The village of Lynchburg is apparently about to get its post office back, but is losing the lone pharmacy in town.
In a letter posted on the Lynchburg (Ohio) Community Voice Facebook page, Dennis Williams Jr., manger of post office operations, told customers that a temporary facility has been built on a grassy lot next to the former post office location and is expected to open Monday, Feb. 6.
Lynchburg residents have been without a post office, and have had to travel to Hillsboro to get their mail, since a June 16, 2022 fire reportedly gutted the inside of the post office.
The letter said the U.S. Postal Service is planning to open a post office box lobby Monday in the temporary facility for post office box customers and residents picking up notified packages and signature mail. The lobby will be open 24 hours, with retail hours from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday to pick up any notified or oversized packages and signature mail.
The post office box mail should be up by 11:30 a.m. daily, the letter said.
“We will be offering mailing and stamp services as soon as the network and equipment are available,” Williams’ letter said. “We will not be offering this service immediately, but we will keep you informed.
“The construction of the damaged building is progressing, and the contractors are anticipating a spring reopening. At that time, we will return the carriers to the building and business will resume as it was prior to the fire.”
The Lynchburg Post Office sustained what was reported as significant damage during the June fire. Since that time Lynchburg postal employees have been working out of the Hillsboro Post Office at 301 N. High St., Hillsboro.
While the post office news in no doubt welcome, the bad news is that a post on the same Facebook group page from Kratzer’s Pharmacy in Lynchburg said the business will be closing its doors the same day the temporary post office opens.
“It is with sadness that we share Kratzer’s Pharmacy in Lynchburg will be closing its doors Monday, February 6th at 4 pm.,” the post said. “We have been honored to be a part of your healthcare team and serve you these last few years. You have welcomed us with open arms and this community is our family.
”Your prescriptions will be automatically transferred to Kroger in Blanchester. If you would like them sent elsewhere, please have that pharmacy call us before the 6th. If you are able, please pick up any prescriptions you may need before then.”
