Published: July 08, 2008 10:06 am            

Liquor by the drink goes to the ballot

The choice of liquor by the drink on Sunday should go to a vote of Mayes County citizens in November.

Mayes County Commissioners approved the issue going to the ballot in their regular Monday meeting.

“I’d like to have opportunity to offer these services,” stated Jim Sellers, Executive Director of Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce and owner of The Artichoke Restaurant in Langley. He is a member of South Grand Lake Christian Church, also in Mayes County.

Richard Carriger of Pensacola Pizza & Pasta said his highest profit comes from beer and alcohol sales. Carriger said his sales tax totaled $7,500 last month. He estimated the taxes would have been $1,800 higher if he could have sold alcohol on Sundays.

The Pryor manager of Chili’s said he turns 20 to 30 people away who wish to buy alcohol on Sundays.

Sellers said he preferred the issue be on the primary ballot. Mayes County Clerk Rita Littlefield told him discussion had started too late for the vote to be held in the primary.

“It will probably make it to the general in November,” Rita said.

Sellers said Mayes County citizens voted down the Sunday sale of liquor by drink in 1985.

Commissioners discussed the progress on the roof of Mayes County Jail. The contracted company, Alpine Roofing, did not appear twice after a crane was ordered for the jobsite. Alpine Roofing workers showed up Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to work on the roof. Maintenance Manager John Littlefield said the workers completed the kitchen area. Sheriff Frank Cantey observed the kitchen has had no leakage problem since it was finished. John said Alpine Roofing has not started on the main roof.

“They got the south end finished,” said Commissioner Alva Martin. “Now we just need to watch them.”

The county did receive a guarantee of warranty on the roofing products that were wrong. Correct materials have been ordered.

Cantey is anticipating a heavy workload for the sheriff’s office during the Rocklahoma music festival which begins Wednesday. He estimated the county will see 150,000 fans arrive for the rock concert north of Pryor.

“I’m just ready for next Monday,” Cantey said.

Wingfield Engineering received $7,987.50 in county funds for their survey for a bridge at Brushy Creek.

Guy Engineering received $10,983 for their work on the District 3 steel bridge over Saline Creek.

District 1 acquired $2,760 in T county highway funds for a patching machine and mower sold at an auction in McAlester. District 3 received $1,067.03 for sealed bids on vehicles and a pneumatic roller.

Commissioners accepted roads in Twin Creeks Addition into District 2 of the county road system. They approved a juvenile detention agreement with Garfield County’s Oklahoma Juvenile Justice Services at $23.26 per day per child.

        

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