Laura Huckabee, an Arkansas native and cousin of Mike Huckabee, is joining KHBS-KHOG in Fort Smith-Fayetteville, where she’ll anchor the Hearst station’s weekday morning newscast.

Huckabee has over two decades of forecasting experience, including ten years at WGCL in Atlanta.

“Laura understands weather is the most important element in our morning newscast,” said Brian Sather, KHBS-KHOG’s president and general manager, announcing the move. “I’m confident from day one viewers will enjoy her comfortable delivery and informative local forecasts.”

Huckabee left WGCL in 2009 after failing to come to terms on a new contract.  Since then, she has freelanced at WTVM in Columbus, GA and KARK in Little Rock.

“Laura understands Arkansas and the surrounding area’s weather and will be a great asset to the Sunrise team,” said KHBS-KHOG news director Dawn Dugle.