GOOD MORNING
We're on the final approach for Christmas day, and it's going to be hot. The National Weather Service says it could be 83 degrees on Christmas day — some parts of the state could see record highs. Fun!
ON TODAY'S LEAD LIVE
We'll be on location today over at St. Peter's Episcopal Church for a conversation with Rev. Bert Baetz about the Christmas season, and he told us he wants to discuss a little bit more about how he uses pop culture in his teaching. Baetz is a big fan of the Apple TV show "Ted Lasso" — as are we. While "Ted Lasso" can be a bit crude and racy at times, there's underlying sweetness throughout the show, but it's also a deep dive into psychology. If you understand the Darth Vader story from "Star Wars," one spoiler is forewarned.
COMING WEDNESDAY ON THE LEAD LIVE
This will be a terrific show as we chat with Kerrville Police Chief Chris McCall, Kerrville Fire Chief Eri Maloney and John Harrison, the committee's chair, about the city's needs for a public safety building. Based on recommendations from consulting architects and the chiefs, the committee is poised to recommend a nearly 70,000-square foot building with a proposed budget of $45 million. There are still plenty of questions that need answering as the committee prepares to make its recommendations to the City Council next year.
PROGRAMMING NOTE
After Wednesday's show, we will be taking a hiatus from live programming until Jan. 5. That doesn't mean we won't be updating our content via our newsletter, website and social media — just a break from live video. Of course, part of this is that Pint and Plow, where we host the show, is taking a similar break.
ANOTHER NOTE ABOUT THE LEAD
We will be moving our morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox Monday-Friday — to paying subscribers only in the coming days. We will still offer free content for important breaking news and unique content offered on our Facebook page, including The Lead Live webcast at 9 a.m. on weekdays.
We have two paid models:
- $5.99 per month, a 64% savings compared to other media outlets.
- $54.99 per year, a 73% savings compared to other media outlets.
- So, upgrade your subscription here: https://kerrcountylead.com/subscribe
HOW BAD IS OMICRON?
Well, we tried to break it down on Sunday night for Monday's newsletter, and by the time we published it, it was already out-of-date. By Monday night, the omicron variant accounted for 76% of all U.S. COVID-19 cases.
The question now is how bad it will be clinically? That's something that isn't completely understood. The data suggests it's highly contagious, but there's also a suggestion that it's not as severe — let's hope.
However, the variant is taking a toll. On Monday night, Harris County officials announced their first omicron-related death.
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Twitter
See @ABC's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/ABC
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Twitter
See @EricTopol's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/EricTopol
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In Kerr County, Peterson Regional Medical Center said 11 people tested positive for COVID-19, 10 unvaccinated. While there's no clear evidence that omicron is in Kerr County, the statistics nationally suggest that's the case, along with 10,000 new cases on Monday in Texas.
Despite the significant number of infections, the fifth-most for a Monday in 2021, there were few public comments from the state's electeds — outside of Gov. Greg Abbott focusing his efforts on border security.
On Monday night, the National Hockey League announced it was pausing its season starting Wednesday to deal with the number of cases sweeping through the league.
HELPING KEEP THE NIGHT SKIES DARK IN THE HILL COUNTRY
Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky inaugurated its first Night Sky Friendly Business Program by recognizing Pint & Plow Brewing and the Kerrville Public Utility Board to preserve dark skies in the Hill Country. The Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky is a group of neighbors seeking to preserve the dark sky for generations to come.
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OUR FIRST BEST-OF-THE-BEST AWARDS FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
We had a great time visiting all of the lights around Kerrville, Ingram and Center Point. We photographed 200 homes, some of you sent some in for our map, and now we name the Best of Tour! Check out the list of winners: https://kerrcountylead.com/our-first-ever-kerr-county-christmas-lights-tour-awards
