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
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.
UT Tyler Program Is Nationally Ranked
UT Tyler students are smart! Criminal justice majors there recently took the Major Field Test examination and their scores were in the top 10 nationwide.
Top Baby Names of 2012 Revealed
America has a fascination with boys' names that end in the letter N.
And with girls' it's all the rage to end the name with an A.
Babycenter has revealed their Top 100 Baby Names of 2012, and judging by the list, kindergarten classes in five years will be well-populated with Aidens and Sophias.
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
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?