05/14/2026
CONGRATULATIONS TO St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Karnes City MEMBER, JONI RIPPSTEIN HUWE, 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR!
Throughout the years, her service has touched nearly every corner of community life, from schools and churches to civic groups and local events. She lives out the
belief that a community becomes stronger when its people invest their time, talents, and compassion in one another. Her commitment to this community is not only seen in her volunteerism, but also in the work she has done throughout her life. She
worked with the Karnes County Livestock Exchange, Karnes City Livestock Auction, and Karnes County Appraisal District contributing to industries that are deeply rooted in this region’s way of life. She later dedicated her professional career to the Federal Land Bank, now known as Capital Farm Credit, where she spent the tenure of her
employment. Beyond her professional life, she has lived that same commitment
firsthand. She has spent her life farming, ranching, and raising cattle—
understanding the hard work, resilience, and responsibility that come with it.
We also recognize her lifetime of leadership,
service, and collaboration across a remarkable range of causes:
In education and youth, she has supported the Karnes City ISD Education
Foundation and contributed to 4-H, FFA, and the Karnes County Youth Show,
including serving as a Photography Judge, encouraging young people to pursue
excellence with integrity. In civic and professional organizations, her service has included Phi Theta Kappa, the Texas Association of Assessing Officers, the Karnes
County Appraisal Review Board, the Karnes County Republican GOP, and the
Karnes County Republican Women’s Club, demonstrating her commitment to
informed and active citizenship. In community service, she has devoted herself to
organizations such as Badger PTA, Badger Boosters, Progressive Study Club, and
the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Council, helping strengthen families,
neighborhoods, and faith communities. In cultural and community life, she has served through the Karnes County Christian Thrift Center Board, TexStar Federal
Credit Union Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, the Polish Heritage Center, and the Lonesome Dove Fest as a photographer, helping preserve the traditions and shared spirit that
define Karnes County. And in one of her most thoughtful and quiet contributions,
she uses her gift for photography to serve others in a deeply meaningful way,
capturing and sharing church services so that those in nursing homes or unable to
attend in person can still feel connected to their faith and their community. What
makes her contributions so meaningful is that they have never been about
recognition. They have been about showing up. Being present. Helping where help
is needed. Encouraging students, supporting families, preserving local traditions,
and quietly making this community better, one act of service at a time. Beyond the
many roles she has held, what stands out most is her ability to bring people
together. She builds bridges across generations, between schools and families, and
among neighbors working toward the common good. Her leadership is marked by
humility, compassion, and the steady conviction that our community deserves the very best we can give it. WE thank you for your unwavering commitment, your generous spirit, and the example you have set for all of us. Your service has helped shape Karnes County into a place where people matter, values are lived, and community pride remains strong.