Sikeston mail to be processed in Cape Girardeau starting Saturday

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Several factors, including the slumping economy, are impacting the nation's postal service and translating to a change in how things are done.

Beginning Saturday, mail at the Sikeston Post Office will be sorted in Cape Girardeau instead of at the Sikeston location.

"The postal service is seeing declining mail volume, which translates into declining revenue," said Richard Watkins, spokesman for the Kansas-City based Mid-America district, which includes Sikeston. "Financially, it makes more sense to process where we've got the equipment and the work hours available."

Due to Cape Girardeau having a larger mail processing facility, in addition to the needed work hours and equipment, the new operation should be more efficient, said Watkins.

Keith Arnold of the Sikeston Post Office said the move will not affect the number of employees at this point, but they will likely see a small drop in the number of hours.

"We aren't really sure yet," said Arnold. "But it won't be a big impact."

Customers should not notice a difference, said Watkins, as mail will still be processed in the same amount of time.

Watkins also pointed out that the move is something the post office is doing in several areas.

"This is not unique to Sikeston and Cape," said Watkins. "It's happening across the country and across our district."