· 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
Reno County courthouse
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
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
Sheriffs of Reno County: John W. Hooper
· John W. Hooper (1855-1936) Sheriff 1903-1907 · * It’s Monday, October 17, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Reno County Sheriff Fay Brown is parked in his new—actually, the county’s new–1927 Standard Six Dictator automobile. He’s parked near the northeast corner of 1st Avenue and Main Street, in the shadow of Hutchinson’s tallest skyscraper, the Wiley-Rorabaugh building, which opened in 1913. Sitting next to Fay, 35, is Houston Whiteside, 81, a friend and retired attorney. * “The … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: John W. Hooper
Sheriffs of Reno County: William E. Long
· William E. "Bill" Long (1862-1940) Sheriff 1898-1903* · William Elbert Long and Sarah Cassandra "Cassie" Baker (1871-1913), both natives of Tennessee, were married in 1897 in Pawnee, Nebraska. Their three children, Clella, Charles, and Chester, were born in Reno County, Kansas. Photos compliments of Alice Dugan * It’s Saturday, October 15th, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Houston Whiteside, 81, and Bill Long, 65, are talking about the olden days in Reno … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: William E. Long
Tax Warrants
· You Are NOT Under Arrest · A long-time friend who recently moved out of Reno County contacted me by email. She told me that during the hectic hubbub of her move, she hadn’t received or had lost the second half of her property tax notice. Since I used to serve civil papers, working out of the courthouse, she thought I might be able to answer some questions for her. Now, before I continue, I must inform the reader that my friend has an excellent sense of humor—in my opinion. She drips … [Read more...] about Tax Warrants
