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Paragon Casino Resort debuts a new dining option this month. Lucky Wok, a fast-casual Asian restaurant serving a selection of traditional and modern dishes is Marksville’s newest culinary destination and now open to the public.

Lucky Wok offers a curated selection of Asian-inspired dishes that emphasize bold flavor and convenience. Entrée choices include orange chicken, kung pao chicken, beef & broccoli, teriyaki chicken thighs and sweet & tangy pork ribs. Sides feature options like roast pork fried rice, stir-fried green beans and vegetable lo mein. Guests can choose from meal sizes including a bowl, medium plate or large plate. To complement the meal, appetizers such as chicken egg rolls and potstickers are also available.

With this opening, Lucky Wok joins Paragon Casino Resort’s diverse lineup of dining options, which include Legends Steakhouse, Roxy’s Diner, Market Place Buffet, The Draft Room, Tamahka Grill and Gator Coffee Co. Lucky Wok is located across from Legends Steakhouse, positioned between the Paragon’s atrium and the casino floor, offering convenient access for both hotel guests and casino visitors.

“Lucky Wok brings something completely new to the table for our guests,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “With bold flavors, quick service and a central location in the resort, it’s designed to meet the needs of both casual diners and those on the go. We know our returning guests will also love the new variety being added to our culinary lineup.”

Lucky Wok is the newest addition to Paragon Casino Resort as the property closes out its 30^th year of operation. In addition to Lucky Wok, Paragon has completed an extensive renovation of 531 rooms, upscale suites, hotel corridors and its lobby along with installing a beautiful eagle statue representing its tribal roots with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. Most recently, the casino resort added to its 64,000-square-foot gaming floor with the construction of the Dragon Link Den—which distinguishes Paragon as having the most fan-favorite Dragon Link slot machines of any casino in Louisiana.

To learn more or plan your visit, head to paragoncasinoresort.com.

For high-res photos of the Justice Center, click here.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana celebrated the grand opening of its new Justice Center on Friday, May 16, 2025 with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony. Located on the Tribe’s reservation in Marksville, the Justice Center houses the Tribal Police Department, Tribal Court and key administrative services, all rooted in the Tribe’s vision for justice, healing and self governance.

Tribal leadership, community members and dignitaries gathered for the ceremony, which included a dedication in honor of Mrs. Irene Jackson Gonzales and Mr. Sylvester “Uncle Joe” Barbry, both of whom were instrumental in advancing tribal services and advocacy. The event marked a significant milestone in the Tribe’s ongoing commitment to justice, safety and empowerment for its citizens.

“The Justice Center is more than just a building. It is a symbol of sovereignty and service,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “It represents our responsibility to protect, guide and uplift our people through a system built on tribal values, compassion and accountability.”

The Justice Center offers a comprehensive array of services, including Tribal Court, probation and parole offices, the prosecutor’s office, state fire marshal presence, wildlife and fisheries enforcement, the Tribal Police Department and the court clerk’s office, which also handles records and tribal land deeds.

Inside, the building reflects the Tribe’s belief that justice should offer the possibility of healing. Natural light pours into the space through a roof screen that diffuses sunlight and casts symbolic mosaic patterns inspired by the Tunica Treasure, paying tribute to the Tribe’s heritage and federal recognition journey. Elements of turquoise and water throughout the building are inspired by the Tribe’s creation story.

“The Justice Center represents a form of tribal justice that differs from traditional court systems. The goal is to symbolize hope and healing,” said Judge Robert Johnson, who oversees the Tribal Court. “Traditional justice systems can leave individuals feeling hopeless. Our approach offers an alternative—one centered on restoration, healing and opportunity.”

The Tribe’s unique Healing to Wellness Court emphasizes treatment over punishment, offering tailored services for addiction recovery, mental health support, family reunification and reentry programs. This court-based system partners closely with health services, family assistance, housing and workforce development to support long term rehabilitation and independence.

“Your governmental system is only as strong as your court system,” added Judge Johnson. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that our rules, regulations and tribal codes are up to date because we want our people to have confidence in this court.”

The event reaffirmed the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s deep investment in justice as a tool for empowerment and renewal. The Justice Center stands as a modern expression of tribal identity, bridging the past and future through service, structure and spirit.

Combining culture, heritage and environmental stewardship, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is dedicated to protecting the land for future generations.

Today, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana hosted an inspiring Earth Day celebration that united the community in a shared love of the land and a deep commitment to preserving it for future generations.

In partnership with the Tunica-Biloxi Education Department and Proctor & Gamble, the celebration offered a mix of cultural activities and environmental education designed to honor the natural world that has sustained the Tribe for centuries. The day concluded with a ceremonial tree planting on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in the heart of Central Louisiana.

“On this Earth Day, we celebrate the land and honor the wisdom of our ancestors, who taught us that Mother Earth is not just where we live—it is who we are,” said Chairman Marshall Pierite of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. “Protecting the Earth is a sacred duty, ensuring that future generations inherit a world as full of life and beauty as the one our ancestors cherished.”

Community members and visitors were able to take part in kite flying, a recycling relay race and a collaborative community art project. The Tunica-Biloxi Agricultural Department hosted an engaging Lunch & Learn themed “Protecting the Land,” which provided practical insights into sustainable habits and the importance of conservation. To honor the land, the Tribe planted Longleaf Pine trees on the reservation—a tree that is deeply rooted in Tunica-Biloxi history.

“Longleaf Pine trees were traditionally used by our ancestors in making baskets and other goods. By planting more of these beautiful trees, we are showing respect to our culture and making a promise to our future Tribal citizens,” said John Barbry, Director of Development & Programming. “These trees will strengthen the land that makes up our ancestral home and sustain the local wildlife we all know and love.”

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has long been committed to safeguarding the Earth and protecting the natural environment of their Avoyelles Parish home. The Tribe extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, media representatives, partners and supporters for contributing to the success of this memorable event.

You are cordially invited to attend a Purse Swap – Tunica-Biloxi Style hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Housing Department

Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023

Time: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Place: Tunica-Biloxi Gym Multi-Purpose Room

Bring a new or gently used purse for a chance to play our version of Dirty Santa and your chance to win a purse that fits into your lifestyle! Each participant will receive two (2) tickets upon entry (door prize and purse). Bring two (2) or more purses and receive an extra ticket. Limit 3 tickets per person.

Rules of the Game: Participants will draw numbers to see which order they will go in to pick a purse of their choice. Only one (1) steal per purse will be allowed. Participants can pick from the purses already chosen or from the purses still available. Any purse not picked at the end of the game will be donated to the Tunica-Biloxi Life Center.

Tribal employees, spouse and/or their significant other are invited to attend. For more information or to RSVP, contact Babette Bordelon via email at bbordelon@tunica.org by calling (318) 240-6485. Light evening dinner will be served. Come join us for a fun-filled evening!

The Language and Culture Revitalization Program (LCRP) Director of Programs and Development John Barbry was recently interviewed by Karl Lengel, host of the WWNO 89.9 podcast Louisiana Considered. During the interview, Barbry discussed how the Tunica-Biloxi tribe is expanding knowledge of the Tunica language and culture through education programs such as classes and summer camps for tribal children.

Louisiana Considered showcases South Louisiana’s biggest stories in partnership with WWNO and WKRF newsrooms. The podcast features interviews with journalists, cultural figures, and newsmakers that discuss what matters most in the region

To listen to the full interview, click here