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
Small Business Saturday is Way to Help Mom and Pop Shops
American Express posted this Youtube Video about ways to support small, independent retailers, and it's been viewed more than 5 million times.
Black Friday may be winding down, but the shopping continues this weekend. Tomorrow, shoppers will head out to support independent retailers in East Texas on Small Business Saturday.
The Tyler Small Business Development Center says on their Facebook page th
Thieves Like Electronics Too
Once you buy those highly-sought-after goods on Black Friday, do you leave them in plain sight in your car as you make your way to the next store?
Tyler police are offering tips to protect yourself and your goods during the holiday shopping season. Among the tips; hide the loot!
Electronics Top Most Wish Lists
A new Nielsen survey says most kids age 6-12 want an iPad most of all this Christmas. Most adults would probably rather have that than a new sweater too.
The new Nintendo Wii U comes in second on most wish lists, and then the iPod Touch and iPad Mini.
The price range on those gifts is $199 for the iPod Mini, to $499 for the new iPad. There are reports that most households spend on average, betwe
Where Did That Turkey Come From?
Texas doesn't have bragging rights in terms of the biggest turkey-producing states, but it does produce its share.
Nine to ten million Texas turkeys are produced each year, and most of those come from Central and East-Central Texas, according to a map from Smithsonian Magazine.
Which state is the biggest turkey producer? I'll give you the answer so you can impress your friends and family at the Th
Many East Texas Offices Shut Down for Thanksgiving Weekend
The next few days will be all about spending time with family, eating until we're sick, watching parades and football, shopping, and putting up the Christmas decorations.
For many offices, it won't be business-as-usual until Monday. Several East Texas agencies and businesses are rolling up the carpet and shutting down to observe the holiday. There's no mail tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, but it w
Millions Admit to Online Shopping in an Atypical Place
Are you planning to shop in the store, or online this weekend? Actually going to Broadway Square Mall, grabbing the item you want, and paying for it there without having to wait for UPS to bring it to you seems sort of nostalgic now. Die hard shoppers might argue it's the most fun way to obtain new things, but there is something quick and convenient about electronically adding to cart.
If you
We Consume HOW Many Calories at Thanksgiving?
The season of eating continues this week.
We stuffed our faces full of candy at Halloween, and now it's on to the big Thanksgiving meal. This Thursday we'll sit around the TV watching the Cowboys' game and graze all day on turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and of course that green bean casserole with the crunchy onions on top that seems to find its way to most tables.
Have you ever put down the f
Jacksonville Woman Killed in Weekend Plane Crash
A plane crash that killed a Jacksonville woman Sunday night is under investigation by the Department of Public Safety and the FAA. Investigators say 60-year-old Debra Birch died in the crash.
Tyler Wins Award for Its Use of Social Media
The City of Tyler has made an effort lately to make a broader use of social media, and reach residents in new ways.
That has paid off now with an award from the Texas Municipal League. Tyler won the award for something you can download to your smart phone, PC, or tablet.
Iconic Hostess Snack Cake Company to Go Out of Business
Hostess has been making Twinkies and snack cakes since the 1930s, and the company has announced now they're going out of business. Twinkies are about to become a thing of the past!
The company is based in Irving, and with the closure more than 18,500 workers will lose their jobs.
What Are the Best Seasonal Jobs?
It turns out, if you have Santa skills you can make big bucks during the holidays. Not all of us are cut out to perform the role of Santa at Broadway Square Mall for example, but if you have a slightly round belly, you're over the age of 45, and you're a guy, you can make a buck off the long lines and every parents' need for the perfect photo. Even if you're a skinny guy and you can pull off the
Job Fair Today Aims to Help East Texas Veterans
The stats can be pretty alarming. The unemployment rate in the US is 7.9 percent, but among Veterans that number can be as high as 19 percent!
It's not easy for military members to wrap up a tour of duty and then find work right away. The transition to civilian life can be tough.
There's a job fair today that has the goal of connecting Veterans with employers, and placing them in the right work en