Tax passes, jail planning begins
25 Years Ago
(From the Jan. 13,2000, issue of the Sequoyah County Times) —Just in the nick of time, Sequoyah County voters approved a half-cent sales tax Tuesday to build and maintain a county jail. “Were going to start on the new jail tomorrow’’ Cleon Harrell, county commissioner, district 3, said Tuesday evening.
New jail plans are kicking off immediately after the voters’ approval following two jail escapes on Sunday and Tuesday, the removal of an accused murderer from the county jail after he was believed to have caused a near riot last week, and after the county learned it owes the City of Sallisaw about $6,000 in past boarding fees for county prisoners.
50 Years Ago
(From the Jan. 9,1975, issue of the Sequoyah County Times) —The long and active career of one of Oklahoma’s most colorful newspapermen came to an end Tuesday with the death of Wheeler Mayo, publisher of the Sequoyah County Times. He was 72.
Mr. Mayo, a life-long resident of Sallisaw, was a continuous booster and builder of the community, Sequoyah County and Oklahoma. Throughout his long career he tried at every opportunity to make a decision and work for projects that would improve the lives of all citizens of this area and of the state.
—Retiring sheriff Ade Walter was honored recently by personnel at the courthouse. To show their appreciation for his dedicated service they presented Walters with a plaque on which his sheriff’s badge had been attached.
Max Newman, newly elected sheriff of Sequoyah County was sworn into office on Monday, Jan. 6.
—Vandals broke into John the Carpet Man’s store on the east end of Sallisaw Friday night. Some money, a watch and other valuables were taken in the robbery.
The burglars knew what they were doing, according to John Garrison, owner of the business. Because only one kind of wrench can be used to unscrew the bolts binding the paneling of the building. He said one of the panels had been taken off the side of the structure.
75 Years Ago
(From the Jan. 13,1950, issue of the Sequoyah County Times) —Joe Rigsby announced his intention this week of building a skating rink, to be located on his place about one-fourth mile north of Highway 64 on State Highway 59.
He stated that L.O. Williams is working on the plans for the rink, which are now being drawn up.
Construction will start in approximately two weeks, he said, and the new building is tentatively slated for completion about March 5.
—Holder’s Department Store is preparing to hold one of the biggest sales in its history, according to Roy Holder, owner.
The sale is to begin today, January 13, and is scheduled to run through January 21, an 8-day period. Holder has announced that practically everything in the store will be on sale; however, he says, “The items that are not on sale will also be on display for purchasing.”
—Earl Wilcoxson, from near Sherman in Grayson County, Texas, was returned to Texas Tuesday morning by two deputy sheriffs who arrived in Sallisaw Monday afternoon, according to Deputy Sheriff Tom Stites.
Stites picked up Wilcoxson Sunday at a brother’s house near Blunt after receiving a call from the Grayson County Sheriff that he may be headed this way.
The warrant brought by the two deputies, charged Wilcoxson with “swindling.” While working for a Grayson County farmer, Wilcoxson took a cow, sold it, then left the state.
100 years ago
(From the Jan. 9,1925, issue of the Sequoyah County Democrat) —The latest industry attracted to our city and which will be permanently located here, is the coffee house opened last week by Chas. A. Burriss who moved here from Springdale, Ark., where he had been for several years past.
Mr. Burriss recently purchased the Mabray building just north of the Mayo and Co. store and after surveying the trade outlook in Sallisaw and vicinity for 1925, concluded to move his business here from Springdale. He is an expert in the art of coffee roasting and has had years of experience. His purchase of green coffee products are made direct from the importers and he roasts the coffee and offers it to sell fresh. He also manufactures peanut butter and smaller products of the character, and the plant while not large in size is certainly an addition of value to our city and community.
—Clarence Gable who was shot and seriously wounded sometime ago near Brent, died last Saturday in a Fort Smith hospital from the wounds received. The attending physicians had despaired of his life from the first and even though a brave fight was made to save him and even though he fought valiantly himself, the end came after two weeks of suffering.
County Attorney Harry D. Pitchford went to Fort Smith before the young man died and received from him a dying statement concerning every detail of the tragedy. His statement is quite extended and will be used in the prosecution of the case. Timmie Foreman, who was arrested following the crime, is being held upon a charge of murder filed against him by the county attorney and his trial will come up at the next term of court.
