A Peoria broadcasting legend has ended his career after 50 years. Chuck Collins retired mid-October as Chief Meteorologist at 25 News, where he’d been on the air since 2009. He had also worked “across the river” at WMBD-TV in Peoria for 23 years prior. Before becoming a forecaster and then a meteorologist, he was a news reporter and anchor down the hall with WMBD radio in Peoria. But broadcasting started even earlier than that for Collins. His first job was at a small radio station in Sullivan, Illinois, in the summer of 1976.

He’s been an INBA member for many years, and has participated in convention programming several times.

Collins was celebrated with a reception on his last day at 25 News, with News Director Leon Hendricks presenting him a proclamation, and his family and many former co-workers attending the reception. Chuck is known for his enthusiasm for all things weather, his devotion to his family, and his love of Bond, James Bond.