E-Brake sticking

I have a 95 S10 pickup 201,000 miles. The emergency brake cable broke about a year ago and I replaced it. It worked o.k. at first, but lately it does not want to release. The pedal pops up completely inside, but it is still engaged. I have been able to get it to break free by grabbing the cable and wiggling around for a while.
I changed the drum brakes a little while prior to replacing the brake cable, but did not replace the springs. I purchased a spring/drum brake assembly kit and plan to try that tonight and see if it helps. Any other ideas what would cause the brake to not release?

Try spraying penetrating oil at both ends and pull them back and forth. When they are loose use spray greese on both ends. You may have to replace the cables if you live in a high salt area.