Mr. and Mrs. Sheriff * One day a newly elected sheriff, a bachelor, asked the retiring sheriff if he could give him any advice on running the jail. The veteran sheriff replied, "Yes, get married as soon as possible." * In its first 150 years, Reno County has elected thirty-two of its thirty-three different sheriffs. This book will introduce each one of the lawmen chronologically, in separate chapters, beginning with Charles C. Collins. Running the sheriff’s office has always required … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Mr. and Mrs. Sheriff
Reno County courthouse
Sheriffs of Reno County: 1872-2022
Preface * Books don’t just happen. While growing up, I heard stories that triggered my imagination. Stories are seeds to an author. When planted and nourished, they can become a bountiful harvest. In my case, there are several reasons why I wanted to research and write about the sheriffs of Reno County, Kansas. When I was growing up, I regularly watched weekly westerns on television. My favorites were The Lone Ranger, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, and Gunsmoke. The first show was … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: 1872-2022
Reno County: She Killed Her Husband
She Killed Her Husband * It’s late Thursday afternoon, October 11, 1951, at the Reno County Jail on the fifth floor of the courthouse. Vera Gambee Frazey, 45, jail matron and cook, hears the metallic sound of heavy jail keys, followed by the forceful clang of a door being shut, and the keys locking the gate. She’s making supper for her and her husband, having earlier helped prepare the two daily prisoner meals served at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sheriff Vic Frazey, 51, walks into the kitchen … [Read more...] about Reno County: She Killed Her Husband
Reno County: Girls in Jail
Girls in Jail * It’s Monday afternoon, August 1, 1949, at The Fox theater in Hutchinson, Kansas. Mrs. Sheriff, Ruth Graves Dixon, 54; and her sister, Charline Graves Allison, 60; are talking prior to the start of the picture show, The Barkleys of Broadway, staring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. * “How’s the jail treating you?” asked Charline, as she crunched her buttery popcorn. “After two-and-a-half years, I still surprise myself,” answered Ruth, sipping her Coca-Cola. “How so?” … [Read more...] about Reno County: Girls in Jail
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
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
