the suspect into custody
Officials report he was warrants in Texas and is now receiving another warrant in Tulsa County for breaking probation
No shots were fired and no injuries were reported
The standoff happened near Jenks Northwest Elementary
The school had a delayed start and said class for K-4th grades would start at 9:45 a.m
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OKLA (KTUL) — The Jenks Police Department is responding to a large grass fire near 101st Street and 33rd W
multiple agencies are responding to the area
Residents are advised to avoid the scene as the smoke could cause a traffic hazard
A suspect wanted in multiple jurisdictions was apprehended Thursday morning after a standoff near Jenks Northwest Elementary School
when Lighthorse Police attempted a traffic stop
prompting a chase that ended in a residential area near the school
The Lawrence then entered a home and barricaded himself inside for several hours
Authorities shut down South Elwood Avenue between 71st and 81st Streets as a precaution
and law enforcement confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public
Jenks Northwest Elementary delayed its start until 9:45 a.m
Brooke Cox is a Digital Producer at News On 6
where she has been part of the team since August 2024
Reagan Ledbetter joined News On 6 in June 2018 as a multimedia journalist
Reagan most recently was a student at the University of Oklahoma
where he received his degree in Broadcast Journalism
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2024 at the University of Utah Hospital. Crystal was born February 22
Crystal started working at the age of 14 and never stopped
She was well organized and enjoyed working in accounting and then as a grant writer
She was an avid Chief’s fan and tried to never miss a game
She was a good friend and was always willing to help others
She delighted in her nieces and nephews and loved spending time with them. She is survived by her mother
She is preceded in death by her father
brothers Derek Jenks and Thomas Jenks. Funeral services will be held on Saturday
Burial will be in the Roosevelt Memorial Park
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— It's been five days since a mulch pile at Gem Dirt
concerns about heavy smoke and air quality have also billowed out of the nearby communities
but once the wind picked up you don’t know what it’s carrying," said Ryan Reynolds
She and Johnathan Housley live in the neighborhood just a street over from Gem Dirt
They were out of town when the fire started
the more ashes started flying around and it just got more concerning from there," said Reynolds
2 News crews went out to the mulch pile two days after the fire
after calls came in to the newsroom questioning the heavy smoke covering Highway 75
That's when Housley said he realized something was going on
they had the cop car there directing people
it was pretty smokey you could hardly see in front of you," said Housley
This is our first time to actually be able to get out into the neighborhood and walk in the last few days really."
The Jenks Fire Department has been monitoring the situation all week
on standby in case they need to put out any new flames
That has at least put Housley's mind at ease
the pair have been limiting their time outside because of how heavy and potent the smoke has been
where were at like we can look over by the ponds and you couldn’t see the trees across the pond the smoke was so thick.”
While 2 News couldn't get clarification from the Jenks fire chief
TFD's Andy Little clarified the difficulties fire crews can face fighting a mulch fire
Mulch is porous and can retain heat deep within a pile
it can smolder for long durations beneath the surface
even if the top appears to be extinguished
Water runs off the mulch surface rather than soaking deep into the material
This can make it hard to cool the fire at its core
allowing hot spots to persist and reignite
Little explained mulch comprises wood chips and organic debris
The decomposition of organic matter can generate enough heat to cause spontaneous combustion
while fire crews and the soil team have been dousing the area as much as possible
Little said it will take time for the entire situation to be under control
Bobby Jenks, a two-time All-Star closer and World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox
Jenks shared his condition from a Portugal hospital bed in an interview with MLB.com on Saturday
and the White Sox later sent their best wishes via social media
"We stand with you, Bobby Jenks," the team wrote in an Instagram post
The 43-year-old Jenks said he was planning to recover well enough to return for a second season as manager of the minor league Windy City Thunderbolts in Crestwood
"Now it's time to do what I got to do to get myself better and get myself more time, however you want to look at it," Jenks told MLB.com
Jenks helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series
saving four games in six appearances during the postseason run
He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while saving 81 games overall in 2006 and 2007
Jenks saved 173 games for the White Sox over six seasons before finishing his career with 19 appearances in 2011 with the Boston Red Sox
— Update: The Jenks City Council voted to approve a state of emergency declaration March 25
More than a week since a fire started in a compost pile at Gem Dirt in Tulsa
the mayor of Jenks is proposing a state of emergency
For the first time in more than a week since the fire began on March 17
multi-agency response attacking the burning mulch
Chief Greg Ostrum of Jenks Fire explained a combination of the strong winds and not having all of the tools in place to properly attack the fire played a role in the hold up
so that’s been taxing on all of the resources in the state and what’s available," he said
"A mulch fire like this is designed to be contained
until you have the resources to fight it.”
2 News spoke to neighbors who have been concerned for their health:
With an abundance of worry from nearby residents
Ostrum wanted to clear the air on potential health hazards with this fire
“The fire itself is all organic material; there’s no synthetics in the fire at all," said Ostrum
"It is leaves primarily is what’s in the pile
so we’re not concerned with any toxic chemicals or anything like that
DEQ and the department of health both have been out here and they have no concerns.”
director of Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency
said he and his crew were following the directive of JFD
While there has been some confusion over jurisdiction because of Gem Dirt's location
Kralicek explained some of the challenges crews have been facing fighting this fire
“The closest fire hydrant is 2000 feet away
which means that we’re not running hoses from the fire hydrant to the facility," Kralicek said
what we’re having to do is putting water into our large tank trucks and shuttle water to the site
and we’re needing to get more and more water into this because
this is about four and a half million cubic feet that is in the middle of burning.”
Kralicek said things will likely get worse before they get better
with the hotspots being exposed to more oxygen
He suggests anyone with a known respiratory issue to stay inside if they can
and Sapulpa are moving and dousing the mulch as best as they can
Kralicek said the out of state crews were in the area
helping with the last two weeks of wildfires
“Given the risk to public health and the concerns of that
we decided that we would go ahead and request those resources from the state
and we were approved to utilize those today," he said
Oklahoma Forestry Services said that with their expertise in fighting fires like this
they expect two to three days of work before all of the flames and smoke are out
The Jenks City Council is holding an emergency meeting on March 25 to vote on the state of emergency declaration
it will be the first time an emergency declaration has been issued in Jenks since the 2019 floods
Mayor Box said this declaration would open up more resources to help with this response and better protect the residents of Jenks
is affecting visibility on Highway 75 near the Creek Turnpike
High winds are pushing smoke across the highway
Jenks Fire and Rescue is actively monitoring the fire and its impact
residents will be notified through multiple channels
Drivers in the area are urged to use caution and avoid thick smoke conditions when traveling
Authorities will continue to assess the situation and provide updates as needed
David Prock is a digital content producer for Griffin Media and is a regular contributor to both News9.com and NewsOn6.com
Jenks Middle School staff and a Jenks Public Schools police officer responded to an incident Wednesday morning in which a student pulled a knife on another student
the student was immediately taken to the office under police supervision
The school says no students were physically harmed during the incident
and the school day will continue as scheduled
Agencies from across the country are in Jenks Tuesday fighting a mulch fire that’s been burning for more than a week
Neighbors say the smoke is causing lots of problems
The city of Jenks voted on Tuesday night declaring a state of emergency
Smoke from this fire has been frustrating to many neighbors in Jenks
the ash that covers some of the outdoor furniture
it’s just been a real nuisance,” said Bobby Edlund
“This fire started on Monday; it has not stopped smoking
and we are so glad to see more fire officials out here because this is just an overwhelming problem at this point.”
Crow and Edlund are glad to see the change to fighting the fire rather than letting it burn
“I’m proud of how the community has come together here
and I’m very glad to see the state get involved because we can’t have people getting sick and their property destroyed because of this,” said Crow
I really think that’s the big takeaway here
is sometimes it takes more voices are heard louder
We just want everybody to be safe and healthy and get this thing extinguished.”
The fire has been burning for more than a week
The initial plan from Jenks Fire was to let it burn out
but the department has now decided to change course
“All of Oklahoma has been burning,” said Chief Greg Ostrum with Jenks Fire
“So that puts a taxing on all of the resources in the state and what’s available
A mulch fire like this is designed to be contained
Ostrum says the fire still may take a couple of days to put out
“We‘ve tried a couple of different routes already today
“We’re at about Option C already today of different fire attacks
it may be a plan that we have to sit back and let it burn down farther
but our goal is to make that attempt today.”
as well as crews from Florida and Louisiana
Emergency crews say the smoke is going to remain for a while and while it’s inconvenient
“We’re reintroducing oxygen back into this fire,” said Joseph Kralicek
the Executive Director of the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency
and that could exacerbate any issues such as asthma
Kralicek says it took a few days for the weather to become more favorable for putting the fire out
“The initial plan was to pile it up and let it burn down before we could deal with it on a better weather day,” said Kralicek
seeing if we can’t be successful on trying to extinguish this fire.”
Kralicek recommends people who might have trouble breathing stay inside or wear an N95 mask
Don Cook with the Oklahoma Forestry Service was also there with that agency to fight the fire
Just bear with us and have a little patience
You can find updates regarding the response here:
Jenks Fire: https://www.facebook.com/jenksfire
TAEMA: https://www.facebook.com/TAEMAOK7
Kaitlyn Deggs came to Tulsa after graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Broadcast Journalism
Kaitlyn Deggs started as a Multimedia Journalist for News On 6 in January 2022
Jenks Fire: https://www.facebook.com/jenksfire
TAEMA: https://www.facebook.com/TAEMAOK7
JENKS, Okla. — Jenks police are on alert after a spike in burglaries the past couple weeks, something that nearby Bixby residents have also been experiencing
2 News Oklahoma’s Douglas Braff asked police how they respond to this crime wave
“[There’s] one thing I just want to address to all the citizens out there and to the individuals that are committing these crimes,” said Joshua Semke
master patrol officer for the Jenks Police Department
17 burglaries have happened since January’s end
“We are seeing an uptick but it's around that time of year where people start
addressing maybe financial issues and they wanna step up to the life of crime
It was early Tuesday morning in the Yorktown neighborhood when police said two people entered someone’s open garage
Police posted to Facebook that once the duo entered
they burglarized a vehicle parked inside until a barking dog sent them fleeing
The individuals were reportedly driving a blue
All this has recently taken place amid multiple home invasions in one Bixby area
When asked if what’s happening in Jenks and Bixby are related in any way
“Our detectives are working alongside Bixby right now and other agencies to determine if our crimes ever happen here in Jenks are in any way similar to the crimes there in Bixby,” he added
“We have been doing some overtime hours for other officers that like to come in between the hours of midnight and 6:00 AM and we are hitting these neighborhoods hard — generally
the ones on the south side that's where we're seeing a lot of the crimes take place,” he explained
“But doesn't mean that we're not also going through the other neighborhoods as well,” he added
our officers are stepping up their game and we are checking for all suspicious activity we could find.”
and garages — and to not keep any valuables or firearms inside vehicles
noting that a “majority of the time they are looking for firearms.”
“We are going to build up these caseloads with the other departments and then once we find enough evidence
Those with any leads are asked to call JPD’s non-emergency number at (918) 299-6311
Jenks Football coach Keith Riggs has announced he is stepping down after completing his 7th season leading Jenks Trojan Football with a record of 68-21
Riggs became head coach in 2018 after Allan Trimble announced his retirement after 22 years as head coach of the Trojan football program
Trimble retired after being diagnosed with ALS in 2016
Riggs credits Trimble for giving him an opportunity to coach
He will transition to a position in the athletic department
Adam Gaylor was announced as the new head coach for the Trojans.
Related Story: Jenks Picks Riggs As New Head Football Coach
Riggs served as the Trojans' assistant head coach and defensive coordinator beginning in 2010
He became part of the Jenks staff in 2003 as a defensive backs coach
A 1983 All-State defensive end and halfback at Owasso
he accumulated 2,400 yards over his final two seasons
Named the Metro Lakes Conference co-player of the year
Riggs continued his football career at Northeastern A&M
where he was a starting linebacker in 1984 and 1985
The news comes just a day after Union head coach Kirk Fridrich announced that he was resigning from his position
Related Story: Union Head Football Coach Kirk Fridrich Resigns From Position
Adam Gaylor was announced as the new head coach for the Trojans.
Related Story: Jenks Picks Riggs As New Head Football Coach
Related Story: Union Head Football Coach Kirk Fridrich Resigns From Position
the city of Jenks will vote on two school bond proposals
One proposal is asking for items like building expansion
The other covers six outstanding general obligation bonds from the last five years
those bonds total out to $19.6 million dollars
which will be paid for through Jenks property taxes
The total amount that comes from the sale of a bond
Bonds work like financing: property taxes are collected and deposited into the district sinking funds
That $19.6 million breaks down into two separate proposals:
Jenks taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote on these proposals on February 11
There must be at least a 60% approval for them to pass
Ethan graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Communication Studies from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Ethan Wright joined the News On 6 team as a multimedia journalist in January 2025