A storm on July 31 is suspected of making an unwanted delivery to the Ortonville Post Office? an enormous tree branch. The branch broke off of a dead American Elm tree and required a section of the parking lot to be cordoned off on Monday and Tuesday.’The first thing I thought was, ‘I hope no one was around,?? said Interim Postmaster April Combs-Simpson, who was filling in for Shelia Higgins while she was on vacation.No one was.
Combs-Simpson said the tree began dying five years ago, but was not removed because it wasn’t a problem. She says now that it is noticeable, it will be removed and paid for by the Post Office, which has already paid $400 for removal of the limb itself. The cost estimate for removal of the rest of the tree is $2,700.