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 will send one senior journeyman lineworker team, three journeyman lineworker teams, 10 apprentice lineworkers, nine competition judges, a barbecue team and volunteers to the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo at Nolte Island Park near Seguin on July 20.
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.
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.