Good morning, Kerr County!
It's going to be cool today, but our old friend, the wind will be howling today! The National Weather Service says the blustery conditions will likely cause another day of red-flag warnings for Kerr County and other parts of the Hill Country. The National Weather Service described the conditions like this: "North winds of 10 to 20 MPH with gusts to 30 MPH and minimum humidities in the single digits and teens on Thursday. These weather conditions, when combined with dry fuels in many areas will result in a very high to potentially extreme fire danger according to the Texas A&M Forest Service."
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But what about the rain?
That looks like a slim chance at best. There's a 20% chance of thunderstorms on Sunday. However, we finished March with a quarter-inch of rainfall, and we've now had four consecutive months with less than an inch of rain. Here's a look at how we're trending:
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On today's The Lead Live!
District Attorney Lucy Wilke, who represents the 216th District Attorney's office, will discuss Child Abuse Awareness Month. Joining Wilke will be Brent Ives, executive director of Hill Country Crisis Council, Kellie Early, president of the Kerr County Child Services Board, and Stephenie Cantu, program director at Kids Advocacy Place. Coming Friday:
- Museum of Western Art Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp will discuss the museum's latest show. We'll also have Jenna Moebes on to discuss Hill Country Cravings — her delicious new catering business.
Today's newsletter is sponsored by:
Plan your weekend by stopping by Mustang Sally's in Kerrville. They've always got something unique to offer! Stop by starting Friday. Visit online at: https://www.facebook.com/Mustang-Sallys-Rustic-Furniture-Decor-112503441258783  |
Plan your day!
Thursday, April 7
Public Meetings
- Kerrville Planning and Zoning Commission — Kerrville City Hall, 4:30 p.m. Information: https://kerrvilletx.gov/968/Planning-and-Zoning
Events
- KACC Exhibits — Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: https://www.kacckerrville.com The details: Three exhibits are running at KACC through April 16. The Hill Country Youth Art Exhibit; Kerrville 1940-1960, a photographic history of the community sponsored by the Kerr County Historical Commission; Passion Project: Our contributions to the world, a collection of work from Schreiner University, senior art students.
- Heaven's Declare Art Exhibition — Museum of Western Art, 10 a.m. Information: https://www.museumofwesternart.com The details: Featuring works by renowned artists who celebrate the heavens. The exhibition will feature works by Phil Bob Borman, G. Russell Case, Tim Newton, Laurel Daniel, Linda Glover Gooch, David Griffin, David Grossman, Michael Magrin, Denise LaRue Mahlke, Phil Starke and John Taft.
- The Fiber Show and Sale — Hill Country Arts Foundation, Ingram, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Information: https://www.hcaf.com The details: An exhibit of fiber art by artists from across Texas.
- Live music by Homer Wisenant — Southern Sky Music Cafe, 6:30 p.m. Information: https://www.southernskymusiccafe.com
- Live music by Father and Son — Joanne Marie and Me Wine Bistro, 6-9 p.m. Information: https://www.facebook.com/wineboutique1/
So, this P&Z meeting might get interesting
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With six short-term rentals on the agenda, you'd think that might get people interested in the Kerrville Planning and Zoning meeting, but the real spectacle may center around a proposed 366-unit apartment complex just north of the Riverhill neighborhood.
A source from the community told The Lead there could be considerable opposition to the project because of its proximity and property value impact on Riverhill. Will the opposition present itself as it did with the Vintage Heights proposal, a 500-home development adjacent to Riverhill, or will it falter?
Of course, this isn't the same scale as Vintage Heights, which collapsed due to the coronavirus pandemic when builder D.R. Horton couldn't make the economics work — even with city-backed incentives. However, this project is one attorney Greg Richards argues is needed because of Kerrville's workforce housing shortage. Richards is representing the property owner.
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Another element of this afternoon's meeting is an annexation plan, which one neighbor calls a prelude to more homes coming to an already crowded Bandera Highway.
The proposed property — about 230 acres — is south of Bandera highway and wedged between Kerrville-Schreiner Park on the west and Comanche Trace on the east. While it's zoned agricultural and outdoor recreation, neighbor Ted O'Neal says housing is the end game for the parcels.
"My understanding of this is that the annexation and change is part of a process to have this approved as a residential housing development, which I oppose and frankly I oppose any change from its current classification and use," O'Neal wrote in a letter to the city. "Please correct me if I am wrong. Bandera highway in front of our property is a very dangerous road with a lot of traffic currently and numerous parties seeking ingress and egress from their properties and the State Park nearby."
The P&Z committee meets at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Gov. Greg Abbott strikes back, Roy votes against supporting NATO
Gov. Greg Abbott made headlines on Wednesday by saying he's filling a bus with illegal immigrants and sending them to Washington, D.C. to protest President Joe Biden's plan to repeal a controversial rule that helped stem the flow of immigrants here. Here's a look at today's press conference:
Of course, the reaction was hyperbolic from all sides, here's a sample courtesy of Twitter:
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Twitter
See @RollingStone's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/RollingStone
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Twitter
See @HeatherLicata's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/HeatherLicata
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Texas U.S. Rep. Chip Roy was one of 63 Republicans who voted against a measure supporting NATO because he didn't like language about the establishment of a center that would highlight best practices for democracies. Roy, along with other hardliners, said it was code for a liberal agenda in Western Europe. Here's Roy's statement:
"I voted no on H.Res. 831. NATO is a military alliance, and I fail to see how establishing a “Center for Democratic Resilience” tasked with “monitoring and identifying challenges to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law” strengthens such an alliance or serves American interests," Roy said.
"Worse than being a distraction to NATO’s mission, I have deep concerns that this center will be weaponized against member countries — such as the United States — who enact policies contrary to the leftist orthodoxy that now unfortunately permeates most of Western Europe. NATO should be focused on military strength — not on empowering international organizations to target the internal activities of sovereign nations under the vague guise of illiberalism or human rights.
"In the face of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, it is imperative for the United States to stand side by side with our NATO allies. Instead of passing toothless resolutions — resolutions that really only exist for members of this body to virtue signal to the media – Congress should be doing its real job. This body should be having robust debate on how to best support Ukraine and achieve a just peace that serves both America's interests and those of our allies."
Roy, however, has increasingly voted no on almost all legislation developed by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives. Roy has previously voted no on ending Russian oil imports and voted against Russia-Belarus trade sanctions.
An important COVID-19 message from Mr. T:
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Twitter
See @MrT's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/MrT
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Kerrville Pets Alive steps up for an abused dog, preps for an extraordinary wedding
Kerrville Pets Alive President Karen Guerriero and her band of volunteers established a unique practice that shows abused dogs that some people are OK.
It's a run to Starbucks. On Wednesday, Guerriero picked up an abused pit bull named Dove and took her for the famed pup-a-ccino — a whipped cream delight that dogs love. Dove was thrown from a car and suffered some horrible injuries but is on the mend thanks to Kerr County Animal Services, Freeman-Fritts Animal Shelter and KPA!
The story of the Starbucks run belongs to KPA member Becky Babb, who has done a similar run with abused pit bulls. Babb is known as the "pit bull" whisper by her colleagues at KPA, but she takes her volunteer work seriously. One of the first dogs she took through the drive-through was a dog named "Mowgli."
"Mowgli is a really good example," Babb said. "So, Mowgli was probably used for fighting. He grew up on a chain. He came in completely underweight. He had multiple bite wounds on his neck. Despite that, he's a great dog. He was adopted, and he lives up north."
Kerrville Pets Alive's Becky Babb works with pit bulls. |
When it comes to difficult dogs, or those who have suffered some trauma, Babb is usually the first one to help. She takes her work so seriously that she decided to use her wedding as a KPA fundraiser this weekend.
"So, fostering animals and helping animals has been a big part of our relationship and our family," Babb said. "So, we sat on the couch and talked ,and I was like, why don't we do donations to Kerrville Pets Live instead of gifts."
The plan has worked — KPA has already received thousands of dollars in donations.
Polo prepping for a run in Kerr County
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It's the sport of kings — or at least princes — and it's ready to make another run here in the Hill Country! Tally Ho!
A polo tournament is set for noon on April 23-24 at Camp Stewart in Hunt, and it's a free event. The second annual Ragsdale Cup will feature players from all over Texas, the San Antonio Polo Club, and the United States Polo Association members. The winning team will receive the Ragsdale Cup.
"Many in our community have come out to Camp Stewart to watch polocrosse matches in the past, and along those same lines, we welcome people to come and enjoy polo," said Jeepers Ragsdale, a member of the San Antonio Polo Club, and director of Camp Stewart, which is hosting the weekend events.
The event is free; there's ample parking, and visitors are encouraged to tailgate.
The one part of the event that does require a reservation and a fee is the meet and greet the players at the crawfish boil dinner at 6 p.m. on April 23. Reservations are required for crawfish boil only, $25 per person. RSVP to 760-413-3086 or by email to CampStewartPoloTeam@gmail.com.
Ragsdale said polo is a sport steeped in tradition — and people should not be intimidated by that. One of the sport's more grand traditions is for women to don big hats, like the Kentucky Derby and other major equine events. A hat contest will reflect that tradition. The horses chew up the field of play, requiring spectators to help replace the divots. The practice of getting spectators to participate in Divot Stomping arose from that.
"The event should be fun, entertaining, and welcoming," Ragsdale said.
Our featured event at Arcadia Live — Friday Night!
Montopolis, The Living Coast
8 p.m. Friday
- A harmonious combination but more so an experience, Montopolis returns to our stage with a story to tell. The Living Coast will focus primarily on the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in American history. Breathtaking footage shot by the creatives behind Montopolis will be projected on the big screen while a narrator divulges the details of this harrowing event. All accompanied by original live orchestral scoring. It was a unique and entertaining night; if you missed them back in May, now is your chance!
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The Arcadia Live
Apr 05, 2022 ·
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Montopolis is a cool musical combination experience you won’t want to miss. Their show, The Living Coast, will focus primarily on the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in American history. Breathtaking footage shot by the creatives behind Montopolis will be projected on the big screen while a narrator divulges the details of this harrowing event. All of this is accompanied by original live orchestral scoring.
Grab your tickets online: https://www.thearcadialive.org/show/montopolis-the-living-coast/
Preferred seating is selling out fast!
#livemusic #orchestra #montopolis #kerrville #kerrvilletx #arcadia #arcadiatheatre #arcadialive
Plan your weekend now:
Friday, April 8
- Kerrville Farmers Market — A.C. Schreiner Mansion, 4 p.m. Information: https://kerrvillefarmersmarket.com/ The details: Come down and enjoy a complimentary beer, or buy a handcrafted pizza and enjoy the market.
- Live music by Aaron LaCombe — Cafe at the Ridge, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.shopsattheridge.com
- Live music by Matt Daniel — Southern Sky Music Cafe, 6:30 p.m. Information: https://www.southernskymusiccafe.com
- Live music by Clint Alford and Owen Tiner — Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University, 8 p.m. Information: https://www.trailheadbeergarden.com The details: Based in Rusk, Texas, Clint Alford began songwriting at 19. Over the next few years, he tried perfecting his songwriter ability and was in constant search for his own distinct and unique sound. Following years of experience performing on numerous stages and events, he has also lent his musical talent to many different recordings. He has had studio projects of many different styles of music and has been making a name for himself in the Texas music scene since the early 2000s
- Live music by Modal Mojo and Jennifer D'Spain — Louise Hays Park, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.facebook.com/ModalMojoJazz The details: The first in the Concert in the Park Series at Louise Hays Park.
- Live music by Charlie Bravo — Pier 27 River Lounge and 8 Ball, 8 p.m. Information: 830-896-7437 The details: A Veteran(Army) managed high energy band, Charlie Bravo performs all of your favorite hits from all eras that will make you dance or headbang, whether you are from the MTV era to the hip hop era we got you covered.
- Camerata San Antonio — First Presbyterian Church, 4 p.m. Information: https://www.cameratasa.org The details: Grammy-nominated Camerata San Antonio is a flexible classical chamber music ensemble serving San Antonio and Hill Country. The lineup is: Sonatine; Etude in forme de Habanera; Deux mélodies hébraïques; Violin Sonata No. 2. $20.
- Live music by MKJAZZ — Joanne Marie and Me Wine Bistro, 6-9 p.m. Information: https://www.facebook.com/wineboutique1/
- Montopolis, The Living Coast — Arcadia Live!, 8 p.m. Information: https://www.thearcadialive.org The details: A harmonious combination but more so an experience, Montopolis returns to our stage with a story to tell. The Living Coast will focus primarily on the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in American history. Breathtaking footage shot by the creatives behind Montopolis will be projected on the big screen while a narrator divulges the details of this harrowing event. All accompanied by original live orchestral scoring. It was a unique and entertaining night; if you missed them back in May, now is your chance!
- "For Such A Time Is This" — Playhouse 2000 VK Garage Theater, 7:30 p.m. Information: https://www.playhouse2000.com The details: Based on the biblical story of Esther, "For Such a Time as This" is a love story about the young beauty who captures the heart of a King despite her place in an enslaved class, and ultimately saves her people. Using a wide variety of musical styles and more than a smattering of humor, the musical relates one of the great stories in a way that appeals to a broad audience, young and old alike.
Saturday, April 9
- Heart of the Hills Farmers Market — River Hills Mall parking lot, 8 a.m. Information: https://www.heartofthehillsfarmersmarket.com
- Sip and Serve — Tucker Hall, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1-3 p.m. Information: https://www.sistersinservicekerrville.org/ The details: A fundraiser and auction hosted by Sisters in Service of Kerrville. Your contribution will directly benefit our community by helping those in need. We encourage you to explore this website for additional Information about Sisters In Service and those we have served.
- Blooms and Barrels Plant Sale — Hill Country Youth Event Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: https://www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org The details: Native and adapted ornamental plants. Herbs, veggies, and 55-gallon rain barrels for sale. Cash and checks only. Tax-free sale and "The Garden Shed" resale shop.
- Freedom Fest — Ingram Park, 3-5 p.m. Information: https://libertyinactiontexas.com/freedom-fest/ The details: Quality time for the whole family. Queue up the fun with food, baked goodies, an Easter egg hunt, face-painting, more activities for the kids, other vendors to check out.
- Texas Gun and Knife Show — Hill Country Youth Event Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: https://www.texasgunandknifeshows.com The details: Offering outdoor items, old, new, collectible guns, handguns, long guns, ammo, and accessories of all kinds. Some things are camping stuff, range bags, backpacks, concealed carry purses, gold and silver to trade and buy. Jewelry, unique crafts and survival dry food
- College softball — Schreiner University, Noon and 2 p.m. doubleheader. Information: schreinermountaineers.com The details: Schreiner University plays host to Dallas University in a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.
- "For Such A Time Is This" — Playhouse 2000 VK Garage Theater, 7:30 p.m. Information: https://www.playhouse2000.com The details: Based on the biblical story of Esther, "For Such a Time as This" is a love story about the young beauty who captures the heart of a King despite her place in an enslaved class, and ultimately saves her people. Using a wide variety of musical styles and more than a smattering of humor, the musical relates one of the great stories in a way that appeals to a broad audience, young and old alike.
- Bandera Mounted Shooters — Gravity Check Saloon and Arena, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: https://www.gravitychecksaloonandarena.com The details: A great day of fun and excitement by the Bandera Shooters, members of the Cowboy Mounted Shooters of America. Watch as they practice and ride through a course to shoot (using black powdered blanks) the balloons lined up throughout the pattern. This is also a fantastic opportunity for horse owners interested in trying out this fun, fast-paced sport! Bring your horse and be ready to try it out!
- Torneo de Campeones — Gravity Check Saloon and Arena and Scott Schreiner Golf Course, 10 a.m. Information: wallaceproductions1@gmail.com The details: We're not sure what to make of an event that features golf, cornhole and goat roping. Email them for more details.
- Live music by Aaron LaCombe — Pint and Plow Brewing, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.pintandplow.com The details: From Detroit, where he taught himself guitar in middle school in the forbidden room of his parent's basement, forming a metal band in the land of country music holdouts. Then his dad took him to see Lyle Lovett at an outdoor amphitheater north of Detroit. After marriage, divorce, building and losing a lucrative business, heartbreak and hardship, Aaron lives in the Texas Hill Country, writing and performing songs about a lifetime of finding fuel in the tragedy.
- Live music by Shane Stumpf — Joanne Marie and Me Wine Bistro, 6-9 p.m. Information: https://www.facebook.com/wineboutique1/
- Live music by Kevin McCormick — Cafe at the Ridge, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.shopsattheridge.com
- Live music by Lady Lemon & the Boyeez Band — Babez Seafood Bucket, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.babezseafoodbucket.com
- Live music by In Six Days — Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University, Information: https://www.trailheadbeergarden.com The details: The In Six Days band is a husband and wife acoustic duo that enjoys sharing their unique style and interpretations of many musical genres from easy listening to classic rock to country to R&B. In Six Days is: Magda Peynado – guitar, harmonica, and vocals; and Ray Peynado – guitar, mandolin, lap steel, harmonica and vocals. Admission $5
- Live music by C Rock — Pier 27 River Lounge and 8 Ball, 8 p.m. Information: 830-896-7437
- Live music by Jive Aces — The Cailloux Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Information: https://caillouxperformingarts.com/cailloux-performances-series/the-jive-aces-swingtime/ The details: London's incredible stage show, now on stage in Kerrville. Direct from London; The Jive Aces are internationally renowned for their superior musicianship and spectacular stage show. Swingtime features energetic renditions of fresh arrangements of swing/jive/R&B classics by such greats as Louis Prima, Cab Calloway, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Swing Dancers The Hollywood Hotshots join The Jive Aces on stage to maximize the mayhem.
Want your event to be included?
Add your event to our lists by emailing louis.amestoy@kerrcountylead.com
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