Visitors to the Clarksville Star office will see two new faces that have joined the newspaper’s staff.

Elly Flenker and McKenzie Wood are the latest editions to the paper, and are gracing the Star with their administrative and artistic expertise.

Flenker, originally from Maquoketa, joined the team as a graphic designer in September. Graduating from Maquoketa High School, she earned a B.A in graphic technologies at the University of Northern Iowa.

An interesting fact about Flenker is that prior to taking on her role at the Star, she worked seven different jobs at the same time, working, among other things, as a substitute teacher, a swim instructor, a lifeguard and a babysitter.

Now that she has settled into her new role, Flenker is moving to Parkersburg in order to be closer to her place of employment.

The move, however, is more than just a change in location for Flenker. It has brought her to the environment in which she wants to live and work.

“I like being a part of this community, and I like being able to work in a small town, but be part of a larger company,” Flenker said. “I would like to stay in Parkersburg and start planting roots.”

When asked about what she feels she offers to the Star, Flenker was confident in her ability to contribute.

“I feel like I bring an extra set of hands to help bring some new perspective to the company,” Flenker said.

McKenzie Wood hails from Traer, and since November has served as the Star’s administrative assistant.

A graduate of North Tama High School, Wood brings seasoned administrative experience to the paper, having previously worked as a receptionist for a veterinary clinic in Waverly.

“I feel like I have a good attention to detail, and I am very organized,” Wood said. In October, Wood settled in Clarksville, and like Flenker, prefers the advantages of small town life. “Growing up in a small town, we knew we’d end up in a small town. I love the community of it,” Wood said.

Wood has plans to expand her expertise so that she can branch out into other areas of the newspaper business, including sharpening her proofreading skills through further classwork.

Both young ladies are excited about their new roles at the Star, and look forward to adding their skills and energy to the paper as it serves Clarksville and the surrounding community.