Dylan Yoder
Columnist
We all know how frustrating public policies can be. All of us know at least a few farmers who have had their land claimed for public use by the government, and while these things end up benefitting the people, for the most part, it still is frustrating, to say the least. Unfortunately, these situations are far too common as our world strives to become more and more modern. One of these situations recently surfaced just outside the town of Yoder, on Yoder road. Residents of this area were put off to find that the Central Plains district of the US Postal Service will be changing the locations of quite a few mailbox locations, at the expense of the civilians they are addressed to. Certainly not the kind of new years greetings you would like to receive.
One resident had this to say on the matter, “All neighbors are upset about this, and no one wants to move their [mail]boxes”. The change would result in the moving of 17 mailboxes to the opposite side of the road, at the expense of the residents. Many of these mailboxes have remained in the same place for 50+ years after being erected by the Post Master of Haven. They also stated that “We have had a mail delivery man for years and years and years, there was NEVER a concern about where the Mail boxes were located.”
After attempting to contact the postal service to see if another resolution could be reached, the residents found their requests swiftly rebuked stating that the move was what is best for the postal service, and therefore, for the people of this area. People which are also concerned at the idea of collecting mail from the opposite side of a semi-busy roadway traveling at 65mph. “[This] would mean the residents would have to cross Yoder road to get the mail, and [all that] the mail carrier would need to do a U-Turn to go back and finish the route”. It’s not a pleasant situation to say the least.
At this time the residents of Yoder road are doing what they can to try and change this mandate. Petitions have gone around this small neighborhood in attempts to show the Post Master just how they feel about it. It feels only necessary to them that they try and keep things as they are. One inconvenience for an individual doesn’t give that person an excuse to inconvenience others.
Overall, not a great predicament for the peoples of this area. In due time, hopefully things will resolve, as they always do. Government policies are one of the certainties of life, they will continue to occur no matter where you are, as unfortunate as can be. However, like all things, it too comes to pass. Keep Yoder residents in your thoughts as they go through some of these bizarre changes and let’s hope for a more convenient tomorrow.
