Tracy Wirtz has been a fixture in the Lafayette media landscape for more than 30 years. Her career began in radio, she transitioned to television for about two decades, and returned to her radio roots in 2023. A lifelong resident of south Louisiana, she enjoys writing about Cajun culture and what makes the area unique and interesting. Tracy is also proud to be part of a great team that keeps our beloved Acadiana informed and connected.
Tracy Wirtz
![Thief in Church Point Drives Off With Trailer Filled with Fireworks](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-231.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Thief in Church Point Drives Off With Trailer Filled with Fireworks
Police in Church Point, Louisiana, want to know who hooked up a truck to a trailer filled with fireworks belonging to a small business owner and drove off.
![Tasty Louisiana Twists on the Required New Year’s Trio of Pork, Cabbage, and Black-eyed Peas](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-201.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Tasty Louisiana Twists on the Required New Year’s Trio of Pork, Cabbage, and Black-eyed Peas
Louisiana residents will find tasty ways to incorporate the required pork, cabbage, and black-eyed peas into their meal on New Year's Day. We've found a few tempting twists to help you change up your menu just a bit.
![Louisiana Woman Suing to Keep Trump Off March Presidential Ballot](http://townsquare.media/site/180/files/2020/12/johnson-trump-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Woman Suing to Keep Trump Off March Presidential Ballot
A Louisiana woman is suing to keep former President Donald Trump off the March Primary Ballot. It's the 7th state where his eligibility to run is questioned.
![Most Expensive Acadiana Homes on the Market in Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-basile-property.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Most Expensive Acadiana Homes on the Market in Louisiana
The more extensive the amenities, the more expensive the price. Several multi-million-dollar homes are listed on the Acadiana market and, surprisingly, the two that top the list aren't in Lafayette.
![Sick? Louisiana Folks Suggest Remedies for Flu and COVID Symptoms](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-untitled-design-16-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Sick? Louisiana Folks Suggest Remedies for Flu and COVID Symptoms
Flu and COVID are hitting Louisiana hard right now. Here are some remedies folks suggest to help ease the nasty symptoms until you get over it.
![When Do Gift Cards Become Worthless in Louisiana?](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-82.jpg?w=980&q=75)
When Do Gift Cards Become Worthless in Louisiana?
Gift cards have become incredibly popular but, in Louisiana and most states in the country, they do become worthless.
![18-Year-Old Accused Murderer Finally Nabbed in Rayne, Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-67.jpg?w=980&q=75)
18-Year-Old Accused Murderer Finally Nabbed in Rayne, Louisiana
Rayne Police have captured the man they believe is responsible for the murder of his cousin. The 18-year-old has been on the run for nearly a month.
![Man Killed in 3-Vehicle Crash on I-49 Near Carencro Christmas Morning](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2023/01/attachment-DOTD-Accident-crash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Man Killed in 3-Vehicle Crash on I-49 Near Carencro Christmas Morning
A 30-year-old Louisiana man was killed very early Christmas morning in a 3-vehicle crash on I-49 Northbound near Carencro.
![Crowley, Lafayette Natives Named to Louisiana Health Department Leadership Team](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-410.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Crowley, Lafayette Natives Named to Louisiana Health Department Leadership Team
Louisiana Governor-Elect Jeff Landry has named the state Health Department leadership team. Two are Acadiana natives, one from Lafayette and one from Crowley.
![11 Christmas Reminders to Keep the Grinch from Stealing Your Joy](http://townsquare.media/site/442/files/2018/11/how-the-grinch.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
11 Christmas Reminders to Keep the Grinch from Stealing Your Joy
It's the most wonderful time of the year, until you realize you forgot something and the joy turns to sorrow. We asked Louisiana residents for Christmas reminders about what not to forget, likely because they've experienced what happens when they do.
![Meet the Original Walmart Greeter Who Welcomed Customers in Crowley, Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-35.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Meet the Original Walmart Greeter Who Welcomed Customers in Crowley, Louisiana
A woman in Crowley, Louisiana, was the original Walmart greeter and helped launch the program nationally. She remembers how it started.
![Hilarious Reactions to Most Louisiana Stunt Ever at Texas Christmas Parade](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-261.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Hilarious Reactions to Most Louisiana Stunt Ever at Texas Christmas Parade
Louisiana parade goers expect articles of every ilk to be tossed from floats and vehicles but, when strange favors started flying at a parade in Whitehouse, Texas, attendees reacted with both outraged and hilarious comments.
![Lafayette Mayor President-Elect Monique Boulet Issues Invitation to Community Conversations](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-25.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette Mayor President-Elect Monique Boulet Issues Invitation to Community Conversations
With her transition team in place, Lafayette Mayor President-Elect Monique Boulet is now focusing on having conversations with the community as she plans to take the reins.
Who Were the 18 People in Dave Baker’s Farewell Video?
KATC gave meteorologist-turned-anchor a warm farewell, complete with a video with 18 people from his personal life and faces that have been absent from the TV landscape for years.
![Lafayette, Louisiana, K9 Officer Hangs Up His Badge](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-22.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette, Louisiana, K9 Officer Hangs Up His Badge
K9 officers are given a proverbial badge to serve with their human colleagues in the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office. One K9 officer retired recently.
![Louisiana Drops Civil Service Test Requirement for Office and Professional Jobs](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-23.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Drops Civil Service Test Requirement for Office and Professional Jobs
People who want to apply for a job with the state of Louisiana often balk at having to take a civil service test. The state has eliminated the requirement for certain positions.
![Lafayette Police Issue Request After Videos of Naked Woman on Evangeline Thruway Go Viral](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-20.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette Police Issue Request After Videos of Naked Woman on Evangeline Thruway Go Viral
Videos of a woman who stripped naked in the middle of traffic at a busy Lafayette, Louisiana, intersection has gone viral. Lafayette Police have issued a request to the public in the wake of the incident.
![Most Popular Baby Names in Louisiana and Ones Rising in Popularity](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2021/04/Newborn-baby.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Most Popular Baby Names in Louisiana and Ones Rising in Popularity
Each baby born is registered with the Social Security Administration who compiles the most popular names each year nationally and by state, including Louisiana.
![Broussard Steps Up Christmas Game with Light Display Map, Photo Opps, and Golf Cart Santa](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-house-decorated.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Broussard Steps Up Christmas Game with Light Display Map, Photo Opps, and Golf Cart Santa
The city of Broussard in south Louisiana has stepped up their Christmas game. Their efforts to make merry and bright have captured the attention of visitors from across Louisiana.
![Yes, Louisiana, You Can Dodge the Holiday Weight Gain with 9 Tricks](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-16.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Yes, Louisiana, You Can Dodge the Holiday Weight Gain with 9 Tricks
Research suggests that we can dodge holiday weight gain, if we remember 9 simple tricks, even with delicious Louisiana food calling to us from the holiday table.