Mail Blues

Residents of Wheeler are sick of having to drive 4.8 miles to Hobart just to collect their mail. The local post office closed in July 2023, and it’s been a nightmare ever since. Jeanine Ross, who’s disabled, relies on her mom Deb Hollifield to pick up her mail – and it’s a real hassle.

A Big Inconvenience

Hollifield says it’s not fair that they have to go through so much trouble while others in the area get their mail delivered right to their doors. ‘We pay taxes just like everybody else,’ she says. And it’s not just the distance – the Hobart post office has limited hours, making it tough for people like Ross’s neighbor, who owns a business and can’t always make it during business hours.

Anita Case says she’s missing out on mail, including coupons and ads. Her husband Jim is baffled by the whole situation, especially since the old Wheeler post office was always busy. ‘I’d go in there and have to wait in line 20 minutes,’ he says.

No End in Sight

Union Township Trustee George Topoll has been trying to get a new post office set up in the area, but so far, no luck. The postal service claims they’re ‘seeking options’ but won’t give any details. Topoll says it’s critical for people like Ross, who can’t easily get to Hobart. ‘Sometimes it’s difficult just to get to the end of the drive,’ he says.