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
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.
Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein Jailed in East Texas
It wasn't long ago that actress Daryl Hannah was arrested during a pipeline protest in East Texas, and now Green Party Presidential Candidate, Dr. Jill Stein, has been arrested at a similar event.
Here’s How East Texans Can Help Those Affected By Hurricane Sandy
The weather in Tyler is just fine, so it's hard to imagine exactly how bad it is right now on the East Coast as Hurricane Sandy makes her way into New York and New Jersey. There are blizzard warnings in places like West Virginia, because Sandy is mixing with a winter storm there, and meteorologists say that's the first time in history a storm like that has been created - hurricane meets winter sto
The Vietnam Memorial is Headed to East Texas
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial that graces Washington DC is large, and a replica half that size travels the country to give those wishing to pay respects close to home the chance to do that.
The replica is coming to Rusk County this Friday, and will be on public display from Friday morning until noon Monday at Rader Funeral Home, 800 Kilgore Drive in Henderson.
Early Voting Period Opens Today — Find Out Where You Can Vote Here
Today marks the start of early voting in Texas, and the Presidential election is expected to be a big draw. Voter turnouts are always higher in presidential election years than in years when we're not voting on a US President.
In Tyler, voters also have a big decision to make when it comes to alcohol sales. Do you know exactly what you're voting on?
Texas Man Sells Home to Raise Reward Money for Lost Dog
How much do you love your pet?
Enough to sell your home to raise $50,000 in reward money if the dog becomes lost?
Gas is Cheap in Tyler — At Least By Comparison
Sure, California has its benefits. The weather is gorgeous, movie stars abound and there are plenty of hotties walking up and down the street.
But how can anyone afford to live there? Be glad you live in East Texas, where drivers are enjoying some of the cheapest gas in the country. Believe it!
Scams Keep Targeting the Military
No one is immune from scams, not even the our current troops and military veterans. We’re learned that scammers don’t have a scrupulous bone in their body, so I don’t suppose we should be surprised that they don’t even spare the folks that we’re supposed to hold in the highest esteem...
Alligator Captured Not Far from Tyler
If you're a pet owner like me, you might let your imagination get the best of you, worrying about what all the unmentionables that could possibly get your pets if you let them loose outside. I mentioned to my spouse once that I worried an alligator might eat our schnauzers, and I was laughed at heartily. I supposed it was ridiculous because we lived in Austin at the time in the middle of concrete
TJC to Host Alumni Reunion
Okay, admit it. If it weren't for Facebook, you would have lost touch with just about everyone you went to college with. Thank you Mark Zuckerberg for making sure we don't lose touch, and for giving us the chance to continue to "Like" each other.
Social media keeps us all together on a daily basis, but Tyler Junior College Alumni will actually have the chance the shake hands and high fiv