Craig Cannon was born in Moses Lake, a small town in the state of Washington. Craig spent most of his formative years in California and Arizona. However, he did live in Pretoria, South Africa, for four years, where his father was a missionary.

"Some of my best childhood memories come from those four years in South Africa," he says. "I truly believe that the best education anyone can get, besides school, is to travel. It's a life-changing event to experience different cultures and meet so many wonderful people from all over the world."

Cannon says that his life really took on a new meaning when he crossed the Arkansas River and settled in Fort Smith. He said it was the beginning of the best years of his life. Craig celebrated 20 years with KHBS/KHOG-TV in 2003. Cannon came to KHBS/KHOG-TV in October 1983, as the main anchor and reporter for the fledgling dual-station news operation.

"My main duties were confined to reporting and anchoring the evening news," he says.

But Craig was soon named news director, and later became vice president and director of news with the Hernreich Broadcasting Company. Although Craig admits meeting the responsibilities of both jobs was at times challenging, to say the least, they've rewarded him beyond expectation.

"That's one thing I can say without hesitation," he says. "At least I am fortunate enough to be one of those people in life that loves their job. Life is too short to do something you don't love."

At the end of 1998, Cannon decided to retire from his duties as News Director to spend more time with his family.

"After 12 years of working in a dual role, I feel I can now dedicate myself to my priorities: my spiritual life, my family and my career behind the anchor desk," he says.

As many viewers know, Cannon has had a long struggle with an affliction known as Bell's palsy. Craig says that "that's one big reason this locality is so special to me. I can never adequately thank the many, many viewers who have supported me with their kindness, their letters of encouragement, and especially their prayers over the years."

Craig says since his daughter Rachel has grown up and left the house, the moments are pretty special when she does come around. However, he still has his two Labradors by his side all the time. "It's like having kids who never grow up, and no matter what my mood when I walk in the door, they are so excited to see me that it just puts a smile on my face."

Craig used to spend his spare time playing golf and reading books -- especially biographies and inspirational themes. Lately, though, Craig has undertaken the biggest challenge of his life away from work: he moved outside of Fayetteville into a country house that had a lot of potential and decided to put his hammer and paintbrush skills to the test.

"Never did I fully realize how much work I had undertaken until I lived without a kitchen for more than two months -- and that was only one room!" he said. "It definitely has given me a real sense of how much we should appreciate the people that make their living every day rubbing their knuckles raw."

After non-stop remodeling for more than eight months, Craig's only goal is "to have time to play golf again!"

Cannon graduated from Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications in 1981. He then took jobs at KJRH-TV in Tulsa, KOAM-TV in Joplin and KTUL-TV in Tulsa before moving to 40/29.

E-Mail Craig here.