Story and photos by Kathy Tretter There’s an old saying: “Close doesn’t count except in horseshoes and hand grenades.” Odds are pretty good that Korean War veteran Sylvester “Vesty” Nord knows a bit about both. The 86-year-old, lifelong Ferdinand resident who saw combat during his service, has been pitching horseshoes his entire life. In 1988,…
by Kathy Tretter, editor Ferdinand News Special to DC Free Press The Town of Ferdinand is in the market for a new town manager. On Tuesday night it became official — Marc Steczyk — the first man to hold that position — submitted his resignation, and the council “with very disheartened feelings about it” [Councilwoman Debbie…
Emotion clogged Keith Oser’s voice as he shared what doctors had told him about his mother, Rita’s near death experience. “The doctors really commended the emergency system we have in place. They said if everybody would not have done everything right we wouldn’t have mom here today.” He extended his gratitude to the town, and…
O. M. G. — I may never wash my left hand again (although since I’m a lefty and hold my fork in that hand I probably should). Why this blatant disregard for hygiene? I didn’t get a chance to caress Leonardo DiCaprio’s cheek or anything like that. This was even better! I was able to…
Ferdinand — Besides town officials, town employees and six media representatives, around 15 Ferdinand residents filled the meeting room of Ferdinand Town Hall Tuesday night in support of former-Police Chief Ted Bieker. Bieker, who served for nine years as chief, had been asked to resign prior to the May 14 meeting but was told he could stay…
On Saturday, May 18, iconic actor, singer, songwriter, Rhodes scholar, helicopter pilot, Country Music Hall of Famer, Golden Globe winner, (etc., etc., etc.) Kris Kristofferson performed a benefit concert in front of a barn-full of fans and supporters of the Shalom Foundation. The barn — more like a Texas-style nightclub — is just one of…
Special from Ferdinand News At 8 p.m. on Tuesday night, the Town Council paused in the regular agenda to hold a public hearing concerning their intent to sell the former Police Station on East 5th Street. Resident Greg Rickelman was the first to speak. A real estate agent, Rickelman said the price of $42,500 is…
Special from Ferdinand News As of Midnight on Thursday, May 16, Ted Bieker will no longer serve as chief of the Ferdinand Police Department. The 24-year department veteran — over nine of those in the top spot — asked the council and audience (it was a packed house) to bear with him as he read…
Kris Kristofferson, Shawn Camp (with special guest) and David Murphy and Friends will headline a very special event to be held in Santa Claus, Indiana on Saturday, May 18. Yes, you read that right. Kris Kristofferson, famous actor, award-winning short story writer, Golden Gloves boxer, Rhodes Scholar, songwriter, helicopter pilot, folk and country music performer,…
First the bad news — the Ferdinand Chainsaw Carving Fest has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Now for the news flash — a fondo is not the same as a fondue. Nor is it a shortened way of saying “fond of” in a text message. Ferdinand Town Council members and all present at their…
