Good morning, Kerr County!

Once again, threat of rain. It's not something we're particularly confident will happen, nor is the National Weather Service. More cloudy conditions today, and then sunny and mild for the weekend. So, enjoy the weekend.

On today's The Lead Live!

Once again, we're calling it — we have no idea who will show up. On Thursday, Wild Birds Unlimited owner Kevin Pillow stormed onto the show. What we do know is that Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau's Julie Davis gives us a rundown of all the big events this weekend while Texas Hill Country Advisors Andrew Gay dials in for updates on the economy.

Next week on The Lead

Our first Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing presents Salute to Heroes kicks off next week on The Lead Live as we move toward Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Our Monday show features veterans' services and some historical perspectives about the day of remembrance. Here's our lineup of guests and guests hosts:

Monday

• 9 a.m. Laura Renner, President at Freedom Makers Virtual Services; Gary Noller, Kerr County Veterans Services Advisory Committee member; Together with Hill Country Veterans. 10 a.m. — Don Frazier, The Texas Center at Schreiner University.

Tuesday

• Guest hosts: Kenneth O'Neal, US Air Force; Jeff Harris, US Marines

Wednesday

• Guest host: Jennyth Peterson (US Army, retired)

Thursday

• Guest host: Schreiner University's Toby Appleton (US Army, retired)

Friday

• Guest host: Kerrville Police Department's Sgt. Jonathan Lamb (US Army)

This week of programming is made possible by Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, with support from Schreiner University, the Museum of Western Art, Brinkman Commercial Properties and Ken Stoepel Ford.

Tuesday night's election show

We will produce an election night show starting at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday to run down the election results from Kerr County, across the state and the big national races. We hope you can join us.

Today's the last day for early voting

Don't forget to vote

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday

8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday

• Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas 27 in Kerrville
• West Kerr Annex, 510 College St. in Ingram

In Kerr County, more than 32% of voters cast their ballots — more than 12,000 people.

Things to do today

OUR FEATURED EVENT!

• First Friday Wine Share — Hill Country Veterans Center, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.firstfridaywineshare.com The details: A fun way to meet new or different wines, people and places with a glass of wine. Please bring no more than one bottle of wine for every two people. Singles may feel free to bring a bottle every other month. Bring your wine glass. This could be a conversation starter in itself. Conchita's Mexican Fusion Cuisine food truck menu items will be available for purchase. Locally made craft beer, guest taps and ciders will also be available in the taproom. You can also bring your critters!

High school football, Tivy is rolling

• After a rough start, Tivy High School's football team has won three consecutive games but faces a must-win tonight against visiting Lockhart — a program that's 0-10 against the Antlers. Game time is 7 p.m. The Antlers are 3-2 and in a three-way tie for second place with Lockhart and Veterans Memorial. A win tonight ensures a playoff bid for the Antlers.
• Ingram Tom Moore's season ends tonight, but it can spoil Llano's 9-0 unbeaten streak on the road. After four consecutive losses, the Warriors have been eliminated from the UIL playoffs.
• Center Point's season ends tonight on the road at D'Hanis (5-4). The Pirates are 2-7.
• Our Lady of the Hills' season ends tonight on the road at The Christian School of Castle Hills. The Hawks are 2-6, but haven't played a full game in three weeks. The Hawks forfeited two weeks ago, and last week's opponent handed OLH a forfeit win.

More events today!

Today's events

• Texas Furniture Makers Show — Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: https://www.kacckerrville.com The details: Texas Furniture Makers' Show® is an annual statewide Competition of the Finest Custom Furniture Makers in Texas. The show is held at the beautiful Kerr Arts & Cultural Center.

Arts and Crafts

• Ingram Oaks Community Craft Sale — Ingram Oaks Retirement Community, 9 a.m. Information: (830) 889-4455 The details: Come get your holiday shopping done at our community handmade arts & crafts sale. Featuring painted items, gourds, quilted, knitted, crocheted goods, antler art, leather goods, and jewelry.

Fundraiser

• Divide School Wild Game Dinner — Divide Volunteer Fire Department, 4 p.m. Information: https://www.divcoschooldistrict.org The details: Chicken Fried Axis, BBQ, Broccoli Salad, Corn on the Cob, and Cobbler! Live auction and raffle tickets.

Live music

• Mark Nugent — Arcadia Live, 5 p.m. Information: https://www.thearcadialive.org
• Modal Mojo — Cafe at the Ridge, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.shopsattheridge.com
• Up the Creek Duo — Pint and Plow Brewing Co., 6 p.m. Information: https://www.pintandplow.com The details: Tony and Jon started "Up The Creek Band" around 10 years ago and the band played gigs all around the Possum Kingdom Lake area and nearby towns. During the pandemic, they formed "Up The Creek Duo" and continued working on classic Rock and country songs while waiting for the restaurants to reopen. Now, it's time to share.
• 29 East — Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University, 7:30 p.m. Information: https://www.trailheadbeergarden.com The details: Classic Rock and Blues band, presented by Schreiner University Student Activities Board.
• Boone Holding — Southern Sky Music Cafe, 6:30 p.m. Information: https://www.southernskymusiccafe.com
• The Reefs — Pier 27 River Lounge and Pizzeria, 8 p.m. Information: https://www.pier27riverlounge.business.site
• Carlos Cuellar — Joanne Marie and Me Wine Boutique, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.facebook.com/wineboutique1
• Bill Mahko — La Escondida 1962, 7 p.m. Information: laescondida1962@gmail.com

The battle lines form for Tuesday's City Council meeting

Kerr County Democrats and others are urging the Kerrville City Council to reject efforts to remove books from the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library or discipline the librarians.

On Thursday, The Lead published that an agenda item would seek to revise collection policies at the library and seeks to hold those accountable for the presentation of banned books in September — many of them featuring LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

Social media posts urged people to attend Tuesday's meeting to support the library and its staff.

"One of the guiding principles for libraries is "protect the freedom to read and access to information" (library's website)," wrote Lynette Wedig to the City Council. "Patrons of the library have a choice to make, to read or not to read. If after reading a book that they have found offensive, the patron can start with an informal discussion with the staff and then, if unsatisfied with the response about a title, may choose to make a formal request for reconsideration of the work in question. All public lending libraries have a process to address a patron's concerns about a title."

The Planning and Zoning is over short-term rentals

The Kerrville Planning and Zoning Commission, minus Chairman Mike Sigerman, trudged through six more short-term rentals, denying one and begrudgingly approving five others.

Commissioners David Lipscomb and Cliff Tuttle voted against all six conditional-use permits. The two have become increasingly skeptical of their placement across the city. However, a new city ordinance is in effect that will end the conditional use permit process for short-term rentals. Instead, short-term rentals are restricted from R1, R2 and residential estate neighborhoods.

The issue packed the City Council chambers on Thursday afternoon after several residents spoke out against their approval. At one point, a man teared up, telling the commissioners "he felt he was being squeezed out by short-term rentals."

The one rejection, however, wasn't necessarily a defeat for the property owner, who followed the rules to ask for a conditional-use permit to let a single bedroom in her home. The homeowner had already been doing it for some time, which doesn't require a CUP. This property, located at 125 Erin Drive, drew five people who impassionately decried the potential approval of rentals.

More programming notes

The Second Annual Christmas Lights Tour

Dec. 1-12

Last year, we photographed 200 homes with some of the best Christmas Lights in Kerr County. This year we're doing it as a tour, and there may be some prizes along the way. KPUB sponsors this year's tour, and other sponsorship opportunities are available. However, if you want your house included in the tour please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/4Mqj8ZrgCkLEo6LS7

We will be photographing homes from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12. Some of our award-winning categories will be best overall, best use of the Bumble, and best use of color. More to come on that front.

The great Holiday treat contest

Dec. 15

We've discovered we've got some great home bakers here in Kerr County, and nothing says Christmas like cookies, candy and other treats. So, we're challenging our home bakers and candy makers to enter our first-ever contest. There will be a $25 entry fee, but all that we ask is that you RSVP first. This event will be streamed live on Dec. 15 at Pint and Plow.

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/7vucCcyMUiGcfZbD6

Saturday's events

Fundraiser

• Puttin on the Gritz Gala — Schreiner University Events Center, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.foundationevents.info The details: Peterson Health's Gala 2022 "Puttin' on the Glitz!" The event features a three-course dinner, live entertainment, complimentary beverage service, a dance, interactive surprises, and more. Formal attire is preferred.

Markets and sales

• Hill Country Swap Meet and Market Days — Hill Country Youth Event Center, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: https://www.kerrmarketdays.org The details: A community garage sale and flea market with all types of merchandise. Buy, sell and trade. Antiques, collectibles, new, used, books, tools, furniture, household items, sporting goods, etc. Concessions available, indoor, free parking and pet friendly.
• Heart of the Hills Farmers Market — Riverhills Mall parking lot, 8 a.m. Information: https://www.heartofthehillsfarmersmarket.com
• Holiday Magic Handmade Crafts Sale — Elks Lodge, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: marytennant4@gmail.com The details: A market of handmade products. Come out to shop for Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, gifts for friends and family, baby gifts, boutique gifts, clothing, jewelry, bake sale, and a light lunch available. Free and open to the public. Proceeds support local charities. Quilt raffle at 3pm.

The arts

• Works We Love Show — Museum of Western Art, 10 a.m. Information: https://www.museumofwesternart.com The details: "Works We Love," featuring Fred Harman, creator of "Red Ryder and Little Beaver." Also on display are works from our permanent collection.

Festivals

• Harvest Festival — Light on the Hill, Mount Wesley Conference Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: https://www.kfumc.org/ The details: Festivities include a chili cook-off, live music, hay rides, a petting zoo, cornhole, bounce houses, a 5K run/walk, and more.

Car shows

• Coffee and cars — Billy Gene's Restaurant, Information: https://www.billygenes.com The details: Billy Gene's Restaurant hosts on the first Saturday of each month for Cars and Coffee. Antiques, sports cars, lifted trucks, slammed trucks, Jeeps, and project cars…we want to see what you got. Start your Saturday off right – hanging out with car people!

Movies

• Eyes of A Roman — Cailloux Theater, 7:15 p.m. The details: Set in Roman times of 71 BC, "Eyes of A Roman" tell the tale of a Roman soldier, raised by the Imperator Marcus Crassus, who makes the life-altering choice to save a slave the day before the final battle against Spartacus. The soldier's decision puts pressure on Crassus, who must balance the glory of Rome with his love for his adopted child. Choices will be made by both men that could alter the outcome of the battle — and test the bond between father and son. Director CJ Goodwyn and TriGoodwyn Productions present the Red Carpet Premiere of "Eyes of A Roman," a film featuring many local locations and actors. VIP tickets include priority seating, a pre-show Q&A with the film's creative team, and a signed, commemorative poster to remember the event.
• Drive-in Movie — Kerrville Schreiner Park, after dark. Information: https://kerrvilletx.gov/1858/Park-Watch-Drive-In-Movies The details: Enjoy a brand new and unique drive-in experience in Kerrville, Texas. The Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department is putting on "Park & Watch: Drive-In Movies" at Kerrville-Schreiner Park.

Live music:

• Zanzenberg Music Festival — Center Point Historical Park, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: https://www.centerpointhistoric.org The details: Live music performed in the park will benefit Thanksgiving Day dinners for local families.
• Patriotic Concert — Kerrville Kroc Center, 4 p.m. Information: https://www.hillcountrychorale.org The details: The Hill Country Chorale performs patriotic standards.
• Reuben Darnell — Cafe at the Ridge, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.shopsattheridge.com
• Tommy Alverson — Southern Sky Music Cafe, 6:30 p.m. Information: https://www.southernskymusiccafe.com
• Mishmash Band — Pier 27 River Longe and Pizzeria, 8 p.m. Information: (830) 896-7437 The details: Music set lists reflect the most popular rock and dance songs from the '60s through today.

Comedy

• Kerrville Comedy 2Nite — Baez Seafood Bucket, 8 p.m. Information: (830) 739-9451 The details: Join Babez Seafood Bucket for its next comedy extravaganza starring Tres Leches Comedy with Cleto Rodriguez, Roman Garcia, and Danny Ingle.