ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – After more than 51 years working at KTTC, Chief Photographer Chuck Sibley has announced he is retiring from the business, or as he would call it, “the racket.”

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 for the last 46 years.

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 has won a REGIONAL EMMY from the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Longtime KTTC Anchor Tom Overlie had this to share about his 24 years working alongside Chuck:

Chuck and I worked together for 24 years on countless stories and special reports. From interviews with governors and other top leaders, to spotlighting Critical Careers…and folks in our community making a difference in the lives of others. When I would go on stories with Chuck, I knew he would bring his best as a talented videographer. I am indebted to him for his incredible work.

And not only is he among the top as a photojournalist—he’s got the best sense of humor and one of the kindest hearts. KTTC and our viewers are the beneficiaries of one very talented guy!

Chuck was also inducted into the Upper Midwest Emmys Gold Circle in October of 2022, honoring his 50 years of service to KTTC and local tv news.

“All my friends and workmates, all of them through the years,” Sibley said that night at the Emmys ceremony in Bloomington. “So many. I’ve been blessed to live and work with so many great teammates in life, both at work and life. And it’s important to be a teammate.”

KTTC General Manager Stephanie Hedrick shared this about Chuck’s retirement:

“KTTC is so thankful for Chuck’s dedication to this station and to the community.

Decades of his service as a photographer has helped inform viewers on historical moments, helped encapsulate memories of young athletes in our communities, and given viewers different perspectives of local news in their communities through his lens.

Chuck is a big part of KTTC’s legacy of great storytelling – one we will stay committed to.”

Chuck has worked with numerous reporters, anchors and photographers throughout his time at KTTC, many of whom he still keeps in contact with. All of Chuck’s current and past colleaguse also still recall his many “Chuckisms” they picked up along the way during their time at KTTC.

When Chuck celebrated 50 years at KTTC, multiple current and former employees, as well as friends and family, wanted to share their message for Chuck. Here’s what they had to say:

KTTC then celebrated 70 years as a station and you can’t tell the story of KTTC without Chuck Sibley and the thousands of stories he was behind the camera for. To honor that, Chuck sat down and tried to name his seven most memorable moments in “Seven Stories with Sibley.”

Chuck’s last day with KTTC will be May 3, where KTTC plans to honor Chuck and all his work both on-air and online throughout the day.

Thank you, Chuck for all your years of dedication and hard work to KTTC and our viewers!

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