Good morning, Lake Charles.

Burton Coliseum was built in 1976 for $8 million and held its first event in February 1977 with singer Lynn Anderson and cowboys.

After a brief closure in early 1980 due to financial issues, McNeese State University took over and the venue now hosts sports, rodeos — and other community events.

Deputies responded at about 10 a.m. Friday to a welfare check at an apartment on Winterhalter Street—where a Lake Charles mother allegedly left her four children under 6 unsupervised in a feces-covered apartment, leading to her arrest for child desertion and cruelty while the children were placed in state custody.

On Thursday evening, over 100 people attended a concert at Sam Houston Jones State Park where the Lake Charles Symphony played classical music and unveiled Sammy J — a blue gator with an orange belly set for display on the boardwalk.

The event marked the park’s recovery from the 2020 hurricanes and received support from the Lt. Governor’s Office, Louisiana State Parks, and LyondellBasell.

Calcasieu Parish voters sent Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and independent candidate Marshal Simiem into a runoff after Hunter received 6,663 votes or 47 percent and Simiem got 4,051 votes or 29 percent, with the runoff set for May 3—this result follows Saturday's vote count.

Yesterday, Lake Charles hosted the National Vietnam War Veterans Day program on the lakefront when the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission unveiled the official Louisiana Vietnam Veterans Memorial—listing the names of 885 Louisiana Vietnam War casualties.

The three-sided memorial honors the service and sacrifice of those involved in the conflict.

Polls in Louisiana closed at 8 p.m. on March 29 for the municipal primary election—voters decided on four constitutional amendments, local races and tax propositions.

Kelsi Victorian—aged 30—has battled sickle cell since she was two and now finds hope that a new treatment—first used to cure a 21-year-old man in New York—could soon help thousands in Louisiana.

The Barbe and Sam Houston baseball teams were set to face each other yesterday after the game was moved from Sam Houston High School to Barbe because rain threatened the field, with the contest planned at 1 p.m. but potentially delayed until 2 p.m. A second game is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Sam Houston if the earlier contest could not be completed.

CeCe Winans Concert

7-9 p.m. — Glad Tidings Church — Tickets available — Experience an inspiring live performance by the renowned gospel artist CeCe Winans.

Dru Hill Concert

7-11 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating R&B vibes of the legendary group Dru Hill.

CYPHACON 2025

5-9 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Admission fee applicable — Celebrate the fun and creativity at the 13th annual CYPHACON event filled with excitement and entertainment.

SWLA's Annual Yoga Fest

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Drew Park — Admission details not specified — Celebrate movement, mindfulness, and community at Lake Area's largest yoga fest.

Bunny at the Barn Egg Hunt

8-10 p.m. — Eastern Dr, Lake Charles, LA — $10 per Child, $5 per Adult — Enjoy an evening of egg hunting with prizes, food, and guided pet play.

Easter Family Fun Fest

11 AM – 3 PM — Crying Eagle Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a day of Easter festivities perfect for the whole family.

Dolly Run 5K for Reading

1:00 PM – 4:59 PM — 815 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA — Registration required — Run or walk a picturesque 3.1-mile course in downtown Lake Charles to promote literacy.