Good morning, Lake Charles.

Today, local officials opened a new aerospace-themed playground at Mary Belle Williams Park in Lake Charles with Mayor Marshall Simien Jr. cutting the ribbon + representatives from Northrop Grumman and Phillips 66 highlighting play stations like volcano experiments and airplane builds while offering free food and drinks to keep families cool.

On Thursday afternoon, a lightning strike ignited a tank fire at the Citgo Lake Charles refinery — emergency officials reported no offsite impact or chemical hazards while fire response teams worked to extinguish the flames.

On June 17, physical therapist Emery Desonier stopped on South Lake Street to help a man trapped in a burning truck and, with an unknown angel assistant — who brought a brick — saved 59-year-old James McKeehan Jr. from the fire, with Desonier now hoping to locate the helper to thank them.

Calcasieu Correctional Center booked 16 individuals on July 9 for charges that ranged from probation violation and resisting an officer to burglary and domestic abuse.

The Lake Charles Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is hosting Cultural Currency: Contemporary Art from the Riemer Collection, which invites visitors to reexamine money's value beyond its buying power.

The free exhibit runs through Aug. 23—featuring 65 artworks by 38 artists.

Calcasieu Parish schools improved AP exam results in 2025 when 1,380 students took the tests and 77.1% earned scores of 3 or higher—up from 1,292 test takers and a 62.7% qualifying rate in 2024.

At the SRA board meeting in June, executive director Warren Founds stated that selling water from Toledo Bend to Texas will not lower lake levels below 168—upholding state law.

Toledo Bend property owners are concerned that the sale could lower property values and tax revenue, and the board will revisit the proposal on July 24 at Cypress Bend Resort.

Lake Charles Symphony Summer Pops

7-10 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Check website for price — Experience a night of classical music with the Lake Charles Symphony Summer Pops.

Louisiana Rural Water Association Conference

9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Check Official Website — Engage in networking and educational sessions for water utility professionals.

Lake Charles Food Distribution

2-4 p.m. — 1225 2nd St, Lake Charles — Free entry — Register and bring your ID and proof of address to receive essential food supplies for families.

Cajun Music and Food Festival

All day — Burton Complex — Admission varies — Celebrate the rich culture of Cajun music and food at this annual festival.

Marshland Festival

July 25-26 — Lake Charles Event Center — Ticket info TBA — Experience the vibrant culture of the Marshland Festival with a weekend of entertainment and community spirit.

Hawaiian Luau Bingo Event

2-5 p.m. — Chasers Bar and Grill — Fundraising event — Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of bingo while supporting the Krewe of Illusions and keeping Mardi Gras traditions alive.