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Passing the torch

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Jan 05/05) - Kelli McLarty has the unique distinction of being the only carrier to deliver the Kivalliq News in two different centuries.

McLarty started delivering the Kivalliq News as an ambitious 10-year-old in early 1998.


NNSL photo/graphic

Kelli McLarty, the longest serving Kivalliq News carrier, poses with her brother, Kevin, the paperšs newestcarrier. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo


At the time, she figured having her own paper route would help convince her parents she was a responsible kid.

"I really wanted to show my mom and dad I could do it," says McLarty.

"I don't think they really believed I would stick with it."

To say McLarty stuck with it would be an understatement.

Following on the heels of her older sister, Andrea, McLarty continued on with her paper route until this past summer.

She turned her route over to her younger brother Kevin, the third member of the McLarty family to deliver the Kivalliq News.

And she still comes in from time to time to help with Kevin's route.

"I always enjoyed the paper route because the people always treated me so nice.

"It was tough on the really, really cold days, but on the other hand, those were the days people felt a little sorry for you and would tip more."

Looking back at her early days with the paper, McLarty says there were growing pains, like finding out there's not too many sales to be made when you show up at a building during coffee break.

"My first little while I used to be short with money the odd time, too, but you learn quick when it's coming out of your own pocket."

These days, McLarty has been accepted into the International Phase of the Nunavut Youth Abroad program and will be heading to Africa this summer.

The amicable 16-year-old gets a little philosophical when she looks at her six-plus years with the paper.

"The more reliable you are with your paper route -- showing up every week -- that kind of carries over into other aspects of your life.

"Sticking with the Kivalliq News for more than six years is something I'm happy to have on my resume.

"I'm proud of my time spent with the paper."