Having just read what appears to be Julie Riddle’s last column for The Alpena News, I realized our area is losing a graceful and gentle soul.

I never really got to know Julie except through her writing in the news. She did her job quietly and with grace. It was seen in her writing and how she did her job. I saw her often at meetings I attended or was part of, in courtrooms, and public events. She usually sat in the back, was never pushy like some expect from the media, and wrote beautifully. She obviously is a person of great faith.

I wish I had made the effort to get to know her, and her story. In my opinion she has been a great asset to The News and to our community. May God Bless you and your husband Julie as you depart for a new adventure.

Keep that cape and tin hat in place. You are a hero, even though some of us may have taken your “superpowers” for granted.

RUSS RHYNARD,

Alpena