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
Bugs on the Christmas Tree Can Hatch Inside Your House
It may be too early to put up the Christmas decorations, but digesting this little tidbit now can help us ward off problems in December. And if you're on the fence about which kind of tree to put up, this may convince you to go for fake one over the real thing.
Kids Who Grow Up Around Books Have An Advantage
If you haven't been to the Kurth Memorial Library lately, here's some incentive to head that way. There's a big advantage to growing up around books, and it sticks with us for life. But is it the tangible copies or the digital ones?
A Nacogdoches War Veteran Receives High Honor
An East Texas man who was an airborne radio intercept officer during the Vietnam War received a high honor Saturday morning.
Feel Free to Steal This Weird Halloween Costume Idea
This is my 8-year old daughter. I am so proud.
Find the Cheapest Halloween Candy at These Places
Some East Texas stores have the best deals on Gummy Bears and others have the best prices on bags of Sour Patch Kids. Finding the cheapest Halloween candy is a matter of knowing where to look.
Kids Get a Free Scary Face Pancake at IHOP on Halloween
This will be another great way to get the kids sugared up on Halloween. Pancakes! IHOP will have that free scary face pancake offer going again this Halloween, and there's only one thing the kids need to do to get it.
The Biggest Pumpkin in Texas Weighs Over 700 Pounds
A 745-pound pumpkin has become the new state record-holder in Texas, and if you're curious about how they grew this monster, we're spilling the beans on the secret formula.
Presidential Alert is Coming to Your Phone Today
Today is the day that we're going to hear everyone's phone go off with an alert at the exact same time and no one can opt out. The test had been planned for September 20th, but it was postponed because of Hurricane Florence. It's happening today right after lunch.
A Third of Texans Name Their Pickup Trucks
If you're still deciding what to name your truck, Betsy is probably on your short list, according to a new poll. It's one of the top names for pickup trucks in Texas, and the other top name might surprise you. Oh, and if you consider your truck to be part of your family, you are a true T…
A Small East Texas College is Closing a Campus
One college has announced it's closing an East Texas location because it's not "self-sustaining," and it's effective with the end of the fall semester.
Free Tacos Are Coming
Just about any day could probably be Taco Day in Texas, but we'll have an official reason to celebrate next week. National Taco Day is coming, and that will mean the deals and freebies will be hitting our favorite East Texas taco shops.
Don’t Make This Mistake On Your Next Vacation
Famous national landmarks aren't to be messed with, and if you get too close to them, in some cases you can get a ticket. I'll tell you what one man did at a place I visited this summer, so you don't make the same bonehead mistake.