One last time for the PCN

So, here it is. With both sadness and excitement, I sit in the PCN office on Saturday morning penning what is likely my last column for this newspaper. After nearly seven years as the publisher of the Phillips County News, I am setting sail for Texas to start a new career as a social media director for an Italian restaurant.

This column is dedicated to all of you who faithfully read the newspaper and I would like to say, it has been quite the ride. I have been my honor to be at the head of the newspaper for the past seven years and I have loved growing and learning more about you as each week passed. It was also an honor to see this newspaper into it’s the latest carnation as the PCN heads into its 100th year in March.

The PCN is a community newspaper and that shows each week in these pages. Phillips County is a community, even if hundreds of miles separate some of us. Personally, you readers some through my heart sugary, a divorce, and many other growing pains (including how to spell some of your last names…egads) and you have made me feel like one of your own since the first day I arrived.

It has been my pleasure to promote this community and I leave you in very capable hands with my departure.

Pierre Bibbs has become my brother over these past seven years. Never in a million years did I think I would move to Malta and have the pleasure to work with someone who is so upstanding, dedicated, even-tempered, and the definition of a God Fearing, Christian man. I have watched he and his wife, Susan, grow there family with the birth of both P.J. and Lincoln (I am an honorary uncle to them and that fills me with delight) and they have always made me feel like I am “Uncle Mark” rather than just a boss. Pierre is going to lead this newspaper into the future, and he will do so with the delicacy and understanding of what makes the heart of this community beat. You are in good hands.

Krista Fahlgren is your new news editor and she brings a flair and respect for the job that is unmatched. She has soaked in the history of Phillips County as she was born and raised here and make no mistake, she is dedicated to this place and this newspaper. I am excited for you, dear readers, to watch her continue to find her voice as the editor of this storied newspaper. She has big plans and lofty expectations of herself and you are lucky to have her. Treat her well.

Jennifer French is taking over as the PCN’s new advertising rep and after working with and training her for the past couple of days, let me say that she will both fit in perfectly at this newspaper and in this community. She has already shown how dedicated she is to the position in just a few short days and when you come through the office on a given day, expect to be greeted with a smile and likely a wisecrack. Treat her right because she will treat you and this newspaper with the respect that is deserved.

Last but absolutely not least is my daughter, Ms. Sophia Hebert. Sophia is back for round three, four, five…I can’t even keep up anymore. Pierre has brought her back on board to be the PCN office manager and get the things I let fall by the wayside caught up and on track again. She is the absolute apple of my eye and there has never been anything as hard in my life as saying goodbye to here, at least for a couple of months (see you at graduation, Kiddo, and then it is sunshine and thrift stores for us.)

With all that said (with the same horrid spelling and blatant disregard for English grammar) that I bid you farewell. Again, it has truly been my honor and I will miss you all (even if I will never miss the snow of the mosquitoes.)

Thanks for reading and Aloha.

Mark