Amanda Johnson
Digital Producer
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Amanda Johnson is a digital news producer at KPLC. As a native of Lake Charles, she loves writing about the Southwest Louisiana area. She has been writing stories since she learned to hold a pen.
Amanda fell in love with newswriting at McNeese State University, where she majored in journalism and attended conferences with the Society of Professional Journalists. She graduated in 2020. When outside the newsroom, Amanda enjoys traveling, reading, baking and writing fiction.
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Three rehabilitated sea turtles are set to be released at Mae’s Beach this weekend, including one who was found injured there last summer.
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The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry continues to report good news in the fight against wildfires in Southwest Louisiana Saturday morning.
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A local business is giving the Lake Area community a way to honor Ben Terry’s memory while contributing to some of his favorite causes.
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Charlie Aucoin, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1986, was elected as one of the Legion’s five national vice commanders at its 104th national convention today.
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Voting has opened for the top 10 round of Mullet Champ’s national teen mullet competition, and a local boy is in the running to be the mullet champion.
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Louisiana children will soon have Summer 2023 Pandemic EBT benefits loaded into their accounts.
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The new King of Louisiana Seafood was crowned tonight at the 16th annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, which was held in Lake Charles for the first time.
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Businesspeople around the area are holding a fundraiser tonight in support of a business owner whose restaurant was damaged in a fire.
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Water in the City of Oakdale is safe to drink for the first time in two months.
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It’s nearly time to crown a new King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood, and this year’s competition will be held in Lake Charles for the first time.
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Registration is open for this year’s Juneteenth parade presented by John. G. Lewis Sr. #165 Consistory.
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Some South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) graduates can now seamlessly transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree at McNeese State University.
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Investigators searched his electronic devices and found over 5,000 images and more than 400 videos containing child pornography, according to prosecutors.
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The Louisiana Pirate Festival is returning to the Lake Charles Civic Center this week, and we have the full schedule of events for the 10-day celebration.
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Authorities began investigating the professor after a report of an inappropriate image appearing in the background during an online class in November 2020.
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Pet owners whose dogs have flea problems have an opportunity to receive free flea medicine as part of a clinical study.
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The Calcasieu Parish Assessor is reminding residents that seniors and disabled residents may qualify for a “Special Assessment Freeze,” which prevents their homestead property from increasing in value.
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A Lake Charles man was given the maximum sentence Monday after pleading guilty to 100 child pornography charges.
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“Bess the Book Bus” is returning to Calcasieu Parish to bring free books to young students at several local schools.
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The This is Home Fest is returning to the Lake Charles Civic Center for a full day of live music, local food and shopping.
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There are eight propositions on the ballot for Beauregard Parish voters in the April 29 election.
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The splash pad at Veterans Park will not open Friday as planned due to weather-related electrical damage, according to the City of DeRidder.
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Some graduates from Lamar State College Orange can now seamlessly transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree at McNeese State University.
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Two Lafayette men were cited Wednesday after allegedly dumping 80 sacks of dead crawfish at a boat launch, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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A new family entertainment center on Country Club Road is set to formally open to the public at noon on Wednesday, March 29.
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The 2023 Vernon Parish Special Olympics is set for Friday, March 31, at the Rosepine High School football stadium.
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The Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA has announced the date for the 2023 Spring Art Walk in downtown Lake Charles.
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The Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA has announced the music lineup for Live @ the Lakefront 2023.
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A Texas man is facing several charges and a possible hefty fine after allegedly harvesting and selling seafood with fraudulent licenses, authorities say.
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When water service is restored, affected residents will be under a boil advisory until further notice.
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Weaver Road will reopen to vehicle and pedestrian traffic in both directions at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, according to the City of Lake Charles.
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The 35-year-old white man was last seen wearing a white shirt and black pants, according to the Coast Guard.
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A Leesville man is jailed after a mother caught him sexually abusing her seven-year-old daughter, authorities say.
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Wild Cajun Meals, LLC is recalling over 18,000 pounds of frozen, fully cooked “Lady Jambalaya” jambalaya and gumbo products sold in retail stores in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.
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The Lord and Lady of the 12th Night Royal Court for the City of Lake Charles were given their crowns Friday.
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Beauregard Electric Cooperative officials said power for some customers will not be restored until Thursday, Jan. 26.
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LDWF officials said this is a rare opportunity to catch non-native fish in Louisiana waters.
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The playground and Indian Bay Pavilion at Prien Lake Park will close on Jan. 23 for hurricane repairs, according to parish officials.
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An Amelia home was evacuated and searched by a bomb squad after the homeowner received threats and a suspicious object, which turned out to be an egg.
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A five-year-old boy was fatally shot at a home in Jennings Thursday, according to police.
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A Leesville man is jailed after allegedly stealing an air conditioner and air conditioner parts in the area.
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Local fire officials are reminding residents to use caution with outdoor burning after an active afternoon for firefighters.
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A 105-year-old building in DeRidder is in for a $10,000 restoration.
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A round of arctic air is beginning to make its way towards SWLA. We have a list of resources for people who need shelter over the next few days.
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A Vinton man has died from injuries from a crash on the I-210 Bridge Thursday morning, police say.
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Oh, the Who-manity! If there’s anything we hate, hate, hate, double hate, loathe entirely, it’s someone trying to steal Christmas cheer.
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Separate crashes in Allen Parish claimed the lives of two SWLA men Friday afternoon.
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Sale Road will remain closed to through traffic between West Prien Lake and Burton Lane as the widening project continues.
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Boyd “Lurch” Hagood of Baytown, Texas, pleaded guilty to manslaughter Wednesday for his involvement in the killing of Dustin Hammons in August 2017.
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