VICHY — Vichy residents will be able to send and receive mail from their local post office again beginning June 24 thanks to efforts by members of the Vichy Firehouse Board and the work of United States Senator Josh Hawley.

The Vichy Post Office closed July 2, 2018 because of a termite infestation. The structure was torn down and a new building was installed on the site to replace the bug infested one, but it never opened. What was originally supposed to be a temporary closure turned into a permanent state that left residents frustrated.

Even though rural delivery was still available for some, this closure caused several residents in the community the inconvenience of having to conduct business at neighboring post offices in Vienna and Belle.

Vichy Firehouse Board President Bonnie Prigge started a Facebook campaign in 2019 to get the post office reopened. Page administrators encouraged community members to contact the United States Postal Service along with their federal representatives. 

Officers and members of the Vichy Firehouse Board contacted Senator Hawley’s office in an attempt to get the facility reopened. After an investigation by the senator’s staff, it was determined there was no reason why the postal service couldn’t resume its normal functions in the area.

“I feel it was a community effort to accomplish this,” said Prigge.

“Rural post offices need to be prioritized and protected, and I am glad our team was able to assist in getting the Vichy Post Office back up and running,” said Senator Hawley in a statement.