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Vermilion Parish is ripe for investment and the board of Vermilion Economic Development Alliance is excited about the work they’re doing in all areas of the parish. To help provide vision and direction for the staff and programming is the organization’s 15-member board representing Vermilion Parish cities, towns, and government organizations as well as the Chamber of Commerce.
The Town of Gueydan has a long-standing reputation of embracing its identity, supporting its local merchants, and being a beautiful backdrop for the many travelers and sportsmen that visit Vermilion. The Vermilion Economic Development Alliance works with the town’s administration on a range of projects like infrastructure improvement, community outreach, and celebrating the diverse businesses that call Gueydan home. That relationship is strengthened by Gueydan’s appointment to the economic development board, Anita Dupuis.
Anita is an active member of both Gueydan and the parish as a whole. In addition to serving on the Alliance board, Anita is an elected member of the Gueydan Town Council. She volunteers with the parish’s 4-H program, serves on the Maltrait Memorial Catholic School Advisory Council, and is a member of both Gueydan’s Museum & Cultural Arts Society as well as the Gueydan Chamber of Commerce. She is attuned to many of her community’s needs and extends her support, not only through her volunteer efforts, but also through her profession.
Anita has served as the Principal of Gueydan’s own Jesse Owens Elementary since 2009 and represents her community as the Vice President of the Vermilion Principals Association. With all her knowledge and enthusiasm, Anita brings a valuable perspective to the board.
Anne Falgout, Vermilion Economic Development Alliance’s Executive Director, reflects on Anita’s involvement, “To have an appointment so engaged in the community they represent is a luxury. To then have them as an active participant in what we do, is invaluable! We have a great synergy with Gueydan and the lines of communication are wide open. We have been spending more and more time there and we are learning about how we can positively impact their efforts.” The Alliance looks forward to strengthening their Gueydan connection through thoughtful programming and more collaboration.
“Gueydan is open for business,” adds Anne, “and we’re excited to have Anita on board to help us tell their story.”
For more information about the Alliance, its board, and its projects for 2020, visit www.developvermilion.org.

The Abbeville Kiwanis Club has announced who the top five teachers, support staff and principals are for the first-ever Kiwanis Club’s Educator Award Gala.
The gala event will be held at Southern Soirees in Abbeville on March 31.
After making the top five, a special committee from outside of the parish will narrow the list down to the top three. Next week, those who were selected to the top three will be surprised by a “pinning committee” at their school.
“This is a way to honor our teachers, support staff and principals,” said Kiwanian Andrew Dozier. “Vermilion Parish is the number two district in the state. The Kiwanis Club wants to award those who made us number two.”
The Kiwanis Educator and Support Award was established to recognize educators and support workers who have contributed significantly to teaching and supporting their schools, the ability to inspire, promote development of students, effective in their daily job performance, demonstrate leadership and character and mission focus, said Dozier.
The categories are teacher, principal and support staff, in the following grade level: elementary, middle school and high school. The nomination was open online (www.kiwaniseducatoraward.com) or email from November 5, 2019 through January 10, 2020.
Ray Chevrolet will pick each of the nominees up at their homes and take them to Southern Soirees.
At the gala, the top three nominees will be brought up on stage and a special video will be played on each nominee. Once the video is finished, the winner will be announced.
The winners will be given a monetary award and a trophy.
Tickets for the gala are now on sale for $10. They can be purchased at Melancon Jewelers and Ray Chevrolet (ask for Mike Hardy) in Abbeville.
There is limited seating.

WASHINGTON – At approximately 6:30 a.m. on March 4, 2020, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 10 near LA Hwy 182 in St. Landry Parish.
The crash took the life of 30-year-old Edward Joshua Guidry of Lafayette.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Guidry was driving a 2012 Toyota RAV4 SUV South on LA 182 when, for unknown reasons, his vehicle ran off the roadway. Upon doing so, the SUV overturned and came to rest partially submerged, upside down in Bayou Boeuf.
Guidry was partially ejected due to being unrestrained at the time of the crash. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is unknown but standard toxicology samples were obtained for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers witness, firsthand, the effects crash forces have on motor vehicles and the devastating effects of those forces on the human body. While not all crashes are survivable, proper seat belt usage can greatly increase the chances of surviving a crash by spreading out those forces across the strong bones of the body. Properly worn seat belts also help to keep the occupants of vehicles in their seat and protect the head and spine. Please be a responsible driver, obey speed limits, drive sober, buckle up, and avoid all distractions.
Troop I has investigated 6 fatal crashes resulting in 8 deaths in 2020.