News

BRIEFLY

EARLY DEADLINESEarly deadlines will be in effect at the Dispatch Record. News and advertising items for the Dec. 26 edition were due by noon Monday. News and advertising items for the Dec. 30 edition are due by Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Migratory waterfowl and other waterbirds are a natural reservoir for highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has been detected in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. COURTESY PHOTO | TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

Migratory waterfowl and other waterbirds are a natural reservoir for highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has been detected in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. COURTESY PHOTO | TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

TPWD warns of avian flu as waterfowl migrate

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department urges caution as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is circulating among wild birds across the state as waterbirds and waterfowl migrate and congregate on their wintering grounds.Detected in all 50 states across the U.S.

Ag commissioner says mealybug spotted in 20 Texas counties

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued a warning about a new, highly damaging pest that can be devastating to pastures and hayfields.The pasture mealybug ( Helicococcus summervillei), which has not previously been reported in North America, has been identified now in 20 Texas counties.
Public Information Officer Lisa Tipton said the TxDOT Brownwood District begins each winter season fully stocked with brine tanks and bulk salt on hand so crews are prepared to treat roadways if freezing temperatures are expected. court esy photo | texas depart ment of highways brownwood district

Public Information Officer Lisa Tipton said the TxDOT Brownwood District begins each winter season fully stocked with brine tanks and bulk salt on hand so crews are prepared to treat roadways if freezing temperatures are expected. court esy photo | texas depart ment of highways brownwood district

Winter officially underway, despite unseasonable warmth

Winter officially started Dec. 21, and although the shortterm forecast is nowhere near freezing, this time of year is notorious for dramatic changes in weather.
Regenerative agriculture aims to improve the long-term health of soil and farmland, often with an emphasis on biodiversity and erosion mitigation. file photo

Regenerative agriculture aims to improve the long-term health of soil and farmland, often with an emphasis on biodiversity and erosion mitigation. file photo

USDA launches new $700 million regenerative agriculture pilot program

A $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program recently was announced to help American farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality and boost long-term productivity, all while strengthening America’s food and fiber supply.

LCAD concludes tax hearings for 2025

The Lampasas Central Appraisal Review Board has concluded its hearings for the 2025 tax year. The final day for administrative hearings was Dec. 17.During the 2025 tax year, the ARB met for a total of 20 days, compared to 21 days in 2024.A total of 1,258 property tax protests were filed.

District clerk’s pretrial hearing reset for January

District Clerk Edith Harrison’s pretrial hearing – scheduled for last week in 27th District Court here – has been reset for Jan. 22, 2026.No reason was given for the delay.It remains to be seen if Harrison’s legal saga will have a positive or negative effect on her political career.

Corix issues boil water notice after line break

Corix Utilities, the provider for the city of Lometa’s water system, issued a boil water notice to customers on Wednesday. An email alert late Wednesday afternoon from Corix stated, “a contractor hit our water main while working in your service area. Crews are  orking to make necessary repairs now.