Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Many Times-Union customers have become accustomed to Dawn Klinger’s smiling face along her route.
Starting Thursday, she’ll miss those faces. After 24 years as a newspaper carrier, Klinger is retiring after delivering today’s edition.
In some ways newspaper carriers are a lot like mail carriers in that they’re out in all kinds of weather, and have lots of unique, and occasionally challenging, experiences.
“There are a lot of days it’s so hot you can’t breathe, or it’s so cold your breath freezes to your face,” she said. “I remember reaching into a box one time and a mouse ran up my arm. I’ve also been stung on the neck and once a bat flew in my car.
“But I wouldn’t trade any of it. It’s been great.”
As a carrier, Klinger also has a unique place to see the growth of the Warsaw area over her time in the position.
“When I started my route it was 24 miles, and now it’s more like 40,” she said. “There’s been a lot of housing developments come in over the years.”
Klinger got her start in the business for the same reason most paper carriers do – the extra income. It was something she could do without hiring a sitter for her son, Steve, who now works in the Times-Union circulation department.
“I wanted to make some extra money when I got married and Steve was still in kindergarten. I didn’t want to take him to a babysitter, so he went on the paper route with me,” she said.
She said she’s enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the people along her route.
“The customers on my route are amazing. They are so kind and so generous. There are a few crabs out there, but we all get them,” she said.
“My customers always made sure I was safe and not in a ditch, or they were giving me extras just to let me know I’m appreciated. I want to thank all of them. I’ll really miss those people. I always enjoyed going out and seeing and talking to people.”
