By Joe Baker

Kevin Brown and Stuart Falkin of FPB Land Company are working together to explore ways to bring a new residential development to Kenedy, adjacent to the Industrial Park which is home to the new Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The master planned development may include a combination of apartments, single-family homes and commercial space for light industrial businesses such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc.

Brown and Falkin have recently begun a five-month feasibility period to try to find out if they can make the project a reality. They are working closely with Karnes County economic development staff and other community leaders to assess what the community needs for local housing.

In the near future, a survey will be published in The Countywide and also at thecountywide.com and the developers are hoping a large number of local residents will participate in the survey in order to help them get a better idea of what local residents want.

By Joe Baker

Jim Hutchens really surprised the owners and customers at Jerry B’s restaurant in Kenedy when he landed his helicopter behind the restaurant on July 26.

"It scared me to death," said restaurant owner Lynn Brown. "I honestly thought it was a tornado."

Hutchens, president of Access Air, has been using his helicopter for seismic surveys in the area related to local oil and gas exploration. He decided to "drop in" to Jerry B’s and offer some of the folks a few rides.

The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center will be holding several local blood drives during the month of August:

Tuesday, August 7

Hercules

2 – 5 p.m.

In the parking lot,

1 Mill Street, Kenedy

Sunday, August 19

Our Lady of Peace

8:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

1 Notre Dame Plaza,

In the parking lot, Kenedy

Sunday, August 26

First United Methodist

Church of Karnes City

9:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

In the semi-circle parking lot,

201 N. Esplanade, Karnes City