Frustrations pour in over mail service in South Dakota following Round’s letter to postmaster general

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - In the last 24 hours, feedback has been pouring in on social media after Sen. Mike Rounds called on the United States Postal Service to restore reliable mail service.

The senator sent a letter to the postmaster general highlighting his concerns with mail. In the letter Rounds points out that people across South Dakota face persistent delays with some items taking weeks to arrive.

The senator saying that he’s heard from hundreds of constituents in recent weeks.

Doug Ludtke from Custer says in the year he’s lived in town, he’s dealt with mail-related uncertainty.

“You’re never sure how soon your mail is going to be here, sometimes it’s on time, and other times it might be a week late,” said Ludtke.

Ludtke says delays affect important mail a couple times per month.

In Rapid City, Arnie Bergstrom told KOTA Territory News on early Friday afternoon he’s not having delays with his mail, but he was told he couldn’t overnight a money order to his granddaughter.

KOTA Territory News received comments on mail delays on social media from our report Thursday on Round’s letter.

One person wrote that a birthday card from Sioux Falls to Mitchell took eight days. Another writing that it takes two weeks for mail to go 100 miles.

Round’s letter points to downsizing and realignment as causing the issues.

Essentially saying that the current routes put mail traveling across South Dakota and into South Dakota on indirect routes leading to the delays.

The senator, in his letter dated on the 16th, requested a meeting with the postmaster general in the next week.

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