We’re so thankful for Mark Scirto’s service to East Texas over the past four decades. As we celebrate his tenure at KLTV, I’m feeling so nostalgic about all the memories involving Mark and his impact on my life and career.

Though he started at KLTV 7 in 1987, there were a couple of years in the early 90s when he worked at our sister station, KPLC in Louisiana. While he was only in Lake Charles a short time before returning to KLTV, he had a huge impact in my hometown.

When I was in elementary school, Mark was the very first newscaster I ever met! We went to the same church, where he sang and played guitar. Long before I had ever considered a career in TV news, I thought it was the coolest thing that I got to meet him one day after church. I know that childhood encounter only propelled my interest in broadcasting. It’s still wild to me that I’d end up working with him for the past 16 years here at KLTV/KTRE.

One of the memories most special to me — came on my wedding day. It was in the middle of the pandemic in 2020. Cassandra and I decided we would keep our original date, but postpone the reception by a year. So it was just us, our parents and siblings, and our pastor (due to the distancing rules at the time). We arrived the church and our pastor said, “Everybody’s here, do you want to get started early?” We had no idea, but Mark had found out the original time and was already planning to surprise us. Someone from the church let him know we started early, so he was speeding across town to make it there! Him singing Ave Maria was the most beautiful gift. Truly.

That’s so typical of the kind of guy he is. Mark is the consummate family man. You’ve welcomed him into your homes each night on KLTV 7 for 37 years and trusted him to keep you safe during severe weather. You’re part of his extended family and I assure you that’s what’s always been in his heart when he’s tracking storms.

I’m truly grateful for all the special memories that involve Mark. All the newscasts I’ve anchored with him over the years, community events and station projects, and the fun times away from work. I spent some time today looking through photos. My heart melts when I think of the first time Santa Scirto held my daughter.

All of you will be pleased to know you’ll still see him on KLTV from time-to-time for special projects. Now it’s time to enjoy retirement, your beautiful family, and fishing as often as possible! Thank you Mark and congratulations on a phenomenal career!

Send well-wishes here: www.CongratulationsMark.com

The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of KLTV/KTRE-TV or Gray Television. They are solely the opinion of the author. All content © Copyright 2024 Lane Luckie