Grant Gibbons is the new publisher of The Daily Freeman-Journal.

Gibbons had been the publisher of The Journal in New Ulm, Minnesota, and the Independent in Marshall, Minnesota, for the past three years before returning to this area.

Gibbons is very familiar with Webster City and Hamilton County. He was the circulation director for The Daily Freeman-Journal and The Messenger in Fort Dodge from 2000 to 2023.

He started his new position Dec. 15, replacing Terry Christensen, who retired Nov. 21.

Gibbons is excited about the challenge ahead.

“The Daily Freeman-Journal is an award-winning newspaper that has a long history of printing a great local newspaper, five days a week,” Gibbons said. “The community and staff at the newspaper can take a lot of pride in that accomplishment. It’s not possible without the support of our readers and area businesses.”

Gibbons has been active in the communities where he has lived and worked. He was a Chamber of Commerce ambassador in Marshall, Minnesota, school board member for 12 years at Southeast Webster-Grand, including four years as president; and served as mayor of Harcourt for six years.

He also was a former president of the Northern States Circulation Managers Association.

Gibbons is a native of Wisconsin but considers Iowa home now.

“I’ve moved around a little bit and this area of Iowa is just special. I am glad to be back serving this area in a job that means a lot to me,” Gibbons said. “We have a good team at the newspaper, and I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with the community in the months ahead.”

Gibbons has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and has worked in the newspaper industry since 1988.