Happy Trails, John Campbell!

As a long time resident of Eastern Iowa, I've had the pleasure to enjoy watching some local newscasters who have made their mark in the area and stayed here for several years, sometimes decades.

John Campbell, has been one of the most persistent of those figures, as the Sports Director for KCRG-TV9 for the last 33 years. He announced Monday that he will be retiring on Dec. 14.

According to KCRG:

Veteran Assistant Sports Director Scott Saville will replace Campbell as the Sports Director. Meanwhile, Campbell still plans on doing part-time work for KCRG-TV9 and KCRG 9.2.

Campbell was involved in the coverage of thousands of local sports events over the years, but what I'll primarily remember him for was his "Big Ol' Fish" segment, devoted to the proud fishermen and women who would send in photos of their prized catches for him to document. It was unique segments like that, along with similarly unique segments such as "The Iowa Traveler" by Cary J. Hahn, that will stick out in my mind as I recall growing up and watching the news in Eastern Iowa.

Good luck to you in your retirement, Mr. Campbell.