Good morning, Kerr County!

The weekend is looking increasingly mild, with partly cloudy skies on Saturday for the Kerrville Chalk Festival. On Sunday, we could see thunderstorms and much cooler temperatures heading into next week. That's right; we should see highs in the mid to upper 60s. It's a two-day respite before temperatures rise.

On today's The Lead Live!

Our planned trip to Hunt to see the Monolith House — the project home of Ueli and Kelly Schlunegger in Ingram — is delayed until Oct. 28. The home is a magnificent showcase of utility and architecture and can be yours. So, we will stream live at Pint and Plow starting at 9 a.m. Texas Hill Country Advisors Andrew Gay joins us, as does Leslie Jones of the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Stories you may have missed this week

We're stressing to our subscribers that this is a five-day newsletter, but the first three days are for paying subscribers. Remember that you can subscribe to The Lead for $54.99 per year through Facebook Pay or $60 per year through Square.

• Subscribe via Facebook: https://kerrcountylead.com/subscribe
• Subscribe via Square: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLEWCF2K4ASZZ/checkout/SSD7F5CF2Z6FWOF3NPQFGPCG

The City Council declines to take action against library staff

• The issue of allegedly naughty books came before the Kerr County Commissioner's Court and the Kerrville City Council on Tuesday, and the result is there could be a divorce between the two governments. The Kerrville City Council made it clear — again — it was not going to take action against the staff of the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library for a banned book display that featured LGBTQ+-themed titles. Both meetings heard calls for Library Director Danielle Brigatti's firing, but that will not happen.

Schreiner will make football decision next week

• Schreiner University President Charlie McCormick told the Kerrville City Council on Tuesday afternoon that the university's board of trustees could greenlight re-establishing a football program next week. During a presentation about the university's long-term plans, McCormick said the university is prepared to add a football and women's swimming program. The two additions could trigger significant facilities spending on the campus, including adding a football stadium and track and field complex. McCormick said the university would consider a partnership with the city to renovate the Olympic Pool complex.

The commissioner's court holds discussion on subdivision rules

• The Kerr County Commissioner's Court held an epic five-hour meeting, but one fronted by a pivotal public hearing on new subdivision rules to govern county land use. The court received its first round of public input on the 120-page plan. In short, the county has limited regulatory power on land use, but this is one tool it can leverage to manage growth. Without question, the potential for sprawl concerns the court — and residents.

Statewide stories of interest

The University of Texas, San Antonio wants to build stuff

• The San Antonio Report covered the University of Texas, San Antonio's efforts to raise more than $500 million for new facilities. Read more here: https://sanantonioreport.org/utsa-500m-capital-campaign-largest-university-history/

The Bexar County Sheriff says migrants were held against will

• San Antonio television station KENS5 reported Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar stated the agency was investigating that charge because of claims that Florida officials coaxed Venezuelan migrants out of the county under false pretenses. Read more here: https://www.kens5.com/article/news/national/san-antonio-marthas-vineyard-migrants-investigation-florida-texas-bexar/273-334e839d-50d9-4d0a-be1d-c87638382492

Whether it decides the race, Beto O'Rourke's fundraising is on fire

• Democrat Beto O'Rourke's massive fundraising drives, not including deep-pocketed dark money from special interest groups, has put the gubernatorial challenger of incumbent Greg Abbott on the defensive. Abbott had a significant cash advantage, but O'Rourke continues to outraise the governor. Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/10/13/beto-orourke-greg-abbott-fundraising/

Election deniers might want to think twice about challenging local results

• The Texas Tribune closely followed the story of a court challenge to a 2019 Fredericksburg election when voters said yes to adding fluoride to their drinking water. A longtime election results critic challenged the results, but that case ended Monday. Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/10/13/election-integrity-lawsuit-fredericksburg/

THE BIG EVENT IS ONE DAY AWAY!

Kerrville Chalk Festival

Saturday-Sunday, Kerrville City Hall's Peterson Plaza

Kerrville City Hall's Peterson Plaza transforms into a temporary outdoor gallery of art as the sidewalks transform into colorful street paintings. Many artists enjoy interacting with people attending the Kerrville Chalk Festival, and others prefer to work uninterrupted as onlookers observe their progress. The completion of extensive and detailed chalk art may take the entire weekend.

The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday and runs until 5 p.m. The festival concludes on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year there will be a large 7×14 foot patriotic-themed street painting created by Kelly Faltemayer and Russ Gobel, of Houston, TX. Other guest artists will be Ever Galvez, and Jennifer Ripassa, and Lysa Ashley all from Los Angeles, Calif.; Jessi Queen and Zach Herdon, both from Atlanta, Ga.; Joel Yau, of San Francisco, Calif.; Henry Darnell and Carrie Dziabczenko both from Dallas; Kayla Kilmartin of Corpus Christi; Julie Mangum of Llano; Tish Miller of Kerrville as well as Hung Pham and Marcos Hernandez from Houston.

Local professional artists Marty Garcia, Vivian Gray, Aurora Joleen, Vicki Keese, Stephanie Keller, and Liz Painter are also participating this year. Groups from Peterson Middle School, Tivy High School, Ingram Tom Moore High School, Our Lady of the Hills College Prep, The Hunt School, Fredericksburg High School and the Hill Country Youth Ranch will all be chalking squares.

There is no admission charge and the festival will have many free activities for children, free guided tours of the adjacent Schreiner Mansion, and six established food truck vendors. The Kerr Arts and Cultural Center is the 2022 recipient of the festival's donations.

Events got rolling on Thursday

We've got an incredible weekend of music, but it's been that way all week. On Thursday night, Cody Canada and The Departed put on a magnificent show at Arcadia Live, which begins a sprint to the end of the year with several remarkable acts. Here's a look at the scene from Thursday.

Speaking of events

Today is one of Kerr County's most memorable days for live music, with at least 15 live performances! Here's the lineup:

• Colleen Michelle Miller — Arcadia Live, 5 p.m. Information: https://www.thearcadialive.org The details: Come out and enjoy the back porch at Arcadia Live and listen to up-and-coming artist Colleen Michelle Miller.

Dave Crossland performs tonight at The Welcome Home Fest

• Welcome Home Festival — Quiet Valley Ranch, Kerrville Folk Festival. Information: https://kerrvillefolkfestival.ticketspice.com/welcome-home-fest-2022 Lineup: 7 p.m. — Staci Foster of Kerrville, Texas; 8 p.m. — Cosy Sheridan; 9 p.m. — Eliza Gilleyson; 10 p.m. — Dave Crossland
• Jessie Wren and Tre Guzardo — Pint and Plow Brewing Co., 6 p.m. Information: https://www.pintandplow.com The details: Hometown kid and Burklee College of Music grad Jessie Wren with guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Tre Guzardo, live on the patio stage.
• Shane Stumpf — Joanne Marie and Me Wine Boutique, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.facebook.com/wineboutique1
• Callie Stetler — Cafe at the Ridge, 6 p.m. Information: 830-896-0420
• Noel Bullard — Southern Sky Music Cafe, 6:30 p.m. Information: https://www.southernskymusiccafe.com

• Jenny Tolman — Cailloux Theater, 7:30 p.m. Information: https://www.caillouxperformingarts.com The details: With razor-sharp wit and a throwback sound, Jenny Tolman is on deck to become her generation's Roger Miller—a comedic troubadour with a decidedly feminine perspective, offering savvy wordplay and wisdom far beyond her years.
• Matthew James Butler — Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University, 7:30 p.m. Information: https://www.trailheadbeergarden.com The details: As a one-man-band, Matthew James Butler uses looping techniques to blend his Mandolin, Guitar, Piano playing and voice into various groovy ways. His style runs the gambit from Blues and Country to Alternative Rock and Indie-Folk. He was recently featured on local Jam FM and you can catch him often all over the Hill Country area!
• The Travis Pierce Band — La Escondida 1962, 7 p.m. Information: La Escondida 1962
• Charlie Bravo — Pier 27 River Lounge and Pizzeria, 8 p.m. Information: Pier 27 River Lounge
• Derringer — Gravity Check Saloon and Arena, 7 p.m. Information: Gravity Check Saloon and Arena The details: Enjoy classic rock!

The rest of today's events

High School football

• Ingram Tom Moore hosts San Antonio Randolph in a pivotal district game. It's also homecoming for the Warriors. Game time is 7 p.m. The Warriors are 4-2 on the season, while Randolph comes to the Hill Country with a 5-2 record.
• Center Point, 1-5 on the season, plays host to Brackett at 7 p.m.
• Tivy is off this week.
• Our Lady of the Hills, 1-5 on the season, plays host to Brooks Collegiate Academy at 7:30 p.m.

High school volleyball

• It's the biggest match of the season for Ingram Tom Moore when the Warriors host Comfort at 4 p.m. Comfort is atop the district standings with a one-game lead over Ingram, which upset previously unbeaten Blanco on Tuesday. Comfort beat Ingram on Sept. 27, 3-1.
• Tivy is tied for third in its district with Boerne Champion, and the Antlers face a tall order at 6:30 p.m. against second-place Smithson Valley.

Trivia

• Schoolhouse Trivia — Arcadia Live!, 7 p.m. Information: The details: Come for the free music on deck from 5-7 p.m., and stick around for a fun trivia night honoring school faculty. Beyond bragging rights, winning teams will receive drink tokens, and the winner will be awarded complimentary tickets for an upcoming Arcadia Live event.

The performing arts

• The Legend of Sleep Hollow — Hill Country Arts Foundation and Point Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday through Oct. 23. Information: https://www.hcaf.com The details: Held in the Elizabeth Huth Coats Indoor Theater, it begins when Ichabod Crane, a slightly goofy schoolmaster, comes to the farming community of Sleepy Hollow with all his worldly possessions. He's looking for a good life and a wealthy wife who will supply it. Once he sets eyes on the local beauty, Katrina Van Tassel, he's sure his dream will come true. Unhappily for Ichabod, Katrina has a boyfriend… the boisterous Brom Bones. At a party, Ichabod proposes marriage to Katrina, but is booted out by Brom and forced to make his way home through a terrible storm. In the dark, there's something shadowy and towering intent on taking Ichabod's life — the Headless Horseman! Poor Ichabod has to outrun the galloping phantom! Does he? No one knows for sure because the schoolmaster is never seen again.

Dance

• Learn to Belly Dance — Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 6 p.m. Information: 830-895-2911 The details: $10 per class, or a comparable trade e.g., art, jewelry, wine or even shiny pebbles, because the teacher, a.k.a Lorien, is part crow and loves shiny things! Bring a yoga mat, a bottle of water and a friend! Come Shimmy with us!

Markets and sales

• Kerrville Farmer's Market — Butt Holdsworth Memorial Library, 4 p.m. Information: https://www.kerrvillefarmersmarket.com The details: There are some key changes to the market, with new management, and some additions and subtractions to the lineup. There's a wide variety of locally sourced produce, meat, eggs, bread, cheese, beer, wine and a selection of prepared food, all sourced within the Texas Hill Country.

Women's collegiate soccer

• Dallas at Schreiner, 1 p.m.

Come be our guest, share your best dish!

For the last month, we've planned for next week's "Be Our Guest" shows, where we focus on hospitality. We've got a big week of shows planned, but today is the last day to register for restaurants, home bakers, or makers to participate in our shows. All you have to do is enter and show up with your item and pitch it on The Lead Live! It's going to be a lot of fun!

The categories and registration links are:

Delectable Desserts

On Wednesday, who has the best desserts in the area? We're inviting all dessert makers to bring their creations to the show. We'll also have a panel of celebrity judges to decide best cake, best cookie and best pie! Extra points for gluten-free options. It's free to enter, but each person must present their desserts on camera. We'll hand out awards at the end of the show! Register here: https://forms.gle/7ZCr574Gscv8F9To8

Signature Dish

We're challenging our restaurants and eateries on Thursday to bring us their signature dish! That's right, one defining dish you think is the best in Kerr County. It's free to enter, but you've got to present it on the show! Finally, we'll have another panel of judges who will decide best presentation, the best overall and the most savory! Register here: https://forms.gle/arUxhi1PGSVm6uXM9

Charcuterie Challenge

To wrap up the week, we all love to graze on the charcuterie boards, but the challenge here is to knock the socks off our celebrity panel with a presentation, unique offerings and overall deliciousness! Are you ready to join us? Register here: https://forms.gle/4YpCmVwmxyX5Abmz6

The holiday season is ramping up — big time

We are now into the stretch run for holiday events — believe it or not! In the coming weeks, we'll have mega events around Halloween, Veterans Day, the Lighted Christmas Parade, and Thanksgiving. We're not even including Christmas events — yet.

So, here's a rundown of some events to pay attention to:

• The Salvation Army is working toward Thanksgiving and is holding its Fill the Freezer campaign. The Salvation Army's Ray and Joan Kroc Center ask the community for donations of 10-15-pound turkeys to help feed over 1,000 individuals. Drop off location will be The Salvation Army Kroc Center, and yes, a freezer will be set up in the lobby to drop a turkey. For questions regarding The Salvation Army's Fill the Freezer campaign and Community Thanksgiving event, contact Jeannette Santiago at (830) 257-3620.
• The city of Kerrville is looking for the scariest houses on the block — no, they're not short-term rentals. That means it's time for the annual "Scarecrow and Skeletons Showdown", a Halloween decorating contest. Submit photos of your decorations via e-mail to recreation@kerrvilletx.gov by 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 for a chance to win $100. The city said videos will also be accepted, but at least one photo is required.
• On Halloween, Family Fright Night will take place in Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Dr., starting at 5:30 p.m. This event will include games, trick-or-treating, food trucks, a costume contest, bounce houses, and more.
• The Veteran's Day Parade is at 9 a.m. on Nov. 12 in Louise Hays Park. The parade will work its way through the park from Cully Drive eastward. Food trucks, live music and other festivities are after the parade's completion.
• Kerrville's 21st Lighted Christmas Parade is accepting entry applications for the Nov. 19 event along Water and Earl Garrett streets. The fee to participate in the parade is $30 per entry. All entry forms and payments must be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 4. Late registrants have until Nov. 11 to submit, with a $45 fee. The Holiday Lighted Parade began in 2001 and features participants from businesses, non-profits, youth groups, car clubs, and marching units. Awards are given to the winners in each of these four categories: Marching, Youth, Non-Profit, and Commercial Business. First place in each category will be awarded $150. A panel of local judges will evaluate each participant during the parade. Winners will be announced at the Courthouse Lighting Ceremony directly following the parade. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (830) 257-7300, recreation@kerrvilletx.gov, visit the city's website at www.kerrvilletx.gov, or follow us on Facebook at City of Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department or Instagram at cityofkerrville.