Mailboxes damaged by vandals

Postal employees are reporting that up to a dozen mailboxes on City Route 3, essentially the Patriot Subdivision, have been damaged or destroyed by someone striking them with a club or bat.

The incidents occurred in "clusters" over the course of the weekend. Damaging a mailbox is a federal offense that can result in hefty fines and jail time, Mountain Home Postmaster Dan Day said.

"I feel bad for the owners," said Postman Dan Kean. "They have to replace them, and until they do, we can't put mail in them" if there's a chance the mail could be damaged by the weather.

Day said anyone with information about the crimes should contact the Mountain Home Police Department.