Special to the Advertiser

Bastrop Fire Department Chief Henry Perry awarded Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative journeyman lineman Victor Vana with a plaque, recognizing his contribution in the successful rescue of two Camp Swift paratroopers.

By Barbara Turner
Special to the Advertiser

Rescuing a parachutist dangling in a tree is not a normal occurrence for most people, but that is just what happened to Victor Vana, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative journeyman lineman, on Jan.23.
“I was just coming off another job when I got a call from the [Bluebonnet] Control Center asking me to rescue a person in a parachute out of a tree,” Vana said. “I radioed back and asked, ‘are you pulling my leg?’”
It was no joke.
Vana responded and rescued not one, but two, Texas Army National Guard paratroopers blown off course from their designated landing site at Camp Swift just north of Bastrop. The paratroopers landed in different trees, each about 30 to 40 feet above the ground. This was the first time in his 14-year career at Bluebonnet that Vana was called to rescue anyone, but his 16 years experience as a volunteer fireman for the Weimar Fire Department came in handy. As fate would have it, Vana was driving a truck with a larger two-person bucket that aided in the rescue. But, Vana says he would have gotten the paratroopers out of the trees “no matter what.”
Bastrop Fire Department Chief Henry Perry awarded Vana with a plaque, recognizing his contribution in the successful rescue. This is only the third or fourth such award Perry can recall in the last 15 years.
“We had our dispatcher make the call, but we were unsure if we would get the bucket truck,” Perry said. “But Bluebonnet came through for us. We want to thank Bluebonnet for allowing the use of its equipment in a rescue situation.”
The recue exemplified Bluebonnet’s commitment to the communities it serves. “Bluebonnet’s Foundation Values are Safety, Reliability, Respect, Courage, Community and Love,” said Mark Rose, Bluebonnet’s CEO. “We encourage all of our employees to fully live and work within those values, and I believe Victor truly exhibited all of these attributes.”
“This event was a classic example of how cooperation between agencies can result in first rate public service and safety for the citizens of Bastrop County,” said Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald. “I commend the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative employees for a quick and professional response and as always, I am proud of the men and women that volunteer their time as firefighters. All those that had a part in this rescue are true heroes.”
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative serves nearly 80,000 meters and owns and maintains about 11,000 miles of power lines, located across more than 3,800 square miles within 14 southeastern Texas counties. Bluebonnet’s service area stretches from Travis County to Washington County and from Milam County down to Gonzales County. For more information about Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative go to www.bluebonnetelectric.coop.

Enjoying this year’s Sportsmans’ Banquet were, L-R: BISD Superintendent Steve Murray, Board Trustee James Allen, Sportsmen's Chairmen Ashley Mutschink and Sportsmen's Member Tommy Frizell.

Local philanthropists use annual event to raise funds for school district

By Allison Murray
Special to the Advertiser

A non-profit group consisting of local philanthropists who enjoy hunting, fishing and outdoor sports has raised more than $250,000 in four years for the Bastrop Education Foundation and at its last annual fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 30, the group took in more than $72,000. With these funds, the BEF provides grant money for educators’ implementation of innovative teaching ideas in the classroom.
“The Bastrop Sportsmen’s Group set a goal in 2007 to raise a quarter of a million dollars in five years for the Foundation’s teaching grants,” said James Allen, BISD School Board trustee. “This year the group exceeded this goal, raising over $250,000 in four years. We are blessed to have a group of committed volunteers like the Bastrop Sportsmen’s Group raising funds for our students.”
The Sportsmen’s Group created an event that drew over 400 community supporters and featured a silent auction, live auction and variety of drawings and games.
“We would like to thank our sponsors and volunteers for helping to create an electric atmosphere that was both successful and enjoyable,” said Ashley Mutschink, chairman of the BSG. “Financial support and volunteer hours are critical factors in the success of this banquet and everyone’s efforts paid off.”
BEF President Jolene Wells says the group cannot wait to see what ideas and projects will be proposed for funding.
“The Bastrop Education Foundation has been excited with the success of the innovative projects that have been awarded over the past few years and we are looking forward to this year’s proposals,” Wells said. “Funding these projects would not be possible without the support of the Sportsmen’s Group. Their continued commitment encourages and supports excellence in teaching in Bastrop ISD.”
The Bastrop Education Foundation is a not-for-profit philanthropic organization committed to enhancing local educational opportunities. It works closely with the school district, governed by 27-member board, made up of business, educational and civic leaders. The Foundation is supported entirely from donations made by individuals, businesses and groups.

CEDAR CREEK —  The Bastrop Bears are still winless in district play after losing to the Connally Cougars Friday night 2-0.
Bastrop goalie Daniel Rivera recorded three saves before allowing Connally’s first goal 36 minutes into the match. The Cougar defense dominated early, allowing the Bears only one shot in the first half.
The second half didn’t bring more luck for the Bear’s offense, as the Cougars allowed only two shots. Bastrop did play much more physical on the defensive half of the field.
Despite the defensive adjustment, the Cougars sealed the match by scoring a second goal with 2:42 left in regulation. Rivera finished the game with six saves as the Bears record dropped to 4-3-1 (0-2).
The Bears will try to avoid a third straight district loss on Tuesday as they travel to Westlake to face the Chapparalls, who are 2-0 in district play.

Box score
Connally 2, Bastrop 0
Connally    1    1    -    2
Bastrop    0    0    -    0

Record: Bastrop 4-3-1, 0-2