By Lanell Downs Smith

Amber Olney works as a clerk for the Rutledge Post Office. Since February, she has filled the role to serve Rutledge, and more recently Luverne postal customers with quality customer service and a positive attitude.

Her current tenure makes Olney’s third stint working with the U.S. Post Office. For roughly six years, she worked first in Letohatchee, then as a Luverne mail carrier, and most recently as a clerk in Rutledge.

“I was a carrier for two years,” Olney said. “Then I was a clerk in Letohatchee for two years. I tried to carry mail on a Luverne city route for a few months. Now, here I am.”

The Rutledge post office typically operates from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. After a burst pipe caused the Luverne office to close temporarily in March, the Rutledge office absorbed mail service for Luverne residents, and Olney took on the role serving both communities full time.

The Rutledge Post Office is currently open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. closed for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and open on Saturdays from 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“I try to be helpful, nice and polite,” Olney said. “I try and do what I feel like I am supposed to do and the customers really appreciate that.”

During a July 16 storm, Olney alerted first responders that the front wall of an adjacent building had fallen, strewing debris across U.S. Highway 10. Her vigilance and dedication is just one way she serves the community.

Olney is a contract postal worker and typically works part time. Since March, she has temporarily assumed the role full-time and also travels to the Luverne office each morning to assist with sorting the mail.

Rutledge resident Latonya Kidd receives mail at the Luverne post office. Since March she has collected her mail in Rutledge and said Olney has done a great job serving the community.

“She’s great,” Kidd said. “I love her. She’s friendly and has already learned the names or face and box numbers for everyone from Luverne. She knows my number when I walk through the door.”

According to Kidd, Olney goes above and beyond the call of duty, filling a gap in service since Luverne post office’s March closing.

“I don’t come if she’s not here,” Kidd said. “When I see her vehicle, that’s when I stop. She’s very friendly. I would come to her any time.”

Olney said she enjoys the work, which allows her to meet community members..

“I enjoy being a clerk,” Olney said. “I enjoy interacting with my customers, meeting people and helping them. Now that I am here in the afternoons, I have a little more time for tasks that need to be completed during down time.”

The postal service has not yet announced a timeframe for reopening the Luverne office, which remains closed to the public.