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
![Police Chase Louisiana Woman with 4 Unrestrained Children in Car](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2022/06/attachment-GettyImages-103348532.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Police Chase Louisiana Woman with 4 Unrestrained Children in Car
A horrifying police chase unfolded in Jefferson Parish that ended with four children at the hospital and the arrest of a Louisiana woman on multiple charges, including child endangerment.
![The Creepy, But Surprisingly Accurate, Superhero AI Thinks Represents Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-52.jpg?w=980&q=75)
The Creepy, But Surprisingly Accurate, Superhero AI Thinks Represents Louisiana
What would a Louisiana superhero look like? AI created one. He's kinda creepy, but surprisingly accurate.
![Dancing Dads Boogie Down the Streets of Popular Louisiana Town](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-34.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Dancing Dads Boogie Down the Streets of Popular Louisiana Town
Have you seen the Dancing Dads boogie through the streets? They did just that a recent Christmas parade in the historic town of St. Francisville, Louisiana.
![Lafayette’s Santa Hotline Is Ringing for Children and Parents](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2021/10/attachment-Chiild-Talking-to-Santa-about-His-Christmas-List-Photo-courtesy-of-__-drz-__-YZZz0_MfHto-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette’s Santa Hotline Is Ringing for Children and Parents
LUS Fiber has activated the Santa Hotline and the line is ringing for parents and children from Lafayette and south Louisiana.
![5 Christmas Gifts That Will Probably Land Your Kid in a Louisiana Emergency Room](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-9.jpg?w=980&q=75)
5 Christmas Gifts That Will Probably Land Your Kid in a Louisiana Emergency Room
We have some fantastic emergency departments in Louisiana, but we don't want our kids to land there during Christmas. Here are 5 gifts to avoid buying.
![Video and Photos as Ghost Hunters Investigate Rampant Hauntings at Louisiana’s Hanging Jail](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-gothic-hanging-jail-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Video and Photos as Ghost Hunters Investigate Rampant Hauntings at Louisiana’s Hanging Jail
A Gothic jail sits in Deridder, Louisiana, and reports of hauntings of two men executed by hanging run rampant. An organization of ghost hunters in Lafayette has been investigating to find out if there is any credence to the reports.
![Funeral Arrangements Set for Fr. Floyd Calais, Beloved Lafayette Priest](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Funeral Arrangements Set for Fr. Floyd Calais, Beloved Lafayette Priest
Lafayette and south Louisiana Catholics are mourning the death of beloved priest Fr. Floyd Calais who died at his home Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the age of 97. Funeral arrangements have been set.
![Louisiana Fans Ramping Up to Paint New Orleans Red Ahead of Cajuns Bowl Game](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2022/12/attachment-UL-Ragin-Cajuns-Football-Team-in-Tunnel-Before-Game.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Fans Ramping Up to Paint New Orleans Red Ahead of Cajuns Bowl Game
Ragin' Cajun fans in Louisiana are ramping up ahead of the R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl game on December 16 at the Caesar's Superdome.
![Louisiana Doctor Invents At-Home Test that Tells You Which Wine You Will Like](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2018/09/GettyImages-861393002.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Doctor Invents At-Home Test that Tells You Which Wine You Will Like
How many of us have bought bottles of wine, only to find out it was an awful choice? A Baton Rouge, Louisiana, doctor may have figured out how to prevent that from happening.
![Toddlers in Disgusting Conditions Abandoned in Car in North Louisiana, Father Arrested](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-Untitled-design-5.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Toddlers in Disgusting Conditions Abandoned in Car in North Louisiana, Father Arrested
Authorities in the north Louisiana town of Farmerville have arrested a father for abandoning two toddlers in a car in disgusting conditions.
![Louisiana Shelter Dog’s Letter to Santa from Him and His Doggie Friends](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-CAPTURED-71.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Shelter Dog’s Letter to Santa from Him and His Doggie Friends
A Louisiana shelter dog has written a letter to Santa on behalf of himself and his doggie friends.
![Louisiana Woman Escapes Violent Kidnappers Who Slathered Her in Vick’s Vapor Rub](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-CAPTURED-62.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Woman Escapes Violent Kidnappers Who Slathered Her in Vick’s Vapor Rub
A distraught and injured woman stumbled into a pharmacy in Vidalia, Louisiana, on December 1 looking for assistance asking for help. She told authorities had been kidnapped and beaten.
![Church Sex Abuse Case Headed to Louisiana Supreme Court](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2018/05/WHOLE-CHURCH.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Church Sex Abuse Case Headed to Louisiana Supreme Court
A sexual abuse lawsuit filed against the Diocese of Lafayette and St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church is headed to the Louisiana Supreme Court.
![“12 Yards of Christmas” Takes the Guess Work Out of Enjoying Lighted Displays in Lafayette, Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-268810709_124013166759023_5214112501983054326_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
“12 Yards of Christmas” Takes the Guess Work Out of Enjoying Lighted Displays in Lafayette, Louisiana
One Church in Lafayette has created a map to help people find the Christmas displays residents spent so much time constructing for everyone to enjoy.
![4 Gifts NOT to Give Louisiana Teachers And What to Give Instead](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-CAPTURED-7.jpg?w=980&q=75)
4 Gifts NOT to Give Louisiana Teachers And What to Give Instead
The practice of giving your child's teacher a gift for Christmas is not singular to Louisiana. Here's a list of gifts not to give and what to give instead.
![Louisiana Man Invited to Participate in ABC’s Christmas Light Fight](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-CAPTURED-6.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Man Invited to Participate in ABC’s Christmas Light Fight
David Landry of New Iberia, Louisiana, has been invited to participate in the ABC reality show Christmas Light Fight. The program was recently renewed for a 12th season.
![17 South Louisiana Coffee Shops You Need to Know About](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/05/RS5916_158450131-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
17 South Louisiana Coffee Shops You Need to Know About
Where do you go for your favorite cup of joe? We asked our Facebook friends in south Louisiana and they shared some fantastic options. Here are 17 if them.
![Lafayette, Louisiana, Gun Store Owner Convicted on Federal Firearms Charges](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-CAPTURED-5.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette, Louisiana, Gun Store Owner Convicted on Federal Firearms Charges
The owner of a Lafayette gun shop and another person from Broussard, Louisiana, have been convicted on federal charges involving illegally selling firearms and conspiracy that date back to 2019.
![Louisiana’s First Land-Based Casino Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-CBCH.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana’s First Land-Based Casino Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary
Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Located in Charenton in St. Mary Parish, it was the first land-based casino in Louisiana.
![KATC Extends Contract with Long-Time Lafayette, Louisiana, Meteorologist Rob Perillo](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/12/attachment-New-Information.jpg?w=980&q=75)
KATC Extends Contract with Long-Time Lafayette, Louisiana, Meteorologist Rob Perillo
KATC has seen recent staffing changes, and viewers have wondered about the weather team, including Lafayette, Louisiana, meteorologist Rob Perillo.