Bertram’s Oatmeal Festival canceled due to COVID-19

  • As all of you know, the annual Bertram Volunteer Fire Department’s Fourth of July Fireworks event was cancelled this year because of the COVID Pandemic. Pictured above is blast from the past. In Bertram, there is a phenomenal relationship between our Police Department and our children and youth. On July 4, 2018, Officers Cotton and Viergutz (back row) patrolled the ball fields for the Fourth of July festivities and were joined by most of the kids present. Marcie Masterson/Burnet Bulletin
    As all of you know, the annual Bertram Volunteer Fire Department’s Fourth of July Fireworks event was cancelled this year because of the COVID Pandemic. Pictured above is blast from the past. In Bertram, there is a phenomenal relationship between our Police Department and our children and youth. On July 4, 2018, Officers Cotton and Viergutz (back row) patrolled the ball fields for the Fourth of July festivities and were joined by most of the kids present. Marcie Masterson/Burnet Bulletin
  • Marcie Masterson
    Marcie Masterson

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous cancellations since spring, and now the Oatmeal Festival is the next to be canceled.

The Oatfest Bowl of Directors made the sad decision due to concerns that the pandemic will continue for the next few months. The festival has always been held on Labor Day weekend, and it has never been canceled before. This year would have been year 43. All sponsorship money and vendor deposits will be refunded.

Recycle Woes Continue

The Bertram Recycle Center (BRC) is facing a closure when its contract with Clawson Disposal lapses on Oct. 1.

Already the BRC is filled to overflowing within two days after all the dumpsters have been emptied. Those of you who have faithfully recycled the appropriate materials will lose out if this happens.

It appears that the BRC has been “found” by those who don’t pay for trash service and who are dumping bags and bags of their household trash. Additionally, fervid recyclers from nearby towns who don’t have recycling are bringing their legitimate recycling materials here.

But, the worst offenders are construction companies and builders who are dumping a prodigious amount in the recycle dumpsters.

To retain the contract with Clawson will cost much more money because of the additional pickup days, and this money is not in the city of Bertram’s budget. There will be a “public hearing” of sorts at the city’s next council meeting on July 14. Currently council meetings are limited to the mayor and council members. However, the council would like to hear your thoughts. Please email comments and suggestions to: info@cityofbertram.org.

Voting news

The run-off election for Democratic U.S Senator and Railroad Commissioner will be July 14. Early voting begins June 29 and ends July 10. Early voting for the Bertram area is at the Burnet County Agrilife Extension Auditorium, 607 N. Vandeveer Street in Burnet. The voting registration deadline is June 15. You can find more information online at Burnet-County Elections, or call (512) 715-5288.

Bulk trash

This year’s bulk trash days are July 18 and 19. It will be held at the Bertram Sewer Plant, 2110 W Highway 29. It will be first-come-first-served. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 18 and noon to 4 p.m. on July 19. You must present your water bill showing you pay for trash service. If you have questions call city hall at (512) 355-2197. That’s all the news for this week. If you have information for this column please email marcimasterson@gmail.com. Your deadline is always Saturday.

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