Good morning, Lake Charles.

Volunteers are needed for the Avenue of Flags display scheduled for Memorial Day, Monday May 26 at Orange Grove-Graceland Cemetery in Lake Charles, where 1,230 veteran casket flags will be raised from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. + A Memorial Day Ceremony will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with Pitt Masters providing food and proceeds benefiting the event.

The Bryce River Foundation will host a kite crafting and flying event at the Children's Museum of SWLA on Saturday, May 24 to boost mental health and offer free DIY kite kits in the museum lobby.

Attendees will craft kites from 10:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. and fly them from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — admission to some exhibits may cost extra.

Lake Area educator Denise Jones marked 50 years teaching while inspiring students with creative writing at several local schools — her career shows her lasting impact and passion for education.

KPLC held a senior salute ceremony on May 19 (at 4:14 p.m.) to honor the Class of 2025 and recognize their academic excellence.

The event also celebrated their community contributions (paving the way for future opportunities).

New Lake Charles Mayor Marshall Simien Jr. announced that he will scrap plans for a downtown amphitheater—he said city funds will instead upgrade the existing venue.

He set no timetable for the upgrades while assembling his team ahead of taking office on July 1.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is scheduling summer sessions for its free one-day Reality Check course taught by qualified deputies to help teens 14 and older handle real-life challenges as they transition into adulthood.

Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. with classes at 9 a.m. at various high schools on June 4 + June 11 + June 18 + June 25 + July 2 + July 9.

McNeese State ended its season 32-17 with a heartbreaking loss to Southeastern in the top of the ninth (the team faltered 5-12 in its final 17 games).

Coach Justin Hill said injuries to key pitchers hurt the team’s late play and the Cowboys will adjust their roster in the coming offseason (two players earned top league honors amid the struggles).

Sam Houston's Baseball and Softball teams won state championships this year, joining Barbe as the only two high schools in SWLA to win both titles in one season—Sam Houston Baseball earned its first state title since 2001 while Coach Domingue secured her fifth win with the Lady Broncos.

Parent Walk Event

5-7 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Free entry — A FUN-filled evening of walking, connection, and healthy snacks for parents and children.

Wellness on the Water Celebration

8-11 a.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Free entry — Experience an immersive celebration of movement, wellness, and community.

Gumbeaux Gators Home Opener vs. River Monsters

7 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Thrilling minor league baseball action as the Gumbeaux Gators take on the River Monsters.

Cajun Cowboy Cluster of Dog Shows

8 AM — Lake Charles Event Center — Cost Varies — Experience the excitement of dog shows brought to you by local kennel clubs in a festive atmosphere.

T-Gator Triathlon

7-11 a.m. — Sam Houston Jones State Park — Registration fees vary — Experience the thrill of the beloved T-Gator Triathlon with options for both individuals and relay teams.

Movie and a Craft

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Prien Lake Mall — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a morning of crafting and movie magic together.

Lake Charles Food Distribution

2-4 p.m. — 1225 2nd Street — Free food access — Support the local community with essential food distribution services.

Wayne Toups and Zydecajun Concert

7-9 p.m. — Jellystone Park™ Lake Charles — $15 at the door — Experience an exciting evening of Zydeco music under the stars.