Longtime WPTA (Ft. Wayne) Anchor Melissa Long says that this is her last year behind the anchor desk.

Although she won't retire for months and months it was the first day of the Feb book and it was time to start it off with a bang. 

Long has worked for more than 30 years in local broadcasting.

“Deciding to retire from a job and career I've loved for more than 30 years was wasn't easy, but I know in my heart it is the right time for me,” Long said in a WPTA news release. “I am tremendously grateful to the viewers who have given me a sliver of their time each day. I truly feel you are all part of my family.”

“I have so much respect and admiration for Melissa, it’s hard to put it into words,” Don Osika, WPTA/WISE president and general manager, said in the news release. “I’ve met many special people in my career, but there are those rare occasions when someone really makes an impact on you. For me, Melissa is one of those. She’s strong, dedicated and genuine. She will be missed.”

Of course, you can wait about 11 moths before you start missing her. 

H/T News Sentinel