PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - Chuck Collins, a familiar voice and face in Central Illinois broadcasting, is stepping away after five decades in the business. His journey, which began closer to Decatur and Champaign than Peoria, is a testament to adaptability, passion, and a commitment to understanding the science behind the weather.

The Early Days: Radio’s Self-Contained World

Collins’ career started in radio, a medium he cherished for its freedom.

“It’s like my little self-contained world for a few hours a day,” he recalled.

In Sullivan and Danville, he honed his skills as a news anchor, announcer, and sports play-by-play commentator — a lifelong dream.

A Name Change and an Alter Ego

1984 brought a pivotal moment. Working at SQL WKAR in “the River City,” a program director presented an

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