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Last Updated: Dec 7th, 2009 - 12:55:06 |
Lesha Shelton is basking in the small-town atmosphere as postmaster of the Corydon Post Office. A fan of antiques, fine woods and architecture, she loves the structure of the building itself, with the original wood and marble and the mural on the west wall. She intends to have the lights in front repaired to preserve the beauty, rather than having them replaced.
“I’m here and I’m loving it,” Shelton said of her transition from Oskaloosa, where she served as postmaster for two years. Prior to Oskaloosa, she spent time as postmaster in Sully, Kellogg and Mitchellville post offices.
Shelton began her postal career more than 20 years ago as a Part-
Time Flexible city carrier in Newton.
She also worked as a supervisor in Knoxville and at the district office in Des Moines so she could develop proficiency in all areas of postal service.
Shelton said she loves to be able to do all parts of the postal service. While she spends a lot of time on reports, in Corydon she is also able to sort mail and wait on customers. She could even take a route if needed.
In a larger office like Oskaloosa, mail carriers and clerks are unionized. If Shelton sold a stamp she would be taking a union member’s job. That was not allowed.
“I couldn’t even take a route if someone was sick,” she said. “I don’t mind supervising and reports, but I love to handle the mail.”
Shelton, who has a grown son and daughter, married Chuck Shelton and returned to Chariton in July. The couple plans to build a home near the Wayne-Lucas county line next spring.
She is eager to get to know people in the community and become a part of community activities, which didn’t happen much in larger towns.
Shelton is an avid bicyclist, refinishes furniture and puts spending time with family, including nieces and nephews, at the top of her priority list. She also loves every bit of her job.
“I’m so glad I figured out what is important in life before it was too late,” Shelton says.
© Copyright 2005 Corydon Times
