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
![Things You Need To Know Now About The Tax Bill](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2013/07/taxes.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Things You Need To Know Now About The Tax Bill
Lots of information is available about the tax reform bill, but here's a few things you need to know now before the new year starts.
![Basic Training: Holding My Breath](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/09/army-flag-uniform.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Basic Training: Holding My Breath
I had no idea I was holding my breath until I got a message from a reliable source saying my son passed his PT test. My son, my youngest child who graduated from high school this year, is currently in basic training for the Louisiana Army National Guard. He is scheduled to graduate on Thursday, November 30, 2017.
![Time To Shop: When To Save Big On What](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2012/01/sale1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Time To Shop: When To Save Big On What
Trying to save money while redoing my house, I discovered great advice on expert websites about how to save on everything from travel to treadmills. The secret is when to buy.
![One South La Man Buries His Storm Anxiety In Sand (Grab A Tissue)](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/08/Sang-Bags.jpg?w=980&q=75)
One South La Man Buries His Storm Anxiety In Sand (Grab A Tissue)
As Harvey was emerging into the Gulf, one south Louisiana man's storm anxiety level was off the charts. Then he went to a sandbag location and gained a new perspective.
![New Lake Charles VA Clinic Set To Open Monday, Volunteers Still Needed [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/08/lcvaclinic.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Lake Charles VA Clinic Set To Open Monday, Volunteers Still Needed [VIDEO]
The new VA outpatient clinic in Lake Charles is scheduled to open on Monday to serve veterans in southwest Louisiana. They need volunteers who can be a positive influence in the facility.
![Facebook Jail: How Not To Go There](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2017/08/19420809_1467845223307967_7636401370333869083_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Facebook Jail: How Not To Go There
Facebook jail is a thing. The administrators will block you from posting or delete your account if commit "violations." Here's some tips on how not to go there.
![Lake Charles Police Recruiting Event This Saturday](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2016/04/RS13784_137524034-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lake Charles Police Recruiting Event This Saturday
The Lake Charles Police Department will host an open recruiting event this Saturday at the Lake Charles Civic Center beginning at 8AM.
![Help The Pride Of McNeese March To London](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/07/14890433_1216209075091766_4638839367788086966_o.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Help The Pride Of McNeese March To London
The Pride Of McNeese Cowboy Marching Band has been invited to take part in the 2018 London New Year's Day Parade, and they need our help getting there.
![Lafayette Youth Soccer Association (LYSA) Fall Registration Is Open!](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2017/07/12004970_1186295074746244_4244660057351894876_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette Youth Soccer Association (LYSA) Fall Registration Is Open!
If you live in Lafayette Parish and have a youngster who is interested, it's soccer time! LYSA registration is now open for children ages 3-18.
![Adopt-A-Cat: Lafayette Animal Control Kennels Are Full [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2017/07/IMG_1210.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Adopt-A-Cat: Lafayette Animal Control Kennels Are Full [VIDEO]
The kennels in the cat room at Lafayette Animal Control are full. Check out some of these furry friends and see if you can give them a home!
![Here We Go Again– Another Company Does “Gumbo”](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2017/02/STOP_sign.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Here We Go Again– Another Company Does “Gumbo”
Another food company is attempting to dip its proverbial toe into the bayou of south Louisiana with a Cajun Gumbo and Rice Mix. It's not being well-received by Louisiana folks. It's not pretty.
![Monkeys And More Make Moody Gardens A Great Weekend Escape](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/07/saki.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Monkeys And More Make Moody Gardens A Great Weekend Escape
Moody Gardens is one of our favorite destinations for a weekend escape. Monkeys, sloths, and birds of all colors roam free. Plants and trees from rain forests around the world grow there. Around every turn and at every level, it's a real treat!
![Crowley Student’s Starfish Speech Wins National Competition [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/06/19424574_10155398824614898_4360463685239939494_n-e1498678205574.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Crowley Student’s Starfish Speech Wins National Competition [VIDEO]
Grant Suire, a 8th grade student at St. Michael's in Crowley, has placed first in the National Junior Beta Club's speech competition. His message involves starfish and service. And it's brilliant!
![Is Weird Al Yankovic A Grammar Cop? How To Avoid “Word Crimes” [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/05/18301493_725212561015583_597576144882612779_n-e1495575437508.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Is Weird Al Yankovic A Grammar Cop? How To Avoid “Word Crimes” [VIDEO]
I had no idea Weird Al Yankovic was a grammar cop and even did a parody about it. If grammar trips you up, here are some easy tips to help you avoid committing word crimes.
![Why Join The National Guard? Tuition Exemption (Just Ask My Son!)](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2017/05/IMG_0315-e1495051973815.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Why Join The National Guard? Tuition Exemption (Just Ask My Son!)
The biggest reason my son joined the National Guard was tuition exemption for college. But that's only part of the story of why he decided to Geaux Guard!
![Take A Look Inside The 2017 St. Jude Dream Home [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2017/05/IMG_0771.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Take A Look Inside The 2017 St. Jude Dream Home [VIDEO]
The 2017 Acadiana St. Jude Dream Home is spectacular! Each year, McLain Homes and their team seem to find new ways to "wow" us with interesting touches that make the house a treat to visit. Hopefully, they will make you want to buy a ticket and help save babies!
![What NOT To Give Teachers As Gifts (From The Child Of A Retired Teacher)](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2015/01/RS4996_177009070-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
What NOT To Give Teachers As Gifts (From The Child Of A Retired Teacher)
If you decide to show your teacher appreciation with a gift, take some advice from the child of a retired teacher and give something other than these please!
![Ten Things Every True Cajun Has](http://townsquare.media/site/159/files/2016/10/cajun-wheel-of-fortune.png?w=980&q=75)
Ten Things Every True Cajun Has
Some of these things are unique only to our slice of paradise. This list of things, I believe, every true Cajun has in his or her home or repertoire. What do YOU think?
![Elections Don’t Get Any Closer Than This Lake Charles Race!](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/11/GettyImages-4584067261.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Elections Don’t Get Any Closer Than This Lake Charles Race!
If one person wouldn't have gone to the polls on Saturday, the election would have ended very differently in a Lake Charles city council race. Talk about close!
Graduation From Gifting To Gratitude (And The Calcasieu Parish Schedule!)
Graduation is only a few weeks away! Whether you're a student, parent or a loved one wanting to send a gift, here are some tips to help celebrate the happy occasion, and a schedule of when your graduate may be walking down that aisle.