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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James Olesen, operations manager at Home Comfort Experts, said now is the time to turn your furnace on to make sure it’s working properly.
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The Eddies take on Dowagiac Friday night at 7, but the parade and float contest took place earlier in the day.
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There will be kids’ activities, inflatables, a jousting ring, arcade trailer and so much more
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There will be a haunted maze, a petting zoo, and costume contests.
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Protective Services is a program that gives a voice to the voiceless and provides support to those who have no one else to help them.
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The new Gillespie Turf Field behind the Inn at St. Mary’s is already a popular spot for hotel guests.
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The 10th annual Toys for Tots Softball Tournament will take place November 5-7th at Byers Softball Complex in South Bend.
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The show is a prison-themed experience, showing you what it’s like to be sentenced to life at Alcatraz Prison.
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Manufacturing Victory celebrates our regions manufacturers during military conflict.
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Fire departments are reminding everyone to know the difference between smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
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Flu cases are already here, and Dr. Harris expects this flu season to be much worse than last year.
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The musical closely follows the book, taking you through the lives of the March sisters who grew up in the Civil War Era.
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September 29th is the day to celebrate a beverage that helps so many wake up every morning.
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Special features include solar power, air conditioning, and a water filtration system. It also comes with a two-man kayak.
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Activities open now for the season include corn mazes, jumping pillows, a cow train, duck races and more.
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Through Sunday, you can enjoy rides, food, a petting zoo, craft vendors and so much more.
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There will be 14 vendors from local breweries offering unlimited drink samples.
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It’s officially fall, which means it’s time for apple pie, cider, and of course, apple donuts.
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‘The Jonathan Tuff Best in Show’ will take place on October 14th inside the Lerner Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom.
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Beyond Wedgwood Blue has been on exhibit since July, and there’s a special twist: guests can purchase some of the items.
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After working at WNDU for more than four years, Joshua will take his talents to Denver, Colorado, where he will continue his television career.
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It’s time to bust out your brightest orange all month long.
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September is National Preparedness Month, and it serves as a reminder for you and your family to be ready in case of disasters and emergencies.
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The event will feature live music from “The 1985” and 15 guest chefs will offer samples of their food.
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The morning was filled with screams, laughter, and many frightening moments.
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Many people purchased a ‘pandemic puppy’ in the last year, but what if you find that you’re allergic to your new furry friend?
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Reins of Life is gearing up for some fun events this fall.
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If you’re looking to spruce up your home with some nice décor, head to Mishawaka.
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The popular dessert was created in 1904 by an apprentice at a pharmacy in Pennsylvania.
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The free classes focus on how to grow food and then how to cook it.
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It’s important to keep a close eye on your kids and pets while they’re outside.
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People began lining up before 6:30 Friday morning, and the line continued to grow until the doors opened at 8 a.m.
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In celebration of the Potawatomi Zoo’s 100-year anniversary, there will be cake samples from Nothing Bundt Cake, plus frozen yogurt from Let’s Spoon.
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On Tuesday, 16 News Now received an email from P-H-M stating media interviews would not be available on the first day of school. A reason was not given.
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The Villages services more than 3,100 families each day, which is why the need for diaper donations is so great.
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The week is packed with fun events like a tractor pull, demo derby and bull mania.
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The fun started on the Gridiron Saturday morning for the weekly, free Summer Fitness Series.
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You can ‘Slide the Hill’ on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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Thingamabaubles is located inside Coppes Commons at 401 E Market Street.
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Barker says part of the focus for the new school year is helping students adjust in the classroom, especially those who have been completely virtual since March of 2020.
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Three local fire departments competed on 16 Morning News Now’s Firefighter Grill-Off.
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16 Morning News Now stopped by West Goshen Elementary School as teachers prepared for the first day.
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All weekend, you can watch 37 artists create chalk masterpieces on the sidewalks.
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There are more than a hundred vendors, over a dozen food trucks, and live music.
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The workouts focus on arm strength for swimming, leg strength for running and ab strength for gymnastics.
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The district runs on a balanced calendar, so they start the fall semester earlier.
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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.