The Lead Live Podcast: Monday, Sept. 1, 2025

The The Lead Live episode, hosted by Louis Amestoy, broadcast live today from the Peterson Health Digital Studio at Pint Plow Brewing Company, addressing significant local issues and featuring community leaders Kenneth O’Neal and Howard Freeman.

Amestoy opened the program by detailing several key developments from the Labor Day weekend. He highlighted a major legislative impact on local camps, noting that Camp Stewart, Vista Camps and Camp Waldemar sent letters to state officials opposing parts of HB1/SB1 flood response legislation that could prevent them from reopening in the flood plain unless they transition to an all-age camp model.

He also reported a data breach at Kerrville Independent School District affecting 4,300 individuals, who have been offered free credit checks. Amestoy addressed community concerns regarding the city’s healthcare benefits, explaining the shift from PPO to HMO plans. A significant announcement regarding Kerrville’s access to a $50 million fund for rebuilding city and county facilities, such as Louise Hayes Park, was also shared. In a lighter segment, Amestoy offered a college football review, critiquing Texas and Arch Manning while praising Ohio State, and noting unexpected outcomes for UTSA, Alabama and Miami.

Kenneth O’Neal, a devoted follower of Zig Ziglar, shared “Labor” as his “Word of the Day/Week,” defining it as “Labor with a purpose is actually a gift to the world.” He announced his third annual “Ziggler Explosion” (Gumption Conference) scheduled for Oct. 10-11 at End of the Hills. O’Neal elaborated on “gumption” through a personal anecdote, emphasizing that “there are no short rows in life” and outlining its pillars: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, compassion and experience. He spoke about the importance of meaningful conversations, parental examples and mental toughness. The conference will feature Ziggler-certified coaches and local expert Tom Fox, who will discuss integrating artificial intelligence into small to medium-sized businesses. O’Neal’s vision for the community’s post-flood path centers on community, support, encouragement and accountability.

Howard Freeman, initially prepared for a strong critique, softened his approach after O’Neal’s segment. He shared his personal connection to the flood, comparing the feeling of his hometown being “attacked” to his emotions after 9/11. Freeman offered specific suggestions for local nonprofits and foundations, particularly the Calo Foundation. He noted that historically, over 60% of Calo’s grants have gone outside Kerr County, and in 2023, only 2% of their required 5% net asset value distribution went to grants, with 3% allocated to administrative and program expenses. He proposed the Calo Foundation dedicate 3% of their 5% distribution to grants, with 60% remaining within Kerrville and Kerr County. Freeman suggested two projects for funding: redoing the Ingram Little League Baseball Field (estimated $100,000) and building a Kerrville Wave Pool Attraction for under $3 million, potentially eligible for FEMA reimbursement if structured correctly. His path forward for the county included supporting local leaders, thoughtful criticism and sacrificial giving.

Amestoy expressed frustration with a wealthy nonprofit offering a “playbook” instead of financial aid to journalists during the flood, calling it “tone-deaf.” He also criticized the Calo Foundation’s public relations regarding the “great tree debacle” of 2022 or 2023, deeming their messaging poor and actions “transactional.” Despite challenges, Amestoy highlighted five examples of Kerrville’s post-flood resilience: the reopening of the golf course, the opening of Edington Gym, Schreiner University’s largest-ever convocation and positive football program impact, a packed Crider’s event, and the Hill Country Arts Foundation’s “Margaritaville” event. He also noted the reopening of the Riverside Nature Center. Amestoy concluded by addressing the “blame game” surrounding the flood, calling it frustrating and corrosive, and questioning simplistic attacks on public officials.