Good morning, Kerr County!
Ah, the weather. There's an allegation that only Sunday will be over 100 degrees, and there might be thunderstorms on Monday. Hmmm. We shall see. We shall see.
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On today's The Lead Live!
Jeremy Walther returns as guest host to chat with Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha and Kerr County Sheriff's Foundation members.
Today's newsletter is sponsored by
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Today's events
Tuesday-Saturday
- Texas Watercolor Society Annual Exhibit — Hill Country Arts Foundation., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Through June 30. Information: https://www.hcaf.com The details: The Hill Country Arts Foundation is hosting the Texas Watercolor Society's 73rd National Exhibit. This exhibit features watercolor pieces by over forty artists from across the United States. In 1949, TWS was founded by Margaret Pace Willson and Amy Freeman Lee with the mission to advance the art of painting in watercolors, and hold annual exhibitions of watercolor paintings. Today, more than 60 years later, TWS continues to promote the high standards set by its founders. Thus, as a national exhibit, TWS proudly takes its place among the elite watercolor organizations in the nation.
- Heaven's Declare Art Exhibition (Recurring through Saturday) — 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.
- Southwest Gourd Show — Kerrville Arts and Cultural Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: https://www.kacckerrville.com The details: See some of the finest examples of gourd-based art and uses during this unique exhibit that runs through July 9.
Public meetings
- Ingram City Council — Ingram City Hall, 6 p.m. Regular meeting of the City Council.
Stories we're following
President Joe Biden is considering a gas tax holiday for American motorists, dropping prices by about 18 cents per gallon. He expects to decide by the end of the week: https://apnews.com/article/biden-holidays-government-and-politics-ae1707c9e76f690a601d4e4e8e197b0c
The Texas Republican Party made plenty of headlines after adopting its platform — spoiler alert here, it's nonbinding — and there were cries from liberals and pundits across the country signaling the apocalypse is now upon us. Here's a snapshot:
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Twitter
See @paulwaldman1's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/paulwaldman1
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Twitter
See @RBReich's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/RBReich
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Twitter
See @RadioFreeTom's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/RadioFreeTom
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The other element of the Texas GOP Convention was calling for secession — a common theme when there's someone in office people don't like. However, it's another fantasist moment from hardliners. Texas essentially settled the legality of secession by itself in 1869 when it won a 5-3 Supreme Court ruling that suggested it had never really left the Union during the Civil War. The state was in rebellion, without question. But it never technically left because that's an illegal act under the Constitution. Here's an explainer from the Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/29/texas-secession/
COVID-19 rears its deadly head — again
After nearly three months of respite, COVID-19 claimed a Kerr County life, with a death reported on June 15, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The last Kerr County death happened on March 11. It's unclear if this death happened at Peterson Regional Medical Center or outside the county. Coronavirus has killed more than 200 people in Kerr County since 2020, including 39 this year.
Hospitalizations continue to climb across the state, with more than 1,700 people admitted, including 102 children. Texas' molecular positivity rate is now 22% — one of the highest of the pandemic.
On June 10, Peterson Regional Medical Center had at least five patients admitted. However, the demographics of those patients were considerably younger than normal. In recent weeks, Peterson hospitalized at least one person under the age of 19, two more under the age of 29 and at least two under the age of 60. Typically, patients over 60 have made up the bulk of hospitalizations.
OK, so what's the latest with the housing market
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We had a conversation on Monday about the state of Kerrville's housing market, and its tight inventory has become comical. According to the real estate website Realtor.com, there are just nine homes priced under $250,000 available — some of which need a LOT of work. A LOT OF WORK. There's more inventory in the $1,001,000 and above price range than those in what's considered affordable.
The pickings are slim even for those with a significant budget — say more than $400,000. Here's a look at the price breakdowns.
So, what does my money buy for less $300,000
There are 24 homes in this price range, and we evaluated the criteria of move-in ready, square footage, location and lot size. Here is our favorite: 800 Bluebonnet Dr. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,683 square feet, and a quarter acre. This home sells for $257,000 and is a bit dated but a move-in-ready gem.
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How about $301,000 to $500,000
If you have the budget, there are a few steals in this price range, and a few show how overheated the market is, but this one exemplifies what feels like a right-priced home in the current conditions. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom Craftsman bungalow — constructed in 1912 — is one of those rare gems that feels like its price is accurate. It's not a big house, but it does sit on 1 acre. It's also cool looking, which is always helpful. You can find it at 1428 E. Main St., listed at $375,000. Our only question is, why is there weird artificial staging in these photos? Ignore the interior photos.
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In the $500,000 to $750,000 range
Nobody said living on the water was cheap and when you've got prime real estate on the Guadalupe River, expect to pay a premium. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on 617 Guadalupe St. is on the north bank of the river and has access. It's just a 1,411-square-foot house, and the price is $749,000.
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And the $751,000 and above, you will find this:
When it comes to high-end real estate, Laura Fore seems to have the market cornered — at least she's got the really nice places. This five-bedroom, 6,200-square foot home is on 8.8 acres and has a commanding view of Kerrville from its perch overlooking Olympic Drive. Everything about this house is about the views. The view on the price? How about $1.34 million.
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