At their regular meeting last Monday, Sequoyah County Commissioners signed a proclamation declaring the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
According to the proclamation signed, “Sequoyah County Commissioners support the Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s Office in the protection of victims and the prosecution of the offenders and intervention and prevention are recognized as important measures for safety and protection for victims of Domestic Violence.”
Cindy Smith, investigator for the Special Victims Crime Unit of the Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s Office, commended the commissioners and the county for their support in bringing awareness to victims and their abusers.
“We have one in three women in their lifetime who are going to experience a domestic violence incident,” Smith said.
“Oklahoma is not even close to being among the top states for crimes of domestic violence. When you’re number one in bad stuff, that’s not where we want to be. We have community support from our county commissioners and law enforcement. As we’ve traveled throughout the state, teaching and meeting with other team members, we find out that’s not the way it is in every county. We have made great progress in Sequoyah County. We’re very blessed in this county,” Smith said.
Smith said there are a lot of special events planned throughout the month of October to bring awareness to domestic violence.
“We do it all month long. We ask everyone to get on our Facebook, like us, follow us, and find out what events will be coming up in October,” she said.
“Take a stand. Let it be known that domestic violence is not tolerated in Sequoyah County. That’s not our cup of tea and we’re going to do something about it.”
Smith provided purple ribbons to the commissioners to wear in October.
“Purple is the color of the month. If anyone should ask what’s purple all about? That’s what we want them to ask,” she said.
“We want everybody to know. Victims are not alone and their abusers will also know we’re not going to put up with this. There’s a law against domestic violence and here in Sequoyah County, we’re going to follow the law.”
In other business, commissioners approved several agreements between the schools and the Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s office which provides school resource officers throughout the schools in the county.
Schools approved for the DARE Agreements include Brushy, Liberty, Moffett, Central, Belfonte and Gans. Approved also was an “Inter local Agreement” between Sequoyah County and Muldrow and Liberty Schools in District 1.
Approval was also given by the commissioners to increase the speed limit on Moonshine Road in District 2, north of Vian, from 40 to 45 MPH.
Commissioners approved a county utility relocation agreement by and between Sequoyah County and the Town of Muldrow (Sequoyah County RWD#7) in District 1 due to replacing a bridge which required a waterline relocation.
An item which was approved contingent on the Sequoyah County DA’s office, was the renewal of a FY 2023 contract by and between the state of Oklahoma office of Juvenile Affairs and the Sequoyah County Board of Commissioners.
During citizens presentation, Robert Morris, Project Council for the Sallisaw Nutrition Center, said tickets are still available for the Calliope quilt to be given away in a drawing on Nov. 1. Anyone wishing to purchase tickets may go by the Sequoyah County Nutrition Center on Redwood or call 918-775-6855. Tickets may be purchased for $2 each or three for $5.
