12:06pm: MetroNews Midday

Chris Lawrence


The morning voice of the Morning News on MetroNews has been associated with West Virginia Radio Corporation for more than two decades.  The native of Big Stone Gap, Virginia joined the company as an anchor at WAJR in Morgantown in 1990.

The University of Tennessee graduate not only excels in anchoring and reporting on MetroNews, but also has flourished in his coverage of hunting and fishing.  Chris serves as host of the popular West Virginia Outdoors each Saturday morning.

Chris has also won numerous awards for coverage of the hunting and fishing from the Outdoors Writers Association of America.  He has twice been awarded the coveted “President’s Award” by the organization for his efforts.  Chris has also been honored by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association and Society of Professional Journalists for his work. He was named Outdoor Writer of the year by the West Virginia Bowhunters Association.  He was also part of the news team at 58-WCHS Radio which has twice been awarded the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in electronic journalism by RTDNA.

When not working, you’ll likely find Chris somewhere outside.  He’s probably hunting, fishing, or enjoying time with his family.

Chris and his wife Samantha reside in Hurricane and have three children, Travis, Hank, and Savannah.  They have three grand children, Danny, Nevaeh, and Callie.



Recent Articles by Chris Lawrence

W.Va. native catches an unofficial record fish in Tennessee

According to three sets of scales, his hybrid would have broken a Tennessee state record, but he opted to release it back into Cherokee Lake

April 21, 2025 - 12:45 pm

Settlement reached in wrongful death of a Kanawha County teenager

The estate of 14-year old Leah Strickland will be paid $4.5 Million after she died in a collision with a semi hauling lumber in 2022

April 21, 2025 - 10:15 am

W.Va. conservation leader recognized by Pope and Young

PHOENIX, Az. — A longtime conservation leader in West Virginia has been recognized for his contributions to improving the outdoors in West Virginia by the Pope and Young Club of America. Kenny Wilson of Chapmanville was recently awarded the organization’s coveted “Conservation Award” during the club’s Biennial Convention in Arizona. “This award recognizes achievement by

April 19, 2025 - 9:56 am

Milton officer recovering after being struck by vehicle

Officer was preparing to direct school traffic, but was struck even before the school zone lights came on

April 17, 2025 - 2:43 pm

West Virginia's spring gobbler season should be typical

DNR Biologists anticipate the turkey numbers for the five week season will be about where they've been for the last several years.

April 16, 2025 - 1:56 pm

Davis mayor, residents raise concern about data center and power plant

Davis Mayor Al Thompson isn't necessarily opposed to a data center and power plant to run it, but it's where they've selected as a location which has him and a lot of Tucker County concerned.

April 15, 2025 - 1:49 pm

Claims mount day after hailstorm in Putnam County

Local insurance agent said it's the most claims he's had in one day since the 2012 Derecho.

April 15, 2025 - 1:12 pm