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

8 SWLA residents among the 63 arrested statewide in Operation Broken Heart

63 people from across Louisiana have been arrested on child exploitation charges as part of Operation Broken Heart, the Attorney General’s Office announced Monday, June 24. 8 of those arrested were in Southwest Louisiana.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 25, 2019 at 11:17 PM

Sulphur residents losing recycling through city; encouraged to use CPPJ Solid Waste Convenience Center

The City of Sulphur is getting rid of it’s recycling plan due to continuous contamination of its recycling bins, according to a news release from the city.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 24, 2019 at 9:57 PM

Lake Charles City Council votes to allow LCPD exceed overtime budget

The original overtime budget, $700,000, was set back in 2007 according to Police Chief Caldwell.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 20, 2019 at 9:52 PM

LCPD releases names of victims in double homicide investigation on 5th Street

The Lake Charles Police Department has released the names of the two victims from a weekend double homicide.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 17, 2019 at 10:32 PM

Fort Polk community welcomes familiar face as new Garrison Commander

With Colonel Jarrett Thomas II leaving soon for Afghanistan to serve as a Senior Adviser for the Ministry of Defense, it was a homecoming of sorts for the new Garrison Commander, Colonel Ryan Roseberry.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 13, 2019 at 10:53 PM

Lake Charles Police announce 8 arrests, searching for 2 armed suspects

The Lake Charles Police Department held a Wednesday afternoon news conference to give updates on several recent investigations in the city.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 12, 2019 at 6:24 PM

Sulphur High School students donate radar speed signs to city through SCIP

Five Sulphur High Schools students were able to donate two radar speed signs to be placed on Beglis Parkway in school zones through the Sulphur Community Impact Program.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 10, 2019 at 10:30 PM

Police investigate after puppy found in Kinder dumpster

The Kinder Police Department says they are investigating after a puppy was found in a dumpster off of Highway 165.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 7, 2019 at 6:06 PM

Sulphur Police honor Acadian Ambulance for quick response to motorcade crash

It’s been almost a month since three Lake Area officers were injured while escorting President Trump through the area. Wednesday morning, the Sulphur Police Department honored several Acadian Ambulance EMTs and Paramedics who responded to the scene.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 5, 2019 at 9:49 PM

Local teachers react to Legislature passing teacher pay raises

The Louisiana Legislature unanimously passed legislation giving state teachers a $1,000 pay raise and school support workers a $500 raise. Local teachers say they’re happy with the raise that will take effect next school year.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 4, 2019 at 10:41 PM

‘100 Deadliest Days’ for teen drivers between Memorial Day and Labor Day

AAA has named the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as 'The Deadliest 100 Days' for teen drivers across the United States.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 3, 2019 at 10:09 PM

With several water-related incidents in the past few weeks, authorities want you to know what to do if you get pulled out to sea.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 31, 2019 at 10:20 PM

Cameron Parish Deputy hailed as hero after he and several others rescue children at Mae’s Beach

Memorial Day at Mae’s Beach could have turned deadly without the quick thinking of a Cameron Parish Deputy and several bystanders.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 30, 2019 at 10:48 PM

Louisiana laws and penalties on leaving a child in a vehicle

According to the National Safety Council, on average, 38 children die each year after being left alone in a hot car, but in 2018 alone, 52 children died, making it the deadliest year on record in the past 20 years.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 29, 2019 at 10:21 PM

Cancer leading cause of death among firefighters, IAFF says

“In the fire service, the nature of the fire creates a lot of carcinogens, which can be related to cancer," DeRidder Fire Chief Kenneth Harlow said. "With that said, the exposure the firefighters receive during fighting these fires have a tendency to be increased.”

Chandler Watkins

Published May 28, 2019 at 10:11 PM

Fort Polk and JRTC holds Memorial Day Ceremony

Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center held a Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 27, 2019 at 10:09 PM

DeRidder girl asks for food donations for city pound in lieu of birthday presents

This isn’t the first time Gillen has done this. Last year she also asked for donations to give to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office and ended up giving over 500 pounds of dog and cat food.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 24, 2019 at 8:45 PM

Manifest shows what hazardous chemicals were on 18-wheeler that shut down WB I-10 in Sulphur for hours

State Police says the leaking fluid was a mixture of flammables, poisons, and corrosives.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 24, 2019 at 10:38 AM

How long do you think you have to escape a car sinking in the water? According to authorities, you actually have more time than you think you do.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 23, 2019 at 2:39 PM

Sulphur Police arrest 5 accused of having inappropriate relationships with juvenile

The Sulphur Police Department has arrested 5 men for allegedly having inappropriate relationships with the same 14-year-old juvenile.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 21, 2019 at 8:16 PM

Westlake Police Department moves into new building

According to Police Chief Chris Wilrye, the James 'Hawk’ Herford Emergency Response Center is 25 years in the making.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 20, 2019 at 10:41 PM

A drunk driving charge isn’t the only crime that has a cleansing period in Louisiana. Other non-violent crimes have similar look back periods; marijuana possession has a two year cleansing period.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 17, 2019 at 10:17 PM

Three officers injured in motorcade crash receive presidential coins

Three motorcycle officers - two Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies and one Sulphur Police Department captain - who were injured escorting President Trump’s motorcade Tuesday have each received presidential challenge coins and a set of cuff links.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 15, 2019 at 2:01 PM

Sulphur residents to see utility rates raise after City Council passes ordinances

The Sulphur City Council passed three ordinances raising utilities rates for water, sewage, and trash Monday night.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 13, 2019 at 10:09 PM

State lawmakers looking to crack down on DWI offenders

In the state legislature, lawmakers are looking to crack down on those arrested and charged with DWI to make sure they don’t become repeat offenders.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 8, 2019 at 10:08 PM

Hackberry residents react to Pres. Trump visiting Cameron LNG

Hackberry residents are starting the countdown to President Trump’s visit to Cameron Parish next week.

Chandler Watkins

Published May 7, 2019 at 10:08 PM

Sulphur Police partners with NHTSA for ‘Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month’

Motorcycle crashes are 28 times more likely to be fatal compared to vehicle crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration., which is why they have designated May as ‘Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.'

Chandler Watkins

Published May 3, 2019 at 6:11 PM

Local doctor shares son’s story to highlight importance of routine well visits

Well visits are beneficial at any age. When you see your doctor regularly, they are able to spot potential health issues before they become a problem. These routine well visits should start as soon as 2 to 5 days after birth according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.