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Traffic was reduced to one lane of travel in each direction last week along U.S. Highway 281, as construction continues. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Traffic was reduced to one lane of travel in each direction last week along U.S. Highway 281, as construction continues. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

U.S. 281 completion pushed to July

Erick Mitchell
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Construction on U.S. Highway 281 is expected to be completed by the time school starts in August, according to the Texas Department of Transportation Brownwood District.In October 2025, TxDOT said construction along the roadway would be finished by the end of spring. Now, TxDOT believes the U.S.
Stephen Meyer of M&M Butcher Block displays some of the prime cuts of beef he plans to serve when his M&M Steakhouse concept opens neext year on the courthouse square. Meyer is in the process of purchasing the former Eve’s Cafe building. After renovation, the steakhouse will open for dinner and feature high-quality steaks, traditional sides, and local wines and craft beers. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Stephen Meyer of M&M Butcher Block displays some of the prime cuts of beef he plans to serve when his M&M Steakhouse concept opens neext year on the courthouse square. Meyer is in the process of purchasing the former Eve’s Cafe building. After renovation, the steakhouse will open for dinner and feature high-quality steaks, traditional sides, and local wines and craft beers. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

M&M Steakhouse plans 2027 opening in downtown building

Erick Mitchell
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
With an “all prime, all the time” motto, Lampasas residents can expect the highest-quality meat to be served when M&M Steakhouse opens on the downtown square in 2027.

Primary runoff elections end today

News Staff
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
May 26 marks the final date to vote in the Republican Party and Democratic Party parimary runoff elections.Those registered in Lampasas County may vote at either the Election Office, 407 S. Pecan St. in Lampasas, or the Kempner Fire Department station at 315 Pecan St. in Kempner. Hours are 7 a.m.
Data centers such as this can pose a threat to rural areas due to their size and potential effects on groundwater levels. courtesy photo | pexels -- brett sales

Data centers such as this can pose a threat to rural areas due to their size and potential effects on groundwater levels. courtesy photo | pexels -- brett sales

Water usage continues to be concern with data centers

Erick Mitchell
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
With the rise of data centers across the state, Texas agriculture leaders are pressing lawmakers to evaluate the impact facilities have on water supply.Last week, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller joined the chorus, calling for a statewide pause on data center projects.
ADAM BARRIOS | DISPATCH RECORD

ADAM BARRIOS | DISPATCH RECORD

Ceremony of remembrance in Kempner

Adam Barrios
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
To conclude the Memorial Day ceremony at Sylvia Tucker Memorial Park, Jack McNiel Jr. of Kempner Church of Christ, at left, offers the benediction. His prayer came after remarks offered by 1st Sgt. James Forster, shown at right.

BRIEFLY

News Staff
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
SUMMER MEAL PROGRAMLampasas ISD Nutrition Services is offering summer meals for children. Meals are served at Hanna Springs Elementary School Monday through Friday through June 19, and at Taylor Creek Elementary Monday through Thursday from June 1-25.Breakfast is served from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Roy Koon is now a 7-gallon blood donor. COURTESY PHOTO

Roy Koon is now a 7-gallon blood donor. COURTESY PHOTO

May blood drive a success

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The American Red Cross Community Blood Drive held May 12 saw 71 units collected.“A great turnout,” coordinator Wanda Lang said.
RKJ Construction employees prepare to pour cement for the bridge support footings. Rex Johnson of RKJ Construction and his late wife were donors of the land that has become Cooper Spring Nature Park. COURTESY PHOTO

RKJ Construction employees prepare to pour cement for the bridge support footings. Rex Johnson of RKJ Construction and his late wife were donors of the land that has become Cooper Spring Nature Park. COURTESY PHOTO

New addition planned at Cooper Spring Nature Park

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Work has begun at Cooper Spring Nature Park to add a new feature to the area.Employees of RKJ Construction and city of Lampasas staff have laid the foundation for a new footbridge over Spring Branch, the creek to the south of the pavilion at the park.
Burnet County AgriLife Extension Agent Kelly Tarla enlightened L-M Garden and Civic Club members with a presentation on native trees in the Texas Hill Country. COURTESY PHOTO

Burnet County AgriLife Extension Agent Kelly Tarla enlightened L-M Garden and Civic Club members with a presentation on native trees in the Texas Hill Country. COURTESY PHOTO

Garden Club members dive into native trees

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The L-M Garden and Civic Club met Monday evening at the club building in Lometa.Guest speaker was Kelly Tarla, Burnet County AgriLife Extension agent. She gave an informative presentation on native trees to plant in the Hill Country.
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