Melissa Stephens
Multimedia Journalist
South Bend, IN
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Melissa grew up in Chicago and earned her bachelor's degree at Columbia College Chicago.
She loves working for WNDU and telling stories for the people of Michiana.
During her free time, you can find her trying out new recipes, binge watching favorite Netflix shows or spending time at the pool.
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A local winery is celebrating the new month with a series of events.
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The goal is to highlight all the great things taking place on South Bend’s west side.
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The South Bend Bike Garage has been around since 2019 and has made an impact on hundreds of people since then.
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Fourteen restaurants are offering special menus priced at $11, $22 or $33
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Five local golf courses will hold qualification rounds July 26 through the 30th.
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The Elkhart County 4-H Fair kicked off Friday for the first time in two years.
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South bend, Penn Township and Clay Fire Departments all competed on the grill. The goal? To make the best burger.
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You can stroll through nearly two million sunflowers and take pictures on plenty of props like a tractor, giant chair and a swing.
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It’s the day to indulge in all things cherry because it's National Cherry Day!
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The farm offers 60 to 70 different types of flowers, specializing in lavender and tuberose.
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The event is free to everyone, and you are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax to some great jazz music.
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There will about 10 obstacles all ranging in difficulty. And of course, plenty of mud.
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There are more than 120 pieces on display, with everything from ceramic plates to bowls to jewelry and more.
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For the first time since 2019, the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff will return this weekend.
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Christmas is coming a few months early at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in South Bend.
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Iron Shoe Distillery is in the process of adding a roof top bar and patio, doubling the size of their kitchen, and expanding the dining area and distillery.
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Tuesday, July 6th, is the day to indulge because it’s National Fried Chicken Day!
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For the first time since 2019, the St. Joseph County 4H Fair returned on Friday.
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If you are looking for some fresh, juicy blueberries, the wait is over.
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The South Bend Fire Department reminds everyone to have safety gear on hand like gloves, glasses and a first aid kit.
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As the holiday weekend approaches, you may be planning to spend some time out on the lake.
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The100 deadliest days of summer on the road are underway, and police are asking drivers to be cautious, especially as the 4th of July approaches.
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If you are looking to escape the rain this weekend and do something indoors, head to the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart.
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Every week, kids will be given a bag with hands-on activities inside.
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They opened their doors in June of 2018 and have continued to grow ever since.
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You can view nearly a million blooms and 23 hand-painted murals.
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In Michiana, heavy damage was also left behind. Many woke up to trees on top of homes, roads and cars. Thousands are still without power.
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There will be live music, more than a dozen food vendors, a tractor show, kid’s activities and so much more.
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From 5 – 8 p.m., you can visit restaurants and shops, listen to live music and view local art.
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Grass, sand and indoor soccer camps will be offered at various locations.
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Clay Fire Marshal Dave Cherrone shared some safety reminders on 16 Morning News Now.
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There will be face painting, balloon artists and animals from the zoo.
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The show will take place on June 11th through the 13th at the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart.
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Not only does it serve as a reminder to consume more dairy, but it is a time to celebrate and support local dairy farms.
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16 Morning News Now got the chance to sample the menu on Tuesday.
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The Osceola Memorial Day Parade drew hundreds to the streets for the first time since 2019.
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On this Memorial Day, first responders are reminding everyone to celebrate safely.
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Chef April Howell from Martin’s School of Cooking shared some tasty recipes on 16 Morning News Now.
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Children, teens and adults can sign up and set their own reading goals.
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16 Morning News Now took a trip down memory lane at the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart.
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They plan to mark the milestone in a big way on Saturday.
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The event will take place on Saturday, May 22, at Ox Bow park in Goshen.
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May is Water Safety Month, and it’s a time to be reminded of the dangers in and around the water.
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The musical is based on the book series by Janette Oke.
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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, head to Nappanee.
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Spring is here and you may have already started planting your flowers for the season.
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America’s first fully electric fire truck made a stop in South Bend on Wednesday.
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Visitors can shop from hundreds of vendors every week, finding bargains on everything from furniture to crafts and antiques.
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May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, and it serves as a reminder to get checked regularly by your doctor.
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Premier Arts is kicking off their season at the Lerner Theatre this weekend with the show Freaky Friday.