· Al Severson (1921-1983) Sheriff 1955-1956 · It’s Tuesday morning, May 15, 1956, in Hutchinson, Kansas. As Reno County Sheriff Al Severson attaches his prosthetic hook to his left elbow and upper arm, he says to Grace Wells Severson, his wife and jail matron, “It’s finally here, Resignation Day.” Grace agrees that the last year and four months serving as Mr. and Mrs. Sheriff have been exciting and rewarding, yet disappointing and sad. * “Because of you, the prisoners eat three … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Al Severson
Archives for February 2021
Sheriffs of Reno County: Victor H. Frazey
· Victor H. Frazey (1900-1971) Sheriff 1951-1955 · It’s Christmas Day, 1951, in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the Reno County court house, in the jail on the fifth floor. A strand of colorful Christmas tree bulbs outline the frame of one window, while the scent of freshly cut pine branches and the aroma of cinnamon cookies, offer a reason to remember . . . or forget. Vera Gambee Frazey, wife of Sheriff Vic Frazey, has prepared a turkey dinner with trimmings for 25 people—19 of them county … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Victor H. Frazey
Sheriffs of Reno County: Walter Dixon
· Walter Leslie Dixon (1894-1965) Sheriff 1947-1951 · It’s Saturday, August 18, 1951, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Walter Dixon, 57, wakes up and looks at the clock. It’s 1:25 a.m. The room is quiet except for his wife’s breathing. He’s been dreaming, or remembering. Four years earlier, in 1947, he and Ruth were sound asleep when the phone rang and Walt answered it . . . at 1:25 a.m. * “Sheriff Dixon,” said the caller, “this is Milton Stucky of rural Pretty Prairie, there’s been an unusual … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Walter Dixon
Sheriffs of Reno County: Steve Stapleton
· Othar Wilson "Steve" Stapleton (1888-1963) Sheriff 1943-1947 · It’s Saturday evening, November 14, 1942, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Brothers Stevie, 8, and Billy, 10, are playing hide-and-seek in the Reno County courthouse, First Avenue and Adams Street. Their father, Steve Stapleton, 54, a deputy and sheriff-elect, is taking his turn as relief for the regular jailer, Lloyd Gardner, who receives Saturday nights off beginning at 6 p.m. * “I’ll count to a hundred before I come looking for … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Steve Stapleton
