Good morning, Lake Charles.

Historic Dixie Theatre in North Charles now has a new owner, Joshua Macer, who bought the venue with ACTS Theatre to honor his late wife + preserve this community landmark; renovation plans for nonprofit offices will be announced later this year while programming continues.

McNeese State University posted a 5.2% rise in spring enrollment — its strongest increase in 16 years — while SOWELA Technical Community College reached a record 7.7% surge driven by high-demand workforce programs like aviation maintenance.

Both institutions credit targeted support and new partnerships for their gains.

City offices and DPW services will be closed on Tuesday, Feb.

17 for Mardi Gras — trash pickup usually scheduled for Tuesday will occur on Wednesday, Feb. 18 while other routes follow their normal schedules.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board is meeting at 5 p.m. today in executive session to discuss a U.S. court summons regarding its decades-old desegregation order as directed by U.S. District Judge James D.

Cain. Officials said any actions tonight will not include a vote on changing the order (KPLC will update later).

Hotel Lincoln is being renovated into 12 one-bedroom apartments with two commercial spaces and a nonprofit resource center.

Completion is planned by year-end, though developer Anthony Kimble said rotted plaster and windows have posed challenges — prompting plans for updated windows and elevator upgrades.

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.

AWS Certified Machine Learning: Specialty Training

8 a.m. — Health and Safety Council (HASC) Louisiana — $2100 — Master machine learning with expert-led training in a hands-on environment.

Groove on the Green

5-7 p.m. — Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of jazz under the lush oaks with friends.

Houston Christian Huskies vs. McNeese State Cowboys Baseball

2 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting afternoon of baseball as the Huskies face off against the Cowboys in this thrilling series continuation.

Southland Conference Men's Basketball Championships - First Round

5 PM – 9 PM — Townsley Law Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness thrilling single-elimination games as teams battle for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Southland Conference Women's Championship Game

4-7 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena — Tickets from $75 — Experience thrilling college basketball as teams compete for the Southland Conference title.