Charles “Sonny” Metoyer
Aug 9, 1940 – Dec 25, 2023
Internment: Jan. 10 in Seaside, Ca.

Robert Earl Sheppard
March 19, 1941 — January 7, 2024
Arrangements TBA

The likelihood of an Arctic air intrusion across much of the CONUS appears to be increasing for early next week. This may result in an extended period of freezing temperatures across our region, in addition to some wintry precipitation starting late Sunday through Monday.

Make plans to protect pipes, plants, animals and elderly.

According to the National Weather service, a series of disturbances occurring on Jan. 11 bring widespread showers and embedded thunderstorms to the region on Jan. 12. Some storms could be severe. Another round of storms will be possible on Monday, Jan. 15 with wintry precipitation possible late Monday afternoon as cold air builds in the wake of a cold front. Bitterly cold temperatures expected from Tuesday morning through Wednesday with most locations remaining below freezing through the duration. Overnight lows will average in the single digits to lower teens both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

August 21, 1941 — January 3, 2024
Service was held on January 7, 2024

Edna Earl Ezernack of Many, Louisiana, passed away at Many Healthcare on January 3, 2024, at the age of 82. She was born to George W. Duke and Edna (Patterson) Duke on August 21, 1941, in Center, Texas. The family will receive visitors at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Highway, Many, LA on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary to begin at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1130 San Antonio Avenue, Many, LA 71449 on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Timothy Hurd officiating; burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Edna kept children in her home for numerous years. Many knew her as Mamaw Nack. More than anything she loved hosting her family as they all got together; cooking for them was the highlight of their time together. One thing that was very important to her was spending time with her extended family and with her grandbabies; they had a very important bond that was evident when they would all see each other.

Preceding her in death are her parents, George and Edna (Patterson) Duke, her husband, David Ezernack; her sister, Rena Thompson; her son-in-law, Billy Hancock; and her sister-in-law, Betty Duke. She is survived by her sons, David Ezernack and fiancé Frances Tyl of Shreveport, LA, and Jeffery Ezernack & wife, Natalya of Stonewall, LA; her daughter, Shelia Hancock of Anacoco, LA; her brother, George W. Duke of Timpson, TX; her 10 grandchildren and her 12 great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.

Honoring her as pallbearers will be Jeremy Ezernack, Evan Ezernack, Tristan Hancock, Guy Girouard, Lance Rivers, and Tallen Girouard.

March 22, 1970 — January 1, 2024
Service Held on January 7, 2024

Memorial services celebrating the life of Bruce Kelly Lowe, 53 of Zwolle, Louisiana will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, 9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana. Bruce passed away on January 1,2024, in Florien, Louisiana. He was born March 22, 1970, in Longview, Texas to James Woodrow Lowe and Brenda Gail (Williams) Lowe.

Preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. James Lowe, Sr., his maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. George Williams; and his nephew, Dawson Lowe. Left to mourn his passing include his sons, Aiden Lowe and girlfriend, Breeanna Ivey of Noble, LA, Mason Lowe of Noble, LA; his father, James Lowe, Jr. of Sutherlin, OR; his mother, Brenda Lowe of Zwolle, LA; his brother, Curtis Lowe & wife, Bobette of Dry Prong, LA; his girlfriend, Julie Mitchell of Florien, LA; and the mother of his sons, Jenny Lowe of Noble, LA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives.

Serving as his honorary pallbearers will be Pop Cartinez, Brad Ferguson, Kevin Faircloth, Keith Meshell, and Kevin Meshell.

September 2, 1950 — December 19, 2023
Service Held on December 19, 2023

Roy Lee Smith, 73 of Zwolle, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on December 19, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born on September 2, 1950, to June E. Smith and Carolyn (Richardson) Smith in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. A visitation will be held from 2:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana. Memorial services honoring his life will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. Kerry Henry officiating and Bro. Todd Martin assisting.

Mr. Smith  proudly served his country in the United States Air Force which included time in Vietnam during the war there. He was an electrician for 37+ years. He loved hunting for wild game, but his favorite hobby was deer hunting; he also enjoyed restoring/rebuilding automobiles. He had a very special bond with his fur babies, West Highland White Terriers, they would help him heal when he was sick and when he had a stroke in 2019, they also helped him overcome the side effects. His babies helped to give him a will to live and a purpose for getting well. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, June and Carolyn Smith. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Beatriz (Valenzuela) Smith of Zwolle, LA, his sons, Edward Smith and wife, Kelly of Conroe, TX, Tino Romero of Houston, TX, Pedro  M. Romero of Wichita Falls, TX, and Michael Cortez and wife, Brooke of Trophy Club, TX; his sister, Carol Moore and husband, Larry of Birmingham, AL; his brothers, Larry Smith and wife, Janet of Mandeville, LA, Ronny Smith and wife, Lucy of Austin, TX; his 11 grandchildren, Karen, Ricky, Jacob, Ava Elizabeth, and Ella Romero, Isabella and Madelyn Cortez, Tristen, Gabriel, and Samuel L. Romero, Justin and Robert Smith, Bradley Fowler and his 2 great grandchildren, Ricky and Adriel Romero; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other family members.

From Louie Bernard

I have always been able to find the right words to convey thanks or appreciation.  But mere “words” somehow seem very inadequate to express the heartfelt gratitude I feel to all of you, for having allowed me to serve as your Senator for District 31 these past four years.

It seems like yesterday that Gayle and I were criss-crossing the parishes of Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River, Winn, Grant, and Rapides, meeting people who are the bedrock of Louisiana.  I asked you for your support and your vote.  I told you I would always call you back, and that I would exhaust every effort to move our state in a more positive direction.  You allowed me to come into your homes . . into your businesses . . to your festivals and parades . . and to the countless number of celebrations of all those events you hold dear.  You reinforced what I have believed all my life . . that government isn’t about Governors, or Senators, or Representatives.  It is about “people” . . folks just like you and me, who sit down at the kitchen table every month and try to figure out how to make ends meet.  The challenge is always about applying common sense to the issues that so affect our lives.

I voted on literally hundreds and hundreds of pieces of legislation during my four years in the Senate.  And, while no elected official pleases all of the people, all of the time, I am proud to have represented the basic conservative belief that government should be accountable, transparent, and a good steward of your taxes.

 I pray that we will continue to prioritize Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, and teacher pay . . that we will focus on workforce training and development . . that we will look for ways to increase funding for our infrastructure system . . that we continue to recognize and assist small business . . and that Louisiana will take great strides to ensure safer cities, towns, and communities across our state.

Finally, I want to state, as I have many times, that Northwestern State University is foundational to the success and quality of life in Northwest Louisiana, and to our state.  I am proud to have been a partner in securing Capital Outlay funding to replace Kyser Hall, and for the renovation of our Health and Performance Center on campus.  By working together with both the Senate and the House, we were also able to secure $13M in “P-5” funding for Warrington Place in Shreveport, which is so necessary to continue Northwestern’s premier role in graduating nurses who help staff hospitals across our entire State .In my farewell address to the Senate on May 15^th, 2023, I reflected on the temptation elected officials have to talk about their achievements.   I said, “The enthusiasm with which we extoll the virtues of our accomplishments, should be tempered by the sobering reality of all that is left to do.”

And so, I congratulate all those who were elected to office this past fall.  I especially extend every good wish to my successor, Senator Alan Seabaugh and his wife, Laura.  Along with our new Governor and the entire Legislature, they have evidenced a willingness to fight the good fight in Teddy Roosevelt’s “arena.” For ourselves, for our children, and for our grandchildren, I pray for their every success!

My heartfelt gratitude for having been allowed to serve you and your families.  It has been the honor of my life!

Sincerely,

Louie Bernard

Governor Jeff Landry took action to maintain education standards, he issued a court required call for a redistricting special session, and he formally established the office of the First-Lady on Jan. 9.

An Executive Order, the Veto of Graduation Appeals Process, will ensure that students are adequately prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce by meeting minimum standards of proficiency in core subjects.

“Ensuring our children have a quality education is a top priority. Today’s Executive Order will maintain our education standards,” said Jeff Landry. 

A required call for a special session will redistrict the congressional districts of Louisiana along with the districts of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and make other election related changes.

“The courts have mandated that the state of Louisiana redraw our congressional districts. Redistricting is a state legislative function. That is why today, I followed the court order and made the call to convene the legislature of Louisiana into a special session on redistricting,” said Jeff Landry. 

An Executive Order to fund the office of the First Lady mirrors the actions of former Governor John Bel Edwards. It will establish and formerly recognize her office as part of the Office of the Governor.

“Our First-Lady, Sharon Landry, will be an incredible ambassador to Louisiana. I am proud to fund this important office, and I look forward to seeing the work she will do for folks across the state,” said Jeff Landry.

We all want to be a part of a group. We want to feel like we belong to something, someone, or somewhere. Even as kids, it is important for one’s self-esteem to have a bond with others. Nothing is worse than to be excluded from your friends or co-workers.

Today, we’ll talk about just how important it is for tournament anglers to be a part of a group and to have guys they can trust.

Trust is the key ingredient or the glue that all anglers must have within the crew they run with. To be successful on the pro level, it’s important that you have a handful of guys that you can talk to about anything. Anglers you can trust to tell you the truth about how they might be catching fish. Guys that aren’t trying to lead you astray and send you on a wild goose chase. 

But one thing an angler must avoid during the course of a tournament is listening to what is called “dock talk.” This is where guys are standing around a boat ramp, weigh-in, or at dinner and spreading false information about how they are catching fish with the intention to lead another angler down the wrong path. The best advice I’ve ever been given as an angler is never trust an angler you do not know and proceed with caution on anything they tell you. It’s a game anglers play every tournament hoping to give themselves an advantage. Anglers are the best liars on the planet and will do or say anything to gain an advantage.

This is why it is so important that an angler find a group of guys he can travel with and trust. These are guys who will come to your rescue when you break down on the water or on the highway, guys who are willing to share their tackle when you need a bag of worms or a particular bait, guys you trust to tell the truth about what and how they might be catching fish.

Finding that right circle can be a challenge and it may take some time. But when you do, it can make your tournament experience so much more enjoyable and productive. Let’s face it, you’re never going to win every tournament, but your goal is always to finish in the money and collect a check.

But understand, there’s always competition within the group. Even within your own crew, you want to be the one that finished the highest. The best circles will help one of their own to win a tournament when they are in position to do so.

Tournaments today are highly competitive and it’s very difficult to be successful on your own. Anglers that have that circle of guys they can rely on, will have a greater chance for success. Even though pro fishing is not always a team sport, having guys you can share accurate information with is a huge advantage.

We’ve all heard how the key to success is to surround yourself with the right people. Professional bass fishing is no different and now you can see that being a part of the right group can lead to success on the tournament trail.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing, and when in doubt, set the hook!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Over the past quarter century, the South owns college football national championships. Monday night’s Michigan-Washington title matchup was rare as a Baptist who hates bacon.

Hope our northern football-playing brothers and sisters enjoyed Monday’s scrap — hat tip to the Wolverines, a fast and fun-to-watch 34-13 winner over the Huskies — because history suggests it will be a while before such shenanigans happen again. 

In the 1998 season, trying to break free from naming a national champion by poll voting (and because the new way would mean more money for the TV schools), college football moved to a Bowl Championship Series.

The first BCS Championship game was the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.

Tennessee beat Florida State, 23-16. Rocky Top.

The second was the 2000 Sugar. 

Florida State beat Virginia Tech, 46-29. Remember how VA Tech teams were mean back then? Blocked like four kicks a game? 

The third was the 2001 Orange.

Oklahoma beat Florida State, 13-2, to finish the season undefeated in a game no one remembers — outside of the opening coin flip by beloved actor Denzel Washington (who I almost ran over in my Jeep, corner of Lake and Louisiana, years ago — another story for another time).

You can’t help but notice something about those matchups, right? All the teams, both the winners and losers, are from Southern states. (And yes, Oklahoma, our geography books say, is part of the West South Central States, along with the Ark-La-Tex. Boomer Sooner.)

Nebraska, an Official Northern State, at long last made the finals in 2002 and was summarily handed its helmet by Miami, 37-14, back when The U was still The U and Nebraska was enjoying its final days of football glory.

We will summarize here to make the point: counting Monday night’s Michigan-Washington game, there have been 26 title contests since the BCS began. Of those, 22 have been won by Southern teams. Four have been won by Northern teams: Ohio State won it all twice (in 2003 against Miami in OT, 31-24, and in 2015 against Oregon, 42-20), USC beat Oklahoma in 2005, 55-19, and Michigan beat Washington Monday night.

So the South is 22-4 in The Big Pigskin Enchilada. That overwhelming. That’s rain water against Noah. Consonants verses verbs. No mas.

Of the 26 title games since the first one in 1999, 15 have been All Southern matchups. Nine have been North vs. South, and the South has won seven of those; the North’s two wins came when Ohio State beat Miami in ’03 and USC beat the Okies in ’05. Two title games have been All North: Ohio State over Oregon in 2015 and Monday night’s scrap down in Houston.

If those illustrations aren’t enough, the following names and numbers, to me, hammer home the South’s dominance in the past quarter century.

From 1999-2006 (the BCS infancy), eight different schools won the title, and four of the eight title games were All South matchups. Of the 16 teams in those eight games, only three were non-Southern schools.

From 2007-2014 — the BCS National Championship Game series over eight seasons — Alabama won three titles, Florida won two, and Auburn/Aubrin, Florida State, and LSU won one each. You’ll find Big Foot before you’ll find a non-Southern champion during this run. (Only Ohio State twice and Oregon and Notre Dame, once each, even played for a title during those eight seasons.)

Finally, since the “College Football Playoff National Championship” began with Ohio State beating Oregon in 2015, the Buckeyes in 2021 (52-24 losers to Bama) are the only Northern school, until Monday night’s matchup, to play in the title game. The other seven games have been All The South, All The Time. A whole bunch of Bama, Clemson/Climpson, Georgia, and LSU. Over and over and over. TCU wandered in from “over Texas way” last January representing the South and played as if they were from the North, getting drubbed by 58 by Georgia. Still, they were America’s next-best opponent and the Bulldogs found them just one time zone over.

It will be no surprise when next season’s 12-team playoff is Southern flavored. Book it. And it should come as no surprise to learn, in case you didn’t realize it, that the campus of the 2024 CFP champs is in Ann Arbor, and that Ann Arbor is in … southern Michigan. Deep Southern Michigan. Almost to the state line. Figures … 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application journey is intricate, and for those met with the initial challenge of denial, understanding the nuances of the appeals process becomes paramount.

Delving into the reasons behind denials is a strategic starting point. Denial letters often present complex information, necessitating a meticulous examination to uncover specific issues. Seeking professional assistance can be invaluable, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the grounds for denial. You have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to file for the first stage of your appeal, known as a Request for Reconsideration.

The Request for Reconsideration phase offers applicants a second chance to present their case. This stage allows for the submission of additional medical evidence and a detailed addressal of deficiencies identified in the initial application. Leveraging this opportunity is crucial, as it can significantly strengthen the foundation of your claim. If your case is still denied at this stage, which most likely will be, do not give up as the next stage is where the majority of success occurs! The next stage is requesting a hearing with the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The ALJ hearing stands as a pivotal moment, where individuals can directly present their case to a judge. Here, meticulous preparation is key, and the significance of legal representation cannot be overstated. Understanding the intricacies of this in-person hearing can greatly impact the likelihood of success.

Social Security’s evaluation process considers factors such as age, education, work background, and the severity of the medical condition. Understanding how these interconnected elements contribute to the overall evaluation can empower applicants to strategically present their case.

The Social Security GRID (Grid Rules) and Listings serve as powerful tools in the appeals process. The GRID factors in considerations like age, education, and work experience, while the Listings provide specific criteria for various impairments. Aligning your case with these tools can significantly bolster the strength of your claim.

At The Harrington Law Firm, success in securing SSDI approvals has been a cornerstone of our practice. C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in navigating the intricacies of the appeals process. We are committed to leveraging our expertise to guide applicants towards success in their claims.

Recognizing the importance of informed decision-making, The Harrington Law Firm offers free consultations. This opportunity allows individuals to gain valuable insights into their specific case, empowering them with the knowledge needed to navigate the SSDI appeals journey.

The SSDI appeals process demands a comprehensive approach, combining knowledge, meticulous preparation, and strategic thinking. Denials are part of the journey, not the end. Understanding the intricacies at each stage, leveraging professional expertise, and aligning with Social Security criteria can significantly enhance the chances of a favorable outcome. At The Harrington Law Firm, we stand ready to empower your journey toward securing the benefits you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, where your resilience, determination, and our legal expertise converge for a brighter and more secure future.

The Harrington Law Firm handles cases involving Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, and Last Wills and Testaments.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you through these challenging times.

Natchitoches- (318) 352-5900
Leesville- (337) 535-0700

For more information go online to theharringtonlawfirm.com or email Eddie.Harrington@theharringtonlawfirm.com.

By Brad Dison

Virginia was born and raised in Wareham, Massachusetts where she learned to play the piano and flute at an early age.  By her teenage years, Virginia was so accomplished that she became the organist at her church.  Popular in high school, she was the head cheerleader in her senior year.  She attended New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire and transferred to Boston University, leaving there just a couple of credits shy of earning her degree.

Virginia moved to New York and found work as a salesclerk at the women’s specialty clothing store called Ann Taylor.  Day after day, Virginia, dressed in Ann Taylor clothing, helped other women select just the right outfit from their collection.  On one Saturday, Virginia, dressed in her Ann Tayler clothing, stopped by the Ann Taylor store with some of her friends.  In the showroom window, they saw a couple of mannequins dressed in Ann Taylor apparel sitting at a little café table as if they were having lunch.  Plastic food sat on the plates in front of them.  A mischievous thought came over Virginia.  She turned to her friends and said, “Hey, dare me to go and sit in the chair?”  With wide grins, they replied, “Yeah, go ahead, do it.”  When no one was looking, Virginia snuck into the showroom display window and sat down with the mannequins.  She sat perfectly motionless.  Her friends just stared from outside the store.

People passing by noticed the girls’ fixed stares at the showroom display.  A crowd began to gather outside the showroom window.  They were curious and asked, “What are you looking at.”  The girls would only say, “Just wait, just wait.”  Virginia’s friends knew that she would have to blink her eyes eventually.  Finally, Virginia blinked her dry eyes.  It was over in an instant.  She made no other movement.  The people in the crowd who saw her blink said, “Wooo!”  The people who missed it asked the ones who had seen it what they missed.  Some of those who saw her blink were second guessing what they had just seen.  Did she really blink?  Was she real or a mannequin?  The crowd became larger.  All eyes were fixed on Virginia’s eyes.  Finally, another blink.  The people in the crowd who saw her blink went wild.  The crowd grew larger, as did the cheers, at every blink of Virginia’s eyes.  Although no one in the crowd could tell, because she sat completely motionless except for an occasional blink which was over in an instant, Virginia was thoroughly enjoying her prank. 

Finally, the manager noticed the noise coming from outside the showroom window and went to investigate.  She looked at the crowd and looked at the mannequins sitting in the showroom window.  Finally, Virginia blinked, and the crowd went wild again. The manager rushed back into the store and scoldingly told her to “Get out of the window!”  As Virginia stood to remove herself from the window, the manager had a sudden realization.  Their showroom window had never drawn so much attention before.  “Stay in the window!” she said.  Virginia sat back down and continued to pretend to be a mannequin.  The large crowd was delighted and continued to watch in eager anticipation of every blink.  The store hired Virginia every Saturday to be a mannequin.

The mannequin prank led to bigger things for Virginia.  A few Saturdays later, Virginia signed with New York’s Zoli modeling agency.  From there she was cast in the 1982 film Tootsie.  In jest, Virginia described her part in the film as “someone who’s going to be in their underwear a lot of the time.”  She was cast in the short-lived television series Buffalo Bill, and guest-starred in Family Ties, Riptide, Remington Steele, and Knight Rider.  Virginia appeared in the Chevy Chase comedy Fletch, and starred in Transylvania 6-5000, the Fly, Earth Girls Are Easy, Beetlejuice, Thelma & Louise, A League of their Own, and The Accidental Tourist, for which she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.  The list of films and television shows which Virginia has starred in continues to grow.  Virginia Elizabeth Davis was given a nickname shortly after her birth by her older brother, Dan, to differentiate her from an auto also named Virginia.  You and I know her as Geena Davis.

Source:  “Geena Davis on Her Early Gig as a Living Mannequin,” National Public Radio, February 11, 2023,https://www.npr.org/2023/02/08/1155478251/geena-davis-on-her-early-gig-as-a-mannequin.