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
![New Iberia, Louisiana, Homeowner Found Hoarding Dozens of Ill, Pregnant Cats](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-CAPTURED2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Iberia, Louisiana, Homeowner Found Hoarding Dozens of Ill, Pregnant Cats
The Humane Society of Louisiana needs support. The group was called to a house to rescue cats being kept in "deplorable conditions."
![Tales of Hauntings and Exorcisms in One Small South Louisiana City](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-Bedroom-Library-of-Congress.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Tales of Hauntings and Exorcisms in One Small South Louisiana City
In 1887, Crowley, Louisiana, grew out of the center of the newly established town in the downtown area, and most of the buildings have stood since the late 19th to early 20th century. Tales of ghosts, hauntings, and even exorcisms abound, as it usually the case with historic structures still in use today.
![One Down, Three to Go: Deputies Searching for Fugitives in Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-CAPTURED-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
One Down, Three to Go: Deputies Searching for Fugitives in Louisiana
One of the fugitives wanted on domestic abuse charges is in custody in Louisiana. Acadia Parish Sheriff K.P. Gibson says Dandre Ned was arrested on Thursday, October 27. Three men are still wanted.
![New Photos and A Smidgeon of Good News Following Monday’s I-55 Crash in Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-i-55-copper.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Photos and A Smidgeon of Good News Following Monday’s I-55 Crash in Louisiana
Louisiana State Police have released a bit of good news, as they continue to investigate the I-55 crash.
![Will Louisiana Be Threatened by Hurricane Season’s Last Gasp?](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-Untitled-design-11.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Will Louisiana Be Threatened by Hurricane Season’s Last Gasp?
It should be no surprise that we are still talking about the tropics and hurricane season. The obnoxious heatwave that gripped Louisiana and much of the country heated up the water in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean to the point that it felt like bath water.
![Confusing Arrest of Woman at Rice Festival in Crowley, Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-Untitled-design-51.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Confusing Arrest of Woman at Rice Festival in Crowley, Louisiana
A Crowley, Louisiana, woman was arrested during the International Rice Festival and is charged with negligent homicide. The circumstances and reason she was taken into custody are as confusing as a "Who's on First?" conversation.
![Would Louisiana Support a Ban on “Woke” Words Like Arkansas Has?](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-Sanders.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Would Louisiana Support a Ban on “Woke” Words Like Arkansas Has?
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the daughter of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, is banning "woke" verbiage from state documents. Given that Louisiana getting "redder" by the day, would the state support such a ban?
![Louisiana Governor-elect Jeff Landry Names Transition Team, Plans, and Location](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-jeff-and-sharon.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Governor-elect Jeff Landry Names Transition Team, Plans, and Location
A new governor will lead Louisiana in 2024, and he is working "to ensure that we hit the ground running." Governor-elect Jeff Landry held a press conference in Lafayette to announce, in more detail, how he plans to do that and who will be on his transition team.
![Lafayette and South Louisiana First Responders Inducted into 2023 Hall of Fame](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/10/First-Responders.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette and South Louisiana First Responders Inducted into 2023 Hall of Fame
The Louisiana First Responders Christian Association is inducting 15 Louisiana members into the Hall of Fame. Nine of those people serve with an organization in the greater Lafayette area.
![WANTED: Lafayette Man Considered Armed and Dangerous](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-Untitled-design2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
WANTED: Lafayette Man Considered Armed and Dangerous
A Lafayette, Louisiana, man who St. Martin Parish Sheriff's investigators say tried to kill his girlfriend is on the run and considered armed and dangerous.
![Locals Share Stories About Hookman’s Cemetery in South Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-robertson-grave.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Locals Share Stories About Hookman’s Cemetery in South Louisiana
Hookman's Cemetery sits just northwest of Rayne, Louisiana, and has been the focus of spooky stories for about a century. The most recent headstone that's readable, according to Acadiana Historical, marks the grave of someone who was buried in 1934.
![Scott Police Looking for Man Who Allegedly Stole a U-Haul](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-Untitled-design-9.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Scott Police Looking for Man Who Allegedly Stole a U-Haul
Chad Leger and Scott Police detectives are looking for a man they way stole a U-Haul from a local business.
![California Raisins: Fun, Inexpensive Throwback Halloween Costume for Adult or Children](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-Copy-of-Untitled-Design-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
California Raisins: Fun, Inexpensive Throwback Halloween Costume for Adult or Children
From adults to children, people are scrambling to figure out what they will be for Halloween. The reasons for the costume dilemma are as varied as the characters, but cost and family-friendliness likely top the list. If you want to save money, not be too scary, and are nostalgic, consider dressing up as a California Raisin!
![WATCH Carnival Worker Save Child While Dangling 30 Feet from Malfunctioning Ride at Texas Festival](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-carnival-worker.jpg?w=980&q=75)
WATCH Carnival Worker Save Child While Dangling 30 Feet from Malfunctioning Ride at Texas Festival
A mother is calling a carnival worker at a Groves, Texas, festival a hero, after he was left dangling from a malfunctioning ride while her daughter was in the car. The now viral video taken at a festival near Beaumont has been shared on several social media platforms.
![Iota Man Killed in Crash North of Crowley in Acadia Parish](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2021/08/attachment-Louisiana-State-Police-via-Facebook-e1628519073135.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Iota Man Killed in Crash North of Crowley in Acadia Parish
A two-vehicle crash in Acadia Parish, just north of Crowley, Louisiana, killed an Iota man on Wednesday.
![Jan Swift Not Endorsing Lafayette Mayor-President Candidate in November Runoff](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/10/attachment-Copy-of-Untitled-Design2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Jan Swift Not Endorsing Lafayette Mayor-President Candidate in November Runoff
Republican Jan Swift finished third in the October 14 election for Lafayette Mayor-President. She tells KADN she will not endorse either candidate in the November 18 runoff.
![What Will Iberia Parish Accept on Waste Collection Day?](http://townsquare.media/site/241/files/2022/07/attachment-GettyImages-1191224706.jpg?w=980&q=75)
What Will Iberia Parish Accept on Waste Collection Day?
Iberia Parish Government will hold their semi-annual household waste day this weekend in New Iberia, Louisiana.
![Former Vermilion Parish Deputy Found Guilty of Rape, Molestation of Juveniles](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2019/02/Bryan-Kibodeaux-photo-courtesy-of-Louisiana-State-Police.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Former Vermilion Parish Deputy Found Guilty of Rape, Molestation of Juveniles
A former Vermilion Parish Sheriff's deputy has been convicted on multiple sex crime charges involving children, including two counts of first degree rape, sexual battery, and molestation. The three juveniles, including two who are sisters, testified at the trial in Abbeville, Louisiana.
![Mamou Man Dies After Crashing His Motorcycle in Evangeline Parish](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2023/01/attachment-Untitled-design-52.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Mamou Man Dies After Crashing His Motorcycle in Evangeline Parish
A Mamou, Louisiana, man was killed Monday night when his motorcycle ran off the road and into a ditch in Evangeline Parish.
![Toy Fair Backpedals on Move to New Orleans](http://townsquare.media/site/181/files/2020/10/RS15319_148182276-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Toy Fair Backpedals on Move to New Orleans
The Toy Association has decided to keep the world's largest Toy Fair in the Big Apple, backpedaling an earlier announcement to move it to the Big Easy in Louisiana.