Good morning, Lake Charles.

Retired endodontist Kenneth Parks (a hometown hero) has turned his retirement into a mission by traveling to places like Honduras to bring dental care and hope to those in need.

He now encourages locals to join community support through church or schools.

Louisiana's $1 billion hurricane recovery program for homes after storms in 2020 and 2021 will end this year.

The community is invited to share their experiences—whether they rebuilt, relocated, or faced ongoing damage—through an online survey.

The Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo starts Saturday at the Burton Complex with daily heritage trail rides (9 a.m. departures) from Gueydan, followed by a Lake Charles parade on Jan.

29 featuring rodeo action, autograph sessions, and free breakfast events.

Imperial Calcasieu Museum is hosting a guided walking tour on Jan.

31 that begins at Historic City Hall (the starting point) and moves down Ryan Street while visitors learn about local history, including the site of the 1910 fire.

Louisiana holds the nation’s highest sales tax burden at 10.11% due to a law that raised the state tax from 4.45% to 5% effective Jan.

1, 2025 (with local rates adding more). Lawmakers also raised standard deductions for households while efforts to tax extra services stalled.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury lifted the burn ban set on Jan.

2 due to dry conditions (low humidity and wind), allowing residents to resume activities that were restricted during the ban.

Local doctors announced a new colorectal cancer treatment yesterday that may eliminate the need for surgery (after promising trials) and will move into further clinical tests soon.

Tricia Bruns of Homesteading From Scratch in Moss Bluff now offers healthier king cakes free of artificial dyes after creating a recipe safe for her daughter with allergies.

The drive-up farmstand is at 2019 Pawnee Drive and opens on the first and third weekends each month.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Wednesday morning at Mid-City Lofts (2701 Lake St.), marking a recovery milestone for the area.

The 46-unit, mixed-income development was unveiled after a $40M HUD grant and sets the stage for upcoming resilient infrastructure.

Barbe High girls soccer team won their district championship with a 3-0 home win over rival Sulphur on Monday.

Junior goalkeeper Jordan Woods and senior captain Kensley Rowse led the team, which plans to boost its offense before playoffs start in two weeks.

Three Southland programs, including local McNeese State, were named in a federal point-shaving indictment filed last Thursday in Philadelphia, casting doubt on recent game outcomes after both McNeese and Stephen F.

Austin received NCAA Tournament bids.

Desert Highway Valentine's Dinner

8-11 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Cost not specified — Celebrate love with a romantic dinner and an unforgettable live performance by Desert Highway, the ultimate Eagles tribute.

McNeese State Cowgirls Basketball vs. UTRGV

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena, Doland Fieldhouse — Check for ticket prices — Witness a critical Southland Conference matchup as the Cowgirls battle UTRGV for tournament seeding.