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
![November 29th is Giving Tuesday](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2016/11/12299182_945924528819587_6291933429656800791_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
November 29th is Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is recognized by more than 70 countries around the world. It began in 2012 offset the commercialization created by Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday also coincides with the beginning of both individual and corporate charitable seasons.
![Crawfish Cornbread Dressing– A Holiday Hit At My House!](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2011/11/thanksgiving-meal-crd.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Crawfish Cornbread Dressing– A Holiday Hit At My House!
A number of years ago, my sister-in-law shared her family's recipe for crawfish cornbread dressing with me. She is an amazing cook, so I didn't believe I could replicate her side dish masterpiece. However, she assure me how easy it was. Sure enough, it has become a holiday hit at my house, whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
What You Need To Know Before Going To The Polls Today
Today is Election Day. There are some things you need to know before you go to your designated polling place that you may not be aware of.
![Lafayette Animal Control UL Game Dog of the Week- SUKI!](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2016/11/suki.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette Animal Control UL Game Dog of the Week- SUKI!
It's Homecoming Week for the Ragin' Cajuns, and Suki is proud to be supporting them as they take the field Saturday against the Idaho Vandals as the Lafayette Animal Control UL Game Dog of the Week!
![Did You Know There’s Another Rice Festival in Jennings?](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2016/11/Rice-field-harvest.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Did You Know There’s Another Rice Festival in Jennings?
Did you know there's another festival, of sorts, that commemorates rice in south Louisiana? It's actually called the Yellow Rails and Rice Festival, and it's based in Jennings.
![Presidential Polls: The Spaghetti Models Of An Election [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/160/files/2016/03/Homeland-Security-photo-by-Alex-Wong-via-Getty-Images.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Presidential Polls: The Spaghetti Models Of An Election [VIDEO]
As a tropical system drifts across the Atlantic, the spaghetti models shift, and we get antsy. Our radars are on alert the first time those projected paths put them anywhere near the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico. As a certified news junkie, I've felt that way about the presidential election, specifically the poll numbers. So who do you pay attention to?
![Lafayette Animal Control UL Game Dog of the Week- BINX! [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2016/10/DSC_3752.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette Animal Control UL Game Dog of the Week- BINX! [VIDEO]
When the Cajuns football team plays, the volunteers at Lafayette Animal Control select a canine friend to represent. As the boys in vermilion and white head to San Marcos to take on Texas State Saturday, Binx is the UL Game Dog of the Week! He's a happy terrier looking for a family to love.
![Joe Diffie To Headline Crowley Rice Festival This Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/12/Joe-Diffie.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Joe Diffie To Headline Crowley Rice Festival This Weekend
Louisiana's oldest agricultural celebration, The International Rice Festival, is this weekend in Crowley. Multi-platinum recording artist Joe Diffie will round out the entertainment line-up with a performance on the main stage Saturday night. The best part? It's a free festival!
![Louisiana Doctor And Organization Helping Haiti After Hurricane Matthew [PHOTOS]](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2016/10/nicole.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Doctor And Organization Helping Haiti After Hurricane Matthew [PHOTOS]
Eunice pediatrician Dr. Nicole Michael travels to her native Haiti a few times a year to treat children there at a clinic in a small mountain village that lost its sources of food and income. She fears many will died of famine, and no access to food or clean water without aid. A non-profit mission organization is working to make sure that doesn't happen, and you can help.
![Six Constitutional Amendments on Nov 8 Ballot– What Do They Mean?](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/04/Louisiana-State-Capitol-Photo-by-Chris-GraythenGetty-Images-280x3001.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Six Constitutional Amendments on Nov 8 Ballot– What Do They Mean?
Louisiana voters will be faced with more than just a selection for president on Nov 8. There are six constitutional amendments that can be difficult to understand and decide on with just a few minutes to do so. Here's a list of them in "regular people" terms and what they mean.
![Could Matthew And Nicole Combine To Form One Big Storm?](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2012/06/Hurricane-2-hurricane-facts.com_.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Could Matthew And Nicole Combine To Form One Big Storm?
As I'm writing this, the National Hurricane Center is watching three systems in the Atlantic: Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Nicole, and a tropical wave. When you look at the forecast models, you can't help but wonder, "Could Matthew and Nicole combine to form one big storm?"
![Deadline To Apply For Flood Assistance Is October 13th And What To Do If You’ve Been Denied](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2016/08/Ragin-Cajuns-Football-Helping-Youngsville-Flood-Victims-040.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Deadline To Apply For Flood Assistance Is October 13th And What To Do If You’ve Been Denied
October 13 is the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance if your home or business was affected by the August flooding. Also, officials with FEMA say your claim may still be viable if you've been denied.
![October- The Month To Celebrate Just About Everything!](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2016/09/FALL1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
October- The Month To Celebrate Just About Everything!
October brings to mind thoughts of Halloween, Breast Cancer Awareness, and the colors of fall. But did you know there are at least 113 other causes and celebrations commemorated during the month of October?
![Baton Rouge Teen “Lucky To Be Alive” After Rear-Ending Bus, Getting Trapped In Car [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2016/09/car-crash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Baton Rouge Teen “Lucky To Be Alive” After Rear-Ending Bus, Getting Trapped In Car [VIDEO]
Authorities in Baton Rouge told WBRZ reporter Michael Vinsanau a teenage girl is "lucky to be alive" after she rear-ended a school bus Thursday morning and got trapped in her car.
![Sulphur High Students Set A Great Example For Homecoming](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2016/09/claire-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Sulphur High Students Set A Great Example For Homecoming
On Friday, September 24, Miss Claire Conrad was crowned the 2016 Homecoming queen during ceremonies at the Sulphur High School football game. What a fantastic example she and her fellow students set for everyone!
![Five Odd Scholarships For Your Senior To Apply For And Others You May Not Know About!](http://townsquare.media/site/241/files/2013/12/146734493.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Five Odd Scholarships For Your Senior To Apply For And Others You May Not Know About!
My son is a high school senior, and my stomach lurched when the Louisiana legislature essentially laid waste to the TOPS program. Like many parents, I am searching for alternate ways to pay for college. His guidance counselor gave us the link to a nifty website featuring several odd scholarships I didn't know about! Who knew they offered a scholarship just for being funny? Or tall?
![One of My Favorite Places: The Grand Opera House of the South](http://townsquare.media/site/162/files/2016/09/10987760_10153127683631461_6716958147070893367_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
One of My Favorite Places: The Grand Opera House of the South
One of my favorite places, The Grand Opera House of the South in Crowley, opens its 2016-17 season Friday night with performances by Sonny Landreth and Roddie Romero.
![Save These If You’re a Tropical Weather Geek Like Me](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2016/08/14138708_1145796132152532_7749705991231369255_o.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Save These If You’re a Tropical Weather Geek Like Me
I don't want any hurricanes coming near Louisiana's precious coast, but those tropical systems fascinate me. I found ways through my years of being in the public information business to get the information the experts look at, even if I can't interpret or understand it. If you are a member of the unofficial "Tropical Weather Geek Society," here are a few places you may want to save to your favorites.
![West Nile Virus Risk Expected To Rise As Flood Water Recedes](http://townsquare.media/site/390/files/2013/07/Mosquito.jpg?w=980&q=75)
West Nile Virus Risk Expected To Rise As Flood Water Recedes
State health officials say the risk of contracting West Nile virus is expected to rise as water from recent flooding across south Louisiana recedes. The year started off relatively slowly in terms of the number of cases. However, that's where the good news stops.
![List of Supply Drives And Volunteer Opportunities To Help Flood Victims](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2016/08/Ragin-Cajuns-Football-Helping-Youngsville-Flood-Victims-003.jpg?w=980&q=75)
List of Supply Drives And Volunteer Opportunities To Help Flood Victims
Whether you want to donate supplies or volunteer, here's the list of opportunities to help flood victims if you can.