News

courtesy photo | jeff jackson The Aten College building may or may not have been the scene of a shoot-up-the-town type of Christmas celebration in 1871. It was an active school from 1869 until sometime in the 1890s.

courtesy photo | jeff jackson The Aten College building may or may not have been the scene of a shoot-up-the-town type of Christmas celebration in 1871. It was an active school from 1869 until sometime in the 1890s.

Christmas Eve, 1871: stories told of a holiday with six-shooters

Jeff Jackson
Monday, December 18, 2023
EDITOR’S NOTE: Lampasas historian Jeff Jackson has researched a number of history topics. The following offers his research on events said to have occurred on Christmas Eve, 1871. The following story may be true in one form or another. It was not derived from newspaper reports at the time.

KWSC releases application for board of directors

Erick Mitchell
Monday, December 18, 2023
The Kempner Water Supply Corp. announced on Friday that applications for a Board of Director position are available. Applications must be completed and turned into the KWSC office by Jan. 28, 2024 to verify qualifications and receive a spot on the ballot.
Joey McQueen

Joey McQueen

Early results show LHS an ‘A’ rated campus

Erick Mitchell
Monday, December 18, 2023
Lampasas High School has received preliminary accountability numbers from the Texas Education Agency that show the campus to be A-rated. LHS Principal Joey McQueen said the achievement is something students and staff have been working hard to accomplish for some time.
JOYCESARAH MCCABE | DISPATCH RECORD

JOYCESARAH MCCABE | DISPATCH RECORD

Prepping the city for 2024 solar eclipse visitors

News Staff
Monday, December 18, 2023
City Manager Finley deGraffinreid addresses citizens of Lampasas County last week concerning what to expect during the April 2024 solar eclipse. The event is expected to draw a great number of visitors to the area and could slow broadband, affect cell service and make normal travel more difficult.
Kempner Mayor John Wilkerson, at left, and Place 3 Councilman Rob Green look on during the Kempner City Council meeting held on Dec. 12. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Kempner Mayor John Wilkerson, at left, and Place 3 Councilman Rob Green look on during the Kempner City Council meeting held on Dec. 12. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Kempner City Council OKs agreement for subdivisions

Erick Mitchell
Monday, December 18, 2023
In a short meeting last week, the Kempner City Council agreed to enter an interlocal agreement with Lampasas County to assist with subdivision development. Council member Debbie Hernandez was absent from the meeting. The Dec. 12 gathering was Kempner’s last council meeting of 2023.
HUNTER KING | DISPATCH RECORD

HUNTER KING | DISPATCH RECORD

Elf on the courthouse?

News Staff
Monday, December 18, 2023
Ashleigh Elizabeth, aka the “Elf on the Shelf,” from the local social media outlet “doLampasas” waves to travelers last week from atop the Lampasas County Courthouse. The elf was rumored to have appeared at other popular venues in town ahead of the holidays.
Melissa Cantu

Melissa Cantu

Lometa officials dismiss police chief Cantu

Alexandria Randolph
Monday, December 18, 2023
Lometa officials confirmed on Thursday the termination of Melissa Cantu as Lometa police chief. Lometa City Council member Bob Butler, who serves as the Police and Parks commissioner, told the Dispatch Record that Cantu was dismissed from employment last week.

BRIEFLY

Outdoor Burning Allowed
Monday, December 18, 2023
County Judge Randy Hoyer on Friday authorized the lifting of the order that restricts outdoor burning. Burning will be allowed from Dec. 15 until 6 p.m. Jan. 4, 2024. Those who intend to conduct a burn are asked to notify the Lampasas County Sheriff’s Office in advance at 512-556-8255.
Subscribe to