Daily
Lake Charles
Thursday, August 21st, 2025
Good morning, Lake Charles. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Dry Creek family lost their home in a devastating fire late July and is now rebuilding with support from neighbors. McCoy’s Specialty Cuts donated over $2,000—an effort that shows the community is standing by the family as they work to get back on their feet. 7 KPLC
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Choy Van Leo is on trial for aggravated rape and child molestation from cases in the 1990s as alleged victims, his ex-wife, and daughter testified today—he was a fugitive for 24 years and more testimony is expected tomorrow. 7 KPLC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The City of Lake Charles Parks and Recreation Department will host Skatember with four themed skate nights in September—starting with an outdoor family night on Sept. 5 at the Event Center grounds near Millennium Park. The remaining events will take place at the Event Center Coliseum with a $5 admission fee and music provided by KBYS. 7 KPLC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kaufman Elementary got new playground equipment from First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles after storms made the old equipment unsafe—funds from the Higginbotham Community Fund and an estate of a former teacher helped match the donation. The church, a long-time partner, sends 40 volunteers a year and holds monthly lunch sessions with students. The American Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development said the new I-10 Bridge project will begin soon as Exit 27 on I-10 West will close starting Thursday, August 28 for 18 months while crews relocate a pipe rack near Sampson Street in Westlake—drivers should prepare for long detours using alternate routes. Gator 99.5
- ➤ Representatives from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development informed Westlake City Council that early work on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project will begin next week and motorists should expect detours including the closure of I-10 westbound from Sampson St. The $2.3 billion project will start its main phase in early 2026 and is set to finish in August 2031 (featuring a modern design that nods to the original bridge). The American Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Walmart recalled Great Value frozen raw shrimp after the FDA detected trace amounts of Cesium-137 on one shipment from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati—shoppers should discard products with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1 and 8005539-1 marked with best by dates March 15. The Advocate
- ➤ Health officials report a rise in Vibrio vulnificus infections, a dangerous flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters that can quickly lead to severe illness. Louisiana recorded 20 cases with four deaths this summer—residents are urged to cover any wounds and avoid raw seafood to reduce the risk. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center announced it will spend $55 million to renovate its emergency department starting in the fall—adding 20 new treatment spaces and boosting capacity by 33% while keeping the unit fully operational. The new design by Perkins and Will with LSU interior design students will improve patient flow, diagnostic technology, and wayfinding. The Advocate
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Masey Lewis—a redshirt junior at McNeese State—said his defensive unit, now with 19 players and strengthened by his younger brother Sandy, is set to get bigger, stronger, and faster as they prepare for the season. The Cowboys, coming off a 6-6 season last year, will aim for a Southland conference championship under new position coach Chris Gistorb. The American Press
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Pelican Triathlon
7-11 a.m. — Rec & Aquatic Center, Sulphur Parks and Recreation — Registration fees apply — Dive into the world of triathlons with both kids and adults participating in this beginner-friendly event.
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Roots & Boots 90’s Electric Throwdown
7-9:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an unforgettable night with iconic 90's country stars Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw, and Collin Raye.
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McNeese Cowboy Club 5k Gallop Fun Run / Walk & Kids 1k Round Up
5k Fun Run & Walk for all ages organized by the McNeese Track and Field / XC Program presented by the McNeese Cowboy Club. Proceeds raised go directly back to program to help offset funding for Travel, Meals, Equipment, Insurance, Supplies for the Year. Your support is appreciated.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Lake Charles
Welcome to the Daily Lake Charles, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Lake Charles, Louisiana community. If you like the Daily Lake Charles, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Lake Charles.
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