Byelles Back In Biereland

Former president and first lady "happy to be back" in home state

BROOKINGS, BIE--Just days after leaving Collester, where they lived for the past eight years, former President Dan Byelle and First Lady Sharon Byelle are back in their home state of Biereland.

The Byelles left Mavocke late Friday night, and immediately flew to Brookings, where they quietly returned to their suburban home without speaking to the media or appearing in public. The following morning, a welcome-home celebration was held in downtown Brookings, where more than 3,000 people turned out to welcome the former president back to Biereland.

At the ceremony, President Byelle told the crowd he was "happy to be back" in Biereland, and said that while he loves the entire country, "Biereland holds a special place in my heart."

The president's wife Sharon thanked the audience for their support through the years.

"We could not have made it through these last eight years without your love and support and prayers," she said.

Also at the welcome-back rally were newly-elected Governor Jenny Duschowitz (CNS), her predecessor, former Governor Peter Kosevich (CNS), and former Senate candidate Sharon Anderson (TA) and her husband Rev. Tom Anderson, who is the senior pastor at the 13,000 member Global Christian Center on Brookings' east side. Mr. Anderson is said to be mulling a possible run for mayor of Brookings. Wellington Sen. Lauren Bronure (CNS), who is also a close friend of the Byelles, was also on-hand to welcome them back.

After the ceremony, the Byelles spent the evening at a private, invitation-only cocktail party at a Brookings club. The press was not allowed inside the event, but sources say about 300 people were in attendance.

The Byelles will be in Brookings until Friday, when they will leave for a three-week long vacation that will take them to southwest Portugal, the Cayman Islands, and Brazil. The former first-couple and their five children will largely be detached from the outside world, and are hoping to enjoy some much-needed time together, a spokesman told GNN News. The Byelles will return back to Brookings sometime in February.