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
Texas Rangers’ Josh Hamilton Out of the Hospital
Have you ever been so sick it was hard to stand up? Last Thursday during the Texas Rangers-Arizona Diamondbacks game Josh Hamilton kept resting his hands on his knees and eventually had to leave the game. He lasted until the 8th inning though. If you have an office job, that's like going home sick around 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Ya just can't take it anymore!
More East Texas Colleges Ban Smoking
When I went to college at the University of Nebraska, I can remember walking out of my journalism building into a puff of smoke. Smokers would congregate outside after class to have a quick drag before the next class. That may be a thing of the past.
More and more schools now are banning smoking on campus, and one local college has already done it.
New Scam Targets Military Members, Steals Identities
The IRS is warning of a new scam that targets the military.
Perhaps we’ve all been perturbed by a scam at some point in our lives, one that comes in the form of a telemarketing phone call or an email that phishes for personal and financial information. But why bother our military heroes with that type of nonsense? The criminals behind this scam may really tick off a lot of people. We’re supposed t
John Tyler Heads to State 7-on-7 Tournament
The John Tyler 7-on-7 football team was able to beat Crosby in the semifinals at a state qualifying event Saturday in Lufkin, and that means the JT team moves on to the state tournament next month. Ever seen a 7-on-7 game? It's wild!
Work May Make Us Fat, But ‘Fit City’ Can Help
As I sit here at work snacking on Chex mix, I present this question to ponder: What are the jobs most at risk for weight gain? And good news: one Tyler group has plans to help us fight off the pounds.
School’s Out for the Summer, So Why Can’t the Same Be True for Work?
We grew up having our summers free, out of school. Why can’t that yearly sabbatical continue into adulthood?
BBQ Cookoff, Music and More This Summer at Lake Tyler
Summer in Texas is fun! There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy festivals and recreation - or in other words - ways to occupy the kids this summer and keep them from getting bored.
Lakefest happens June 30th off the shores of Lake Tyler at McElroy Road...
One of Astronomy’s Rarest Events Will be Visible in East Texas
When you hear the phrase, "Transit of Venus," it sounds like it might be a band name or a good club with velvet ropes and a line out the door on a Saturday night. But it has nothing to do with pop culture. It really does have something to do with the planet Venus, and it's a rare event that we'll be able to witness tomorrow in Tyler.
How Much Should a Billionaire Tip? [POLL]
I have to say I'm not very good at math, and I have no interest in trying to figure out what a 20 percent tip is on a $46.56 cent bill. I always make my spouse do the arithmetic. And you?
Voter Turnout High in Smith County During Primaries
Complete but unofficial results are in from yesterday's Texas primary, and the contested races did their job of bringing voters to the polls.
Texas Primary Happening Elections Today
J.D. Pooley, Getty Images Today's the day to get out and vote.
It's a great reason to get out of the office and stretch your legs for a bit. And candidates in 22 races in Smith County are waiting for you to decide their fate.
Red Light Runners + The Worst Intersections in Tyler [POLL]
With thousands hitting the road this weekend in East Texas, the risk of traffic accidents increases. And it's not speeders that present the biggest problem, it's the red light runners. And what are the most dangerous intersections in Tyler?