Tag: Kerr County

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The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast – Charlie McIlvain – Candidate for Kerr County Commissioner, Precinct 3

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, Tom visits with Charlie McIlvain about the candidate for Kerr County Commissioner, Precinct 3.

Charlie McIlvain is a seasoned leader whose journey began in high school and college, where he was recognized as one of the top leaders in the Interact program and served as the ROTC battalion commander. His perspective on leadership is that it is a significant part of life, shaped by his early experiences in various leadership roles. These experiences laid the groundwork for his continued involvement in leadership positions throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of service and community engagement. His active participation in organizations like Rotary, where he has served as club president in two communities, and his tenure on various travel industry boards underscore his commitment to leadership and service. Charlie believes in the value of diverse experiences and learning from different environments, a belief that is reflected in his global perspective and attendance at international Rotary conventions.

Key Highlights:

  • Navigating Leadership Roles from High School Onward
  • Tourism’s Economic Impact on Kerrville’s Tax Revenue
  • Thriving Business Environment in Kerrville, Texas
  • Global Impact of Rotary Club Service

Resources:

Charlie McIlvain for Kerr County Commissioner

Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts

Hill Country Authors Podcast

Hill Country Artists Podcast

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

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The Hill Country Podcast

Hill Country Podcast – Mary Campana on Habitat for Humanity in Kerrville

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, Tom visits Mary Campana, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Kerr County.

Mary Campana is the executive director of Habitat for Humanity for Kerr County, with a rich background in nonprofit work and a deep involvement in the organization’s affordable housing and financial education programs. Mary is passionate about providing affordable housing for individuals and families with low incomes, and she explains that Habitat for Humanity builds homes for those who make 60% or less of the median family income. She also mentions their plans to add workforce housing in Kerr County to address the need for affordable housing for workers. Mary emphasizes the sense of community that Habitat for Humanity creates, where homeowners feel a part of something larger than themselves and contribute to the community. Join Tom Fox and Mary Campana on this episode of the Hill Country Podcast to learn more about her work and perspective.

Key Highlights:

  • The story of Habitat for Humanity
  • The role of Jimmy Carter
  • Building Affordable Homes for Families in Need
  • Building Communities through Volunteer Construction
  • Empowering Homeowners Through Financial Education

 Resources:

Mary Campana on LinkedIn

Habitat for Humanity for Kerr County

Tom Fox

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The Hill Country Podcast

Hill Country Podcast – Educational Leadership in Kerrville and Kerr County, Part 1

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places, and activities of the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, I begin a special two-part episode on primary and secondary education in Kerrville, Kerr County, and the Hill Country. In this exploration, I am joined by Dr. Robert Templeton, Superintendent of the Independent Ingram School District, Dr. Brent Ringo, Superintendent of the Kerrville Independent School District, and Dr. Charlie McCormick, President of Schreiner University in Kerrville.

Dr. Templeton, Dr. Ringo, and Dr. McCormick are all leaders in rural school districts, each with a unique perspective on leadership and educational challenges in these areas. Dr. Templeton, having grown up in a small town in West Texas, believes in providing equal opportunities and high standards for all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Dr. Ringo, a product of a humble upbringing in Amarillo, Texas, emphasizes the importance of collaboration, vision, and prioritizing students’ success in overcoming the challenges faced by rural school districts. Dr. McCormick, a seasoned higher education professional, focuses on cultivating capacity and competency in students who may not meet traditional academic metrics, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and collaboration and recognizing the value of all individuals in the education system. Join Tom Fox, Dr. Robert Templeton, Dr. Brent Ringo, and Dr. Charlie McCormick on this episode of the Hill Country Podcast to delve deeper into their experiences and perspectives on leadership and educational challenges in rural school districts. 

Key Highlights:

  • Influential Past Relationships Shaping Leadership Styles
  • Building Capacity through Collaborative Education
  • Supporting Essential Staff and Student Well-being
  • Transparent Communication for Strong Leadership
  • The Regional Influence of Schreiner University
  • Opportunity for Associate’s Degree from High School

 Resources:

Dr. Robert Templeton

Dr. Brent Ringo

Dr. Charlie McCormick

Tom Fox:

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Kerrville Weekly News Roundup

Kerrville Weekly News Roundup: July 29, 2023

Welcome to the Kerrville Weekly News Roundup. Each week, veteran podcaster Tom Fox and his colleagues Andrew Gay and Gilbert Paiz get together to go over a couple of their favorite stories from the past week from Kerrville and the greater Hill Country. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee and listen in to get a wrap up of the Kerrville Weekly News. We each consider two of our favorite stories and talk about the upcoming weekend’s events which will enjoy or participate in this weekend.

In this episode, Tom, Gilbert and Andrew discuss the following stories which caught their attention over the past week.

  • Tom notes the trial date set for Harvey Bellew for his potential removal from office and shouts to the construction of the new county animal shelter. This weekend he will be nursing one of his pooches who had knew surgery this week.
  • Andrew discusses hospitality business in Kerrville and the Kerrville Visitors and Conventions Bureau which it supports. He reminds people that August 1 is the deadline for Leadership Kerr County Class 2023-24 (registration and information). Andrew is looking forward to seeing Oppenheimer this weekend.
  • Gilbert shouts out to the Back to School Bash and says he is tired of the Anti-LGBTQ protested outside the Library. He says he is staying inside this weekend.

Resources

Tom Fox on LinkedIn

Gilbert Paiz on LinkedIn

Andrew Gay on LinkedIn

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

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Kerrville Weekly News Roundup

Kerrville Weekly News Roundup: May 5, 2023

Welcome to the Kerrville Weekly News Roundup. Each week, veteran podcaster Tom Fox and his colleagues Andrew Gay and Gilbert Paiz get together to go over a couple of their favorite stories from the past week from Kerrville and the greater Hill Country. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee and listen in to get a wrap up of the Kerrville Weekly News. We each consider two of our favorite stories and talk about the upcoming weekend’s events which will enjoy or participate in this weekend.

In this episode, Tom, Gilbert and Andrew discuss the following stories which caught their attention over the past week.

  • Tom talks the Commissioner’s Court decision to hire a health care professional, City of Kerrville lawn and brush removal and King Charles coronation.
  • Gilbert talks about the upcoming city elections and the history and celebrations of Cinco de Mayo. He also reminds citizens to vote in the City and School District elections
  • Andrew talks charity events this weekend and hopes for good weather for outdoor activities.

Resources

Tom Fox on LinkedIn

Gilbert Paiz on LinkedIn

Andrew Gay on LinkedIn

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

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The Night Sky

Leslie Jones on the Local Impact of the Eclipses on the People of Kerrville and Kerr County

Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville a podcast which celebrates that for two days over the next 18 months, Kerrville, TX will be the Eclipse Capitol of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. This podcast is produced by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network.

This episode, featuring guest Leslie Jones, is an especially exciting one. Jones provides fascinating insight into the coming total solar eclipse that will be visible in Kerrville, Texas. She explains how the city is planning to serve as a hub of information, while the eclipse itself will pass between Goat Creek Road and the city. This is an event that only happens once in a lifetime and one that should be marked on everyone’s calendar. During the podcast, Leslie provides some advice on what to do in preparation and encourages listeners to let him know if they decide to view the eclipse. The podcast also mentions that the Kerrville Independent School District will be calling school on the date of the eclipse, April 8th, so parents should be prepared to have their children out of school.

Key Highlights Include

·       Visiting Kerrville for the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse [01:47]

·       The Total Eclipse in Texas: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event [05:37]

·       The Role of Kerrville in Future Planning [09:04]

·       Preparing for KIC’s School out on April 8th [12:47]

·       Planning a Private Event in Your Community [16:24]

Notable Quotes

1.     “An annular eclipse happens when the moon covers the sun’s center leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a ring of fire and or an analyst around the moon.”

2.     “The total solar eclipse that we are going to have in April of 2024 you have to have your glasses on leading up to totality. During totality, you don’t you can take them off to experience and then obviously when totality ends, and it starts leaving, you’ll need to put those glasses back on. Because again, you’re staring at the sun. So that’s bad. It’s bad for your eyeballs.”

3.     “This is literally a once in a lifetime event for us here in Texas.”

4.     I know. It’s pretty exciting. Wow.”

Resources

Leslie Jones on LinkedIn

Andrew Gay on LinkedIn

Tom Fox on LinkedIn

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Investing in the Future

Caitlin Hamilton on Building Relationships Through Leadership Kerr County

How do small towns and rural counties invest in their future? Tom Fox and Andrew Gay explore this topic in their new podcast series Investing in the Future – Developing Leadership in Kerr County. Leadership Kerr County is the premier leadership program in the Hill Country which  enables men and women to learn more about the issues and topics that face Kerrville, Kerr County and the Hill Country on a daily basis; everything from education and social services to economic development and health care. Kerr County  has made the decision to invest in its citizens to create future leaders and lay a foundation for their future involvement in the leadership of Kerrville and Kerr County. This podcast is produced and hosted by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network.

In our 4th episode, we chat with Caitlin Hamilton. Caitlin is self-employed with Century 21-the Hill Realty. Caitlin began her career as a print journalist and has worked at a variety of jobs in Kerrville and in the Hill Country. She tells a fascinating tale of how her time at Leadership-Kerr County has allowed her to develop life-long friendships and relationships.

Key Highlights 

·      Building Relationships Through Podcasting

·      The Power of Community Service

·      Water Reclamation Projects

·      Engagement

·      Caitlin’s Journey as a Realtor with Century 21, The Hills Realty

Resources

Caitlin Hamilton on LinkedIn

Andrew Gay on LinkedIn

Tom Fox on LinkedIn

Century 21, the Hills Realty

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Investing in the Future

Investing in the Future – Episode 3 – Wynita Yancy

How do small towns and rural counties invest in their future? Tom Fox and Andrew Gay explore this topic in their new podcast series Investing in the Future – Developing Leadership in Kerr County. Leadership Kerr County is the premier leadership program in the Hill Country which enables men and women to learn more about the issues and topics that face Kerrville, Kerr County, and the Hill Country daily; everything from education and social services to economic development and health care. Kerr County has decided to invest in its citizens to create future leaders and lay a foundation for their future involvement in the leadership of Kerrville and Kerr County. This podcast is produced and hosted by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network.

In our 3rd episode, we chat with Wynita Yancy, a current class participant in Leadership Kerr County. Wynita is currently the Director of Marketing and Community Relations at The Hill Country Youth Ranch just outside Kerrville, Texas. Wynita is originally from Chicago and has been here in the Texas Hill Country just over a year now and takes great pride in the impactful work she is doing here for The Hill Country Youth Ranch, the kids’ lives they serve, and in our local community.

Highlights include:

-What led Wynita to find and apply to Leadership Kerr County?

-As a current class participant, what has been a standout experience thus far?

-What impact has the class had on her so far?

-In her perspective, what’s the difference between being involved in a community like Kerr County versus a larger community where she was involved previously (Chicago)?

Resources

Wynita Yancy on LinkedIn

Andrew Gay on LinkedIn

Tom Fox on LinkedIn

For information on The Hill Country Youth Ranch, go here

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Investing in the Future

Investing in the Future – Episode 2 – Drew Paxton

How do small towns and rural counties invest in their future? Tom Fox and Andrew Gay explore this topic in their new podcast series Investing in the Future – Developing Leadership in Kerr County. Leadership Kerr County is the premier leadership program in the Hill Country which enables men and women to learn more about the issues and topics that face Kerrville, Kerr County, and the Hill Country on a daily basis; everything from education and social services to economic development and health care. Kerr County has decided to invest in its citizens to create future leaders and lay a foundation for their future involvement in the leadership of Kerrville and Kerr County. This podcast is produced and hosted by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network.

In our second episode, we are joined by Drew Paxton, who currently occupies one of the leadership Kerr County Steering Committee seats. Drew currently works as the Director of Planning and Development for The City of Kerrville. He was also a former class participant of Leadership Kerr County.

Highlights include:

-How did Drew find LKC, and what led him to apply to the program?

-How has LKC shaped his view of The City of Kerrville?

-His perspective of the Kerrville 2050 Plan.

-What was his perspective on the future of Kerrville as The City makes an effort to invest in itself?

Resources

Drew Paxton on LinkedIn

Andrew Gay on LinkedIn

Tom Fox on LinkedIn

For more information on Leadership Kerr County, click here.