The Marlow Review announces new editor

Toni Hopper is the new managing editor of The Marlow Review. She brings more than 30 years of experience in newspaper work. She replaces Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard who recently resigned.

"I'm excited to be back at The Review."

She worked at the paper in 1998, after moving to Marlow from Colorado.

"I was actually trying to get away from this line of work when we moved here. Harbour Whitaker heard I was in town, called me up and before I knew it, I had a job. That's kind of what happened again. This time, I blame Judy Keller."

Hopper and Keller worked together more than a decade ago at The Duncan Banner. Hopper's extensive background includes working as a photo chief for an agriculture newspaper in Southeast Colorado, and juggling duties for both a weekly and a daily paper prior to her return to Oklahoma. She worked at The Duncan Banner from 2000-13, with a three-year stint as managing editor of the Waurika News-Democrat during that time. She took a break from news and worked for the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center for nearly seven years.

"That was a fun job and it’s a great asset to Stephens County. I remember working at The Review and covering the groundbreaking and opening ceremonies of the museum. Those were still the days of film photography."

While at the Heritage Center, Hopper’s duties included public relations, art research, and securing artists for exhibits. She photographed thousands of school children who visited for educational field trips while at the Heritage Center.

Hopper "semi-retired" in June 2020. Fine art photography keeps her busy, but will take a backseat while she is editor.

"Transitioning back into a newsroom has been easier than I thought it would be. Elizabeth has been a great teacher as I learn some new methods of getting the paper 'put to bed.' It’s also been nice seeing so many familiar faces throughout the community. I am excited about reporting the community news."

She’s extremely excited to work with Miranda Hance, advertising representative for The Review. “We’ve already been brainstorming ideas.”

Hopper attended Marlow Public Schools in the 1970s, and while she didn't graduate with the Class of 1980, she has continued several friendships from school days. She was also on the Marlow yearbook and newspaper staff before she moved to Colorado.

She resides in Duncan with her husband, Rex. They have two sons, both Marlow graduates, and several grandchildren.