CRIDERSVILLE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES NEW HOURS

LIMA, OH—Because of the significant drop in mail volume and economic recession, the U.S. Postal Service is expected to incur a $7 billion budget shortfall this year. As a result, the USPS has implemented several strategies to try and offset the situation, including a revision of Post Office hours.

Beginning October 17, the retail window at the Cridersville Branch, 111 E. Main St., will be open 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail delivery will be unaffected by the change.

“We’re trying to find ways to offer the same excellent service for our customers while staying within our budget,” said Lima Postmaster Mike Mazur. “This is a transitional time for us.”

For customer convenience, the Lima Post Office, 350 W. High St., is open 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, and the Elida Branch, 304 E. Main St., is open 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.

• Virtual Technologies Group, 3820 S. Dixie Hwy., is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Customers can also purchase stamps or mail letters and parcels using the Automated Postal Center at the Lima Post Office. The self-service kiosk is available 24/7.

The Postal Service also makes it quick, easy and convenient for customers to buy postage stamps online at www.usps.com, by phone, by fax and by filling out a Stamp by Mail order form available from Lima carriers and at any Post Office. Stamps also are available from rural carriers, if you are on a rural delivery route.

“Rural carriers are like a Post Office on Wheels,” said Mazur. “We’re already in your neighborhood so let us save you time and gas by delivering stamps right to your door.”