The Daily Dispatch

Collectively, Breckenridge Postmaster Wes Balken and Wahpeton Postmaster George Cusher have more than 50 years invested into the United States Postal Service. Despite the great pleasure both Cusher and Balken find in their jobs, they've decided to hand in their mail bags, making their retirements effective today.

"It's just time," the pair agreed, hoping to enjoy their years in retirement while they're still young.

Balken joined the Breckenridge Post Office in 2005, yet his interest in the postal service began many years before. Balken ran a United States Air Force post office earlier in his life and upon leaving the Air Force took a postal service entrance exam.

"I was very lucky to pop up on a list right away," Balken said, who joined the Fargo office just months after leaving the Air Force.

Since that time, Balken has worked as a city carrier, delivery supervisor and officer in charge. Before he became postmaster for the Breckenridge office, Balken was postmaster for the city of Rothsay, Minn.

"All I've ever done is throw mail," he said. "I've enjoyed it. It's been a wonderful career."

Cusher, prior to accepting the position as postmaster in Wahpeton, was superintendent of postal operations in Moorhead, Minn., for 11 years. He joined the Wahpeton office in March 1997.

Cusher's interest in the profession began during his college years at North Dakota State University, when he worked part-time as a college temp in what was called the processing center. In the summer months, his position was titled a casual carrier.

"It was a very good paying job for a college student," Cusher said.

Given the opportunity to stay on after graduation, Cusher developed a fondness for the stability and security the career offered.

"I enjoyed the work I was doing," Cusher said.

As postmasters of their respective offices, Cusher and Balken work to make sure the office runs correctly and efficiently and within all the United States Postal Service Regulations.

"We strive to ensure we're providing the service customers are entitled to," Cusher said.

"Ultimately, we are responsible for what comes and goes," Balken said.

Throughout the years, both Balken and Cusher have appreciated the friendliness and cooperation of the Twin Town residents. Both found the opportunity of being able to interact with people regularly, find out their needs and serve those needs a rewarding aspect of the job.

"You take pride in knowing your post office runs efficiently and you have quality employees at the window," Cusher said.

While the rewards clearly outweigh the challenges, the job doesn't come without its difficulties.

For Balken, it was frustrating when the system didn't work like it was supposed to and customer questions went unanswered.

"For the most part, I think we take care of the public very well," Balken said.

Cusher said the struggling economy has placed pressures on the service post offices are responsible for providing. Making sure that level of service is maintained is the biggest challenge currently.

What do Cusher and Balken have planned now their days of retirement have arrived?

Cusher said he hopes to spend time traveling with his wife and see more of his three children.

Balken said he will donate more time to his hobbies and spend more time with his three children and three grandchildren.

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