Chandler Watkins

Reporter

Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Chandler is excited to be in Lake Charles covering the news that matters to you. Chandler graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in December 2017 after studying broadcast journalism and public relations. She worked for the student-run news station, News 6, as a reporter, anchor, and even news director! In her free time, you can find Chandler exploring Southwest Louisiana, watching sports, or trying out all the amazing Cajun food.

Education:

University of Central Arkansas, Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations, 2017

Recent Articles by Chandler

Tense public hearing at Jeff Davis Building and Grounds Committee meeting over name for new Jennings elementary school

The only item on the agenda was deciding what name for the new elementary school in Jennings to send to the full School Board for a final vote

Chandler Watkins

Published October 22, 2019 at 10:00 PM

Westlake City Council votes to join Louisiana Community Development Authority

The LCDA was created to provide tax-free financing to participating political subdivisions; those being school boards, parishes, and municipalities.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 22, 2019 at 5:50 AM

Lake Charles Police investigate over 100 shootings in 2019

Lake Charles police have now investigated over 100 shootings since the start of 2019

Chandler Watkins

Published October 18, 2019 at 10:52 PM

Robbery suspect gives stolen cash to cops, later returns for money and is arrested

Sulphur Police say they were dispatched to Rouses on Carlyss Blvd on Tuesday, October 8 for a robbery that happened around 11:50 p.m.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 15, 2019 at 10:59 PM

The Sabine Pass Lighthouse has stood since 1856, but it’s been over 60 years since light has shone from its beacon. The Cameron Preservation Alliance is hoping to change that.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 14, 2019 at 10:04 PM

Infrastructure upgrades big focus of Lake Charles 2019-2020 fiscal year budget

Mayor Nic Hunter says one of the main focuses with this fiscal year's budget is infrastructure upgrades.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 9, 2019 at 11:25 PM

CPSB considers BYOD program for several other high schools

Just nine weeks ago Sam Houston High School launched it’s Bring Your Own Device program at school, allowing cell phones on campus and in the classrooms after the Calcasieu Parish School Board approved it in their July meeting.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 8, 2019 at 11:13 PM

Authorities say no suspect has been taken into custody at this time.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 6, 2019 at 9:35 PM

Representative Higgins tours CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital, discusses early access to healthcare

While Congress is on recess, Representative Clay Higgins visited the Lake Area Thursday to tour CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital, specifically the Wellness, Screening and Genetics building and the NICU.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 3, 2019 at 10:36 PM

Lake Charles creates online permit center

Lake Charles has rolled out a new way to submit permits to the city.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 2, 2019 at 10:01 PM

DeRidder Police Department goes pink with new badges for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Officers at the department say they want to be a part of bringing attention and supporting awareness, early detection, and treatment for the disease by wearing the pink badges for the entire month of October.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 1, 2019 at 10:54 PM

10-year-old found driving school bus across Jennings

The child was taken into custody and the bus returned

Patrick Deaville and Chandler Watkins

Published September 30, 2019 at 11:26 AM

Early voting in Louisiana starts Saturday, September 28 and goes until Saturday, October 5 each day except Sunday.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 27, 2019 at 9:19 PM

Lake Charles Police bring back Pastors on Patrol program

Pastors on Patrol is back at the Lake Charles Police Department.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 26, 2019 at 10:15 PM

Village of Fenton bans pit bulls, pit bull mixes

The Village of Fenton passed an ordinance this month banning pit bulls and several pit bull mixes. It comes after they say a man was bitten by one.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 25, 2019 at 11:05 PM

Open checkbook program fails in CPSB Committee

An open checkbook program would give Calcasieu residents an easy way to see how money is being spent by the School Board.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 24, 2019 at 11:17 PM

Winner of 2019 St. Jude Dream Home announced

Ruth Unkel of Kinder is the lucky winner of the beautiful home in the Graywood Community and on Monday she toured the home for the first time.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 23, 2019 at 10:45 PM

Lake Charles City Council member believes knowledge of drive-by shooting penalties might deter them

With officials saying they are seeing an increase in the number of drive-by shootings in the city, one council member who hopes showing the penalties one could face might deter the crime.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 20, 2019 at 10:01 PM

West Calcasieu Port receives new funding

The West Calcasieu Port is getting some major upgrades, thanks to a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 19, 2019 at 9:37 PM

Lake Charles City Council backs new I-10 bridge campaign

The Calcasieu River Bridge was one of the topics discussed at Wednesday night’s Lake Charles City Council meeting.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 18, 2019 at 11:12 PM

Vietnam deal brings Magnolia LNG one step closer to construction

Earlier this week Magnolia LNG announced it’s reached a 20-year sale and purchase agreement with Vietnam to supply a power project in the Southeast Asian country.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 17, 2019 at 11:37 PM

Port of Lake Charles holds special meeting to elect board members

The Port of Lake Charles held a special meeting Tuesday evening; the first since a lawsuit against several board members for allegedly electing officers illegally. The lawsuit has since been settled.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 17, 2019 at 11:23 PM

15-year-old boy honored for saving father’s life

The Houston River Fire Department and Acadian Ambulance are honoring 15-year-old Blaine Campbell for saving his father’s life.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 16, 2019 at 10:53 PM

Lake Area Bahamian talks about Dorian aftermath

“We have a saying: When one Bahamian hurts, all Bahamians hurt.”

Chandler Watkins

Published September 12, 2019 at 9:52 PM

9/11 Survivor recounts being in South Tower when plane hit

Stanley Praimnath says September 11, 2001 started out like any other work day.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 12, 2019 at 5:32 AM

Calcasieu Animal Services provides updates on 2016 major upgrades

In 2016, the Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center announced a major facility upgrade at their property off Swift Plant Road. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury said it would be completed by 2018. Three years later, construction hasn’t started yet.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 10, 2019 at 10:49 PM

Sulphur City Council repeals ordinance prohibiting sale of alcohol in motor vehicles

The Sulphur City Council took final action on repealing an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages to people in motor vehicles.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 9, 2019 at 11:07 PM

What caused black water in Contraband Bayou?

Some Lake Charles residents living near Contraband Bayou may have seen black-looking water earlier this week.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 6, 2019 at 10:14 PM

Jennings Police restructures narcotics unit for growing drug problem, overdoses in the city

The Jennings Police Department says they have seen an increase in drug overdoses in recent weeks.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 5, 2019 at 10:36 PM

Law enforcement using surveillance videos to aid investigations

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday that they, along with more than 400 other law enforcement agencies, have partnered with Ring to make it easier for authorities to access user videos. Other agencies across SWLA have similar programs.

Chandler Watkins

Published September 4, 2019 at 11:14 PM

Currently in
Lake Charles, LA

Chandler Watkins

Reporter

Education:

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