New business holds ribbon-cutting

Western Avenue Dawgs recently celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting event. Owner Doug Ingraffia holds the scissors and is surrounded by friends, family and chamber members. The new eatery is located at 1004 S. Key Ave., next to Donut Palace.

Race to the Grand Canyon becomes yearly competition

Last month, 13 different teams hopped into vehicles worth no more than $500, and they drove over 2,400 miles to the Grand Canyon and back to Lampasas, with six different challenges that had to be completed along the way. Now in its sixth year, the “2 The Crack and Back” event took place in July.

Green Thumb Program offers information on fall plantings

The Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association will offer its next Green Thumb Program on Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to noon at Lakeshore Library, 7346 Ranch Road 261 in Buchanan Dam. Gardening experts Bill and Martel Luedecke, and Willard Horn will discuss fall flowers and vegetable gardens.

Players gather for monthly bridge

Sixteen players enjoyed the recent Community Bridge event in the fellowship hall at First Presbyterian Church. Kathy Griffis-Bailey took first place, Pattie Spradley was second, and Mary Lou Laird was third. Kathy Bailey and Tim Cockburn won the slam prize, and Cockburn also won the door prize.

NEWSMAKERS

FORMER LAMPASAS ISD SUPERINTENDENT DIES The Texas Association of School Administrators has announced the death of Dr. Norman Hall on Aug. 15, 2023 at the age of 100. Hall was superintendent of the Lampasas school district in the 1970s.

City of Lampasas announces advisory board openings

The city of Lampasas is accepting applications for volunteer board positions, officials announced this week. This month, 21 positions on various advisory boards are up for renewal, with several possible vacancies.

Martinez trial scheduled

Jury trial has been set for a Lampasas man facing felony charges of child sexual abuse.

DISTRICT COURT

Lampasas County 27th District Court convened last week with Judge John Gauntt presiding over the day’s hearings. Defendant Rashad Valento Byron Parkinson of Copperas Cove received 12 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on a charge of sexual assault of a child.

ARRESTS

The following arrests were reported to the Lampasas Dispatch Record by area law enforcement officials. The Dispatch Record prints the name and charge(s) of people arrested on at least one Class B misdemeanor – or more serious – charge.

Tickets available for annual Lampasas County Wine Tour

The 12th Annual Lampasas County Wine Tour is set for Sept. 23. The Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event this year will feature beer and spirits, in addition to the wine offerings from area vineyards. Tickets are $110 per person.