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
Former Breaux Bridge Chief of Police Rollie Cantu Charged with Theft of Firearm, Malfeasance in Office
Former Breaux Bridge Chief of Police Rollie Cantu has been arrested on charges of malfeasance in office in connection with guns that were missing from evidence.
6 Stops for Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan and Santa’s Lighted Truck in South Louisiana
The Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan featuring the lighted truck is only making 6 stops in south Louisiana this year. It makes its first stop in Mamou Tuesday night and moves on after a visit to Scott on Thursday.
Christmas Break Schedule Is Different for Each South Louisiana Parish
Each parish in Louisiana has their own Christmas break schedule, and they are not all the same. Check out this list so you can plan accordingly!
Police Ask Public to Be on the Lookout for Murder Suspect in Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette Police want the public to be on the lookout for a 23-year-old murder suspect in connection with a shooting in October of 2023.
Public Meeting Tuesday in Lafayette to Address Frustration over Skyrocketing Wastewater Bills
Council members are hosting a public meeting Tuesday night to address the dramatic increase in Lafayette Parish sewer bills.
Manhunt for Convict and Murder Suspect Wanted in Church Point, Louisiana
The Church Point Police Department is searching for a murder suspect.
Places in Louisiana You Can Afford to Live on Social Security Alone When You Retire
Louisiana is ranked number 13 in the states with the lowest cost of living, according to U.S. News. Does the fact that it may not be expensive to live in the Bayou State make it a good option when considering where to live in retirement and if it will require more than social security to make it happen?
Teenager Killed in St. Landry Parish Crash on Louisiana Highway 360
Louisiana State Police say a teenager was killed in a single-vehicle crash Saturday evening in St. Landry Parish.
Man Convicted for 2016 Murder in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
A St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, man has been convicted for the 2016 shooting death of Miguel Edmond in Breaux Bridge.
10 Things That Prove You Really Are a Louisiana Cajun
South Louisiana is known for the best food on the planet and fantastic toe-tapping music. Cajuns welcome transplants but can spot a non-native by asking a few simple questions that will prove their heritage.
Louisiana State Trooper Urges Holiday Travelers to Check Vehicle, Tires Before Hitting the Road
Lafayette, LA (KPEL News) - AAA estimates that more than 55 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles for the Thanksgiving holiday, and Louisiana State Trooper Thomas Gossen out of Lafayette's Troop I recommends that motorists do a complete inspection of your vehicle before hitting the road...
Hilarious Plea for Naughty Dog in Texas Animal Shelter Gets Him Adopted
Louisiana and Texas animal shelters struggle with overpopulation daily. Most of them, including Lafayette Animal Shelter, do a great job sharing the sweet faces of furry friends that need to be adopted. Pictures of the animals needing families are worth a thousand words, but a humane society in Texas has added a hilarious message to each post that punctuates each pet's personality.
6 South Louisiana “Spirits” That Make Great Gifts If the Recipient Is at Least 21
If you decide the person on your list doesn't need another coffee mug, t-shirt, or gift set, you've got a slew of distilled and brewed choices when it comes to giving something that screams Louisiana fun.
Trash Schedule Changes in Lafayette, Louisiana, Due to Thanksgiving Holiday
Garbage collection and bus service schedules in Lafayette, Louisiana, will change this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
A Photo Journey of Atchafalaya the Band and the Stories of What Brought Them Back Together
Atchafalaya the band played their first gig on Halloween night in 1978 and became a local favorite. They are sharing their journey through photos and stories as they celebrate their 45th anniversary as a group.
Parish by Parish Runoff Election Results in Louisiana
The November 18 Louisiana election decided runoff races in Lafayette and each parish that make up the Acadiana area.
UPDATE: Juvenile from Another Louisiana Parish Arrested for Shooting in Scott Friday Night
Scott Police Chief says a boy was arrested in connection with a shooting during the time of the Acadiana High vs Carencro game.
Passion of the Christ, Sound of Freedom Star Coming to Lafayette, Louisiana
The movies Passion of the Christ and Sound of Freedom have one thing in common: Jim Caviezel. He has had a somewhat eccentric career, but he remains a devout Catholic, as are many people in south Louisiana, and he will be coming to an event hosted by a Lafayette group that shares his faith.
Louisiana Doctors Sounding the Alarm about the Frankenstein Opioid, 100 Times More Potent than Fentanyl
The Frankenstein Opioid is increasing in popularity and is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It has showed in the Louisiana and doctors are alarmed.
$64,000 Awarded to 15 Lafayette, Louisiana, Schools for Innovative Education Ideas
Fifteen schools in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, have been awarded grants to fund innovative education programs for their students. The United Way of Acadiana named the recipients of the more than $64,000 in grants for the 2023-2024 school year.