September 1, 2026 3:30 a.m. 

The City of Winston’s mayor is requesting an investigation into what she says are mail delivery problems in the community.

Last week, Mayor Christie Knutson sent a letter to Congresswoman Val Hoyle formally requesting that her office investigate ongoing and frequent concerns regarding mail delivery within the Winston 97496 delivery area.

Knutson said the City of Winston has received a significant number of complaints from both residents and businesses concerning the mishandling and mis-delivery of mail and packages. Knutson said these reports do not appear to involve isolated incidents. Rather, residents have described a recurring pattern of mail being delivered to incorrect addresses, packages being marked as delivered when they were actually left at another residence, and mail intended for one household being delivered to another.

Knutson said of particular concern are reports involving packages containing prescription medication and other important or time-sensitive items. In several instances, residents have received electronic or photographic confirmation indicating that a package was delivered, only to discover that it was delivered to a neighboring or otherwise incorrect residence and could not be recovered.

Knutson said several residents have advised city staff that they have attempted to raise these concerns directly at the local post office without achieving a lasting resolution. As a result, the city believes it is appropriate to elevate the matter and request assistance from the United States Postal Service.

The letter was copied to U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, State Senator David Brock Smith, and state representatives Virgle Osborne and Court Boice.

A link to the full letter is posted with this story at www.541radio.com

Letter to Officials Regarding Mishandling of Mail USPS 2026