The time has come to reduce the driving, but not the writing. I can't quit this newspaper writing cold turkey.

Officially, I retired, but with the caveat that Pete and Nancy will allow me to send them columns and stories, which they graciously said they will publish.

The reporter instinct doesn't age as fast as the body. I am humbled that you, the readers, have allowed me to talk to you and write about you, your successes and your dreams. There are many stories still waiting to be told, and I would like to write them.

I've just moved my office - it took me a day to clear out my files at the Echo. Unfortunately, some of what I brought home should have hit the discard pile.

I'm from the old school - I use a dictionary, keep reference books and too many pieces of paper that I think will come in handy when I need to write about ATVs, taxes, roads, etc.

Donna Evans, the Echo Web site guru, tells me, "Google it." I'm slowly moving into the land of the Web. I'm trying to wean myself from files full of paper.

I do want to hear your stories and write about you, your concerns and your special interests. Please give me a call at (218) 562-4154 or e-mail me at betryan@tds.net.

It's been my privilege and good fortune to work with some very special people. The staff at the Echo is my Up North family. I started writing my stories on a typewriter; we've been on computers for several years now.

The computer has several advantages - I may e-mail my stories to Nancy. I don't have to go into the office, but I probably will do so every now and then just to see my Echo family.

The art staff of Chad Hoefs, Marcy Nickel, Miranda Schlichting, Mary Rush and Melody Banks has helped me with my computer illiteracy. They are very helpful and talented designers.

The Echo has been blessed with very good editors - Lou Hoglund, Peter Frank, Bryan Clapper, and now Nancy Vogt. I don't think there are many small town newspapers that could match these editors.

Keith and Martha Anderson were the owners and publisher when I started with the newspaper. Their son, Peter, was the next publisher, then Lou Hoglund and now Pete Mohs. They are all good people to work for and with.

A special thank you goes to Mary Thundershield. Without a doubt, Mary is the best proofreader ever. She knows the Pine River and Pequot Lakes communities and she always catches my mistakes. She also shares the printing department duties with Dave Galbraith.

Any business is only as good as its support staff, and the Echo has the best in Rhonda Carkhuff, Joni Volkl, Carol Waldor and Kari Alcock.

No newspaper functions without ad salespeople. Ron Foss, Lisa Humphrey and Kathy Bittner Lee are experts at helping customers meet their advertising needs.

It's been my good fortune to work with reporter Ken Korczak. He's not only a good writer, but a new friend.

Chris Piffier is the lady who ensures that your Echo gets to you. She takes all those, "Where's my Echo?" calls and deserves a medal.

Sherry Savage is my very special friend. A few years ago, we shared office space and our sorrow over the loss of Paul Wellstone. For the past two-and-a-half years, Sherry's been my transportation queen. She's the designated driver, and there have been some white knuckle road conditions when she drives me to St. Cloud for my eye appointments.

Don't let me suffer writing withdrawal symptoms. Give me a call at 562-4154 or send me an e-mail at betryan@tds.net. I want to hear from you.