Sandpoint post office reopens after crash
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months AGO
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | June 3, 2024 12:23 PM
SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint post office is open for business.
"Mail delivery is unaffected, and the office is open for business as usual, customers can pick up and drop off mail, buy stamps, etc.," Kim Frum, strategic communications specialist, said in an email Monday.
Crews quickly responded Saturday night to board up the damaged wall where a car crashed into the building earlier that afternoon and, at 8:30 a.m. Monday, the post office reopened the building to the public.
Sandpoint post office officials said needed repairs are being determined through an internal facilities team.
"The Postal Service is waiting for a repair estimate and there is no timeline available for when repairs will begin," Frum said.
The building was closed over the weekend after a driver mistook their vehicle's gas pedal for the brakes while pulling into a spot in the post office parking lot.
While the driver was taken to the hospital as a precaution, a Sandpoint Police officer said Saturday indications are that the individual suffered no life-threatening injuries in the crash.
Sandpoint Police Officer Marcus Bentley said a pillar for an overhang to the post office building was knocked down in the crash, which forced the closure of the building. While the lobby was closed, there were some post office employees in the building at the time of the crash, which happened about 2:30 p.m.
Post office crews were en route by 3:30 p.m. to assess the structure and to board up the building, which suffered an unknown degree of damage in the crash. In addition to the support beam for the overhang being pushed down, the car ended up partway into the building, shattering several glass panels and stopping near where customers pick up mail or drop off packages at the front counter.
MORE FRONT-PAGE-SLIDER STORIES
ARTICLES BY CAROLINE LOBSINGER

Community garden set to bloom at 'The Woods'
Effort underway to create garden near sled hill
Plans are blooming to create a community garden at the base of the Pine Street Woods sled hill.

Mitchell named DYW Sandpoint 2025
Mackenzie Mitchell has been named Sandpoint's Distinguished Young Woman 2025. Mitchell, a junior at Sandpoint High School, was selected for the honor at a March 22 program. She receives a $3,000 scholarship.

Dover shines spotlight on 'Hidden Heroes'
City officials want to shine a spotlight — as well as say thank you — to all of the community's military caregivers.