Good morning, Lake Charles.

Blue Bell Creameries launched its new Honey Vanilla flavor yesterday (Feb.

26) and will bring back fan-favorite Java Jolt in pint cartons for local ice cream lovers. The creamy treats offer a fresh twist for warm Louisiana days.

The Hondo Rodeo festival will be held April 10-12 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, featuring concerts, vendors, and a $45 entry that attracts top rodeo talent with a million dollar purse.

Local representatives in Lake Charles noted strong Louisiana ties (including support from Governor Jeff Landry).

Louisiana High School VEX Robotics Championship is underway from Feb.

26 to March 1 at 1509 Enterprise Blvd, drawing 600+ students, 300 coaches, 150 volunteers + 1500 spectators. Hosted by the Region 5 STEM Center and sponsored by Venture Global LNG, the event aims to spark local STEM interest.

Calcasieu Parish Animal Services is hosting drive-thru rabies clinics in Lake Charles on Saturday, March 7 and in Sulphur on Saturday, April 25.

Both events run from 7 a.m. to noon and charge $8 for spayed/neutered pets (or $10 for unaltered), with cash or checks accepted only.

Jalencia Pierre helped her team win 60-53 last Thursday by making all eight free throws as the Cowgirls stayed in the game.

The McNeese guard, praised by coach Ayla Guzzardo for her robust defense, is now in strong contention for Southland Defensive Player of the Year.

The American Kombat Alliance will bring high-energy MMA fights to Lake Charles on March 7 at Golden Nugget’s Grand Event Center.

The event features rising and veteran fighters, and anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 30 or older.

After beating LSU Tuesday night, the McNeese Cowboys look to build on their win as they open Southland Conference play against Nicholls at 6 p.m. today in Thibodaux (the Colonels have won their last four games), and head coach Justin Hill stressed the need to improve pitching and team play.

The McNeese women’s basketball team won the Southland title last week and remains focused on the postseason as they prepare to host the SLC tournament and finish their regular season on Monday at home against Stephen F.

Austin — their win streak and lessons from last season shape game plan.

Freshman Larry Johnson is nearing Joe Dumars’ freshman scoring record at McNeese as he averages 16.9 points with 38 more needed to break the mark — he will likely set the record during the upcoming SLC postseason tournament.

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.

Banners 2026 Presents: Orchid-Stra

12-6 p.m. — F.G. Bulber Auditorium — Admission varies — Experience a stunning orchid exhibition presented by the Calcasieu Orchid Society.

Swan Lake

7-10 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the enchanting ballet of Swan Lake performed live.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions vs. McNeese State Cowboys Baseball

6 PM — Joe Miller Ballpark — Check local listings for ticket prices — Witness a thrilling Southland Conference matchup as McNeese kicks off their series against Southeastern Louisiana.

AMP Monster Truck Thunder Slam

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of monster trucks in a roaring showdown.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions vs. McNeese State Cowboys Men's Baseball

1 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Admission varies — Catch the thrilling series finale as both teams battle for crucial conference standings.