{image1}WISN-TV news anchor Jerry Taff has announced that he will retire from his weeknight anchor job after 25 years at the desk.

Beginning Monday, July 5, Taff will slash his work schedule and will no longer anchor the 10 p.m. broadcast. He will, however, remain in 6 p.m. co-anchor chair until his full retirement in May 2005, a company press release said.

After his retirement, Taff will divide his time between Texas, his home state, and Milwaukee, where he's worked for a quarter of a century.

"I have been very fortunate to work with and meet so many amazing people during the past 25 years," said Taff in the release. "I'm grateful to the people of southeast Wisconsin for allowing an average guy to come into their homes every night."

New staff assignments at channel 12 will take effect on July 5.

Kathy Mykleby and Tammy Elliott, who returns from maternity leave, will co-anchor the 5 and 10 p.m. news on weeknights. Toya Washington, who was filling in for Elliott, will remain 6 p.m. co-anchor. Patrick Paolantonio and Rebecca Kleefisch will co-anchor the morning broadcast.

"Jerry has made remarkable contributions to this television station," said Frank Biancuzzo, WISN-TV president and general manager, in the release. "As far as I'm concerned, he will always be synonymous with Channel 12."