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
![Outdoor Expo Might Help You Reel ‘Em In Like This Guy](http://townsquare.media/site/751/files/2018/05/fish.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Outdoor Expo Might Help You Reel ‘Em In Like This Guy
This guy recently reeled in a big red while fishing on Rockefeller Refuge. The Outdoor Expo may be just the place to help improve your chances of hooking a big one.
![These Yellow Labs Playing Will Make You Smile](http://townsquare.media/site/751/files/2018/05/Harley-n-Zena.jpg?w=980&q=75)
These Yellow Labs Playing Will Make You Smile
The adult is 2-year-old Harley. The puppy is 6-week-old Zena. They aren't related. After sniffing and staring, you see the two quickly became friends and playmates.
![Safe Boating Week 2018 Under Way](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2018/05/ldwf.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Safe Boating Week 2018 Under Way
Safe Boating Week is under way. Obeying the rules of the water may not only save your life; they may also save you from getting fined.
![Help Mail Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Saturday](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2018/05/stamp.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Help Mail Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Saturday
Mail carriers nationwide will be providing two valuable services on Saturday, May 12: delivering mail and collecting non-perishable food for local food banks. They are asking for our help the Stamp Out Hunger.
![Nurses Week: They Are Born, Not Raised, To Be Amazing](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2018/05/nurse-week.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Nurses Week: They Are Born, Not Raised, To Be Amazing
Sunday, May 6, begins a week when the spotlight is on nurses, the amazing souls who are on the medical front lines. They comfort, listen, stand firm when necessary, and always advocate for their patients. I know. My daughter is a nurse.
![Get This For Mom For Mother’s Day](http://townsquare.media/site/437/files/2014/04/806026335.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Get This For Mom For Mother’s Day
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13. As a mother myself, I'm going to help you with the nerve-wracking, decision-making process of getting a gift. Sort of.
![Renovated St. Peter’s Catholic Church Reopens For Masses [PHOTOS]](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/05/WHOLE-CHURCH.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Renovated St. Peter’s Catholic Church Reopens For Masses [PHOTOS]
The first mass in the newly renovated St. Peter's Catholic Church in Carencro was celebrated Wednesday night when young people in the parish were confirmed by Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel.
![Tracy Tests TSM Staff On Mother Goose Rhymes](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/04/hqdefault4.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Tracy Tests TSM Staff On Mother Goose Rhymes
It's all fun and games until someone says "go!" Baa, baa, black sheep had a little lamb? Who knew the little teapot had so much flair? Tuesday, May 1, is National Mother Goose Day, the TSM staff played along.
![The Last Day Of School Is When?! The List For Acadiana](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2017/07/515246368.jpg?w=980&q=75)
The Last Day Of School Is When?! The List For Acadiana
Ready or not, the last day for public school students in Acadiana is coming sooner than you may think or be ready for. Here's the list of when those little learners will be dismissed for summer.
![Notre Dame & Northside Christian Claim State Softball Championships](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/04/ncs-softball.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Notre Dame & Northside Christian Claim State Softball Championships
Congratulations to the Notre Dame Lady Pios and the Northside Christian School Lady Warriors! They have claimed the LHSAA State Championships in their divisions.
![Going Crabbing? Look Out For Tags Worth Cash](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/04/the-crab-lab-facebook.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Going Crabbing? Look Out For Tags Worth Cash
Grab some string, turkey necks or melt, and your ice chest. It's time to go crabbing in south Louisiana, and your efforts could pay off in more than just a delicious meal. If you scoop one up with an orange tag on its back, it could be worth up to $50!
![Festival International Pass Means Short Lines And Clean Potties!](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/04/walking.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Festival International Pass Means Short Lines And Clean Potties!
Festival International means fun, but also long drink lines and port-a-potties. Organizers have designed the Festival Pass Program so you can avert both!
![Wristbands Only For Purchases At Festival International](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/04/rfid-e1524247660420.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Wristbands Only For Purchases At Festival International
No cash. No tickets. You will only be able to purchase drinks and merchandise at Festival International this year if you have a wristband. And it needs to be loaded with cash. Registration for the RFID wristband payment system began April 13.
![Where Do I Park For Festival International?](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/04/bus.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Where Do I Park For Festival International?
Where do I park for Festival International? It's probably one of the most frequently asked questions. Here are the suggestions for getting to Acadiana's biggest music event.
![Grammy Winners To Glamtronic Slated For Festival International](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/04/2006_Festival_International_Main_Stage.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Grammy Winners To Glamtronic Slated For Festival International
Festival International takes over downtown Lafayette Wednesday, 4/25, through Sunday, 4/29. "International" is the operative word, as the entertainment lineup features everything from homegrown Grammy winners like Terrence Simien to the Czech Republic glamtronic/electro-pop group Mydy Rabycad.
![Take The Kids On A Train Ride!](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2018/04/11182024_10153217796354014_174264418530276174_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Take The Kids On A Train Ride!
My mother looks for every opportunity to have fun with and educate her grandchildren. She has decided that a train ride would be a fantastic adventure for them. Did you know you can an Amtrak back and forth from Lafayette to Lake Charles in an afternoon for about $30 per person? What an adventure!
![Cajun Cutie Baking Big Dreams All By Herself!](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/04/evelyn-2-e1524052116262.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Cajun Cutie Baking Big Dreams All By Herself!
Five-year-old Evelyn Sigur's baking talents rival those of most folks five times her age, and her big dream is to prove she is the best pint-sized baker of them all. She baked the cupcakes you see in the video for her own birthday on April 16!
![Record Number Of TOPS Graduates & Lawmakers May Change The Rules](http://townsquare.media/site/161/files/2012/04/graduates.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Record Number Of TOPS Graduates & Lawmakers May Change The Rules
Louisiana's Department of Education says a record number of graduates have met the requirements necessary to receive a TOPS award. The news comes as representatives are scheduled to debate bills Thursday that would change the state's scholarship program.
![My Niece Scarlett Is What Autism Looks Like](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2018/04/scarlett-5b.jpg?w=980&q=75)
My Niece Scarlett Is What Autism Looks Like
My niece Scarlett is seven-years-old. She loves animals, drawing, and she has autism. Her parents realized when she was a toddler there may be an issue.
![Mardi Gras Tunes And Their Titles](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/01/mardi-gras-doll1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Mardi Gras Tunes And Their Titles
As with any celebration in south Louisiana, there's music involved! Here's a parade of Mardi Gras tunes and the artists who perform them.