Good morning, Lake Charles.

Southwest Louisiana organizations deployed on Jan.

29 to assist with winter storm recovery in affected communities. Their teams (including emergency crews and public works) are coordinating cleanup and repair efforts.

This year’s fourth annual Brodeo benefits children with special needs at the Burton Complex in Lake Charles, where kids enjoy safe rodeo activities like bull-riding stations and barrel racing with stick horses (a tribute to Brody Meaux) as volunteers help bring joy to the event.

Crews from Beauregard Electric Coop are at Twin County Electric in Mississippi to repair over 1,000 broken power poles after a winter storm hit.

Local organizations + the Red Cross and Carey Baptist are also deploying volunteers to support recovery efforts.

Independent Louisiana pharmacies warn that new, very low dispensing fees from pharmacy benefit managers could force closures; T.J.

Woodard (a Baton Rouge operator) said his store received only $1.54 for pain medication instead of $10 to $16 while officials study the fees.

AT&T is working with law enforcement to restore phone and internet service disrupted by copper theft in Starks, leaving customers without connectivity for four days and expecting fixes by Saturday (local officials reported).

Jellystone RV Park in Lake Charles has set its 2026 live music lineup with shows from February 7th through April 25th and more planned through November + featuring acts like Wayne Toups, Jamie Bergeron, and others.

Fans can enjoy Cajun, Country, and Zydeco tunes at the park.

The McNeese Visual Arts Program is hosting a Gumbowl fundraiser on Friday, Feb.

6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shearman Fine Arts Annex Atrium at McNeese State University (tickets cost $20 and proceeds help ceramics students attend the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference in Detroit).

Recent winter storms caused temporary closures at LifeShare Blood Center, reducing blood and platelet donations as hospitals face rising needs.

Donors are encouraged to complete any required screening for platelet donations.

Elton High School running back Makelin Lemoine was voted Louisiana High School Sports Illustrated Class 1A Football Player of the Year this month after rushing nearly 2,500 yards, scoring 40 touchdowns and grabbing three interceptions during the 2025 season — a performance that continues his family's strong legacy at Elton.

McNeese Athletics is hosting its second annual NIL summit — a new event where local athletes learn about name, image and likeness rules on campus later this week.

The Cowgirls earned a 70-64 overtime win over SFA on Thursday night in Nacogdoches (Texas) with a 26-point burst from McNeese, keeping them atop the Southland standings ahead of a Saturday road game against Lamar in Beaumont.

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.

Senior Night: UTRGV vs. McNeese State Cowboys Mens Basketball

6:30-9:59 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate graduating student-athletes in an emotional final home game of the regular season.

LSU Tigers vs McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

6-9 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Ticket info not provided — Catch the Cowgirls as they take on the LSU Tigers in a thrilling softball matchup.

Iowa Hawkeyes at McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

3-6 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Admission details not provided — Catch the exciting midweek softball showdown as the Cowgirls aim for victory against Iowa.