Around the Area -- 05/10/08

May 09, 2008 08:59 pm

— Stamp prices to go up
On Monday, the price of a first-class stamp will go up to 42 cents from 41 cents, the second increase in two years, and fifth increase since 2001.
People can still use the Forever Stamps bought prior to Monday for 41 cents, even after the price change, according to a U.S. Postal Service press release.
Other changes taking affect on May 12 is an increase in the postage for post cards, which will go up to 27 cents, a 2-ounce letter will increase to 59 cents, and a new 62 cent stamp will be required for first class square greeting cards, which can’t go through the machines.
In 1971, the U.S. Post Office was formed to act as a kind of independent government corporation, similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority or Amtrak. The new status required the post office to compete in the marketplace, and pay its own expenses without taxpayer support. The stamp price increases are designed to help compensate for the increases in costs from inflation, according to the U.S.P.S.
— Janet Jacobs

Trash help temporary
People who have been confused about the pilot trash program featuring the big blue bins will receive a little remedial help for the next two weeks, but after that, it’s sink or swim. To assist people who are still floundering, Allied Waste has been sending around a second truck to pick up trash that was improperly placed, or otherwise uncollectible by the automatic trash truck.
“In the pilot program area, on Fridays, they’re doing bulk pickups, which is large items, like couches, chairs, that type of thing, but for the next two weeks they’re also picking up excess trash,” explained Pam Gibson, with the Corsicana environmental services department.
The “extra” Friday pickups will continue through the 23rd, Gibson said.
— Janet Jacobs