|
10 years of delivering the news |
|
|
By Daniel McGonigle
Argus Managing Editor
Neither wind nor rain, nor snow, nor sleet can keep Lambert Staggemeyer from delivering the news.
Staggemeyer recently celebrated his 10th year as driver for The Caledonia Argus. Each Tuesday morning, while the majority of Caledonia sleeps, Staggemeyer climbs into his pickup truck and makes his way to the central printing plant in Calmar, Iowa. The purpose, to bring the news to the readers of The Caledonia Argus.
“It sure has been nice having someone like Lambert as part of our staff,” said Daniel McGonigle, General Manager at The Argus. “He is reliable, faithful and a very easy person to work with. He is a valuable asset to our staff and to The Argus.”
When the Caledonia Argus driver was told he has been making the 50 mile journey from his home in rural Eitzen, down to the plant and to area post offices for the past 10 years he replied:
“Has it been that long?”
Staggemeyer usually arrives faithfully back to the Argus office around noon and it’s usually right on time.
“The faithful readers know to come and pick up this week’s news right around 12:00 p.m.,” said general manager Daniel McGonigle. “They know that no matter how bad the roads are, Lambert will be here with the papers around that time. We know we can count on Lambert”
In fact, in all his 10 years Staggemeyer has missed only one run.
“My son was, at the time, looking at colleges he wanted to attend,” recalls Staggemeyer. “He wanted, and did go to the University of Minnesota and he had a visit scheduled. He said to me ‘what’s more important dad? The papers, or your son’s future?’”
Well, Staggemeyer chose wisely and spent the day with his son.
“That was the only time I’ve missed,” he said. “Jane (former general manager Jane Palen) had to deliver the papers that week.”
Making the journey
This winter has been a particularily interesting one for Staggemeyer.
As you all well know, the area has seen more snow this winter than in recent years, and it seemed Lambert would have to make the trek with some weather condition almost every Tuesday morning this winter.
“It’s been interesting,” laughs Lambert.
However, the father of two, who raises cattle and farms as his “full-time job,” said he loves what he does and really enjoys delivering the news.
“Sometimes I wish I could do it five days a week with beef cattle being what it is today,” he smiled. “No, but I sure like to visit with the people on my stops each week at the various post offices. If I couldn’t do it I would miss it.”
You can contact Daniel McGonigle at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 |
