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
Can You Get in Trouble for Picking a Bluebonnet?
My kids asked me yesterday if they would get thrown into jail for plucking a bluebonnet, so I decided to do my duty as a parent and research that pressing question. Is it illegal to pick bluebonnet in Texas?
Texas Teams Advance to the Finals in a National Rocket Competition
Do you know what it takes to build a rocket? East Texas has some smart kids, and their creativity is paying off. After a regional rocket competition, several Texas teams are moving on to the national finals next month in Washington DC.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival is Open Near Dallas
The Houston Renaissance Festival takes place every fall, and Scarborough Faire is the North Texas option for the spring. That's open now, and it's the place to go if you're craving one of those sausage-wrapped Scotch Eggs to go with a little jousting.
East Texas Gusher Days are Coming to Gladewater
It's festival season in East Texas, and it's high time we enter some chili cook-offs, check out some car shows, ride some carnival rides, and eat some food on a stick. If we hop in the car on any given weekend, it's likely we can roll into festival somewhere, and Gladewater has a good one coming up in ten days.
Texas Has One of the Toughest Toll Roads in the Nation
If you don't pay the tolls you owe in Texas, you could be in big trouble. But there's ones state that's tougher on those who don't pay up, and in that state you can be convicted of a felony for having outstanding tolls. Toll roads have had it! And here's what you need to know.
Most Texans Don’t Carry Cash
It was fun while it lasted, but finding that surprise 5-dollar bill in the pocket of some old jeans is becoming more rare. Lots of Texans are opting not to carry any cash at all, and if we do have paper money in our wallets it's probably less than $25
Bon Jovi Wine is Coming and We Couldn’t Be More Excited
Wine drinkers unite. The new Jon Bon Jovi wine should be coming to Texas in a month or two, and it's supposed to be quite tasty. You might be seeing this at barbecues this summer as an option to go with the Shiner.
East Texas Kids Can Bowl for Free All Summer
Kids can get two free games of bowling EVERY DAY this summer, and all we have to do is sign them up. This program keeps growing, and now might be the time to petition our favorite bowling alleys to get more of them involved. Some that are a short drive away will be part of it.