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

It’s an alarming new version of an old scam where criminals try to convince you they have illicit recordings, photos, or information about you saying they’ll release it unless you pay up.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 22, 2020 at 10:24 PM

Car crashes into Carlyss mobile home following police pursuit

A car crashed into a mobile home in Carlyss following a police chase Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 21, 2020 at 2:23 PM

City of Lake Charles launches “The Veterans’ Oral Histories Project”

We can learn so much from older residents of Southwest Louisiana, especially from those who served our country. The City of Lake Charles has launched a new project to help tell local veterans’ stories.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 20, 2020 at 9:52 PM

USS Orleck passes major hurdle towards potential move to Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Downtown Development Authority unanimously approved the idea of the Orleck becoming a floating naval museum in the city.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 15, 2020 at 9:47 PM

“I can multiply”: Local group shows importance of knowing multiplication

You may have spotted them on the streets of downtown Lake Charles or at the mall: a group of locals is looking to spread the importance of math education one multiplication question at a time.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 10, 2020 at 10:59 PM

New restaurant coming to the Enterprise Boulevard Economic Development District

Burley Thompson calls it a passion project.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 9, 2020 at 10:31 PM

Ragley residents voice concerns over proposed compressor station at neighborhood meeting

Some Ragley residents are voicing concerns about a proposed compressor station that could be built in their area. Sunday they held a neighborhood meeting to discuss the project.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 6, 2020 at 10:31 PM

Lake Charles City Council votes to privatize Civic Center management

Who should manage the Lake Charles Civic Center? That question was answered at the first Lake Charles City Council meeting of the year.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 2, 2020 at 10:36 PM

Officials stress fire safety for new year after several fatal fires in December

Last month alone the State Fire Marshall’s Office investigated 10 fatal fires that killed 12 people; the latest one was on New Year’s Eve.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 1, 2020 at 10:38 PM

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office year in review

2019 was a busy year for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, but Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they saw some decreases in certain crimes.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 31, 2019 at 10:16 PM

Lake Charles announces Acadian Ambulance project in Nellie Lutcher Cultural District

Friday afternoon Acadian Ambulance announced they will be revitalizing the form Dimmick Supply Company building off of Enterprise Boulevard for several uses, like creating a maintenance facility and National EMS Academy.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 20, 2019 at 10:28 PM

Lake Charles sewing class makes quilts for local veterans

A senior sewing class at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in North Lake Charles is spreading holiday cheer this week by presenting over a dozen local veterans with quilts they have made.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 19, 2019 at 10:43 PM

Lake Charles City Council takes final action on city’s agreement with Crying Eagle Brewery

The Lake Charles City Council voted 6-for approving a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City of Lake Charles and Crying Eagle Brewery for the construction of a restaurant on the Lake Charles lakefront.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 18, 2019 at 10:32 PM

Virtual scenario training for local law enforcement

There are few things that can simulate real life situations that law enforcement officers face every day, but the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has a virtual training system that comes pretty close and it’s preparing officers across Southwest Louisiana for anything that could happen.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 17, 2019 at 10:53 PM

Tornado responsible for one fatality in Rosepine, traveled 63 miles from DeRidder to Alexandria

Deputy Chief Chris Rudy says that fire and police are currently at CBG Buick GMC on U.S. 171 following damage from a possible tornado.

Johnathan Manning, Chandler Watkins and Jillian Corder

Published December 16, 2019 at 6:45 PM

CPSO deputies complete week long training

Commander James McGee with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says the training helps patrol be ready for any situation.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 13, 2019 at 11:01 PM

When will the new Calcasieu Coroner’s Office be built?

No space, sewage backups, a leaky roof - those are just some of the daily issues staff have had to deal with at the Calcasieu Coroner’s Office. Building a new Coroner’s Office has been on the books since 2015, but what’s the latest on the project?

Chandler Watkins

Published December 11, 2019 at 10:44 PM

Finances discussed at the last Sulphur City Council meeting of 2019

The city of Sulphur held its last City Council meeting of 2019 Monday night. The main topics revolved around the city’s finances, including a sales tax that will soon be up for renewal and a look at Sulphur’s spending in the past fiscal year.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 9, 2019 at 10:48 PM

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