The Lead Live Podcast: Monday, Sept. 8, 2025

 The “The Lead Live” podcast recorded a live episode Sept. 8, 2025, at Pint and Plow Brewing Co., with discussions ranging from a recent flood response to local economic outlooks.

Host Louis Amestoy led conversations with Hill Country Youth Event Center General Manager Jake Williamson, Leslie Jones from the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Andrew Gay and Gilbert Paiz from Texas Hill Country Advisors.

Williamson detailed the transformation of the Hill Country Youth Event Center into an emergency operations center following the July 4, 2025, flood. He described the facility’s unexpected performance in accommodating various operations and highlighted the need for more space.

Jones outlined upcoming local events, including the Round to Remember golf tournament and performances at Arcadia Live, along with a variety of weekend activities across Kerrville.

The episode also covered ongoing Commissioner’s Court discussions regarding a flood escape route warning system and a contentious mulch issue, as well as the Kerrville City Council’s upcoming meeting concerning firefighter and employee health insurance, which may lead to a tax increase.

Guests also reviewed Walt Gonske’s church series exhibit at the Museum of Western Art. Gay praised the exhibit, and the event’s catering by “Taco Bob” was highlighted.

Gay and Paiz provided an economic update, noting a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 4.3% and persistent inflation, describing the economy as at a “teetering point.” They also touched on topics such as Trump’s tariffs and Elon Musk’s potential stock options.

Amestoy concluded by mentioning a controversial story about Korean engineers at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia and shared that a video he posted of Williamson during flood coverage had over 143,000 views.