Author Archives: Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

About Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

News anchor and reporter for SourceMedia Group News. I come with an extensive background for reporting -- I've been a father for nine years, a husband for 13, a news anchor for six years and, before that, a sports anchor for nine. Previous stops: Main News Anchor at WEAU-TV in Eau Claire, WI (twice, both in news and sports), Sports Director in Duluth, MN, Sports Reporter in Topeka, KS and Sports Producer in Madison, WI. Graduated in 1997 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, political science and broadcast journalism. Even with most of my career coming in TV, I actually love writing, with three published novels to my credit -- all set in the Midwest.

House Explosion in Washington County Felt Up to Fifteen Miles Away

Posted April 1, 2012 4:35 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

WASHINGTON COUNTY – A rainy Saturday night may have saved several homes from becoming a victim to a massive home explosion along their street. The blast destroyed the home at 3070 192nd Street in rural Ainsworth.  People reported flames shooting … Continue reading →

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Ticket Frenzy: Iowans Shell Out For Long Odds Before Friday Mega Millions Drawing

Posted March 30, 2012 8:50 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

  CEDAR RAPIDS – With the largest lottery jacket ever in the nation’s history, a steady stream of customers filled the grocery stores and gas stations of Eastern Iowa. So many of them out to snap up the $1 MegaMillions … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, lifestyle and leisure | Leave a comment

Pushing For Middle-Class Support, V.P. Biden Backs Up Job Claims

Posted March 28, 2012 5:18 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

DAVENPORT – Vice President Joe Biden is following the White House’s push to make manufacturing success a hallmark to build support in Iowa. “Manufacturing is back,” Biden said to a crowd of about 400 people at PCT Engineering on Davenport’s … Continue reading →

Posted in government, politics | Leave a comment

County Attorney: New Boyfriend Witnessed Woman’s Murder By Old Boyfriend

Posted March 23, 2012 9:15 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

KCRG-TV 9′s Chris Earl has contributed to this report. BUCHANAN COUNTY (AP) — A 44-year-old radiologist followed his ex-girlfriend to her new boyfriend’s home in a small Iowa town before killing her and committing suicide in a burst of violence … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime, Law and Justice | Leave a comment

Hundreds Gather To Remember Evansdale Woman Killed

Posted March 22, 2012 10:13 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

  WATERLOO – Lindsay Nichols left Waterloo East High School nearly four years before but, for two hours, on Thursday night, her legacy lingered at the school where she excelled. “It just hit me now that she’s gone,” said Kelsey … Continue reading →

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ACLU of Iowa Warns Other Schools of “Dunkerton Situation”

Posted March 15, 2012 8:39 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

  DUNKERTON – For a full week, Jim Stanton has had a tough time sleeping. The superintendent of Dunkerton Community Schools has found his small school district on the receiving end of unwelcome headlines and news stories throughout the state … Continue reading →

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Coralville Officers Hurt Amid Traffic Stop, Arrest

Posted March 10, 2012 4:35 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

  CORALVILLE – Two Coralville police officers were injured in a fight early Saturday morning with a man investigators say had been a passenger in a car with drugs and a loaded handgun. Coralville Police Chief Barry Bedford said, in a … Continue reading →

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Four Injured in Marion Stabbing

Posted March 10, 2012 2:56 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

  MARION – Investigators say a Cedar Rapids man is facing felony charges after a major altercation and stabbing at a Marion apartment complex. Marion Police say responders were called to an apartment at 1481 Grand Avenue at about 1:40 … Continue reading →

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House Explosion Destroys Cedar Rapids Home

Posted March 9, 2012 11:01 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

CEDAR RAPIDS – Fire investigators report no injuries as two adults and two children had to escape a burning home late Friday night. Smoke from the fire, at 1606 Sierra Drive NE, could be seen for miles in the time … Continue reading →

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Updated: UNI Announces More Cuts, UNI Museum To Close, Athletics To Trim Costs

Posted February 23, 2012 5:18 pm by Chris Earl/SourceMedia Group News

By Diane Heldt & Chris Earl, Reporters University of Northern Iowa officials, pending state regents approval, plan to reduce general fund support to athletics and close the UNI Museum building June 30 as part of budget-cutting measures aimed at saving … Continue reading →

Posted in economy, business and finance, education, sport | Leave a comment