KY3 Chief Meteorologist Ron Hearst Announces Retirement After 38-Year Career
KY3 Chief Meteorologist Ron Hearst is retiring in Springfield, MO, after a 38-year career, with colleagues Steve Grant and Emily Pritchard sharing congratulations.

Springfield, MO, October 9, 2026 — Springfield, MO – Ron Hearst, the long-serving Chief Meteorologist at KY3, has announced his retirement, marking the end of a distinguished 38-year career in broadcast meteorology. Hearst, a familiar face to viewers in the Springfield area, will conclude his tenure with the station after nearly four decades of delivering weather forecasts.
Throughout his extensive career, Hearst became a trusted source of weather information for the community. His retirement signifies a significant transition for KY3’s news team and its audience.
Colleagues have extended congratulations and well wishes upon his departure. Steve Grant and Emily Pritchard, also associated with KY3, have shared their sentiments regarding Hearst’s retirement. Their messages reflect the respect and camaraderie built over years of professional association.
Further details regarding Hearst’s final day on air or any planned tributes were not immediately available. The station has not announced immediate plans for a successor to the Chief Meteorologist role.
Hearst’s career spans a considerable period in weather forecasting, contributing to KY3’s coverage through various weather events and technological advancements in meteorology. His departure leaves a void in the station’s meteorological department and marks the end of an era for many long-time viewers who relied on his expertise.
Story summarized from the original created by Christopher Replogle on www.ky3.com, see more information here.
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