Tara Holley's first on-air experience was at age 3 on a jingle in Temple, Texas. Radio has been a part of her life ever since. She received a BA in Theatre and Communication in 2004 from McMurry University. Her professional journey includes theatre, Neilsen media research, advertising and marketing, creative writing and scripting, and more. However, radio has always been her first professional love. Tara writes about all things East Texas -- including fantastic food, Texas legends and lore, and lifestyle topics. She loves conversation, comedy, coffee, animals, philosophy, and the arts. Her basic life philosophy can be summed up in the words of the great Bill and Ted: “Be Excellent to Each Other.” Tara received the Mayor's ROSE (Recognition of Service and Excellence) Award in 2021 and the President's Club Award for Townsquare Media Tyler in 2021 for Contributor of the Year. She served on the Heart of Tyler Board of Directors from 2017-2022, was a 2-year Chair for the Downtown Tyler Film Festival, and served on the Tyler Civic Theatre Board for several years, as well. She is currently on the Tyler Music Friendly Advisory Board.'
Tara Holley
Stay Informed: Essential Texas Gun Laws Every Owner Should Know
Stay informed on Texas gun laws. Did you know foster parents can own guns? Learn more about concealed carry regulations.
The 7 Weirdest Driving Laws in the State of Texas
Granted, not all of these laws are quite that strange, but they will likely surprise some of us. There are also city-specific laws here in Texas that don't apply statewide. For example, when driving in El Paso, Texas, drivers are technically supposed to give a little honk when passing another car.
Why Every Texan Should Keep Paper Towels in Their Fridge All the Time
I mean, this sounds like something one would do on accident. Well, it more certainly sounds like something I would do. I can't tell you how many times I've absent-mindedly put something in the refrigerator that didn't necessarily belong there.
Warning! The Drunk Driving Limit in Texas May Be Changing Soon
Supporters of lowering the limit say it will save many lives, while detractors feel it could put too much of a burden on our law enforcement officers.
Does a Warm Winter Mean Summer 2024 Will Totally Kill Us in ETX?
I've heard so many friends and colleagues wonder this out loud. Even though living in Longview, Tyler, or anywhere in East Texas, always means sometimes shockingly hot and humid summer days, we still hope it will be at least slightly more tolerable.
Here are 10 Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About Texas Gun Laws
Even the most avid and conscientious gun owners may find there are laws, policies, and considerations when it comes to gun ownership in Texas they didn't know.
10 ‘Secret Spots’ Burglars Check First When Invading Texas Homes
Unfortunately, some burglars may check online to research the places people think may offer an added level of security for their valuables, so they know where to look. After all, the World Wide Web is available to a large portion of the population.
15 Forbidden Foods that are Banned in the State of Texas
As for me, I appreciate the fact that some of these 'foods' aren't available or are out-and-out banned. In my opinion, some foods are potentially too dangerous and not worth the risk. Others are created or harvested in ways that seem so unethical, that consuming them seems beneath the dignity of otherwise caring, good-hearted people. Again, that's just my opinion.
RUDE! 12 Things Texans Should Stop Doing Immediately at the Grocery Store
There are some behaviors many of us have seen that may immediately come to mind. Brazenly cutting in line is a HUGE no-no. That should be a given. Insulting people seems fairly obvious, but I've still seen it happen. Heaven help the person who goes after the last bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos when THESE people are nearby.
President Biden Just Announced Debt Cancellation for Some Texas Students
According to a story shared on BuzzFeed, early on Friday, President Biden announced plans to cancel student loans for certain borrowers. The plan is to begin the process in February "as part of a new repayment plan that’s taking effect nearly six months ahead of schedule."
The No. 1 Cheapest City to Live in Texas Will Surprise You
With more and more jobs being done remotely, it's changed the on-location work paradigm we've been living with for many years.
Is it Ever Actually Legal to Pass a Vehicle on the Right in Texas?
On occasion I have seen people passing so wildly on the right, then left, and so on, I half expect to see them become a hovercraft and fly away in their apparent frenzy. (To be honest, when drivers seem THAT frantic I wish they would fly away--because they can pose a serious threat to public safety.)
Have You Heard About the Self-Checkout Scam at Texas Stores?
Concerned, the woman went to ask customer service about it, and according to the post, the Walmart employees told her it was a new scam going around. And here's how it allegedly works....
People in Texas Share Strong Feelings Over Being Charged for Bags at Stores
The employee clarified that yes, the bags were for her purchases that she'd JUST made at the store. When she asked what alternative did she have to take her purchases out of the store, he told her she could either put them in her purse or carry them out.
You Won’t Believe the #1 Texas City Gen Xers are Moving to. (It’s Not Austin)
Well, we already know quite well by now that we're seeing a ton of new folks headed to Texas. At this point, that's likely understood by most. But it's still rather interesting to learn which of Texas cities, in particular, are attracting the most people--and what demographic of people, as well.
No, it's not Austin or Dallas, Texas. Nope, it's not Houston, Texas, either.
Report Says Texans Have a Pretty Short Life Expectancy. But Why?
If you live in Texas, you can expect to have a shorter life than if you lived elsewhere in America.
One of the Most Gorgeous Places in Texas You Have Likely Never Seen
Whether solo or with the family, if you're into exploring the natural beauty of Texas by foot, bike, kayak, or otherwise, you ought to check this place out.
The 17 East Texas Inmates Currently Sitting on Death Row
Although dates for execution have not yet been set, some of those East Texans on this list have been there for a long time--surprisingly long, actually.
How in the World Can Watching Scary Movies Make Us Feel…Happier?
I noticed after a few weeks that after watching an episode I would often feel a lift in my mood. I felt more energy and more mentally alert.
New Texas Superintendent Eliminating 28 Libraries, Some to Become ‘Discipline Centers’
Some feel this is an unfair move that will negatively affect the students at these schools. One of the naysayers is the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner.