As of mid‑2025, there is no indication that Ethan Kibbe has left Erie News Now (WICU/WSEE). A review of recent coverage, profiles, and station announcements shows that Kibbe remains an active reporter, anchored firmly in his role at the station.
1. Current Role & Coverage
Ethan Kibbe is listed as a current reporter on the Muck Rack profile for Erie News Now, with numerous recent stories credited to him—ranging from local government coverage to agriculture and education initiatives. His bylines include:
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A July 23, 2024 report on a Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission ruling involving Greene Township supervisors.
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A July 8, 2024 story about unusually early crop development in Erie County due to warm weather .
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A June 12, 2024 interview with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on school mental health funding.
These recent assignments firmly place Kibbe still working for Erie News Now into at least mid‑2024, contradicting any suggestion of his departure.
2. Community & Special Projects
Beyond daily reporting, Kibbe remains connected to the Erie community through special stories and civic engagement:
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Local human-interest stories: In February 2023, he covered a story revisiting his childhood ties—meeting family friend Sister Phyllis Schleicher and reflecting on his upbringing on a dairy farm and his journalistic philosophy.
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Event participation: He served as emcee for Erie’s 2022 Catholic Charities “Helping Hands Gala,” showcasing his role beyond the newsroom.
These activities underline his continued involvement in the Erie region and work with Erie News Now.
3. No Exit Announcements or Coverage
A thorough search reveals no announcements, articles, or social media updates indicating a departure:
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Station communications: Erie News Now’s public channels show no farewell segment, tribute, or retirement announcement.
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Local press: Erie‑area publications and media blogs (e.g. TalkErie.com, local news aggregators) do not report any exit.
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Personal profiles: His Muck Rack profile remains current, listing no gap or change of affiliation.
The absence of any “breaking news” style coverage suggests there has been no event significant enough (like firing or resignation) to attract public attention.
4. Why Exit Rumors Might Arise
Despite no evidence, rumors around media figures can stem from several causes:
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Reporting shift or break: Local journalists occasionally take short-term leave—for illness, family, or training. These are typically private or briefly mentioned.
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Station reorganization: Newsroom restructuring, realignment of beats, or editorial rotations can spark speculation, even if the reporter remains employed.
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Online misinterpretation: A byline gap or absence from an on-air segment might be misunderstood as a departure, especially if there’s little official clarification.
But again, there is no direct sign of any such change in Kibbe’s case.
5. What If He Did Leave?
Should Ethan Kibbe formally leave Erie News Now in the future, an expected sequence might include:
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A farewell segment on-air, thanking him for his contributions.
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A station press release, noting his accomplishments and tenure.
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A social media statement, either from Kibbe himself or from Erie News Now.
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Possible coverage in local media, as Erie has a tight-knit journalism community.
Since none of these are present today, any claim that he has left remains unsubstantiated.
6. The Importance of Fact-Checking
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, it’s easy for misinformation or misread signals to spread. When a journalist appears less often on air or shifts focus:
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Consider their recent bylines to confirm ongoing work.
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Check official platforms like station websites or professional profiles.
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Review credible news sources, not speculation or rumor blogs.
For Ethan Kibbe, all verifiable indicators confirm he remains an active and engaged member of the Erie News Now team.
7. Conclusion
To date, Ethan Kibbe has not left Erie News Now. He continues covering major local stories—from state-level politics and community issues to human-interest pieces—with regular bylines into mid-2024. Nor has there been any official announcement of a departure.
While media personnel do occasionally move on, any credible claim about Kibbe leaving would likely be accompanied by a statement or media notice. Until such evidence appears, the responsible conclusion is that Ethan Kibbe remains a reporter for Erie News Now.
