GOOD MORNING
We don't usually publish a newsletter on Saturday mornings, but we've just got too much going on.
ICYMI, WE HAD SOME INTERESTING STORIES ON FRIDAY
ON THE LEAD LIVE
We talked with Harvard physician Dr. Jeremy Faust about the omicron variant of COVID-19. Faust told us that he's concerned about the variant, but there's still not enough data to determine the seriousness.
"This could be more contagious, this could evade our vaccines, but we don't know that," Faust said. "But what we are hearing is it's very contagious. The question is in terms of the vaccine holding up and severe illness whether we have anything to worry about. In terms, of severe illness I really haven't heard anything that bothers me, but the contagious piece I am beginning to hear that there is quite a lot of contagion."
You can read more about our interview with Faust here: https://kerrcountylead.com/harvard-physician-tells-the-lead-that-omicron-is-a-concern-still-too-early-to-tell-how-serious-it-is/
WHILE OMICRON IS LOOMING, WE MAY HAVE A PROBLEM IN KERR COUNTY
On Friday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported more than 400 active cases in Kerr County. When we asked for clarification, they provided this answer: "This is a change from before Nov. 30 when regions and local health departments could provide their own numbers and is a result of the agency's shift toward NEDSS-based (National Electronic Disease Surveillance System) case reporting," said Douglas Loveday, a DSHS press officer.
So, the state is telling us that the numbers are accurate. Does that mean we have a problem? Well, probably, but the lack of leadership on the virus potentially suggests we could be in for a difficult December — like 2020.
And that leads us back to a comment that Faust made to us during The Lead Live: "If the public knew what it looks like in an ICU, when this virus is let to roam free, I think they would have second thoughts."
IF YOU EVER THINK THERE'S NOTHING TO DO IN KERRVILLE
On Friday night, along with today, there was plenty of evidence of things to do in Kerrville. There was music at multiple venues, a class Christmas play and a wine tasting event. We stopped at Arcadia Live and La Escondida 1962 to see music performed. Here's a sample:
Possessed by Paul James at Arcadia Live! |
Konrad Wert is Possessed by Paul James. |
Ian Moore performs at Arcadia Live! |
The Travis Pierce Band performs on Friday night at La Escondida. |
THINGS TO DO TODAY
Hill Country Swap Meet
Hill Country Youth Event Center
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Enjoy the antiques, collectibles, new and used books, tools, furniture, household items, sporting goods, etc. Concessions available. There's free parking, and the event is always pet-friendly.
Run Home For The Holidays 5K Run
Louise Hays Park, Kerrville
4 p.m.
Get the family together and dress up as Santa, Elves, Whoville characters, or another Christmas character for an enjoyable way to help celebrate the holidays. This is not a timed race. https://www.kerrvilletx.gov/1750/Running-Home-for-the-Holidays-5K
Hill Country Chorale
Kerrville Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
4 p.m.
This will be a holiday concert for the ages with the Hill Country Chorale to make you in the mood for Christmas. Admission is $15 and supports the Chorale's work.
"Snow" on the Island
Tranquility Island, Louise Hays Park, Kerrville
6-8:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars now, as the Parks and Recreation Department will be bringing "snow" to the Island every Saturday in December! Celebrate the holiday season with friends and family on Tranquility Island in Louise Hays Park.
Live music by Collector's Edition
The Hunt Store
6 p.m.
Enjoy the sounds of Collector's Edition in Hunt.
Sunday
Live music by Randy C. Moore
Trailhead Beer Garden, Schreiner University
2:30-4 p.m.
Randy C. Moore is an Americana Music Artist. A native of Humble, Texas, at 15 years of age, he was making his records. With the help of Houston radio personality Arch Yancey (KNUZ), his first single releases received significant Texas radio airplay. He was also a regular feature of the world-famous Gilley's. Admission is $5.
The Hill Country Youth Orchestra's Holiday Concert
Cailloux Theater
3 p.m.
The annual holiday concert by the Hill Country Youth Concert is set, will feature the sounds of Christmas. https://www.hcyo.org
The Gingerbread Bash
Hosanna Lutheran Church, 134 Camp Meeting Rd., Kerrville
4 p.m.
Gingerbread Bash" is a fun, hands-on Christmas event for kids and families. During this program, families will build gingerbread nativities, hear the Christmas story from the Bible, sing songs, and discover that sometimes the greatest gift comes in the most ordinary box. Dinner will also be provided. To register your family, please follow this link https://forms.gle/uf5LGkrbkDGwQjECA
WHAT'S DRIVING THE NEWS
Murr joins a lawsuit against vaccine mandates
Texas Rep. Andrew Murr, who represents Kerr County, said he's joining an amicus brief in a lawsuit against President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for companies with 100 or more employees.
"This unconstitutional mandate is yet another example of the Biden Administration attacking our liberties as individuals and violating the U.S. Constitution," Murr said. "Mandates like this are a direct infringement on every Texan's right to choose what is best for themselves, their families, and their businesses. As Americans, we know the foundational cornerstones of our democracy are the separation of powers, our federalist system, and the Constitution, which we have sworn to uphold. We also believe the federal courts will provide a clear path to defeat this unconstitutional mandate."
Texas is leading the effort to reverse Biden's mandates, and they're likely to have support when the case inevitably lands in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Nonstop messaging
Greg Abbott and Beto O'Rourke duel on messages in the race for governor, and it's going to be a long race. This was found on Twitter after a simple search on Twitter.
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We're feeling tired already.
