Good morning, Lake Charles.

The Salvation Army in Lake Charles expanded pantry hours and coordinated with local partners after reporting a surge in food requests because families may not receive full SNAP benefits this November, leaving many worried about getting enough food for the holidays.

The organization urged community donations including shelf-stable items available at its location (3020 Legion St.) to help meet urgent needs.

Lake Charles is hosting a mix of events this weekend with a gun & knife show on Saturday and Sunday, a craft fair with live music, and concerts featuring Clint Black and Neal McCoy on Saturday night — giving local residents many things to do — as venues get ready for the festivities.

Jellystone RV Park and Resort hosts its first-ever craft fair with live Cajun music by Jamie Bergeron today in Lake Charles — visitors can shop vendor treasures and join activities like candle making and a nature scavenger hunt before the band performs at 7:00 p.m.

The Historic City Hall Arts and Culture Center celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 7 — marking two decades of art and cultural events that have enriched the community.

HERPS SWLA Reptiles Exotic Reptile and Pet Show returns to town this weekend—visitors can expect a range of exotic reptiles and pets on display at this local event.

Louisiana’s tax system now ranks 31st nationally after lawmakers approved major reforms late last year that lowered the individual tax rate to a flat 3% and reduced the corporate tax rate, along with changes in sales taxes.

The state’s economy recovered with GDP growing 4% and personal income rising 6.8% in the second quarter of 2025 – further improvements may follow after the franchise tax repeal takes effect.

Calcasieu Parish voters will decide on two school board bonds on Nov.

15—one for District 24 at $12 million and one for District 30 at $83 million; both 25-year bonds will fund school improvements and be repaid through property taxes set at 19 and nine mills respectively.

Calcasieu Parish Human Services got extra funding in September and will hold LIHEAP Action Days in November and December to help 250 to 300 more households pay their electric and gas bills — residents must meet income guidelines and show key documents.

The program remains secure even as other federal funds face challenges from the shutdown.

On Nov. 6, SW La. prep football games ended with Iowa beating DeRidder 47 to 14 and Hamilton Christian defeating Basile 39 to 13 (players had strong runs, passes and catches).

Other scores from LC College Prep, South Beauregard, Notre Dame, Welsh, Grand Lake and Elton were also reported, showing a busy day in prep football.

Object-Oriented Programming in C# Training

N/A — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — SOWELA Regional Training Center — $2250 — Enhance your programming skills with hands-on C# training in a local expert-led course.

Smoke & Barrel Weekend 2025

1-5 p.m. — Calcasieu Clerk of Court — Tickets vary — Savor a weekend of over 80 bourbons, whiskeys, and exquisite BBQ from top pitmasters.

The Nutcracker

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this classic holiday ballet.

Christmas In The Air

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive event for the whole family.

Cowboy Christmas Celebration

9 AM - 5 PM — The Stables At LeBocage — Free admission — Experience the magic of Christmas with festive shopping, live music, and Southern traditions.

Santa's Hot Chocolate Run

2-4 p.m. — Downtown Lake Charles — Registration fee required — Enjoy a festive 3.1-mile adventure with a blend of running and holiday cheer.