Story by Pam LeBlanc
Photos by Sarah Beal
I probably look goofy.
I’m holding what looks like a pingpong paddle, standing on what looks like a miniature tennis court and attempting to whack what looks and feels like a Wiffle ball. Pickleball mania has taken over the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative region, and I’m determined to find out why.
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially this 75,593-square-foot convenience store with the iconic beaver brand
By Melissa Segrest l Photos by Laura Skelding
It is just past 5:30 a.m. on June 10, and 120 Buc-ee’s employees are gathered for a pep talk in the center of the chain’s newest store in Luling. The grand opening is about to begin, and Josh Smith, the company’s director of operations, is pumping everyone up — “Are y’all excited, or what?” Workers answer with a chorus of whoops and cheers.
At a competition packed with skilled lineworkers from across the state, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative teams secured spots to compete among the most elite lineworkers across the country at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in October.
Nine apprentice lineworkers, four three-man journeymen teams, four barbecue pitmasters and ten staff judges joined hundreds of colleagues from across the state at Nolte Island Park near Seguin for the 28th Texas Lineman’s Rodeo on July 20.
SCAM ALERT: Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members have reported a recent increase in attempted scams.
These fraudulent activities include scammers posing as Bluebonnet representatives both over the phone and in person, making false claims about account issues and high billing errors, and claiming to sell solar energy systems.
From a ghost town to golf, venture off the highway to enjoy growing town’s top stops
By Melissa Segrest
Along busy U.S. 290, 12 miles northeast of Austin, the ever-multiplying home and apartment rooftops of Manor may give the impression this town is a new commuter community. But Manor — pronounced “MAY-ner” — has a rich 152-year history. It was named for James B. Manor, who settled on Gilleland Creek west of today’s downtown in the mid-1830s.
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members have reported a recent increase in attempted phone scams. The fraudulent callers typically tell members their power will be disconnected unless they make an immediate payment over the phone.
Bluebonnet never calls members to demand immediate payment. Bluebonnet makes at least two attempts to remind its members with delinquent accounts – once by mail and again by a courtesy phone call – before disconnecting service for nonpayment.
Lydia Huebner and Chasidy Nowicki are set to represent Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative when they join hundreds of other high school juniors and seniors in Washington, D.C., this summer for an immersive week of connection, education and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
They are called Freedom Colonies: at least 65 settlements, built by newly freed Black people, established across the Bluebonnet region more than a century ago. Family histories and dedicated descendants keep their stories alive.
Story by Clayton Stromberger l Photos by Sarah Beal
Tucked away in the Post Oak Savannah about 10 miles northeast of Lockhart, the unincorporated community of St. John Colony is country-quiet much of the year, just like the rest of rural Caldwell County.
Bluebonnet awards $337,500 in scholarships to 135 area graduating high school seniors
Story by Will Holford and Melissa Segrest * Photos by Sarah Beal
This spring, 135 graduating high school seniors were awarded Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Scholarships of Excellence. After years of hard work, academic achievement and extracurricular activities, each student received a $2,500 scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or trade and technical school certification.