Good morning, Lake Charles.

The Charleston Hotel, an art-deco Gothic landmark in downtown Lake Charles, was closed on May 7, 1973 by the state fire marshal for health hazards and was nearly torn down as city council members planned its demolition.

The 10-story building, built in 1928, was restored in 1984 ($3 million renovation) and now houses event spaces, an art studio and apartments.

A public meeting is set for 6 p.m. Monday, April 7 at Ralph Wilson Elementary to discuss plans that would shift all grades to the J.J.

Johnson campus and convert Ralph Wilson into a center for overage students (grades 6–12). School board officials will answer questions before the proposal is presented on April 8 and changes take effect next school year if approved.

Gov. Jeff Landry is vetting former health secretary Bruce Greenstein to lead the state health department and manage a $21.4 billion budget that covers Medicaid.

Greenstein was indicted for perjury in 2014 but never convicted and will need Senate confirmation in a session starting April 14.

LSU Tigers completed their sweep of Oklahoma on Saturday with a 3—2 win as a five-pitcher rotation held the Sooners scoreless on earned runs during the three-game series.

The win marked LSU’s first road sweep over a top-ten opponent since 1999 and improved their record to 30—3 heading into upcoming contests.

The Cowboys worked through spring drills during a Saturday scrimmage that ran roughly 90 plays — head coach Matt Viator praised the team’s improved energy on defense — and they will complete workouts on Tuesday and Thursday before a final scrimmage next Saturday.

The team is testing offensive strategies as they adjust to a new era.

Washington-Marion junior forward Monte Farmer was named the boys MVP and Westlake guard Gabby Guillory was named the girls MVP in the American Press All-Southwest Louisiana Big Schools awards—where Sulphur coach Adam Coleman and Iowa coach Courtneé Hollins were honored as coaches of the year.

Fairview’s Reesie Jinks ended her high school career with a state championship win and earned All-Southwest Louisiana Small Schools girls MVP honors — she averaged 23 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and three steals per game in her team's fifth title in six seasons.

Lacassine’s Kane Broussard led his team to its first state championship in 61 years and earned boys MVP honors — he averaged 21 points, nine rebounds and three assists despite a high ankle sprain.

The St. Louis Catholic girls track team showed its strength in relay events at the Taussig Relays in Sulphur on April 3 when Hannah Boullion led the team to win gold in the 4x200 relay and to hold top state times in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 races.

Head coach Johnny Giordano said the relay group has driven their six state championship wins in relays since 2020 — a sign of the team’s ongoing dominance this season.

Hundreds of seniors gathered at the MSU Recreation Sports Complex on April 4 to play bean bag baseball in the 2025 SWLA Senior Olympics—photos capture the players and officials in action.

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.

Rollin’ on the River Car Show

9 AM – 2 PM — Sam Houston Jones State Park — Free entry — Experience a showcase of cars, trucks, and motorcycles while enjoying food trucks and exciting raffles.