TV anchor and meteorologist sign off after decades on air —their final goodbye is breaking people's hearts

The world of local TV news is changing, and not always for the better. In Indiana, viewers recently said goodbye to two familiar faces, Patrece Dayton and Kevin Orpurt, who signed off for the last time after decades on the air. Both had their positions at WTHI-TV eliminated due to a shift toward using a feed from "The Weather Channel," a cost-cutting move that has impacted hundreds of meteorologists and anchors across the country. Dayton, a news anchor who had been with the station for nearly 37 years, and Orpurt, the chief meteorologist with more than 40 years of experience, delivered their final broadcast together.

They explained the changes happening at the station. “Kevin and I have come into your homes for decades,” Dayton said. Orpurt added, “And more than 40 for me.” They addressed the reasons behind their departure directly with viewers. “For those of you who don’t know, both of our positions are being eliminated here at WTHI-TV,” Dayton explained. “The television business in general is changing nationwide, and budget cuts are happening everywhere.” Orpurt shared their disappointment over how things were ending: “We had hoped to go out on our own terms... to celebrate... but that’s not the case.”

Despite the difficult circumstances, both took the time to thank their audience for years of support. The pair also asked viewers to continue supporting the station and its remaining staff. As the moment to sign off drew closer, Dayton reached over and took Orpurt’s hand. “All right, here we go,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. “Hey, we made it this far.” “Yeah, we did,” Orpurt replied, holding her hand tightly. After a brief pause to regain her composure, Dayton turned back to the camera and delivered her final words to the viewers. “For the final time, goodnight and sleep well.” After hearing the news, many people expressed their sorrow on social media.

@BSakbun shared, "A sad day in Terre Haute. Both Kevin and Patrece were staples on television screens for decades. For my local friends, please support local journalism." @kithanleytv shared the video, saying, "You’re gonna need some tissues @Patrece_News10 and @Kevin_StormTeam sign out for the final time at WTHI… Not enough words to describe how truly wonderful these two are. 37 years at WTHI for Patrece and over 40 for K.O. We all cried along with you tonight. Love you both."

@KevinLighty, also a chief meteorologist, wrote, "My heart just breaking for these two. Signing off for the last time from WTHI in Terre Haute after they were told their positions were being eliminated. @Patrece_News10 put in 37 years there and @Kevin_StormTeam 42 years. They deserved to go out on their own terms after all they did for that place. They are 2 of the best ever to do it and I'm proud to say I had the opportunity to work alongside them for 3 1/2 years. The Wabash Valley was so fortunate to have them in their living rooms for as long as they did. Keep your heads up and know you've accomplished so much and done so much for your community over the years. Godspeed." Orpurt expressed how much the messages and social media posts from viewers had meant to them. “It’s been very overwhelming, uplifting and kind,” he said.