Chandler Watkins

Reporter

Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Chandler is excited to be in Shreveport 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 Northwest Louisiana, watching sports, or trying out new foods.

Education:

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

Recent Articles by Chandler

Casinos across Louisiana to close at midnight amid COVID-19 concerns

This is subject to an extension, if necessary.

Danielle Scruggs and Chandler Watkins

Published March 16, 2020 at 6:58 PM

Sulphur and DeRidder are two of the safest cities in Louisiana

The National Council for Home Safety and Security released a study showing DeRidder and Sulphur are two of the safest cities in Louisiana.

Chandler Watkins

Published February 17, 2020 at 10:17 PM

Secretary of State speaks about election security ahead of 2020 election

Chandler Watkins

Published February 14, 2020 at 10:26 PM

SWLA Lake Charles Launch encourages entrepreneurship

Chandler Watkins

Published February 13, 2020 at 10:54 PM

Senator Kennedy weighs in on President Trump’s 2021 fiscal year budget plan

Chandler Watkins

Published February 12, 2020 at 10:51 PM

Discussions for new concession stand, turf at Sam Houston tabled amidst concerns over Gillis Elementary

What began as a discussion proposing a new concession stand and football field turf at Sam Houston High School, quickly devolved into residents voicing their concerns with Gillis Elementary.

Chandler Watkins

Published February 11, 2020 at 11:03 PM

The I-10 Bridge: Past, Present, and Future

The Calcasieu River Bridge. Tens of thousands of people use it every day, but many say the aging bridge has seen better days.

Chandler Watkins

Published February 10, 2020 at 10:44 PM

Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office still searching for Bradley Stracener

The search continues for a missing Leesville man who hasn’t been seen since last year.

Chandler Watkins

Published February 7, 2020 at 10:15 PM

Washington-Marion students upgrade local park through Tellurian’s Youth LEAD Program

Several Washington-Marion students are making a difference in the City of Lake Charles through Tellurian’s Youth LEAD Program.

Chandler Watkins

Published February 5, 2020 at 10:26 PM

Life expectancy is up in the United States; how SWLA compares

Life expectancy in the United States is up for the first time in years according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Chandler Watkins

Published February 4, 2020 at 10:28 PM

6 Cadets join Louisiana State Police Troop D

After 23 weeks of intense training, the Cadet Class 99 has been assigned to troops across the state. 6 have been assigned to Troop D, which covers Southwest Louisiana.

Chandler Watkins

Published February 3, 2020 at 10:36 PM

City of Lake Charles to hold panel on JFK’s 1959 Lake Charles visit

Before he announced his candidacy for president, then-Senator John F Kennedy made a 2-day visit to Louisiana in 1959. The tour ended at the Pioneer Club in Lake Charles.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 30, 2020 at 10:48 PM

DeRidder community comes together to help the homeless

“It almost makes you want to cry because you always hear the bad news, you know you don’t really hear about people being kind," she said. "That’s our big thing now. Be kind. I feel like this has really brought a small community together.”

Chandler Watkins

Published January 29, 2020 at 10:24 PM

Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office releases crime stats from 2018 and 2019

Sheriff Craft says when comparing their stats from 2018 and 2019 to the national stats put together by the FBI, the only stat that shows an increase in Vernon Parish from the national average is rape or sex crimes.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 27, 2020 at 10:39 PM

Children’s Miracle Network chooses 2020 Miracle Family in Southwest Louisiana

On Friday, the 2020 Children’s Miracle Network Local Champion Ceremony was held with the announcement of the 2020 Miracle Family: Scott and Kara Ortego and their daughter Bella Grace.

Chandler Watkins

Published January 24, 2020 at 10:34 PM

Lake Charles Police offering Safe & Secure Program for burglary prevention

Through this program, LCPD Property Crimes detectives and Community Policing officers will schedule a time meet with the property owner and complete a security check, including an inspection of both the inside and outside of the property to advise property owners of where improvements can be made in

Chandler Watkins

Published January 23, 2020 at 10:45 PM

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

Currently in
Lake Charles, LA

Chandler Watkins

Reporter

Education:

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