Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Stephen Hottinger is known for his excellent sandwich-making skills at Casey's General Store, one of the three jobs he holds locally.
Locals know him as the "sandwich artist" at Casey's General Store. He also stocks shelves and handles customer checkout at Dollar General five nights a week, and keeps the fairways at the golf course groomed all summer.
The three-job-wonder, Stephen Hottinger, was named the Chamber's December Employee of the Month for December.
Hottinger has been a resident of New Rockford for six short years, and in that time he's certainly made an impression. "I've found a little niche in this town," he said with a smile Wednesday after he was surprised with the award at the end of his afternoon Casey's shift.
His roles at Dollar General, Casey's General Store and the New Rockford Golf Course have given him "exposure to all strata of society," as well as regular opportunities to interact with people all day, something he greatly enjoys.
A native of Mankato, Minn., Hottinger moved to New Rockford in 2016, after caring for his aging parents in Springfield, Mo. for 13 years. His mom had recently passed away rather suddenly, and upon encouragement from a friend, he landed here. Over the next two years, he collaborated with her on a book, cared for her and helped her repair her home in New Rockford until she too passed away, in April 2018.
His first "gig" in New Rockford was at the golf course, where Jim Belquist encouraged him to mow fairways after learning of his landscaping background. He also assisted with cleanup at the course after the July 8, 2018 windstorm.
When he first started working at Casey's in November 2018, it took him a while to catch on to the process of sandwich making. Then, he learned "how to do it better," he said.
He went to work at Dollar General a month later, and now his combined roles amount to more than a full-time position.
Hottinger was nominated for the award by Zac Fleming. "Steve works several jobs in New Rockford. He always has a smile on his face and engages in friendly conversation," Fleming said. That was certainly true on Wednesday, as he had many great stories to tell.
Of all the roles he has played, his military service is what shaped his life the most, he said. Two days after receiving his U.S. Army draft papers during the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the Navy, following in the footsteps of his father and five uncles.
"I've tried to follow that oath ever since," he said. "If you want to grow up fast, join the service or volunteer."
He was an air and photo intelligence technician who served active duty for four years. Aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid in June 1967, his crew traveled to the Western Pacific through the Suez Canal just prior to its closing during the Israeli-Arab crisis.
His military service has given him a broader awareness of humanity, a great desire to learn history, and a deep love for his country and the freedoms many take for granted.
"We must be willing to sacrifice to defend it, so we can keep it. Freedom is not free," he said, referencing the sign that welcomes visitors passing through New Rockford via. Hwy. 281. "I couldn't say it any better than that."
Do you know someone who takes pride in their work, and who shows genuine care and concern for others? Nominations for Employee of the Month are always open. Employee of the Month is a program sponsored by the New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize local people for customer service excellence. Nomination forms are available at the Transcript office or online at http://www.cityofnewrockford.com/chamber. Send written nominations to PO Box 67, New Rockford, N.D. 58356. or email [email protected].
