Grand jury investigating Pedernales co-op hears more testimony

From statesman, March 4, 2009...

A grand jury investigating the Pedernales Electric Cooperative put in a full day at the Blanco County Courthouse on Tuesday, summoning a roster of witnesses in its second meeting since the group was impaneled last month.

During the secret meeting that lasted more than seven hours, the following people were seen entering the courtroom: Todd Lester of Navigant Consulting Inc., the firm that conducted an extensive review of the co-op's books; co-op Chief Financial Officer Michael Vollmer; Cattleman's National Bank executive George Schuh; and two employees of the Austin law firm Clark, Thomas and Winters, which once represented the co-op.

The investigation of the co-op, which is based in Johnson City, is being led by the Texas attorney general's office, which took over the case from a Hill Country district attorney last summer. The grand jury is serving a seven-month term and was impaneled specifically to look into potential criminal violations by former Pedernales officials.

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Disappearing road signs costing taxpayers

From KXAN, October 20, 2008...

Four Hill Country counties are frustrated over the large number of road signs that are being stolen and defaced. Burnet, Llano, Blanco and Mason Counties each spend between $5,000 to $40,000 a year of their taxpayer's money to replace them.

Burnet County Commissioner Ronny Hibler said $40,000 of the county's money goes towards signs. Hibler said each one costs around $20. Counties are responsible for all signs posted along county roads. The stop signs and yield signs are the ones that disappear the most. The problem is not new, but has increased recently.

Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers is offering anyone a reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect or suspects. You can reach them online, call them at 1-866-756-8477 or text a tip to CRIMES (274637).

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