By Emily Burleigh

For the first time in the city of Leesville’s history, the Leesville Fire Department has achieved a class rating of three from the Professional Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL).

PIAL is a private, non-profit association made up of all insurance companies that are licensed to write fire and certain coverage within the state.

Pattie Larney, city administrator, said the rating is based on the fire department’s emergency communication, water supply, operations and “all the hard work of everyone.”

She said the rating will benefit the residents and businesses of Leesville by reducing insurance rates, and will be valid for the next five years.

District 4 Councilmember Delain Perkins Prewitt said the rating is a notable “feat.”

“For many, many years we’ve worked for that.”

Casa of West Central Louisiana

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. To bring awareness to child abuse and neglect in Central Louisiana communities, members of CASA of West CenLa are “planting” blue pinwheels in front of municipal buildings in Beauregard and Vernon parishes.

Tommy Edwards, executive director for CASA of West CenLa, and Beth Wilcox, lead advocate supervisor for CASA of West CenLa, spoke to the council to present statistics regarding last year’s advocacy work.

CASA is a nationwide advocacy group – operating in 954 state and local program offices – that provides abused and neglected children a voice in legal situations. CASA of West CenLa has been present in Beauregard Parish for 22 years and Vernon Parish for 19 years.

“Our mission is to mobilize trained volunteers to advocate for the needs of abused and neglected children appointed by the courts,” Wilcox said.

Last year, 63 volunteers contributed 2,577 hours of service and have driven 31,070 miles for cases. They have advocated for 71 children; 45 of the children were under the age of 10.

She said that community members can contribute by volunteering, helping with projects, becoming a board member or considering becoming a foster parent.

Councilmember-at-Large Phillip Hunt has been a foster parent, and deemed it a “worthwhile thing to do.”

“Every child, every person wants to be loved in this world. If you get that opportunity, please think about it. There could be up to 5,000 children in the United States alone that doesn’t have someone to show them that love.”

Wilcox said that those interested in fosters can contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at 888-524-3571.

Weekend events

Grant Bush, director of planning and development for the city of Leesville, said the Spring Fling Concert the city is presenting is taking place this weekend on Saturday, April 13.

The concert is taking place from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Leesville Polk Stage, 109 East Texas St.

There will be performances by the Parish Line Band, Landon Blood and Gypsy La Blue.

At the event, there will be food, merchandise, vendors, local artists and activities like face painting and cornhole.

For more information, contact Bush at grant.hush@leesvillela.gov or call 337-515-6286.

Earlier on Saturday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. will be the 2nd Saturday at 3rd Street Market at the corner of S. 3rd St and E. Harriet St. in Leesville.

Other news

The council unanimously approved the rezoning and alignment of property Lot One and Four only of 303 N. 1st St. in New Survey Subdivision to establish a residential structure for a law office. The lots were rezoned from A-7 Multi-Family District to C-3 Neighborhood Commercial District.

The application for the rezoning was passed through the Leesville Planning and Zoning Commission in March to be approved by the City Council.

Two Class A Alcohol Permits were unanimously approved. K KAV LLC submitted one permit for lot number seven located at 1800 Nolan Trace in Leesville. The second application was submitted by Khadka Operating LLC for lot number six located at 188 Alexandria Hwy.

The council also unanimously voted in favor of increasing the cost of burial plats from $800 to $1,200 at the City of Leesville Cemetery.