Good morning, Lake Charles.

A teen at the Westlake water park (a local hotspot) is brightening the day for visitors with his welcoming smile, and his positive energy is inspiring community members throughout the park.

The remains of World War II veteran Gurnie Richard have returned home to Sulphur 84 years after his death in a POW camp, and visitation will be held tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. at Hixson Memorial Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. and interment at Big Woods Cemetery.

Dr. Robbie Smith and Mrs. Yvonne Smith, Navy veterans honored as Hometown Heroes this week, served 25 years on the USS George Washington and inspired local families by sharing a Louisiana gumbo recipe now used by the Navy.

A Texas Business Court ruled on Aug.

12 that ExxonMobil’s Denbury lacked authority to face antitrust charges concerning its pipeline system, which includes routes serving Lake Charles, giving Exxon a partial win. Clean Hydrogen Works said it is moving forward with its planned clean fuels plant in Ascension Parish.

McNeese State University alumni Justin and Ashley Pierce released their first jazz album 'Sway' yesterday, celebrating 20 years of musical partnership that started at downtown Lake Charles restaurant.

The record, recorded in one session with local jazz talents & including tracks from the Great American Songbook, reflects Gulf Coast heritage.

SOWELA has soft-launched an evening training program aimed at giving residents access to in-demand workforce skills; the program offers flexible scheduling + affordable tuition and will continue throughout the season.

The Calcasieu Sheriff's Office will host its 3rd annual golf tournament on Thursday, Oct.

1 at Graywood Golf Course. It includes two shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a four-person scramble at $500 per team; proceeds support deputy recognition programs as Lake Charles Toyota provides lunch.

The Louisiana Department of Health advises residents and visitors to avoid parts of Henderson Lake where a blue-green algal bloom is present.

Officials say testing will confirm toxin levels, so families should keep children and pets away (wash after contact) for safety.