By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Atlas – The U.S. Post Office in Atlas is one of many being evaluated for possible extended hours.
The office, located at 8519 Perry Road near Gale Road, currently operates 7:45 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday.
The small post office services a limited route centering on the unincorporated Village of Atlas.
Factors being considered in the decisions are the number of customers using the offices, as well as the types of services used, says Shannon LaBruyere, spokesperson for the U.S. Post Office.
While the availability of shipping tools, mailing tools, and stamps online at http://www.usps.com also weighs into the decision, frequenting the Atlas post office has become a way of life for some in the small community.
For commuters, it can be difficult to get in while the office is open.
‘Some people get angry because it closes at 4:15,? says local business woman Patti Travioli, who is happy with the current hours.
‘There’s a certain (Atlas) group whose only option is to have a P.O. box,? said the former Atlas resident.
Travioli continues using the Atlas post office because of the personal service provided there.
‘It’s a one-person shop. I just love it.?
Post office officials won’t decide whether branches will get extended hours for several weeks, said LaBruyere.
Despite last year’s rumors, the U.S. Post Office is not considering shutting any offices down, and is ‘not looking at cutting hours,? LaBruyere said.