Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
Today your local media sunk to the lowest depths I have ever witnessed.
KIMT, The Globe Gazette and other regional news outlets camped outside Gretchen Crooks’ funeral this afternoon. They pitched a tent right off of Delaware Avenue across from First Congregational United Church of Christ, hooked up audio feeds and pointed cameras and interviewed mourners. They went inside the church to get a close-up view of their story and write about the horror and sadness of family and friends of Gretchen.
These news outlets have taken a terrible tragedy and sensationalized it. They have taken a 13-year-old boy’s name and picture and plastered it all over their news stories. They have written about and elaborated on charges brought against this child. He has had zero chance to defend himself. Forget about juvenile charges, the media has made sure everyone knows it was him.
I do not often get personal here on NIT. But today I will. I am disgusted by these people. I am disgusted by the media trying this boy before he is even given a chance to defend himself. I am disgusted by the media showing up at this funeral, a funeral for a person that has suffered the worst end imaginable. The media fed on this funeral today like vultures, to sensationalize this tragedy and score viewers and readers.
Gretchen was not a fallen war hero nor an assassinated President; she was simply a decent person who met a terrible death. The news media did not need to be here today. As one man who walked by so eloquently said: this is “dirty laundry.”
I was so disgusted after KIMT invited NIT to participate, that I decided to go and do a story on the media itself. I watched the watchers.
I pointed my camera at THEM and I fired some tough questions. I wasn’t nice about it. They called the police on me. I didn’t leave.
Please watch the video below and let me warn you, it isn’t pretty.
Congrats Matt, 200 comments on a story you thought it was distasteful to cover. Stay classy.
Lol life not lifesaver
For everyones F.Y.I. the family did not invite the media to the funeral. If that was the case they would have been inside the funeral home. Shame on the the globe and other media for being there.! Matt was showing what low lifesaver will do to get a story.
Really, fyi?
The media actually WAS invited to be there. Are you simply basing your comment on the fact that they weren’t inside during the funeral? Bad idea.
In fact, Matt freely admits the funeral director — through the family — also invited HIM to be there.
Please check your facts.
Kay is a liar and probably works at KIMT. I never said any such thing (KIMT invited me, I have the email to prove it). Most of the detractors on here are liars, and they typically hurl insults before making any real points. I do appreciate the dozens of real supporters who have contacted me, they out number impostors like Kay 4 to 1.
Nicole C I agree with you, Matt does rock. Matt tells the truth. KIMT and the Globe changes the words around to make the story better, juicier, more exciting. KIMT and the Globe destroy people with their stories and they do not care. I know there is always a story but maybe the reporters should think first, “If this was my child, husband, wife, parents or myself, would you want the media to tear them apart?” Sometimes I don’t think they have a any common sense at all. This was a minor, 13 years old. Shame on KIMT, the Globe Gazette and KTTC for not having any common sense in this story. Remember “do unto someone that you want done to you” FAIR PLAY. KARMA CAN BITE BACK.
Matt You rock!!! Your footage on the media’s exploitation and total disrespect of those people and the extremely gut wrenching pain and confusion that they are going thru right now….just to get a story was awesome!!! they dont need anymore crap to deal with right now…and I’m glad we got someone like you around to stand up for people’s right’s and well being!!! Hats off to you Matt you kick ass!!
Watcher and 50 miles, I do not find your advice useful whatsoever. NIT has plenty of respect and I am proud of it. To me, you are two more nameless rabble attacking me and NIT. I would do this story again tomorrow in a heartbeat. KIMT and the Globe have websites, be my guest to head that way.
Matt, my friends and I watchd the video and we all agreed it was the best thing we have seen in such a long time. Keep up the work, people are watching and reading, I know this is first and last place I go everyday to see the news.
Matt: because of being off topic, i will move my comments to rants and raves
Appreciated. Thank you.
Matt, Your focus and attitude on this site has greatly changed. You edit when you should just follow up, you stoop to personal attacks when you should just state facts and let it roll off your back, and the site has become very one sided when it used to be unbiased. I think this is the first time I have commented in over a week, the stories and editing of comments are beginning to make me lose interest. Yes someone will replace me as a reader, but I have felt my comments and thoughts have been fairly informative and constructive. lately the comments have become overwhelmingly hostile and off color.
I agree with watcher. however it isnt too late to correct the problem. and yes there is a problem. this site can still gain back respect if you only stay with the facts, without the slanderous comments. this is why I asked the question “should Mr Childrens op-ed rants be under watercooler or rants and raves”. getting an interview with someone would change too in time. do you really want to known as a loudmouth like Rush Limbaugh?
So Matt shoudl allow anonymous people to attack him and lie on his own website and do nothing. Read the comments he has answered his critics straightup and taken the abuse and when he answers then he’s a bully. Thanks for clearing that up for him. It is my opinion he was right to call BS on the media, no ones invites media to a funeral. Like the old man said, Dirty laundry.
Penny, when you (NIT or any others for that fact) put yourself in the spotlight you better be ready to be the center of it. I do believe that Matt should refrain from stooping to the level of his attackers and be the better person and better news site. My comments are to encourage him to have a bit more backbone, and put the bite in the columns, editing and follow up. There has been a lot of censorship lately in areas where no clarification has been given, except “someone asked him to take the comments off”. A follow up on these stories instead of leaving them out to the rumor vultures is what people truthfully want. We want facts, follow-up and closure in the most non biased way that can be done. Let the commenter’s be biased (it may open doors to unseen facts or leads), but let the story direct US to get vocal, informed, or involved.
Matt you make me sick!!! All you did was uncalled for, your remarks and video completely disgust me and I am DONE looking at North Iowa Today because of you. I belive KIMT was invited and you werent. Go find a good story to do and leave others alone. You are no better then the ones covering the story.
Good riddance salena, I mean “Marlene”. You were never wanted here to begin with, go rub some more GG backs!
Selena, wanted here or not I can voice my opinion just like you, pretty sad the media has to bash each other so at a later date the family has to see it, dont think that was the idea when the media was invited. So on that note go rub a GG yourself!!
Marlene’ do you need a napkin for that slobber? For your info, Matt was invited, he just has more class than the “Others” !
No slobber thank you, Matt could have had a little more class then to bash others, no need to go on and on like he did, and yes there are other funerals but media not invited. Let the family mourn as needed without having to see this at a later date. Just sad society has to come to this.
“Marlene” – I was invited by KIMT. I have the email to prove it. I also have the email from the funeral director that clearly states the media will be ALLOWED across the street. Doesn’t seem like an “invitation” at all. Furthermore. I see there are several funerals scheduled here in Mason City this week. Tell me, will the Globe, KIMT, KTTC, KAAL be covering those? Will the blue tent be there? The high def cameras, to zoom in on the mourners, to catch every tear?
I understand where you are coming from I just dont understand why you had to bad mouth others there, it will be a sad day when the family sees this report. Other funerals yes but am sure the media wont be invited. Just a sad day for the family and then have to listen to the media slam each other. I just pray the family doesnt see this.
Matt was ‘invited’ but he declined and that was the right thing to do. It amazes me how some of you people spew your dribble and yet you dont have a clue. Its ABNORMAL to invite the media to a funeral plain and simple. Like someone else said, the family probably only invited the media for one reason only, to have the trial moved out of Cerro Gordo!
Are you kidding Matt. I worked at the globe longer than you and never saw or heard about your so called back rubs by management. I did hear how you started your website business w ith the globes customers while you were still employed there.. My morals say you were stealing from your employer. But I’m sure you have a different twist to that or this post will come down fast.
Shut up Are you kidding me!!!!! What’s all this complaining gonna doooo NOTHING look at every other news channel CNN CBS HUH what do you see every day death death and more death people killing each other this won’t stop whether it’s a child killing or adults killing it happens everyday and what about when we hear about there familiies and see there funerals on tv you don’t complain then do. This just happened in our own community and now you don’t like the media this is everyday life man!!!!!
whoops I’m not gonna hide my name it’s amanda
You don’t have Freedom Of Speech on someone else’s blog – DUH. Start your own.
DUH?
I do have First Amendment rights when a media organization solicits comments from the public — as long as I uphold the same standards of decorum as the rest of the community. (Anyone with any knowledge of recent FCC decisions and Supreme Court rulings in this area would have known that you can’t censor posters you dislike once you open that floodgate of commenting.)
Unlike Matt, I’m not the one hurling insults and threatening to get me in trouble with my boss. All I’m doing is commenting that Matt conducted himself very poorly outside a funeral. He should have avoided making a scene. He owes Gretchen’s family and friends an apology. If he can’t stand the heat, get out of running this type of website or grow a pair.
DUH!
I don’t get why the family would want a funeral for the public to see. Isn’t that something that is for family and close friends? Not for every tom,Dick, and harry to see. If mercy people can’t attend oh well. If they wanted them to see it maybe they should have recorded it themselvesand then give directly to mercy to view. It will bite the family in the ass for getting the media involved. As far as being so concerned for whether the globe or kimt showed up…why does it matter since the family asked for them to be there? I do agree they should have kept their nose out of it.
I agree with omg. Matt (as part of the media) should have kept his nose out of it.
I think a daily list of funerals need to be posted on the Globe’s, KIMT’s, and KTTC’s websites so they know what funerals to cover for the week. I too thought that coverage of this funeral (while she was a VERY nice and caring person) was silly. The family is hurting, friends are hurting — what type of closure will the media give to this family? While Matt’s motives may appear abrasive sometimes, he makes a good point — “Was her funeral news?” The next time some newsworthy event happens in Osage, will they cover that too? Will the globe have funeral photos on their front page like Whitney Houston’s was on the front of the National Enquirer? What’s next? Broadcasting local weddings like Prince William & Kate Middleton?
Just stick to the news.
AND, if you don’t like what Matt writes or covers, just move along.
You aren’t telling me anything until you use your real name. Do you have the guts to do that? What City Hall Department do you work in?
Once again, Matt, you are trying to intimidate others. I’m not going to use my real name (no matter how many times or how nice you ask). All you need to know is that I work in Mason City.
Try (as hard as it may be for you) to focus on the real issue here: that you could have and should have handled yourself with more decorum outside a funeral. You owe Gretchen’s family and friends at least an apology for your juvenile behavior. It did not reflect well on you or NIT. Man up and admit you were wrong.
I see you have subtly changed your tune. Now you only “work in Mason City.” Before it was “I work at City Hall.” Nice try. I owe no one an apology, so get a grip on reality, you will need when I bring this forward to your boss.
Matt, go for it. Keep the insults flying. I’m a big boy. The fact is you can’t stand that someone can stand up to you and call you out for being wrong.
You should have conducted yourself differently. You are no better than the media you pretend to “expose”.
Bring all the cameras you want down to city hall. The fact remains that you created a scene outside a funeral that was inappropriate. You are alone supporting your conduct on Friday, my friend.
While you’re at it trying to tattle on me like a 2nd grader, bring a copy of the First Amendment. I can show you where it gives not just you (the media) the right to speak out. But it also protects my rights to do the same on my own time.
See you on Monday. I’ll be the one laughing at you.
So… now you are big boy. You are not standing up to me at all, you are an anonymous coward. Period. Since you know me, and I don’t know you, feel free to approach me at anytime to discuss.
Matt, I don’t understand why you feel the need to attack me and other readers of your website. I actually agreed that it is unseemly to have the media staking out a funeral. However, you have failed to learn an important point that even my 6 year old daughter knows: that two wrongs don’t make a right. You shouldn’t have escalated the media circus by going out to the church with your camera and yelling at the reporters. You should have handled the situation better. Just admit that you were wrong and move on already. Geesh.
I did not yell until they fired back at me. Then they brought their cameras out against me. One woman from KIMT said the whole thing was FUNNY! I was appalled! They LAUGHED about the situation, watch the video! Who’s the ASS now?
Thank Peter. Arian left right after that exchange and never came back. I guess he was ashamed for being a part of a newspaper that is trashing a child. Dennis will be in the news later this week, stay tuned.
I wonder how Matt would react to the Globe doing an editorial on NIT’s practices? Based off his responses below, I’m thinking it would involve Matt doing a lot of name calling and blaming others.
They would never interview me. To date, they have never admitted the existence of NIT. I pray they interview me, I have many, many questions to ask them. We could start with the free back rubs Globe management provides the employees.
Why are you so interested in who gets a back rub at the Globe Gazette? What in the hell does that have to do with journalism? So what if they give their employees free back rubs? Big deal! I swear, just when I think NIT is acting like a responsible journalistic entity, you go and pull this kind of crap. You guys at NIT have such an inferiority complex with the Globe, KIMT and local radio it is absolutely laughable. This sight is quickly becoming a joke!
I’m not sure why this conversation has denegrated into name calling. (If you dislike the approach Matt took in attacking the other media outlets who were invited and doing their jobs, you shouldn’t stoop to his level and engage in the name calling.) However, Matt easily could have written his editorial without causing a scene outside a funeral. His point would have had more credibility without the ranting and raving. In the end, Matt just made himself and his publication look silly.
Matt, I support you. You were harsh but it needed to be done. These jackals feed of people’s misery. They can’t handle because you are different and bold. Keep up the good work, sir.
How does stalking other people outside a funeral equate Matt to being different or bold? It seems opportunitic on his part. He was looking to start a fight…
It seems to me by the writing demeanor of a few of these recent comments that they are threatening Matt/NIT. Katie, Troubled, Concerned, etc is this true? it sure seems like it to me/ and that your trying to make it sound and look as if Matt needs help.
“Pay attention people” because this strategy sure seems to happen a lot around here in river city!
Are you still here? I step away for 3 hours and here you are. I think you may be obsessed with NIT. I can’t blame you, but c’mon, man. Hitler now? You are a whack job. Please use the phone number I provided earlier so you can get the help you need.
last time i checked it wasnt illegal to be insane or an ass, as Mr. Marquardt has been described. And last time i checked, free speech was also a part of our constitution. I agree that it may be in poor taste for both parties, and if it was truly the families wish, then so be it. I agree a private video would have been better recieved, but it wouldn’t have stopped the local and not-so-local media outlets from appearing. As someone raised in MC, it is typical of MCPD to show up and harrass a bystander breaking no laws, yet ignore the obvious parking laws being broken. DId they get a special permit that day? Doubtful, just all part of the politicking and the “who you know”..As amother who has a child with a delinquent background, all I can say is, that we have no right to judge that 13 yr old, and anyone who does, well, I hope no one in your family ever is ACCUSED of committing a crime or kills someone. we have no idea what Gretchen was dealing with or issues that were going on in that family. As outsiders we never have the full story, even the media, so I think that maybe they need to stop releasing details since a juvenile is involved. The great thing about our counrty is we are entitled to express our own opinions and we are also entitled to a fair trial. Unfortunately, those same rights apply to the media outlets who perpetuate fear and sensationalism in order to make money. And hey, matt-next time maybe wear professional clothes and come prepared with an open dialogue and maybe they will actual think your a journalist, it may be better recieved by those who don’t understand who these media really are.
Ex-Pat, While your comments are not incorrect, I think your thinking is a little misguided. Yes, you are correct while it is not illegal to do this (I never said it was), It is unprofessional, bullyish, and not very businesslike. We can go down a very slippery slope if we start saying “It’s not illegal to….” It’s not illegal for me to tell everyone on my Facebook to take a flyin’ leap either (freedom of speech), but would I be better off being professional so that I don’t lose friends?
As far as the whole “A 13 year old was involved” circus. Yes, this person was a minor so the name should not be released. However, as a parent of a child very close to this age, I do want to know about it and I feel the media should cover it in some manner. I do disagree with covering the funeral but would not be taking pictures and calling “flippin KIMT with their skanky ass cameras next to garbage cans” and harrassing them. As soon as this discussion is closed, I’m probably not visiting again due to this. Most times, newsworthiness is decided by one peron. If that person thinks a cat in a tree is newsworthy, then by God, they will air the crap outta that story. Yes, a minor was involved, please Globe, NIT, KTTC, KAAL, KGLO, etc…. please continue to air these stories so I can protect my children but all should have used better judgement for next time. I’m now moving back to the very censored GG, and other news resources, as I refuse to support this sort of sensationalism just to get views.
I drove past this on my lunch and was sickened and disgusted by the news media there. I have lost plenty of loved ones even ones known very well in the community and NEVER once has it came into my head that the media should be apart of it! I don’t know where the family was going with inviting the media there but I think it is beyond wrong and seeing Matts video and article on this made me smile. From what I have read about Gretchen she was an amazing mother, nurse, wife and friend just like how many others in this community? Yes she was murdered allegedly at the hands of her own son making it that much harder on the family and it got sensationalized by the media and it breaks my heart!
Wow — you are a piece of work. You defend Matt (a member of the media), then you criticize Gretchen’s grieving family. Who are you to judge? The family worked with the funeral home and the news outlets to provide coverage. By all accounts, the media who were invited (not Matt) respected their wishes. If you watched the news coverage Friday evening, it was a very touching tribute to a very tragic death. I wish all the media (including Matt) would handle themselves with such sensitivity. I agree that I wouldn’t want the media outside my funeral, but Gretchen’s family did. It’s their right. But I think they deserved better than Matt making a fool of himself outside the church.
Yep I sure am a piece of work that values life and has never and will never feel the need to exploit my family by inviting media to a loved one’s funeral!! Let’s just sit back and watch bet it won’t be too long before this story is a Lifetime movie to me it wasn’t for support its unneeded attention this is the first time I have EVER seen news covering a funeral and it is just plain wrong! If you do read everything Matt was invited and was so disgusted with being invited that he covered them covering the story but I know people that avoided going to the funeral because of all the extra attention that was brought there by the family. There have been letters to the editor written about this already because it is not right they could have RESPECTFULLY declined to cover the funeral it’s that simple. Funerals are NOT news they are personal time for family and friends to mourn the loss of a loved one no matter how that person died!!
Matt defended a woman who’s MURDER was publicised by a bunch of vultures and some of you people want to criticize that? come on people, IT WAS WRONG! Stop bashing/trashing Matt and insulting the NIT photographers because one thing is for sure, ALOT of people like them.
Why is Matt defending her son? Is he on the defense payroll? I thought the media was supposed to be unbiased and report the facts.
Report the facts? The globe skews the local news and doesn’t just report the facts. It will omit facts when it suits the needs of the slant of the article they are writing.
Matt do your story about the fair. Report the facts of their bylaws that no member of the board can bid for work. Dennis has is opportunity to state his side. If he turns down that chance it will allow your side to go unrebuttled.
Matt did what needed to be done, end of story!
It’s hardly the end of the story. Just watch Matt report every gory detail of this case as it makes it way through the legal system. I hope you will remember his “outrage” when his “journalists” cover every sensational development.
u have lots to say this am!!! run those jibs…….
“let it be known” : I agree. not long ago my house caught fire and NIT photographers were there covering the story but, before they started taking pictures they came up to me and asked about my well being and, asked if there was anything they could do for me, right there shows compassion and to me that is “Professionalism”. I never did get the chance to say “Thank You”. Years ago my dear friend got killed in clear lake in a car accident, one of the globe gazette photographers took a picture of my friend still in the car, DEAD and printed it.
“Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.”
No, but your IP address will be and Matt will break confidentiality if he doesn’t like what you have to say
Did everybody miss this?! HE JUST OUTED SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THEIR COMMENTS! I find this extremely troubling and unethical!
Be careful people, you would not tolerate this from any other business. And yes, this is a business. He makes money on this website the same way the Globe, KIMT, KLSS, and every other media in the world does, by advertising.
The more controversy he can start, where there doesn’t need to be any, the more hits to his website he gets, which in turn, means he can sell more advertising.
BE CAREFUL ON THIS SITE! IT IS NOT RUN BY A STABLE, ETHICAL PERSON!
Matt I have to agree with “Troubled” on this one.I know you feel very strongly about this issue but sometimes you need to just step back and think before you type.
Well here we go folks. More insults and innuendo aimed at me. Since you hide behind a fake name, what do you fear? Your IP address? Thanks for leaving this email address: “nothanks@screwyou.com” … I think that shows your level of maturity and adolescence.
I suggest you leave NIT and never come back if this site bothers you. I am sure you will try, but you will return, you can’t resist.
What if that was my real email?
It is clear you are a liar and habitual insulter. You refuse to debate me with your real name, yet you can accuse me of anything you can think of. All I did was express my opinion in this story. That has you extremely irate, perhaps you were in the video? It is clear you left a fake email address intended to further insult me. I found it humorous, just as I find your cowardly ways humorous. If this is your real email address, call your lawyer.
Please allow me to explain my immature email address: I never intended the public to see that. Had I known it would be published, I wouldn’t have put anything.
I do not wish to be identified, like most everyone else on this site. I don’t feel safe revealing who I am on this site. This site is filled with fanatics and is run by one too.
I will not reply to whatever rebuttal you have. I’m sure it will be “thought provoking”, sensationalized, and will try to portray yourself as the hero of Mason City from the “corrupt” likes of the local media, government, etc.
Like I said before and Matt has proven “BE CAREFUL ON THIS SITE, PEOPLE”
So you finally give up. You have run out of insults? You contributed ZERO to this discussion other than saying “you’re not safe on this site” and I am “imbalanced.” You are beaten, and you are slithering back under your rock. Good bye for now… we will see you in a couple hours when you come back to get the real news. You are still welcome here.
As for your accusations about NIT. This site has been up for 18 months come April 1. It has a loyal following. Yes, I allow editorials that are hard hitting, I believe in the first amendment. People realize they are treated fairly here and can speak their mind. The traffic spikes month after month prove NIT is here to stay.
Matt let me see if I got this straight. You disagreed with what one poster was saying and told everyone that this one poster was using multiple names,like I’m sure a few posters do.You then posted their I.P. Address.When Troubled said that was wrong you posted his e-mail address.Yes it was a fake one BUT your site says “Your e-mail address will not be published”. It doesn’t say “only if it’s your REAL address it will not be published”. You also implied he was a snake. Matt like I said before ,sometimes you need to step back and take a deep breath before you type.I know you are passionate about this and I appreciate your passion.
Thanks Reggie. It says “your” email address will not be published. It was not his email address. It was fake. Case closed.
Troubled, I was about to atempt to write the same thing about Matt’s very poor behavior but you said it better than I could. For the past several months I have gotten the impression from his writtings here that he has a very big head, is full of him self, and is an ass. The video proved that. What a nut case you are. It is to bad because when you first started this site I think you had good intentions. Now I think you want to be part of every story. Good bye NIT.
Katie, Dave, others… you sure spend a lot of time here at NIT. You are some of my best customers. Dozens and dozens of story comments between you. Wow, you sure hate me and NIT, but you are here constantly. Allow me to help you with your obvious personal and psychological problems:
Welcome To The Mental Health Center of North Iowa
http://www.mhconi.org – 235 South Eisenhower Ave. Mason City, Iowa 50401-1562. Telephone (641)424- 2075. Toll Free (800) 700-IOWA Fax(641)424-9555
Matt claims to run a fair, unbiased site… yet refers people who show disagreement with him to the MHC. Real classy Matt. Real classy.
I have never heard of a family that is grieving calling up the media and saying ‘Hey get your cameras and sound bites down to my loved one’s funeral, we want this in the news.’ If this is normal then I guess I missed something. No one reading these comments can honestly say they woud call and ask them to do this. I really believe the family did this to control the media, not invite them. The family knew the media would be there no matter what.
Click this link for the truth about why the media was there: http://youtu.be/46bBWBG9r2o
Unless I missed it where was the coverage of former KIMT Don Harman’s funeral? In fact, (again unless I missed it) I dont even think KIMT made their condolences to Don’s family. Why? You would think since Don worked for them at one point they would of covered his funeral or printed a article? none,that I can find. What about Jodi H. I’m sure her family had some kind of service for her where was her coverage? STRANGE isn’t it?
Matt did “The Right Thing”,good job Matt!
Tom Crooks: What is the real reason the family needed the media at the funeral? Like someone else said, you could of privately recorded it.
Could it be the reason the family wanted it publicized is for the sole purpose of helping this kid during the trial. Just a thought.
You could very well be on to something ‘maybe. Too much media coverage/ and citizen outrage if this kid has a trial it wont be around here which could help his case.
I stand with NIT what the F! I was surprised to see KIMT there though it was not Minnesota news.
I agree with Matt that this demonstrates irresponsible and unethical reporting practices – all in an effort to increase the number of readers or viewers. There are better ways to achieve this. And thanks to Matt these practices are being discussed and challenged.
Matt did what he did for the very same reasons. To attract an audience.
I am extremely saddened by the media coverage of this tragedy. It’s one thing to report the death of a lovely young woman – a fellow nurse, a mother, daughter, wife, mother, sister, friend but yet another thing – something very dark and deep – to air the “gory” details of this horrible event. This family is devastated – none of them will ever be the same nor will we. The community that Gretchen served. We do not know the whole story of what happened last Saturday nor should we. We need to mourn Gretchen’s loss. We also need to mourn what is happening with her youngest son.
The media coverage is nothing more than outright voyeurism. The story could have been covered and done tastefully without the “lurid” pieces that pierce one’s heart. The media’s ratings will no doubt see a bump as there are people out there that feel they should know every last detail. In the end, that’s between God and Gretchen’s son. May there be mercy for him and his family.
I pray that nothing like this happens in the lives of the folks “covering” this story. The real story is the tragic loss. Period.
Good points. But there are lots of tragedies in our world today. They are news. When we stop having the media cover them then we don’t have anyone to trust — we aren’t going to get the governemnt to hold themselves accountable. What we need is a media that covers tough stories with sensitivity. I’m not sure that’s what Matt did in this case.
You are a twisted person. The funeral is not a tragedy. The tragedy was the murder, and continues with the trashing of the boy in the media. You are so lost I feel there is little or no hope for you. You have been here all morning leveling insults on me and NIT, and now this. Perhaps you work at the Globe or KIMT? You certainly are defending yourself and spewing venom today.
Sorry, Matt. Try again. I don’t work at either the Globe or KIMT. But you call me on a regular basis for news tips. I don’t think I’ve written anything with venom — just a perspective that you disagree with. I am upset. I hope that you and your team would conduct yourselves with more decorum outside a funeral. If you can’t accept that type of constructive criticism, then stop putting your editorials out there. You have a point of view. So do I.
I know for a fact that Matt Marquart was invited to join the other media outlets at the funeral; he declined. The more he thought about it the more he became enraged. There are standards we all must impose upon ourselves and decency should be at the top of that list. To exploit personal tragdy is truly unconscionable, especially for ommerical gain.
People are saying it was done to accommodate those who could not attend; when was the last time you heard of an employer who refused to let somepone off to attrend a funeral? You could have used a day of vacation or a sick day. There was no justifable excuse to put private grief onto tape…then broadcast it. This case has been writtren about for days; there has to be a line no one crosses, and if it not at the brink of the grave, then where?
Whether you admit it or not, we all have standards of decency, in this case Matt’s are just somewhat higher than most others.
Sorry for the typos, sent it off too fast.
Simple solution, read through it before you post it, not after.
Peter was it news? Yes. Was it in poor taste?Yes.Are some of the things you and Matt right about in poor taste? Some people think so.Your line for poor taste starts at the brink of the grave?I would like to say mine starts a little further back.
Should have been “write about” and I thought I did proof it.
It’s pretty hard for a hospital to let everyone’s coworkers in intensive care off for the day to go to a funeral. Who is going to take care of the patients?
Why wasn’t the funeral taped by the family and / or funeral director? You’re argument makes no sense. The media horned in on this.
I’m not arguing. I was answering Peter’s post about “when was the last time you heard of an employer who refused to let someone off to attend a funeral?”
I also think there may be something to the idea that an attorney may have wanted there to be a lot of media coverage for legal reasons for the son’s ability to get a fair trial down the road. The father/husband probably had a difficult decision to make, deciding between his son’s future or a media circus for his wife’s funeral. I feel very bad for her family.
So Peter Children is going to be the judge of other people’s decency?
Good one!
Amen Peter about the need for decency. But it should start with Matt.
Why in the world would the family invite ANY media? I agree,that is very strange. The kid is sick and will NEVER get rehabilitated.
BTW, let it be known to all the haters who like to bash NIT photographers about not being “Professional” , I was hesitant not to hire a professional for my wedding, but heard that the NIT photographers were very good/ they took photos of my wedding and my daughters senior pictures and they turned out fabulous, I would recommend them to anybody.
Let it be known, I’m glad you have nominated yourself to become judge, jury, and executioner for this boy. How do you know that (1) he’s guilty of the crime, and (2) he can’t be rehabilitated. He’s 13 for God’s sake.
Plus, if you consider this an example of NIT’s professionalism, God help us all. I’d take the other media outlets huddled under a tent than a man with a camcorder yelling at people outside a church.
Right. More lies. I never judged the boy, period. The media has, though. Forgive me for trying to give him a the chance no one else is, save perhaps his family. You are a liar, twisting my words, and you know it. Live with that.
A little defensive this morning, Matt? You shouldn’t be defending the boy. That’s your problem. You are too close to the story. You should be reporting the facts — nothing more, nothing less. Focus on what’s importnat, not just creating controversy for the sake of getting people to read your editorials and creating ad revenue at the expense of this tragedy.
Appreciate the morning words of wisdom from you, a nameless insulting person. I’m just fine though, I am very happy with my video and my conduct, I will do it again. Just stay tuned to NIT, which won’t be a problem for you. This is your 20th post this morning.
Since you’re so busy not covering real news and worried about my postings, count this response as #21. 🙂
I’m glad you stand behind your actions. I hope your advertisers will as well. I plan on asking them to pull their support of your website because I believe you don’t treat people fairly.
You would be only the latest representative from City Hall to go to my advertisers. Thank you for admitting this to me. I will document it.
I’m a taxpaying citizen-activist first and foremost. Don’t blame me. I wasn’t making an a** of myself outside a funeral. You’re the one who will have to explain that to your advertisers.
Go change your dipper anonymous. No family deserves to have their tragedy made front page news. Just because sickos like you and others enjoy it doesn’t make it right.
You mean like how Matt made this the front page story on this website? use your own rationale before bashing others.
NO, what the family and media just did is open the door to other sick/demented kids (who we dont know about, yet) to think this is cool to get all this media attention. Think about THAT! ALL involved should be ashamed of this poor woman’s publicise·funeral. The family could of had the funeral home/or the church privately record the funeral but they chose the media instead. That’s very ODD.
I think matt was probably upset because he wasn’t invited by the family or by the other media outlets to cover this story. So Matt with his hatred of the media groups was going to show them. It was basically harrasment but when you can hide behind a camera and yell freedom of speech. That is what I would call chicken sh^*. It is called professionalism and credibility. Non of which I think this site has.
I am so upset by the way people are acting. Gretchen would not want this at all. People that know her very well would say the same thing. I am sure she wouldn’t want her sons name no matter what to be rubbed in the mud but I sure she would of wanted him to get help. She was that type of person. The family wanted the news to be there? Why? I could of made news about my son’s death and how serious his condition was. My God people, Really I wouldn’t of done that to my daughter or my grandchild and the rest of the people who wanted to mourn privately. Yea what happen to her was tragic!!!! There is to much violence on the news and really telling children on tv that if they can get a gun to do the same or take control of their parents. Just remember who you are telling people!!! The more details you guys get into the more ideas that children get from it all. It is sick!!!! Yea at least us parents can control what movie to watch and put a lock on the internet but the news you can’t and that is where those ideas come from. Try harder to not get into specifics until all evidence and all people who is involved have already explained their side. I am sick of media attention all the time until that time comes. Like I said that Gretchen was a great person and friend. She wouldn’t want this.
Matt you simply brought to light what our society has degresed to and the news medias prey on because it sells papers. Others misfortune is big business. A truly sad day.
The family invited the press to the funeral because co-workers couldn’t all be there? So, a few years ago when my father died, I should have invited KIMT, the Globe, KTTC and all surrounding media to be there so all his co-workers that had to work the day of the funeral could see it on TV or in the paper? I bet they would have been there. I think not. He had many friends that couldn’t make it, many in Minnesota. Rochester wasn’t there to film and broadcast it for them.
I guess, anyone that has a loved one pass away, and everybody from work can’t make it, call the media, they’ll cover it for them to see. Better hire more reporters.
Anonymous: If you are so set in your ass opinion of the specifics reguarding your point of view,why be Anonymous. Come out from under the skirt & use your… balls shall I say…use your real name. M&M GREAT STUFF.
Wow!
Sue Johnson, you are way into to much violence. You are obviously way to involved.
You want someone to get violent with Matt Marquardt because he was upset that a 13 year old boy was being used to create a media story to make money?
He does a editorial on the media over stepping their boundaries to make money and you want to see him hurt.
Get real.
Matt was no better. He was creating a scene to make money.
Can’t make it as a real journalist, so you try to Brietbart it….well played clown.
Hey Ben,
BRIETBART IS GOOD.
Unhinged is correct and you did come off like a ass. How many times came you say man, man. I thought we were here in Iowa not San Francisco man. As far as the boy goes I will not say negative things about our family but I will say that you have no idea of what you are tying to complain of when it comes to him so for they family, SHUT UP.
A 13 year old shotgunned his mother to death, and sexually assaulted her ( public records and court docs) ….and yet this is not newsworthy…please…..I hope none of you watched the OJ case…..hypocrites.
Did you watch the Casey Anthony case, Natalie Halloway case, the BTK case, the Dalhmer case, the Manson specials on NBC….anything on Jody H….your all rubber neckers, give it up. Pot meet kettle, kettle meet pot.
MATT AWESOME JOB ALL THE REST OF MEDIA SHOULD BE ASHAMED. IAM THINKING THERE SHOULD BE A PROTEST ORGANIZED COUNT ME IN.
Thank you sir. I don’t always play nice… not anymore. Nice guys finish last. I had a point to prove today.
Matt, when did this become all about you? “Nice guys finish last”? Focus on reporting facts and less on editoralizing and you might finish first beating the traditional media at their game. But trying to ambush others doest make you better. It just makes you look foolish.
So because I am “different” I am now “foolish.” In your world, we should all speak the same language and be the same color, same customs. To combat bullies, you have to be a bully yourself at times. I said from the start the video wasn’t pretty. I suggest you stay tuned for more videos like this one. Maybe you can be in one someday?
Matt, let’s examine your last post. I make an observation about how you conduct yourself. You don’t like it. So your inclination is to lash out at me and threaten to ambush me with a video. I hope all your readers see how you run your website by trying to intimidate others. You can agree to disagree on my points, but all I’ve asked is that you hold yourself and your staff up to the same standrads that you’re criticizing the other media.
Matt, you did come off a little “lunaticish” there. That being said, it does blow my mind that the media would even consider covering a funeral. That would not even enter my mind to do that.
I did find it comical that both KIMT and KTTC would both use the same tent to broadcast from.
Did they have a permit for that tent?
Not pretty?…..That was poetry brother.
NIT loves to cover fires, accidents and other personal tragedy. They interview the homeowners who are standing crying as they watch their house burn. They stand in the middle of accident scenes and publish photos of the victims. They post photos of an innocent victim laying in the parking lot of Burkes with his shirt pulled up after he got knocked out. They thrive on ‘sensationalism.’ The only reason Matt got self-righteous is because he got a not-so-bright idea that he would try to try to make himself look good while bashing the local media. It backfired and he sounds like a lunatic. The funeral home sent out an email and told them exactly where to be and provided access to the churches audio system so they could listen to the service from the outside. The funeral also asked for photos taken at the service the globe so they could be given to the family.
why not hire your own film crew? NIT best news source around!
This did not backfire on Mr. Marquardt.
He was doing his job, pointing out the sickness in today’s media.
Good job, NIT
(victim laying in the parking lot of Burkes with his shirt pulled up after he got knocked out)
And did you check the gut on that pilgram ??
Amen. Matt, you sound like a jerk. And you’re using this funeral for profit just like the other news organizations. Only in a different way. You’re pretending to have a conscience, but we know you really don’t.
I can see from this video why no one in town wants to cooperate with you or give you stories if you badger people like this. Who the heck would want to talk to someone that acts like this? No wonder no one from City Hall will tell you what’s going on. Good luck getting that interview with the Fair Board next week. I’d turn you down.
Again, more insults. With nothing to back up your claims. No media at the funeral = no NIT to cover them. Katie, your claims are baseless and idiotic. I get tons of info from people everyday, including people at City Hall.
By the way, I got my interview with Dennis… did you watch the video? He has never returned my calls before… this was the only way to confront him about the fact that he, as a fair board member, is hired to set up sound systems for the fair. As I understand it, a fair board member cannot work for pay from the fair.
Matt, I work at city hall. There’s a reason why no one talks to you: you can’t get your facts straight. Try taking a course in journalism 101 before becoming the supreme leader of holding the media accountable to your standards.
This is getting better all the time. Now you work at City Hall. Next you are an astronaut. Better than fiction… do your bosses at City Hall know you spend every waking moment on NIT?
It’s Sunday. I’m off of work today today. And that’s no fiction. Your article, however…
For someone who espouses the virtues of the First Amendment of free comment, you sure don’t like people questioning you. Weird, huh?
Matt, Love the video. Disgusting what these “news” outlets will do to make a buck. My only beef is you picking on the two reporters for just following orders. You an I both know Beth Tuttle and the other guy from Rochester were assigned this story by a producer. They seem like normal people and probably didn’t push to cover this tragedy. Sure they could have shirked when they were assigned to this story, but this was hardly a fall-on-your-sword issue. Beth and the Rochester guy were just doing their jobs, we all have to do stuff for work that we don’t want to do, or that we might disagree with sometimes. They were sent to cover the story, just as you send your reporters to cover other stories. Glad you cast some light on our local media…It’s why I love your site. Keep up the good work, but don’t shoot the reporter.
Matt- I get what you are doing and why –
just sane it up a little –
Jim S
Try to sane it up a lot.
I am a supporter of Matt’s cause today. I work in the area and Kimt was on scene at 7:30 a.m. when the funeral did not even begin until 1 p.m. What were they expecting to see, setting up camp so early? They also took up 4 parking spaces in a 2 hr parking zone and did not get a ticket. The rest of the media acted
Like crazy paparazzi, taking shots from parking lots surrounding the church. It was very unsettling to watch and such a distraction. I could not imagine leaving a funeral in tears and having multiple cameras flash before my eyes. Everyone who walked that same sidewalk looked so uncomfortable near the media camp. Matt was simply doing
Exactly what they were doing only he had a different story to tell. The cops should
Not have been called, he was reporting just as they were! It didn’t matter that they had different subjects.
I’m sorry, but this doesn’t make much sense to me. You support Matt’s cause, but then say that he was doing the same thing that the other reporters were doing? Matt was the one making a scene, which was much more offensive than the subdued media in their tent.
I was also in the area and saw what “Khloe” saw…. Matt was walking around with a phone in his hand… that’s all! If the family permitted media to be there so that other Mercy employees could watch the funeral – was it necessary to have a big blue tent set up with multiple people in there — and several other news organizations there with the cameras set up capturing the mourning people walking in and out of the church?!?!? To be quite honest with you, Matt was the LEAST noticable person there!!
This site has every right to report any story they see fit and if people disagree with what is reported they don’t have to read the story. I think its funny when people complain about Matt and NIT but they continue coming back. I would be willing to bet NIT has had more comments on their story then any on the globe or kimt today. I guess the people have spoken NIT is this areas real news source.
The media repeatedly told Matt that they were requested by the family to be at the funeral. Strange how that never got on film… Hey Matt, you are terribly unprofessional reporter. I am embarrassed by your actions. You should be immensely ashamed. Also, repeating words because you can’t think of anything else to say doesn’t make you come off as smart or intense – it just makes you sound like an obnoxious broken record.
ALL Media edits their tapes/articles and puts in how they want to tell the story how they want it to be told. KIMT does it all the time with their video – they don’t tell the story the way the person being recorded wants it told but how they want it told. I think that Matt was trying to defend the child who is involved and Gretchen.
In the end they are all luckly NIM isn’t in the news game, cause they are whipping all you media suck asses on Facebook. You many likes do you all have again in their relm?
Please, Matt, grow up. You come across as delusional. If you want to be seen as a professional journalist, you need to step back, be selfless, and keep yourself out of the story. Take the high road and let people do their jobs.
Fifth comment today from the above person. All 5 different names. All five leveling insults. Also the comment below, from “please” is from same IP address. 173.27.20.254
hum, wonder who it is?
http://whatismyipaddress.com/blacklist-check
Yep, we have a Mediacom IP address. If you can’t deal with a few online insults maybe you shouldn’t be hurling them at people doing their job, at the request of the family at the funeral.
I can deal with it just fine, thanks. I see you have a new name, by the way.
I don’t get it. I went to the website and looked it up but how do you find out who it was? It tells me nothing.
Seek professional help. You are seriously delusional. You are going to end up hurting someone, maybe yourself. This is not a joke.
.
Matt, way to show up in shorts and a hat. Classy!
Shorts and a hat? I didn’t even see Matt in the video.
I wasn’t in the video. The above comment was written by one of the media birds in the parking lot that I shot video of. This person has commented 4 times now, all with fake names (hello, IP address). There are several commenting multiple times with a different fake name, all piling on me and leveling insults. I think the average person will be able to see where these people come from.
i am drawn to this website because it’s like watching a train wreck. i take everything i read here with a HUGE grain of salt. not a fan of how matt talked to the others.
did u poop?
Whatever happened to “do onto others as you would have done onto you?” Matt attacked others and seems to have a thin skin when it comes to readers criticizing his actions. I guess in Matt’s mind the First Amendment only goes so far.
The headline on Matt’s story at https://northiowatoday.wpcomstaging.com/?p=13923 clearly says, “Mom shot and killed in Osage”
Just whose “Mom” did you mean, Matt? Certainly not mine.
You, yourself, revealed his identity right there.
I believe the headline you are refurring to The Pot calling the kettle, does not mention the boy or his name. The headline “Mom shot and killed in Osage” is clearly saying just that – a mom was killed in Osage. It doesn’t mention anything about the child. This child needs help, if my child’s name was published in any newspaper or on any TV in these or any circumstances I would be irate!! I pray that there is help for this boy and he can get the help that he needs!!
The headline to which I am “refurring” does not need to give his name to reveal his identity. The story gives his mother’s name (before her name was released by the police) and the headline reveals her child’s involvement by calling her “Mom,” not “Nurse” or “Mason City Native” or anything else Matt could have called her. Anybody with normal intelligence can figure it out. Now Matt complains about other media identifying him.
u dumb $hit! she was a “MOM” u dumb fu#k!!!!!!!!
Try to stay classy Mason City.
I saw this today. I was embarrassed for the family and the media there working to tell the story of who Gretchen is. This site is not media, it’s not even good in a TMZ way. The only reason people continue to read it is for the same reason people slow down at accidents.
Difference between NIT and TMZ: TMZ has standards.
LOTS OF PEOPLE FROM THE GLOB AND KIMT COMMENTING HERE!!! I CAN SEE THAT…………………… LOL
I cant believe they called the police
I would have called the police too. The man behind the camera was a jerk. It’s too bad the police didn’t arrest him. I’m sure he would have done another story on that injustice too.
https://northiowatoday.wpcomstaging.com/?p=13923
LOL. Matt preys on the family’s tragedy. Then he calls out the media for covering the same stories. Who’s the hypocrite?
thats funny I dont see any sensationalism in that article…
kinda hypocritical when North Iowa Today was first to post the victims name before any details had been released……..or did people forget that already
that Dennis is a dill… good work Matt…
yea, reminds me of dill pickle, that used to work for kimt!!!!!!!!!!!!! wack job!!!!!!!!! he was a blow job!!!!!!! still is………
There are so many things incorrect about Matt’s article it’s hard to even call it journalism.
I can’t believe that others are supportive of someone ranting and raving outside a funeral like Matt did. You might not like the news crews from covering this tragic funeral, but it’s their job. And it looked like they stood across the street from the church. They handled themselves much more professionally than Matt did.
This is horrible how you treated the media. I hope your juvenile approach is noticed by your readers and advertisers and they stop supporting this website. I am so disgusted in Mr. Marquardt’s actions.
why are you reading the site then??????????????????
Because someone should stand up to this bully.
NIT is just like masturbation….everybody does it but no one will admit it!!
You made yourself look like and sound like an ASS
WAY TO GO MATT!!!!!!!!!! YOU SHOWED THEM!
Matt you self righteous ass. You were the “media” and I use that term loosely in your case that published Gretchen’s name before it had been released by the authorities. In case you didn’t know it, or even care, there were family members that had not been notified. You made more of a spectacle of this than the legitimate media did.
u either work for the glob or kimt right??!!! jackass!!
No, I’m not. I’m a friend of Gretchen’s family and have been for close to 20 years. I thought the legitimate media covered this tragedy in a very professional and compassionate manner. Unlike this sorry excuse for a news outlet. Matt is the one that should be ashamed he is the one with the seek and destroy agenda and shows up at a funeral to make his point.
seriously quit hating… at least someone has the balls to challenge other media outlets… Matt was the first to present the FACTS, In an unbiased way, might I add.. so get over it … go find something to do with your life instead of trolling…
WOW. What a jackass. I can’t believe you would disrespect someone like that.
You hypocrite you complain about someone reporting a name of an adult but you think its alright for the media to be at a funeral and televise it. You are a joke. Matt keep it up you obviously are telling it like it is and that has many people in this community worried.
No Echo, I’m no joke.
This is my new favorite video! LOL @ the news media who can’t handle the camera being turned on them!
This was actually a request from the family and friends of gretchen to have them outside the church. Her family was all for it. Reason being is not everyone at mercy can take the day off to go to her funeral so they wanted a chance to watch it with their friends and family. Better do some investigating on the store before u lash other media.
Matt tries to antagonize the media outside a funeral. Who’s creating the scene?
What Matt doesn’t mention is that the family (via the funeral home) made the arrangements for the media to stay at a respectful distance.
Matt — you should be ashamed.
Matt,
I don’t think you had to repeat yourself so many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many times. It came across as childish.
Mentioned the word death 100 times…man… yeah, man….yeah man.
You did sound like you were rambling, as one person said.
Good idea, but it could have been done in 30 seconds. It’s also two faced, you jumped on the story. How come you don’t report every obituary, just stuff like this? Man…
It was a good idea…you took it way to far, and it came across as childish…man…bro…man…
Last…why did you need to read the letters KIMT on the KIMT van? As though, man, we couldn’t read the side of the van, man..?
I stand behind it.
i got your timmy right here!
You’re an idiot then if you can’t be bothered to listen to the raeders of your column.
This just made my day!!!!! Funny!!!!! Best is the woman at the end!!!
What exactly were they waiting and filming for Matt? Really did they think something would happen or just wanting to see the family crying? Cuz that’s all they’d get– tears. They better hope someone thinks twice if it happens to them.
Thank you Matt for not sinking to their level.