On the Street

Springfieldian Kelly Knauer served as editor for Time Inc.’s “Hurricane Katrina: The Storm That Changed America.” In the book, Time photographers, writers and editors tell the story of Hurricane Katrina through deep analyses.

“Katrina not only battered the nation’s Gulf Coast, but it also shattered America’s self-esteem, threw the presidency of George W. Bush off balance and shredded the credibility of the government’s emergency response system at every level,” reads the inside cover.

Knauer, who works on the third floor of Springfield Business Journal’s 313 Park Central West building, likes to keep a low profile and declined an interview request. “It’s amazing it takes place right in this building,” SBJ Publisher Dianne Elizabeth Osis said of Knauer’s work. Through the end of the year, 5 percent of the $21.95 cover price will support the American Red Cross.

Postage rate increase

The U.S. Postal Service has received board approval for a 5.4 percent rate increase in 2006, which would raise the cost of sending a first-class letter from 37 cents to 39 cents. Bulk nonprofit mail would increase from 16.5 cents to 17.4 cents.

The increase, the first since 2002, goes into effect Jan. 8. According to a U.S. Postal Service news release, the rate increase is necessary in meeting a federal law passed in 2003 requiring a $3.1 billion Postal Service escrow account. Congress is determining the use of the escrow funds at a later date, the release said.

Ozark carriage rides

Carriage rides are available on the square in Ozark each Friday through Christmas, Ozark Main Street Program Inc. has announced. The holiday carriage rides are available through a partnership between RH Carriage Rides and downtown Ozark merchants The Ozark Mercantile, The Coffee Bean, The Persimmon Tree, Premier Gallery and LaFiesta Restaurante. For more information, call (417) 582-6246.

Slice of Nice

Empire District Electric Co. continues an 18-year Christmas tradition of providing gifts to the elderly in the communities served by the utility this holiday season. Through the Christmas Elves project, electric company customers and employees have delivered several thousand gifts. This year, about 500 names are available. To participate, visit an Empire District office or the Vantage Point at 2701 S. Bird in Joplin, select a wish list of an elderly neighbor, fill all or part of the list, and return the wrapped gifts to the same location by Dec. 12. Wish lists often include gloves, socks and slippers, blankets, stationery, and pet and nonperishable foods.