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).

You have heard their voices on radio and seen their faces on TV. Now The Blade goes behind the scenes to introduce you to your favorite media personalities.

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.