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
![6 South Louisiana “Spirits” That Make Great Gifts If the Recipient Is at Least 21](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2018/08/Drinking.jpg?w=980&q=75)
6 South Louisiana “Spirits” That Make Great Gifts If the Recipient Is at Least 21
If you decide the person on your list doesn't need another coffee mug, t-shirt, or gift set, you've got a slew of distilled and brewed choices when it comes to giving something that screams Louisiana fun.
![Hilarious Plea for Naughty Dog in Texas Animal Shelter Gets Him Adopted](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-CAPTURED-42.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Hilarious Plea for Naughty Dog in Texas Animal Shelter Gets Him Adopted
Louisiana and Texas animal shelters struggle with overpopulation daily. Most of them, including Lafayette Animal Shelter, do a great job sharing the sweet faces of furry friends that need to be adopted. Pictures of the animals needing families are worth a thousand words, but a humane society in Texas has added a hilarious message to each post that punctuates each pet's personality.
![Trash Schedule Changes in Lafayette, Louisiana, Due to Thanksgiving Holiday](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-CAPTURED-32.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Trash Schedule Changes in Lafayette, Louisiana, Due to Thanksgiving Holiday
Garbage collection and bus service schedules in Lafayette, Louisiana, will change this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
![Social Media Lied Because This Cooking Was Definitely Not Learned in Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-CAPTURED-22.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Social Media Lied Because This Cooking Was Definitely Not Learned in Louisiana
Scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon a cooking video with the slug "learned this in Louisiana." I'm always looking for new and fun things to try, but what I found was not worthy of being referred to in the same sentence as the delicious state of Louisiana.
![A Photo Journey of Atchafalaya the Band and the Stories of What Brought Them Back Together](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-Atchafalaya-12.jpg?w=980&q=75)
A Photo Journey of Atchafalaya the Band and the Stories of What Brought Them Back Together
Atchafalaya the band played their first gig on Halloween night in 1978 and became a local favorite. They are sharing their journey through photos and stories as they celebrate their 45th anniversary as a group.
![Parish by Parish Runoff Election Results in Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2020/12/GettyImages-1229319801.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Parish by Parish Runoff Election Results in Louisiana
The November 18 Louisiana election decided runoff races in Lafayette and each parish that make up the Acadiana area.
![Boulet Defeats Guillory to Become Lafayette’s First Woman to Hold Mayor-President Seat](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/05/attachment-Monique-Blanco-Boulet-Ad-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Boulet Defeats Guillory to Become Lafayette’s First Woman to Hold Mayor-President Seat
The election for Louisiana state races and Lafayette Mayor-President is over, and the administration is changing. Monique Blanco Boulet will be moving into the office after defeating incumbent Josh Guillory.
![UPDATE: Juvenile from Another Louisiana Parish Arrested for Shooting in Scott Friday Night](http://townsquare.media/site/842/files/2018/08/Acadiana-Wreckin-Rams-vs-Lafayette-High-Mighty-Lions-154000-e1533668719151.jpg?w=980&q=75)
UPDATE: Juvenile from Another Louisiana Parish Arrested for Shooting in Scott Friday Night
Scott Police Chief says a boy was arrested in connection with a shooting during the time of the Acadiana High vs Carencro game.
![Louisiana Doctors Sounding the Alarm about the Frankenstein Opioid, 100 Times More Potent than Fentanyl](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2017/06/prescription-drugs.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Doctors Sounding the Alarm about the Frankenstein Opioid, 100 Times More Potent than Fentanyl
The Frankenstein Opioid is increasing in popularity and is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It has showed in the Louisiana and doctors are alarmed.
![$64,000 Awarded to 15 Lafayette, Louisiana, Schools for Innovative Education Ideas](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-CAPTURED3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
$64,000 Awarded to 15 Lafayette, Louisiana, Schools for Innovative Education Ideas
Fifteen schools in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, have been awarded grants to fund innovative education programs for their students. The United Way of Acadiana named the recipients of the more than $64,000 in grants for the 2023-2024 school year.
![Meet the Girl Behind the Paintbrush Creating Beautiful Window Art in South Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-Alexis-paint.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Meet the Girl Behind the Paintbrush Creating Beautiful Window Art in South Louisiana
Alexis Meyers painted a window for a family member's business, and now she and her paintbrush travel all over south Louisiana creating beautiful art for everyone to enjoy.
![Police in Crowley, Louisiana, Looking for Masked Suspect](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-CAPTURED-12.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Police in Crowley, Louisiana, Looking for Masked Suspect
Acadia Parish Crime Stoppers has issued a call for information to help police in Crowley, Louisiana, solve the burglary of a business.
![Cooking a Frozen Turkey and Other Myths about Thanksgiving Dinner](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-CAPTURED2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Cooking a Frozen Turkey and Other Myths about Thanksgiving Dinner
Everyone knows cooking a frozen turkey isn't safe, right? No It's Just one myth about preparing the perfect Thanksgiving dinner. You just need to do it correctly.
![LOOK: Find Out If Your Kid’s South Louisiana School Made the Grade](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-CAPTURED-41.jpg?w=980&q=75)
LOOK: Find Out If Your Kid’s South Louisiana School Made the Grade
The Louisiana Department of Education released performance scores for school systems across the state on Monday, November 13. Overall, statewide scores improved and surpassed pre-pandemic levels with an increase of 1.4 points, and the majority of schools in Acadiana made the grade.
![Lafayette Shelter Issues Call for Blankets and Hygiene Items](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-CAPTURED-5.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette Shelter Issues Call for Blankets and Hygiene Items
Lafayette, LA (KPEL News) - Most of us in Louisiana approach the holidays with an enormous sense of gratitude for all we have: a home, a family, food, and all the things essential for a good life. We also think about those people who are less fortunate and may be struggling, and we ponder ways to help them...
![Depressing: Even Fewer People Voted Early Than Louisiana Election Officials Predicted](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-voted.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Depressing: Even Fewer People Voted Early Than Louisiana Election Officials Predicted
Louisiana election officials predicted abysmal early voter turnout for the November 18 election, and the numbers confirm that they were right. Projections were about 15%, but the actual number is depressingly low.
![Louisiana Special Redistricting Session Possible, How Would Edwards or Landry Pull it Off?](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-New-Information1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Special Redistricting Session Possible, How Would Edwards or Landry Pull it Off?
Louisiana Governor-elect Jeff Landry could call for a special redistricting session of the Legislature. So could Governor John Bel Edwards. The U.S 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has given Louisiana until January 15 to redraw maps, and the timing is awful.
![Talkin’ Trash: Lafayette Consolidated Government, AWS Know about Hiccups, Request Customers’ Help](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-aws-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Talkin’ Trash: Lafayette Consolidated Government, AWS Know about Hiccups, Request Customers’ Help
Acadiana Waste Services, or AWS, is assuming collection services in Lafayette and the unincorporated areas of the parish, and both the company and Lafayette Consolidated Government have acknowledged that they have experienced "operational hiccups" as they work to establish service to residents.
![Pictures of Patriotism: A Photo Diary from the Mother of a Louisiana Veteran](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-cory-20.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Pictures of Patriotism: A Photo Diary from the Mother of a Louisiana Veteran
The word "veteran" conjures up different images for different people. For me, it looked like the silhouette of a soldier or veteran in front of the American flag on a truck plaquard or a bumper sticker proclaiming "God bless America." But in 2017, this Louisiana mother became acutely aware that patriotism is more than a bumper sticker.
![Cajun Crawfish Cornbread Dressing Recipe, a Mouth-Watering South Louisiana Favorite](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/11/attachment-Copy-of-Untitled-Design-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Cajun Crawfish Cornbread Dressing Recipe, a Mouth-Watering South Louisiana Favorite
My family loves Cajun Crawfish Cornbread Dressing. The recipe is easy, whether you live in Louisiana or not. Guaranteed crowd pleaser!