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Superintendent Tommy Byler (left) congratulates board president Nick Touchet.

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Superintendent Tommy Byler presents outgoing school board president Charlotte Detraz with a gavel as a token of appreciation.

Nick Touchet makes history being first Vermilion Parish School Board member from District I named board president

Wed, 02/04/2026 - 9:31am

In only three years, Nick Touchet made history as the first person elected to the new School Board District I in the North Vermilion area and will now serve as the School Board President for 2026.
During its regular meeting last week, the Vermilion Parish School Board elected Nick Touchet as president and Dr. David Dupuis as vice president.
“I want to thank my fellow board members for their ongoing support and trust in me. I’m excited for this opportunity,” Touchet said. “We have a strong team and administration, and I’m looking forward to a great 2026.”

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Vermilion Parish Tourism Commission Executive Director Alison Miller has announced plans to retire this summer. That will move will bring an end to Miller’s 20 years in that role.

Vermilion Tourism Director Alison Miller announces her retirement date

Tue, 02/03/2026 - 4:07pm

After becoming the first full-time Executive Director of the Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission nearly 20 years ago, Alison Miller plans to retire later this summer.
Prior to becoming the Executive Director in Vermilion Parish, Miller spent 10 years as an award-winning graphic designer for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.
In July of 2006, Miller was hired to lead the parish’s tourism efforts.

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Graphic from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Up to a $6,000 Reward for Information about Bald Eagle Shot and Killed in Vermilion Parish

Tue, 02/03/2026 - 4:03pm

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officers are investigating the illegal shooting and killing of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish.
LDWF agents were notified about an injured bald eagle at the intersection of Robert Road and Wilmer Road in Erath on Dec. 5, 2025. LDWF personnel located the injured bald eagle and brought it in for an examination.

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Website ranks Maurice as fastest growing city in Louisiana

Tue, 02/03/2026 - 3:56pm

The national website World Population Review reports that Maurice is the fastest-growing town or city in Louisiana.
The website says Maurice’s population reached 3,514 in 2026. Since the 2020 census, the town has grown by 6.74 percent, adding 1,329 people in six years.
Mayor Neil Arsement welcomed the recognition, calling it a positive reflection of Maurice’s appeal and quality of life.

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Rayne Mayor Chuck Robichaux is recognized as outgoing LEPA Chairman. Shown from left are Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White, LEPA Vice-Chairman; Rayne Mayor Chuck Robichaux, LEPA 2025 Chairman; St. Martinville Mayor Jason Willis, LEPA 2026 Chairman; and LEPA General Manager Kevin Bihm.

Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White is LEPA vice chair; St. Martinville Mayor Jason Willis installed as chair

Tue, 02/03/2026 - 3:53pm

City of St. Martinville Mayor Jason Willis has been named the Chairman of the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA) Board of Directors for 2026. Willis has been on the Board for four years, and previously served as Vice Chairman in 2025 and Secretary/Treasurer in 2024.
“Jason is a proven Mayor working tirelessly to create positive change for the citizens of St. Martinville, and I know he will bring that same energy to the Chairman role at LEPA”, said General Manager Bihm.

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