Melissa Kelly grew up watching 40/29. From an early age she decided she too would one day be a part of the 40/29 news team.

"I've always really cared about what's going on where I live," Melissa said.

Born and raised just a few miles south of Fort Smith in Greenwood, Melissa truly is a Hometown girl. After graduating from Greenwood High School, she moved to central Arkansas to attend Arkansas Tech University.

Anxious to make it to the "real world," Melissa graduated Summa Cum Laude a semester early with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

In January of 2002, Melissa moved to Northwest Arkansas and joined the 40/29 team as an Associate Producer.

"I was happy with my job, but what I really wanted was to be out finding the stories and reporting the news to my neighbors," she said.

It didn't take long for Melissa's dreams to come true. After a year of taping practice reports and constantly reminding her managers that she wanted to be a reporter, Melissa picked up a microphone and stepped in front of the camera. Melissa was quickly recognized by her colleagues as an accomplished journalist, earning several Associated Press awards for her spot news reporting.

Melissa now co-anchors 40/29 News Sunrise with Derek Burleson.

"My job gets better every day," she said. "Who else gets to see so much of Northwest Arkansas and meet so many wonderful people?"

Melissa, her husband Nathan, and their 19-pound cat, George, live in Fayetteville.

"I love to talk to people. Whether I'm in the grocery store or taking a walk in the park, I love to visit with people and find out what's important to them," said Melissa.

When Melissa isn't working, you won't find her indoors. She's usually outside working in her vegetable garden, camping, hiking, or persuing her favorite hobby--fishing.

"As soon as Friday rolls around, Nathan and I pack our bags and a tent and enjoy the Natural State. We're so blessed to live in what I believe is the most beautiful part of the country," said Melissa.