Mark Couhig, the Sequim Gazette's newest reporter, is an old hand in the newspaper business, with more than 30 years experience as a reporter, editor and publisher.

After finishing college in 1976, Couhig was hired as editor of the St. Francisville Democrat, the weekly newspaper covering St. Francisville, La.

His great-grandfather was the editor of the same newspaper (then called The Republican) in 1850.

He and his wife, Linda, started Environmental Compliance Reporter, Inc., in 1984, and by 1995 had built the newsletter firm into a national company with offices in four states and Washington, D.C.

After selling the company in 1995, the Couhigs moved with their daughter Amelia to Angel Fire, N.M.

In 2008 and 2009, Couhig served as editor of the local weekly the Sangre de Cristo Chronicle. The Chronicle was named New Mexico's "Best Small Weekly" both years he served as editor.

The couple moved to Sequim in April to be closer to family. Linda's mother is a two-year resident of Sequim

and her brother has lived in Port Angeles for the past 25 years.