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
![Parisians Remind Us That Living Is The Best Way To Overcome Terror](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/11/GettyImages-497396478.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Parisians Remind Us That Living Is The Best Way To Overcome Terror
Following the attack on their country, Parisians are reminding us all that the best way to overcome terror is by living.
![Tracking Your Teen: Where’s My Brand New Driver?](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/11/YouTube-Behind-The-Wheel-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Tracking Your Teen: Where’s My Brand New Driver?
My son just got his driver's license, was late coming home from school, and wouldn't answer his phone.
![Massive Beef Recall & What You Need To Know [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/11/YouTube-Ground-Beef-Safety1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Massive Beef Recall & What You Need To Know [VIDEO]
The USDA has issued a recall of more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef after a positive test for E. Coli in a Nebraska distribution plant.
![2015 CMA Awards– Who Will Win?](http://townsquare.media/site/437/files/2015/09/GettyImages-458477618.jpg?w=980&q=75)
2015 CMA Awards– Who Will Win?
The stars of country music will be shining brightly next week (Wed, Nov 4th), and some more than others, when the winners of the 2015 CMA Awards are announced in Nashville. Just being nominated is a big deal for many of these folks, and there were several surprises when the nominees were announced in September...
![I Really Did Fly In A USAF Thunderbird– And LSU’s Baseball Coach Will Friday!](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/10/me-n-buzzer.jpg?w=980&q=75)
I Really Did Fly In A USAF Thunderbird– And LSU’s Baseball Coach Will Friday!
I really did fly in an F-16 Fighting Falcon, an actual United States Air Force Thunderbird! And, according to published reports, LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri gets to go up with them Friday morning right in Lake Charles. How cool!!!
The Chennault International Airshow is this weekend in Lake Charles, and the Thunderbirds are the star of the show...
![Secretary of State Predicts Less Than 50% Of Voters Will Show Up](http://townsquare.media/site/160/files/2015/10/Registrar-of-Voters-photo-by-David-McNew-via-Getty-Images.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Secretary of State Predicts Less Than 50% Of Voters Will Show Up
Secretary of State predicts less than 50% of voters will show up for Saturday's election.
![Rodney Carrington Is Packing the House on His Way to Lake Charles [VIDEO, NSFW]](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/09/rod-ph.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Rodney Carrington Is Packing the House on His Way to Lake Charles [VIDEO, NSFW]
As you may know by now, comedian and recording artist Rodney Carrington is making his way to Lake Charles for a show at the Lake Charles Civic Center's Rosa Hart Theater on October 10th. If you don't have your tickets yet, there may be something other folks know that you don't...
![The Great Acadian Awakening Music Festival Prepares to Celebrate A Big Anniversary](http://townsquare.media/site/437/files/2013/06/jo-el-sonnier.png?w=980&q=75)
The Great Acadian Awakening Music Festival Prepares to Celebrate A Big Anniversary
The Great Acadian Awakening Music Festival is scheduled for the first weekend in October to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of what we now call our "Cajun" ancestors from the area known today as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
![Emergency Responder Appreciation Events Slated To Kick Off Hurricane Awareness Day](http://townsquare.media/site/160/files/2014/09/photo-by-Andrew-Burton-via-Getty-Images.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Emergency Responder Appreciation Events Slated To Kick Off Hurricane Awareness Day
Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and all emergency responders will be the guests of honor during an appreciation ceremony and parade to kick off Hurricane Awareness Day Saturday, September 26th, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. With the recent death of Senior Trooper Steven Vincent in the line of duty and several other law enforcement officials, the event is sure to hold even more signific
![5 Curious Things About A Thousand Horses– And They’re Coming To Lafayette!](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2015/09/458492384.jpg?w=980&q=75)
5 Curious Things About A Thousand Horses– And They’re Coming To Lafayette!
In case you haven't heard, the band A Thousand Horses is coming to Cowboys Night Club in Lafayette in December! They are the featured act for the 2015 Taste of Country Christmas Tour. How often can you see a national group with a #1 song for just $12? You can on December 5th, but the price may go up soon. So, get your tickets now!
![Fire Destroys Orange Beach Condo Complex](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/09/island-dunes-fire.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Fire Destroys Orange Beach Condo Complex
No injuries are reported, but 21 of the 36 units at the Island Dunes condo complex in Orange Beach are completely destroyed following a fire very early Tuesday morning.
Fire officials have not yet determined the origin or cause of the blaze that also threatened a nearby real estate agency, restaurant, lounge and wooded area.
...
![National Weather Service Says Heat Is On And It’s Here For A While](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/07/Beach-630x448.jpg?w=980&q=75)
National Weather Service Says Heat Is On And It’s Here For A While
The National Weather Service forecast through Sunday says highs will be in the mid- to upper-90s. Saturday's forecast simply says "Hot."
Add in that good ol' Louisiana humidity and it pushes the heat index to somewhere between 105 and 115, making it feel like you've been wrapped from head to toe in a big, wet, steamy blanket the minute you walk out the door.
...
![Shop for School Uniforms At Thrift Stores To Save Money & Help Local Charities](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2014/10/Quick-Money-Scam-BBB-e1431426576144.png?w=980&q=75)
Shop for School Uniforms At Thrift Stores To Save Money & Help Local Charities
School uniform shopping can take a serious toll on a parent's wallet. However, searching through the inventory at local thrift stores operated by charitable organizations for the shirts, shorts, pants or skirts that someone else's child may have outgrown, but is still perfectly useable, could make the pain much more tolerable...
![28th Cajun Food & Music Festival July 17-19 in Lake Charles](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/07/cfma.jpg?w=980&q=75)
28th Cajun Food & Music Festival July 17-19 in Lake Charles
The 28th Cajun Food & Music Festival opens at the Burton Coliseum complex in Lake Charles on Friday, July 17th, and celebrates all the things we love about south Louisiana.
The Lake Charles Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association sponsors the event filled with great music from Cajun and zydeco bands, delicious food we in south Louisiana love, arts & crafts, and even a French Mass wit
![Ainsley’s Angel Sunset 5K Scheduled for July 25th in Lake Charles](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/07/ainsley-angel.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Ainsley’s Angel Sunset 5K Scheduled for July 25th in Lake Charles
Registration is underway now for the Ainsley's Angel Sunset 5K scheduled for July 25th in Lake Charles.
The race begins a half hour before sunset at the Lake Charles Civic Center and participants will enjoy a Finishers' Festival at the Amphitheater featuring food, music, and giveaways.
...
![Flag Etiquette For Independence Day — Let’s Show Respect July 4](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2014/07/55710693.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Flag Etiquette For Independence Day — Let’s Show Respect July 4
If you're going to fly the American flag, you need to show it the respect it deserves. Here's how.
![Winn Dixie Is Donating Profits To Wounded Warriors Project](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/07/wdwwp-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Winn Dixie Is Donating Profits To Wounded Warriors Project
On Saturday, July 4th, 2015, Winn Dixie stores nationwide will donate "every cent of every dollar of profit to the Wounded Warrior Project." That's a huge contribution to an organization that helps injured service members and provides programs and services that meet their needs...
![Where Were The Wasps?- How Tracy Found The Little Stingers](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/06/wasp-21.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Where Were The Wasps?- How Tracy Found The Little Stingers
I knew the wasps were there. Somewhere. Just a week ago, the little dive-bombers had hit me like a torpedo armed with a roofing nail just behind my armpit while I was mowing the lawn. Being raised in South Louisiana, we know all manners of treating a wasp sting: toothpaste, tobacco, meat tenderizer, mustard...
![Miller PARK, Not Miller Stadium! Sorry…](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/06/miller-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Miller PARK, Not Miller Stadium! Sorry…
My sincerest apologies to baseball fans. It has been brought to my attention that I erroneously referred to the Major League Baseball field in Milwaukee as Miller Stadium and not as Miller Park. I assure you, it was not intentional and was, in fact, like driving to your old house when you move to a new one...
![Take A Vacation!](http://townsquare.media/site/149/files/2015/06/pcb-pic.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Take A Vacation!
Generally, more Americans are leaving paid vacation time unused. They are, essentially, working for free! More importantly, research suggests that's not good for them professionally OR physically.
Several articles emphasize the stress relieving benefits of stepping away from the office...