Valentine's post office faces closure

VALENTINE, Texas, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Romantics wanting a special Valentine's Day postmark from the town of Valentine, Texas, may soon be out of luck, as the Postal Service downsizes, officials say.

By virtue of its name, the ranching town's post office has applied a unique cancellation to mail, sought by stamp collectors and Valentines for decades. The design changes annually, and 2012's features several hearts, a sunset and the phrase "Love Sta. 79854", a reference to the town's Zip Code, the San Antonio (Texas) Express-News reported Sunday.

About 20,000 Valentines have been sent for processing to the tiny post office this year, among about a half million since the tradition started more than 30 years ago, but the Valentine post office is one of many in western Texas targeted for closure in a cost-saving attempt, the newspaper said.

"I take a lot of pride in this. I think Valentine is really special," said Postmaster Maria Carrasco.

"Canada is the most prominent foreign country," she said of the many cards sent to her office from international addresses, although walk-ins are also common.

According to U.S. Postal Service spokesman Sam Bolen, closing the Valentine post office would save $603,191 over 10 years,