ALNA, Maine — People in the small Lincoln County town of Alna are experiencing frustrating delays in mail delivery, with some reporting that letters and packages have arrived up to a week or more late. The issue has sparked widespread concern in the community, where many depend on timely deliveries for important documents, bills, and checks.
According to residents and confirmed by USPS officials, the issue stems from a staffing shortage. The local post office has been without a dedicated delivery driver for Alna, forcing remaining postal workers to cover extra routes.
“The point of the Post Office, and why it’s different from FedEx or UPS, is that they deliver to every address, no matter how rural,” Gardner said.
She was advised that trying to pick up mail in person could actually worsen the situation, as employees would have to sort through backlogged mail.
“I know they’re working the best they can. I think it’s an issue of leadership. If leadership doesn’t focus resources in the right place, a lot of people suffer, particularly in rural areas,” Gardner added.
