News

TONIA JONES | COURTESY PHOTO

TONIA JONES | COURTESY PHOTO

RV crowd in town last week for eclipse

Texas Legato Winery hosted a sizable group of RV travelers over the eclipse weekend. Neighbors said it was quite a sight to have so many visitors in one place, and the travelers seemed pleased with the hospitality they received from winery owners Bill and SuLynn Bledsoe.
April 8 opened on the Lampasas courthouse square with an eerie stillness. Very few cars were on the streets, and only a few were parked after carrying passengers to conduct business downtown. Crowds arrived on the square later Monday morning, however, to view the totality offered by the total eclipse. JOYCESARAH MCCABE | DISPATCH RECORD

April 8 opened on the Lampasas courthouse square with an eerie stillness. Very few cars were on the streets, and only a few were parked after carrying passengers to conduct business downtown. Crowds arrived on the square later Monday morning, however, to view the totality offered by the total eclipse. JOYCESARAH MCCABE | DISPATCH RECORD

Lampasas businesses, city fare well during eclipse

Although solar eclipse crowds did not reach the overwhelming numbers that were predicted ahead of the event, several local officials agreed the Lampasas community attracted plenty of visitors, managed traffic conditions well and had the potential for increased revenue for local businesses.
JOYCESARAH MCCABE | DISPATCH RECORD

JOYCESARAH MCCABE | DISPATCH RECORD

Sculpture artists in the making

Brennan Ross, at left, and Aden Felan try their hand at carving stone. This carving station was among the activities offered at this year’s Arts in the Park for Kids, held Saturday at Campbell Park. For more photos from the event, see page 3.
Brandon Fitzwater is pictured here with his son, Perseus, and his daughter, Anastasia. COURTESY PHOTO

Brandon Fitzwater is pictured here with his son, Perseus, and his daughter, Anastasia. COURTESY PHOTO

Kempner veteran killed in motorcycle wreck April 7

A Kempner man and U.S. Air Force veteran died recently after a motorcycle wreck on the U.S. Highway 190 bypass.Copperas Cove police authorities said 29-year-old Brandon Wayne Fitzwater succumbed to his injuries after colliding with a vehicle.Police said on April 7 at about 8:29 p.m.
Ace Brooks in his Purple Poo attire before he was unmasked last month. COURTESY PHOTO

Ace Brooks in his Purple Poo attire before he was unmasked last month. COURTESY PHOTO

Reminiscing about ‘the Poo’

If you aren’t a Tarleton State University alum, the words “Purple Poo” probably don’t mean anything. Tarleton State senior Ace Brooks, however, is all too familiar with the century-old secret society.

BRIEFLY

TXDOT OPEN HOUSEThe Texas Department of Transportation will hold two in-person meetings to present information on its planned U.S. Highway 281 upgrades. The project will extend from Lampasas to Evant.The Lampasas open house is set for April 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
file photo

file photo

Exploring the fine arts, learning crafts

A group of children work with volunteers at the 2023 Arts in the Park for Kids event to create knitting crafts. Lampasas Association for the Arts will bring the popular festival to Campbell Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All activities are free for participants.

community calendar

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Scouts who worked to pack and sort all the eclipse gift bags are, from left, Troop members Anna Figurski, Jenna Paige Linney, Rylie Wood, Vera-Rose Johnson, Emma-Lee Bull, Isabella Glowinski, Kenzi Rodriguez and leader Torie Lesley. courtesy photo

Scouts who worked to pack and sort all the eclipse gift bags are, from left, Troop members Anna Figurski, Jenna Paige Linney, Rylie Wood, Vera-Rose Johnson, Emma-Lee Bull, Isabella Glowinski, Kenzi Rodriguez and leader Torie Lesley. courtesy photo

Girl Scouts complete 2024 eclipse-related service project

Girl Scout Troops 20001 and 20023, composed of fifth- and sixth-grade students, have been learning more about community service and the importance of serving those around them.
At left, NASA’s Dr. Natchimuthuk Gopalswamy views the partial phase of the eclipse through solar glasses along with other members participating in NASA’s research station set up at the 580 Sports Park on Monday. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

At left, NASA’s Dr. Natchimuthuk Gopalswamy views the partial phase of the eclipse through solar glasses along with other members participating in NASA’s research station set up at the 580 Sports Park on Monday. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD