Karnes Co. TX - NEWS - April 2006 This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Kimm Antell Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Copyright 2006 Victoria Advocate Online (http://victoriaadvocate.com) ************************************************ Kenedy Bluebonnet Days entries needed April 12, 2006 Advocate Staff Report KENEDY - The annual Kenedy Bluebonnet Days is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 21-22, and entries are needed for a variety of the special activities associated with the festival. Entries are being accepted for Class D men's and women's softball tournaments and the 5K walk/run, both to take place at Joe Gulley Park. Additional entries are also needed for the Saturday morning parade and for arts and crafts booths. There is also time to sign up for the Triple Heat Cook Off for brisket, chicken and ribs and a special category for wild hog. For more information or to request an entry form for any of these activities, contact Carolyn McDonald at the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce, 205 S. Second St., or call 830-583-3223. ************************************************ Karnes County names interim EMS medical director April 14, 2006 Advocate Staff Report KARNES CITY - Dr. Larry Lipscomb of Wharton's Gulf Coast Medical Center has been named temporary medical director for Karnes County Emergency Medical Services. Lipscomb replaces Dr. Causey Quillian who died on March 28. Quillian, a longtime Karnes County physician, helped organize the EMS service and served as medical director. "This will give us some time to study and evaluate candidates for the position, including any local doctors who might be interested," Karnes County Judge Alger Kendall said. Karnes County commissioners on Tuesday also: • Authorized application of a HOME program grant pending response from citizens during scheduled public hearings on April 17 and April 26. • Approved the renumbering of several county roads to bring them into alignment with 911 maps. • Approved a computer cost share program with the County Extension office. • Authorized the county clerk to move the voting precinct box No. 11 from Lenz Hall to the Lutheran Church in Kenedy, pending federal approval. • Approved a contract with CIRA for maintenance of the county Web site. • Approved an interagency cooperation contract with the Texas Department of Agriculture for a survey of the branched broomrape, a parasitic weed that has been seen in northern Karnes County. ************************************************ Kenedy enacts noise ordinance on vehicles April 14, 2006 Advocate Staff Report KENEDY - Owners of vehicles with loud engines, clattering mufflers and booming music now have a little something to consider when traveling the streets of Kenedy. The city has a new noise abatement ordinance in place. On Tuesday, the city council approved the ordinance prohibiting excess noise generated by motor vehicles. The ordinance addresses both motor noise and amplified noises coming from the vehicles. According to the ordinance, it is unlawful for a vehicle to create an unreasonable or unusual grating, grinding, rattling or any other loud and unreasonable sound that exceeds 80 decibels at a distance of 50 feet. Violation of the ordinance carries a fine of up to $1,000. Also Tuesday night, the council approved an amended citizens complaint policy. In the past, citizens could take complaints against city employees directly to the city council. Complaints against all city employees, except police officers, must now be submitted to the city administrator. Complaints will also be provided to the mayor who can place the item on the city council agenda if the complainant is not satisfied with the administrator's action. Complaints against police officers must be submitted to the police chief. The council also canceled May 13 elections for mayor and council District 2. The race for the District 4 seat will be between incumbent Norma Atkinson and challenger Mary Ann Sanchez. ************************************************ April 21, 2006 • Kenedy's Bluebonnet Days starts tonight Advocate Staff Report KENEDY - The annual Kenedy Bluebonnet Days celebration begins tonight with the coronation of the Miss Bluebonnet Days queens. The pageant begins at 7:30 p.m. at Kenedy High School. Saturday's events begin at 7 a.m. with the 5K Walk/Run at Joe Gulley Park. The event is sponsored by former Bluebonnet Days queens. At 7:30 a.m., the Kenedy Rotary Club will have its Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast at the Kenedy Airport. The action continues at Joe Gulley Park at 8 a.m. with the Men's Softball Tournament and the Triple Heat Cook Off. Festival rides start at 10 a.m. and run until 7 p.m., also at the park. In addition to rides, the festival will feature games, contests, entertainment, food, arts and crafts, a petting zoo and a car show. The car show includes muscle, antique, classic and imports. The Bluebonnet Days parade will roll through downtown Kenedy at 11 a.m. Revelers can kick up their heels at the dance beginning at 7 p.m. at the park. The dance ends at 11 p.m. On Sunday at 8 a.m., the women's softball tournament at the park will culminate the three days of activities. For more information contact Carolyn McDonald at the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce at 830-583-3223 or by e-mail at kenedycc@fnichols.com. ************************************************ April 27, 2006 • Karnes City approves computer software upgrade KARNES CITY - Computers at city hall in Karnes City are getting a software upgrade. On Tuesday, the city council approved the lease purchase of software from Tyler Technologies/Incode Software of Dallas for the city's administration offices, municipal court and police department The lease purchase agreement is for about $88,000, said City Administrator Larry Pippin. The council also approved the purchase of a 2006 John Deere backhoe from RDO Equipment of San Antonio for no more than $38,000. In other action, the council approved installation of a septic tank on property owned by Rebecca Garcia with the provision that if the city ever extended its services to that property, she would have to tie in to the city services. The council also heard an update on the city park project from Pippin. He indicated the topographical map has been completed and explained some of the challenges ahead related to contours of the property, excavation and the amount of fill dirt that will be needed. A park workday for volunteers is set for Saturday.