Substitute Mail Carrier of the Week: Steady Claws, Neat Handwriting

RATTLESNAKE RIDGE— When regular carrier Ms. Ibis took jury duty, young Stevie Scorpion stepped up with a leather satchel, three pencils, and instructions to be neighborly but brisk. Residents report mail sorted by size and optimism.

Postmaster Tortoise presented a certificate suitable for framing. Stevie plans to shadow the bookmobile next. "Mail," Stevie told your reporter, "is just long-distance hello."

Rural Route 4 finished the week with zero complaints filed and one bake sale dedicated to buying Stevie thicker mittens before winter sort drills.