BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Smiley Anders wrote thousands of columns for The Advocate, inviting readers to be a part of the community’s story. He told silly tales about snakes and cats and gators and the crazy things kids say and do. He also shared people's stories about long-lost loved ones, helping to keep those memories alive. We lost Smiley on Friday at the age of 86. But his place as a special voice for Louisiana will live on. We just feel lucky we had him as long as we did. Read more about his legacy here. It seems like everyone in town knew Smiley. He was everywhere, both in our newspaper in his morning columns and out in the community wherever people gathered to have fun. If you have memories and stories about Smiley you want to share, let us know so we can fashion a fitting tribute to the man who kept us entertained for 50 years. Please send your memories to [email protected]. East Baton Rouge Parish teachers could find a little more in their pockets after interim Superintendent Adam Smith revised a proposed pay raise for educators in the district. He is now pitching a $2,200 permanent hike. Find out where starting teacher salaries would stand if the proposal is approved. | 