Good morning, Lake Charles.

Local community groups teamed with donors to boost holiday support with a generous Christmas donation; officials said the gesture reinforces partnerships to help families this season.

Water's Edge has partnered with Compass Lake Charles to help the unhoused by collecting tents, hand-crocheted hats, and blankets for winter; volunteers will serve gumbo and blessing bags at a Christmas celebration on Monday.

Kenneth Marchand, a Vietnam medic turned pharmacist, retired after 50 years in service in Lake Charles to spend more time with his granddaughter and family.

He said his secret to a long marriage is to always follow his wife's advice.

Lake Charles will host multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations, including a free countdown along Pujo Street (starting around 8:00 p.m.), a party at Panorama Music House, and a family event at Jellystone RV Park that will offer fireworks, live music and festive fun to ring in 2026.

Mardi Gras World store will open Tuesday, Dec.

30 at 9:00 a.m. at 2902 Ryan Street (next to Market Basket) in Lake Charles, offering Mardi Gras clothing, masks, beads and parade accessories for all ages.

McNeese will host The Big Event with new programs planned to engage local community members — organizers will share further details soon.

Reginald McWilliams Ball Sr. was a pioneer entrepreneur and civic leader — he built lasting local legacies by founding a Black trade school for WWII veterans, opening a popular chicken restaurant, and establishing Ball’s Auditorium that hosted legendary performers in Lake Charles.

McNeese State’s student-led service group The Big Event will hold its next project on April 18 to thank local residents by cleaning and decorating homes.

The group, which piloted a smaller fall event and now has 30 members, invites full-time and dual-enrollment students as well as staff to join.

Reeves High School has transformed its hallways into a festive display for Raider Christmas — featuring a photobooth, cardboard cutout carolers, and themed classroom areas that bring joy to students and staff.

The creative setup revives cherished traditions led by secretary Lynette Parker.

Emalee Robinson, a first-year fifth-grade math teacher at Moss Bluff Elementary, builds a classroom where students learn to solve problems and feel safe to ask questions and grow through both success and failure (she also helps run the DARE program).

On Friday, Dec. 26, Westlake earned an upgrade in its Public Fire Protection Classification from Class 3 to Class 2 following an evaluation by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana & city officials said the new rating could lower fire insurance premiums for nearby homes and businesses, advising residents to verify their benefits with insurers.

Three-year-old Oliver Soileau has attended McNeese basketball games since he was an infant and now rotates through nearly 30 custom jerseys marked with number 22.

He brings lively energy to each matchup as he receives high fives from players after games.

Winter Wonderland Skate Night

Winter Wonderland Skate Night — Evening — Lake Charles Event Center — Check local listings for entry fees — Celebrate the holiday season with festive skating fun at this special event.