News

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Kolby Cooper stays true to his East Texas roots

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
With more than 363,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Kolby Cooper is a rising star in the country music scene. Despite the growing fame, he remembers his roots.When Cooper rolls into town on July 11 to headline Spring Ho’s Saturday Night Street Dance, it won’t be his first time here.
Kayak races feature adult and youth tandem categories, as well as adult singles. ERICK MITCELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Kayak races feature adult and youth tandem categories, as well as adult singles. ERICK MITCELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Creek is site for kayak races

Hunter King
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The annual Spring Ho kayak races don’t look to be changing much in format, as they once again will take place at W.M. Brook Park just before noon on July 11.Four different divisions are offered for competition in racing down the creek and back.

Concerts are big draw at festival

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
High-energy Texas country and gritty countryrock will take over the courthouse square when Coffey Anderson and Kolby Cooper headline this year’s Spring Ho street dances July 10 and July 11. Concert attendees may bring their own beverages (no glass bottles) and lawn chairs.
Cardboard boats will make their way across the swimming pool to see who can reach the other side safely. Other water sports for children and adults will be part of the Spring Ho offerings. FILE PHOTO

Cardboard boats will make their way across the swimming pool to see who can reach the other side safely. Other water sports for children and adults will be part of the Spring Ho offerings. FILE PHOTO

Cardboard Regatta set for Hanna Springs pool

Hunter King
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The cardboard regatta and water sports will once again be held at the Hanna Springs Pool at 3 p.m. on Saturday.The event is set to be hosted by the Lampasas Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Pratus Insurance and Elisa Grace Med Spa.
The Spring Ho Grand Parade will come through the downtown Lampasas area mid-morning on July 11. Parade dignitaries will include Craig and Donna Benton, this year’s honorary marshals. Floats, cavalry units, marching bands and of course the Flames drill team will take part. FILE PHOTO

The Spring Ho Grand Parade will come through the downtown Lampasas area mid-morning on July 11. Parade dignitaries will include Craig and Donna Benton, this year’s honorary marshals. Floats, cavalry units, marching bands and of course the Flames drill team will take part. FILE PHOTO

Parade to highlight ‘Stars, Stripes, Spring Ho Nights’

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Spring Ho Grand Parade is set for July 11 at 10 a.m. Those who wish to watch the parade are encouraged to find their spot on the parade route early, as the popular event draws a good crowd.This year’s parade marshals are Craig and Donna Benton.
A collection of 320 model railroad cars will be on display July 12 at the historic Santa Fe Depot property on East Second Street. The passenger side of the depot will be open for viewing, and the freight section will showcase various food vendors and beverages. The Lampasas Depot Foundation also is offering children’s activities on site for a family-friendly atmosphere to conclude the festival week. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

A collection of 320 model railroad cars will be on display July 12 at the historic Santa Fe Depot property on East Second Street. The passenger side of the depot will be open for viewing, and the freight section will showcase various food vendors and beverages. The Lampasas Depot Foundation also is offering children’s activities on site for a family-friendly atmosphere to conclude the festival week. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

‘All aboard the 1904’

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
To cap off this year’s Spring Ho festivities, the Lampasas Depot Foundation will open the historic Santa Fe Depot to the public for the first time in years. Its “All Aboard the 1904” event will take place July 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lampasas EDC to hire administrative specialist

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Lampasas Economic Development Corp. is within reach of obtaining its first full-time staff member in 18 months.According to Acting EDC Director/ Interim City Manager Erin Harrison, the EDC’s Board of Directors has extended an offer to a candidate to serve as an administrative specialist.

Appraisal district votes to adopt budget

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
After receiving little negative feedback on its 2027 proposed budget, the Lampasas Central Appraisal District Board of Directors approved the district’s final budget during its monthly meeting on June 25.
Donna and Dr. Craig Benton will head up the Spring Ho Grand Parade on July 11 and will serve as festival dignitaries for the annual celebration of Lampasas’ mineral springs. COURTESY PHOTO

Donna and Dr. Craig Benton will head up the Spring Ho Grand Parade on July 11 and will serve as festival dignitaries for the annual celebration of Lampasas’ mineral springs. COURTESY PHOTO

Bentons tapped as Spring Ho marshals

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Shocked, surprised and humbled. Those were the emotions Donna and Craig Benton said they experienced when they were named this year’s Spring Ho Grand Parade marshals.
Lampasas Public Utility crews were able to conduct repairs to a main line water leak on Wednesday morning. The leak was caused by contract workers carrying out restoration efforts on the East Fourth Street church building near Sulphur Creek. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Lampasas Public Utility crews were able to conduct repairs to a main line water leak on Wednesday morning. The leak was caused by contract workers carrying out restoration efforts on the East Fourth Street church building near Sulphur Creek. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Water line ruptures on East Fourth Street

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Subscribe to