Starting Sunday, it's going to cost an extra penny to send a first-class letter via the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service.

The increase means it will cost you 45 cents to send a letter within the United States.

So if every penny counts and you're running low on stamps, it may be worth your while to buy a sheet or two of Forever stamps today or Saturday. You'll pay the lower price but the stamps will be good "forever."

In addition to the one-cent increase on a first-class letters, other rate increases that begin Sunday include:

• a 3-cent increase in postcards to 32 cents.
• a 5-cent increase to 85 cents for 1 oz. letters sent to Canada or Mexico.
• a 7-cent increase to $1.05 for letters send to other international destinations.

The Durham Bulls Baseball Club and Durham's downtown post office will dedicate a new commemorative first-class postal stamp this month in honor of America's favorite pastime.

Special guests at the dedication on Aug. 28 include acting Durham Postmaster Tom Pollard, Bulls mascot Wool E. Bull, Bulls Vice President George Habel and Clay Council, a 71-year old All-Star Home Run Derby batting practice pitcher.

Council recently pitched in the All-Star Home Run Derby, throwing to Josh Hamilton, a Texas Ranger outfielder and record-setting home run hitter in the competition.