Choose how often you hear from us. Upgrade |
Hey CenLA, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: Leesville football buzz, new debit card fee rules, and blind date book exchange + fun things to do for free & local fundraisers worth checking out this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A proven playoff contender: Leesville Wampus Cats make the 7-in-Seven countdown, heading into 2026 with senior, third-year starter QB Trel Broom after 2,144 yards and 23 touchdowns, following a late-season surge to the semifinals -- read the full story.
New payment rules: CenLA shoppers, Louisiana’s Act 751 has taken effect statewide, banning extra fees on debit card payments. Violating stores face up to $500 per violation. Credit card surcharges remain allowed -- see the new checkout rules.
Utility deal sparks interest: Entergy Louisiana outlined a proposed deal with Meta to shield ratepayers, saying Meta would fund Richland Parish data center grid upgrades, projecting $2.65 billion in savings over 20 years -- read the full story.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Time to upgrade sleep: If your back is auditioning for a creaky door, BoxDrop of Cenla Mattress and Furniture Outlet has brand-name mattresses, sofas, and bedroom sets at below-retail prices, plus warranties, easy financing, and delivery with setup. Locally owned, they keep comfort in CenLA and give back to community groups.
Time to treat yourself: The Timeless MedSpa, medically supervised by Dr. Jeremy Timmer, brings TLC to your week, from IV therapy and customized facials to microneedling, injectables, laser hair removal, and even hyperbaric oxygen facials. If your skin, stress, or stubborn fuzz need a reset, their licensed team makes the glow-up easy.
Cupcakes with swagger: Scratch-made cupcakes crowned with sky-high swirls, thick soft-centered cookies, and real espresso make Little Cakes With Big Attitude the Pineville pick when your sweet tooth and caffeine habit need a team-up this week; look for rotating monthly flavors, plus keto, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly treats that keep the attitude, not the carbs.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
📚 Mobile Branch: Tidbits @ Vernon Parish Library (Leesville) | Tuesday (8/11) at 1:00 PM – Whether you live past Anacoco or just like your books with a side of gravel, the library’s Mobile Branch rolls up to Tidbits on LA 111. Browse new reads, audiobooks, and DVDs, return your stack, maybe snag a card, with AC, no town trip required.
📚 Blind Date Book Exchange @ My Secret Shelves (Pineville) | Saturday (8/29) at 7:00 PM – If your unread stack keeps side-eyeing you, cheat on it at the Blind Date Book Exchange at My Secret Shelves. Bring a loved book wrapped with spoiler-free hints, meet fellow readers, and leave with a surprise. Free, and less awkward than actual dating.
🧻 Muse Teen Origami Workshop @ Alexandria Museum of Art | Saturday (10/3) at 1:00 PM – Your teen wants screen-free zen? Muse is running an Origami Workshop where Paul Nettles teaches the Japanese art of paper folding, and yes, cranes count as art. It is free for ages 13 to 19, recent 13s included, and registration is required. ✨ Upcoming local fundraisers🎱 Starfish 2026 Bingo Night @ George M. Simmons Jr. Post #3, American Legion (Alexandria) | Friday (8/21) at 6:00 PM – Third Friday bingo, because sometimes you just want to shout in public and get rewarded for it. Starfish keeps it simple, no presale, just $20 at the door, with pull-tabs, daubers, food, and drinks. Laughs, community, and a good cause.
🦁 Roaring Lion Classic @ Northwestern Hills Golf Course (Natchitoches) | Saturday (8/29) at 8:00 AM – Whether your short game is sharp or you’re there for the cart conversation, this two-man scramble tees up three flights, a shotgun start, and mulligans, $250 a team. Expect hole-in-ones and closest-to-the-pin bragging rights, and it all benefits the Natchitoches Lions Club.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — CenLA report Weather forecastToday — High: 97°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 19%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 101. East wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Heat index values as high as 99. South wind around 0 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 97°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 9%
Sunny, with a high near 97. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind 0 to 5 mph. This house is wildThis custom-built Fairway East estate stretches across 1.79 landscaped acres with more than 5,000 square feet of polished living space. A circular drive sets the stage for 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a game room, office, and spacious gathering areas. Granite, stainless steel, a private primary suite, and a resort-style backyard with pool house finish the picture.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
