News

Councilmen Rob Green, left, and Thomas Combs discuss the proposed 2026-2027 budget for the city of Kempner. Elimination of a setaside for a future municipal court judge salary has enabled the Kempner City Council to lower the tax rate for the upcoming year. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Councilmen Rob Green, left, and Thomas Combs discuss the proposed 2026-2027 budget for the city of Kempner. Elimination of a setaside for a future municipal court judge salary has enabled the Kempner City Council to lower the tax rate for the upcoming year. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Kempner approves small tax rate decrease for 2026-2027

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, August 13, 2026
After floating a proposed 11% increase to the city’s tax rate, Kempner City Council members settled on a lower rate than the one approved in 2025.During Tuesday’s regular meeting, council members adopted the city’s 2026-2027 fiscalyear budget and a tax rate of $0.

BRIEFLY

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
ICE CREAM SOCIALLampasas Senior Center will hold an Ice Cream Social Fundraiser on Aug. 27 at 12:30 p.m. Those who make a donation will get a sweet treat.All proceeds go directly to the Meals on Wheels program to provide food for homebound seniors..
A soaker hose placed around the base of a tree can be used to help keep the soil and roots moist. COURTESY PHOTO | WWW.MELINDAMYERS.COM

A soaker hose placed around the base of a tree can be used to help keep the soil and roots moist. COURTESY PHOTO | WWW.MELINDAMYERS.COM

Caring for established trees in hot, dry weather

Melinda Myers
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Trees form the framework in our landscapes, providing shade, cleaning the air of dust and pollutants, absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, protecting the soil and helping to manage storm water.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
We would like to help get your group’s event(s) listed in the Dispatch Record Calendar. The listing of community events and meetings is free.Calendar items must be in writing. Email to news@lampasas.com, or mail to: Calendar Lampasas Dispatch Record P.O.

GRAND JURY

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Lampasas County grand jury continued its July term on Wednesday.

DISTRICT COURT

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Lampasas County 27th District Court convened last week with Judge Debbie Garrett presiding over the hearings.Defendant John Louis Torres of Lometa was sentenced to three years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on a charge of assault on a family/household member with a previous conviction.

ARRESTS

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
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.

Grass fire thought to be cause of CR 3220 blaze

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, August 13, 2026
The Kempner Volunteer Fire Department and assisting agencies were able to steer a grass fire away from a residence along County Road 3220 last week.Kempner VFD Capt. Chris Long told the Dispatch Record the agency received a call at 12:39 p.m. Aug.
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