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
Can Texas Police Legally Search Your Vehicle Without a Warrant?
Everyone has been stopped at least once, or has witnessed a traffic stop, but what about having the police search their vehicles? Is it even legal for Texas police to do so without a warrant?
[WATCH] These Rare Mushrooms ‘Hiss’ As They Bloom Across Texas Right Now
The 'Texas Star' is blooming across central Texas, and apparently, it makes a hissing sound as it does so, while releasing a spore-cloud, according to Texas Parks & Wildlife. They pop up during months when we have cooler temps and grow on elm tree stumps and their roots when they are in a decomposition state.
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.)
One Man’s Kindness at a Texas Walmart Deeply Touched ETX Woman’s Heart
She had gone to the Walmart on Gilmer Road in Longview, Texas. As grief can tend to do, it descended upon her to the point where she'd felt compelled to stop on a random aisle and just let the tears overtake her. She said it just hit her out of nowhere.
What They DON’T Say You May See at Big Bend National Park in Texas
Santa Elena Canyon is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of Big Bend. TexasHillCountry.com describes it this way:
"With walls upwards of 1,500 feet, Santa Elena Canyon has the tallest cliffs forming this Texas canyon, but it also has something else quite unique..."
Um, Why Were There Chickens Running Wild on Loop 323 in Tyler, Texas?
Most everyone commented that they seek to avoid the tiny, winged creatures who've no sense of real danger that lurk on such busy Tyler streets. Others said they'd TRIED to hit them with their vehicle. I think they were joking. ("Winner, winner chicken dinner," they said. "Chickie Nuggies," they said.)
People Say This Hidden Texas Speakeasy Has the Best Martini
People say that if you want to find the very best martini you can find anywhere in Texas, you may want to plan a little trip over to this 'hidden speakeasy.'
Escape to These 10 Unique Airbnb Getaways in the Texas Hill Country
Whether you prefer dreamy, eclectic, glamping vibes, or whatever, there's a place to stay in this list of 10 interesting Texas Hill Country Airbnbs that will likely appeal to you.
Warning–Please Do Not EVER Feed Your Cats These Human Foods
There's the danger of mercury poisoning and if you were to only feed canned tuna to your cat, they wouldn't get all of the nutrients they need. This is very unhappy news for Juniper the Cat, who only has cans of tuna on her Christmas wish list.
Why Does Slicing Through Wrapping Paper Make Us Feel Good?
Next time you feel a little crazy for finding that random moment when those scissors glide-cut through that bright green, snowman-covered paper, just enjoy the moment.