News

Statewide school choice initiative kicks off

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, March 19, 2026
More than 100 students zoned for the Lampasas Independent School District have submitted applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program for the 2026-27 school year.The TEFA program is a new statewide school choice initiative, established by Texas lawmakers via Senate Bill 2 in 2025.
The 2026 November midterm election will have the focus of many Texans, as a key U.S. Senate seat is up for grabs. Democratic Party nominee State Rep. James Talarico awaits either Sen. John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton as his Republican opponent. Also, Democrats will be eyeing their possible first win in a statewide election since 1994. METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS

The 2026 November midterm election will have the focus of many Texans, as a key U.S. Senate seat is up for grabs. Democratic Party nominee State Rep. James Talarico awaits either Sen. John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton as his Republican opponent. Also, Democrats will be eyeing their possible first win in a statewide election since 1994. METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS

Local political party chairs reflect on primary election, runoff race to come

Erick Mitchell
Monday, March 16, 2026
The 2026 November midterm election may be months away, but local political party leaders are still soaking in the results from the March primaries held two weeks ago.
ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Playground shade installed at city park

News Staff
Monday, March 16, 2026
Contract workers help smooth in concrete supplied by Lampasas Trucking & Ready-Mix to solidify pole structures that will serve as a base for a shade covering over playground equipment at W.M. Brook Park.

Sales tax receipts show another drop

Gail Lowe
Monday, March 16, 2026
The sales tax allocations to Lampasas County entities were down across the board in March – a repeat of the results in February when Lampasas, Lometa, Kempner and Lampasas County also saw sales tax revenues fall.

BRIEFLY

News Staff
Monday, March 16, 2026
BURN BAN LIFTEDCounty Judge Randy Hoyer has lifted the countywide burn ban until 5 p.m. March 23.Property owners who plan to burn are encouraged to exercise caution and to notify the sheriff’s office ahead of time at 512-556-8255.
The Boston Evening Transcript, Nov. 25, 1864. COURTESY PHOTO

The Boston Evening Transcript, Nov. 25, 1864. COURTESY PHOTO

Wartime tragedies take heavy toll on families

Jeff Jackson
Monday, March 16, 2026
EDITOR’S NOTE: Lampasas historian Jeff Jackson has researched a number of local topics. The following is part of his research on a Civil War-era Lampasas County family. Part 1 on the Jones brothers ran March 13.Aparent does not ever want to outlive his or her children.
ADAM BARRIOS | DISPATCH RECORD

ADAM BARRIOS | DISPATCH RECORD

Viewing nature at night

News Staff
Thursday, March 12, 2026
A scorpion is discovered in the dark with the help of UV light during a night hike through Cooper Spring Nature Park. The nature walk was only one of the many activities that were on tap at Saturday’s “The Stars At Night” event hosted by the Friends of the Night Sky group.
Frozen foods manufacurer Ajinomoto Foods North America will build a wastewater pretreatment facility to serve its downtown Lampasas plant. The facility is expected to be complete by September 2027. Lampasas Public Works Director Stephen Sewell said it is common for industries of this nature to have their own treatment facility. FILE PHOTO

Frozen foods manufacurer Ajinomoto Foods North America will build a wastewater pretreatment facility to serve its downtown Lampasas plant. The facility is expected to be complete by September 2027. Lampasas Public Works Director Stephen Sewell said it is common for industries of this nature to have their own treatment facility. FILE PHOTO

Ajinomoto wastewater plant in design phase; burden reduced now on city facility

Hunter King
Thursday, March 12, 2026
By the fall of 2027, a new wastewater treatment facility owned and operated by Ajinomoto Foods should be in place that vastly reduces the burden on the city’s wastewater plant.
Businessman Deorald Finney offers information to the Lampasas City Council on his proposed four-story hotel, restaurant and retail center. HUNTER KING | DISPATCH RECORD

Businessman Deorald Finney offers information to the Lampasas City Council on his proposed four-story hotel, restaurant and retail center. HUNTER KING | DISPATCH RECORD

City Council discusses water, rezoning requests

Hunter King
Thursday, March 12, 2026
The Lampasas City Council opened its meeting Monday with a discussion with Public Works Director Stephen Sewell, who reported on the Central Texas Water Supply Corp. Board of Directors meeting held at the end of February.
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