Life

Cale Wheeler, in center, holds his National Merit Scholarship Finalist certificate. With him are his brother, Cole Wheeler, at left, and father Shawn Wheeler. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Cale Wheeler, in center, holds his National Merit Scholarship Finalist certificate. With him are his brother, Cole Wheeler, at left, and father Shawn Wheeler. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Wheeler named National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, February 26, 2026
From the gridiron to the speech-and-debate contest stage, Cale Wheeler has done it all at Lampasas High School. Now, he is a National Merit Scholar.Last week, Wheeler became the first National Merit Scholar Finalist at LHS since 2019.
L-M Garden and Civic Club members pose for a group photo at their February gathering. COURTESY PHOTO

L-M Garden and Civic Club members pose for a group photo at their February gathering. COURTESY PHOTO

L-M Garden Club members enjoy a Mardi Gras-style meal together

News Staff
Monday, February 23, 2026
On Feb. 16, the L-M Garden and Civic Club held its monthly meeting after a week of hard work selling Valentine’s Day carnation arrangements.“It took a village to have this fundraiser, and it was an absolute success,” the club reported.
COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Maples secures big win in San Antonio

News Staff
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Cort Maples, a seventh-grader at Lampasas Middle School, exhibited the Grand Champion Miniature Hereford Heifer in both the Youth and Open Shows at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. The San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest Miniature Hereford shows in Texas.
Kempner Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Todd Burkett smokes brisket to the perfect temperature during last year’s event. This year’s BBQ and Auction Fundraiser is set for April 18. FILE PHOTO

Kempner Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Todd Burkett smokes brisket to the perfect temperature during last year’s event. This year’s BBQ and Auction Fundraiser is set for April 18. FILE PHOTO

Kempner VFD seeks donations for briskets to be served at annual fundraiser

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Kempner Volunteer Fire Department is accepting donations to cover the cost of food to be served at this year’s 46th Annual BBQ and Auction Fundraiser in April.The Kempner VFD is seeking donations to pay for briskets, spices, kitchen and serving supplies for the event.
RANDOM DISTRACTIONS BY MARK MONTGOMERY

RANDOM DISTRACTIONS BY MARK MONTGOMERY

2030: See you in the French Alps

Mark Montgomery
Thursday, February 19, 2026
It appears this year’s Winter Olympics is all but in the books. I missed another chance at rousing international competition.I don’t think this was entirely my fault, as I saw no circulars in the mail, like the Little League sends, announcing sign-up times.
FILE PHOTO Attendees at last year’s Creating Badger Builders Dinner and Fundraiser event enjoy the dinner served by Lampasas ISD CTE students. This year’s event is set for March 21.

FILE PHOTO Attendees at last year’s Creating Badger Builders Dinner and Fundraiser event enjoy the dinner served by Lampasas ISD CTE students. This year’s event is set for March 21.

Creating Badger Builders to hold annual fundraiser

Erick Mitchell
Monday, February 16, 2026
Despite being more than a month away, only 50 tickets remain for the Creating Badger Builders’ Fourth Annual Dinner & Fundraiser event.The evening dedicated to supporting Lampasas ISD‘s Career and Technical Education programs is set for March 21 from 5-10 p.m.

America 250: $150K civics contest

News Staff
Monday, February 16, 2026
High school students have the chance to win $150,000 in scholarship money in this year’s Presidential 1776 Award competition.The national civics competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Education is being held this year in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

College honors

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
University of ArkansasThe University of Arkansas has recognized students who earned a place on the Fall 2025 Chancellor's List, the university's highest semester academic honor for undergraduates.Addison Borchardt of Lampasas joins a select group of students who have achieved a 4.
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