Life

Mark Nicolas poses during Field Medical Service School. COURTESY PHOTO

Mark Nicolas poses during Field Medical Service School. COURTESY PHOTO

Mark Nicolas and the long way back, part 4

Demetra Paizanis
Monday, August 24, 2026
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story is the final installment about a Lampasas County Navy veteran who turned his recovery journey into research.While caring for his grandmother, Mark Nicolas continued studying addiction counseling at San Antonio College.
RANDOM DISTRACTIONS BY MARK MONTGOMERY

RANDOM DISTRACTIONS BY MARK MONTGOMERY

Random thoughts come with ‘Dog Days’

Mark Montgomery
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Well, it’s summer, and the “Dog Days” are here. I have never known exactly what that meant but have assumed it had something to do with hot weather and the wisdom of dogs.
Mark Nicolas enjoys a fishing session before beginning residential treatment in Texas. COURTESY PHOTO

Mark Nicolas enjoys a fishing session before beginning residential treatment in Texas. COURTESY PHOTO

Mark Nicolas and the long way back, part 3

Demetra Paizanis
Thursday, August 20, 2026
EDITOR’S NOTE: THE FOLLOWING STORY IS ABOUT A LAMPASAS COUNTY VETERAN WHO TURNED HIS RECOVERY JOURNEY INTO RESEARCH.After landing in Texas, Mark Nicolas stood near the airport terminal considering a return flight.
The ’36 Club has named its new officers for 2026-2028. COURTESY PHOTO

The ’36 Club has named its new officers for 2026-2028. COURTESY PHOTO

’36 Club installs new officers

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The ’36 Club met for its last meeting of the 2025-2026 year in May with a lunch at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Members were treated to a salad lunch on beautiful plates and table settings presented by the Social Committee.President Juli Chaney called the meeting to order.
COURTESY PHOTO Standing by the food pantry at 101 E. First St. are, from left, Kaitlin Collins, Jill Sellers, Sarah Rivera, Kenzie Woodfin, Belle Wharton, Brandi Watkins and Miranda Boone.

COURTESY PHOTO Standing by the food pantry at 101 E. First St. are, from left, Kaitlin Collins, Jill Sellers, Sarah Rivera, Kenzie Woodfin, Belle Wharton, Brandi Watkins and Miranda Boone.

New food pantry options available

News Staff
Monday, August 17, 2026
Two new food pantries have been established in Lampasas, with sponsorship from AdventHealth Rollins Brook.
Mark Nicolas trained with Division 911 during Navy boot camp. COURTESY PHOTO

Mark Nicolas trained with Division 911 during Navy boot camp. COURTESY PHOTO

Mark Nicolas and the long way back, part 2

Demetra Paizanis
Monday, August 17, 2026
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story is about a Lampasas County Navy veteran who turned his recovery journey into research.ENROLLMENT COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY CENTRAL TEXASThe Navy trained Mark Edward Nicolas as a Fleet Marine Force corpsman, a Navy medical specialist assigned...
COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Farmers Feeding Families delivery

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
As part of the Lampasas County Farm Bureau’s Farmers Feeding Families program, local president Stephen Ruzicka and Farm Bureau director Steve Forsythe deliver 160 pounds of pork to the St. Mary Catholic Church Food Pantry for distribution to local families in need.
COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Donation processed locally

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Pork from a Lampasas FFA member’s animal project was processed by M&M Custom Slaughter owner Stephen Meyer, at left, and turned into sausage and bacon to help feed people in the community.

Deadline for Kiwanis peach orders is Aug. 21

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Kiwanis Club of Lampasas is taking orders for Colorado peaches. A 22-pound box is $60. Proceeds help fund local scholarships.Order deadline is Aug.21. Call Randy Morris at512-556-6220 or Lampasas Lawyer PLLC at 512-556--6228; or send check and phone number to P.O. Box 1621, Lampasas, TX 76550.
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