Staff Changes at the Phillips County News

As the newest and most sentimental writer here at the Phillips County News, our new Publisher Pierre Bibbs may have made a brash decision when he asked me to write this article to both say aloha to our friend, cohort, and mentor Mark Hebert (and our real boss, Goose) and to introduce the newest embodiment of the PCN's intrepid gaggle of newshounds. As Mark and Goose move on to warmer pastures, I can say with confidence that we have gained the team members we need to finish out the year 2020 and look forward to a fresh start in the coming year.

Most of you already know Bibbs, but as he moves into the role of publisher and as much as he might blush, the spotlight must shine on his accomplishments. Bibbs, a Chicago native, has been a part of the PCN staff since 2013, accepting a job offer as a part-time sportswriter from former Owner and Publisher Curtis Starr. Bibbs eventually accepted the role of Sports Editor as the PCN became a part of the Stevenson-Hicks Newspapers group in 2014.

For the last six years Bibbs has worked alongside Hebert, who trained him as the PCN's next man up, in case of emergency. An emergency did occur in 2017, as Bibbs was tasked to publish the PCN for a few weeks while Hebert recovered from a medical procedure.

"Mark is like a brother to me," Bibbs said. "I have learned many things in the field of reporting, editing, and publishing due to his knowledge and experience in journalism. My family and I wish Mark nothing but the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Bibbs moved to Malta in 2012, following his eventual wife Susan (Fauth) Bibbs, a 2006 MHS graduate, to her hometown. The couple have two sons, Pierre James (PJ) age six, and Lincoln age two.

Bibbs said that although the town of Malta is small, he has met great people and feels blessed to have been a part of the lives of so many.

"I had no idea that I would learn so much about the community and culture here after I walked into the doors of PCN," Bibbs said. "I have experienced many awesome things here that I wouldn't have back home."

Before moving to Malta in 2012, Bibbs studied to become a youth minister at St. Louis Christian College, but left the school in 2008, to pursue music ministry. He toured with the Australian rock band named "Jael" from 2008-2010. During that time, Bibbs lived in Florida, stayed a short time in California, and then moved back to his hometown Bolingbrook, ILL., in 2011. One year later he moved to Malta.

"Living here has been a tremendous blessing for my family and me," Bibbs said. "I have been honored to write about some great moments in sports and general news happenings around the county. I have been honored to tell your stories and I look forward to continuing to share how great our community is!"

Newest to the team is Jennifer French, who will fill the role of Advertising Representative. French, who grew up in California, Idaho, and Montana, finished her schooling at May Technical School in Billings where she earned her certificate as a Paralegal/Legal Secretary.

She married one of Malta's own, Steve French, and the couple raised three sons in Choteau, while also honing her talents as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Choteau of Commerce for 10 years and as an Administrative Assistant for Easter Seals Goodwill for three and half years.

"I am so excited to be here, and to be able to learn new skills while meeting more members and learning more about the community," stated French.

Sophia Hebert (spoiler alert: we haven't let go of the Hebert clan) probably knows more and can teach us more than any one of us can admit. Hebert will be taking on the role of Billing and Subscriptions Manager and making sure we have our ducks in a row, which is especially important seeing that we don't have Goose around to keep us straight anymore.

Hebert is a senior at Dodson High and is a talented, affable, and more than proficient asset to the Phillips County News. We are so grateful to have her at our side as we negotiate this next turn. Plus, she will have a direct line to her dad when he stops returning our calls.

Last but certainly not least, we can't forget Miss Pearl. Pearl Peacher has been working at the Phillips County News for longer than any one of us can remember, and she does an exceptional job at keeping this place looking ship-shape and sanitary. Miss Pearl does not get the accolades that she deserves, and we do hope that she knows how much she truly is appreciated.

As always, our promise to you is to be YOUR community newspaper and to do the best that we can to chronicle the past, the present, and the future of Phillips County.