Bandera Electric Cooperative Texas Co-op Power - May 2026

HE UNEARTHED ANCIENT TOOLS

FOR BANDERA EC MEMBERS

SAM RAYBURN TURNED ON TEXAS’ LIGHTS

I’D DO ANYTHING FOR MOM

MAY 2026

Trickle Your Fancy

The arid West is awash, if you know where to look

Beyond and below the tumbleweeds and cactuses, oases beckon out west.

Photo essay by Erich Schlegel

Thanks to an archaeologist’s persistence, we have 20,000-year-old evidence of Texans.

By Pam LeBlanc

Appreciating Our Moms

IN CELEBRATION OF MOTHER’S DAY, May 10 this year, we ask readers to finish the sentence “Moms are …” TCP ’s writers and editors also share their thoughts.

Lifelong learners—always reading, changing and growing.

—Samantha Bryant, communications specialist

The first person you want to call when something big happens, and you’ll miss her when you can’t.

—Alex Dal Santo, assistant production manager

Psychic. Mine can sense how I’m feeling even from miles away.

—Erin Sinclair, communications specialist

Frequently undervalued for their enormous contributions. They do so much.

—Claire Stevens, communications specialist

Family historians, capturing (usually unflattering) smartphone pics at family functions.

—Kelly Tran, communications specialist

Eternally selfless.

—Tom Widlowski, associate editor

Contests and More

$500 RECIPE CONTEST

Campfire Favorites

FOCUS ON TEXAS PHOTOS

Rodeo

RECOMMENDED READING

Why We Like Bats, our May 2006 feature story, looked closely at the creatures that still captivate Texans. Download the May 2006 issue at TexasCoopPower.com.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE

Moms are ...

Tell us how you would finish that sentence. Email your short responses to letters@TexasCoopPower.com or comment on our Facebook post. Include your co-op and town. Here are some of the responses to our March prompt: My favorite Texas saying is ...

The sun has risen and the sun has set, but we haven’t left Texas yet.

EUGENE NEESE

BOWIE-CASS EC

LINDEN

All hat and no cattle.

SISSY CARTER

HAMILTON COUNTY EC

GATESVILLE

If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.

TANYA STEELE

BLUEBONNET EC

BURTON

The bigger the hair, the closer to God.

DEBRA MILLS

NUECES EC PORT ISABEL

Bless your heart.

KIT VAUGHN

PEDERNALES EC LIBERTY HILL

Visit our website to see more responses.

Matters of Funding

Overall, a great article, but there is a quote saying that rebuilding the Mason courthouse “didn’t cost taxpayers a dime” [In All Their Glory, March 2026]. At least $9.6 million of funding from the state wasn’t from the tooth fairy.

Larry Strong CoServ Lewisville

Shouldering the Load

I loved the story of Tyler Schlickeisen, tow truck driver [Currents, March 2026]. It’s great to see stories on unsung heroes like him.

I do have to disagree with his comment, “Nobody likes to see a tow truck driver.” When I have needed them—on Interstate 35—my two tow truck drivers were heroes.

Frank Graham Navarro County EC Hill County

MARCH

2026 Charted Waters

“Happy to see Pam LeBlanc is still adventurous. And Erich Schlegel’s photos artfully capture her adventure.”

STEVE

HARDY

PEDERNALES EC CEDAR PARK

A Rash of Trash

Back in the ’60s, Lady Bird Johnson championed a “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign, sending us children home with “litter bags” to hang on the handle of our roll-down car windows [A Tidy Revolution, March 2026]. Then in the ’80s, the “Don’t Mess With Texas” slogan was a fun and effective refresher course. Now we desperately need a new antilitter crusade because Texas roadways have grown increasingly trashy.

Cheryl Irish Bluebonnet EC Bastrop

Ancestry and ‘TCP’

My hobby is genealogy and family history. Two articles in March gave enough information about people for me to see if I am related to them.

I discovered Tad Lucas [Currents] was the wife of my 10th cousin. Jennie Reynolds [In All Their Glory] is my 10th cousin. Our common progenitors date from the 1500s and 1600s.

Judith Tavares Nueces EC Corpus Christi

Editor, Texas Co-op Power 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor Austin, TX 78701

Please

and

TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Bryan Wood, San Augustine

Vice Chair Cameron Smallwood, Burleson

Secretary-Treasurer Jim Coleman, Edna

Board Members Matt Bentke, Bastrop Kerry Kelton, Navasota • Mark McClain, Roby • Zac Perkins, Hooker, Oklahoma

PRESIDENT/CEO Mike Williams, Austin

COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBER

SERVICES COMMITTEE

Mike Ables, Bellville • Kathi Calvert, Crockett

Tachi Hinojosa, Fredericksburg

Gary Miller, Bryan • Bryan Story, Blossom Grace Subealdea, Dalhart

Buff Whitten, Eldorado

MAGAZINE STAFF

Vice President, Communications & Member Services Martin Bevins

Editor Chris Burrows

Associate Editor Tom Widlowski

Production Manager Karen Nejtek

Creative Manager Andy Doughty

Advertising Manager Elaine Sproull

Communications Specialist Samantha Bryant

Digital Media Specialist Cayt Calhoun

Senior Designer Stacy Coale

Assistant Production Manager Alex Dal Santo

Print Production Specialist Grace Fultz

Food Editor Vianney Rodriguez

Communications Specialist Erin Sinclair

Communications Specialist Claire Stevens

Communications Specialist Kelly Tran

Proofreader Louie Bond

TEXAS CO-OP POWER Volume 82, Number 11 (USPS 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published monthly by Texas Electric Cooperatives. Periodical postage paid at Austin, TX, and at additional offices. TEC is the statewide association representing 77 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is TexasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 4540311 or email editor@TexasCoopPower.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscription price is $5.53 per year for individual members of subscribing cooperatives and is paid from equity accruing to the member. If you are not a member of a subscribing cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rate of $7.50. Co-op members: Please notify your co-op of address changes or other subscription requests.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (USPS 540-560), 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701. Please enclose label from this copy of Texas Co-op Power showing old address and key numbers.

ADVERTISING Contact Elaine Sproull at (512) 486-6251 or esproull@texas-ec.org for information about purchasing display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 26 sister publications in other states. Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication.

COPYRIGHT All content © 2026 Texas Electric Cooperatives Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited without written permission. Willie Wiredhand © 2026 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

WET TEXAS

Beyond and below the tumbleweeds and cactuses, oases beckon out west

Drive west on Interstate 10 from the Hill Country, through beautiful desert mesas and mountains, and there’s no water in sight, right?

Not unless you know where to look. Rivers, springs and even waterfalls are hidden across West Texas.

Most folks know about the Rio Grande, which cuts through the Big Bend, and you may even know of San Solomon Springs, which fills the 1.3-acre pool in Balmorhea State Park.

But you probably don’t know about the 70-foot waterfall 143 feet below a cow pasture. It’s managed by the Texas Cave Management Association and accessible only by wetsuit-clad expert cavers with advanced vertical rope training.

The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, also known as the Lower Canyons, flows down from Big Bend National Park toward Amistad Reservoir near Del Rio—the most remote part of the state. The 83-mile canoe trip takes a week and requires extensive river paddling knowledge and wilderness experience. Help, if needed, can be days away, but only if you carry a satellite phone.

On the other hand, anybody can paddle and swim just west of the Hill Country. Here, the crystal-clear Nueces River is nothing like the muddy flows that empty into the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll find swimming pool-clear water in Lake Nueces as well as upstream, in a swimming hole in the town of Camp Wood named for its depth in feet, Quince (15).

It’s easy to take water for granted. But seeing and experiencing water in West Texas brings an appreciation of one of our state’s most important and sensitive resources. D

Blue Hole is a spring-fed swimming spot near the headwaters of the Frio River north of Leakey on the private property of the H. E. Butt Foundation Camp. Blue Hole reaches a maximum depth of about 30 feet.

The

LEFT The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River is the most remote part of the state. The heart of this stretch of the Rio Grande is an arduous 83 miles called the Lower Canyons, which offers spectacular scenery but requires extensive wilderness experience.

BELOW A campsite along the Devils River, which begins in northwest Sutton County and flows south for 94 miles, emptying into Amistad Reservoir on the Rio Grande.

Thanks to an archaeologist’s persistence, we have 20,000-year-old evidence of Texans

BY PAM LEBLANC

He Kept Digging

Last summer, Michael Collins gazed over a tree-lined valley near Florence, his eyes scanning the grassy field where he once led excavations that changed our understanding of how and when humans first populated North America.

“I describe it as coming back to an old friend,” Collins said during that visit to the Gault archaeological site, about 50 miles north of Austin.

Collins sat beneath pecan trees for a picnic that day with others who had worked at Gault and filmmaker Olive Talley, whose 2025 documentary, The Stones Are Speaking, explores the site’s significance—and Collins’ role in saving it.

In the 1980s and ’90s, the film explains, artifact hunters lugging buckets and shovels flocked to the 30-acre plot of land, where a creek flowed and an abundant supply of flint rippled through a rocky ledge. They paid $25 a day to search for scrapers, projectile points and knives made by Native Americans and walk away with whatever they found. They left behind empty holes and mounds of dirt.

By taking those stone artifacts, collectors were destroying much of the history that they held. “It’s like looking at a book, tearing a picture out and throwing away the rest of the book,” said Elton Prewitt, a longtime Texas archaeologist.

The Gault story could have ended there— as a pay-to-dig site whose significance disappeared along with the ancient implements once scattered in its soil. But that’s not what happened.

In 1990, collectors digging at Gault found something unusual: two stones with hatch marks etched onto their surface. Word got back to the University of Texas, where the discovery perked the ears of Thomas Hester, then the director of the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory, and Collins, then the lab’s associate director.

The two drove to the site, where more etched stones turned up—along with a Clovis spearpoint, named for a Paleo-Indian archaeological site near Clovis, New Mexico, where scientists had discovered distinctive human-made tools more than 11,000 years old.

Most archaeologists long believed that humans first funneled into North America via a land bridge that formed between Russia and Alaska across what is now the Bering Strait about 13,000 years ago. The so-called Clovis culture was thought to be the oldest in the Americas.

Because Clovis tools had been found at Gault, Collins knew the site was important. But at the time, nobody knew just how significant.

Over the next few years, the land changed hands, and the pay-to-dig operation ended. When the property’s new owners, Howard and Doris Lindsey, stumbled onto some mammoth bones, Collins again got the call. He struck up a friendship with the Lindseys, and in 1998, Collins convinced them to allow a three-year lease so he could conduct an excavation.

That dig turned up more artifacts from the Clovis period, but Collins ran out of time. He filled in the pit and left when the lease ended, convinced the site held even more significance.

Collins stayed in touch with the Lindseys, and in 2007 they agreed to sell him the land. (They still live nearby and keep an eye on the property.) Collins and his wife, Karen, used their own money to buy the site, then immediately donated it to the nonprofit Archaeological Conservancy, where it would be protected in perpetuity.

Collins began a meticulous, long-term excavation project. The people who had come here thousands of years ago made tools, discarded some and lost others, leaving behind a record. The researchers uncovered thousands of artifacts, plus a human-made surface believed to be the floor of a structure at least 15,000 years old.

At first, not everyone believed what the stones were saying. Some pushed back on the idea that humans had been in Central Texas since before the Clovis people. But using a technique called optically stimulated luminescence, which

Collins with volunteers at the last part of the Gault site to be excavated. Currently there are no open excavation sites on the property and no digs planned.

tells scientists when sediments were last exposed to light, Collins and his team proved that some of the most deeply buried artifacts were indeed older than Clovis.

Today, most archaeologists agree that humans began to move into North America before the land bridge at the Bering Strait opened, using boats to cross the water and spread down the coast.

To book a guided tour, visit the GSAR website, gaultschool.org.

Evidence discovered through Collins’ excavations show signs that humans have come to the water at this Texas site—what is now nearby Buttermilk Creek—for 20,000 years. That arguably makes it the oldest demonstrably inhabited site in the Western Hemisphere.

“What’s important about this site is what we’ve learned about ourselves from it,” says Tim Brown, a board member at the nonprofit Gault School of Archaeological Research, which Collins founded. “This site has been so important in the rewriting of the book about the very early story of man in the Americas.”

And it may have more stories to tell.

Collins, now in his 80s, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022, and the main excavation pit was covered in 2016. But just 3% of the land here has been excavated. New technologies may help future archaeologists unravel even more of its past.

“Walk across this soil,” Brown says. “If you don’t get a humble, awestruck reaction, there’s something wrong. And without Mike, we’d have no idea.” D

Scan the QR code or visit gaultfilm.com to learn more about The Stones Are Speaking and for streaming options.

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MESSAGE FROM CEO

WILLIAM “BILL” HETHERINGTON

BEC’s Focus is on Affordability

OVER THE YEARS Bandera Electric Cooperative has established themselves as being member focused, providing programs and services that help support the membership including fiber broadband, energy efficiency programs, and our more recent Smart Thermostat and Smart Battery programs. All these programs bring value to the membership, but we really haven’t emphasized the value of affordability of electricity and its impact, especially on lower-and middle-income folks.

We recently had a meeting with the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, and they were very glad to see our focus on affordability. While most electric utilities relish the projections of higher electric sales and profits, BEC’s focus has been on raising awareness on how you use energy, so you have more control of the costs.

This topic will only grow in its importance as the projections of electricity prices continue to rise. The information below comes from the TEPRI website. The Texas State Data Center estimates that low-income households spend 12.5% of their annual income on home energy costs, versus 4.0% for non-low-income households. According to the Department of Energy, some low-income households pay as much as 28% of their monthly income to cover their energy needs. This extremely high energy burden has a detrimental impact on the family’s ability to meet other basic needs.

TEPRI’s surveying of Texas households revealed that 26% of respondents keep their homes at an unsafe and unhealthy temperature (national average is 18%), and 29% of households buy less food or put off purchasing clothing or medicine to afford heating/cooling and to keep the lights on. 41% of the Texas population is considered low or middle-income and nearly 4 million Texans, or 14% of the population, are below the federal poverty line.

Compounding the problem, LMI households often live in older housing that is more susceptible to energy leakage, which causes high energy bills, health-related issues, and risks during weather related events.

Through our Energy Saver Program, BEC has assisted more than 1,049 members with improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Their energy savings have been documented between 10-26% depending on the improvements made. On average it’s about $236,000 in annual savings for those members.

BEC has been and will remain focused on keeping electricity prices affordable. Based on information from ERCOT, in 2025 the average cost of electricity for residential customers across the State was 15.33 cents/kWh. The residential electricity cost at BEC at the end of 2025 was 13.23 cents/kWh which 13.7% below the statewide average. We are proud to serve our membership and will continue to focus on reliable, affordable power.

Bandera Electric Announces Local Scholarship Awards to Area Students

BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE continues its commitment to investing in the future by supporting local students through its annual scholarship program. Each year, graduating high school seniors, including homeschooled students within BEC’s service area, are invited to apply for a $2,500 scholarship. These scholarships are designed to help ease the financial burden of higher education and may be applied toward tuition and fees at accredited colleges, junior colleges, or approved technical or trade schools offering an associate degree.

Established in 1998, the BEC Scholarship Program reflects the cooperative’s mission to encourage academic achievement and support the goals of its members and their families. Since its inception, BEC has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships, helping hundreds of students take meaningful steps toward their educational and career paths.

From a competitive pool of more than 100 applicants, this year’s recipients distinguished themselves through academic achievement, community involvement, and a strong commitment to giving back. Applicants were required to reside within BEC’s service territory, submit letters of recommendation, demonstrate financial need, and complete an essay outlining how their education and training would benefit their communities.

A common theme among this year’s recipients is a desire to return home and make a positive impact. Many expressed

interest in careers in key areas such as business, medicine, agriculture, and engineering—fields that are vital to the continued growth and well-being of rural communities.

Students like Allison Watts and Chase Galvan plan to pursue careers in business and animal science, with goals of supporting agriculture and opening a local veterinary practice. “I plan to attend Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School,” shares Watts, noting her desire to use her education to make a meaningful impact.

Galvan also plans to continue his interest in animal science and community service, with hopes of returning home to open a local veterinary practice.

A commitment to excellence in the medical field was also evident among recipients Leah Nelson and Katy McFadin. Nelson plans to pursue radiologic technology, while McFadin is working toward becoming a registered nurse with a goal of specializing in neonatal care. Both share a passion for serving others and improving the well-being of their communities.

Through its scholarship program, BEC continues to empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community advocates. By investing in local students today, BEC is helping build stronger, more resilient communities for tomorrow.D

Interested in Guiding Your Co-op’s Future? Learn How to Run for BEC’s Board of Directors

AS A NONPROFIT, MEMBER-OWNED organization, Bandera Electric Cooperative is led by a Board of Directors made up of nine members, each representing one of BEC’s nine districts. These directors play an important role in guiding the future of the cooperative and ensuring it continues to serve members effectively.

Serving on the Board of Directors is both a responsibility and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, as directors manage the business and affairs of the cooperative.

Each year, three director positions are up for election, with each elected director serving a three-year term. In 2026, members will elect directors to represent Districts 1, 2, and 3. In accordance with BEC’s Bylaws, the current (incumbent) directors may be included on the ballot, along with any qualified members nominated by petition.

The nomination by petition process requires that any interested BEC member completes the application and collects at least 100 signatures from BEC members within their district.

Serving on the Board is a great way to represent your community and help shape the future of your cooperative. If you’re passionate about BEC and the members it serves, we encourage you to consider getting involved.

Scan the QR code for more information on director qualifications, nomination, and election procedures. If you are interested in running or would like to learn more about the process, please contact BEC’s Executive Assistant at 866.226.3372 ext. 4445 or executiveassistant@banderaelectric.com. D

Below is a general timeline to help guide you through the election process:

• May 13, 2025 – Notification of Director Election

• July 20, 2026 – Deadline for Director Application Package

• September 3, 2026 – Director Candidate Validation

• September 18, 2026 – Director Election Opens

• October 16, 2026 – Director Election Closes

• October 17, 2026 – BEC’s 2026 Annual Meeting

Smarter Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

AS SUMMER TEMPERATURES CLIMB across Texas, so can your energy bills, but staying comfortable doesn’t have to mean overspending. With a few simple habits and the right tools, you can keep your home cool while keeping costs under control. One of the most effective ways to do both is by joining the BEC Smart Thermostat Program.

Cooling your home accounts for a significant portion of your energy use during the summer months, especially during peak afternoon hours. Small adjustments like raising your thermostat a few degrees when you’re away, closing blinds to block out heat, and using ceiling fans to circulate air can make a noticeable difference. But remembering to make those changes consistently isn’t always easy. That’s where a smart thermostat comes in.

By enrolling in BEC’s Smart Thermostat Program, you will receive a free, professionally-installed ecobee smart thermostat, which helps you take the guesswork out of managing your home’s temperature. Your ecobee will automatically adjust based on your schedule and preferences, helping reduce unnecessary energy use without sacrificing comfort. You can also control your thermostat from your phone, so whether you’re at work or on vacation, you’re always in control.

Even better, the Smart Thermostat Program comes with added perks. Professional installation ensures everything is set up correctly from day one, and participating members will

receive a monthly bill credit that makes the upgrade even more affordable. Over time, the energy savings can really add up, especially during those long, hot Texas summers.

Already have an ecobee? You can enroll it in the Smart Thermostat Program and get a $100 bill credit! Call us to learn how.

If you’re looking for a simple way to lower your energy bills this season, joining the Smart Thermostat Program is a smart move. It’s an easy upgrade that delivers lasting comfort, convenience, and savings all summer long. Ready to join? Visit our website or call 866-226-3372 today. D

Time-Based Usage Transitions to Summer Rates in May

AS THE SEASONS CHANGE, so do Bandera Electric Cooperative’s Time-Based Usage (TBU) rates. Beginning in May, summer rates are officially in effect, offering members continued opportunities to manage their energy use and save on their electric bills. Time-Based Usage is a voluntary rate program designed to help members take control of their energy costs. Unlike standard flat rates, TBU rates vary depending on the time of day and season. By shifting electricity use away from peak demand hours, members can reduce their monthly bills while supporting a more efficient energy system.

There are several simple ways to maximize savings during the summer months. Running appliances like washers and dryers during off-peak hours, adjusting your thermostat a few degrees higher during peak times, and cooling your home during lower-rate periods can all make a noticeable difference. Even small changes, such as preparing meals outside of peak hours, can add up over time.

By making thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine, you can lower your energy costs while helping reduce overall demand across the cooperative’s system. Visit BanderaElectric.com or scan the QR code to learn more about Time-Based Usage and explore all rates.D

BEC Supports Rural Libraries and the 2026 Summer Reading Programs

BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IS proud to support rural libraries across the communities it serves as they prepare for the 2026 Summer Reading Program, helping encourage a lifelong love of reading among children and families.

Libraries throughout the region will host a variety of engaging activities as part of the nationwide summer reading initiative themed “Unearth a Story.” The program invites young readers to explore stories through books, discovery, and hands-on learning while helping students maintain and strengthen their reading skills during the summer months.

Through this sponsorship, BEC is helping rural libraries provide educational programming, reading incentives, and interactive activities designed to inspire curiosity and creativity among young readers. Summer reading programs are especially important in rural communities, helping prevent the “summer slide,” when students can lose reading skills while school is not in session.

According to the Public Library Association, summer reading stands out as a cornerstone event for most public libraries: 99.1% have a summer reading program of some type, whether for children, teens, and/or adults. Summer reading programs offer a fun way to engage patrons—particularly children and young adults—in activities that build literacy and support lifelong learning. Research has shown that these programs can mitigate the learning loss that otherwise happens when students are out of school. Children from low-income households are particularly vulnerable to learning loss and may benefit most from summer reading interventions.

Bandera Kronkosky Public Library Director, Sarah Rodriguez explains how BEC’s support matters for her community.

“Last year we were able to serve 383 participants and a total of 1206 attendees across 12 programs during June and July. This year I hope to do even better! Your commitment to giving back makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve. Because of your support, we are able to provide engaging programs, inspiring activities, and valuable resources that encourage a love of reading and lifelong learning. Our main goal for this event is to keep children reading and engaged learning over the summer. We are truly grateful for your partnership and for the role you play in helping our community thrive. Thank you for investing in our mission and in the success of our Summer Reading Program,” Rodriguez explained.

“Supporting education and strengthening the communities we serve is at the heart of our mission,” said Bill Hetherington, CEO for Bandera Electric Cooperative. “We are proud to partner with our local libraries to help provide opportunities that encourage children to keep learning and exploring all summer long.”

Participating libraries will offer story times, educational presentations, crafts, and interactive programs for children and families throughout the summer. The program is open to readers of all ages and encourages families to participate together. BEC’s Summer Reading Program donation will support creative learning opportunities for local youth.

“The summer reading program at the Medina Community Library is Unearth a Story and we are emphasizing dinosaurs, archeologists and paleontologists. We plan to offer the children and the community a multitude of activities and learning opportunities this summer. They will be able to make connections when they read, see something at a museum or in a movie, or talking to others. They can attend archelogy camp, take cooking classes, watch an animal show and visit Dino George,” explains Medina Community Library Director, Allison Harbour.

“Community partnerships make programs like this possible,” said Comfort Public Library Director, Tracy C. Ahrens. “Support from organizations like Bandera Electric Cooperative allows us to expand opportunities for young readers in our rural communities.”

The 2026 Summer Reading Program will take place throughout the summer at participating libraries across the region. Families are encouraged to contact their local library for schedules, registration information, and upcoming events. D

Coffee & Conversation with BEC Executives: Charging Forward with Transparency

BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE WELCOMED members on March 24 for our first Coffee & Conversation event of the year, bringing together great conversations, fresh coffee, and meaningful connections. The event provided a welcoming, come-and-go setting where members could engage directly with BEC’s executive team and employees.

As part of BEC’s 2026 theme, Charging Forward, the cooperative remains committed to transparency, and events like Coffee & Conversation help bring that commitment to life. By creating opportunities for open, two-way dialogue, members can ask questions, share feedback, and connect directly with BEC leadership. These conversations play an important role in shaping the future of the cooperative and ensuring members remain at the center of every decision. We look forward to continuing the conversation at our next Coffee & Conversation with BEC Executives in July—stay tuned for more details! D

Puff Oven Pancake

4 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup flour

2 teaspoons sugar

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

1 teaspoon salt ¼ cup (½ stick) butter

Fresh fruit or berries Powdered sugar

2. In a large bowl, briefly beat eggs. Whisk in milk, flour, sugar and salt until fairly smooth (do not overmix). Cover batter and let stand 30 minutes.

3. Place butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, or similarly sized baking dish, and heat in oven until melted. Swirl skillet to coat the bottom and sides with melted butter.

4. Pour batter into skillet and bake 15–20 minutes or until it rises very high and is billowy on the edges and golden brown.

5. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes. Place fruit in the center crevice of pancake and dust with powdered sugar.

SERVES 4–6

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Find this and more delicious recipes online at TexasCoopPower.com.

Cinco de Mayo | Tuesday, May 5

Mother’s Day | Sunday, May 10

Memorial Day | Monday, May 25

All BEC offices and lobbies will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

Office Closure | Tuesday, June 2

All BEC offices and lobbies will be closed from 8 AM to 2 PM for employee training.

Bandera Electric Cooperative

CONTACT US

P.O. Box 667 • Bandera, TX 78003

CONTACT US

Toll-Free 1-866-226-3372 (1-866-BANDERA)

P.O. Box 667 • Bandera, TX 78003

Web banderaelectric.com

Toll-Free 1-866-226-3372 (1-866-BANDERA)

Email mas@banderaelectric.com

Web banderaelectric.com

Email mas@banderaelectric.com

Board of Directors

District 1 Robert Aguirre, Secretary-Treasurer

Board of Directors

District 1 Robert Aguirre

Frances “Fran” Laue

District 2 Frances “Fran” Laue

District 3 Jeffery “Jeff” Slocum

District 4 Jeremy Diller, Vice Chairman

District 3 Jeffery “Jeff” Slocum

District 5 Annegreth “Anna” Niemann

District 4 Jeremy Diller, Vice Chairman

District 5 Annegreth “Anna” Niemann

District 6 Richard “Dick” Earnest

District 6 Richard “Dick” Earnest

Christopher “Chris” Blakemore, Chairman

District 7 Christopher “Chris” Blakemore

District 8 Michael D.T. Edwards

Kurt Solis

District 8 Michael D.T. Edwards, Chairman

District 9 Kurt Solis, Secretary-Treasurer

Key Staff

Key Staff

William “Bill” Hetherington, CEO

William “Bill” Hetherington, CEO

Stephanie Pankratz, CFO

Stephanie Pankratz, CFO

John Padalino, General Counsel and CAO

John Padalino, General Counsel and CAO

Shane Schmidt, COO

Shane Schmidt, COO

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

Our mission is lighting the grid to empower our members.

Empowering communities with reliable and innovative services and technologies to enhance everyday life.

Vision Statement

Reimagining rural America.

Building a sustainable and connected future together.

OFFICES

OFFICES

For hours and information, visit banderaelectric.com/hours.

For hours and information, visit banderaelectric.com/hours.

Bandera Headquarters | 3172 Highway 16 N.

Boerne | 1100 N. Main St., Suite 104

Bandera Headquarters | 3172 Highway 16 N. Boerne | 1100 N. Main St., Suite 104

Comfort | 739 Front St. (Highway 27)

Comfort | 739 Front St. (Highway 27)

Leakey | 485 W. Ranch Road 337

Leakey | 485 W. Ranch Road 337

PAYMENT OPTIONS

PAYMENT OPTIONS

• myBEC online or mobile app bill payment

For a list of accepted payment options, visit banderaelectric.com/paymentoptions

• Free bank draft service

• Paperless billing

FOLLOW US

• Level billing

• Automatic recurring credit card payment

• Visa, Mastercard and Discover accepted

• ECheck payment by phone

• Cash or check payments in office

• 24/7 payment kiosks at select offices

• Payments accepted at Fidelity Express

CONTACT US

• Time-based

P.O. Box 667 • Bandera, TX 78003

• PrePay program

Phone 1-866-226-3372, option 5

Web BECFiber.com

Email mas@banderaelectric.com

FOLLOW US

The Amazing Telikin Easy Computer

• Easy OneClick Menu!

• Large Fonts 200% Zoom

• 100% US Support

• Large Print Keyboard

If you find computers frustrating and confusing, you are not alone. When the Personal Computer was introduced, it was simple. It has now become a complex Business Computer with thousands of programs for Accounting, Engineering, Databases etc. This makes the computer complex.

You want something easy, enjoyable, ready to go out of the box with just the programs you need. That’s why we created the Telikin computer.

Telikin is easy, just take it out of the box, plug it in and connect to the internet. Telikin will let you easily stay connected with friends and family, shop online, find the best prices on everything, get home delivery, have doctor visits, video chat with the grandkids, share pictures, find old friends and more. Telikin is completely different.

One click Interface – A single click takes you to Email, Web, Video Chat, Contacts, Photos, Games and more.

Large Fonts, 200% Zoom – Easy to see easy to read.

Secure System – No one has ever downloaded a virus on Telikin.

Voice Recognition – No one likes to type. Telikin has Speech to Text. You talk, it types.

Preloaded Software – All programs are pre-loaded and set up. Nothing to download.

100% US based support – Talk to a real person who wants to help. Telikin has great ratings on BBB and Google!

Copyright Telikin 2026

• Secure System No Viruses!

• Large 22'' Screen!

• Speech to Text You talk, It types!

This computer is not designed for business. It is designed for you!

“This was a great investment.”

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“Thank you again for making a computer for seniors.”

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“Telikin support is truly amazing.”

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Power and Light

BY JESSICA RIDGE

BEFORE THE PASSAGE OF THE Rural Electrification Act nearly a century ago, in the depths of the Great Depression, most U.S. farmsteads made do in the dark while their neighbors in cities a few miles away experienced a higher standard of living. Investor-owned utilities didn’t deem it profitable to run miles of power lines across the countryside.

Without electric lights and appliances, farm families cooked over smoky woodstoves, read and studied under kerosene lamps, and performed laborious agricultural chores by hand.

By the mid-1930s, change was afoot, thanks in large part to a dedicated and diplomatic Texan intent on the empowerment of rural communities. The REA,

enacted 90 years ago this month—May 20, 1936—made available low-cost federal loans to rural landowners who had banded together in hopes of threading the countryside with electric lines.

Electric cooperatives were born, starting with the first, Bartlett Electric Cooperative in Central Texas.

Before the REA, only around 10% of U.S. farms had electricity. By 1950, the federal financing the legislation shook loose had helped electrify nearly 80% of farms. Today, more than 900 co-ops power rural and suburban residents.

A 1960 Department of Agriculture video describes electricity as “magic from nowhere and everywhere” and details “the drab, colorless days” before

its rural availability. The video colorizes a black-and-white sequence, demonstrating the life-changing force of electricity coursing through the home of the fictional family it depicts.

Similar transformations, effected many times across prewar rural landscapes nationwide, were largely enabled by the efforts and advocacy of U.S. Rep. Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn, who cosponsored the REA legislation with Nebraska Sen. George Norris.

Rayburn, born in Tennessee, moved with his family to an unelectrified Fannin County farm, in North Texas, when he was 5, in 1887.

He attended grade school through law school in Texas and served in the Legislature before catapulting to Congress in 1913, where he set records as the longestserving speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives—17 years over 10 sessions spanning the 1930s to 1960s, accrued piecemeal during his near-half-century tenure.

Rayburn didn’t forget his former neighbors. In his papers, housed at the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas, a March 1938 thank-you on Fannin County Electric Cooperative letterhead notes the co-op’s progress in installing its first 110 miles of line, thanks to a $100,000 REA requisition.

In July 1940, Farmers Electric Cooperative sent its own note to Rayburn, chiefly attributing to him the REA’s “birth and success.” Included was a precursor to this magazine, a monthly newsletter called the REA Co-op Message, which included a rundown of the co-op’s recent annual meeting, a list of new members and updates about members’ appliance purchases.

Readers learned that member W.C. McKay had installed an electric range at home. “Naturally,” the newsletter reads, “Mrs. McKay is very happy.”

She wasn’t alone. Thanks to Rayburn, life in Co-op Country was changed forever. D

Mom’s Favorites

Recipes perfected and passed down through the years

BY VIANNEY RODRIGUEZ, FOOD EDITOR

This salad smells like home. Growing up, my mami had a beautiful garden where she harvested the juiciest cucumbers and tomatoes. Sliced, tossed with panela and drizzled with her homemade dressing, I could eat this salad every day. I’m thrilled to share a dish my mami and I still enjoy together.

Tomato Cucumber Panela Salad

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

2 medium cucumbers, diced

1 package panela cheese (16 ounces), cubed

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1 bunch cilantro, finely minced

1. Place tomatoes, cucumbers and panela in a bowl.

2. In another bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, lime juice, salt and pepper until well blended. Stir in cilantro.

3. Pour dressing over salad, stir to combine and store in fridge until ready to serve.

SERVES 4

Follow Vianney Rodriguez as she cooks in Cocina Gris at sweetlifebake.com, where she features a recipe for Frida Kahlo’s Ensalada de Calabacín.

Lasagna

DANI DECESARO

TRINITY VALLEY EC

DeCesaro’s Norwegian mom married an Italian man and perfected this recipe alongside her sister. It has become a wonderful memory for the entire family.

3 quarts plus 1/3 cup water, divided use 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt, divided use

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

9 lasagna noodles

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup minced onion

1/4 cup dried parsley flakes

1/8 teaspoon garlic salt

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 can evaporated milk (12 ounces)

1 can tomato paste (12 ounces)

1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced into 18 pieces

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Bring 3 quarts water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and oil. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and place noodles on paper towels.

3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, parsley and garlic salt. Cook, breaking up ground beef with spoon.

4. When fully cooked, reduce heat to simmer, and stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt, flour, pepper and oregano until well combined.

$500 WINNER

Mom’s Fresh Apple Bars

DIANE KORUS KARNES EC

Korus’ mom enjoyed these bars in the afternoon with a cup of coffee, and I have to agree that these babies are the ultimate afternoon snack. Packed with fresh apples and a sinfully sweet streusel topping, these bars are a crowd pleaser.

STREUSEL

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

BARS

2/3 cup shortening

2 cups light brown sugar

$500 Recipe Contest

CAMPFIRE FAVORITES DUE MAY 10

2 eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups flour

1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large or 2 medium apples)

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. STREUSE L In a bowl, combine flour, sugar and butter. Mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. BARS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch pan with cooking spray.

3. In a large bowl, beat shortening and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, salt and vanilla and mix until combined, scraping down sides as needed.

4. With a spatula, stir in flour, cinnamon and baking powder until well combined. Gently fold in apples and pecans.

5. Spread batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with streusel. Bake 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

SERVES 12

For our October issue, we’re eager to pass around treats and meals to munch on while gathered around the flames. Fire off your best recipe for a chance at winning $500.

UPCOMING: CRANBERRY HARVEST DUE JUN 10

RECIPES CONTINUED

5. Add evaporated milk and remaining 1/3 cup water. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomato paste until well combined.

6. Layer three noodles on bottom of prepared pan. Spread 1/2 meat sauce over noodles, then layer on 3 more noodles and top with 1/2 of cheese. Add remaining 3 noodles. Top with remaining meat sauce and remaining cheese.

7. Bake about 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and begins to brown.

SERVES 8

Yankee Cake

CHUCK BURGESS

HEART OF TEXAS EC

Burgess’ mom was from Texas, his dad from New York. His dad’s family shared this cake recipe with Mom. It’s now a family favorite and sure to be your new

favorite too. This Yankee Cake is a cinnamony sweet surprise sprinkled with sugar and nuts.

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided use

7 tablespoons (7/8 stick) butter, softened, divided use

1 egg

1/2 cup heavy cream

WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS BEGINS WITH YOU

Have your “Go Kit” packed and ready. Create defensible space around your home. Identify two evacuation routes incase one becomes compromised. Communicate with local officials and learn how they will send emergency notifications.

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch pan with cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, salt and baking powder.

3. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar and 5 tablespoons butter at medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add egg, heavy cream, milk and vanilla. Mix until combined, scraping down sides.

4. Add flour mixture and mix until combined.

5. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar plus cinnamon and nuts. Dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.

6. Bake 25–30 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

SERVES 12

South Poles

Panna Maria museum shows off Polish heritage in a big way

BY CHET GARNER

LOTS OF FOLKS know Texas for its Mexican flavors, its German beer halls and its Czech kolache. But mention our Polish history, and most won’t know where to start, even though Texas is home to the oldest permanent Polish settlement in America.

I’ll admit, before visiting the small community of Panna Maria, I didn’t grasp how deep our Polish roots run. But fortunately, I found the Polish Heritage Center ready to educate me and the rest of Texas.

Panna Maria (population about 40) sits quietly on the rolling plains of Karnes County about an hour southeast of San Antonio.

The entire community revolves around two blocks. On one sits the picturesque Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, which dates to 1855. And on the next is the stately Polish Heritage Center, which dates to 2021. I have visited more than my fair share of smalltown museums, but nothing could prepare me for what I found inside this state-of-the-art facility.

After signing my name in the guest book next to visitors from the Polish capital of Warsaw and beyond, I stepped into an immersive experience that transported me to 1854, when a group of Polish immigrants held Mass under the oak trees just outside the church and decided to call Panna Maria home. The museum went on to tell the story of the culture, faith and struggles of this community, including its influence on modern life in Texas.

The history unfolds through hand-embroidered clothing, family photos, tools and letters carried across the Atlantic. It’s so well done that it would impress visitors in any big city, making it all the more amazing in tiny Panna Maria.

Texas is a patchwork of cultures, accents and traditions. Thanks to the Polish Heritage Center, one of our more overlooked threads is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. D

ABOVE Chet stops at a painting in the Polish Heritage Center in Panna Maria showing the first Catholic Mass after immigrants reached the site on Christmas Eve in 1854.

Watch the video on our website and see all of Chet’s Texplorations on The Daytripper on PBS.

Know Before You Go

Call ahead or check an event’s website for scheduling details, and check our website for many more upcoming events.

9

Brenham [8–9] Maifest, (979) 451-0621, brenhammaifest.com

Round Top [8–10] Fine Art Festival at the Compound, (281) 236-3821, bit.ly/fafatthecompound

Nacogdoches Scottish Highland Games and Festival, (936) 371-3072, nacscottishgames.com

Palestine Mother’s Day Lunch Train, 1-855-632-7729, texasstaterailroad.net

Stonewall Williams Creek (Albert) School Open House, (830) 685-3321, historicschools.org

14

Giddings [14–16] Lee County Fair, info@leecountyfairtx.com, leecountyfairtx.com

15

Columbus [15–16] Magnolia Days Festival, (979) 732-8385, magnoliadays.org

Grapevine [15–17] Main Street Fest, (817) 410-3185, grapevinetexasusa.com

16

17

Fredericksburg Classic Truck Show, (830) 990-4433, pecangrovestore.com

Greenville Knights of Columbus Mayfest, (903) 455-9062, donvinson75402@gmail.com

Fredericksburg Thomas Pandolfi, fredericksburg musicclub.com

21

22

Grapeland [21–23] Salmon Lake Park Gospel Bluegrass Festival, (936) 687-2594, slpbluegrass.com

Kerrville [21–June 7] Folk Festival, (830) 257-3600, kerrvillefolkfestival.org

Granbury [22–24] Memorial Day Weekend Festival, (682) 936-4550, granburysquare.com

Kerrville [22–24] Texas Masters of Fine Art & Craft Show, (469) 223-4162, texasmasters.com

23

Chappell Hill Artwalk on Main Street, (979) 337-9910, chappellhilltx.com

Hondo Heritage Hike, (830) 660-6908, bit.ly/hondohike

Levelland [23–25] Panhandle Cutting Horse Association Show, (325) 518-1424, panhandlecha.com

29

Corsicana Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, (903) 874-7792, corsicanapalace.com JUNE

5 Fort Worth [5–7] Hadestown, (817) 212-4280, basshall.com

Yoakum [5–7] Tom Tom Festival, (361) 293-2309, yoakumareachamber.com

San Antonio [5–August 1] Fiesta Noche del Rio, (210) 226-4651, fiestanochesa.com Submit Your Event

We pick events for the magazine directly from TexasCoopPower.com. Submit your August event by June 1, and it just might be featured in this calendar.

Caught Napping

1 PAUL LAUDER FARMERS EC

“After a hard morning competing in the livestock show at the State Fair of Texas, a young competitor and her pet take a well-earned rest.”

2 REAGAN FERGUSON CENTRAL TEXAS EC

“A number of neighbors went to the CF Ranch in Clarksville to help with their cattle drive. Following the drive, this young lady laid claim to a few bales of hay.”

3 SHAWN DEAN DEEP EAST TEXAS EC

“My granddaughter took this of her horse’s new colt.”

4 GABRIELLE ETHINGTON PENTEX ENERGY

“Some friends raise kunekune pigs on a small farm outside of Nocona. I photographed this cutie napping in the front pasture area. It looks so happy.”

If you find yourself catching a catnap, needing 40 winks on the fly or sawing logs around your siblings, you’re in good company. Usually, if you snooze you lose. But these readers won’t be losing sleep anytime soon.

CURATED BY GRACE FULTZ

Upcoming Contests

RODEO DUE MAY 10

TAILGATING DUE JUN 10

RIDE THE RAILS DUE JUL 10

See Focus on Texas on our website for many more Caught Napping photos from readers.

Mother’s Days

They give a lot to their kids, but sometimes moms need a little bit back

BY CAYT CALHOUN

ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA GODEASSI

A PANG OF FEAR HIT as the gurney wheeled me away from my family. Months of testing brought me here, and within the hour, I would become my mom’s kidney donor.

Until that point, it struck me as odd when people asked if I was afraid. Why? I love her. That’s enough. And it was enough to bat away intrusive thoughts as the anesthesia took hold.

Those fleeting moments of anxiety paled in comparison to years of uncertainty.

I understood the crushing weight of losing a parent—my dad died before I turned 2. Between his death and the deterioration of my mom’s health, I tumbled through my adolescence fearing I’d lose both my parents before adulthood.

My mom received the IgA nephropathy

diagnosis when I was 10. At the time, I didn’t understand how to pronounce it, let alone grasp the complexities of an inflammatory kidney disease that has no cure and can be fatal.

But chronic illness doesn’t give you time to understand. It creeps in and presents itself with a slew of medications, revolving appointments and the enormously draining toll of it all. Despite everything, she expended energy she didn’t have on my behalf. It seemed effortless at the time. I know better now.

Back then it was easier to accept things at a blithe glance—because being anything other than willfully ignorant meant facing a hard reality. I convinced myself that her active role in my life meant all was well.

But I couldn’t pretend anymore. For a decade, I watched the quality of my mother’s life ebb and flow until her kidney function dwindled to a measly 19%. She had two options: dialysis or surgery. With no known viable donor, she was forced to choose the former.

It had been us against the world for as long as I could remember. What if she lost the ability to do the things she loved? What if I lost her? The scenarios I conjured in my mind felt suffocating.

Watching how nightly dialysis altered her life was heartbreaking. At that point, I didn’t have a choice. The voice in my head said the least I could do was try to give back to the person who gave me everything. So when co-workers, professors, peers and doctors asked if I was comfortable with donating a kidney at 20, I said yes emphatically. I don’t believe it was selfless. I selfishly wanted more time with my mom.

Luckily, we got it.

We’re now approaching the 10th anniversary of the donation, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to have been her donor. There may be a world out there in which I wasn’t qualified. There isn’t a world where I wouldn’t do anything for my mom. D

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