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

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

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

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

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

Giant Salvinia: The non-native plant in Louisiana waters

On the surface, it seems like just another plant, when in reality, it’s anything but.

Chandler Watkins

Published July 26, 2019 at 10:39 PM

Supreme Court rules police can draw blood from unconscious drivers

Last Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement officers may order blood drawn, without a warrant, from an unconscious person suspected of driving under the influence.

Chandler Watkins

Published July 1, 2019 at 11:25 PM

NASA plans to send astronauts to the moon in 2024

50 years after the Apollo 11 Mission sent 3 American astronauts to the moon, NASA is working to do it again; this time, sending the first woman to the moon.

Chandler Watkins

Published June 30, 2019 at 11:05 AM

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

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

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

Two Louisiana veterans soar the SWLA sky

Two veterans in our area got the chance of a lifetime and took to the skies in a 1940s airplane.

Chandler Watkins

Published April 19, 2019 at 10:57 PM

Community comes together for funeral for two veterans with no known relatives

Two veterans with no known living relatives were laid to rest with hundreds from around the community attending their funeral.

Chandler Watkins

Published April 17, 2019 at 10:46 PM

DeRidder Police Department launches ‘Take Me Home’ Program

The program is intended to help officers find people with disabilities as quickly as possible when they wander away from their families or caregivers and return them home safely.

Chandler Watkins

Published April 8, 2019 at 7:23 PM

Louisiana woman warns of UPS phishing email scam

Have you ever received an email or phone call saying you won a free cruise of had free money waiting for you? If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Chandler Watkins

Published March 25, 2019 at 10:51 PM

Audit shows Housing Authority of Lake Charles may have violated state constitution

An investigative audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office shows the Housing Authority of Lake Charles paid a contractor thousands for undocumented inspections.

Chandler Watkins

Published March 7, 2019 at 6:15 PM

Grandparent scam: One Lake Area man warns others of scam call

A scam aimed at grandparents has made it’s way to SWLA; one Lake Area man is warning others signs to look out for.

Chandler Watkins

Published February 21, 2019 at 10:35 PM

December is the leading month for home fires in the United States according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Chandler Watkins

Published December 5, 2018 at 11:17 PM

Crime rate rises around holidays, police say

The Sulphur Police Department has tips for residents to keep safe this holiday season.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 14, 2018 at 10:00 PM

Police still searching for escaped Sulphur inmate

Authorities still searching for an inmate who reportedly escaped from the Sulphur jail Tuesday morning.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 7, 2018 at 10:19 PM

Police see rise in counterfeit currency in SWLA

As the holiday season begins, law enforcement through Southwest Louisiana is warning people to watch out for counterfeit money.

Chandler Watkins

Published November 2, 2018 at 10:20 PM

Parents speak out after daycare worker arrested

DeRidder Police arrested 23-year-old Kelsey Dease last month for alleged child abuse and neglect, and now, parents whose children attended Building Blocks Daycare in DeRidder, the daycare Dease worked at before being fired, are speaking out.