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
WATCH: Why You May See a New Color on Our Texas Traffic Lights Soon
For as long as many of us can remember, it's been red, yellow, green. Granted, in some places, you see a separate part of the light that shows protected greens or yellow or whatever. But generally, the 3-color combo is what we've known.
Now, whether some people in the Dallas and Tyler, Texas area actually understand what those colors MEAN is another conversation entirely. Yeah, we're looking at you, yellow light speeder-uppers! (That's a technical term, of course.)
Texas Officials Warn You May Lose Cell Service During the Solar Eclipse
No, it is not because the aliens that are planning to take over our planet will be jamming up the systems so there's no way we can call for help when they arrive during the solar eclipse. (Well, at least we've not officially heard that being confirmed. Yes, I'm kidding for Pete's sake.)
Besides, if aliens were going to be invading our entire planet, who on earth would we call for help anyway?
This is the Tyler, TX Car Mechanic People Can’t Stop Talking About
So, ya know how challenging it can be to find the "right" doctor or lawyer? Well, it seems people can have quite a struggle when it comes to finding the "right" mechanic. And by right, in this case, we're referring to a business that is not only competent but excels in what they do. It also refers to a business that seeks to treat people fairly and charges for the work they do in a way that feels fair to the customer.
Extremely Popular Fast-Food Chain is Rolling Out…Pizza?
The more I read about the first 6 pizza flavors, the more I'm hoping we'll see them on our East Texas Chick-fil-A menus, too.
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 Do Scary Dolls Keep Washing Up on Our Texas Beaches?
A while back, I chatted online with Jace Tunnell who is with the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Jack had taken quite a few of these strange photos and he was happy to share some of the photos of the dolls that have washed up with us.
STOP IT! The 12 Rudest Things Texans Do at Grocery Stores
So now that I've said that, let me offer a personal apology for ALSO being guilty of some of the no-no's on this list.
But to be honest, I find that most Texas people are very gracious when shopping. MOST. It would seem some didn't take 'People-ing 101.'
Here are 5 Things You Should Always Buy at Dollar Stores in Texas
They spoke with some frugal-living experts who have delved into this subject to find some of the items that you might consider purchasing at discount stores if you're watching your budget.
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.
7 Jobs that Can Make You Rich in Texas and What You’d Earn Per Year
Of course, it doesn't matter how much money you make if you are hell-bent on spending every last penny without paying yourself first. Even more detrimental is spending money you don't truly have in the bank.
I can't tell you how many stories we've heard about people getting 'rich people' jobs, getting an inheritance, or even winning the freaking lottery who end up practically broke because of poor personal money management.
This Crucial New Stoplight in Tyler, TX Goes Active Very Soon
Once upon a time, this intersection was fairly easy to navigate using one's attention and safe driving. However, as traffic has increased in this area of South Tyler, making a turn from any of the four directions has become precarious. I know several people who have taken alternate routes as a result--including my Mom who unfortunately was in an accident there. Thankfully, all parties involved were okay.
But it had become a dangerous intersection.