· Old Settlers' of Reno County Picnic: Civil War Stories · The three men had often heard each others’ stories, but they were good listeners, and good friends. Charles Collins, Jon McMurry, and Houston Whiteside, all recalled the good old days, even when they were bad. * It’s Thursday, August 3, 1899, at Riverside Park in Hutchinson, Kansas. With the picnic dinner nearly over, early-day settlers are moving more slowly. They better hurry home for a nap. There's a big dance in the … [Read more...] about Reno County: Civil War Stories
Behind the Books Blog
Sheriffs of Reno County: Randy Henderson
· Randy Henderson (b. 1954) Sheriff 2002-2019 · It’s Election night, Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in Hutchinson, Kansas, at Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson’s house. Smiling, new-jail supporters can’t believe the overwhelming success of the ½ cent sales tax vote. Unofficially, the bond issue is passing by an incredible 77.4%. The result is no miracle; instead, it’s the outcome from many conscientious individuals working together for a single community goal, led by the hard-working, … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Randy Henderson
Sheriffs of Reno County: Larry Leslie
· Larry Leslie (b. 1943) Sheriff 1993-2002 · It’s Friday morning, January 3, 2003, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Larry Leslie, 59, ex-sheriff of Reno County, is beginning his jail sentence for misdemeanor conflict of interest. He’s been booked into the same jail he had formally run. He’s been fingerprinted. Instead of a suit and tie, he’s wearing the jail’s standard black-and-white striped jumpsuit. * Larry Leslie was an honest sheriff before he became a careless criminal. * In 1998, … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Larry Leslie
Sheriffs of Reno County: Jim Fountain
· James H. "Jim" Fountain (1928-2017) Sheriff 1972-1993 · It’s Wednesday, June 5, 1985, in Hutchinson, Kansas, on the third floor of the Reno County courthouse. For the last three-and-a-half weeks, the jury trial of Arnold Ruebke, Jr. has been in session. Ruebke is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated kidnapping. The crimes occurred on October 29, 1984, one mile outside of Arlington, Kansas. The bodies of two-year-old twins, Andrew and James … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Jim Fountain
Sheriffs of Reno County: Charles Heidebrecht
· Charles Heidebrecht (b. 1927) Sheriff 1963-1972 · Reverend Richard Burson, minister at the Gospel Chapel, Elm Street and 6th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, takes a deep breath. He looks shrunken, his eyes downcast. It’s Sunday, July 30th, 1972, two days before Reno County citizens vote in the primary election to decide who will be the next top lawman. The Republican winner will almost certainly be the next sheriff since there’s no Democrat challenger on the ballot. Click to read … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Charles Heidebrecht
Sheriffs of Reno County: Calvin Sheppard
· Calvin Sheppard (1925-) Sheriff 1959-1963 · Click to see photo of Calvin Sheppard Calvin and Carol Sheppard are off to vote. It’s Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 1964, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Finally, on the ballot, the people of Kansas get to decide on an amendment to the state constitution. Will sheriffs be allowed to seek more than two consecutive two-year terms? * “I’m pretty sure the amendment will pass,” said Calvin. “It won’t help us or dad, but it will allow men to come … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Calvin Sheppard
Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions
· Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions · Book Designer and Coach For years Gina Laiso, book designer and coach, has been helping people self-publish books at her company, Integrita Productions, of rural Kansas. It’s been fulfilling for Gina to guide people through their early inspiration and research phase to the development of a finished, professional book, ready for print. Clearly, she enjoys the process of helping her customers flesh out ideas by offering options for self-publishing. A … [Read more...] about Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions
Sheriffs of Reno County: Roy Sheppard
· Roy Sheppard (1897-1977) Sheriff 1956-1959 · It must be Monday, because we’re having ham and beans today, thinks Fannie Elizabeth Masters Sheppard, jail matron and cook at the Reno County jail on the fifth floor of the courthouse. It’s 0750 hours, December 29, 1958, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Fannie, 61, wife of Sheriff Roy Sheppard, also 61, is working with a trustee in the county jail’s kitchen. There’s still the aroma of bacon in the air from breakfast as Mrs. Sheriff washes beans … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Roy Sheppard
Sheriffs of Reno County: Al Severson
· 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
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
