Life

The Lampasas Badger Band practices songs from its upcoming 2026 marching show. The band has received over $200,000 in community donations to aquire new instruments and two band equipment trailers. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

The Lampasas Badger Band practices songs from its upcoming 2026 marching show. The band has received over $200,000 in community donations to aquire new instruments and two band equipment trailers. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Badger Band bolstered by $200,000 in donations

Erick Mitchell
Monday, August 3, 2026
When an anonymous donor told Lampasas High School Band Director Eduardo Zambrano they were looking to recruit 100 donors who would give $1,000 each to the band program, he couldn’t believe his ears.What started as initial skepticism quickly grew into reality.
Volunteers such as these pack shoebox gifts to be sent to children around the world. Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. National Collection Week for the shoeboxes will be Nov. 16-23. COURTESY PHOTO | SAMARITAN’S PURSE

Volunteers such as these pack shoebox gifts to be sent to children around the world. Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. National Collection Week for the shoeboxes will be Nov. 16-23. COURTESY PHOTO | SAMARITAN’S PURSE

Lometa residents partner with Operation Christmas Child

News Staff
Monday, August 3, 2026
The Mid-TX West Area Operation Christmas Child Team will host a kick-off event Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at Covenant Life Church, 4001 E. Elms Road in Killeen.
The 2026-2027 VATAT Credit Union directors, from left to right, are Ray Pieniazek of Austin, Aaron Wilson of El Campo, John Templeton of Bryan, Gary Adams of Austin, Mike Rempe of Yoakum, Chris Cleveland of Andrews and chairman, Dr. Steve Forsythe of Lampasas. COURTESY PHOTO

The 2026-2027 VATAT Credit Union directors, from left to right, are Ray Pieniazek of Austin, Aaron Wilson of El Campo, John Templeton of Bryan, Gary Adams of Austin, Mike Rempe of Yoakum, Chris Cleveland of Andrews and chairman, Dr. Steve Forsythe of Lampasas. COURTESY PHOTO

Forsythe continues service on VATAT Credit Union board

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
The Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Credit Union held its 65th annual membership meeting on July 22 in Corpus Christi at the Hilliard Convention Center.
The National Mounted Warrior Museum opened in September 2024, just outside the main gate at Fort Hood. It offers more than 12,000 square feet of permanent gallery space, along with temporary exhibit space and a large central rotunda. COURTESY PHOTO

The National Mounted Warrior Museum opened in September 2024, just outside the main gate at Fort Hood. It offers more than 12,000 square feet of permanent gallery space, along with temporary exhibit space and a large central rotunda. COURTESY PHOTO

Kiwanis Club hears National Mounted Warrior Museum talk

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Lampasas welcomed U.S. Army retired Lt.Gen. Paul Funk Sr. and retired Lt. Col. Bob Crouch to their meeting last week at First Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall.Crouch introduced the National Mounted Warrior Museum and discussed its mission and goals for the future.
Aubrey Stubbs is the recipient of a $20,000 Area Go Texan scholarship, provided by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She will attend Texas Tech University. COURTESY PHOTO

Aubrey Stubbs is the recipient of a $20,000 Area Go Texan scholarship, provided by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She will attend Texas Tech University. COURTESY PHOTO

Area Go Texan names scholarship winners

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has awarded 541 Texas students with $20,000 scholarships, representing a $10.8 million investment in the next generation of leaders.Aubrey Stubbs is the Lampasas County Area Go Texan scholarship recipient.She will apply her $20,000 award toward enrollment at...
McKenna Harpster was crowned the 2027 World’s Universal Girl at the Our Little Miss World Competition held in Nashville, Tennessee. COURTESY PHOTO

McKenna Harpster was crowned the 2027 World’s Universal Girl at the Our Little Miss World Competition held in Nashville, Tennessee. COURTESY PHOTO

Lampasas teen wins world pageant title

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Lampasas High School student McKenna Harpster was named 2027 World’s Universal Girl at the Our Little Miss World Competition held earlier in July.Harpster impressed judges with an energetic tap dance performance to Dolly Parton’s tune “9 to 5.”
What nobody tells you about menopause

What nobody tells you about menopause

What nobody tells you about menopause

Danae De Guelle
Monday, July 27, 2026
You’re 48 years old. You’re waking up at 3 a.m. soaked in sweat. You’re exhausted but can’t sleep. You’re gaining weight around your midsection despite eating the same way you always have. Your moods are unpredictable. Your joints ache. Your digestion is off.
Matt Mullican marked the twogallon milestone on July 14 with his blood donation. COURTESY PHOTO

Matt Mullican marked the twogallon milestone on July 14 with his blood donation. COURTESY PHOTO

Blood drive receives good turnout

News Staff
Monday, July 27, 2026
American Red Cross community blood drive coordinator Wanda Lang noted that 57 units of blood were collected at the most recent event in Lampasas.“It was a great day,” she said.A good number of donors reached milestones this month: John Mus, 1 gallon Sarah Elkins, 1 gallon Tom Casbeer, 2 gallons...
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