Council members in Karnes City took a serious look at the town’s contract with its utility provider after the city administrator claimed the city could save more than $140,000 doing the job themselves.

The special meeting December 4 was called to discuss Karnes City’s status with utility contractor Veolia Water and what it would mean for the city to go back to providing their own utility services.

Something new doesn’t come along to historic downtown Karnes City very often, but it does happen. This year, it’s a Christmas gift courtesy of one local volunteer organization.

New swags, lighting, and other decorations recently went up, adding a seasonal decoration upgrade to the area.

"We thought that really added some color to downtown — it looks really good during the day time," Young Progressives club member Sherry Sommer said. In addition to that, the angels and stars fabricated by former Mayor Sonny Prasek were refurbished.

By Joe Baker

Toys for Karnes County Tots volunteers are gearing up to help Santa bring smiles to the faces of local children this Christmas season.

It began in 2000 as local program to bring toys and meals to the homes of local children who might not otherwise have a very bright Christmas. That year the program brought holiday cheer to 80 families and 185 children and in following years it grew to serve 200 families and 600+ kids in 2003.

Lately though, there has been a decline. In 2005, 200 families were served but the number of children receiving toys has dropped to 520.