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
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.
Your Favorite Halloween Candy Might be the Least Healthy
One of the most popular Halloween candies is also nothing but sugar and additives, according to nutrition experts. That probably won't stop any of us from eating it, but we should probably know these things just in case we can muster a moment of willpower.
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 Texan.
LSU Band’s Halftime Performance Goes Viral
Do not get caught in the halftime concession line or the bathroom line if you're going to a college football game this weekend. The halftime shows are too good!
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.
President Trump’s Text is Coming to Your Phone in October
One day in October, we're going to hear everyone's phone go off with an alert at the same time and no one can opt out. The test had been planned for tomorrow (September 20), but it was postponed because of Hurricane Florence.
5 Healthy Foods You’ll Find at Lufkin Gas Stations
Those rotating hot dogs on the gas station rotisserie might look tempting, but they're probably not the healthiest choice to grab next time you fill up.
Just like grocery stores, convenience stores are adding more fruit and protein bars to the grab-and-go areas, and we couldn't help but notice these five.
An East Texas Family Takes On Graffiti With Chalk Art
Maybe graffiti doesn't have to be removed, just enhanced. One East Texas family is gaining attention for the artistic touch that it's adding to the space that vandals have tagged, and it just may catch on.
5 Monthly Bills Wiped Out When You Win Cash With Us
Today is the first day that you've got a chance to win a whole lot of money with us, and this could completely wipe out several of your monthly bills. Like the average car payment that's $515 bucks a month! Wouldn't it be nice to have that gone? There could be a bunch more fun money in your budget soon.
Get This Freebie at the Lufkin Library in September
The Kurth Memorial Library is a great resource year round, and there's a big push going on right now to sign up for a freebie that will benefit you for the next several months.
Today Is the Perfect Day to Thank an East Texas First Responder
Every time 9/11 rolls around, I think about the first responders who rushed into the Trade Towers that day in 2001 to save lives, thinking very little about their own. Would any of us have had the guts? It makes today the perfect day to thank a first responder in East Texas for what they do on a daily basis And there's one simple way to do it.