Gumbeaux Magazine 2nd Generation

04/10/2024

Electricity and traffic lights are out on Martin Luther King Highway in north Lake Charles. (Crystal Stevenson / American Press)

03/04/2023

Remembering the Life and Legacy of the very talented Derrick James Thornton
"Mr. AG"

02/21/2023

NOTICE:
The Lake Charles American Press printed and delivered thousands of copies along with many more electronic views of an extremely faulty report in which the picture of Eligha Guillory was attached to a story meant to honor the passing of a young community legend Mr. Derrick Thornton.

Let me be clear, this is not a moment for simple apologies or back page corrections! This demands a front page investigatory report of how this inexcusable mistake happened, and the steps taken that will prevent another family having to go through this, as well as a full article truly honoring the life, work, and legacy of a great gentleman.

In an age where a simple social media or google search would have been sufficient, but a call to the family to submit their choice of picture of their husband, dad, and son would have been most honorable, this level of disrespect is deplorable.

To the family of Mr. Thornton my thoughts and prayers are with you, but in the spirit of Mr. Thornton we have to continue to lift our voices in such a way that demands change now.

This is Mr. Derrick Thornton.

11/29/2022

EIGHT DAYS OF HOPE IS ON THE WAY

After an incredible summer of over 1000 volunteers serving more than 30,000 hours and completing over 100 projects for several of our families and friends in the Southwest Louisiana area, SWLA Responds, a local coalition of over 40 churches united together from ten different denominations to create a platform that would efficiently combine volunteers and resources to get more houses repaired after the storms of 2020, has successfully recruited Eight Days of Hope for a Lake Charles deployment!
This means on Dec 3-11, 2022, over 1500 volunteers will come to Lake Charles, stay in the Lake Charles Civic Center and complete nearly 200 jobs in just eight days!
Eight Days of Hope (EDOH) began in 2005 with a phone call from a father to a son after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The idea was for a few people to take a trip to the Gulf Coast to help in restoration efforts. It eventually became a movement and EDOH has gone on 17 rebuilding events since that time.
Steven Tybor III, Founder and President of EDOH says, “a home or two has turned into over 7300 homes. One disaster has turned into almost 50. Each and every day, God shows us just what He can do when we are willing to continually say ‘Yes’ to Him.”
EDOH is traveling to Lake Charles this Christmas season to help rebuild homes after the damages from Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta, an ice storm, and flooding! With the area hit with storm after storm from 2020 to 2021, EDOH is excited to return to help families with home repairs and bring the HOPE of Jesus to them during the holiday season!
“Two years later, 2000 volunteers are on their way to help us take the next steps in our recovery,” says Braylon Harris, Executive Director of SWLA Responds. “For everyone that’s been helped, now is the time to pay it forward! Let’s show our visiting volunteers what SouthBest Louisiana is all about!”
EDOH XVIII will take place from Saturday, December 3 to Saturday, December 10 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The team needs volunteers of all skill sets to help paint interior and exterior of homes, work on carpentry, electrical, and plumbing projects, and more!
To apply for repair assistance, volunteer, donate, or support the efforts of SWLA Responds and or EDOH, please visit www.rebuildswla.org or www.eighdaysofhope.com.

10/06/2022

10/06/2022

City of Lake Charles to Relaunch Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Mayor Nic Hunter is set to relaunch the City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities, following a unanimous, 7-0, vote from the Lake Charles City Council at their Wednesday, October 5, 2022 regularly scheduled meeting.



The Council’s action adopted an ordinance authorizing the City of Lake Charles to enter into an agreement with Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana, creating the opportunity for the local nonprofit organization to provide support staff services for the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities.



The Commission, put on pause in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes of 2020, was formed in 1983 in order to expand opportunities of persons with physical or mental disabilities. The Commission works with individuals, organizations, businesses and professionals to strengthen public understanding of the needs and potential contributions of persons with disabilities.



“A fully inclusive City is a healthy and growing City,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “The Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities provides valuable perspective and feedback on the needs of individuals and families living with disabilities in our community. We want to ensure that we are providing the infrastructure and resources necessary for a healthy quality of life for all residents. We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Families Helping Families, a long-standing local nonprofit with a proven record of success.”



For 30 years, Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana has been serving individuals with disabilities as well as their families. Their mission is to enable and empower individuals with disabilities and their families by providing information, referrals, education, training, peer support and advocacy skills. Their belief is that all individuals with disabilities should have the opportunity to attend school, work and play in their own community.

“Families Helping Families is excited and honored to partner with the City of Lake Charles to reinstate the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities and hold the bi-annual conference in 2023,” added Susan Riehn, Executive Director of Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana.



To learn more about the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities, contact Families Helping Families by calling (337) 436-2570.

10/05/2022

United Way of Southwest Louisiana has been named an Entergy Louisiana POWER TO CARE partner. The utility assistance fund provides short-term options to senior citizens and the disabled with limited incomes. United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s caseworkers will receive applications from Entergy Louisiana customers with active accounts in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis parishes.



Entergy Louisiana customers in a Southwest Louisiana parish who are 60 years or older and meet the eligibility requirements or are 18 years and older with a mental or physical impairment receiving Social Security Disability are eligible who meet 150% of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. See the full requirements online at unitedwayswla.org/powertocare.



“We know there are people in Southwest Louisiana making tough decisions right now between food, medicine and utilities,” explains Denise Durel, President and CEO for United Way of Southwest Louisiana. “We are working with our partners in all five parishes to continue ensuring our seniors, veterans, the disabled and ALICE workers are getting what they need. This is just one of many new things we are happy to be able to offer.”



Entergy Louisiana customers will need their most recent fully itemized bill, state-issued ID matching the name of the account bearer and contact information before any United Way of Southwest Louisiana Caseworker can view the Entergy Louisiana account. The account must also be in an active state without a final/inactive/closed status.



To apply, DIAL 211 for more information or visit unitedwayswla.org/powertocare



The Power to Care, funded by donations from Entergy customers, employees and a match by shareholders, directly benefits customers. All donations go directly to customer assistance without any fundraising or administrative costs. To learn more about donating, visit Entergy online.

The Power to Care is a utility assistance fund that provides bill payment to the elderly and disabled with limited incomes. United Way of Southwest Louisiana helps Entergy Louisiana customers complete applications and verify income information. Donations from Entergy customers and employees are matc...

09/14/2022

TODAY

After an incredible summer of over 1000 volunteers serving more than 30,000 hrs and completing over 100 projects, we have now successfully recruited 8 Days of Hope for a Lake Charles Deployment!

This means on Dec 2-10, 2022 over 1500 volunteers will come to Lake Charles, stay in the Civic Center and complete nearly 200 jobs in just 8 Days!

Join us for the official press conference announcement on Wednesday morning September 14th at 12:15pm at the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office Entrance. Lunch will follow.

09/12/2022

City of Lake Charles Community Development Department to Host Informational Meetings for Contractors



LAKE CHARLES, La.— The City of Lake Charles Community Development Department is set to host two informational meetings for contractors in the coming weeks.



These informational meetings are for contractors interested in participating in the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Recovery Program (HRRP). Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2022 and Monday, September 26, 2022. Both meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers (326 Pujo St.) and will begin at 6 p.m.



Information to be provided during these meetings will include an explanation of program operations, program expectations and the requirements for contractor participation. Time will be allowed for participants to ask questions and learn more about the program.

While attendance at both meetings is not necessary, any contractor interested in participating in the program MUST attend at least one of the meetings.

For more information, contractors should contact the City’s Community Development Department by calling (337) 491-1440.

Citizens can keep up with City of Lake Charles news at www.cityoflakecharles.com and www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana.

09/01/2022

City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Youth Partnership Re-Launch Announced



LAKE CHARLES, La.— On Thursday, September 1, 2022 Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter announced the City’s plans to re-launch the youth mentoring Mayor’s Youth Partnership Initiative.



Applications are now available and will be accepted through Friday, September 23, 2022. Students who are currently in grades 8th-12th and reside in the City of Lake Charles are eligible to apply.

The long-standing program, paused because of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters of 2020 and 2021, works to instill the value of servant leadership for our community’s tomorrow.

The Partnership’s mission is to provide City of Lake Charles youth with a voice in local government issues that matter most to them. It aims to promote participation in City government, to broaden youth leadership skills and to increase understanding of community issues through structured discussion and participation in community events.

Complete program details and eligibility requirements; along with the application packet, can be found at www.cityoflakecharles.com/youthoutreach.

Citizens can keep up with City of Lake Charles news at www.cityoflakecharles.com and www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana.

08/24/2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday is set to announce his long-delayed move to forgive up to $10,000 in federal student loans for many Americans and extend a pause on payments to January, according to three people familiar with the plan.

Biden has faced pressure from liberals to provide broader relief to hard-hit borrowers, and from moderates and Republicans questioning the fairness of any widespread forgiveness. The delay in Biden’s decision has only heightened the anticipation for what his own aides acknowledge represents a political no-win situation. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Biden’s intended announcement ahead of time.

The precise details of Biden’s plan, which will include an income cap limiting the forgiveness to only those earning less than $125,000 a year, were being kept to an unusually small circle within the Biden administration and were still not finalized on the eve of the announcement.

Down-to-the-wire decision-making has been a hallmark of the Biden White House, but the particular delay on student loans reflects the vexing challenge confronting him in fulfilling a key campaign promise.

The plan would likely eliminate student debt entirely for millions of Americans and wipe away at least half for millions more.

08/24/2022

City of Lake Charles and CITGO Celebrate $1 Million Donation to Port Wonder with Port Wonder Site and Parking Garage Rehab Preview



Lake Charles — On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, Mayor Nic Hunter joined representatives from the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery and the Children’s Museum to celebrate the CITGO $1 million commitment to Port Wonder.



The event featured a preview of work now underway at the site of the $20+ million Port Wonder lakefront development, which will house the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Science and Nature Center. Participants also got a sneak peek at the ongoing renovations to the lakefront-parking garage.



“Port Wonder is a much anticipated lakefront development that simply would not be possible without the support of a number of private donors,” said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. “The CITGO roots in our community run deep and they have been an incredible community partner to the City of Lake Charles for decades. Their financial support of Port Wonder will help ensure a world class attraction on our lakefront and a state-of-the-art educational experience for generations to come.”



CITGO has been a long-time supporter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for youth in the community.



“At CITGO, we are committed to providing a clear pathway to STEM education for our students which, ultimately, molds the next generation of talent for our community,” said Sterling Neblett, Vice President & General Manager of the CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex. “Our goal is to increase access to STEM-related educational opportunities, including Port Wonder and our CITGO Innovation Academies located at E.K. Key Elementary, LeBlanc Middle and Sulphur High, all of which are excellent STEM related avenues that support the future of Southwest Louisiana.”



Site work for Port Wonder and rehabilitation on the parking garage at the lakefront site are now underway.