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Jim Potter, Author

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Reno County Jail

Sheriffs of Reno County: Mr. and Mrs. Sheriff

October 13, 2021 by Jim Potter 6 Comments

(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)   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, … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Mr. and Mrs. Sheriff

Sheriffs of Reno County: 1872-2022

October 6, 2021 by Jim Potter 13 Comments

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

September 29, 2021 by Jim Potter 4 Comments

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

September 22, 2021 by Jim Potter 8 Comments

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

My Dad, the Sheriff

September 8, 2021 by Jim Potter 6 Comments

· My Dad, the Sheriff It’s Sunday afternoon, January 10, 1943, at the home of Juanita Mae Chambers Ankerholz and Guy Leo Ankerholz, 829 East 6th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas. Their daughter, Dona “DeNean,” 10, is writing a school report that’s due the next day. * “Mom,” said DeNean, “my teacher said we should write on something, but not everything.” “She’s correct, you want people to learn about a topic. You’re writing about your father being Reno County sheriff for the last four years. … [Read more...] about My Dad, the Sheriff

That’s Him

September 1, 2021 by Jim Potter 6 Comments

· "That's Him." It’s Sunday night, August 7, 1938, in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the Charline and George Allison home, 309 West 16th Avenue. George, 55; Charline, 54; and their daughter, Georgiann, 14, are playing cards. * “Dad, now that Rosanna Sandberg has positively identified her kidnapper, do you think she’ll sleep better tonight?” asked Georgiann. “Sure thing,” answered George. “I think the fact that she was able to see Earl Young dead, lying in the Hot Springs morgue, should give … [Read more...] about That’s Him

It Was All a Terrible Mistake

August 25, 2021 by Jim Potter 6 Comments

· It Was All a Terrible Mistake It’s Thursday night, June 19, 1934, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Dorothy Swafford Simon Cunningham, 25, wife of Reno County Sheriff Ed Cunningham, age, 37, has just returned to town after running off with a saxophone player. Having been apprehended days earlier in Columbus, Ohio, Dorothy is welcomed by her father, Tom Swafford, 45.   * Tom opens his arms to greet his daughter, “Dorothy, we're so glad you’re safe." “Oh, Daddy, I’m so sorry; it’s all my fault,” … [Read more...] about It Was All a Terrible Mistake

Hello Girls

August 18, 2021 by Jim Potter 5 Comments

· Hello Girls It’s Wednesday, March 16, 1927. Cora Brown’s thirty-third birthday isn’t until Thursday, but she’s expecting her sister, Occie, and brother-in-law, to arrive any minute to help her celebrate. Occie’s promised to bring a freshly baked cake; Cora and Fay, her husband, will provide tea. * “It’s Occie and Sidney,” said Fay. “I’ll get the door.” “Hello, Fay,” said Occie, handing him a picnic basket and receiving a kiss. “Where is she? Does she suspect anything?” “She’s got … [Read more...] about Hello Girls

Reno County: 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run

June 2, 2021 by Jim Potter 8 Comments

  1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run • * It’s Saturday night, September 16, 1893, in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the Reno County sheriff’s residence, 15 Avenue East. Roscoe, 3; Ethel, 10; Victor 12; Bud (John Jr.), 13, and Mabel, 15, are in bed. John, 37, and Jennie Jones, 35, take a minute to reflect on the day. * “This would have been a bad day to count noses for a census,” said John. “I wonder how many families we’ll lose to the Strip.” “Those with claims today have a long row to … [Read more...] about Reno County: 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run

Reno County: “She Jumped from the Train”

May 26, 2021 by Jim Potter 4 Comments

"She Jumped from the Train" • It’s Wednesday, April 3, 1889, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Daniel Miller, Reno County sheriff, 45, returns home to the sheriff’s residence at 15 Avenue East. Cecelia Edmunds Miller—Mrs. Sheriff—41, spots a new gray hair on her husband’s head. * “Hello, honey, how are you and the children?” asked Dan, as he entered the sheriff’s residence, gave his wife a kiss, and hung up his hat. “We’re fine,” answered Cecelia. “How did Sarah respond to the Topeka Insane … [Read more...] about Reno County: “She Jumped from the Train”

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Interviews with Jim Potter

Video interview with James Lowe outside Bookends Bookstore July 21, 2022

Print interview with author Bill Bush September 1, 2022

Print interview with author Cheryl Unruh February 28, 2019

Hutchinson Magazine Article

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