POST OFFICE GIVES AWAY STAMPS

Few things in life are free.

But for a few hours Tuesday, the Cape Girardeau post office gave away 1-cent stamps, 10 to a customer.

The give away was prompted by long lines at the post office and malfunctioning automatic stamp-vending machines.

"A lot of people were going through the lines at the counter to obtain 1-cent stamps," said Cape Girardeau Postmaster Mike Keefe. "We've really been swamped the past few days."

Effective Sunday, stamp prices went up a penny, to 33 cents, for the millions of letters, birthday cards and other first-class mail Americans send every day.

"A lot of people with 32-cent stamps needed that extra penny stamp," said Keefe. "Many of the postal customers were in line simply to purchase the stamps.

"We decided to take 5,000 of the new stamps and give five to customers who were there just to purchase 1-cent stamps," said Keefe. "At that time we had long lines here, and people were having problems finding a parking place."

The give away helped keep the line of customers shorter, said postal clerk Lee Powers, who gave away the stamps.

The Cape Girardeau post office received 165,000 stamps.

"We've sold a lot of stamps," said Keefe. "But we still have plenty on hand, and a new shipment will be in soon."

Post offices are selling new 33-cent, H-series stamps with a picture of Uncle Sam.

A lot of postal rates changed Sunday.

The cost of an additional ounce of mail was 23 cents. It dropped to 22 cents. That means someone sending a 2-ounce letter will pay 55 cents. Post cards still cost 20 cents to mail if you supply the card. If you purchase a U.S. Postal Service post card with stamp, it costs 21 cents.

The Express Mail charge went up $1 to $11.75. Priority Mail went up 20 cents to $3.20. The charge for money orders fell a nickel to 80 cents.

Charges for bulk, non-profit mail and presorted mail also changed.

The new rates marked the first rate increases in four years. Although the U.S. Postal Service has had four straight profitable years, it needs more money to buy equipment, cover rising costs and reduce outstanding debt.

The burst of wintry weather that hit the area last weekend prevented many customers from purchasing them.

Mail without enough postage will be delivered postage due. If the recipient declines to pay the extra postage, the item will be returned to the sender.