For decades, on the second Tuesday of every May, hundreds of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members have gathered to attend the co-op’s Annual Meeting.
“I moved here [to Bluebonnet’s service area] in 2002,” said Debra Irvin, a Bluebonnet member in Lee County. “I still enjoy coming to the Annual Meeting. It’s fun.”
How lineworkers stay cool on the job
Some jobs don’t pause for the heat — and that includes the work of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s lineworkers. Whether restoring power during an outage or performing routine maintenance, these essential workers often face extreme outdoor temperatures.
Lee County Amateur Radio Emergency Services will purchase new radio communications equipment to strengthen Lee County’s response during emergencies, thanks to an $11,349 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $3,500 in matching funds from the recipient, will allow the group to expand its geographic reach and resiliency through the purchase of new radios, antennas and other electronic equipment.
With the support of a $25,000 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority, St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm will upgrade playground equipment and make other improvements at its community park.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $64,540 in matching funds from the church, will pay for a covered pavilion, new playground equipment, and wheelchair-accessible sidewalks and table areas.
A $19,429 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative will help the Heart of the Pines Volunteer Fire Department improve its response time and rescue operations.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $4,734 in matching funds from the department, will allow the VFD to purchase 12 sets of new personal protective equipment and a fire-rescue saw.
A $24,720 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority will help the Gay-Mound-Cedar Hill Volunteer Fire Department improve its response to structure fires and increase firefighter safety.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $6,300 in matching funds from the department, will allow the VFD to purchase several new self-contained breathing apparatus systems.
By Alyssa Dussetschleger
A 4-H Livestock Ambassador who plans to be a policy analyst for agriculture and a budding entrepreneur who hopes to become a real estate agent will head to Washington, D.C., this summer as recipients of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s 2022 Government-in-Action Youth Tour awards.