Plans Underway for Halloween on Elm Street

The days grow shorter, the temperature falls, and it’s time to plan autumn activities.

That’s what the Sallisaw Police Department is doing. They are making plans for their annual Halloween on Elm Street.

This year’s haunting but not-very-scary event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct.31 on Elm Street as usual in front of the Sallisaw Civic Center, and around the corner as the event’s popularity continues to grow.

Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin invited all churches, civic organizations and businesses to participate, and not just those in Sallisaw but from anywhere in Sequoyah County.

Halloween on Elm Street, Franklin said, “is a safe, family-oriented event.”

Jessica Robertson of the police department is organizing this year’s event. She is seeking participants and donations.

Participants may hand out candy and other goodies to the little ghouls and goblins who come trick or treating. Donors may donate candy or money, which will be used to rent a bounce house for the children and fill goodie bags as prizes for the games. Because so many have participated in the past, Robertson is asking those wishing to participate contact her in advance so she may assign booths this year.

Groups having a booth will need to provide their own table, candy and a banner or other identifier.

Robertson said volunteers are also needed to help with the games. Many Sallisaw High School students volunteer and add to the fun, she said.

Robertson may be contacted at 918-775-4177.

Robertson asked that donations be made by the first week in October so a bounce house may be reserved, and participants should call her with their information by the second week in October.

Robertson said it was ‘guesstimated’ that 3,000 trick-or-treaters visited Halloween on Elm Street last year.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sheriff Warns of IRS Scams

Sequoyah County residents have been receiving IRS scam phone calls, reports Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart.

Lockhart asks that anyone who gets such a call report the call to their local law enforcement agency.

Lockhart said an automated call gives the recipient a phone number to call back. When the person calls back, the live person answering wants personal information and money. They then tell the caller there is a warrant for their arrest.

“This is a scam,” Lockhart said. “Do not give your information or send money. One resident told them they would confirm the call with the sheriff’s office, and the caller hung up on her.

“Please beware,” Lockhart said. “If you have any questions or information, notify your local law enforcement agency.”

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Chamber Executive Board Supports Director

The recent announcement of the closing of Sequoyah's Home by the Oklahoma Historical Society has caused some concern to the citizen's of Sequoyah County as well as some criticism regarding the announcement itself. 

Judy Martens, Executive Director of the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce, shared the closing information in an email sent to all chamber members. The email stated that the site would be closed "indefinitely". As more information became available about the closing it was learned that the Cherokee Nation was in the process of purchasing the property and had plans to keep the site open. Some questioned the accuracy of Mrs. Martens email and her handling of the announcement.

On Thursday, Sept. 8, the Executive Board of the Sallisaw Chamber met to discuss this issue and to attempt to clarify the situation. Executive board members drafted the following statement and released it following their meeting.

The Executive Board of the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce feels it is necessary to address recent criticism of the Chamber and our Executive Director, Judy Martens.

The criticism came as a result of an email sent announcing the indefinite closure of Sequoyah’s Home. This email was prompted by a phone call with the manager of the property, Jerry Dobbs. Mr. Dobbs, an active member of the Chamber, REQUESTED THE CHAMBER COMMUNICATE THIS TO ITS MEMBERS. Mr. Dobbs also indicated he would notify the tourist Information Center on Interstate 40 as well. The Chamber and Information Center direct tourists to the location on an almost daily basis. Mr. Dobbs wanted to be sure that no one was encouraged to visit the property until it was reopened.

The information provided by the Chamber was accurate and important to the community. We appreciate the work and communication on this issue by our Executive Director and Mr. Dobbs. Tourism brings valuable dollars into our area and supports many jobs in the region. It is important that we treat visitors well and be good hosts. 

We look forward to working with the Cherokee Nation. We thank them for stepping forward at a critical time to help our area. They have been and will continue to be an excellent partner in promoting our regions heritage, culture, and attractions.

Sincerely,

Chamber Executive Board:

Shannon Vann

Darren Girdner 

Gary Schaefer

Cheryl Mills

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Student Leaders Sworn In

At the Carl Albert State College Student Government Association swearing in are, from the left, Ashley Moore of Poteau; CASC Vice President for Student Affairs Randy Graves; Stephanie Calvin of Spiro; Christian Lake Cagle of Keota; Hunter Edwards of Stigler; Zachary Hopkins of Keota; Kyle Elliot of Pocola; Hayden Bell of Bokoshe; Taylor Darneal of Poteau; Kelsey Plummer of Sallisaw; Faith Boyd of Waldron, Ark.; Jimmy Bell of Fort Smith, Ark.; Lauren Hughes of Shady Point; Bailey Walker of Spiro; Justine Evans of Howe; and CASC Regent Ron Lawson.

The Carl Albert State College (CASC) Student Government Association (SGA) swearing-in ceremony was Sept. 2.

CASC Vice President for Student Affairs Randy Graves welcomed members of the CASC SGA leadership team, CASC President Jay Falkner, CASC administrators, and other invited guests to the event. CASC Regent Ron Lawson assisted with the ceremony in swearing in the officers.

This year’s SGA slate of executive officers includes Ashley Moore – president, Hunter Edwards – vice president, Christian Lake Cagle – secretary, Hayden Bell – treasurer, and Caleb Armstrong – reporter.

In addition, a number of other CASC students serve as first and second year SGA senators.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Gore Burnout Has $500 for Winner

The Gore Chamber of Commerce has announced the awards for the annual Gore Burnout slated for Sept. 17 at the Steve Owens Sports Complex in Gore.

The winner will receive $500. Depending upon the number of entries, the next five placings will receive a trophy and a T-shirt.

The burnout will begin at 6 p.m. and is open to vehicles such as cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Cruise night will follow and everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs, find a good spot along Main Street in Gore to have a seat, and watch the parade of old, new and specialty vehicles as they strut their stuff.

For more information call John Montgomery at 918-605-6540.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Man Found Near Train Tracks Identified

Using fingerprints, the state medical examiner in Tulsa has identified the body of a man found near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks early Thursday.

The man was identified as Rakesh Kumar, 45, whose family lives in Dallas.

Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart said he was informed of the man’s identity early Friday afternoon.

“I talked to his family in Dallas today,” Lockhart said. “They said he had mental problems, and they haven’t seen him in two years.”

Kumar’s body was spotted by the crew on a Union Pacific train early Thursday, and the sheriff was called to the scene, in the Central area, at 6:45 a.m. Thursday.

Lockhart said Kumar had a head injury, but the train crew did not believe the train hit him. Kumar’s body was then sent to the medical examiner to determine cause of death and possibly identity.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Man’s Body Sent to Medical Examiner; Identity a Mystery

The body of a man found dead by the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in the Central area early Thursday has been sent to the state medical examiner’s office in Tulsa. Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart said it is hoped the medical examiner can determine the cause of death and even the man’s identify.

Lockhart said the deceased appeared to be a drifter and was not known to local law enforcement agencies.

“He had a Choctaw identification in his pocket, but I talked to the man (identified by the ID) this morning and he said his house was burglarized on Sept. 2 in LeFlore County. Apparently the deceased had been burglarizing homes,” Lockhart said.

Lockhart said it appeared the dead man was struck by a train. The man’s body was at first seen laying by the tracks by employees on an Union Pacific train at about 6:45 a.m. Thursday, but they did not believe the train hit him.

Lockhart said, “It appeared he may have been hit by the step on the engine. He had a head injury. He may have slipped or been asleep by the tracks.”

The man’s name remains a mystery. Lockhart described him as between 40 and 50 years old, with a dark complexion. He has a long black and gray beard.

Lockhart said the medical examiner will run his fingerprints, which is hoped will reveal the man’s identity.

The Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death with the assistance of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Lockhart said the Union Pacific Railroad will also investigate the death since it apparently occurred on railroad property.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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