By Ed Crowell
Each issue of a local newspaper offers a time capsule of contemporary life, capturing the ups and downs of any town, big or small.
Community newspapers across the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative service area are by, for and about local residents. Their unique blend of hyper-local news, school sports stories, community events coverage and personality-driven columns by local residents keeps readers paying attention — and paying to read.
Many of them have been publishing for well over 100 years, too.
Most motorists know to move over a lane or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if a law enforcement vehicle has stopped another motorist on the side of a road or highway. But did you know that Texas lawmakers passed a bill in 2019 requiring the same protection for utility workers?
The state's Move Over/Slow Down law was expanded from police, fire, medical emergency, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks to include utility vehicles that are stationary with flashing amber or blue lights.
Story by Clayton Stromberger
Photos by Sarah Beal
Travel to communities and picturesque parts of the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative service area, and you will likely pass dozens of locations — a volunteer fire station, a community center, a small nonprofit — with equipment, a new or renovated building, a park or a program made possible with help from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Bluebonnet.
Story by Denise Gamino
Photos by Sarah Beal
Less than two weeks after an area-wide wildlife rehabilitation center opened a new state-of-the-art headquarters in Bastrop County, someone brought in a majestic symbol of America: a bald eagle. It was injured and underweight.
