Jen Austin

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.

Starting the New Year With the Flu? You’re Not Alone

Maybe it's not just the effects of the New Year's Eve drinks that you're feeling today. Many people in East Texas are sick with something other than the "brown bottle flu" right now. Flu cases are up in Texas. Emergency rooms from Dallas to Tyler to Houston are saying they're seeing more flu cases right now, with fevers of 102 to 103 and that yucky, awful, achey feeling. And of course th

Forest Service Says Be Careful With New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Got your fireworks yet? There are just two opportunities each year to buy fireworks in Texas – near the 4th of July, and new New Year’s Eve. Business is good right now at local fireworks stands with the holiday fast approaching. Our own Leslie Reynolds offered tips on where to get the fireworks in a recent blog. Even though there has been some recent moisture, it’s been another dry year and we sho

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

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.

Red Kettle Campaign Provides An Easy Way To Have a Big Impact

All of that spare change tossed into the famous Red Kettles at storefronts, will add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Salvation Army's charity work in Tyler.

How Much Are You Spending on Christmas This Year?

The amount we fork over for Christmas gifts has gone up every year since 2008. The iPads, flat screen TVs, and video game must-haves ain't cheap! When you add up the hot electronics, the ugly sweaters, and the popcorn tin gift sets, we're spending just shy of a thousand bucks on Christmas.

East Texas Man Accused of Setting Roommate on Fire

Police say a Longview man is in jail after pouring lighter fluid onto his roommate as he slept, and setting him on fire.

Case Involving an Alaska Serial Killer Has Ties to East Texas

It's a story that has made national news. Earlier this week, accused serial killer Israel Keyes was found dead in his jail cell in Alaska after an apparent suicide. He's accused of abducting, assualting, killing, and dismembering the body of an 18-year old barista who was kidnapped from a coffee stand last February. In March, Keyes was arrested at the parking lot of a Cotton Patch Cafe in Lufkin a

Heisman Finalist Johnny Manziel Has Tyler Ties

The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious honor that a single college football player can receive, and this Saturday we'll find out if Tyler native Johnny Manziel wins it. Even Texas Longhorn fans might admit that Manziel has had a pretty great season with the Texas A&M Aggies.

Trees Destroyed by Wildfire Will Be Replaced Thanks to East Texas

It was a little more than a year ago that the most destructive wildfire in Texas history destroyed much of the vegetation in Bastrop County near Austin. It was a major setback for the renowned Lost Pines ecosystem. The fire covered 32,400-acres, destroyed 1,660 homes and killed 1.5 million trees. Now, one East Texas town is coming to the rescue. Eleven-hundred pounds of tree seeds that were almost

Christmas Parades Planned Throughout East Texas

At some stores and homes, the Christmas decorations were up before Thanksgiving. Those of us that did put up the Christmas tree before carving the turkey have been accused of breaking holiday rules, but rather than rebellious it seemed convenient to me. We got the decorating out of the way early, and could concentrate on matters like shopping!

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