Hi! I grew up in a one-stoplight town in rural Nebraska and my whole family still lives there with three churches, a bar, and a courthouse. I left because I like lots of people and taller buildings, and I don't like cold weather. On those rare days in Texas when it gets snowy and icy, you'll find me inside Googling beach vacations. I don't plan to leave Texas now that I've been here for most of my adult life because the barbecue and fajitas are just way too addictive. I've worked in radio from the moment I graduated from college at the University of Nebraska, and besides getting the hang out with cool people like you every day, I love sports, great restaurants, self improvement, and meeting new people. I love all movies starring Melissa McCarthy or Julia Roberts, and all TV shows with home improvements or food in them. You'll probably hear me talk about my three daughters on the air, along with the challenges of being a single mom. I'm on several of the dating apps, because trying to meet someone in person these days is way too creepy.
Jen Austin
The Average Wedding Costs How Much?!
It’s no secret that weddings can costs big bucks, but are you prepared for the actual number?
By the time you add up the flowers, the dress, the food at the reception, and that open bar, and maybe booking a cool place like the Woldert-Spence Manor Bed and Breakfast or other quaint and romantic spot, the tally can reach the price of a small SUV.
East Texas All-Stars Are One Win Away from Little League World Series
We learned last Friday just how amazing the East Texas All-Star Little League team is, when they scored 12 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Yikes! There was no way Oklahoma was going to overcome a hole that big. The East Texas team, based in Lufkin, won 14-1 at the Southwest Regional Tournament in Waco.
There have been other wins and losses in pool play over the past few days, including a
Tyler ISD Has New Slogan
Just ahead of back-to-school, the Tyler ISD is talking about its new logo and slogan.
You'll start seeing the new logo pop up right away, after it was approved Monday by the Tyler Independent School District Board of Trustees. Perhaps you were even a part of the new design. The group K12 insight helped set up focus groups to come up with the design and accept input from those who wanted a say in
It’s School Supply Time + Here’s How to Help
We don't really need proof that teachers are awesome, but just in case, you're probably heard that teachers have been known to spend their own money on supplies for the classroom. Can you imagine spending your own money on paper and printers at the office just so you can get your work done? Teachers go above and beyond in so many ways.
Earlier this summer we helped collect a bus load of school su
Forbes Magazine Names Houston the Coolest City in America — Do You Agree?
These sorts of lists always create arguments. Do you think our neighbors in Houston are the “coolest” in the US? I don't think this article considered Longview. Y'all are cool too.
Forbes Magazine loves Houston.
Heat Warnings Continue Across East Texas
Venturing outside these days makes it hard to breathe. Even walking from the nice, cool office out to the car after work can make a girl sweat. And we don't even want to talk about that temperature inside the car. Ouch! Those seats are sizzlin'.
We probably don't have to tell you that a heat advisory is in effect for much of East Texas through 7 p.m. Thursday. But what does that mean exactly?
Babysitters Earn More Than You Might Think
With school out, babysitting is a good summer job for teens. After you read this, you might want to quit your adult day job and find a babysitting gig instead! The pay ain’t too shabby.
Fifty years ago, babysitters might have earned a dollar or so any hour, and then in the 70′s and 80′s prices started to rise. How much are babysitters earning now?
Weight Loss Shows Encourage East Texans to Shed Pounds
Have you ever watched one of those weight loss shows and decided to cut the chips and candy bars from your diet the next day?
It's hard NOT to be inspired by the 50, 100, and 200 pound weight loss stories. After one year, Nyla lost 157 pounds on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. The stories have been just as powerful on The Biggest Loser, and casting is underway now if you want to be part
Women are Getting Smarter + Here’s Why
In the coming years we may see more female CEOs in Tyler and Longview, and more women leaders of schools and organizations in East Texas. If nothing else, this will give you something to argue about with your co-workers today at work.
Texas Tax Free Weekend Coming in August
Broadway Square Mall in Tyler and other retails stores around East Texas will be packed the weekend of Aug. 17-19. That's the time frame for this year's Sales Tax Holiday shopping weekend.
Longview Man Dies After Bar Fight
A night out turned ugly last week, and those involved are still on the loose.
Police say the Longview bar fight started inside and spilled outside into the parking lot at Lodge Sports Bar and Grill on McCann Street in Longview early Friday, and that's where one man was beaten unconscious.
Lon Morris College Moves Forward Despite Bankruptcy
With much restructuring this summer, there may have been some doubt about whether there really would be a “back to school” at Lon College in Jacksonville.
Back in May, the president resigned and most of the faculty and staff was furloughed. Then two weeks ago the college filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a Tyler court, and said in a statement it was operating with core staff and had support from