My name is Breck McCoury. I am 16 years old, in the 11th grade and live in San Saba.

Peyton Head is the 9-yearold daughter of Derrick and Jessica Head, from Center City. Peyton is a fourth-grader at Goldthwaite Elementary and loves her community.

On March 18, the L-M Garden and Civic Club held its March meeting in Lometa. Donna McKinney gave a presentation on flower arranging.

Freshman Marley Champeau, left, and junior Phoebe Rounds were in Austin over spring break, representing Badger Nation at the UIL State Cross-Examination Debate Tournament. Although they did not place this year, they were one of just 64 teams to qualify for the state meet. Judith Ann McGhee, speech and debate coach at Lampasas High School, said these students already are preparing for next year. “I’m excited to see where this incredibly tough event takes them in the future,” McGhee said.

Several local churches will present a Good Friday cantata entitled “The Living Last Words.” The cantata will be performed at First Presbyterian Church of Lampasas on March 29 at noon and again at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and this event is open to the public.

Adamsville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dean Watson was honored March 7 by the Hill Country 100 Club, which named him a First Responder of the Year. Watson is in his third year as Adamsville VFD chief.

The family-owned business Coming Home Furniture and Gifts, at 710 S. Key Ave., has been recognized as Night Sky Friendly. Lampasas County Friends of the Night Sky members Mike Watson, at left, and Dorothy Person presented Bowden his banner. As part of a recent store remodel, the outdoor fixtures at Coming Home were updated with dark sky friendly lighting to ensure they don’t waste light but still provide good visibility at night.

Lampasas County residents and visitors looking to enjoy the total solar eclipse that will occur April 8 need to ensure they have a pair of solar viewing glasses. Not utilizing special eyewear during various phases of the eclipse may lead to severe eye injury, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The Lampasas County Historical Commission and Daughters of the Republic of Texas will cohost a program featuring Bill O’Neal as the guest speaker to commemorate Texas History Month. The presentation will highlight one of O’Neal’s newest books, “John S. ‘Rip’ Ford, Texian Hero.”

Middle school and high school students will have the opportunity to receive low-cost EKGs today, thanks to the Cody Stephens Foundation. Lampasas ISD is partnering with the foundation to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest.