News

DISTRICT COURT

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Lampasas County 27th District Court convened last week with Judge Debbie Garrett presiding over the day’s hearings.Defendant Reaanne Marie Gares of Killeen entered a plea of guilty to two counts: forgery of a financial instrument, and fraudulent use/possession of identifying information.
County Judge Randy Hoyer, left, and Commissioner Jamie Smart both addressed the plan to join the Central Texas Water Alliance. Hoyer reiterated his opinion that Lampasas County will have a large voice at the negotiating table as part of the alliance. Smart noted the importance of considering the water needs of the western portion of the county, not just the moreheavily populated eastern side. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

County Judge Randy Hoyer, left, and Commissioner Jamie Smart both addressed the plan to join the Central Texas Water Alliance. Hoyer reiterated his opinion that Lampasas County will have a large voice at the negotiating table as part of the alliance. Smart noted the importance of considering the water needs of the western portion of the county, not just the moreheavily populated eastern side. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Lampasas County inches closer to joining new water alliance

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, February 12, 2026
During Monday’s regular meeting, the Lampasas County Commissioners Court authorized a resolution to join the Central Texas Water Alliance.In November, the court agreed to pay a $5,000 membership fee to join the CTWA.

ARRESTS

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 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.
COURTESY PHOTO Kempner Water Supply Corp. officials, seated at left, met with Lampasas City Council members, at right, and city staff for an annual joint meeting. KWSC oficials have reiterated that changes are needed so the water treatment plant in Kempner can remain viable and provide adequately for its member customers.

COURTESY PHOTO Kempner Water Supply Corp. officials, seated at left, met with Lampasas City Council members, at right, and city staff for an annual joint meeting. KWSC oficials have reiterated that changes are needed so the water treatment plant in Kempner can remain viable and provide adequately for its member customers.

City Council, Kempner Water hold joint meeting to discuss future

Hunter King
Monday, February 9, 2026
The Lampasas City Council and the Kempner Water Supply Corp. held their annual joint meeting last week ahead of the regular council meeting, and they spent more than an hour in a back-and-forth discussion about the future of their relationship and the water treatment plant in Kempner.
Mary Helen Dotson has published a book on her great-grandfather. COURTESY PHOTO

Mary Helen Dotson has published a book on her great-grandfather. COURTESY PHOTO

Author uncovers family history while writing book on Dodson

Erick Mitchell
Monday, February 9, 2026
For the last two decades and longer, Mary Helen Dodson has done a deep dive into her family’s history to uncover tales of the past.Her great-grandfather, Wesley Clark Dodson, was the architect of the Lampasas County Courthouse.

BRIEFLY

Saratoga Water District
Monday, February 9, 2026
The Saratoga Underground Water Conservation District for Lampasas County will hold a regular board meeting on Friday at the Lampasas County annex building conference room. More information is available at www.saratogauwcd.org.

A plant for every room in the home

Melinda Myers
Monday, February 9, 2026
Add a bit of greenery to your home’s décor with a few new plants. Match the plants to your style and the growing conditions in each room to create the desired results.Consider the time you have and want to invest in caring for plants when selecting and placing them throughout your home.
A packed audience was on hand at the Taylor Creek Elementary School cafeteria for Thursday’s ceremony that highlighted the achievements of 73 students. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

A packed audience was on hand at the Taylor Creek Elementary School cafeteria for Thursday’s ceremony that highlighted the achievements of 73 students. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Taylor Creek students earn special degree

Erick Mitchell
Monday, February 9, 2026
Although not yet in their teenage years, 73 Taylor Creek Elementary School students acquired their “master’s degree” in a special ceremony Thursday.The TCE master’s degree program is a six-week initiative held twice per week after school.

Lady Badger soccer team loses on penalty kicks to Academy

Hunter King
Monday, February 9, 2026
Last Friday, the varsity girls’ soccer team traveled to Academy for the second district contest of the season. Lampasas played to a 1-1 draw after full time but ultimately lost on penalty kicks.“We came out hard and fought for 80 minutes,” head coach Kim Burnside said.
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