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
Sheriff Guy Ankerholz
Matty Mathias
"Matty" Mathias * It’s noon, Thursday, July 5, 1945, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Harry Smith, 58, owner of Smith’s Flower Shop, 2606 North Monroe, is wearing a freshly cut red rose in his suitcoat buttonhole. * Lulu Morse Stapleton, 51, enters the display room and gravitates to the bell-shaped lilies. She bends over and inhales the sweet aroma. Harry approaches with a greeting. “Welcome, Mrs. Sheriff. While our country celebrated its freedom yesterday, I hope you had an enjoyable … [Read more...] about Matty Mathias
My Dad, the Sheriff
· 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
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: Guy Ankerholz
· Guy Ankerholz (1904-1991) Sheriff 1939-1943 · It’s Monday, January 11, 1943, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Juanita, 32, and Guy Ankerholz, 38, are preparing to go to the Reno County Courthouse for the swearing in ceremony of the new sheriff, Steve Stapleton. Guy will be hanging up his star after having served nearly sixteen years: two terms as sheriff, after working for three sheriffs, Fay Brown, Ed Cunningham, and George Allison. * “Remember when we first met?” asked Juanita to Guy. … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Guy Ankerholz
