LA CONNER, Wash. — Ken Stern proofreads his final editorial one last time.
This deadline is a permanent one.
"This is the last issue I'm publishing of the La Conner Weekly News under my ownership," says Stern.
The La Conner Weekly News has informed people in the tiny Skagit County town since 1879 -146 years- making it the longest-running weekly paper in the state of Washington.
In fact, it's 10 years older than the state of Washington.
But at 69 years old, the paper's owner and publisher says he is tired, burnt out and more than ready for retirement.
"I don't have to take one more photo, cover one more town council meeting, assign one more story or write one more editorial," says Stern with a smile. "I'm completely satisfied with what I've accomplished. I don't want to work anymore."
Stern has been trying to sell the paper for two years but couldn't find a buyer.
Leaving the town without its only independent local news source is difficult, but Stern says it's time.
"I have this sense that I'd like to make a contribution to my community and I've been able to do that," says Stern.
The small staff is moving on to new ventures. They say they will miss serving the town of fewer than 1,000 people.
They call it a special place that embodies the true meaning of community.
"From the good news to the sad news to just keeping everybody educated to what's going on in our community. That's a good feeling. That's a wonderful feeling," says graphic artist Rhonda Hundertmark. "It's gonna be a really sad day for La Conner when the doors close."
"It's fun to just to reflect the community and tell people's stories and let them know what's happening. That's always been the best part of the job for me," adds page designer Kurt Batdorf.
As for Stern, he's turning a page in his life. His next assignment is relaxation.
"I'm happy as a clam at high tide," says Stern. "I'm gonna swim away."
Stern was initially asking $250,000 for the paper. He has dropped the price to less than $200,000, hoping a newly formed community group will be able to raise the funds to buy it and keep the Weekly News alive.
"I'm hopeful," says Stern. "Nobody wants to see this paper survive more than me."