WINDS - Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative - Home · LOCAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE EDITION JUNE 2008 PLUS...

J U N E 2 0 0 8L O C A L E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E E D I T I O N

P L U S

A Good Day for Flying Steel

Farmers’ Bounty

Hit the Road: Corpus Christi to the King Ranch

WINDS CHANGEKathy Lusk Tracks Windfrom Canada to MexicoKathy Lusk Tracks Windfrom Canada to Mexico

WINDS CHANGE

ofof

P L U S

A Good Day for Flying Steel

Farmers’ Bounty

Hit the Road: Corpus Christi to the King Ranch

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J u n e 2 0 0 8 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R 3

T E X A S E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E S B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S : Greg Jones, Chair, Rusk; Ray Beavers, Vice Chair,Cleburne; Darren Schauer, Secretary-Treasurer, Gonzales; James Calhoun, Franklin; Steve Louder, Hereford; Gary Nietsche,La Grange; William “Buff” Whitten, Eldorado

P R E S I D E N T / C E O : Mike Williams, Austin

S T R A T E G I C C O M M U N I C A T I O N S A D V I S O R Y C O M M I T T E E : Roland Witt, Chair, Coleman; Bill Harbin, Vice Chair, Floydada;Roy Griffin, Edna; Kim Hooper, Bluegrove; Steve Young, Hamil ton; Robert A. Loth III, Fredericksburg; Melody Pinnell, Crockett

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S S T A F F : Martin Bevins, Sales Director; Carol Moczygemba, Executive Editor; Kaye Northcott, Editor; Suzi Sands, Art Director; Karen Nejtek, Production Manager; Andy Doughty, Production Designer; Sandra Forston,Communications Assistant; Melissa Grischkowsky, Communications Coordinator; Kevin Hargis, Copy Editor; Shannon Oelrich,Food Editor; Dacia Rivers, Field Editor; Camille Wheeler, Staff Writer

F E A T U R E S

F A V O R I T E S

June 2008

Winds of ChangeBy Eileen MatteiPhotos by Woody Welch

Meet Kathy Lusk, one of the firstwind power scouts in West Texas.

A Good Day for Flying SteelBy Kaye NorthcottPhotos by Woody Welch

Nolan and Taylor counties arethe Saudi Arabia of wind power.

V O L U M E 6 4 N U M B E R 1 2

6

12

C O V E R P H O T O by Woody Welch

1 2

6Footnotes By Judy Alter The Rise of a Baking Empire 2 5

Recipe Roundup Farmers’ Bounty 2 6

Focus on Texas Courthouses 3 5

Around Texas Local Events Listings 3 6

Hit the Road By Camille Wheeler Corpus Christi to the King Ranch 3 8

Texas Co-op Power is published by your

electric cooperative to enhance the qual-

ity of life of its member-customers in an

educational and entertaining format.

2 6 3 52 5 3 52 6 1 2

MESQUITE WORSE THAN BAMBOOAuthor Clay Coppedge incor-rectly states (March 2008)that bamboo once served as a windbreak along the RiverStyx—a claim that those of us intimately knowledgeableabout the River Styx know isincorrect. The windbreaksalong the River Styx are com-posed of South Texas’ ownmesquite trees, which aresurely much more of a horrorthan the lovely bamboo plant. It is fitting and appropriate thatmesquite wood’s most usefulpurpose is its embers, whichflavor Texas barbecue, perhapsan ethereal lesson to all.

GUY MATTHEWSSan Patricio Electric Cooperative

STICK WITH NATIVE PLANTS“Texas Backyards Gone Wild”(March 2008) was an excel-lent inspiration for folks whoare rethinking traditional land-scaping and moving towardhabitat creation with the useof native plants.

Unfortunately, when Iturned the page and saw thearticle on “Bamboo: The Good,the Bad and the Ugly”—all Icould see was the ugly. Thiswas certainly a disappointingarticle to follow “Gone Wild.”Bamboo, like the Nandina, orHeavenly Bamboo, a native ofChina and Japan, (Nandinadomestica) is non-native, ter-ribly invasive, and will chokeout our native vegetation while

letters

We want to hear from our readers. Sendletters to: Editor, Texas Co-op Power, 2550 S. IH-35, Austin, TX 78704, e-mail us at [email protected], or submit online atwww.texascooppower.com. Please includethe name of your town and electric co-op.Letters may be edited for clarity and lengthand are printed as space allows. Read addi-tional letters at www.texascooppower.com.

your back is turned! It creates asterile monoculture thwartingall efforts at habitat creation.

MAGGIE LIVINGSVolunteer, Lady Bird Johnson

Wildflower Center, Loyal Valley

LILT AND TUNA FISH, UGHI, too, have fond memories ofthose Toni or Lilt home perma-nents (“A Permanent Memory,”April 2008) but Mom didn’tmake stew on those days. Myyounger brother to this day willnot eat tuna fish sandwichesbecause he said on entering thehouse on “permanent” days heknew from the smell it would betuna fish for supper. Of course, Idon’t remember that, but theschool pictures are a reminderof the fuzzy hair!

ROSIE YAWPedernales Electric Cooperative

MANY HATS OFFHats off to Tim Gearn, who is featured in “Hereford’sBackyard Ferris Wheel”(February 2008), and his com-passion for us folks of anotherera and anyone who desires asimpler, slower pace of life.

I don’t mind being 90 feethigh; it’s those 70-foot drops ofroller coasters and splash-water log rides that give meheart palpitations.

Hats off also to the “CountryDoctors” (February 2008), but,most of all, to Texas Co-opPower articles recognizing ded-icated employees. I reported anoutage at 2:30 a.m. one night,and by 3:30 a.m. a very niceemployee from San BernardElectric Cooperative called,telling me service was restored,everything was A-OK and tohave a good night’s rest.

HELEN T. ROGERSSan Bernard Electric Cooperative

M A R C H 2 0 0 8L O C A L E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E E D I T I O N

P L U S

Bamboo

Cooking with Soda Pop

Hit the Road: Fort Davis to Alpine

WILDTexas Backyards Gone Texas Backyards Gone

4 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R J u n e 2 0 0 8

HOW DOES YOUR GARBAGE GROW?WAY TOO FAST!In 2006, Americans produced 251 million tons of munici-pal solid waste prior to recycling, according to theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA). That works outto about 4 1/2 pounds a day for every man, woman andchild in the country. Fortunately, 82 million tons of thatmaterial was recycled or composted that year.

The EPA estimates that materials recycled in 2006include:AUTO BATTERIES 99 percentSTEEL CANS 62.9 percentYARD TRIMMINGS 62 percentPAPER AND PAPERBOARD

51.6 percentALUMINUM BEER AND SOFT

DRINK CANS 45.1 percent

TIRES 34.9 percentPLASTIC HDPE MILK AND

WATER BOTTLES 31 percentPLASTIC SOFT DRINK

BOTTLES 30.9 percentGLASS CONTAINERS

25.3 percent

CHEC

K T

HEM

OUT

MILE-HIGH ACCOMMODATIONS IN FORT DAVISThe Hotel Limpia, which sits next to the town square in Fort Davis, once boasted that, at amile above sea level, it was the highest hotel in Texas. It was built in 1912 by the UnionTrading Company to accommodate ranching families who came to town for supplies aswell as tourists, who continue to visit the 31-room inn.

Today the hotel is run by Joe Duncan andhis wife, Lanna. In addition to the main build-ing, constructed out of locally quarried pinkgranite, the Hotel Limpia offers accommoda-tions in two annexes and in several historichomes nearby. It features spacious porcheswith rocking chairs perfect for kicking backand enjoying the mountain air.

— From Historic Hotels of Texas: A Traveler’s Guide,Texas A&M University Press, first edition, 2007

H A P P E N I N G S

PERFECT HARMONYIt used to be that if you wanted tohear the Quebe Sisters Band, you’dhave to go to the Fort Worth area.

But there they were in Marchperforming at the National RuralElectric Cooperative Association’smeeting in Anaheim, California.There they were again showcased at

Austin’s South by Southwest MusicFestival. In May, they were bookedto represent Justin Boots at WarrenBuffett’s Berkshire Hathaway share-holders meeting. (Billionaire Buffettlikes to play his ukulele with them.)There’s just no telling where you willfind the sisters.

The sweet, picture-perfect Grace,Sophia and Hulda, ages 22, 20 and17, respectively, sing close harmonyon country swing, hot jazz andWestern classics. And they play three mean fiddles—usually accom-panied by Joey McKenzie on the guitar and perhaps a couple of bassplayers. Now you can order theirCDs at www.quebesistersband.comor write: QSB, P.O. Box 1844,Burleson, TX 76097

August 27 is the 100th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s birth, and the LBJNational Historical Park is having many fun events this summer. We recommend watch-ing “MOVIES UNDER THE STARS” at the LBJ Ranch airplane hangar. LBJ con-verted the hangar into a theater where he frequently projected first-run movies for friends

and neighbors. Those bygone movie fests will be re-

created on a professional screen. The parksstaff has been careful to select movies itknows LBJ watched at the ranch. Free foryour viewing pleasure will be “True Grit”on June 21, “Oliver” on July 26 and

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” onAugust 9. Bring the kids, chairs or blan-

kets and a picnic basket. Come around 6 p.m. The movies start at dark.

For a full list of what’s planned, go towww.nps.gov/lyjo.

Texas Co-op Power (USPS 540-560) is pub-lished monthly by Texas Electric Cooperatives(TEC). Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, TX,and at additional offices. TEC is the statewideassociation representing 74 electric coopera-tives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is www .texascooppower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or e-mail [email protected].

Subscription price is $3.84 per year for individ-ual members of subscribing cooperatives. If youare not a member of a subscribing cooperative,you can purchase an annual subscription at thenonmember rate of $7.50. Individual copies andback issues are available for $3 each.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TexasCo-op Power (USPS 540-560), 2550 S. IH-35,Austin, TX 78704. Please enclose label fromthis copy of Texas Co-op Power showing oldaddress and key numbers.

ADVERTISING: Advertisers interested in buyingdisplay ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/orin our 30 sister publications in other states,contact Martin Bevins at (512) 486-6249.

Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paidsolicitations. The publisher neither endorsesnor guarantees in any manner any product orcompany included in this publication. Productsatisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solelywith the advertiser. Direct questions or com-ments about advertising to MartinBevins, Sales Director.

© Copyright 2008 Texas Electric Cooperatives,Inc. Reproduction of this issue or any portion ofit is expressly prohibited without written per-mission. Willie Wiredhand © Copyright 2008National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

I L L U S T R A T I O N S B Y J O H N M A R G E S O N

WHO KNEW?The Governor’s Division ofEmergency Management isheadquartered in a bunker 26feet below the Department ofPublic Safety headquartersbuilding in Austin. The 12,000-square-foot bunker was built in1964 and carved into the area’slimestone and caliche soil.Plumbing and lighting fixtureswere mounted with shock-absorbing springs to protectthem from breakage. In 1992,renovations doubled the size ofthe shelter, which is equippedwith kitchen and decontamina-tion facilities, and addedupgrades such as state-of-the-art computer equipment andcommunication systems. Incase of emergency, workerswould be protected behind10,000-pound entrance doors.The bunker provides protectionfrom radioactive fallout andcan resist the structuraleffects of a 20-megaton blastwithin 5 miles.



winds of change

Ten years ago, long before Texas became the nation’slargest producer of wind power with the largest wind farm, Big Spring real estate agent Kathy Lusk assisted adeveloper interested in finding wind power sites. Soon, Lusk became one of Texas’ first wind power scouts andstarted AKL Wind Energy Scouting.

BY EILEEN MATTEI PHOTOS BY WOODY WELCH

Wind scout Kathy Lusktakes her dog, Pearl,

while driving thousandsof miles a year west ofInterstate 35 between

the Canadian andMexican borders.


“I learned on my own by going to wind sites and study-

ing on the Internet. Scouting is not that far a stretch from whatI did researching property ownership,” says Lusk, 49, a certifiedproperty manager who once managed a Big Spring mall.

Exploring likely wind farm areas, the West Texas nativenow drives thousands of miles a year in the region west ofInterstate 35 between the Canadian and Mexican borders.Equipped with U.S. Geological Survey wind maps, Lusk andher 12 contractors scout potential sites usually at the requestof a developer, although they sometimes prospect indepen-dently or at the landowners’ request. The ideal site is anuninhabited windy area with documented wind speed meas-urements that’s near roads and power transmission lines topopulation centers. Contractors also need owners interestedin signing long-term leases.

“Wind power is a supplemental energy source that canprolong our finite resources,” Lusk says. A Master Gardener,a nature photographer and an advocate for native plants andwildlife habitat, she says that a love of nature drew her intothe renewable energy field. Although Lusk became a windpower scout by chance, a passion and a preference for windenergy have kept her there and made her successful. “We cantell you pretty quickly whether a site will be profitable ornot,” says Lusk, whose husband, Dan, now works with her.Basically, the farther wind-generated electricity must go toreach customers, the stronger the initial source must be.

The likelihood of a wind power scout showing up on yourdoorstep is growing as investment in wind energy increases inWest Texas and the Panhandle. In 2008, Texas is scheduled to

add more wind turbines than any other state. Lusk, who helpsdevelop wind contracts, recommends becoming informedabout what a wind power lease would mean for you and yourproperty. Lusk agreed to answer general questions aboutwind energy leases for those lucky enough to have viable windpower property and those of us who at least would like todream about it. Of course, if a lease becomes viable, oneshould always get legal advice about specific contracts.

WHAT TIME FRAMES ARE WE LOOKING AT?

Most wind energy leases run for at least 15 years with 10-yearrenewal options. These are multi-generational leases, so youshould get your immediate family involved. Realistically, ittakes five to seven years from the time you first see my faceto the time you get your first production check.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC COMPONENTS OF A WIND FARMLEASE?

A lease should cover the three phases of the wind power devel-opment process: feasibility, construction and operations. Inthe first, or development phase, you are typically paid anoption fee per acre while the site feasibility is researched.

In the construction phase, the landowner receives pay-ments from the developer to install necessary cattle guardsand fences and improve roads to handle heavy turbine parts.A lot of one-time payments occur during this phase, such aslost hunting lease revenue, damages for the holes where thetowers are placed and a lay-down yard where the developerstages equipment.


WHAT KIND OF INPUT CAN I HAVE ON THE CONSTRUCTION?

The good developer will talk about placement with thelandowner, who has the opportunity to request changesduring the preliminary design stage. Examine the stan-dard setbacks that set minimum distances from houses,barns and roads, including the construction crane’s 40-foot-wide path.

WHAT SHOULD A LANDOWNER EXPECT DURING THIS PHASE?

A project’s primary landowner will receive a royalty. If a windfarm site has multiple, small-tract owners, each acre nets afixed percentage of production annually. That proportionatepayment amount is set up front and trued up at the end ofthe year. The lease should state a minimum yearly paymentper megawatt and guarantee you a payment even if part ofthe project is down.

WHAT ARE THE GOING RATES FOR WIND TURBINES IN OPERATION?

It varies widely depending on the developer, the size of theturbine and the location. The minimum payment is around 3percent of gross. Turbines range from 1 to 3 megawatts. At thevery least, you should receive about $4,000 per megawatt peryear. A wind farm near a high electrical demand (load) areaand a great source of wind means more money for thelandowner and for the developer.

HOW DOES A WIND POWER LEASE DIFFER FROM AN OIL LEASE?

We deal with surface owners only. Wind cannot be severedfrom the surface of land and the right of capture. If the land

is sold, the lease transfers to the new owner.

WHY HAS NO ONE ASKED ABOUT LEASING MY LAND WHERE THEWIND IS ALMOST CONSTANT?

How far will the electricity travel to be delivered? Is a mainpower grid nearby to carry the electricity? The shorter thedistance from the source to the load (or demand), the moreviable the site. The Public Utilities Commission of Texasrecently approved new power transmission lines that canhelp move future wind energy to urban areas.

WHAT ABOUT TURBINES BECOMING DANGEROUS AT HIGHSPEEDS?

Even working at maximum power, a wind turbine does notspin as fast as a windmill pumping water. You see the newergeneration turbines’ individual, 300-foot-long blades inmotion. Wind turbines shut down or disconnect wheneverwinds go above 45 miles per hour.

“I don’t want them just everywhere, but I would like to seeenough wind farms that we could get away from dependingon finite sources and other countries for energy,” Lusk says.

Wind power’s a serious business, but she’s seen the lighterside, too, like when one Texas rancher told the wind devel-oper that the developer would have to pay for cattle guards atentrances to the ranch. Then the developer—from NewYork—asked, “How much do you pay a cattle guard?”

Harlingen writer Eileen Mattei is a Nueces ElectricCooperative-Retail member.

Lusk’s job includes lots of fieldwork.

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AS NIGHT FALLS OVER THE WEST TEXAS MESAS, CIVILIZATION

recedes into the shadows. The vast dark sky, studded withcountless sparkling stars, and the road ahead lit by headlightsis all I see as I drive north toward Sweetwater on StateHighway 70.

Then blinking red lights appear on the horizon. First, onlya few. Then, a veritable net of them. Little red lights fill the skyas if zealously decorated for Christmas. Driving closer, I seehundreds of towers, each with two red lights signaling aircraftof their presence.

And what a presence they are. I’m heading toward the threelargest wind energy projects in the United States.

The scene is repeated across much of the Rolling Plains, WestTexas and the Panhandle—country where the dark night skydominated for eons and captured the imaginations of guitar-strumming cowboys who slept beneath it. The blinking redlights mark the country’s new behemoths—wind power turbines.

In the daylight, the lights give way to a vista of white, mono-lithic three-armed giants, some of which sprout from theworld’s largest wind farm, the Horse Hollow Wind EnergyCenter with 421 turbines sprawling over 47,000 acres in Taylorand Nolan counties. That’s just one of the wind farms in thesetwo counties that compose about 40 percent of Texas’ windpower production today. Towers are going up so fast acrossWest Texas that the count will be different next week. Part ofthe boom has been spurred by federal tax credits for wind tur-bine construction scheduled to cease at the end of the year.

There were 109 wind turbines installed in Texas in 1995and 897 during 2007, according to the Alternative EnergyInstitute at West Texas A&M University. The average rating ofeach turbine escalated during that period from .72 megawatts(MW) to 1.82 MW. The heights of the towers have grown froman initial 80 feet to an average of 260. The huge, sweeping

‘A GOODDAY FOR

FLYINGSTEEL’

BY K AY E N O R T H C O T TP H O T O S BY W O O DY W E L C H

J u n e 2 0 0 8 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R 1 3

Wind TurbinesThe tallest wind tower in America—345 feet—is in Scurry County at Enel North America’sSnyder Wind project. By comparison, theStatue of Liberty is 305 feet.

The tips of a 300-foot-diameter wing-spread are moving at about 100 mph. Theblades revolve about 21 times per minute.

There were 109 wind turbines installed inTexas in 1995 and 897 during 2007.

Who Taps the Wind?It may surprise some to learn that Germanyleads all nations in production of wind power. Italso has a huge investment in solar power. Bothtechnologies are heavily boosted by tax incen-tives.

Below are the World Wind EnergyAssociation’s rankings of wind power bymegawatts installed:

Germany 22,247United States 16,819

Texas 4,356California 2,439

Spain 15,145India 7,850China 5,899

When the Wind Dies On February 26, 2008, ERCOT, the state’slargest grid operator, asked interruptible indus-trial customers—those who had agreed inadvance to curtail operation in times of cri-sis—to shut down at 6:41 p.m. Electricitydemand had surged, several conventionalplants were offline, and output from WestTexas wind farms had dropped drasticallybecause the wind abated. Available wind-gen-erated electricity plummeted about 1,700 MWto about 300 MW. In other words, withoutwarning the system lost the capacity to powerapproximately 140,000 homes.

To avoid rolling blackouts, the industrialusers ceased operation until 9:40 p.m., whenthe ERCOT grid was returned to stability. Suchcustomers get a break on electricity rates forbeing flexible in their consumption. The lack ofwind power also caused wholesale prices ofelectricity to spike. ERCOT even had to buyelectricity from Mexico.

“The event was a prime example of whyenergy experts say that every megawatt ofelectric power derived from wind farms mustbe backed up by a predictable power sourcesuch as natural gas or coal,” said MikeWilliams, president/CEO of Texas ElectricCooperatives.

There can also be problems if the windblows too hard. At 45 mph and above, turbineshave to be shut off for safety reasons.


wings can revolve at as many as 21times a minute.

Some energy experts in Texasbelieve wind farms are being overbuilt,but there’s no question that the windbusiness is booming. In the dusty park-ing lots at wind farm construction sitesand at motels from McCamey toSnyder, out-of-state license plates onpickups and cars tell a story of eco-nomic opportunity. There’s a shortageof trained assembly technicians acrossall the windy plains states.

On a sunny November morning, wecruise wind farm territory where BigCountry and Taylor electric coopera-tives provide the local electric power,including the backup electricity forwind farms’ on-site operations. ScurryCounty boasts the tallest wind tower inAmerica—345 feet—at Enel NorthAmerica’s Snyder Wind project. By

comparison, the Statue of Liberty is305 feet. A news release from the proj-ect says it will produce 63 MW—enough power for more than 12,000Texas homes annually. However, it’simportant to note that the intermittentnature of wind power means it can’tget the job done alone. It has to be sup-plemented by a steady source of elec-

tricity such as that derived from natu-ral gas or coal. Otherwise, our homescould be lighted and cooled only whenthe wind was blowing—and it blowsthe least in the sweltering heat of sum-mer afternoons. All told, the presentTexas wind industry has the capacityto produce about 5,000 MW of windenergy, but the transmission capabilityfor only about 3,400 MW. Last year, alittle less than 3 percent of the state’selectric power was produced fromwind.

Our route to wind country shouldhave taken us past the Price DanielDetention Facility, but traffic is beingdiverted. Ahead, a convoy of trucks ispreparing a county road intersection towithstand the passage of a derrickcrane with a 250-ton lifting capacity.First, dump trucks lay a thick beddingof dirt on the road for cushioning. Then

huge steel plates are positioned liketracks atop the dirt. Only then can thecrane be pulled down the road.

Tower sections and blades for theScurry County Wind Farm lie in nearbyfields as other cranes prepare to erectthe equivalent of 30-story structures.“It’s a great day for flying steel,” said oneof my guides. That’s wind construction

slang meaning the wind is calm enoughfor a crane operator and ground crew toheft a multi-ton blade into place some200 feet above the ground.

I see workers, tiny against the spanof a single blade, tighten the connec-tions for a lift and signal the craneoperator to hoist it over their heads.But I move on before the blade isattached to the tower.

At Snyder Wind Farm, I walk withmy head tilted back, taking in the enor-mousness of these modern-day wind-mills. In the parking lot are pickups andcars from Nebraska, Utah, Minnesota,Nevada, Oklahoma, Montana andWyoming, not to mention Texas. Con-struction is going on all around us.

The place is an ant bed of activity. Inone direction, men are digging deepditches for underground electric lines.It’s not a matter of aesthetics but ratherof necessity. Above-ground lines wouldimpede the transport of wind turbineparts. In the distance, steel is flying.

Riding in a pickup with wind farmemployee Austin Hill of nearby Merkel,we weave around completed windmillsstanding smack dab in the middle of aluxuriant cotton field. It’s surprisinglyquiet. The wind at 8 mph is not strongenough to produce electricity. Instead,the tower’s three blades are circlingcasually in the breeze. The movementso high above me is somewhat decep-tive. The tips of the 300-foot-diameterwingspread are moving at about 100mph. Even standing directly under therotating blades, the only sound is arhythmic, muffled “swoosh.”

Windfall for West TexasWEST TEXAS INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVID-uals are reaping rewards from theboom. The Trent school system hasbeen able to afford a new school build-ing and a stadium with artificial turf forits six-man football team. Individuallandowners are also enjoying a newsteady source of lease income.

Carl Williams, president of the BigCountry Electric Cooperative board ofdirectors, has allowed six turbines to beconstructed on the high-elevationplains where he raises cattle and cot-ton. One of the turbines is 300 yardsfrom his back door. From his driveway,it looks as if it is looming over theWilliamses’ one-story house. The wind-mill stands about 300 feet tall. Each

Royce Smith drives an escort truck behind the wind tower sections. His wife, June, wants to be a driver, too.


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blade reaches about 145 feet. And whenthe wind is blowing, the hub (nosecone) can revolve about 21 times perminute. Typically, the turbines auto-matically shut off when the wind blowsabove 45 miles per hour.

“Outside the house, I can hear thewind swishing when the blades areturning. But I can’t when I’m inside,”Williams said. “You better appreciatethe sound when you know you’re get-ting an income from it.”

It took seven years to get the turbinesup and running and the quarterly windroyalties churning. (See our accompany-ing story, “Winds of Change” on page 6,for details of property leasing.)

“The wind projects put a little moneyin circulation,” said Williams with atouch of West Texas understatement.“They add a lot to the property tax base,particularly for local public schools.”

Cliff Everett of Roscoe, who haswind turbines on his property, was a lit-tle more enthusiastic when he recentlytold National Public Radio, “Whowould have thought we could sellsomething we don’t even own!”

Working for the WindTHE ELECTRIC RELIABILITY COUNCIL OF

Texas (ERCOT) grid, which coversabout 85 percent of Texas, currentlyhas a guaranteed transmission capacityfor only about 3,400 MW of power atany one time from low-populationWest Texas to the high-population cen-

ters of the state, according to BobKahn, ERCOT’s president and CEO.Online wind farms have a capacity toproduce 5,000 MW. Many more trans-mission lines must be built, providingeven more construction jobs.

Jobs of all kinds are available. Take,for example, 87-year-old Royce Smith, amember of Coleman County ElectricCooperative, who has gotten into the actdriving an escort truck behind the steeltower sections of wind turbines. “I lovetraveling. I’ve enjoyed every minute ofit,” says Smith, who had to qualify for acommercial driver’s license and take out$1 million of liability insurance. Hiswife wants to join the escort businesswhen she retires. “I bought her a pickupfor Christmas and got it rigged up withemergency lights,” Smith said.

The city of Coleman, headquarters ofthe co-op, is home to several fabricatingcompanies including the Wind CleanCorporation, which employs 130 peo-ple. Wind Clean provides coating sys-tems for the steel sections that make upa wind tower. It also assembles internalcomponents. Across the state, otherfabrication companies are making partsfor the industry, creating at least a tem-porary surge in construction jobs.

Co-op InvolvementFREDDA BUCKNER, GENERAL MANAGER OF

Big Country Electric Cooperative basedin Roby, said she began getting callsfrom wind farm developers in her area

about four years ago.How many are in Big Country terri-

tory now? She ticked off Snyder WindFarm, Lone Star Wind Farm, PostWind Farm, Scurry County WindFarm, Scurry County No. 2 Wind Farm,Brazos Wind Farm, plus HackberryWind Farm, Pyron Wind Farm andInadale Wind Farm under construc-tion—all of them signed up for BigCountry electric service.

Transmitting the wind energy towhere it is most in demand will causegreat technical challenges, but asBuckner said, “The business is so goodfor the area, I can’t say anything badabout it.”

At this juncture, nearby distributionco-ops are not receiving wind-generatedelectricity from the farms in their ownbackyards. However, Bob Bryant, gen-eral manager of the Golden SpreadElectric Cooperative, a generation andtransmission co-op based in Amarillo,says the company plans to bulk pur-chase at least some wind power for itsmembers in the future.

Electricity from most of the newwind farms is destined for Dallas/FortWorth, Houston and San Antonio/Austin. West Texas remains transmis-sion constrained. We’ll explain whatthat means in a story about the Texaspower grids in August.

Kaye Northcott is editor of Texas Co-opPower.

These days, a convoy of wind turbine parts is a common sight in West Texas.

SIXTH ARTICLE IN A SERIES

B L U E B O N N E T E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E E D I T I O N J u n e 2 0 0 8 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R 1 7

BY MARK ROSEBluebonnet General Manager/CEO

EXPLORING THE ELECTRIC INDUSTRYSpeaking Seriously About Energy Efficiency

Texas leads the nation in net capacity, net generation and total retail sales of electricity. An

increasing population and growing economy will almost certainly ensure we will continue to lead the nation in those categories. However, electric generation capacity in Texas has not kept pace with demand. Market uncertainties have slowed construction of new power plants; and rising fuel, transportation and material costs, among other factors, have led to higher electric bills. This makes it especially important for consumers to reduce or manage energy usage and costs. Energy efficiency is defined as using less energy while getting the same result. Why is energy efficiency important to our members? Simply put, the less electricity our members use, the smaller their monthly electric bills. Why is energy efficiency important to Bluebonnet? “Community” is one of the Foundation Values by which our employees live. By being more energy efficient—using less energy while providing reliable power at competitive prices to our current and future members—we are doing our part to preserve our community for future generations. Electricity saved through energy efficiency is electricity that does not have to be generated, which leads to a cleaner environment. This is because electric power plants are one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide, which is generally considered a leading cause of global warming. Energy efficiency pays financial dividends for Bluebonnet and for our members. The less electricity we use at our facilities, the less we have to collect through electric rates from our members. Every dollar we save through energy efficiency is one less dollar our members have to pay on their electric bills. Energy efficiency can be achieved by either design or by device. Energy efficiency by design refers to how a building or home is planned and constructed in relation to its environment. For example, in Texas the two most significant sources of discomfort in our homes are radiant summer heat and humidity. Homes designed with lower-pitched, unpainted metal roofs with broad

overhangs provide shade, especially for south- and west-facing windows, walls and porches. Weather barriers on walls and around doors and windows prevent the infiltration of humidity and seal homes from leaks and drafts. These design features, coupled with sufficient insulation in the attic and around ducts and vents, significantly reduce radiant heat and lower humidity, reducing air conditioning load and saving money. The

State Energy Conservation Office estimates that air drafts around door jambs account for nearly half of a home’s heating and cooling costs. Once these design features have been incorporated, the homeowner can focus on energy efficiency by device. Installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems, Energy Star-rated appliances, compact fluorescent lighting and solar screens on windows can show immediate results. Addressing heat sources within the home is as important as design features that prevent radiant solar heat. Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs saves about $30 per bulb over its lifetime and also produces about 75 percent less heat. Less heat results in less demand for air conditioning, which results in lower electric bills. We at Bluebonnet are committed

to energy efficiency. Our headquarters building in Bastrop was designed with energy-efficient features, such as a metal roof with broad overhangs to provide ample shade from the Texas sun, a four-inch Styrofoam radiant heat barrier to prevent heat transfer to the attic space and insulated, double-pained windows. For more information on energy efficiency, go towww.energystar.gov, or www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us, and look for coming news and programs on our Web site at www.bluebonnetelectric.coop.

Next in the series: Conservation

For additional energy saving tips and information, pick up our energy efficiency brochure online or at any of Bluebonnet's Member Service Centers.

Save energy. Save money.

www.bluebonnetelectric.coop

Visit the following websites for more energy and money saving tips and ideas:

Department of Energywww.energysavers.gov

Energy Starwww.energystar.gov

Alliance to Save Energywww.ase.org

Lower Colorado River Authoritywww.lcra.org/energy/conservation.html

800-842-7708

Energy Costs

The cost of electricity is rising, due in part to several factors, including an increase in the cost of natural gas and coal (the fuel used to generate electricity), a lack of supply (no new generating capacity has been built in Texas for a long, long time), and a rise in demand for energy due to economic growth in the U.S. and overseas. Central Texas is also booming and the local demand is up as well. Bluebonnet is doing their part to try to keep electric utility costs as low as possible by investing in new technology, which improves efficiency and reliability, as well as entering into a contract with the Lower Colorado River Authority that ensures competitive wholesale rates, the use of renewable energy and more flexibility to try to reduce prices even further.

You can do your part in reducing energy usage by making a few energy-efficient changes to your home. Energy-efficient improvements make your home more comfortable and can yield long-term financial rewards for you and your family.

The chart below gives a breakdown of home energy costs based on national averages.

Appliances &Lighting23%

Refrigeration5% Heating &

Cooling56%

Water Heating16%

BluebonnetEC0608_ 17 5/12/08 11:12:44 AM

1 8 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R J u n e 2 0 0 8 B L U E B O N N E T E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E E D I T I O N

Summer weekends bring relaxation, time outside and the harvesting of fresh veg-etables—if you managed to plan ahead and started a garden this spring. If planting

a garden just didn’t make it past the planning stages, the good news is that lots of folks in the area have been working all year to provide healthy, fresh and inexpensive goods for produce stands and Farmer’s Markets. Farmers have long been known for putting their hearts and souls into growing the biggest and best fruits and vegetables and raising healthy livestock. Lucky for us, they are still at it, and are operating produce stands and selling to local grocers all over the Bluebonnet service territory.

Farmer’s Markets and produce stands offer a wide variety of products that are in season and as fresh as if you had grown them yourself; vegetables are usually avail-able for purchase the same day they are harvested. Hand-made herbal soaps and bath salts; free-range eggs; farm-raised beef in the form of steaks, roasts and fajitas; and local honey are among the many homemade or home-grown items available. Stands line highways offering blooming plants and hand-crafted items, such as rock-ing chairs, belts and purses. Some markets even offer classes, giving tips and teach-ing techniques that help us understand the hard work and determination it takes to grow produce from a seed to a healthy end product.

Vegetables found at Farmer’s Markets and locally owned produce stands are crisper, sweeter and loaded with fresher flavor than products trucked in from out of state or even out of the country, which arrive days or weeks after being harvested. A recent study found that fresh produce loses nutrients quickly, so the sooner pro-duce is picked and in the hands of the consumer, the more nutritious and delicious the product! In fact, food that has been frozen or canned soon after harvest is often more nutritious than some of the "fresh" produce offered in super markets that

has been on a long truck ride before landing on grocery shelves. Produce found at locally owned stores and stands is not only fresh and full of nutrients, but are usually, also pesticide free. Cattlemen sell-ing beef found at Farmer’s Markets boast that no hor-mones or ste-roids were used

'Tis the Season. . . Buy Local, Buy Fresh

WHAT'S IN SEASON January: Broccoli (Jan-March) Cabbage (Jan-April) Carrots

(Jan-May) February: Asparagus (Feb-May) Onions (Feb-June) April: Strawberries May: Blackberries, Plums, Summer Squash (May-June)

Cucumbers (May-Nov) Green Beans (May-June) Peaches (May-July) Peppers (May-Nov) Tomatoes (Late May-July, Oct-Nov) June: Cantaloupe, Eggplant (June-Oct) Figs (June-Aug)

Okra (June-Oct) Southern Peas (June-Nov) July: Watermelon (July-Oct) August: Pears (Aug-Oct) September: Winter Squash (Sept-Dec) October: Greens (Oct-May) Persimmons (Oct-Nov) December: Spinach (Dec-April) Year Round: Eggs, Gourds, Herbs, Pecans

Pictured on opposite page: 1.) Dottie and Thomas Pinn, Pinn Farms; 2.) Leroy Faske; 3.) Tracy and Robert Fajkus; 4.) Dolores Leeper; 5.) Cleve Jacobs; 6.) James Crawford, Crawford's Greenhouse; 7.) Doris and Bill Patrick.

BluebonnetEC0608_ 18 5/12/08 11:13:05 AM

J u n e 2 0 0 8 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R 1 9B L U E B O N N E T E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E E D I T I O N

on their grass-fed cattle. An important fact, since the cattle industry has taken hits recently, citing the many health problems regularly manufactured beef growers have encountered.

Buying locally brings many benefits to our community, today and tomor-row. By supporting local farmers we help ensure there will be farms in our communities tomorrow, and that future generations will have access to nour-ishing, flavorful and abundant food. Producers of the many wares offered at Farmer’s Markets are working year around and around the clock to grow and then offer at reasonable prices, the best product they can. Next time you head to the grocery store, take a little extra time to stop at one of the many produce stands or Farmer’s Markets in your area. There is something about a tomato, warmed by sunshine that might just inspire you to start a garden of your own next year!

Bastrop, Brenham, Manor, Elgin, Smithville, Luling and many other com-munities in the area support markets, stands and local growers selling fresh produce. For more information on Farmer’s Markets and produce stands or growers in your area, see the following Web site: www.localharvest.com or just take a drive around your town.

'Tis the Season. . . Buy Local, Buy FreshTOP 10 REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL

10. Local stores are more likely to carry locally produced foods which support local agriculture.

9. Shopping local encourages local prosperity.8. Local businesses provide the majority of jobs.7. Local businesses support other local businesses.6. The business community becomes reflective of this community’s

unique culture.5. The sales taxes I pay support this community and county.4. Competition and diversity result in fair prices and more choices.3. Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy.2. Local business owners invest in the community and have a vested

interest in the future of this community.1. My hometown is more important than a cheap head of lettuce!

(some items taken from www.SmallBizSurvival.com and www.43things.com)

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BluebonnetEC0608_ 19 5/12/08 11:13:26 AM


During the initial planning phases of their home, Blue-bonnet members, Doug and Debbie Kelsay, did some

extensive design work on plans to build a medieval Scottish castle. The idea to build a castle was born during family visits to castles all over Scotland, where the Kelsay’s lived for three years with their four daughters. While the idea of living in a castle tucked away in the woods of Bastrop County was appealing to the Kelsay fam-ily, it did not take Doug long to figure out that the insulated block technology he had developed earlier would prove to be more costly than any amount of money he would ever save—not to mention a ton of work!Researching all types of homes, from geodesic and concrete domes to cylindrical cabanas and structural teepees, Doug came to the conclusion that he could combine parts of all those ideas and create something of his own design that would suit his needs better than anything he had seen on the market. “We weren’t out to make a fashion statement and I didn’t want to do work that wasn’t required and didn’t want to waste money on things that were not necessary,” Doug said. This mindset led to the creation of the "Happily Ever After House" (the HEA House). The term, "Happily Ever After House," was coined by Doug, “As all children long to find the princess or prince of their dreams and live in the beautiful castle, I longed for the house of my dreams. (I already have my princess!) Thus, the name, The Happily Ever After House, besides, all the cool, high-tech names were already taken.” The best part is that it is an actual energy efficient home that can be built with a team of just family and friends (and a few hours use of a 120 ton crane). The technology used to build this house will save

money in ways never dreamed possible and is elaborately (and comically) explained in a book written and published by Doug Kelsay, himself, The Happily Ever After House. In addition to ensuring his house was energy efficient, Doug made sure that the actual building cost was reasonable, as well. Cost of Ownership is a term frequently used by Mr. Kelsay when he speaks of building, adding on and maintain-ing his HEA House. Cost of Ownership refers to the cost of an item that includes not only the cost of purchase of the item, but also the cost throughout its useful life. In the hous-ing world, according to Doug, an analysis of Cost of Owner-ship should include: • Cost of the house (initial purchase);• Operating costs;• Maintenance costs; and• Replacement or repair costs and related insurance costs. An “energy efficient” 2-by-6 wood stud construction has an insulation rating of about R14. The currently popular energy-efficient building technology is the insulated con-crete form, (ICF) which is made up of a hollow Styrofoam block, filled with concrete and steel, which provides an insulation rating of about R25-30. The two outside layers require additional covering, such as stucco, brick or sid-ing on the exterior and drywall on the interior, to protect the Styrofoam. Doug Kelsay researched the ICF method,

I-beams and ICF walls are the core structure of this eco-friendly house.

BluebonnetEC0608_ 20 5/12/08 1:34:15 PM

J u n e 2 0 0 8 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R 2 1B L U E B O N N E T E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E E D I T I O N

among many others, and found that it could be improved upon. He took that energy saving technology a step further by switching the layers around, creating his own brand of a sandwich wall, which he refers to as HEA Technol-ogy, which sports a rating of about R40! The technology behind the HEA House is a “tilt wall—sandwich wall hybrid.” The sandwich is made of concrete-barrier-Styro-foam-concrete and is held together by fiberglass pins. To build a wall, a two-inch-thick layer of concrete is poured, Styrofoam is added next and then following is another two-inch thick layer of concrete. After the 28-day curing (drying) process, a crane is used to lift the wall into place and it is supported by a steel brace until the concrete ceil-ing is added on top, creating a cube. Additional detailed information may be found in Kelsay’s book, Happily Ever After House, which can be ordered by going to the Web site, www.keltecsystems.com. One of the interesting aspects of the HEA technology is that it is free. It is covered with an "Open Source" license that allows you to use it, to modify it, to incorporate it into your

technologies. So, Mr. Kelsay’s company KELTEC Systems offers the Happily Ever After House book to explain the tech-nology, but no building materials. You can buy your building materials from any source you choose. Because changing the temperature of 200 tons of con-crete in an immediate fashion is nearly impossible, layer-ing the concrete, THEN Styrofoam and another layer of concrete sends the energy efficiency rating to astronomical levels, because no matter what is going on outside, the house remains a constant temperature. The Kelsay’s air condition-ing unit is the smallest on the market, but is still too large for the work it is expected to produce. While all the rest of Texas’ units run constantly during the summer months, the Kelsay’s unit is only used for four months during the summer and

cycles only for ten minutes and takes a break for 20. Doug made a great point in saying, “This house helps us do our part in lessening the peak load to Bluebonnet brought about by hot weather and the need for almost constant air con-ditioning use. If everyone had a house built my way, there would be no peak load.” Homeowners will realize the value of a HEA House even more as both inside and outside walls can remain concrete and still look very fashionable and homey. These days many interesting treatments make concrete anything but gray and institutional. Doug used texture, paint, travertine tile and Corian ® to finish out the interior walls and synthetic rock (made by local supplier, Creative Stone) for the exterior. The walls, floors and ceilings of the HEA House are concrete with a minimum energy rating of R40 in the walls to an astounding R50 in the ceiling. Keeping an approximately 2,400 square foot house a constant 77 degrees—no matter what the weather is doing outside—with an energy bill of about $50 a month, sounds like a lofty idea but that is exactly what Doug Kelsay has done. By including many forms of energy sav-ing techniques and devices in the building of his home and using ordinary supplies and local businesses, this beautiful home is a real testament to how much a person can do if they put their mind to it. Humidity is a major concern when living in any highly energy efficient home, including one made solely of con-crete, and the use of a de-humidifier is vital in the battle against recur-ring problems related to constant high humidity. From floor treat-ments using Miracle Grow fertilizer added to acid stain to get just the right blue-green coloring in the concrete stain, to the heating system that runs solely on a 50-gal-lon water heater, this house is efficient, beau-tiful and to the Kelsay family, a huge miracle. “I thank the Good Lord that I am blessed with profound ignorance. When we told people we were building a house like this everyone said it couldn’t be done. Fortunately we had it done before I found out it was impossible.”

A cross section view of the ICF wall.

It took two days to erect the walls after they cured.

The thermometer on the kitchen counter sits at a temperature of 75.6 degrees indoors, even as the exterior temperature rises to 80.6 degrees.

Miracle Grow was the secret ingredient used to turn their concrete floors blue-green.

BluebonnetEC0608_ 21 5/12/08 1:34:35 PM


Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the 2008 Scholarships of Excellence recipients. A total of 30 one-time $2,000 scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors from our service territory to

the college, university or trade and technical institute of their choosing. Bluebonnet is also proud to announce its Employee’s Scholarship recipients: Aaron Tonn (academic) and Joshua Shelby (trade and technical).

This is the 11th year for Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Scholarship of Excellence Program. Emphasizing the importance of continuing education in academics and in the trade and technical fields, Bluebonnet’s mission is to help students in our service area receive the knowledge and skills to achieve their career goals as they become a growing part of our community.

luebonnet Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the 2008 Scholarships of Excellence recipients. A total of

2008 Scholarships of Excellence

If you utilize your bank’s online bill payment program or another online payment service other than Bluebonnet’s to pay your Bluebonnet bill, please make sure to provide the online service with your correct Bluebonnet account number.

Bluebonnet has recently made changes in the way these payments are received. These changes help us to post payments to members' accounts in a quicker, more efficient manner. However, if the account number is set-up incorrectly with the online payment service, this will cause a delay in the posting of your payment.

To provide your online payment service with the correct infor-mation, please refer to your Bluebonnet bill. The account number is listed on the stub por-tion of the bill; it is a 10 digit number that begins with a "5." If you have more than one account with Bluebonnet, please submit separate payments for each account.

It is important that correct account information be entered with the online payment service to ensure that

payment posts quickly and correctly. If you have any questions regard-

ing obtaining account information or paying your Bluebonnet bill, please call 800-842-7708 and a Bluebonnet Member Service Representative will be happy to assist you.

Important Information for Members Who Use Online Payments to Pay Their Electric Bill

Join us in congratulating these fine young citizens. Keep up the good work!

Front Row (from left): Phillip Markert, Cody Autry, Gary May, Caitlin Hahn, Lauren Call, Kody Kliebert, Josh Shelby, Haley Hundemer.

Second Row: Wesley Manno, Dustin Schneider, Kandace Namken, Chasidy Luetge, Ashley Martinez, Lindsey Jones, Krystal Wilkins.

Third Row: Katherine Campbell, Elise Simmons, Dustin Matocha, Maxwell Brown, Robin Ganske, Tricia Salinas, Praveena Paladugu, Aaron Tonn, Kari Galipp, Lauren Chambers, Alex Rudd, Elizabeth Jackson, Tyia Clark, Kylie Novak, Rebekah Shaw

Not Pictured: Brenda Garcia and Madelyne Mann

DUE DATE AMOUNT DUE AFTER DUE DATE09/16/2005 $148.00 $154.63

Contract Account Summary Billing Summary

Previous Amount Due $134.57Payment 08/26/2005 - Thank You! $-140.92Balance Forward $-6.35Total Current Charges $154.35Total Due $148.00

Contract 6000000012Contract 6000000014

$138.85$15.50

Total Current Charges $154.35

Service Address: 123 PINTAIL LOOP/LOT 7SAN MARCOS,TX 78666-1590Electric Usage Detail For Meter Number 10000009Current Read 08/22/2005Previous Read 07/23/2005kWh MultiplierkWh Usage

35,12433,555

11,569

Current Billing Details for Contract: 6000000012 Billing Period From 07/23/2005 To 08/22/2005Rate: BE_G_RES - General Service - Residential

Energy Charge 1,569 kWh PCRF Charge 1,569 kWh @ 0.0100

$116.81$15.69

Energy ChargesLate Payment ChargeTotal Current Charges

$132.50$6.35

$138.85

12 MONTH ROLLING USAGE

0

600

1200

1700

M J J A S O N D J F M A

Service Address: 123 PINTAIL LOOP/LOT 7SAN MARCOS,TX 78666-1590

Current Billing Details for Contract: 6000000014Rate: BE_LIGHT - Lighting Service

PCRF Charge 120 kWh @ 0.0100 Light ChargeLight Charge

$1.20$7.15$7.15

Energy ChargesTotal Current Charges

$15.50$15.50

This bill is a representation of your membership.

Please mail this portion with your payment.

&__&ADDDRNAME&__&ADDDR1&__&ADDDR2

Account Number : 5123456789

Due Date Amount Due

09/16/2005 $148.00

After Due Date

$154.63

Please check box to indicate mailing address/phone numberchanges and enter changes on the reverse side. Make Checks payable to:

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc.PO BOX 240Giddings, TX 78942-0240

5123456789GENERIC CUSTOMER30000000000001

Account Number:Member Name:Print Document Number:Billing Cycle:

Page 1 of &__&TOTPGS

08/31/2005

BLUS10246&__&SEQ2ALT

&__&SEQ3ALT

&__&SEQ1

Account Number: 5987654321

06/18/2008 $148.00 $154.63

BluebonnetEC0608_ 22 5/12/08 11:14:39 AM

B L U E B O N N E T E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E E D I T I O N J u n e 2 0 0 8 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R 2 3

On May 6, 2008, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, along with the Lower Colorado River Authority, pre-sented community development grants to the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum and the Winchester

Area Civic Association (WACA). Both grants were part of the Community Development Partnership Program, which provides economic development and community assistance grants to cities, counties, volunteer fire departments, regional development councils and other nonprofit organizations in the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and LCRA’s electrical and water service areas as part of their effort to give back to the communities they serve. The Texas Wendish Heritage Museum will use their grant money, totaling $20,605, for renovations and improvements to one of the museum buildings, the old Serbin School, erected in 1915. The Winchester Area Civic Association will use their $10,328 grant money to build a covered patio with lighting and seating, adjacent to their facility, Zilss Memorial Hall.

Connected With Our CommunityBluebonnet Gives Back to Local Organizations

Giving back to the communities where we live and work is a way of life at Bluebonnet.

So, when Somerville Little League had a need, Bluebonnet was glad to help. Bluebonnet donated the materials, time and employees to replace a rotten utility pole with a brand new one so the field could be lit for nightime games and events.

"Helping the Somerville Little League was well worth a day’s work," said Vance Hamilton, Bluebonnet Community Representative. "These new light poles not only benefit the Little League

organization, but the town of Somerville and the children playing ball there.

"We support the Little League organiza-tion fully, they do a great deal of good work for Somerville families and this job could have drained them financially."

Texas Wendish Heritage Museum (left photo): Beverly Lee, Bluebonnet; Rev. Al Gallmeier, Chaplain; Barbara Turner, Bluebon-net; Chuck Dube; Mark Johnson, Bluebonnet; Red Arldt; Lori LeBlue, LCRA; Vivian Dube; Eunice Dunk, Grants Chairman; J.B. Gersch, Jr., Secretary; Hattie Schautschick, Museum Board Member; Evelyn Kasper, Museum Board Member; Helen Stogner, Interim Executive Director.

Winchester Area Civic Association (right photo): Barbara Turner, Bluebonnet; Lori LeBlue, LCRA; Mark Johnson, Bluebonnet; Pat Kleiber, WACA President; Beverly Lee, Bluebonnet; Joyce Herzog, Hall Manager; Linda Dunk; Kay Lorenz, Secretary; Bobbie Hajek, Treasurer (sitting)

ENERGY TIP SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY!

A SKYLIGHT CAN MAKE YOUR HOME FEEL MORE SPACIOUS AND PROVIDE FREE, NATURAL LIGHTING. WHEN PROPERLY SELECTED AND INSTALLED, AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT SKYLIGHT CAN HELP MINIMIZE YOUR HEATING, COOLING AND LIGHTING COSTS.

Bluebonnet employees Derrick Lozano, Chad Weiss, Greg Wolf, Darrell Kubeczka, Matt Hollingsworth, Doug Duncan, Ron Mertz and Vance Hamilton relace a pole at the Somerville Little League field.

Bluebonnet Hits a Home Run

BluebonnetEC0608_ 23 5/12/08 1:34:53 PM


Bluebonnet ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Market SquareAREA EVENTS FOR SALE

2008 HAPPY HEARTS QUILT GUILD Presents “Favorite Flowers” Quilt Exhibit. June 6-7 (9 am–5 pm) and June 8 (9 am–3 pm) located at the American Legion Hall, Hwy 77 S. in Giddings. Quilts, country store, raffle quilt and vendors. Admission $3 adults and $1 children. For more information call Beverly Lee (979)542-3006 or Mary Ross (979)366-9341.

PAIGE COMMUNITY CENTER ANNUAL Trade Days, June 7, 8 am–2 pm. Vegetables, homemade noodles, plants, crafts, cakes, antiques and so much more. Vendors welcome. (512)253-6607

STRING PRAIRIE COMMUNITY CENTER Annual Fundraiser, June 7. Barbecue, auction, music. Dinner starts at 4:30 pm and the auction at 6 pm. Located on Hwy 304 in String Prairie.

BLUEBONNET VFD ANNUAL BARBECUE and Auction. June 8 from 11 am to 4 pm. Leon Miller Building, 213 Still Forest Drive, Cedar Creek. BBQ beef and chicken with all the fixin’s will be provided, silent and live auctions for donated items and cakes. Call Buddy for details at (512)321-6744

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP of Smithville Regional Hospital. Meets at 5:30 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of every month in the Education Building of the Bastrop Christian Church at 1106 Church Street in Bastrop (located next to the public library). For information call Cyndi or Shirley at (512)360-2002. At the June meeting, Pamela Solly DO will speak on “Diabetes and Eye Care.”

“WATER GARDENING” by Anita Nelson, of Nelson Water Gardens and Nursery. 11 am, June 14. Martha’s Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 bypass, Navasota, (936)870-4044, or email: [email protected]. Free admission!

BASTROP SECOND SATURDAY Salebrations. June 14. Street markets and live music. Booths $30 and up. Contact the Bastrop Chamber at (512)303-0558, or bastropchamber.com. Click on calendar and date.

ST. ANDREW LUTHERAN ANNUAL hamburger and ice cream supper, Paint Creek community, June 21. Activities include raffle, live auction, country store, and kids' activities. Starting at 5 pm. Located north of Paige, 1242 Stockade Ranch Road.

SPLASH INTO SUMMER FUNDRAISER benefiting Prince of Peace ECLC, 1224 Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek. June 21, from 4-8 pm with fireworks at dark (Dinner 5-7 pm). Featuring a $6 spaghetti dinner, silent auction and door prizes. To go plates will be available.

DAYTON ROBERTS MEMORIAL OLD Time Fiddlers Contest. June 27 at Camp Ben McCulloch (near Driftwood, Tx). Registration begins at 3 pm with first fiddler performing at 3:30 pm. Divisions 61 and older will lead off, followed by 10 and under, then 11-16, 17-40, and 41-60. Each division will be playing for four places, paying $50, $30, $20 and $10.

RIVER RUNNERS 7th ANNUAL COOK-OFF. Fred Mertink Memorial, American Legion Post 533 Aux. Casi Chili Cook-off June 28 & 29. Entry fee on Saturday $20 and turn in time is 2 pm. Entry fee on Sunday $15, turn in time is 1 pm. Cooks Party Saturday night starting at 5 pm with the meal and music at 7 with Road Runner Karaoke. This is a fundraiser for Child Protective Services & Child Advocacy Center. Saturday there will also be a silent auction and a raffle. For more informa-tiom call Crystal Dear (512)844-6668 or (512)253-6335; Cheryl Koch (Advocacy) (512)321-6161; or Stephany Hofferek (CPS) (512)748-9485.

COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE, 1st Friday of each month. Doors open at 6 pm. Music starts at 7 pm. Located at 1200 S. Market in Brenham. Benefiting the Senior Citizen Center.

THE FARMER'S MARKET sponsored by the Manor Chamber of Commerce. Every Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm at the covered pavilion at Jennie Lane Park, located just south of US 290 on Lexington Street, Manor. Items include hand crafted items, jewelry, soaps, lotions, bath balms, fresh vegetables, jams, jellies, pickles, all natural beef, desserts, breads and other baked goods. Vendor space is available. For more information, contact the Manor Chamber of Commerce at (512)272-5699.

BLUEBONNET MARKET SQUARE ADVERTISING SCHEDULE

All Market Square ads should be sent to Bluebonnet at least two months in advance. Information can be emailed to: [email protected] or mailed to:Magazinec/o Bluebonnet Electric CooperativeP.O. Box 729, Bastrop, Texas 78602

We reserve the right to refuse any ads due to space limitations or questionable content. Ads must be resubmitted each month. Please indicate “For Sale,” “Free,” or “Wanted.”

Area Events and ad information for the August 2008 issue are

due by June 15.

AKC REGISTERED CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES Purebred, beautiful, affectionate, healthy,raised in home. They make wonderful companions. Born 4/08. $300-$350. Call (512)461-5248.

BARACUDA AUTOMATIC SWIM POOL cleaner for in-ground pool, 3 years old, with all parts and manuals, $150. (512)321-4183.

DRIVEWAY/ROAD WIRELESS SECURITY alarm. Great for Home, Business, Ranch. For Information call (512)398-4616, or email: [email protected].

AKC MINIATURE DACHSHUND PUPPIES. Family raised, excellent temperaments. Two black and tan males. They will be ready for their new homes in June. (512)237-5278 or visit our Web site: www.ironheartk9s.com

DOG BOX FOR SMALL PICKUPS, top compartment. Used dog box for large pickup. Potty chair - like new. Call (512)601-3057.

PLUS SIZE CLOTHING - 4X AND 5X. Men's and women's, new and barely used, lots of collectible Disney attire; $2 - $40. Pair of metal clothes line poles, $20. Lexington/Blue area. (512Z856-2220.

P.O. Box 729, Bastrop, Texas 78602www.bluebonnetlectric.coop

800-842-7708Outages: 800-949-4414

BluebonnetEC0608_ 24 5/12/08 11:15:04 AM

I L L U S T R A T I O N B Y R I C H A R D B A R T H O L O M E W

I

The Rise of a Bread-Baking Empire

n 1908, Ninia “Ninnie” Baird began selling the bread shebaked on a wood stove in her kitchen. She built her businessinto Mrs Baird’s Bakeries, the largest independent, family-owned bakery in the United States, with 11 plants and morethan 2,500 employees.

Ninnie and William Baird brought their family to FortWorth in 1901. William, a restaurateur, sold popcorn fromthe city’s first steam popcorn machine, a bright red contrap-tion with brass fittings and a steam whistle. He bought a sec-ond machine, and son Dewey, then 8, ran it. Williamsubsequently returned to the restaurant business, buyingrun-down restaurants and fixing them up. Ninnie suppliedbread and pastries.

When William was diagnosed with diabetes and could nolonger run the restaurants, Ninnie began to sell fresh breadfrom her home to support the family. Her four sons helpedwith the baking and delivered their goods to customers. Thegirls took care of the small children and kept the house run-ning. William died in 1911, but the baking business keptgrowing. In 1915, the family bought a commercial oven fromthe Metropolitan Hotel for $25 and credit for bread. Theybuilt a wooden building in the backyard for the oven, and thebaking moved out of the home kitchen. Now they could bakean impressive 40 loaves a day.

At first, the boys delivered baked goods on their bicycles.But with increased business, they converted the family buggyinto a sales wagon and hitched up their horse. The family didlittle bookkeeping. If there was money at the end of themonth, they had made a profit. In 1917, the Bairds bought acar, converted it into a truck, and painted the slogan “EatMore Mrs Baird’s Bread” on it. (There is never a period afterMrs in the company name.)

The Bairds began to provide bread to wholesaleaccounts—principally a grocery chain. In 1918, they gave upretail to concentrate on wholesale customers. To keep upwith demand, they moved into a larger building where theycould bake 400 loaves at a time. Business kept growing, anda second plant opened in Dallas in 1928.

Daughter Bess, a cashier, recalled that during theDepression there was probably a million dollars in the vault,because they couldn’t put the money in a bank. “Differentgrocery stores around town would come to the bakery to getmoney—we became sort of an unofficial bank.” But businessfell, and so did salaries. By 1938, however, Mrs Baird’s wasonce again expanding—a new bakery in Fort Worth and onein Houston.

The Fort Worth bakery quickly became a local landmark.

Plate glass windows allowed passersby to watch the bakingprocess, including the hand-twisting for which Mrs Baird’sbread is famous. The smell of baking bread drifted outside,and the bakery once won an award for the best aroma in FortWorth. The business weathered World War II without sacri-ficing quality. “Quality, Freshness, Service” was the slogan.

By the 1950s, Ninnie Baird’s health began to decline, andher boys took over more and more of the business. But sheremained chairwoman of the board, kept an office at the FortWorth plant and retained a controlling interest in the com-pany. Every time the “boys” wanted to open a new plant, theyhad to convince their mother that they could do it successfully.

Ninnie Baird died in 1961. By then, her grandchildrenwere involved in the bakeries. They had grown up in thebread business—and with the strong work ethic NinnieBaird stressed. Family businesses were common when MrsBaird’s Bakeries began, but by the 1970s, it was the onlyfamily-run wholesale bakery in Fort Worth. By the 1990s,the company had 11 plants throughout Texas.

Today Mrs Baird’s Bakeries is a division of BimboBakeries USA, a subsidiary of Mexico’s Grupo IndustrialBimbo, one of the largest baking companies in the world.The Baird family continues to serve the community throughthe Ninnie L. Baird Foundation, which is dedicated toimproving the quality of life for children and families.

Judy Alter wrote about Henrietta King in the January 2008 Texas Co-op Power.

F O O T N O T E S I N T E X A S H I S T O R Y

B Y J U D Y A LT E R



Farmers’ Bounty

R E C I P E R O U N D U P

C H I L L E D A S P A R A G U S W I T H M U S TA R DH E R B V I N A I G R E T T E

2 pounds asparagus2 tablespoons white wine or cider

vinegar2 teaspoons Dijon mustard1 teaspoon chopped flat leaf parsley

1/2 teaspoon chopped tarragon leavesSalt and pepper as neededDash onion powderDash garlic powder

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oilBring a large pot of salted water to arolling boil.

Trim the asparagus to remove thewhite, fibrous ends. Cut the asparagusinto 2-inch pieces on the diagonal.

Add the asparagus to the boilingwater and cook until the spears arebright green and just tender, 4-5 min-utes. (If necessary, cook the asparagus inbatches.) Drain the asparagus in a colan-der and rinse with cold water until theasparagus is chilled. The asparagus isready to dress and serve now, or it can beheld in a covered container in the refrig-erator for up to 6 hours.

To make the vinaigrette, whisktogether the vinegar, mustard, parsley,tarragon, salt, pepper, onion powder andgarlic powder until blended. Add the oilto the vinegar mixture in a thin stream,whisking constantly. Season with addi-tional salt and pepper, if needed.

Toss the chilled asparagus with thevinaigrette or pass it separately on theside. Serve immediately on a chilledplatter or plates.

Makes 8 servings.

B Y S H A N N O N O E L R I C H In warmer months when our local farmers’ market isopen, I love browsing the selections for what’s plump and fresh. If you start withthe best produce, you don’t have to do much to make the meal you prepare withit stand out. I’m especially crazy for fresh black-eyed peas and those wonderfulheirloom tomatoes that put the grocery store’s offerings to shame. (Green zebra,brandywine and yellow pear are my favorites.) If you’re a gardener with a plot inthe yard, this is the time of year you start to feel downright wealthy.

The Culinary Institute of America, the venerable cooking school that has beenturning out chefs for more than 60 years, recently published a cookbook simplycalled Vegetables. The more than 170 recipes in the book highlight preparationsfor fresh vegetables from soup to pickling. In an extensive “Vegetables 101” sec-tion, you can learn about selecting the best vegetables (eggplants should havefirm, glossy skin and unwilted leaves), storing fresh produce (yellow squashshould be kept in the refrigerator for four to five days) and special techniques forvegetable cookery. Here is a fantastic recipe from the book.

P H O T O B Y B E N F I N K


SHEENA HURTA Sam Houston Electric CooperativePrize-winning recipe: Turnip Greens Casserole

I’ll bet you’re as surprised as I was to see a turnip greens casserole coming in atNo. 1. However, I urge you to try this simple dish, which showcases all parts of aturnip. The only additions are butter, salt and pepper, but in this case, the wholeis more than the sum of its parts. Serve as a side with meatloaf or a Sunday ham.It’s an easy way to get your vegetables and starch in one shot.

1st

sauté for 15 minutes. Put bacon mixtureand vegetables in buttered, 3-quart bak-ing dish. Add remaining ingredients andmix well. Bake 40 minutes. Serve warm.Serves 10.

Serving size: 1 cup. Per serving: 83 calories, 4.4 g pro-tein, 2 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 243 mg sodium, 4 mgcholesterol

JOHN AND SHARI RUDY

Pedernales Electric Cooperative

R O A S T E D T O M AT O E S A N D FA R FA L L E2 cloves garlic2 cups fresh Italian bread crumbs

1/4 cup fresh oregano, finely chopped1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin

olive oil2 pounds ripe red tomatoes1 pound farfalle (bowtie pasta)

Salt and pepper to tasteParmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In largebowl, mash garlic, add bread crumbs

and toss. Add oregano, basil and 1/2 cupof olive oil and toss again.

Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise, thenseed and core them. Drizzle 1 tablespoonolive oil over the bottom of a heavycasserole dish, then place tomatoes in it,cut side up. Spoon bread crumb mixtureinto the tomatoes, sprinkle with salt andpepper and drizzle 1 tablespoon oil overtop. Bake for 1 hour.

When tomatoes have baked 40 min-utes, bring pot of salted water on stoveto boil for pasta. When tomatoes havefinished roasting, remove from oven andallow to cool. Cook pasta until al dente,then drain. Chop tomatoes while incasserole. Transfer pasta to casserole,then mix tomatoes and pasta well. Serveimmediately with Parmesan to taste.Serves 6.

Serving size: 1 cup. Per serving: 533 calories, 12.7 gprotein, 21.3 g fat, 71.7 g carbohydrates, 114 mgsodium, trace cholesterol

JUANITA GARCIA

Pedernales Electric Cooperative

T U R N I P G R E E N S C A S S E R O L E1 large bag (1 pound) turnip greens

10 turnips3 tablespoons butter, divided

Salt and pepperPreheat oven to 400 degrees. Washgreens and turnips thoroughly. Chopgreens, put in pot and add water just tocover. Peel turnips and chop in largechunks. Place turnip chunks in differentpot and add water just to cover. Add 2teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper toeach pot. Bring both to rapid boil, thenlower to simmer until tender, about 20minutes.

Strain greens and press out water.Place at bottom of small casserole dish.Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.Strain turnips well, mash with 2 table-spoons butter. Taste and adjust season-ing as needed.

Spread mashed turnips over greensand dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Put inoven, uncovered, until lightly browned,20-30 minutes. Serve hot. Serves 6.

Serving size: 1 large serving spoonful. Per serving: 123calories, 2.8 g protein, 5.6 g fat, 16.5 g carbohydrates,242 mg sodium, 15 mg cholesterol

E G G P L A N T A N D Z U C C H I N I1 medium eggplant, chopped

6 medium zucchini, chopped2 slices bacon, chopped1 onion, chopped1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper1/2 cup rosé wine1/3 cup dry bread crumbs1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese1/4 teaspoon paprika

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Insaucepan, boil eggplant and zucchini insalted water until tender-crisp, about 10minutes. Drain and set aside.

In skillet, fry bacon until lightlybrowned. Add onion and garlic and

H O M E C O O K I N G

R E C I P E C O N T E S T

October is the height of pecan season. The versatile nut is good for more thanjust pie—it can be featured in each course, from salad to dessert. Send usyour recipes featuring Texas’ official health nut. The deadline is JUNE 10.

Send recipes to Home Cooking, 2550 S. IH-35, Austin, TX 78704. You may also fax them to (512) 486-6254, e-mail them to [email protected], or submit online at www.texascooppower.com. Pleaseinclude your name, address and phone number, as well as the name of your electric co-op. The dead-line is June 10. The top winner will receive a copy of 60 Years of Home Cooking and a Texas-shapedtrivet. Runners-up will also receive a prize.

Cook’s Tip: If you’re luckyenough to have fresh turnipsfor the Turnip CasseroleRecipe, use 10 turnips and thetops from them rather than theloose turnips and separate bagof greens that you’d get fromthe grocery store.


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United States Department of AgricultureAnimal and Plant Health Inspection ServiceUSDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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†Offer ends 7/28/08. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Credit Installment Plan. Taxes, freight, set up and delivery charges could increase the monthly payment. Price and model availability vary by dealer. Price, payment, and financing subject to change without notice. *Based on a purchase of $21,999 with 10% down payment, monthly payment of $318 at 4.9% APR for 72 months. **Based on a purchase of $18,999 with 10% down payment, monthly payment of $263 at 7.49% APR for 84 months. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

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Up to three entries are allowed per person. Each should be submitted on a separate piece of paper. Entries MUST include your name, address and phone number, plusthe name of your electric cooperative, or they will be disqualified. Send entries to: Holiday Recipe Contest, 2550 S. IH-35, Austin, TX 78704, or fax to (512) 486-6254.To enter by e-mail ([email protected]), you must include “Holiday Recipe Contest” in the subject line and submit one recipe per e-mail (no attachments). For officialrules, visit www.texascooppower.com or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address above.

Attention, cooks: We’d like to share your best original holiday recipes with 2.8 million Texas Co-op Power readersand give you a chance to win cash prizes and the acclaim of your friends and family. All recipes must include aPioneer Brand product such as flour, gravy mix, microwaveable gravy, biscuit & baking mix, or pancake mix.Deadline for receipt of entries is September 10, 2008. Winners will be announced in our December 2008 issue.

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Upcoming in Focus on Texas

ISSUE SUBJECT DEADLINE

Aug Country Roads Jun 10

Sep Perfect Pets Jul 10

Oct Old Houses Aug 10

Nov Signs Sep 10

Dec Costumes Oct 10

Jan Odd Farm Equipment Nov 10

COUNTRY ROADS is the topic for our AUGUST 2008issue. Send your photo—along with your name,address, daytime phone, co-op affiliation and a briefdescription—to Country Roads, Focus on Texas, 2550 S.IH-35, Austin, TX 78704, before June 10. A stamped,self-addressed envelope must be included if you wantyour entry returned (approximately six weeks). Pleasedo not submit irreplaceable photographs—send a copyor duplicate. We regret that Texas Co-op Power cannotbe responsible for photos that are lost in the mail or notreceived by the deadline. Please note that we cannotprovide individual critiques of submitted photos. If youuse a digital camera, e-mail your highest-resolutionimages to [email protected], or submit them on ourwebsite at www.texascooppower.com.

F O C U S O N T E X A S

COURTHOUSES

Entries for this month’s contest—coming from counties across this vast state—

were as diverse as the courthouses that anchor our Texas towns. These magnificent

buildings inspire us all with their unique architecture and deep, rich histories that

make us proud to be Texans. According to the Texas Historical Commission, Texas

has more historic courthouses than any other state. More than 234 courthouses

still stand that are least 50 years old, and about 80 were built before the turn of

the 20th century. —CAMILLE WHEELER

7 Susan Soros of Navarro

County Electric Cooperative

submitted this photograph of the

majestic clock tower atop the Ellis

County courthouse in Waxaha chie,

which was completed in 1897.

5 Flapping U.S. and Texas flags

seem to salute the Hopkins

County courthouse in Sulphur

Springs that was built in 1894.

Farmers Electric Cooperative

member Carol Rose Allen sent

us this photo.

1 Early March snow blankets

the Denton County courthouse,

which was built in 1896. Jessica

Rivers, the daughter of Tim

and Brenda Rivers of Bartlett

Electric Cooperative, took this

wintry picture.

1 Joy Beard, a Taylor Electric

Cooperative member, submitted

this photograph in which

branches stretch like fingers in

front of the Shackelford County

courthouse in Albany, which was

built in 1883.

1 Carol Serur snapped this

photograph of the Hays County

courthouse in San Marcos. Serur,

a Pedernales Electric Cooperative

member, calls the photo “Pillars

of Strength.” The courthouse was

built in 1908.


J U N E01 KERRVILLE [1-8]

Folk Festival, (830) 257-3600,www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com

05 SHERMAN [5-7]

Bluegrass Festival, (903) 546-6893,www.chrystalopryhouse.com

06 BUCKHOLTS [6-7]

Cotton Festival, (281) 732-1614

ARANSAS PASS [6-8]

Shrimporee, 1-800-633-3028,www.aransaspass.org

LONGVIEW [6-8]

AlleyFest, (903) 237-4000,www.alleyfest.org

QUITAQUE [6-8]

PaWa Trade Days, (806) 269-1578

AROUNDTEXASAROUNDTEXAS07 BOERNE

Adventure Fest, (830) 249-7277

PEARLBluegrass Concert, (254) 865-6013,www.pearlbluegrass.com

DALE [7–8, 14–15, 21–22]

Central Texas RenaissanceFaire, (210) 823-5004

14 GAINESVILLEMoss Lake Red NeckOlympics, (940) 612-2377

HEREFORDDairy Day, (806) 578-4788,www.hereforddairywomen.com

HUNTSVILLEJuneteenth Celebration,(936) 291-1626

JACKSONVILLETomato Festival, 1-800-376-2217,www.jacksonvilletexas.com

NACOGDOCHESTexas Blueberry Festival,(936) 560-5533,www.texasblueberryfestival.com

SULPHUR SPRINGSQuilt Walk/Dairy FestivalParade, (903) 994-2570

12 LOCKHART [12-15]

Chisholm Trail Roundup,(512) 398-2818, www.lockhartchamber.com

13 CROCKETT [13-14]

Fiddler’s Festival, (936) 544-2359,www.crockettareachamber.org

CROSS PLAINS [13-14]

Robert E. Howard Days,(254) 725-4993

FREDERICKSBURG [13–14]

Hill Country AntiqueTractor & Engine ClubShow, (830) 997-3012,www.rustyiron.org

SAN ANGELO [13-15]

Festival on the Concho,(325) 655-9866,www.sajuniorleague.com

14 EAST BERNARDCzech Kolache KlobaseFestival, (979) 335-7907,www.kkfest.com

DALE Central TexasRenaissance Faire

7

DALE Central TexasRenaissance Faire

7


AROUNDTEXASAROUNDTEXAS14 UHLAND

B-B-Q & Car Show, (512) 922-7428, www.st-johnsucc.net

BLANCO [14-15]

Lavender Festival, (830) 833-5101,www.blancolavenderfestival.com

19 PORT ARTHURJuneteenth Celebration,(409) 982-8040

20 BRENHAM [20-21]

150th Anniversary, (979) 337-7380,www.brenhamtexas.com

LINDEN [20-21]

T-Bone Walker Blues Fest,(903) 756-7774,www.tbonewalkerbluesfest.com

STONEWALL [20-21]

Peach JAMboree, (830) 644-2735,www.stonewalltexas.com

27 LITTLEFIELD [27-28]

Lamb County CentennialCelebration, (806) 385-9001

CELINA [27–28]

Balloon Festival, (972) 382-3600

28 BURNET [28-29]

Texas Hill Country Railfair& Festival, (512) 477-8468,www.austinsteamtrain.org

MORTON [28-29]

Frontier HeritageCelebration, (806) 266-5484

20 SAN SABA [20-21]

Rodeo, (325) 372-8291

WAXAHACHIE [20-22]

Summer Balloon Classic,(469) 644-4576

21 COLEMANSesquicentennial QuiltShow, (325) 624-2142

CANYON LAKETurn Back the Clock Day,(830) 899-4542,www.heritage-museum.info

22 KENDALIAHomecoming Barbecue &Auction, (830) 336-2403

MENARDCritter Shack of Menard,(325) 315-6149, www.crittershack.petfinder.com

24 ELGIN [24-28]

Western Days, (512) 285-4515,www.elgintxchamber.com

J U LY03 CALDWELL

Celebration & Fireworks,(979) 567-4286

04 NACOGDOCHESFreedom Fest, 1-888-653-3788

LEANDERLiberty Fest, (512) 528-9909

Events are listed accordingto space available; see thefull listing at www.texascooppower.com.

Event information can be mailed to Around Texas, 2550 S. IH-35,Austin, TX 78704, faxed to (512) 486-6254, e-mailed [email protected], or submitted on our website atwww.texascooppower.com.Please submit events for August by June 10.

CELINA Balloon Festival 27CELINA Balloon Festival 27

888www.discoverdenton.com

Denton’shot history.

3 8 T E X A S C O - O P P O W E R J u n e 2 0 0 8 M A P I L L U S T R A T I O N B Y G I L A D A M S

sports short red jackets and black bowties and keeps the iced tea mugs filledto the brim.

Now, stuffed once again, head on toKingsville, named for King Ranchfounder Richard King. A great first stopis the KING RANCH SADDLE SHOP, wherevisitors can watch saddles being madeor repaired. Then there’s the shopping:The inventory features clothing, furni-ture, jewelry and pottery plus more.

There’s even an old-fashioned,coin-operated horse for thekids. The next logical stop isthe KING RANCH MUSEUM, whereToni Frissell’s award-winningphotographic essay of the KingRanch (1939 to 1944) fills thewalls.Kingsville Chamber of Commerce,

(361) 592-6438, www.kingsville.org

Kingsville Convention and Visitors

Bureau, (361) 592-8516 or 1-800-

333-5032, www.kingsvilletexas.com

King Ranch Museum, (361) 592-

0408

KING RANCHRecognized as the birthplace ofthe American ranching indus-try, the 155-year-old KingRanch encompasses 825,000acres—a swath bigger than thestate of Rhode Island. But

somehow, a 1 1/2-hour guided tour coversplenty of ground. To take a daily histor-ical and agricultural tour, check in atthe KING RANCH VISITOR CENTER about 2miles west of downtown Kingsville onState Highway 141. From there, you’lltour a portion of the ranch that sportsthe essentials: cowboys and herds ofquarter horses and the ranch’s SantaGertrudis, Santa Cruz and longhorncattle. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlifeand newly born foals and calves. Thetour bus rolls past the ranch’s famousMain House and a horse memorial areathat includes a monument for Assault, aKing Ranch thoroughbred who won the1946 Triple Crown.King Ranch Visitor Center, (361) 592-8055,

www.king-ranch.com

Camille Wheeler is the staff writer forTexas Co-op Power.

From Corpus Christi’s 120 miles ofbeaches to historic Kingsville and the vastKing Ranch that attracts tourists like cat-tle to salt blocks, it’s sightseeing—and din-ing—heaven along this central Gulf Coastroute. Travelers are faced with a most deli-cious problem: What to see and where toeat? You can’t digest everything all at oncein the Coastal Bend—for example, follow-ing the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trailis a trip in and of itself—but rest assuredthat even with minimal sightsee-ing, your appetite for beauty andadventure will be sated. Our tripstarts in Corpus Christi, theNueces County seat, and followsInterstate 37 and U.S. 77 about50 miles southwest to Kingsville,the Kleberg County seat.

CORPUS CHRISTIAll right, y’all, we might as wellstart big—and it doesn’t getmuch bigger than the TEXAS

STATE AQUARIUM, where thou-sands of creatures represent-ing more than 280 species live.

For a face-to-face view ofAtlantic bottlenose dolphinsShadow, Kai and DJ, peerthrough a 70-foot acrylic win-dow in an underwater viewingroom. You can also get up closeto sharks, green moray eels andsea turtles.

Next, hit the WATER STREET OYSTER

BAR, where scrumptious seafood andsushi will leave you stuffed to the gills.Prime catches include the Water Streetroll—shrimp with a roasted poblanocream sauce and jalapeño ponzusauce—shrimp enchiladas and Texaspecan-crusted oysters with a home-made creole tartar sauce. Sigh. Justdivine. Behind the eatery, surf ’s up atthe TEXAS SURF MUSEUM, which claimsto be the only one of its kind in thestate. Kick back on a surfboard benchand take in an exhibit called “TexasWomen. Texas Waves,” scheduled tostart in early June.

After a day by the bay, relax with din-ner and a movie at the INDIE THEATER.

Enjoy a four-course meal in an intimatesetting where white tablecloths andcandles set the mood and a film accom-

CORPUS CHRISTIto KING RANCH

Savor this delicious drive along the

South Texas coast.

BY CAMILLE WHEELER

H I T T H E R O A D

panies your meal. Finally, if it’s swanklodging that you want, try the V

BOUTIQUE HOTEL, which is housed in an81-year-old building. The building isperhaps most famous for the defunctDragon Grill, an upscale and illegalgambling establishment that operatedthere in the 1940s.Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, (361)

881-1800, www.corpuschristichamber.org

Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau,

1-800-678-6232, www.corpuschristicvb.com

Texas State Aquarium, (361) 881-1200 or 1-800-

477-GULF (4853), www.texasstateaquarium.org

KINGSVILLEIt ought to be illegal to drive fromCorpus Christi to Kingsville withoutstopping at JOE COTTEN’S BARBECUE inRobstown. The restaurant right off U.S.77 serves up brisket so tender you won’tneed a knife. The all-male waitstaff

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WINDS - Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative - Home · LOCAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE EDITION JUNE 2008 PLUS...

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