28 prisoners are released, sheriff hopes for new jail

25 Years Ago

—Due to overcrowding and violations of state fire codes, 28 prisoners including one serving a 30-year suspended sentence, were released this past weekend from the Sequoyah County Jail.

Jail officials reported an agreement made between the Sequoyah County District Attorney, judges and attorneys allowed the prisoners to plea bargain. Most were released Dec. 31.

Sequoyah County voters will again go to the polls Tuesday to vote on a one-half cent sales tax to build a new county jail. Problems with over-crowding are the main reasons.

“The plan has no fancy frills,” Johnny Philpot, Sequoyah County sheriff said.

The current jail can hold 34 prisoners. However, the jail has held up to 80 prisoners at one time. Though some might be transported to other facilities, the county still has to pay fees which could add up to about $100 a day for each prisoner plus medical and other expenses which might apply to house those prisoners, Philpot said.

50 Years Ago

—Christmas trees in Sallisaw will be picked up by the city if they are left out on the curb in front of resident’s homes.

People are encouraged to have their trees on the street by 8 a.m. the morning of the sixth.

—Management personnel are discussing the economic situation at the Sallisaw plant of Holley Carburetor. Drastic cutbacks in automobile production throughout the country is having an effect on the young plant, barely a year old.

Wha steps are to be taken by management is not yet known, according to a spokesman for Holley, but it is evident that something must be done.

75 Years Ago

—Sheriff’s Deputy and Jailor Howard Brown, almost needed a can opener Wednesday to get in to his truck, which was parked on the east side of the court house, but a copy of Your TIMES did the trick instead.

He left his truck thee Tuesday afternoon and went on duty at the jail, and didn’t have occasion to get into the vehicle again until Wednesday afternoon.

When he tried to get his key in the lock he discovered that low temperatures and a little moisture had conspired to keep him out. The lock was frozen solid with ice.

Brown the went back into the sheriff’s office, picked up a much-handled (and, of course, much-read) copy of Your TIMES, rolled it up, took it out to the truck and lit ne end with a match.

After a few expert passes with the make-shift blow torch, the lock thawed, the key as inserted and door opened. “It’s all in the know how,” he remarked.

100 Years Ago

—The arrival of a new year has found several changes about town in the business world and a revived interest generally.

On Tuesday of this week. The Breedlove Service Station located just east of the Bonham Hotel, was sold to L.C. Corley and the news owner assumed charge at once. Formal announcement of the change and of future policies will appear next week.

On Thursday, Chas. H. Williams bought the Central Meat Market from Mr. Crabtree. The new owner is one of the best meat men in this part of the country and his old customers are pleased to witness his return to business here. The market will be maintained at its old stand.

On Thursday, Walter Ashbrook ceased active duty with the telephone company here and began final arrangements for opening his new store market and filling station at the extreme west end of Cherokee avenue. He has erected a new building and will carry a brand new line of goods.

—The first marriage license to be issued in Sequoyah County for the New Year was issued early Thursday morning by Court Clerk Oscar C. Noble to Waymon Anderson and Miss Clara Jackson of Gore. judge Jim McLaughlin read the marriage vows and the couple left immediately for their home near Gore.