New postmaster takes over in Rogers City

Dennis Downie, who has taken the position as the new postmaster at the Rogers City post office, likes what he has seen so far of northern Michigan. Downie is a 26-year veteran of the post office, working mainly in communities on the outskirts of metro Detroit for the last two-and-a-half decades. He has wanted to move north for four or five years.

The USPS has an 11-page application which has to be filled out before an employee will be considered. Job candidates have to have a good track record and have to demonstrate they can manage. “You have to blow your own horn some,” Downie said.

Downie worked as an interim postmaster but eventually was appointed to the permanent position in Rogers City last month. He marveled at the condition of the North Third Street building, which was constructed 63 years ago.

THE ROGERS CITY facility hasn’t changed all that much since it opened in 1941, but Downie was amazed at the condition and commended maintenance man Don Kuznicki for keeping it that way. Downie said he worked in a building that was just as old, but wasn’t in nearly as good shape. There are wooden chairs in the postmaster’s office, including a swivel chair behind his desk, which Downie doesn’t want to replace. Kuznicki asked the new person in charge if he wanted a more modern chair, because one left behind by a former postmaster was being stored in the basement. Downie wasn’t interested. It’s his longing for northern Michigan that brings him to Rogers City. “I like it here,” said Downie. “I like winter and snowmobiling.” Downie and his wife of 23 years, Cheri, found themselves exploring parts of Presque Isle County and enjoyed themselves driving around the countryside for a couple of hours. He looks forward to settling in.

WHEN DOWNIE decided to become the new postmaster in Rogers City, he agreed to take the job for a minimum of one year, although he envisions himself in the position for longer than that. After the first year, “you can stay as long as you want,” said Downie.

Customers won’t have to worry about changes such as

the switch to curbside delivery service that was recently proposed in sections of Rogers City. “I have absolutely no intention of doing that,” said Downie. He is more concerned with inspecting the city and rural routes, which hasn’t been done in some time. “There’s some work that needs to be done,” he said. There’s also the need for another new vehicle at the Rogers City office. Downie has been involved in Meals on Wheels, Adopt a Highway, the Livingston Wildlife Conservation Club, and served as a District 7 associate director for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

He plans to get involved in this community as well. Downie, the youngest of 12 children, was born when his dad was 60. He has three children and two grandchildren, all living in Michigan. He’ll be the first Rogers City postmaster without an interim in front of his or her title in two years.

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