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
Holiday Travelers Get the Gift of Lower Gas Prices
Have you driven by a Tyler gas station lately and done a double take to make sure you're not seeing things? Prices at some stations have dropped below the $3 mark. It seems odd to cheer for gas, but it kinda makes ya wanna say, "Woohoo!" Especially if you're traveling for Christmas.
In mid to late November, gas prices in East Texas were about 15 cents higher than they are now. A gallon o
January is Divorce Month
June may be a big month for weddings, and December may be a big month for quiet, happy moments with family, but the experts say be very leery of January. That's Divorce Month.
Arp Elementary School Needs Our Support
Elementary students in Arp are part of a competition right now that could earn them some new playground equipment, but they need our votes.
Arp Elementary is one of about 500 schools competing in the Clorox Company's Power A Bright Future Program, and as of Monday they were ranked 4th! Here's how we can help.
Does Hearing Christmas Music Make Us Spend More?
Chances are, if you've strolled through Broadway Square Mall lately, you've heard Christmas music piping through the speakers as you shop.
Maybe you've thought nothing of it. Tis the season after all, and we expect to hear the Christmas music in our favorite stores. In fact, not hearing it would be an odd thing.
Some say hearing the Christmas songs can make us spend more money in that store.
Tyler Charter School to Add a Middle School in Addition to Elementary
Most students right now are thinking about Christmas break, but one Tyler school is thinking about its new classes, and an upcoming expansion.
The Tyler charter school, Cumberland Academy currently serves K-6th grade students, and just announced plans to open a middle school in fall 2013.
SNL Opens Cold, With Moving Tribute to Connecticut Shooting Victims
Nice job Lorne Michaels.
Saturday Night Live skipped the usual fun monologue on Saturday Night to pay tribute to those that lost their lives Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.
Tyler Police Have Trained for School Emergencies Just In Case
The horror that occurred Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut is unthinkable. Yet we can't get it off of our minds. We'll keep you continuously updated here as the investigation unfolds.
What would Tyler police do in a similar situation?
Baby Names Keep Getting Weirder
BabyCenter has released their list of the most unusual baby names of 2012, and there are a few dandies on the list.
Lon Morris Employees May Get Their Money
The has been a year of financial trouble for Lon Morris College, and because of that, there are 138 employees who are still owed money.
But that could be resolved soon. If all goes according to plan, those employees could get there money just a few days before Christmas.
Too Much Facebook Makes You Fat!
The good news is, research shows social networking sites boost our self esteem. The bad news is, the boost in self esteem can make us fat.
Here's how it works, according to Science Daily.
An East Texas Principal Has Died
Nacodoches graduates who have settled in the Tyler area are sad to learn about the death of a former principal.
The Principal at Brooks Quinn Jones Elementary in Nacogdoches has died after a battle with a long illness.
Mad Props To The Mail Man This Time of Year!
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Unless you deliver packages for a living.
Yes, all of our online shopping brings in big bucks for FedEx, UPS, DHL, and the US Postal Service. But the employees at those places are under a mountain of work, buried in packages, and it's hardly a season to be jolly. More likely, tis the season to have sore muscles, a headache, and feel run over by the deli