Life

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Speaking contest winners named

News Staff
Monday, January 12, 2026
Youth Advocates for Agriculture Lampasas County offered a public speaking contest to kick off county livestock show activities last week. Eight FFA members from Lampasas and Lometa participated in the inaugural contest.

COLLEGE HONORS

News Staff
Monday, January 12, 2026
ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITYAngelo State University conferred 652 undergraduate and graduate degrees during the 2025 fall commencement exercises Dec. 12 at the ASU Junell Center/Stephens Arena in San Angelo.Among the graduates was Emily Hope Andrade of Lometa.
courtesy photo The Turkish award-winning short film “Cracked” will be screened at Saturday’s two-hour event.

courtesy photo The Turkish award-winning short film “Cracked” will be screened at Saturday’s two-hour event.

Film screening to be offered at Stoneledge Vineyard

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, January 8, 2026
On Saturday, Stoneledge Vineyard & Winery will show a sample of award-winning short films to be screened at the Copperas Cove Film Festival in March.
Random Distractions by Mark Montgomery

Random Distractions by Mark Montgomery

Some things just shouldn’t be sold

Mark Montgomery
Thursday, January 8, 2026
“ Some people are so poor, all they have is money.”-- Bob MarleyBoy, as a culture we really do chase that dollar. It was a point driven home to me this year as I watched the college football bowl games.

Blood drive on tap

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The next American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place Tuesday at the First Street Church of Christ Family Life Center, 201 W. First St. in Lampasas.Donation hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Blackhawks big bluestem grass is surrounded by garden phlox, Agastache, coreopsis and panicle hydrangea. COURTESY PHOTO | MELINDAMYERS.COM

Blackhawks big bluestem grass is surrounded by garden phlox, Agastache, coreopsis and panicle hydrangea. COURTESY PHOTO | MELINDAMYERS.COM

Consider these winning perennials for the garden

Melinda Myers
Monday, January 5, 2026
When creating a new garden or looking for new additions, check out the Perennial Plants of the Year (PPOY). Selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association, winners must be suited to a wide range of climate conditions, low maintenance and provide multiple seasons of interest.
Winter sowing allows gardeners to start transplants from seeds outdoors using recycled items. courtesy photo | melindamyers.com

Winter sowing allows gardeners to start transplants from seeds outdoors using recycled items. courtesy photo | melindamyers.com

Easy, affordable winter seed starting

Melinda Myers
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Turn off the grow lights, gather a few milk jugs and potting mix, and start planting seeds.Winter sowing is a way to start transplants from seeds outdoors without a greenhouse or cold frame.You’ll save money on equipment and time tending the seeds and seedlings.

Community Bridge to gather next on Jan. 12

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Community Bridge met Dec. 8 with five tables of bridge players who enjoyed the cards and the soup, sandwiches and sweets luncheon.Martha Barrett took home first place, Carolyn Anderson won second, and Christine Vann placed third. The highest round was scored by Carolyn Anderson and Beth Griese.
Lometa Regional Park reopened this year after the city had closed it to attend to water issues. Mayor Derek Talley said the reopening was a highlight of 2025. FILE photo

Lometa Regional Park reopened this year after the city had closed it to attend to water issues. Mayor Derek Talley said the reopening was a highlight of 2025. FILE photo

Lometa mayor reflects on progress amid obstacles

Cheri Jay-wienecke
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
For the city of Lometa, 2025 was a year of progress and positivity, despite its struggles.In an interview with the Dispatch Record on Dec. 10, Lometa Mayor Derek Talley highlighted both the city’s successes and its difficulties.
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