Chief Photographer Chuck Sibley signs off after more than 51 years

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Chief Photographer Chuck Sibley set down his video camera after more than 51 years at KTTC Friday.

He joined the KTTC team on the news set at 6 p.m. for a final goodbye and glimpse back at his decades behind the camera.

He also visited one of his favorite spots in southeast Minnesota Friday for his final “weather bump,” the video clips that play before going to commercial break. He shot video of the “Hope” sign off I-35. It is a message he wants to leave for the community as he embarks on retirement.

The “Hope” exit sign off I-35(Chuck Sibley)

Chuck joined the station as a part-time Studio Camera Operator for then KROC-TV, now KTTC, on August 1, 1972. Chuck graduated earlier that year from Lourdes High School. In 1977, he started as a news photographer; a job he’s held ever since.

During his five decades-plus with KTTC, Chuck has made his mark on many stories and many people.

“It’s truly been an honor and a privilege to work with so many great people while covering news, sports and weather,” Chuck said. “Truly an honor and a privilege.”

Chuck has covered the Super Bowl, U.S. Open, Final Four, and the World Series twice. There also hasn’t been a significant high school sports tournament or championship that Chuck hasn’t been on the sidelines for.

Chuck has many top moments behind the lens, but one at the top is a story on the Viola Gopher Count. In the early 2000s, Chuck and reporter Jason Wenisch profiled an 85-year-old man who had trapped more than 15,000 gophers for the annual count. He was known as the “King of Gophers.” Chuck shows this story to every new employee and intern on their first day.

Chuck has won numerous awards for his work from the Minnesota Associated Press Broadcasters, the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Rochester Area Officials Association, the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association, and regional Emmys. He was inducted the Gold Circle at the Upper Midwest Emmys in 2022.

For more on Chuck’s lengthy career, visit this story.

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