Hopefully never.Quote:
Originally Posted by TigersBulldogs
If you want so badly to live in a soulless, cultureless wasteland of asphalt and chain stores, Dallas is right up the road. (Houston isn't much farther.)
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Hopefully never.Quote:
Originally Posted by TigersBulldogs
If you want so badly to live in a soulless, cultureless wasteland of asphalt and chain stores, Dallas is right up the road. (Houston isn't much farther.)
This coming from someone who lives anywhere in Arkansas where culture means marrying your sister, having gravel (not asphalt) roads and is the home of Wal Mart.Quote:
Originally Posted by Champ967
Uh, not adding wasteland of asphalt, taking over an over priced hardware store. if you want grass and trees, if there aren't enough in ruston to comfort your need, go one 1 mile in any direction from downtown and get ya some nature :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Champ967
Hey now! Bill's double wide trailer library is pretty nice.Quote:
Originally Posted by Houston Techsan
Truck stops are great places to meet new people.Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
Yep...not having miles of stuck cars on a road is such a bad thing. That makes Baton Rouge, and by extension LSU, the best place to be in Louisiana. Ain't that right ulm2009? That's the point you're trying to make. Yes, it is true, Lafayette has a much worse traffic problem than Ruston. So, since BR/LSU has THE worst in the state, and is the flagship school, it follows that ALL cities/schools should be judged by their traffic issues.
Academic rankings, success in athletics be damned!!! Your school's real value depends on traffic jams!
During the school year - I drive from Lake Claiborne to Haynesville HS basically every week day - basically 25 miles one way - most mornings I see less than 50 vehicles in TOTALQuote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
BTW - exactly 3 stop lights
I kid you not - and I love it
I also find it amusing that the google traffic app will trip my phone every morning saying "There are LIGHT traffic conditions in your area".....
Tell us about those Lot Lizards ...Quote:
Originally Posted by ULM2009
https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.l...90&o=4&pid=1.7
I go for the chicken gizzardsQuote:
Originally Posted by Dwayne From Minden
I've been hearing about a brewery/pizzeria going downtown. Could be a monstrous landmark place if they can put it together right. I can see the possibilities like a place in Lexington KY called Pazzos. Been there for many years and people still line up to get in. Great food & bar. But they don't brew beer...that could be a great hook.
http://pazzospizzapub.com
https://www.utilitybrewing.com/
Not a ton of information yet, but definitely looking forward to having this in Ruston.
This is great to hear! Ruston desperately needs a craft beer scene. All the other cities in Louisiana have 'em ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by GeauxDawgsGeaux
That's awesome! Looks like it's right next door to the Dixie. They hope to open by Labor Day.Quote:
Originally Posted by GeauxDawgsGeaux
With two big home games, they have the chance to get big numbers their first month of operations.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
Natchitoches doesn't have a craft beer business. There's one in the works, but because the "old money" of Natchitoches isn't involved, the two guys trying to launch one are having to face all kinds of ridiculous barriers (political). I think certain "factions" in Natchitoches are killing this proposal, then after the two entrepreneurs give up and take their business elsewhere, the "old money" will open their own craft beer business with some kind of exclusive protection for themselves. The zoning commission can establish rules to limit how many of each type of business, especially any "specialty" business, are allowed to open. Or, they can control it by capacity. In this case, they might have a rule establishing X number of barrels can be produced monthly. The "old money's" business would have that capacity or close to it. Thus, no other craft beer business can open, as long as that first one is operating.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
Such controls were just used in Natchitoches to prevent a "gentlemen's club" (strip joint) from opening in the city. Most of the city is zoned to disallow any "sexually oriented" business from opening, period. But, South Drive was not zoned that way. A local entrepreneur was looking to buy an existing commercial property (former restaurant) and convert it to a strip club. The powers-that-be went ballistic! They could not deny the business from opening. So...instead....the zoning commission passed an emergency ordinance limiting hours of operation to any establishment selling alcohol, that does not derive 50+% of its gross revenue from food service, to something like 5PM to 7PM, Thursday-Saturday. That means this strip club could have 6 operating hours per week. So! the entrepreneur looked into NOT selling alcohol but allowing patrons to bring their own...and the club could sell ice and cokes and other setups. So! the commission responded with another "behind closed doors" emergency meeting and came up with another regulation.
An attorney (personal friend and business associate) told me the zoning commission acted illegally, that all such zoning regulations must be discussed in open, public forums so the general public can comment, etc.. But, I later learned the commission can issue such "emergency rulings" that are binding for 60 days. After that, an open public hearing must be held to make such new rules permanent. In this case, the owner of the commercial property was facing such hostility that the entrepreneur was told the property was not for sale for such business purposes. I believe that such "discrimination" might in itself be considered illegal. There are laws that govern real estate. They are more numerous and stricter re: residential real estate, but commercial property is also governed by laws for the expressed purpose to assure "fair practices."
"Old money" of Natchitoches shut down an out-of-state real estate investment company that was buying up property for the purpose of building a huge apartment/condo complex. Adjacent landowners found ready allies in the "old money" faction who themselves own rental properties, apartments, and who didn't want the competition. Then, stuck with some property and nothing they could do with it, this real estate company sold it for pennies on the dollar to, you guessed it! those same "old money" folks.
The beat goes on...
As an urban planner and staff to a zoning commission, I can say this is all unspeakably unethical. Even if it were technically allowed by law, it's way out of line with anything the profession would consider proper behavior or best practices.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and speculate the city has a hard time maintaining a professional planning staff precisely because they're expected to provide administrative support for shenanigans like this. Correct?
Unethical? I think so, but I assume such ethics are in the eye of the beholder. Some might say the commission acted "heroically" to prevent such a nasty/naughty business from opening.Quote:
Originally Posted by Champ967
Now, I have to say, that some people I spoke with questioned the commission's actions, even though they said they are pleased no strip club will be opening in Natchitoches (anytime soon). But, just because they personally agree with the end result, they are still concerned that ANY governing body would act in such a behind-closed-door fashion. Next time...it might be a business, or a zoning change, they support and they expect the commission to conduct its business properly and openly.
Too bad too. I had a bunch of $1 bills accumulated. Now, I'll have to do something else with 'em :D.
Oh, and to your other question, about the staff... well, some of us question the quality of a lot of the city/parish staff. I suppose these folks remain in their positions because no one else will hire 'em.
What is being built at the corner of 167 and Wynnwood?
A houseQuote:
Originally Posted by LT2
Edit: An office.
?Who is clearing land south of the ballpark on Hwy. 167?
Probably more ballparks: https://lincolnparishnewsonline.word...ports-complex/Quote:
Originally Posted by LT2
if they do it "right", and it sounds like they are, this will bring in a ton of folks in for youth tourneys.Quote:
Originally Posted by splicer
I wish em the best.
But . . . I would have guarded optimism on its weekly impact of a baseball park.
Southern Louisiana teams have a multitude of tournaments to travel to along I-10 . . . and sleep in their own beds. I wouldn't depend on the majority of those teams to travel north on a regular basis.
Along I-20 there is a lot a work to do on developing more travel teams. Several years ago, local leagues were converting from Little League and Dixie Youth to USSSA little league so the weekends would be easier to deal with. Will that happen in Lincoln Parish?
Same goes for the town of Sterlington and their dreams. They're both about 10 years behind in this ballpark complex building.
The nicest thing about the new park. More fields for local league play.
I believe that trend is turning back some. Ruston, for the most part, has held together well with their organization. Same in Monroe/West Monroe despite having some of the elite players pulled away to travel ball. As you know "Tournament Teams" are now developed out of local leagues and the cost is MUCH less than travel ball. The fields at nlulm have never lacked for play. I believe a few more fields in Ruston and Sterlington will find plenty of play as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawgpix
As nice as the Sulphur complex is, I have no desire to go down to that part of the state and spend money.
Yes, thus, more and more "travel" teams are staying in their own beds. Restaurants will benefit . . .Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
We traveled every other weekend from March to June for 6 years. The tourneys in northern La. were a blessing.
Even with a limited population along the I-20 corridor I think the new parks do fine. Hotels many not stay booked from baseball, but from what I hear and see hotels in Ruston and Ouachita Parish are almost 100% occupied now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawgpix
Yes, their occupancy is phenomenal. . . year-round. WM's Thomas Road has become the stopping point for many traveling from Atlanta to the west and Texas to the east. I'm sure that's why Golden Corral decided to put down an anchor at that interstate exit. :icon_razz: (that and travel ball teams! ;))Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
Golden Corral is private (same folks who own Fleet Feet), but Cracker Barrel is a good stock.;)
What's the difference between travel ball and tournament teams?Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
It's based on how loudly the parents swear at the umps.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
Local leagues (Monroe was the first around here) began getting their all star teams together and putting them in tournaments to season them for the all stars. Monroe's guys began playing together at age 11 (maybe earlier). They always had an A Team and a B Team. We tried to copy is somewhat in WM, but mixed the guys up on two teams. By the time we started doing it in WM, Dixie Youth was having weekend open tournaments in places like Shreveport, Bossier, Minden, WM, and other easy drive to places. We called them tournament teams, but sometimes some of the travel teams also played in the Dixie Open Tournaments. It was fun and inexpensive. It was also a great tune up for all stars.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
went to the tourney in Jonesboro last night, those are some NICE fields. Think the ones in Ruston will be turf from the plate to the outfield fence. It'll benefit local teams yes, but I think it'll be a draw for those outside also. think they'll work well for slow pitch softball tourneys if laid out like I saw last night. Peach fest used to have one of the biggest softball tourneys around, until it got run into the ground by someone that was in charge. hey, many of the teams may sleep in their own beds that night, but I bet you they don't eat out of their own fridge during the day :)
Last night Mayor Lee Posey drew a big laugh from a packed house at a public forum when he said the City of Natchitoches is blessed with top-notch employees.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
I like Lee Posey, and think he's doing a good job overall as mayor. But, he's learning some valuable lessons in politics.
Looks like more good news for Ruston:
The National Council for Home Safety and Security released their list of Louisiana's Safest Cities for 2017, & Ruston is the safest college town in the state!
https://www.facebook.com/LATech/phot...type=3&theater
That's from March HD.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
I've had 4 children over there so far and only had one vehicle break in and one home burglary, so I reckon it's a safe place if you figure the odds. ;)
Seriously, there are thugs and drug heads in every city and every neighborhood. Ruston certainly has its share, but it is still a great city.
Any idea what may go on the NE of 33 and Burgessville? Also, what is going in Floyd Park on Kentucky across from Terzia'a and Sexton's office?
Will the new Tarbutton brige be a 5 lane bridge like Hwy 33 Bridge?
4 lanesQuote:
Originally Posted by TigersBulldogs
TigersBulldogs is not impressed.Quote:
Originally Posted by RhythmDawg
http://r.fod4.com/http://a.fod4.com/...035c_original.
Should I tell him that the NEW bridge will be 4 lanes, but they are keeping the current 2 lane bridge to total 6 lanes to accommodate all the firework traffic on July 4th?Quote:
Originally Posted by Champ967
No, don't tell him that.
Build it and they will come . . . . . .
Ruston to host 2019 Dixie World Series
http://www.myarklamiss.com/news/loca...ries/785112876
What a great way to show off the new "stuff" Ronny and LaTech have put together.Quote:
Originally Posted by Choudawg86
How many more new hotels are in the works for Ruston?
I hear the Pines is gonna add tent camping . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
Actually the Lincoln Motel is going to stop selling rooms by the hour and start selling them in 30 minute blocks to accommodate more people.Quote:
Originally Posted by Choudawg86
Chick-Fil-A in Ruston opening August 17
http://www.myarklamiss.com/news/loca...t-17/785526513
Is there still an extra $10 deposit if you want sheets?Quote:
Originally Posted by RhythmDawg
For clean ones.Quote:
Originally Posted by Champ967
Does anyone know what is going at the corner of E. Georgia and Farmerville, near Walpole's? Is something going across from the Jr. High School or is that part of the new exchange?
I think Walpole is adding on.Quote:
Originally Posted by LT2
Yes that's all new exchange by the Jr. High. The way the south end is being built looks like a brand new multi-lane bridge is going to cross I-20.
The area in question is across the street from Walpole so I'm not sure it's them.
It is. 4 lanes, and the service roads and tarbutton are being slightly rerouted.Quote:
Originally Posted by tenacious_dog
Nothing is going on this corner right now. The Gulledge Family, who own Ruston Glass, bought the lot and use it for their employees to park. They plan to have the underbrush and such cleaned up one day but nothing is going there. My offsite office is right here beside this location and I lease my office space from them. They are a great family and supplied much, if not all, of the glass for the DAC and the press box.Quote:
Originally Posted by LT2
THIS IS AWESOME! TECH needs to be VERY well represented for the event
West Monroe is getting one of those Walk-Ons sports bars
Hope they do better hiring management and servers than BWW has.Quote:
Originally Posted by rebelboi
I heard Ruston is getting a Walk-On's downtown, too.Quote:
Originally Posted by rebelboi
I wouldn't be surprised, Tech needs another one close by instead of just the DawghouseQuote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
The Dawghouse should be closed by the health department.Quote:
Originally Posted by rebelboi
I agree we need more eateries down town.
BTW, how does Newk's do in Ruston?
I don't know. Nobody goes there because it's too crowded. -Y. BerraQuote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
I think a Newk's would do very well in Ruston. But I would prefer McAlisters Deli. It's typically a much cleaner environment. I don't know why the Newk's folks can't keep their restaurants clean.Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
HD did you realize that the folks who started McAllisters Deli sold it...it began to be HORRIBLE, then the folks who started McAllisters started Newk's. It is MUCH better than the current McAllisters IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
The Dawghouse is horribly nasty, unkept, and has bad food...great prices though if you can stand to be served by a server with an infected bull nose ring while listening to X rated rap music.
Keep it classy ELLAYE Tech!
PawDawg, are you talking about McAlister's on campus? Or is there another one.
And HD, Newk's in Ruston is already doing great--you should try it!
I was talking about McAlister's franchise in general. It has suffered a down turn since the turn over (whenever that was). Much higher prices now and much less quality food. Sweet tea ain't hard to make.Quote:
Originally Posted by maverick
Oh, okay. I had no idea about the ownership changes. Not sure why, but I've never cared much for McAlister's (anywhere). I'm a big fan of Newk's.Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
the McAllister's in West Monroe is pretty goodQuote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
Yes, much better than a year ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by rebelboi
I didn't know Ruston had a Newk's yet. Glad to hear it. Must be a recent addition. By the way, I do agree with PD about the Dawg House being nasty.Quote:
Originally Posted by maverick
However, I will disagree with PD about McAlisters vs Newks. McAlister's is a MUCH better and higher class option. The Newks here in Franklin, TN is one of the nastiest restaurants I've ever seen. They can't keep that place clean.
We've had Newks for a couple years now, I don't remember exactly when it went up.
My experience with Newks, both in Bossier and Ruston, has been positive. The one where you are may just be poorly run. McAllister's sweet tea is superior though.
My wife always wants a Newks soup and sandwich if I offer to bring something home to eat from Ruston...
To me it's just a sandwich
Last basketball season ended my visits to the Dawghouse, between the profane music, nasty bathrooms and horrible service I will choose to spend my $$$ elsewhere
Where is the new sports complex being built?Quote:
Originally Posted by Choudawg86
Depends on the sandwich in my opinion. I like the pizza and soup primarily. One thing that can't be denied are the huge portions.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwayne From Minden
Good pizza, good salad, and great sandwiches. They finally got wheat bread!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirtydawg
Quote:
Originally Posted by TulsaDawg
Google Ruston, its west of old airport (south of Ruston).
[IMG]http://media.graytvinc.com/images/690*388/baseball+complex.jpg[/IMG]
same area, just north of where the RPAR field are now by old airport.Quote:
Originally Posted by TulsaDawg
Looks like one has to play a "white" sport to get anything in Ruston. Unless my eyes are worse than I thought, but I don't see any plans for a decent number of gymnasiums in which could be held aau basketball and volleyball tournaments as well as the leagues that compete with aau which are several.Quote:
Originally Posted by Choudawg86
[They finally got wheat bread![/QUOTE]
As opposed to corn bread or rye bread or oat meal bread.
So are the fields east of RHS baseball field going away or being replaced/refurbished? Looks like everything but RHS' field is being terraformed.
says future rec, have no idea but I would imagine they would be redone at some point.Quote:
Originally Posted by JuBru
[QUOTE=Dirtydawg;1657236]Looks like one has to play a "white" sport to get anything in Ruston. Unless my eyes are worse than I thought, but I don't see any plans for a decent number of gymnasiums in which could be held aau basketball and volleyball tournaments as well as the leagues that compete with aau which are several.[/QUOTE
well, I'm looking at some soccer fields on the sketch and there used to be a HUGE volleyball tourney held at the intramural center. Been a while since i've known them to have it but there were a ton of teams for that. I'm thinking the bang for the buck is better in building fields vs building multiple gym facilities and the draw greater. Would think if you wanted to host a basketball tourney you could use the intramural center couldn't you? dunno.
Our family wont be getting any use out of the new rec area but I'm thrilled about it happening for the community. Its gonna screw up my dog training area though as the new softball fields will sit right on my "blind field". I think we need more retriever training areas.
[QUOTE=Choudawg86;1657315]Anything done at the IC will go to Tech. Plus the games aren't as "clean" as in separate gyms. The courts are right next to each other with the basketballs crossing and having to stop play. Considering the cost of entry fees, quite a bit of money can be made from these tourneys. It's how Mike Theus got his Nike program started in Shreveport in the early 90s by hosting tournaments at different locations there. A dog park would be an excellent addition as well with training areas.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirtydawg
What is going on at the old Valaro station in front of the library?
hole is big enough to pull some tanks out, dunno if that's whats going on or not.
I hadnt noticed Dawghouse being dirty. Its kinda old and dark, though. With Flying Burger open I'll likely not be going to Dawghouse as much anymore anyway. I like their burgers more.
Dawg House was always good but just never seemed to pull together all it takes to be a great sports bar. I have always wondered why the owners accepted the shortfalls, like service, as their Standard Operating Procedures. Character is one thing, dirty/nasty is another.
Bet this is the last year they host the weekly coach's show.
The sad thing is that some of us tried to contact the owners - not to complain, but let them know they had a problem. We wanted them to be successful. No return calls or emails indicated they don't care.Quote:
Originally Posted by tenacious_dog
What is going in on Hwy. 167 South where the vegetable stand use to be?
Another Dollar General.Quote:
Originally Posted by LT2
Just saw all the new apartments being built behind the TAC. Does anyone know who is building them?
Would be a fairly good location for students and an alternative to on-campus apartments. If you're young you shouldn't mind the hike. Of course we used to grouse about walking from Nielsen to class. Up hill both ways through six feet of snow (I really only remember one ice storm and very little if any snow).
I heard Little Pizzoli's (formerly Monjuni's) is closed or closing and that a bar & grill is going in that location. Anybody have information?
I don't have more information but I hope that what you said is correct. Downtown could use more bars to help make it more happening at night. Downtown Ruston has lots of potential.Quote:
Originally Posted by maverick
There was a notice in the Leader recently where someone was applying for an alcohol license for a place called Champs in that location.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawgonit
Thanks, CutiePie72! From the Ruston Leader:
LIQUOR PERMIT
Submitted by Ruston Leader on Fri, 09/15/2017 - 1:07pm
in
- Legal Notice I, Richard Coker, am applying to the City of Ruston for the permit to sell beverages of high and low alcoholic content at retail in the City of Ruston at the following address: 101 North Trenton Street, Ruston, La. 71270. Fox and Lion LLC d/b/a Champs /s/ Richard Coker, Owner
Good name. I wonder if its going to be a rival to the other bar grill in town that has a name alluding to Tech.Quote:
Originally Posted by CutiePie72
Great, Ruston needs more bar and grills.