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

Lake Charles holding a public meeting for future of the Civic Center

Katie Harrington, the city spokesperson, says the meeting is being held to discuss the possibility of Lake Charles contracting with a professional management company for operations of the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 5, 2019 at 11:54 AM

Lake Charles City Council unanimously votes to look into televising meetings

The issue of transparency came up at tonight’s Lake Charles City Council meeting amid calls for the Council to broadcast its meetings like several other entities in Calcasieu Parish do.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 4, 2019 at 10:52 PM

2 former Lake Charles Police officers sentenced to 5 years probation

Neither Kleckley or Hebert can be employed again as law enforcement officers after their sentences according to Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 3, 2019 at 2:52 PM

Preventive health care at the forefront of genetic testing at CHRISTUS Ochsner Wellness Screening and Genetics Center

When it comes to cancer, early detection can save your life. That's why the CHRISTUS Ochsner Wellness Screening and Genetics Center is putting preventive health care front and center with their genetic testing.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 2, 2019 at 8:42 PM

CPSO executes warrant on wrong house, issues apology to homeowners

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies went to execute a warrant, but there was a problem; it was the wrong house. Now Sheriff Mancuso is apologizing to the homeowners.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 28, 2019 at 10:26 PM

Authorities: Man shot by deputy expected to be arrested when released from hospital

A man shot by a Jeff Davis deputy Wednesday is expected to be arrested when he is released from the hospital.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 28, 2019 at 6:26 PM

Man in surgery following officer-involved shooting near Lacassine

There has been in an officer-involved shooting in Jeff Davis Parish.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 27, 2019 at 3:46 PM

Authorities still searching for answers to human head found in Cameron Parish in 2018

“You have to think that anyone who has gone missing has a loved one out there who is looking for them, who is missing them," Calcasieu Coroner’s Office Chief Investigator Charlie Hunter said. “We are just hoping to circulate that picture to as many people as we can hoping that someone will call.”

Chandler Watkins

Published November 26, 2019 at 11:04 PM

Sulphur Police arrest 3 in connection to ATM theft

The Sulphur Police Department has arrested three Texas men in connection to an ATM theft Thursday morning.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 21, 2019 at 10:37 PM

City of Lake Charles bus stops get upgrades

There are 245 bus stops along 5 fixed routes in Lake Charles, but only 53 of them are covered. Mayor Nic Hunter says that’s a number they are hoping to change over the next few months

Chandler Watkins

Published November 20, 2019 at 10:15 PM

Washington-Marion students create powerful cyberbullying PSA

Cyberbullying continues to be a problem; new data shows cyberbullying is growing, especially for middle and high school students.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 19, 2019 at 10:33 PM

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office launches Real Time Crime Center

Sheriff Tony Mancuso calling it the future of law enforcement.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 18, 2019 at 10:04 PM

Sulphur Police undergo active shooter training

It can happen anywhere: an active shooter situation. In those types of situations, we turn to first responders to keep us safe and eliminate the threat.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 16, 2019 at 3:50 PM

Some residents believe it’s a ‘tale of two cities’ in Lake Charles

“I feel sad," Randy Thibodeaux said. "I feel like our leaders have let us down.”

Chandler Watkins

Published November 15, 2019 at 4:54 AM

Sulphur PD one step closer to getting updated cameras, software

At their Tuesday night meeting, the Sulphur City Council approved a resolution authorizing a request for proposals for 30 body cameras, 30 in-car cameras, interrogation room cameras and cloud-based software and video storage for SPD.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 13, 2019 at 8:48 PM

CPSB votes to give employees bigger salary supplement this year

In this year's salary supplement, CPSB teachers can expect $4,550 and other personnel can expect $3,185.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 12, 2019 at 10:11 PM

Vietnam Memorial replica in DeRidder through Veterans Day

The traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is in DeRidder. The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 7, 2019 at 10:41 PM

U.S. Army launching new campaign to reach new generation of recruits

The U.S. Army will launch its new marketing campaign, “What’s Your Warrior?” Nov. 11, Veterans Day, “to celebrate the patriotism, service, and sacrifices of all who served in the U.S. military”.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 5, 2019 at 11:50 PM

Daylight saving time potentially affects your sleep and overall health

Over the weekend, millions of people set their clocks back an hour for daylight saving time. While many love that extra hour of sleep, health professionals say the time change could impact you negatively.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 4, 2019 at 10:26 PM

2nd Annual Living Cemetery tour in Lake Charles a hit

The 2nd Annual Living Cemetery tour led people through areas like Sallier Cemetery to meet local historical figures and hear their life stories.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 1, 2019 at 11:28 PM

3rd Annual Trick or Treat with the Veterans at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home

The Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home opened it’s doors to the community for its 3rd annual Trick or Treat with the Veterans event.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 31, 2019 at 10:57 PM

Audit finds Allen Correctional Center failed to maintain automotive fuel inventory

An audit of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections shows “inadequate controls over inventory” at several correctional centers across Lousiana that have not been resolved.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 30, 2019 at 9:38 PM

The Fenton city council has repealed an ordinance banning pit bulls from the village.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 30, 2019 at 9:06 PM

2018 roadway fatalities report released, how SWLA compares

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released it’s data on 2018 roadway fatalities showing an overall decline compared to 2017.

Chandler Watkins

Published October 28, 2019 at 11:00 PM

Chennault hosting Air Force and C-130s for joint training exercises this week

If you have seen new aircraft in the skies above Southwest Louisiana, it’s because the United States Air Force has landed in Lake Charles at Chennault. The airport says they are hosting the aircrews and 2 C-130 aircrafts this week as a part of a Green Flag Little Rock exercise.