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.
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors unanimously voted during its April meeting to return $6.23 million in capital credits to member-owners of the cooperative, an increase of more than $500,000 over last year. Beginning in May, Bluebonnet’s members will receive a credit on their electric bill for their share of $6.23 million in capital credits.
At Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, many have followed in the bootsteps of their family members. Today, the next generation of lineworkers keeps the lights on, builds new power lines, maintains the electric system and watches out for each other. It’s not just a job — it’s a calling.
Story by Alyssa Meinke
On Monday, April 8, residents of the Bluebonnet service area will be treated to a rare celestial event: an eclipse that will darken the midday sun across the region.
By Sharon Jayson
Students across the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative area are readying special telescopes and protective eyewear. Astronomy experts and photographers are brimming with excitement. Public safety departments are preparing for the likelihood that drivers will abruptly stop to stare into the sky.
Bluebonnet is celebrating 85 years of service. Join us as we honor our past and plan for the future.
Since 1939, Bluebonnet has provided safe, reliable and affordable electric service to its fast-growing membership. Throughout the year, join us in celebrating this milestone as we honor our past and plan for the future.
For 85 years, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative has provided power to members and communities in Central Texas. Bluebonnet originally served 1,468 members through 646 miles of power line.
Two graduates began their co-op careers as interns; four additional staff members receive advanced technical training certifications
By Sidni Carruthers
Fifteen
History is alive and essential to Bluebonnet-area towns. That’s why examples still stand, from busy Main Streets to quiet back roads.
Stories by Addie Broyles,
Sarah Beckham and Sara Abrego
Long before cars or electricity, resilient men and women built lives in Central Texas.
Immigrants and settlers were determined to make this rugged land their home. Many towns were settled more than 200 years ago — some through forceful means — in the vast 3,800-square-mile area currently powered by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.
Soak up the town’s history, shopping and dining
By Camille Wheeler
From its lone stoplight where U.S. 290 meets FM 1155, Chappell Hill opens like a history book. The two-lane road serves as both Main Street and a stretch of the Texas Independence Trail reaching into the Washington County countryside. On this general path, Stephen F. Austin established his first colony in 1821. A small community with an estimated population of 1,000, Chappell Hill has numerous homes and businesses with national and state historic designations.