WLBT (Jackson, MS) Anchor Bert Case was coming up on his 40th year working for the station.

But, he's not going to make it.

WLBT is pushing Bert out the door before he can reach the milestone.

The Longtime anchor has been asked to retire Jan. 31, just months short of his 40th anniversary with the station WLBT employees told The Clarion-Ledger.

Dan Modisett, general manager for WLBT, denied that is true. “It’s his choice,” he said.

Case’s resignation will come one day after he celebrates his 75th birthday and several months short of what would have been his 40th anniversary with the station. He would not comment Thursday.

State Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, said the decision seems misguided.

“Bert is an institution in this state,” he said. “He is a much beloved newscaster who has been so much a part of the success of WLBT. I can’t imagine the station without his voice.”

His signature signoff, “Berrrrt Case, WLBT News,” has become so recognized Mississippians often greet him with the phrase, some of them also wanting autographs or photographs, said former WLBT News Director Dennis Smith.

Case anchors WLBT’s 5 p.m. broadcast, which continues to come in No. 1 in its time period.

Great way to treat a longtime employee huh?