October 30, 2014
CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE ADDRESS NEWSLETTER READING AUDIENCE
Denham Springs Mayoral Candidate Gerard Landry and City Council Candidate Brian Ross both submitted statements to our newsletter. Both are sponsors of our Denham Springs broadcasts (Denham Springs Football pbp/The Dru Nettles Show). Ross’ company, OK Computers, has been a perennial sponsor of our broadcasts. Please see their statements below
Also running for office is Michael Betts, who is vying for District Judge. Michael’s law firm, Michael Betts Attorney At Law, has been a long-time sponsor of our Denham Springs broadcasts.
THE DRU NETTLES SHOW
A star-studded line-up highlights tonight’s The Dru Nettles Show. Airing Thursday nights, 6pm—7pm, on Cox 4 Television, The Dru Nettles Show is co-hosted by Denham Springs HS Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Dru Nettles and yours truly, Jon Fine. Replays can be seen Friday at 11am and Saturday at 1pm.
Tomorrow night, the Jackets face Zachary HS in a battle for the District Championship. Their head coach is David Brewerton, who will appear on The Dru Nettles Show. Other guests include DSHS Athletic Hall of Famer Joey Chustz--a Jackets assistant coach, Denham Springs mayoral candidate Gerard Landry—the Sponsor of The Week and City Council Representative Brian Ross—owner of OK Computers, a perennial show sponsor.
There will also be highlights of the Jackets game against University High School. Plus, Fine will have an extensive interview of Coach Nettles.
For more information on The Dru Nettles Show, please visit The Dru Nettles Show page on JonFineProductions.com.
SPORTSCENTRAL
Join Hosts Sid Edwards and Steve Johnson on SportsCentral, tonight, 5pm—6pm, on WUBR, 910AM (CBS Sports Radio) Baton Rouge… on the net at WUBR’s website… live from Coach’s. This week’s guests include Central Basketball coach Ron Lewis, basketball player Titus Woodfork and football players Kyle Kennedy and Luke Snyder.
BATON ROUGE AREA BROADCASTING SCHEDULE:
Thursday, October 30: 5pm—6pm: SportsCentral… with Sid Edwards and Steve Johnson
WUBR, 910AM (CBS Sports Radio) Baton Rouge
PelicanSportsTV.com
App: search WUBR… from Coach’s
Thursday, October 30: 6pm—7pm: The Dru Nettles Show… with Dru Nettles and Jon Fine
Cox 4 Television
Baton Rouge… note new replay times: Friday, September 26 at 11am and Saturday, September 27 at 1 pm
Friday, October 31: 6pm: Denham Springs HS vs Zachary HS
Jon Fine, Brian Abels, Nathan Landry
Fox Sports Radio, 1210AM, Baton Rouge… and on the net at JonFineProductions.com
SportsRadio 1310 Radio, Lake Charles Programming of Interest (also heard on KEZMOnLine.com):
Friday, October 31: 6:45pm: Sulphur HS vs Barbe HS
Bruce Merchant, Clopha Boudreaux
Saturday, November 1: 9AM—10AM: All Things Football with Scott Holtzman
Monday, November 3: 8AM—10AM: The Locker Room with John Goodman and Jim Gazzolo
WE THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR UTMOST TO PATRONIZE SPONSORS OF OUR PROGRAMMING. THIS HELPS US TREMENDOUSLY IN SUSTAINING OUR WEEKLY LINE-UP AND WILL ASSIST US IN ADDING MORE PROGRAMS IN THE FUTURE. KINDLY MAKE AN EFFORT TO LET SPONSORS KNOW YOU HEARD THEIR BUSINESS MENTIONED ON OUR BROADCAST(S).
THE WIZARDRY OF OS
Assistant Basketball Coach and Head Swimming Coach at Central High
Don't take this the wrong way, but I hope you enjoyed the heck out of last weekend because you better not get greedy and expect that every weekend. It was a special weekend for sure.
The lesson to be learned from this season so far has been it is not as good or as bad as it seems. So enjoy, the bye week Tiger fans, and rest up for Bama which will be a totally different challenge. As for Saints fans, hold your breath and hope the Saints can get some good bounces to create turnovers at Carolina.
LSU and the Saints played in a way we have been waiting to see all year. Here are some of my takes from the LSU game:
- Herbstreit and Fowler are the best. They are knowledgable beyond talking points and give actual insight on the game. It is difficult for national commentators to bring insight to local fans, and those two are able to do it.
- Why were so many people surprised by how LSU won the game? That is exactly how the game needed to transpire for LSU to win. If LSU had thrown for 250 yards, and won a high scoring game… that would have been a shocker.
- From the beginning, didn't that game feel exactly like the South Carolina game from 2012?
- I don't know that I have ever seen a non place kicker succumb to Tiger Stadium and the moment as badly as Bo Wallace. Bo doesn't know the mental battle of the game.
- Hugh Freeze absolutely did the right thing to try to pick up some yards with a weak kicker and 12 seconds.
- I certainly understand college students and younger people wanting to get on the field at Tiger Stadium, but beating Ole Miss is not "storm the field worthy."
- A few years ago, I had a friend point out that there is a problem with the officials microphone at almost every LSU home game. Since then, I can't watch a game without noticing if it is true. I bet you won't be able to help noticing now either.
Now for the Saints game:
- I don't know if Akiem Hicks ate a new breakfast cereal or if he just noticed that the season started, but what I saw against the Packers is what I expected to see all year. If he keeps it up, it will make a huge difference.
- As great at Brees and Colston are, I am constantly amazed by how rarely they are able to connect on the back shoulder fade.
- I may eat these words, but the Saints defense reminded me of LSU against Auburn. They actually looked decent when they weren't giving up huge plays (which was every third play). The good plays and contested plays while the game was close give me hope they can continue to improve enough to combine with a potent offense and produce wins at home against some difficult teams. I am still taking a wait and see approach on the road.
- My favorite part of watching the Saints in the Sean Payton years have been plays like the jet sweep to Cooks on the goal line. It was a new wrinkle on a popular play that has been around forever. So simple, creative, and well executed.
- My friend and I texted at the same time that LSU and the Saints can't seem get a tip drill interception. Then the Saints got two in two quarters. I am going to see if we can pull the same trick with the Saints not being able to stop Deangelo Williams.
HEY REF
By Dennis Dearie
Veteran Louisiana High School Referee
“Hey Coach, if you see yourself in this week’s column then you have two options; clean up your act or get out of the profession”! As many readers of this column understand I hold everyone; coaches, officials and parents, to the same, high degree of morals and behavior at all games. This past week I witnessed an outright unbelievable display of unprofessionalism by two area coaches that needs addressing.
Many times I’ve written in this space the reason for sub-varsity games. First and above everything else they are played to give young players the maximum benefits they can only get by playing the game at full speed. Secondly we, the officials, also use 9th grade and JV games as our training grounds to give young, inexperienced, first and second year guys a chance to be part of full speed field situations.
Just as a school will use these contests as a way for coaches to gauge what their younger players are capable of it is the same for us (officials). We all agree that there’s no comparison between classroom time and on the filed experience. Young players and those wanting to be officials need an avenue to show what they can do under live, full speed game situations.
So with that in mind allow me to describe my experience last week. I was working a JV game between two schools that are barely five miles apart. My white hat and I each have more than twenty five years’ experience while our “wing” officials are just beginning their careers; one has two years under his belt while the other is in his first year.
On the play in question one “wing” called a horse-collar tackle which calls for a 15 yard walk off. The offended team had asked for a time out to discuss the call. After a couple minutes of explanation the white hat informed me he wasn’t charging that team with a time out. The score was 25 – 23 and as it so often happens this game was coming down to the last possession. As team “A” is driving and calling their allotted 3 time outs the coach from team “B” comes onto the field during the 3rd time out and begins yelling that the other team had no time outs.
So, the referee goes over to explain he didn’t charge anyone a time out for the stoppage while discussing the earlier horse collar tackle. While he’s talking with that coach, coach “A” comes out and begins to express his displeasure and screams that “I’ll send the checks to coach “B” because he’s calling the game”. This causes both sidelines to erupt and both coaches begin cursing and screaming at each other across the field.
As we attempt to restart the game both coaches start coming out from their sideline, cursing and promising each other to “kick your (derriere)”. Assistants from both sides grabbed their enraged coaches and kept them separated. This little happening took us nearly five minutes to clear them off the field so we could resume the game.
But the damage had been done. After calm was restored, we played the final 17 seconds and no other scoring happened. All this was witnessed by parents, siblings and at least one principal. We kept the game under control even after explaining the discrepancy in time outs. The one fact we weren’t aware of was that the coach of the wining team had been an assistant at the losing team’s school for ten years and it was his first game back.
It’s a sad day when grown men act this way. They are charged with teaching sportsmanship and acting in a professional manner at all times. To take the game personal and attack each other in front of everyone tells me more than I want to know about these two coaches. A sad day indeed as more and more I see this display of emotions coming from grown men that are supposed to be teaching character to our kids.
There is no room for this disgusting example of pure unprofessionalism anywhere in any sport no matter the level. I understand coaches are under extreme pressure to win above all else. But wining above building character is a win where no one really wins!
Till next week…
DENHAM SPRINGS MAYORAL CANDIDATE GERARD LANDRY SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
A personal note…
Citizens of Denham Springs
I am not a politician. I am one of you… a hardworking citizen that experiences the same problems you do. I know what it’s like to work hard every day, to wake up at 4 a.m., to work seven days a week. It’s all I’ve ever done. I learned my work ethic from my father. Although profoundly deaf, he walked to work every single day to a supervisory position.
I have known nothing but hard work. I retired from a large retailer as a District Supervisor. Now I am a small business owner. Having experience in both will serve me well as your mayor. Your city has a budget of over 20 million dollars. I’ve done that. It employs almost 200 people. I’ve supervised over a thousand. Small business owners have unique needs and concerns. I am one.
Customer service is all I’ve ever done. YOU are my customer.
Over the years I have worked with a diverse workforce. From stock boy to CEO, I have a wide range of work-place experience. I’ve had employees that were union and non-union working together. I’ve negotiated between management to union. One of my strengths is communication. I can resolve differences, can negotiate and can work with anyone regardless of political party affiliation. These relationships are essential for the good of our city. Whether it is the staunchest Republican or a liberal Democrat there is common ground to be found in every situation. You have to be willing to find it.
I will work for YOU, first and foremost--Always. Businesses are crucial. That goes without saying. But a business will not have elected me to serve you. You will. I owe no favors, jobs or appointments. I have some exciting plans for our city that I look forward to considering together.
Let’s do this.
DENHAM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE BRIAN ROSS SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
Money and the voice
My name is Brian Ross and I am running for Denham Springs city council.
Since my announcement many people have asked me why I want to run for a seat on the council. The answer is really pretty simple: local governments have a reputation for being a club of insiders that do not really take into account the ideas, and needs of the people that they represent. The citizens are left feeling that they are without a voice. I WANT TO BE THAT VOICE.
Let’s talk about money for a minute. Everyone knows that these are tough economic times. When the citizens of this great city go shopping for groceries every week they look at the “sale papers” to find the best prices. Denham Springs should do the same. Not only should our government search for the best prices when your money is spent, we must ensure that you the people of Denham Springs understand exactly how, where, and why your money is spent. The citizens of Denham Springs want financial transparency and I want to help make sure that happens. LET ME BE THE VOICE THAT CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY.
Hand in hand with any discussion about how money is spent is a discussion about where the money comes from. Let us be very clear – IT IS YOUR MONEY. I understand that everyone is tightening belts these days. I understand that tax increases are NOT what the people want. So that leaves us with the question of where do we get more money when the costs to operate the government goes up? The answer has to be “diversified” economic development. We have to create new revenue streams from within the city limits. This does not mean new fees for city services; rather it means bringing new and thriving businesses to the city. Find some method of helping these new businesses relocate here to the best city in Louisiana. If more people work here then more money will be spent here, and if more money is spent here, then more income the city will generate and all of its citizens will prosper. The people want Denham Springs to thrive, and economic development is the best way to make sure that that happens. I WILL BE THE VOICE THAT CALLS FOR INCREASED “ Diversified” ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
My name is BRIAN ROSS, I am running for city council, and I AM THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE.
ROTARY
Rotary of Livingston meets this Friday, Noon—1pm at Big Mike’s in Denham Springs. The public is invited. The guest speaker is Lenell Levy Melancon.
Lenell Levy Melancon is a Reiki Master, Tai Chi/Qigong instructor, Sacred Heart Yoga teacher, certified intuitive spiritual healer, artist, actress, author, and most importantly, mother. After a near-death experience in which she had to save her own life, Lenell realized her heart’s true purpose in this lifetime is to empower others to take responsibility for their own health and well-being in order to live in joy and freedom from emotional as well as physical pain.
Lenell is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University. Over the past twenty-five years, she has attended numerous lectures and seminars throughout the United States on holistic healing modalities including Emotional Freedom Technique, Pineal Toning, Vibrational Medicine, and Education for Living (RP131) to name a few. She has taught “Passionate Awakening” workshops and intuition development classes in and around Baton Rouge and south Louisiana for the past six years.
Tootles the Turtle Tells the Truth is Lenell’s first book in a series dedicated solely to empowering children.
JON IS PROUD TO WORK AS A MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE FOR SPORTSRADIO-1310-KEZM-LAKE CHARLES, IN ESTABLISHING THE “DOLLAR A HOLLER” MARKETING PROGRAM AND HELPING SELL BARBE HS BASEBALL AND SOUTH LAKE CHARLES PLAYOFF BROADCASTS
AND AS A MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE/ CONSULTANT FOR SPORTSCENTRAL ON WUBR,910AM (CBS SPORTS RADIO), BATON ROUGE.