The Hill Country Podcast

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, am joined by Andrew Gay as co-host with Dalton Rice as our guest.

Dalton Rice is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning the military, healthcare administration, and public administration. As the current City Manager of Kerrville, Texas, Rice offers a unique perspective on the role and responsibilities of a city manager in Texas. He views the city manager as the chief executive officer of a city, responsible for overseeing all departments and appointed by the city council, a contrast to a mayoral system where the mayor is elected as the CEO. Rice's experiences in the military and public sectors have shaped his understanding of the importance of navigating the political landscape, maintaining neutrality, and fostering open dialogue with city residents. Join Tom Fox, Andrew Gay, and Dalton Rice as they delve deeper into this topic on the next episode of the Hill Country Podcast. 

Key Highlights:

 Resources

City of Kerrville

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

Tom Fox

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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. Brent Ringo, Dr. Charlie McCormick, and Dr. Robert Templeton are all dedicated educators with a shared passion for developing entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability in students for the future job market. Dr. Ringo discussed expanding students' horizons and helping them exceed their own expectations through exposure to various industries and opportunities. McCormick focused on developing transcendent skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and curiosity in students, preparing them for an unpredictable future. Dr. Templeton, while initially skeptical of online education, has come to recognize the potential of technology in education and emphasizes the importance of flexibility and exposure to different opportunities. Join Tom Fox, Dr. Brent Ringo, Dr. Charlie McCormick, and Dr. Robert Templeton on this episode of the Hill Country Podcast to delve deeper into their perspectives on fostering entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability in students for the future job market.

Key Highlights

·       Expanding Horizons: Unleashing Entrepreneurial Potential

·       Preparing Students for an Evolving Future

·       The Evolving Landscape of Education Delivery

·       Adapting Education to the Evolving Job Market

·       Navigating the Unscripted Future: Transcendent Skills

·       The Transformative Impact of COVID-19 on Education

·       Bridging the Rural-Urban Digital Divide

Resources:

Dr. Robert Templeton

Dr. Brent Ringo

Dr. Charlie McCormick

Tom Fox:

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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

 Resources

Dr. Robert Templeton

Dr. Brent Ringo

Dr. Charlie McCormick

Tom Fox

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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 these the most unique areas of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places, and activities of the Texas Hill Country. Kristy Vandenberg, the organizer of the Kerrville Rotary Club's upcoming fundraiser, Pints, Pumpkins, and Pies for Polio, joins me in this episode.

Kristy Vandenberg, originally from Holland, Michigan, is a devoted member of the Rotary Club with a solid commitment to community service. She has a particular perspective on the Rotary Club’s fundraising event for polio eradication, viewing it as a crucial cause that requires attention. Kristy notes that while many in the United States may not consider polio a pressing issue, the Rotary has been actively working to eradicate the disease since 1985. She emphasizes raising funds for vaccinations, particularly for children under six who are most susceptible to the disease. Kristy takes pride in her club’s efforts, including the upcoming Pints Pumpkins and Pies fundraising event, and firmly believes in the Rotary’s potential to impact the fight against polio significantly. Join Tom Fox and Kristy Vandenberg on this episode of the Hill Country Podcast to learn more about this important cause.

 Key Highlights:

 Resources:

Rotary Club of Kerrville

Pints, Pumpkins, and Pies for Polio

Tom Fox

Threads

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Welcome to 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 areas of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places and their activities of the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Byron Black, founder of the Medical Fitness Clinic of Kerrville to discuss the prevention and management of diabetes through exercise. 

Dr. Byron Black is a seasoned healthcare professional with a comprehensive approach to managing high-risk health conditions. With a strong academic background in exercise science and health promotion, Dr. Black has developed a unique perspective on managing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and age-related conditions. He emphasizes the importance of physical activity and nutrition in managing these conditions, stating that exercise can often be more effective than medication alone. His expertise lies in providing guidance on exercise and nutrition, and he is dedicated to helping high-risk individuals improve their overall well-being. Join Tom Fox and Dr. Byron Black as they delve deeper into this topic on the next episode of the Hill Country Podcast.

 Key Highlights

·       Dr. Byron Black's extensive education and experience

·       Specialized medical fitness clinic for comorbidities

·       Exercise as the Key to Managing Diabetes

 Resources

Medical Fitness Clinic of Texas

Tom Fox

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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 am joined by Deb Rouse, Executive Director of the Kerrville Folk Festival, on the October 12-15 Welcome Home Festival and Annular Eclipse at the Quiet Valley Ranch.

Deb Rouse, the executive director of the Kerrville Folk Festival, has a rich history with the festival, having attended from a young age and later becoming a dedicated volunteer. Her perspective on the festival emphasizes the diversity and inclusivity of its music events, shaped by her experiences traveling to various folk festivals and organizing vibrant events like October’s Welcome Home Fest. She highlights the festival’s commitment to providing opportunities for aspiring songwriters and musicians of all levels, offering a variety of workshops and classes, and showcasing traditional folk programming. Rouse also underscores the festival’s dedication to supporting and promoting artists at various stages of their careers, citing the success of former volunteers like Anais Mitchell. Join Tom Fox and Deb Rouse on this episode of the Hill Country Podcast to delve deeper into the diverse music events and challenges of the Kerrville Folk Festival.

 Key Highlights:

 Resources:

Kerrville Folk Festival

Tom Fox

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Welcome to 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 areas of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places and their activities of the Texas Hill Country. In this special episode, I am joined by Andrew Gay, Kenneth O’Neal and Gilbert Paiz to discuss the local business environment in Kerrville.

Gilbert Paiz is a successful entrepreneur with a background in community outreach and thought leadership. Andrew Gay is a seasoned business professional with a wealth of experience in the industry. Kenneth O’Neal is a passionate advocate for mental health and well-being in business, all share a common perspective on the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being in business, especially amid the pandemic. Gilbert and Andrew, who started their own business believe in keeping the customer at the forefront while also caring for the mental health and well-being of their employees. Kenneth, with his extensive experience advocating for a shift in mindset towards mental health and well-being, sees the pandemic as an opportunity for businesses to change their approach and prioritize the well-being of their employees. Join Tom Fox, Gilbert, Andrew, and Kenneth on this episode of the Hill Country Podcast to delve deeper into their perspectives and experiences on prioritizing mental health and well-being in business amid the pandemic.

Key Highlights

 Resources

Tom Fox

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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, Tom visits with Ry'lee Paxton about the Kerr County Youth Leadership Program or KAYLA.

KAYLA is an incredible organization that provides high schoolers in Kerr County with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and gain exposure to the inner workings of their local community through the Leadership Academy and Youth Leadership Program. Through these programs, students learn important concepts like civic engagement and budgeting, as well as develop relationships with their peers and city officials. By attending the Academy, students gain an understanding of municipal government roles and responsibilities. Meanwhile, the Youth Leadership Program educates students on the importance of local job opportunities and building meaningful relationships. With KAYLA, young people can become successful leaders in their own community.

 Key Highlights

·       Youth Leadership in Kerrville and Kerr County

·       City Budgeting

·      Leadership Academy

·      Kerr County Youth Leadership Program

 Resources

Kayla

Tom Fox

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Welcome to 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 areas of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places and their activities of the Texas Hill Country.  

The 88th Texas Legislature recently concluded its biennial session and two special sessions, focusing on property tax relief, water infrastructure, and the electricity grid. The proposed property tax relief was a welcome move, and Patrick was on the right track with his proposal to ensure homeowners don't lose their homes due to high tax rates. The legislature ultimately came up with a dual approach, which is a compromise, and homeowners will be glad to see some relief from the property taxes. 

Sadly, the impeachment of Ken Paxton took the air out of all other legislative work. Paxton has been under indictment for a long time, and nobody on the Republican side seemed to care until he asked for state funds to pay for his legal settlement. It took a long time for state leaders to take action, and it shouldn't have taken this much effort. The impeachment trial will be held in the Senate later this summer.

Tom Fox and Loren Steffy discussed the importance of access to education and public services in remote areas. Tom Fox's junior high school history teacher posited that the American high school created the American middle class. The founding fathers of America wanted to get away from the class system and believed that with access to education, anyone can be anything. The founding fathers of the Republic of Texas, Mirabeau Lamar and Anson Jones, set aside land in every township for K-12 education. The disagreement between the governor and lieutenant governor of Texas was over how to reform property taxes or give people a break. The governor wanted to subsidize school property taxes, while the lieutenant governor wanted to raise the homestead exemption. The governor also wanted to take public funds to fund private education, but he did not get what he wanted.

The transfer of wealth from taxpayers to private companies running schools with less accountability than public schools was a major concern. Rural Republican and urban Democratic voters united in opposition to school vouchers. There was an argument that private schools would take away access to best athletes for rural football teams. There was also an analogy to rural hospitals closing due to lack of cost effectiveness. There was a potential for the education system to become exclusive and elite, and it would also lead to the draining of healthcare facilities in rural areas.

Tom Fox and Loren Steffy also discussed Tom's book, The Big Empty. Steffy is starting a series called Podcasts in Print. The first Podcasts in Print will be the discussion between Tom and Loren about The Big Empty. It will be released in early August, and Loren is looking forward to its release.

This episode provided an insightful look into the issues facing Texas and the importance of access to education and public services in remote areas. The legislature's efforts to provide property tax relief and the impeachment of Ken Paxton are two major issues that will have an impact on the state. Podcasts in Print series will be a great way to explore these topics further.

 Key Highlights

·       Assessment of the 88th Legislature

·       Property Tax relief

·      School Vouchers

·      Rural Texas

·      Ken Paxton impeachment by Texas House

 Resources

Loren Steffy

Stoney Creek Publishing

Tom Fox

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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 special episode, Tom is joined by Kerrville Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Brent Ringo as a guest. Additionally, Andrew Gay and Gilbert Paiz join Tom as special co-hosts for this episode.

Dr. Brent Ringo, the new superintendent of the Kerrville Independent School District in Texas, believes that community outreach is essential for schools as they reflect the values of the community. Through a listening tour, Dr. Ringo understands the community’s needs and the role the KISD Foundation and community support play in providing resources and assistance. Challenges such as teacher recruitment, funding, and issues of disrespect and abuse are being addressed through collaboration, innovation, and safety measures. Innovative pathways for students, including certification programs and alternative schools, are being implemented to support diverse student needs. Dr. Ringo also discusses the misconceptions surrounding charter schools and the controversial topic of vouchers. Parents are encouraged to use the hashtag #Kisdinspires to showcase the positive aspects of the district.

 Key Highlights:

 Resources

Dr. Brent Ringo

KISD

Tom Fox

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