Local organizations are stepping up and joining hands this holiday season to provide for pets without homes. The Lampasas Public Library is holding an Operation Santa Paws donation drive for the Lampasas Animal Shelter.

On hand Dec. 16 for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony were, front row from left, Alicia Straley, Lynn Longfield, Mary Standard, Irene Standard, Melissa Smith, Tish Casbeer, Barb Ackelberry and Mary Arnold; middle row, Robert Straley, Richard Gerety, Byron Standard, Gary Standard, Jason Arnold, Asa Langford, Jack Ackelberry and Johnny Arnold; back row, Greg Smith and Trent Lancaster.

A group of Lampasas County residents participated Dec. 16 in a Wreaths Across America ceremony at the historic Smith Cemetery at School Creek.

Kindergartners from Taylor Creek Elementary School and second-graders from Lometa School submitted responses to some fun Christmas questions. See selected Taylor Creek kindergarten responses below and the Lometa School second-grade student responses on page 5..

Christmas is a time of gift giving, and for some, that will include a new furry pet. But before surprising children or grandchildren with a puppy on Christmas morning, families should weigh the logistics necessary for responsible pet adoption.

Grace Varnado, at left, a paraprofessional at Taylor Creek Elementary School, and coach/ teacher Chris Wienecke, third from left, were honored as November employees of the month at the campus. Clay Phillips of Farm Bureau Insurance presented them with Farm Bureau mugs and Mojo gift cards. Principal Shona Moore, at right, extended her thanks to Farm Bureau for honoring the staff members.

Maluafa Tafaoa, 4, returned to give Santa a big hug after sharing her Christmas wish list with him at Ajinomoto Foods during the Carol of Lights festival on Dec. 2. Some Lampasas and Lometa youngsters will share what they are wishing for in an upcoming edition of the Dispatch Record.

Benton Chiropractic Clinic held its 24th annual toy drive on Dec. 5. On that day, Dr. Craig Benton exchanged a toy for a chiropractic treatment. The toys are given to the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department, which distributes them to children in need in the community. Shown with the generous donations at this year’s drive are, from left, James Matchan, president of the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department; Matchan’s wife, Rachel; and Benton.

Members of the Lampasas High School Badger Band competed in All-Region auditions at Fredericksburg High School on Saturday. A total of 19 LHS students earned the All-Region title, with 10 of those advancing to area competitions after the Christmas break.

Masonic brothers stand alongside the three service award winners holding their certificates of achievements on Monday evening. Those receiving recognition, left to right, were Warren Bluntzer, 50 years; James Kincheloe, 60 years; and Billy Jack Garner, 70 years.