Daily World Publisher Mike Hrycko introduced Wyatt Haupt Jr. as the newspaper’s new editor this week.

Haupt has extensive newspaper experience, working for publications in Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and, most recently, as news editor at the East Oregonian in Pendleton, Oregon. During his time with the East Oregonian, the publication won the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association’s general excellence award two years in a row.

“I’m excited to be here. Grays Harbor County is a beautiful place with a rich history,” said Haupt. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the people who live and work here, as well as enjoying all the region has to offer.”

Haupt succeeds Doug Barker who worked for The Daily World for 37 years, working his way up from reporter to managing editor, then as editor for the past 10 years.

“Wyatt brings with him many years of newspaper experience,” said Hrycko. “He has a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective that will help us build upon the foundation that journalistic legends such as Doug Barker and John Hughes set before him. While it’s sad to see Mr. Barker leave, I’m excited about the new vision that Wyatt will set for the paper.

“Doug Barker has been an exceptional editor and asset to the paper for many years,” said Hrycko. “His contributions to this institution, the staff and the entirety of the Grays Harbor community are immeasurable. His quick wit, light-hearted personality and great sense of humor will all be sorely missed within the walls of the Daily World. Thank you, Doug for your 30-plus years of dedicated service.”

Barker began at the paper in 1984 and covered a number of beats, including the wood products industry as it was changed by spotted owl regulations.

“Working on a newspaper is the best way there is to get to know a place and the people who live there. By far, the best thing about the last 37 years has been meeting the crazy mix of people you come across doing news stories, all manner of folks — interesting, quirky, hard-working, decent and sometimes just weird,” said Barker. “If you’re interested in humans and why they do the things they do, work on a newspaper. This community has some of the finest folks I’ve ever known and it’s been a pleasure to help tell their stories.”

Hrycko said readers can expect more local content and editorials from The Daily World.

“We want to encourage more reader involvement and interaction,” he said. “We want to hear from you both when you agree or disagree with what we say. We will also be looking at the design and layout of the paper with a strong focus on our digital and social media platforms.”

Hrycko added, “Change is always difficult, but I’m excited about our new direction and look forward to continuing to build on the legacy left before us.”

“The way news is delivered will keep changing, but the need for clear, objective news coverage, to the standards of newspaper journalism will be more important than ever in small communities like this one, and that makes it vitally important that readers continue to support The Daily World,” said Barker.