In that same meeting, the Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance gave a check to Police Chief Mike Carter and Fire Chief Mike Wood to buy gift cards for officers and firemen for the Christmas holidays. It’s something the preachers do every year, and it’s an amazing gift to the men and women who give so much to the city.

Well, the picture, which also involved Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge and Hillspring Church Associate Pastor Matt Bennett, was attached to the marijuana story. Both stories came from the same meeting, but I completely see the concern expressed by some.

Anyone glancing at the story and picture must have thought these men were very excited about a grow operation, but that wasn’t the case.

So, I would like to personally apologize to these men for the mix up. I’ve talked to several and apologized and they were great about it and understood the mix up.

I’ve been blamed for a lot of things, but reading online that “Kirk knew what he was doing,” and that I did it to sell newspapers, was rather shocking.

I respect and admire everyone in that picture, except Matt Barnett. He makes fun of me on a regular basis.