Debi joined the newspaper in December 2022, bringing more than 40 years of experience in newspapers and magazines.
She assists publisher Jonathan Vickery with the pagination process of designing every page you read of the weekly newspaper as well as special sections. She also helps keep the website updated.
"Being a part of a team with a purpose is my most favorite thing about my job. I am the background support for the ones who are out there making a difference in the community,” said Debi.
Debi’s first job was at a small print shop as a typesetter when she was just 15 years old. That job led to a career in magazines and newspapers at various places.
“Technology has changed drastically since then, but not my love for print,” she said.
She’s now glad to be part of The People-Sentinel which she believes is an asset to the community because it keeps people updated on events that impact their lives. "’Word’ gets around in a small town like ours, but with the paper, the ‘word’ is accurate. It has been researched and vetted. The People-Sentinel brings us together as a community in service and in support of each other,” she said.
Though the Illinois native has lived in several places, she loves living in Barnwell, which she calls a “genuine community” where neighbors always lend a helping hand.
She and her husband Keith have nine children and 10 grandchildren.