The Superior Express -

Two new employees and a summer helper have joined the staff at the City of Mankato. Sharon McCormick is the new office clerk, Stephanie Mendez took over the office assistant position and Buck Luedke is the summer helper.

McCormick has lived in Jewell County for 11 months, having moved here from Osborne. She and her husband of 10 years came to Jewell County because her husband, Marvin, accepted a job at the City of Mankato. McCormick said her favorite part of living in Jewell County is the community involvement and the small town.

McCormick has four children: two sons, Austin, 33 and Christopher, 31, and two daughters, Brittany, 29 and Autumn, 10. She also has five grandchildren, Abe, 14; Braylon, 9; Mason, 6; Aspen, 5; and Brynn, 2. McCormick has a couple of dogs and a cat.

In her free time, McCormick enjoys reading and time with family. She attended school in Colby. Before becoming the office clerk, McCormick was the manager at Dollar General in Smith Center.

McCormick became the office assistant at the city at the age of 53. "I'm feeling blessed to be where I am today," McCormick said. Her favorite part of the job is learning something new every day. McCormick said the hardest part of her job is learning so much at the same time. Her responsibilities include customer service, accounting and payroll. McCormick was inspired in choosing this career because if gave her the opportunity to get to know the community.

McCormick's personal life was affected by COVID by having to quarantine. Her career was not affected.

McCormick is inspired by learning new things. Her parting words to us were, "Enjoy your job."

Stephanie Mendez is the new office assistant. She was born and raised in Hastings. Mendez went to school at Hastings Senior High followed by Central Community College. Mendez has lived in Jewell County for almost eight years.

Mendez met Ana Mendez when they were 8-years-old. Mendez would go swimming in Ana's pool. They were married nine years ago this summer. Mendez and Ana have custody of their niece, Hayley, 19, and their nephew, Cesar, 17.

Mendez enjoys painting, cooking and baking. As for pets, she has two iguanas, two leopard geckos and a tortoise. Her favorite part of living in Jewell County is the community. "Everyone has been so kind and accepting of our kids," Mendez said. "Moving in with us was super difficult and stressful for them and the community took them under their wing and made them feel right at home.' Mendez chose to live in Jewell County to be closer to her best friend and God-children.

Being an office assistant is Mendez's first official office job. In the past she has been a cook, waitress and barista. She has also worked as a cashier, Subway sandwich artist and a daycare teacher, where she started out in the baby room, then moved into the preschool ages.

Mendez believes the new and challenging aspects of the office assistant position are her favorite part. Learning all of the different steps and performing them in the correct order is the most difficult part for her. The responsibilities Mendez have are taking phone calls, taking payments and book-keeping.

Mendez was affected by COVID in both her personal and professional live. In her personal life, Mendez had to quarantine as a family. "We love each other," Mendez said. "But, close quarters that long gets stressful." Mendez also knows several people who struggled with COVID and health problems acquired from having it. In her professional life, Mendez lost two weeks of pay at a new job, but, she was fortunate to be paid for the job shutting down for 10 days to prevent exposure.

When asked what inspired her to choose this career, Mendez said, "I enjoy interaction with the public." She has always hoped to be in a position like this. "I love to organize and solve problems," Mendez said.

Buck Luedke

Seventeen-year-old Buck Luedke is the summer helper at the city. Originally from Pierre Part, La., Luedke has lived in Jewell County for four years. He is still a student at Rock Hills High School but is enjoying learning the different aspects of everybody's trades. Luedke started this career at 16 years old. Before working with the city, Luedke mowed yards.

Luedke owns three pets: two dogs, Sam and Roscoe, and a cat named Halo. His hobbies include eating pizza and playing Pac-Man. Because of COVID, Luedke had to quarantine several times, but luckily never got it.

"I'm responsible for doing what I'm told and not getting hurt," Luedke said when asked about his responsibilities.

He is inspired by Marvin McCormick and aspires to be a lineman. Luedke recommends taking a stroll through the city's walking trail.