Postmaster placed on emergency paid leave

ANDOVER, MA - The town’s postmaster was placed on emergency paid leave yesterday as the U.S. Postal Service continues an internal investigation of its operations in Andover. Michael Quinn, Andover’s postmaster since May 2006, is the only post office employee in town to be placed on leave as a result of the investigation, according to postal service spokesman Bob Boisselle. www.eagletribune.com

Going postal may not pay when seeking stamps

Nationwide, the postal service has decided to yank most stamp-vending machines from post office lobbies. The process isn’t fully under way here, but it’s only a matter of time, says Theresa Meyers, Waco-area customer relations coordinator for the U.S. Postal Service. In fact, the reason for the plan — the machines’ tendency to break down — is already at work here, Meyers said. “Out of service” signs on the machines are a common sight at many local postal branches. Bottom line: Sooner or later, consumers who don’t look for alternatives will be forced to either wait in line or leave empty-handed. www.wacotrib.com
also see: USPS to remove stamp machines by 2010

Woman Crashes Car Into Post Office

BURLESON, Texas - Burleson police said a 42-year-old woman crashed her Volvo into a post office at about 1 p.m. Friday afternoon. Investigators said the woman punched a hole in the front of the building on the 200 block of Johnson Avenue when she rounded a corner and tried to stop but failed. The car caused significant damage to the building’s brick facade, but only went about 2 feet into the building. The woman, her 4-year-old passenger, and those inside the post office were not injured in the crash. www.nbc5i.com

Bulk mailers, catalog business hit hardest by postal increase

The price of a stamp rose to 41 cents in May, a 5 percent bump, but businesses that rely on catalogs and bulk mailings are grappling with postage increases of up to 40 percent. www.goupstate.com