Stay Tuned: Melissa Andrews

Anchor for Toledo News Now

Melissa Andrews is a traffic and news anchor at WTOL-TV, channel 11, and WUPW-TV, Channel 36 (Fox).

First job: Morning show producer in Terre Haute, Ind.

First salary: $23,000 a year

My idol is: I would never tell him he's my idol, but my husband is definitely my guide, so to speak. He is calm, level-headed, and reasonable. I should honestly ask myself, "What Would Ryan Do?" He is a great friend and always seems to do the right thing.

Most embarrassing TV moment: During a commercial break while anchoring in Terre Haute, I was joking around with the sports anchor. But we couldn't stop! The producer slipped in a "kicker" about a kitten who survived crawling into a wood-chipper. The cat's name was Chipper. I got several angry emails from people thinking we were laughing about this poor cat's horrible injuries, when we really weren't.

Highlight of my career: I won't pinpoint just one. I'm a big believer in the saying, "If you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life."

My favorite thing to do outside of work: Patio night with friends and family.

I think Toledo's best-kept secret is: The Shared Lives Studio on North Saint Clair Street, downtown. The artwork is beautiful, one-of-a-kind, and made by artists with developmental disabilities. I have several pieces in my house.

People may be surprised to know that I: Love discovering my Ukranian roots. (My family name is actually Kuroczka). I was raised on pierogies and I keep bugging my grandmother for her kolache recipe, but she hasn't handed it over … yet!

In five years, I see myself: I'll still be working at WTOL and my kids will be 8 and 6! Yikes! I'll probably be up to my eyeballs in iPad 8s and the next Justin Bieber.

My dream job is: See above, where it says, "position."

Contact Kirk Baird at: kbaird@theblade.com or 419-724-6734.