Rumors surfaced Tuesday that the U.S. Postal Service wanted to close four local stations — Fairleigh, Pony Express, Wyatt Park and the Stockyards branches.

The Postal Service is conducting a discontinuance study of Fairleigh station, 2514 Frederick Ave., because ways have to be found to improve the revenue stream, said Terry Penland, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City district office.

Originally, the Postal Service wanted to close Fairleigh, Pony Express and Wyatt Park stations, Mrs. Penland said. Other communities that have the same level of income have fewer stations, she added.

No decision has been made, but it could be that Pony Express, 1519 S. 10th St., and Wyatt Park, 2403 Olive St., would only operate between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays, Mrs. Penland said.

Reducing the hours is what postal officials did to the Fairleigh station back in 1992. The closing could adversely affect seven other businesses and a local branch bank.

“No, no, no, we need the traffic that comes from having the branch nearby,” said Sarah Hodge, owner of Katherine’s Gift Shop. “And we use it all the time. A lot of customers ask us to ship presents.”

The branch is the anchor for this group of businesses, said Stephen Lorenz, owner of the Stephen Lorenz Agency. He said he was upset to learn that the branch could close.

“Fairleigh station ought to be the flagship station, because Frederick Avenue is the main entry into town,” said David Kephart, a horologist and owner of Kephart’s Clock Restoration. “It doesn’t make sense to close it.”

A few years ago, the pharmacy conducted a business study and the traffic flow at 26th Street and Frederick Avenue is extremely high, said Mel Rogers, owner of Rogers Pharmacy. That study helped support the creation of another new business in the area.

“We’re getting ready to open a long-term care pharmacy and just bought a box at the station,” Mr. Rogers said.

And the pharmacy uses the station every day to mail prescriptions, Mr. Rogers said. A number of folks who work Downtown use the station, too, he said.

“People come through our back door and go out the front to go to the post office,” said Bob Eckel, a co-owner of Eckel’s barbershop. “It’s just good for our business.”

Despite having the smallest business sign on the block, no automatic machines to purchase stamps and reduced hours — the station closes from noon to 2 p.m. weekdays and closes at 4 p.m. — Fairleigh station has limped along. The station originally opened its doors in 1913.

Two months ago, postal officials announced a nationwide “hit list” containing 3,200 stations for possible closure. That list didn’t contain any St. Joseph branches.

Ms. Penland said the orders are coming “from the top down.” Customers can comment after an official announcement is made, she said.

Marshall White can be reached at marshall@npgco.com.