Chris Lawrence


The voice of MetroNews This Morning has been with MetroNews for more than 35 years. 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

Holly Grove getting a makeover on the Capitol grounds

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The oldest building on the West Virginia Capitol Complex is undergoing a complete renovation. Work started last month on Holly Grove and is expected to be completed by January 2027. “It’s a project to really bring it back to life, to preserve the building, and make some useable space in it,” said

June 7, 2026 - 3:56 pm

Mitchell Power Station will be among those upgraded under Trump plan

Mitchell Power Station in Marshall County will get a newly built cooling tower, The estimated $191 Million project will receive $51 in federal grant funding

June 5, 2026 - 11:57 am

Semantics create frustration at first MARL hearing in Keyser

KEYSER, W.Va. — Confusion over the roles of the various players complicated the first public hearing of the Public Service Commission for the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link. The PSC heard from residents in Mineral County Thursday night, but specified at the start of the meeting, those who had signed up as interveners were not allowed to

June 5, 2026 - 4:29 am

Shooting in Charleston leaves victim hospitalized

Victim was leaving a Charleston bar when he was confronted in the parking lot by an unknown asailant.

June 3, 2026 - 10:43 am

Spring forest fire season about average to slightly above

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The spring forest fire season came to a close this week, but the possibility of fire continues to exist. “Starting on June 1st you can burn any time of the day. You are still required to stay with it the entire time. You’re required to have the minimum 10 foot safety strip

June 2, 2026 - 2:32 pm

Man indicted for 2021 shooting death in Huntington

Quintel Thompson is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of David Thompson.

June 2, 2026 - 1:59 pm

Charleston man facing break-in charges in several counties appears in court

Adrian Pennington, 35, appeared in Kanawha County Circuit Court Tuesday.

June 2, 2026 - 1:50 pm