Life

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

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

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

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

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.
Although the look can be deceiving, this photo capuring vintage automobiles along the Lampasas downtown square was taken in March and published in the April 1, 2025 edition. The image provides a glimpse of what downtown square may have looked like years ago. FILE PHOTO

Although the look can be deceiving, this photo capuring vintage automobiles along the Lampasas downtown square was taken in March and published in the April 1, 2025 edition. The image provides a glimpse of what downtown square may have looked like years ago. FILE PHOTO

A look at 2025 behind the lens

It’s not unusual to see cowboys lose a hold of their hats during Riata Roundup action. The annual rodeo takes place in April.
Random Distractions by Mark Montgomery

Random Distractions by Mark Montgomery

Champagne, parties and black-eyes peas

As Christmas comes to a conclusion with gifts unwrapped and carols sung, we begin the slide into New Year’s. Quite honestly, it’s never been my favorite holiday. It’s always felt a lot like a Sunday afternoon — no work or school yet, but it wouldn’t be long now.
A view of the new trail developed by Forward Lampasas along Sulphur Creek near the Fourth Street bridge. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

A view of the new trail developed by Forward Lampasas along Sulphur Creek near the Fourth Street bridge. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

New Sulphur Creek trail ready for Lampasas residents

Lampasas residents can soak in the beauty along Sulphur Creek on a new 2,200-foot-long path that extends between the Western Street and Fourth Street bridges.The project was spearheaded by Forward Lampasas, a nonprofit organization that formed earlier this year.
COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Spreading the spirit of Christmas

The Lampasas Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association hosted a Christmas Party for residents at the Lampasas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Dec. 17. Residents were gifted with a Christmas stocking and a new large screen TV for the center’s community area.