Post office asks for help in clearing path for mail

The winter that wont end has been creating plenty of traffic problems on the roadways. It hasnt been doing any favors for the post office, either.

The latest snowfall last Thursday jammed everything up pretty good, and that included access to mailboxes.

Since the Chippewa Falls Post Office delivers roughly half of its mail by walking routes, that also means some sidewalks and driveways havent been cleared of ice and snow.

As a result, a few carriers have suffered injuries.

When youre walking youre carrying 25 or 30 pounds, Postmaster Nicholas Lindman said Monday, snow and ice can be a problem.

He asked homeowners to keep walkways cleared, and also steps, particularly painted wood.

Postal carriers who deliver mail in a truck arent in the clear, either. Not only do they have to negotiate roads that have been in poor condition, but they require access to and from mailboxes. That translates into six feet on either side of the mailbox.

Lindman said that his fleet encountered many instances this past week when the vehicle became stuck in the road.

Carriers were getting stuck left and right, and we were sending people to bump them out, he said.

If boxes are blocked, we have to drive right by them. Its tough, because were delivering peoples medication and other items they want. I cant tell you how many complaints Ive gotten about people missing the Big Buck Saver, Lindman said.

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Post office asks for help in clearing path for mail