Scio Post Office closes due to structural concerns

The Scio Post Office is closed with no timeline for reopening, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

Desai Abdul-Razzaaq, strategic communications for USPS Corporate Communications, said the closure is an “emergency temporary suspension” due to structural conditions that pose safety and health concerns. Abdul-Razzaaq, who represents the Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin districts, said he is fielding questions for southeast Ohio until after the holidays and responded to the News-Herald by email.

Two council members said just before Scio’s Dec. 30 meeting that the floor in the building’s back room had caved in. Scio council also received a letter from USPS stating the closure was for safety and health concerns.

“The change is tentative and will not lead to a formal proposal to discontinue operations unless we conclude that it will provide a maximum degree of regular and effective postal services,” the USPS letter said. The letter was dated Dec. 18.

The public is being directed to the Jewett Post Office, 102 W Main St., Jewett. USPS officials said mail delivery is not expected to change, “with the possible exceptions of picking up parcels and accountable mail ... that the carrier was unable to deliver.” Those items would be returned to the Jewett Post Office, according to Maria Verhovec, manager of post office operations, who authored the letter.

“The decision was made to ensure the safety of customers and postal employees while the situation is fully evaluated, and necessary repairs are addressed,” Abdul-Razzaaq said. “USPS remains committed to maintaining service continuity while prioritizing the safety of employees and customers and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Jewett Post Office hours are 9:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The post office box lobby is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.