Kathy Tretter awarded Sagamore of the Wabash

Kathy Tretter was surprised on Saturday.

If she wasn’t, she played it well as she walked into the barn filled with many of the people she has worked with, volunteered beside and reported on over the years she has been at the helm of the Ferdinand News.

She stated later that she was completely surprised by the event–though she was a few minutes late. In typical Kathy fashion, she had been filling in at the Alexander School House Saturday morning after receiving a last-minute call for help.

Regardless, Kathy and Digger’s entrance in matching newspaper-themed outfits—we got them at Walmart, explained one granddaughter—was met with tremendous enthusiasm from the many guests celebrating Kathy receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Eric Holcomb.

Kathy’s daughter Molly began the event with a heartfelt speech about her mother’s interest in everything and how that has built a wealth of knowledge she has no problem sharing with anyone wanting to listen.

“She’s one of the smartest people I know,” Molly said, adding that time after time, she’s brought up some bit of knowledge to attempt to stump Kathy and been met with her mother’s thoughts on that same subject. “When I ask her how she knows so much, she says she’s read about it.”

She explained that no matter the subject, the event or the need, Kathy is always available and ready to help or listen.

That extends to everything Kathy is involved in, whether through the newspapers or as a member of the communities she serves.

“People like my mom make communities thrive. She wants what’s best for everyone, and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen,” Molly explained.

Kathy’s daughter Megan echoed Molly and added that she was in awe of her mom’s accomplishments.

“I am very proud of her and all that she does. And I mean, everywhere I go, anyone I meet knows her and has a story of all she’s done for them,” she said. “She’s touched so many people.”

Both daughters agreed that Kathy is also always available for them and their families as well.

After Molly spoke, Pat Koch stepped up to express her gratitude for her work supporting Spencer County through the newspaper Spencer County Leader and her efforts to help Ms. Koch with editing and grammar in her book on the town’s history.

“I think of her as a wife, mother, grandma, friend, editor, community leader, innovator, attendor of meetings and meetings and meetings,” Ms. Koch said to laughter. “A writer, a photographer and an all around great lady.”

Ms. Koch described how she relied on Kathy to help her write her books on the history of Santa Claus, her father and the theme park. “I was taught by the Sister of St. Benedict, and I didn’t want any grammatical errors,” she said. I didn’t want any periods or apostrophes or colons in the wrong place, and she did that, and it was worth a lot to me.”

Sue Ellspermann submitted the recommendation to the governor at Francis Lueken’s recommendation. Lueken served as county attorney for Spencer County for many years and is also a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash.

She commended Kathy for always being willing to help with many projects.

“You could have said to us anytime, ‘Oh, I don’t have time for that,'” she said. “But, never have I heard, never have any of us heard that from Kathy.”

Ellspermann mentioned it was easy to find letters of support for Kathy to be inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame earlier this year. She then read from Ferdinand Council President Ken Sicard’s letter recommending Kathy to the Hall of Fame.

“She has been a blessing to the Town of Ferdinand and the surrounding communities,” Sicard wrote. “Kathy has spent her career bringing knowledge and information to us, the people. She is truly worthy of being nominated to the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.”

“Kathy, your contributions to Indiana will live on for generations to come,” the governor said. “Whether it’s beautifully sharing important news stories, which you’ve been doing for over three decades, or donating you own personal time and treasue to ensure the long term success of Ferdinand and beyond are always kept in mind. It’s been your passion and love for your community that shines through in every way every day.”

Before playing a special video from Governor Holcomb announcing the award, Ellspermann recognized Kathy as an advocate for the community and a business leader.

After receiving the award and through tears and surprise, Kathy jumped up to thank everyone for the honor and recognition.

“It’s been such a fun journey, and I forget how long it’s been,” she joked. “I feel like I’ve been around a while and so many great things happen in our area.”

Kathy pointed to the many people who attended the event and their contributions to making our communities wonderful places to live.

“I don’t think I’m responsible, I just like telling about them,” she added before thanking her husband and newspaper staff for all their hard work and support.

“I feel honored beyond belief.”

The Sagamore of the Wabash is the highest honor an Indiana governor can bestow. A Sagamore is a “lesser chief” who would be sought out for wisdom or advice in the Native American lexicon of tribes in the Northeastern United States. Created during Governor Ralph Gates’s term (1945 to 1949), the award is a personal tribute to a person who has rendered distinguished service to the state or the governor. Among those who have received Sagamores are astronauts, Presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and regular citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage.