The Passing of a Good Friend

Co-op News SAN BERNARD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE The Passing of a Good Friend MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER BILLY MARRICLE IT S WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I WRITE THIS MONTH S COLUMN. The San Bernard Electric Cooperative family lost not only a good man and former director but also a very good friend of mine. Elroy Kiecke passed away in early July. If you knew Elroy, you would likely describe him as a magnet and the whole world was steel. His personality made him someone folks just wanted to be around, and at gatherings big and small, people would gravitate to him. I m sure there were times when he had a bad day, but he never gave any indication of it whatsoever. He always brought an upbeat attitude and levity with him to board meetings. Elroy was on the SBEC board for 20 years. It was during this time that the cooperative went through a period almost as challenging as when it first began. His input and inquisitiveness during this critical time helped SBEC make informed decisions, particularly as we were moving away from our longstanding power supplier, the Lower Colorado River Authority, and he helped guide us through negotiations on our current power contracts. Elroy will be missed not only as a director but also as a friend to me and all who knew him. Please keep his wife, Jeanette, and their family in your prayers. As you are undoubtedly aware, the past two months have included record-setting high temperatures. With so many extremely hot days, I know that our electric bills will be high to the point that some of you may need a little extra time to pay them. Our customer service representatives can offer options to help members who have a good payment record for previous bills. If you need help, please call the office in your area to speak with one of our representatives. We will do our best to set up an arrangement that works for both of us. I wish you all a very happy Labor Day. Whatever you do, just be safe. Until next time, take care. Elroy Kiecke 1929 2018 DAV E S H A F E R Co-op Lineworkers See Students From a Different Perspective When co-op lineworkers are high atop utility poles, they can see a lot. And this time of year, they re on special alert for students who may have a problem, like a stalled school bus or other conditions that may be unsafe for school kids. Sure, our primary mission is to provide first-rate electric service. But if we can do other things to serve the community, you ll have even more reasons to be thankful for being served by San Bernard Electric Cooperative. San Bernard Electric Co-op 18 Texas Co-op Power SAN BERNARD EC September 2018

1-800-364-3171 (979) 865-3171 SBEC.ORG Power Strips Versus Surge Protectors San Bernard Electric Cooperative AS THE PROLIFERATION OF ELECTRONICS IMPACTS OUR DAILY LIVES, SOME OF US REALize there simply aren t enough outlets in our homes particularly true for older homes. As a result, we end up with a number of power strips. Before buying your next power strip or surge protector (the power strip's more talented cousin), consider the following several factors. Power Strips Look for power strips with a built-in circuit breaker. If you connect too many electronic devices, the strip will kick out the circuit breaker rather than causing the breaker in your electric panel to trip. Pay attention to the orientation of the outlets. The typical design is along the length of the strip, facing the bottom or end of the strip, but strips with outlets perpendicular to the length of the strip may be a better choice. Get a smart strip. With smart strips, one outlet serves as a master, receiving power all the time. The other outlets do not receive power until the master device is turned on. This is ideal for home entertainment setups. P R E S I D E N T/ G E N E R A L M A N A G E R Billy Marricle B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S Bruce Pilcik, 1st Vice Chairman, District 3 Karl N. Micklitz, 2nd Vice Chairman, District 2 Sammy Condra, 3rd Vice Chairman, District 5 Charles Matula, Secretary-Treasurer, District 7 Lori Walker, District 1 Norman Kiecke, District 4 Vance Elliott, District 6 Colt Haack, District 8 John Allen, District 9 Contact Us Surge Protectors If you are connecting expensive electronics, you may want to consider a surge protector that will protect equipment plugged into it from power surges. Price can be an important indicator of quality a cheap surge protector could be worse than none at all due to shoddy surge-fighting components. When these components fail, the strip still provides power without any hint that its protective function has ceased. Here are some key factors to consider when buying a surge protector. Go for a joule rating of at least 600, a measure of how much energy it can withstand. Consider cable and internet connection protection. Surges can enter via any wired connection. Be sure the protector is designed to handle a digital television. Otherwise, it can cause pixilation if it s only designed for analog signals. It should have an indicator light to show if protection has burned out. Power strips and surge protectors are worth the investment. Don t get burned by cheap, inefficient strips and protectors. HEADQUARTERS BELLVILLE (979) 865-3171 1-800-364-3171 309 W. Main St. P.O. Box 1208 Bellville 77418 COLUMBUS SERVICE CENTER (979) 732-8346 4285 Highway 71 S. P.O. Box 309 Columbus 78934 FIELDSTORE SERVICE CENTER (936) 372-9176 or (936) 372-9177 29244 FM 1488 P.O. Box 1367 Magnolia 77353 HALLETTSVILLE SERVICE CENTER (361) 798-4493 1686 U.S. Highway 90A East P.O. Box 610 Hallettsville 77964 PAY BY PHONE 1-844-201-7199 FIND US ON THE WEB facebook.com/sbecoop P H O N I X _ A I STO C K.CO M September 2018 SAN BERNARD EC Texas Co-op Power 19

SAN BERNARD ElEcTric cooperative Kolache Fest Guaranteed To Be a Skvělý Čas! THE COMMUNITY OF HALLETTSVILLE HAS A PROUD HISTORY rooted in the German and Czech heritage of immigrants who began settling there in the mid-1800s. Kolache Fest is a tribute to and celebration of that rich heritage. A kolache is a Czech pastry with a fruit filling. If you ve never had one, they re perfect served warm and enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. They abound in shops and bakeries throughout this region of Texas. Some of the older residents can regale you with stories about how nothing tasted as good as the kolache their grandmothers would make. Hot from the oven, they re melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It s only fitting that this Czech festival be named after the beloved treat. This year, Kolache Fest will be held Saturday, September 29, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The festival has something for everyone, from eating contests and arts and crafts booths to the classic car show featuring vehicles from all over the area. 20 Texas Co-op Power SAN BERNARD EC September 2018

1-800-364-3171 (979) 865-3171 SBEC.ORG SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, September 29 7:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk 7:45 a.m. Domino Tournament 10 a.m. 9 p.m. Arts and Crafts Booth Food Booths 10 a.m. Parade 12:30 p.m. Judging for Car Show 2 p.m. Washer/Horseshoe Tournament 3:30 p.m. Kolache Baking Demo 6 p.m. Barbecue Cookoff Awards CARNIVAL Thursday, September 27, 6 10 p.m. Friday, September 28, 6 10 p.m. Saturday, September 29, noon 10 p.m. Sunday, September 30, 2 6 p.m. Please note: Events are subject to change. Contact the Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture for more information on event times. Perhaps the highlight of the day for children of every age is the Kolache Fest Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. and goes through Hallettsville s downtown square. Other activities for children include games and activity booths. Of course, it wouldn t be a Czech festival without polka music. Throughout the day, polka bands will be on hand to entertain guests and delight visitors. If you re looking for an opportunity to discover what this element of Texas heritage is all about, come to Kolache Fest and sample the wonderful Czech customs. Sample local kolache, dance to polka and enjoy a day rooted in culture and family. Taste this true ethnic food and lend your soul to the experience of Czech cultural heritage. For more information about this Skvělý Čas (good time), call the Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture at (361) 798-2662 or visit them online at hallettsville.com. September 2018 SAN BERNARD EC Texas Co-op Power 21

SAN BERNARD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE It s Fair Season in SBEC Territory FAIR SEASON HAS ARRIVED IN SAN BERNARD ELECTRIC COOPERative s service territory, and we are proud to bring you a sample of this year s fair lineup! Volunteers and youths have been working hard to make each fair stand out and attract large crowds. Look at what each fair in our area has to offer this year. You won t be disappointed! COLORADO COUNTY FAIR, SEPTEMBER 6 8 THE COLORADO COUNTY FAIR WILL BE CELEbrating 40 years this September! This volunteer-driven fair is excited about the amazing entertainment lineup for 2018! On Friday, Bellville s own David Lewis Band will open for Rick Trevino. Trevino s hit songs Just Enough Rope and She Can t Say I Didn t Cry are just a sampling from this bilingual county music star. Saturday also will feature a tribute to George Strait performed by Derek Spence. He is sure to get the crowd on their feet before welcoming the night s headliner, Neal McCoy. Other crowd favorites during the Colorado County Fair include the Queen Contest, Car Show and Tractor Pull. New this year at the fair is a Wine Garden, featuring Whistling Duck Wine out of Weimar. Thursday, September 6 5 p.m. Little Miss and Mister Contest 5 p.m. BBQ Cookoff check-in 6:30 p.m. Queen and King Contest 7:30 p.m. Texas Dream Friday, September 7 6 p.m. Broken Alibi 8 p.m. David Lewis Band 10 p.m. Rick Trevino Saturday, September 8 10 a.m. Colorado County Fair Parade 6 p.m. Black Cat Choir 8 p.m. Southern County Line 9:15 p.m. Derek Spence (George Strait tribute band) 11 p.m. Neal McCoy Season passes are available from pageant contestants at the price of $25 if purchased in advance. Season passes will be sold for $30 at the gate thru Thursday, September 6. Day passes are $10 for adults, and $5 for children 6 12 years of age and senior citizens. Children under 6 are free. Get ready to rodeo at the 40th Annual Colorado County Fair! September 6, 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Special Olympic Rodeo September 6, 7:30 p.m., Ranch Rodeo September 7, 7:30 p.m., CPRA Rodeo September 8, 7:30 p.m., CPRA Rodeo *Mutton Bustin sign-up is Friday Saturday, September 7 8, at 6:30 p.m. under the announcer s stand. Visit coloradocountyfair.org for more information. 22 Texas Co-op Power SAN BERNARD EC September 2018

1-800-364-3171 (979) 865-3171 SBEC.ORG WALLER COUNTY FAIR, SEPTEMBER 28 OCTOBER 6 THE WALLER COUNTY FAIR KICKS OFF FRIday, September 28, and runs through Saturday, October 6. There is a lot to do during the week of the fair! Ranch rodeos, a BBQ cookoff and a solid lineup of entertainers are sure to draw a large crowd. A unique offering at the Waller County Fair is the Barnyard Buddies Program which provides an avenue for students with special needs to enjoy the fair. Each special-needs student is matched up with a student volunteer to be their buddy for the day. Friday, September 28 6 p.m. BBQ Cook-Off Rodeo Beer Booth opens 6:30 p.m. Wine Tasting Wine Garden opens 7 p.m. Ladies Ranch Rodeo Saturday, September 29 10 a.m. Parade 11 a.m. Mutton Bustin noon Waller Youth Rough Stock Rodeo Ag Mechanics: Project Judging & Awards 1 p.m. Waller Youth Rough Stock Championship 4 p.m. Wagon Wheel opens BBQ Cook-Off Awards 5 p.m. Fair Queen and Court Announcement 5:30 p.m. Elvis Impersonator 5:45 p.m. Little Mr. and Miss Waller County Announcement 6:30 p.m. Harris County Sheriff s Junior Mounted Posse 7 p.m. Best of Texas Open Ranch Rodeo 9 p.m. Johnny Lee 11 p.m. Sam Riggs Sunday, September 30 11 a.m. Little Britches Rodeo Bloody Mary Bar (bring your own vodka) 1 p.m. Washer Tournament 3 p.m. Cornhole Tournament Creative Living Exhibits accept entries (except perishable)** 4 p.m. Domino Tournament Monday, October 1 9 a.m. Creative Living Judging 7 p.m. Waller County Team Roping Tuesday, October 2 5 p.m. Creative Living Exhibit Building opens Wednesday, October 3 9 a.m. Barnyard Buddies 6 p.m. Carnival opens 7 p.m. Piano Bar Night (presale tickets only) Open Team Roping and Team Roping Eliminator Thursday, October 4 Cancer Awareness Day Senior Citizens Day: Attendees 55 and older admitted free! 11 a.m. Senior Citizens Brunch 5:30 Madison Paige 7 p.m. Lone Star Cowgirls PCRA Rodeo, Pete Carr Pro Rodeo 8:30 p.m. Talent Show Winners 10 p.m. Texas Unlimited Band Friday, October 5 Kids 10 and under free when accompanied by paying adult! 9 a.m. PRCA Slack Events Junior Livestock Judging Contest Noon Pee Wee Heifer/Steer Showmanship Contest (<9) 12:30 p.m. Old-Timers Showmanship (19+) 5:30 p.m. Kickapoo Boys Band 7 p.m. Lone Star Cowgirls PCRA Rodeo, Pete Carr Pro Rodeo 8 p.m. Calf Scramble 8:30 p.m. Cody Wayne 10 p.m. Cory Morrow Saturday, October 6 9 a.m. PRCA Steer Roping 11 a.m. Buyers Luncheon 5:30 Cody Wayne 7 p.m. Lone Star Cowgirls PRCA Rodeo, Pete Carr Pro Rodeo 9 p.m. Glen Templeton 11 p.m. Steve Warner Visit wallercountyfair.org for more information. September 2018 SAN BERNARD EC Texas Co-op Power 23

SAN BERNARD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AUSTIN COUNTY FAIR, OCTOBER 5 OCTOBER 14 COME SEE WHAT S NEW AT THE 91ST AUSTIN County Fair and Rodeo in Bellville! The fair begins Friday, October 5, and closes Sunday, October 14. New features include a petting zoo, craft beer wall, bullriding competition, ranch rodeo and more. The fair is working hard to include all ages at this year s events and is including a Senior Citizen Day. Senior citizens can come on Wednesday, October 10, 10 a.m. 2 p.m. for only $3. Each senior citizen entry includes a meal at the Austin County Fair Convention and Expo Building from 10 a.m. 1 p.m. Austin County Fair invites everyone out to see what is new at the 91st Austin County Fair and Rodeo in Bellville! Friday, October 5 Admission is FREE! 8 a.m. Hay Contest registration. 9 a.m. Port-a-Potty Decorating Contest* 10 a.m. Petting Zoo opens (open throughout fair) ** 7 p.m. BBQ Cook-Off begins Saturday, October 6 Ladies Night Tickets only $10! 9 a.m. 5K Stampede begins 4 p.m. Lil Wrangler Rodeo and Mutton Bustin 4 p.m. Mason Marek Band 5:30 p.m. 2018 Queen s Contest 6 p.m. Anthony Moreno Band k 7:30 p.m. Bull Riding* 8 p.m. Jon Stork 10 p.m. David Lewis Band Sunday, October 7 8 a.m. Floral Design Competition 1 p.m. The Lazy Farmers 12:30 Craft Beer Tap Wall opens* 1 p.m. Arm Wrestling Competition 2 p.m. Bucket Calf Show Ranch Rodeo* Monday, October 8 9 a.m. Championship Drive Show Tuesday, October 9 FREE Night! 7 p.m. 4-D Barrel Racing Wednesday, October 10 School Pride Day. Wear your school colors! Senior Citizens Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., tickets $3* 10 a.m. Senior Citizen Meal served until 1 p.m. 4 p.m. Carnival opens Little Miss and Mister Contest Junior Miss and Mister Contest Junior Fair Queen Contest 6 p.m. Rodeo Slack followed by Team Roping 7 p.m. Charles and the Fabulous Four Thursday, October 11 Armed Forces Day. $5 off in in uniform with military ID*. Austin County school students admitted free until 5 p.m. 9 a.m. Gates open 10 a.m. 91st Annual Austin County Fair Parade: Nothin But Fun in 91 1 p.m. Bellville s very own Red Bulls 3:30 p.m. Cowboy Magician** 5 p.m. Tumbleweed Crossing Stunt Show** 6 p.m. Cody Wayne 7 p.m. Comedy Hypnotist Michael Mezmer** 8 p.m. Moe Bandy 10 p.m. Rodney Atkins Friday, October 12 Tough Enough to Wear Pink. ACFA donates $1 for every pink ribbon given out at gates to someone wearing pink! Noon Youth Livestock Auction Sale 7:30 p.m. PRCA Championship Rodeo 8 p.m. Jake Worthington 10 p.m. Tracy Byrd Saturday, October 13 4H Day. Wear green to show your support for Austin County 4H! 9 a.m. Tractor Technician Contest 2 p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo Mutton Bustin Risky Liver 7 p.m. Shotgun Rider 7:30 p.m. PRCA Championship Rodeo Calf Scramble 9 p.m. Shane Smith and the Saints 11 p.m. Aaron Watson Sunday, October 14 Free Day! 12:30 p.m. Wine Down the Fair Homemade Wine Show 2:30 p.m. Children s Tractor Pull Mitch Marcoulier 6 p.m. Fairgrounds Close Sunday, October 28 8:30 a.m. 11th Annual C.A. Bubba Mewis Memorial Team Roping *New to 2018 Austin County Fair and Rodeo **First of multiple shows throughout the Fair. Visit austincountyfair.com for additional showtimes. Season passes are $35 and are being sold through the fair office or online. 24 Texas Co-op Power SAN BERNARD EC September 2018

1-800-364-3171 (979) 865-3171 SBEC.ORG TRADING POST H E A D E R : H E M E RA T H I N KSTO C K F O R S A L E HOME Pattison Area, Lomax Road, 3BR/ 2BA with garage on ½ acre, 1,200 sq. ft., plus bonus 520-sq.-ft. storage/apartment, $164,999. Call (281) 902-8869 for more information. VARIOUS FARM EQUIPMENT Ford 542 hay baler, barn-kept, $800; Ford 501 sickle bar mower, barn-kept, $450; old Case hay rake, $150. Have manuals on all three. Fayetteville area. Call or text (281) 705-9691. VARIOUS VEHICLES 2002 Chevy Trailblazer, 127K mi., fully loaded, $4,200; 2005 Yamaha Road Star, 19K mi., $3,800; 16-ft. aluminum boat w/15 Mercruiser 50 HP, motor and controls, 20 hrs. on motor, $6,500; 2004 TC30 New Holland tractor, 720 hrs., w/loader, bush hog and canopy, $9,500; 100-lb. propane tank, full, $275; motorcycle lift, 1,000 lbs., $150; aluminum ladders, 20 ft., 9 ft., 6 ft. and 4 ft., all for $175; misc tools also available. Contact Dale at (281) 467-9608 or email ccontender176@aol.com. METAL PANELS Lightweight, 3x8 ft., $4 each. Call (979) 865-9530. TRAVEL TRAILER 1995 Prowler, 26 ft., lots of extras, low usage, twin beds and jackknife sofa bed, large back bathroom with glass shower, furnace, roof air, stored in Hempstead, $1,500. Call (281) 820-6090. PROPERTY 31.165 acres, New Ulm area, ideal wooded hunting acreage, 4BR/3BA manufactured home, 28x30-ft. steel building with four horse stalls. Asking $18,000/acre, which includes improvements. Call (504) 237-1091 for more information. ROLLS OF PENNIES One roll of Indian Head pennies and a roll of steel Wheat pennies. Call (979) 877-7257. VARIOUS ITEMS Queen-size bedroom suite; two-bedroom mobile home. Call (979) 758-4035. CEDAR FENCE POSTS All straight, various sizes. Call (979) 826-3056 or (713) 408-4082. VARIOUS ITEMS Oak pedestal table with six chairs, $200; GymQuest workout weight set with 48 stations, free. No delivery. Call (979) 877-8135. WASHING MACHINE GE, 17-cycle, very good condition and clean, $300. Call (979) 484-0742. HUNTING EQUIPMENT AND ANTIQUES 10-foot tower for The Blynd blind stand, great shape, asking $225; deer feeder and timer, all aluminum, asking $200; Dresden china, service for 8, asking $125; antique cedar chest, $130. Call (281) 844-1551 or (281) 844-1503 or email paullazarine@yahoo.com. VARIOUS ITEMS Vintage doll furniture and dolls; Bernina sewing machine with table; dining table with 2 leaves and 6 chairs; china cabinet and buffet; and Lowrey piano. Call (979) 733-3201 for info. VINTAGE OAK CHINA CABINET 1920s, $350 OBO. Photo available. Call (979) 732-3556. W A N T E D QUILT FRAMES Call (979) 732-7379. EBAY SELLER Looking for someone in Columbus or surrounding area to sell my stuff on ebay for a commission. You pack and ship. Call (979) 733-8623. S E R V I C E S FREE WILD HOG REMOVAL Use dogs, well experienced, willing to travel. Call (832) 715-1130. A D V E R T I S E I N T H E T R A D I N G P O S T SBEC members are invited to submit ads for the Trading Post to P.O. Box 1208, Bellville, TX 77418 or lsamford@. However, no commercial business ads will be accepted. Ads are placed on a first-come, first-served basis, and we reserve the right to refuse any ad. Please submit your ad by the 20th of each month. (If you submit an ad by September 20, it will appear in the November issue). Your ad will be published in two consecutive issues, then deleted. If you want the ad to run another two months, you must resubmit the ad. The ad will not exceed four consecutive months. J E N I FOTO I STO C K.CO M Happy Labor Day! We will be closed Monday, September 3, in observance of the holiday. As always, crews will be on standby in the event of an emergency. September 2018 SAN BERNARD EC Texas Co-op Power 25