The Countywide, a weekly newspaper serving Karnes County Texas, has recently seen a change in ownership.

Moser Community Media, LLC, purchased The Countywide on October 1 from Karnes Multi Media, Inc.

Moser Community Media, LLC, is a community-minded media management company with newspapers in DeWitt County (Cuero Record and Yorktown News-View) and Jackson County (Jackson County Herald-Tribune).

The staff of The Countywide will remain, continuing in the same capacity as always, working under a new company – Karnes County Publishing, L.P.

Karnes County sheriff deputies and DPS troopers have been out in force trying to curb illegal alien trafficking during the month of October. Several vehicles, each containing as many as 20 individuals, have been pulled over this month and police have participated in several chases after those individuals fled the scene.

Police count about 72 suspected illegal aliens attempting to run from officers on five different occasions this month.

"It has been unusual," Karnes County Sheriff David Jalufka said.

The crackdown on illegal trafficking has been part of Operation Border Star. In coordination with the United States Border Patrol, the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition, the Coastal Bend Sheriffs Coalition and border area police departments, the State of Texas launched Operation Border Star mid-September.

A grand jury indicted 26 individuals in Karnes County October 2, including six men suspected of being involved in a stabbing assault and one former Karnes County sheriff’s deputy suspected of having assaulted a man in his custody.

Pedro Adame, Edwardo Cervantes, Edward Gallegos, Ramiro Jaso, Jr., Hernando Carlos, and Alfredo Romero all were indicted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Police are alleging all six individuals attacked a man outside Outlaws Saloon in Kenedy around midnight July 19. Two of the individuals were reported to have stabbed 29-year-old Kenedy Raul Garcia twice in the back.

"Apparently a couple of the guys were fighting with some friends that the victim knew," Kenedy Police Sergeant Jeremy Stevens said shortly after the incident took place. "Those friends of his had already left. When he was walking to his truck, all six of these guys went to jump on him. He saw that two of them had knives in their hands."

South Texas culture will be celebrated in style in the historic old ghost town of Helena on Saturday, October 13 at the Indian Summer Heritage Festival.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free annual event on the grounds of the Helena Courthouse Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Colorful and exciting performances by groups including the Fiesta Ballet Folklorico, Tejas Winds Native American Duet, and Rosas de Castilla Horseback Riders will be featured throughout the day, showcasing the costumes, music, and dance unique to Southwestern heritage.