Ingomar Affected Postal Decision to Avert Closure

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The tiny town of Ingomar may be relieved to hear its post office isn't closing, but the state's U.S. senators think more should be done.

The Postal Service is abandoning its plan to close 3,700 post offices around the country, including 80 in Montana. Low-revenue offices instead face shorter operating hours.

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe was greeted last month in Ingomar with a school gymnasium packed with residents pleading to keep their office open.

Town resident June Nygren said Wednesday that Donahoe listened and believes the new plan will be acceptable.

But Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus say rural areas shouldn't accept reduced hours.

They argue Senate legislation — currently stalled in the GOP-controlled House — cuts spending in other ways while fully protecting rural post offices.