MILWAUKEE -- After 25 years at WISN-TV (Channel 12), Jerry Taff has decided to retire from his weeknight anchoring duties.

On July 5, Taff will trim back his work schedule, stepping down as co-anchor of WISN 12 News at 10 p.m. He will continue to co-anchor the 6 p.m. news and provide special reports for other WISN newscasts and primetime specials. Taff will complete his retirement at the end of May 2005.

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Jerry Taff Talks About Upcoming Retirement

"I have been very fortunate to work with and meet so many amazing people during the past 25 years," Taff said. "I'm grateful to the people of southeast Wisconsin for allowing an average guy to come into their homes every night." Upon retiring, Taff plans to split his time between Milwaukee and his hometown in Texas.

"Jerry has made remarkable contributions to this television station," WISN-TV President and General Manager Frank Biancuzzo said. "As far as I'm concerned, he will always be synonymous with Channel 12 and Milwaukee television." In May, WISN-TV is planning several on-air celebrations to honor Taff’s contributions to broadcast journalism.

Among his career highlights, Taff traveled the globe in covering local angles of major national news stories. That includes traveling to Europe with the mother of an Oak Creek man held captive during the Iran Hostage Crisis and reporting from Israel as Scud Missiles flew during the first Gulf War.

Given Taff's retirement plans, WISN 12 is also announcing several changes in anchor team assignments beginning July 5.

Kathy Mykleby and Tammy Elliott will co-anchor the 5 and 10 p.m. weeknight newscasts. Elliott, who joined WISN 12 in February 2002 but has been away since December 2003 on medical and maternity leave, returns to Channel 12 on July 5.
At 6 p.m., Toya Washington will continue to co-anchor with Jerry Taff. Washington had been filling in for Tammy Elliott at 5 and 6 p.m. during the past six months. No decisions have been made as to who will replace Taff following his May 2005 retirement.
With Washington’s move to 6 p.m., Patrick Paolantonio has been permanently assigned to co-anchor WISN's weekday morning news with Rebecca Kleefisch from 5-7a.m.

"We have a very strong team of experienced anchors and reporters on staff at Channel 12," WISN-TV News Director Barbara Maushard said. "I"m very glad that Jerry will be with us during the next 11 months as we make a transition with our teams."

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