Good morning, Lake Charles.

Bud Harless (95) is this week’s Hometown Hero after sharing his long life of service from WWII to a 73-year marriage and a recent honor flight to the National Mall; his journey reminds the community of true dedication.

The Westlake Branch of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library will close on Monday, June 15 for renovations; during the closure, patrons may visit the Moss Bluff Branch at 261 Parish Road for holds + summer reading prizes.

A reopening date is not yet announced.

A Lake Charles couple found a veteran’s dog tags at a local resale shop and returned them on Thursday, June 11.

The couple said the return restored an important keepsake for the veteran.

Local alumnus Mike Soileau received a preserved section of historic LaGrange High School bleachers—a gift from Danny Terro that features California redwood and Louisiana cypress with an engraved design by Josh’s Custom Creationz to honor past Friday night games.

The Faye Brown Blackwell Juneteenth Festival honors local leader Faye Brown Blackwell with a parade, cook-off, concert, car show, and art exhibit, offering activities for all ages (including family events) at Lake Charles venues across multiple days starting Sunday.

July brings a mix of live music to Lake Charles; Golden Nugget will host five indoor concerts including Collective Soul on July 3, L'Auberge will hold a 70s-80s themed pool party on July 12, and Jellystone RV Park will showcase local acts every Saturday night.

Dr. John Noble, a longtime advocate for McNeese and member of the UL System Board, died after battling illness, McNeese confirmed Thursday.

Flags on campus will be lowered to half-staff next week to honor his legacy.

The Calcasieu Parish Public Library is hosting a free Whooping Crane program on Wednesday, June 17, at Hayes Branch (10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) and at Starks Branch (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) where experts from the International Crane Foundation explain the bird’s recovery from near extinction.

Gov. Jeff Landry proposed using Minimum Foundation Program funds to cover $168 million in teacher stipends, excluding administrators, which would cut 5% from school districts.

Superintendents in rural areas expressed concern ahead of a House and Senate vote set for Tuesday, June 23 at 5 p.m.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry kept his promise to the Sam Houston Broncos after their back-to-back state championships by buying Marucci bats for the team, and he posted on social media that promises made are promises kept.

The McNeese State men’s rodeo team won its fifth straight Southern Region title and will compete at the College National Finals Rodeo (June 15 to 20 in Casper, Wyo) after top performers from both the men’s and women’s teams secured spots.

The team is ranked 16th nationally with standouts like Wyatt Lavergne and Alyssa Gary among the top in their events.

The City of Lake Charles will host a free junior golf clinic for children ages 6 to 14 on Monday, June 15 at Buddy Prejean Park (1601 Illinois Street), where a PGA Professional from Mallard Golf Club will lead fun skill-building activities from 10 a.m. to noon.

Dusty Slay Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the observational and blue-collar humor of Southern comedian Dusty Slay.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators vs. San Antonio River Monsters

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Gumbeaux Gators as they battle the River Monsters in an exciting game of local sports action.

Collective Soul Live Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — 21+ event — Celebrate three decades of Collective Soul's music at this lively concert.

Randy Rogers Concert

7:00 – 11:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket info unavailable — Enjoy a night of country music with Randy Rogers and his band.

Atlanta Rhythm Section with Firefall and Orleans

1-2:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of classic rock with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, and Orleans.