Charles Burkett
Reporter
Monroe, La.
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Charles is a reporter for KNOE 8 News.
Born and raised in Texas, Charles loves local food, flavors, and people. He enjoys meeting new people and talking about their passions. A graduate from the University of North Texas in Denton, he found his passion in reporting about local businesses, events, music, and people that make a town what it is.
Before he studied journalism, he had a few other careers. One of those was being a pastry chef for a four-star restaurant after he attended cooking school.
He is married to his wife Jessica and has a son, Jackson. He is a fan of craft beer, karaoke, and loves to learn about new things.
Charles recently moved to Louisiana, which is his first time living outside the Lone Star State. He already loves the people, atmosphere and food, and says that Monroe reminds him of Denton.
He loves talking to others about the things they enjoy in life, so if you see him around town, say hello!
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If you are looking for a great stop for a detour on your trip going south, Harrisonburg has a place to consider. The Deli, owned by Judy Cotton, has something for everyone.
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Dr. Les Guice sat down with us to discuss his years spent at Louisiana Tech University.
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One place in Northeast Louisiana is suggested when anyone asks for Cajun cuisine, Fontenot's Cajun Way. Find out what makes this the place to go for Cajun food and flavors.
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Officials with the City of Winnsboro have hired the city’s first female interim fire chief this month. Mikala Weems was selected to head the department.
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The city of Winnsboro officials hired the first female fire chief this month. She has set goals for improvement and inspire future women leaders.
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Board and Bottle in Ruston will change what you think of English food. With bright and fresh flavors, the dishes created by Jayne Archer-Jenkins are one of a kind.
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The updates being made to the entrance of Kiroli Park are expected to be nearing completion. The community will soon be able to enjoy all the park has to offer again!
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Peach City Rolled Ice Cream and Boba Fresh have creative ways they present their sweet treats from overseas.
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The family of Ronald Greene organized a display of solidarity outside the Union Parish Courthouse on Aug. 22. It comes as two officers charged in Greene’s death had a hearing.
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Hear what Branded BBQ has to offer its customers and what makes it a place that will feed your soul.
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"Our children in the future, for them, not just what I want for myself, but what I want for them and their children. And so, I think anything that we can do now that builds a better future for them should be a focus," said Shiela Snow, West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce Government Advocacy Chair.
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The vote to increase El Dorado School District's millage will fund a new facility to replace a current elementary if passed.
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The West Monroe HS Robotics Team is trying to raise funds for the year. The organization is looking for sponsors to help with travel, supply, and other expenses.
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Coconuts Bar & Grill with Chef Ashley Allen feels like you are on vacation the moment you walk in. He brings the Caribbean to you in the food he prepares with fresh ingredients.
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Watch for the Copsicles Ice Cream Truck and Copsicles Sweet Treats n Bakery, serving nostalgic treats that will feed your soul.
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Chef Ashley Allen creates an atmosphere pairing Caribbean flare with Louisiana flavors at Coconuts Bar & Grill in Vidalia that will feed your soul.
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The Autism Society of North Louisiana is working to help educators and the community with resources on ways to help individuals with autism.
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In Crossett, Ar. SheBrews Coffee Co. was created with the community in mind where flavors are fun and different than what many might expect.
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How the Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers Team takes fishing to new levels at the National Fishing Championship.
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For many artists, it takes a while to make a living from art. Thankfully, local artist Katherine Ashley has started a space on Cypress Street to help others have a space to create, teach, and sell their work.
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“I think parents are starting to see the importance of getting kids outside in nature. We’ve had kids out here before, and they’re like, what’s that noise? That’s bird singing?”
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After a tornado ripped through the Farmerville area on Dec. 13, 2022, Six months later, storms with high winds came to the area. One woman relives the moments her home was destroyed.
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“Our history is intimately, intimately related to the railroad industry. Ruston wouldn’t even be here as the town it is if it were not for the railroads.”
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“Actually, it feels like to me a slap in the face. What we have now is a decreased amount."
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“That’s one ingredient I always try to have to treat people nice... customer service, customer service... Treat them like I want to be treated.”
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One place in Natchez has a history that fits right in with the town's historic homes.
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With Entergy bills going up, what are steps you can take to lower your bill?
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“Well, some of the initial results are really showing a lot of progress. We’ve heard from parents that if they employed the tutoring during the spring semester that their children were really showing a lot of growth in school.”
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Casey Sandidge, owner of the Blue Taco truck from Columbia, is changing the idea that tacos are only designated for Tuesdays.
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“Having something like this in Rayville is pretty exciting. I’m glad about this, I love ice cream. So, I’m happy,” said Messina.
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Go Care is relocating to a location on Crosley Street in West Monroe and will be not only expanding its footprint but also its offerings.
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If you enjoy a diet-friendly snack in the afternoon, head out to Lifestyle Nutrition in West Monroe for a sweet treat to keep you on track.
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Vaping has become popular as an alternative to smoking, especially among teens.
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New Monroe charter school proposed named the Academy of Collaborative Education for students on the autistic spectrum.
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New Town Burgers in Oak Ridge is a place that will surprise you with flavor and more. Mike and Tammie Morgan make sure you will leave full.
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The Academy of Collaborative Education, or ACE, administrators have submitted an application to the Louisiana BESE board. They are looking for teachers, LSPs, TAs, and a principal to fill roles within the school. They are in the preliminary stages of getting ready to start.
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Mayor Crystal Marshall of Crossett, Arkansas, is looking for candidates to fill her intern position working beside her in the community this summer. It is an opportunity for a student to get a behind-the-scenes experience of city government.
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Despite the chances of contracting West Nile being minimal, the impact can be serious. Professionals say there are ways to help avoid the possibility of getting the disease.
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Crawfish is a serious business in Louisiana, and for many, it is something that reminds them of a Louisiana family gathering. And one place in West Monroe has a feel and flavor that have customers coming back.
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Lake D'Arbonne residents are experiencing issues with the lake levels, like trash, smells, and water damage to property. The DOTD is working to get the Tainter gate repaired to help lower lake water levels.
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Despite the chances of contracting West Nile being minimal, the impact can be serious. Professionals say there are ways to help avoid getting the disease.
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“We have to celebrate our local musicians and artists to make all of this work together.”
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Victory Pizza inside Flying Tiger Brewery in Monroe is making a name with unique pizza flavors that will entice foodies and more. The pizza and beer is paired perfectly to create a one-of-a-kind craft beer and pizza destination.
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Victory Pizza inside Flying Tiger Brewery in Monroe is making a name with unique pizza flavors that will entice foodies and more. The pizza and beer are paired perfectly to create a one-of-a-kind craft beer and pizza destination.
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Whether you call it a cup of joe, a cup of java, or an americano, almost everyone loves coffee. And in Ruston, there is a new shop serving coffee with a purpose.
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If you find yourself heading through Vidalia, Louisiana, there is a place you will want to visit that has some great cuts of meat that are juicy and tender.
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“There are two types of landowners in Louisiana, those that have feral hogs and those that are going to have feral hogs.”
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In Mrs. Jill Humpherys’s classroom, you will hear the whizzing and whirring of gears, getting ready for the Arkansas robotics state championships in Russellville, Arkansas.
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Hearing the sizzle on the grill of fresh meats and the smell of spice in the air, people can hear and smell fresh tortillas being made, there is one place to go if you are looking for a true Mexican meal.
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The idea of high tech in a rural space is something new. Chester Wilson, president of Pelican Defense Technologies, LLC, said he drove through the Farmerville area and saw something more.
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