The Postal Service says the closing of mail processing centers in Duluth, Rochester, Waite Park, and Mankato is a recommendation. Initial news reports had the centers closing next spring as part of a nation-wide downsizing of the Postal Service.

About 230 jobs will be affected as the U.S. Postal Service relocates its mail processing operations in Bemidji, Waite Park, Mankato, Duluth and Rochester to the Twin Cities. Retail operations will stay open.

The U.S. Postal Service is pushing ahead with unprecedented cuts to first-class mail next spring that will slow delivery and -- for the first time in 40 years -- eliminate the chance for stamped letters to arrive the next day.

More mail will soon be processed in the Twin Cities under a plan to consolidate facilities in Rochester, Duluth, Waite Park, Mankato and Bemidji. Some of the positions will be eliminated, but the Pioneer Press reports more than 200 new jobs could be available at the St. Paul Processing and Distribution Center in Eagan.

The U.S. Postal Service is a national institution that needs to be preserved, says business contributor John J. Alexander. However, they could take a few lessons from the private sector ... Here's an open letter to their leadership.

Mail carriers suspended delivery service about three weeks ago because of safety concerns. The Post Bulletin reports residents were told to control their dogs and clean up their property. More than 40 animal incidents were reported in the neighborhood last year alone.

Sears has released a partial list of Sears and Kmart stores set to close as it tries to make up for poor holiday sales this year. Included in the closings so far are Kmart stores in Duluth, New Hope, White Bear Lake and Wilmar.