LOCAL AREA
NEWS & WEATHER
Friday June 24, 2022
The Weather
Lampasas County is under a heat advisory
through Saturday night at 7pm
The High Yesterday 101° The Low this morning 75°.
Today: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 102°. Wind will be SW at 5-10 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies with a low near 75°. Winds will be from the S-SE at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday: The sky will be sunny, and the high temperature will be near 101°. Wind will be S-SW near 5-10 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for clear skies with a low temperature near 73°. The wind will be S-SE near 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny skies and hot with a high temperature near 100°. Winds will become S-SE at 5-10 mph.
Overnight Sunday: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 74°. Wind will be from the E-SE at 5-10 shifting to the N-NE after midnight.
through Saturday night at 7pm
The High Yesterday 101° The Low this morning 75°.
Today: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 102°. Wind will be SW at 5-10 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies with a low near 75°. Winds will be from the S-SE at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday: The sky will be sunny, and the high temperature will be near 101°. Wind will be S-SW near 5-10 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for clear skies with a low temperature near 73°. The wind will be S-SE near 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny skies and hot with a high temperature near 100°. Winds will become S-SE at 5-10 mph.
Overnight Sunday: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 74°. Wind will be from the E-SE at 5-10 shifting to the N-NE after midnight.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Thursday shows a reported disturbance in the 1300 block of CTE at 1:07am and a harassment reported in the 500 block of E. North Ave. at 2:22am. There was a minor accident in the 2300 block of 183S at 7:37am. Vanessa Sanchez, 33, was arrested in the 300 block of N. Ridge St. for possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram at 8am. A burglary of a business was reported in the 500 block of E. North Ave. at 9:36am. There was a reported disturbance in the 500 block of S. Spring St. at 10:39am. At 11:11am, Christopher Quenomoen, 47, of Lampasas was arrested in the 700 block of E. 5th St. for Assault by contact/family violence. The afternoon shows a suspicious person reported in the 300 block of E. 5th St. at 1:42pm, and suspicious activity reported in the 900 block of E. 4th St. at 9:01pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. shows Kempner with medical calls, reported disturbances, civil matters, animal issues, and reported threats. Out in the county there were accidents, a requested welfare check, medical calls, animal/livestock issues, reports of suspicious activity, civil matters, and a reported runaway. Deputies went into Cove on a reported disorderly conduct, and a requested welfare check.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. shows Kempner with medical calls, reported disturbances, civil matters, animal issues, and reported threats. Out in the county there were accidents, a requested welfare check, medical calls, animal/livestock issues, reports of suspicious activity, civil matters, and a reported runaway. Deputies went into Cove on a reported disorderly conduct, and a requested welfare check.
Ain’t life wonderful! Ronnie Witcher
We note the passing of Harold Harton this week.
As I’ve watched the parade of personalities that have passed through the life of Lampasas over many years, it occurs to me that Harold was one of the more interesting.
My early memories were of Harold the barber. His shop on Key Avenue was not only a spot where men and boys were groomed, but also where the conversation ranged from comic to noble, and was always active.
Later, I noticed that Harold became recognized as a gunsmith with considerable skill, then his knack for the technical seemed to bring him into photography and he had a career there for some years. He wrote very good articles for the local paper for a time, as well as presenting many of their best photos. Finally, Harold was a very successful realtor in his final career.
Oh yes, in a matter of days, we’ll see the gathering of local
musicians at the Brook Park amphitheatre for the annual Hayloft Party during Spring Ho. Harold Harton, as a young boy with a small tenor guitar, was at the first Hayloft Party back in the late ‘40s. He had a skill and a love for music all of his life. From that, and so many other tracks he laid down in Lampasas soil, we can see something of the character of Harold Harton.
He was fascinated with the great smorgasbord of life, and tasted as much of it as he could.
Here’s hoping we all take as big a bite of life as we can before it’s all over. We’re rootin’ for ya. rw
As I’ve watched the parade of personalities that have passed through the life of Lampasas over many years, it occurs to me that Harold was one of the more interesting.
My early memories were of Harold the barber. His shop on Key Avenue was not only a spot where men and boys were groomed, but also where the conversation ranged from comic to noble, and was always active.
Later, I noticed that Harold became recognized as a gunsmith with considerable skill, then his knack for the technical seemed to bring him into photography and he had a career there for some years. He wrote very good articles for the local paper for a time, as well as presenting many of their best photos. Finally, Harold was a very successful realtor in his final career.
Oh yes, in a matter of days, we’ll see the gathering of local
musicians at the Brook Park amphitheatre for the annual Hayloft Party during Spring Ho. Harold Harton, as a young boy with a small tenor guitar, was at the first Hayloft Party back in the late ‘40s. He had a skill and a love for music all of his life. From that, and so many other tracks he laid down in Lampasas soil, we can see something of the character of Harold Harton.
He was fascinated with the great smorgasbord of life, and tasted as much of it as he could.
Here’s hoping we all take as big a bite of life as we can before it’s all over. We’re rootin’ for ya. rw
Notice of Passing
Harold Windell Harton, Sr., 94, of Lampasas passed on Tuesday at his home in Lampasas. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 30 from 6-8pm at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel. Services will be held at First Baptist Church on Friday, July 1, at 2pm. Interment will be private at a later date.
What’s Goin’ on ?
If you want to keep cool this evening, you might try the moonlight swim at the Hancock Springs Pool from 7-11pm. General admission is required, and tea and water will be
provided. Music will be by DJ MacDAWG.
The Lampasas Jr. Rodeo event will take place tonight and
tomorrow night, beginning each night at 8pm. There
is a $5 gate fee.
The age groups are 8 & Under, ages 9-12, ages 13-15 and ages 16-19. The events will be barrels, flags, goats, poles, calf riding, steer riding (ages 9-12), bull riding (ages 13-19) and roping events. The event will be jackpotted nightly with buckles to all-around cowboy and cowgirl in each age group.
provided. Music will be by DJ MacDAWG.
The Lampasas Jr. Rodeo event will take place tonight and
tomorrow night, beginning each night at 8pm. There
is a $5 gate fee.
The age groups are 8 & Under, ages 9-12, ages 13-15 and ages 16-19. The events will be barrels, flags, goats, poles, calf riding, steer riding (ages 9-12), bull riding (ages 13-19) and roping events. The event will be jackpotted nightly with buckles to all-around cowboy and cowgirl in each age group.
Beware of Climbing Electric Bills
You might want to sit down when you open your electric bill this summer. Rates are high - and expected to get higher.
Summer months in Texas traditionally equal higher electric bills, but experts said this year will bring extra sticker shock if you aren't locked into a contract that goes through the summer. "For some people, it's probably up 50% to 70%," said Bruce Bullock, Director of the Maguire Energy Institute at SMU. "If you are paying $100, you're probably going to be paying $150, $170."
Bullock said Texas' deregulated electricity market has typically meant low commodity prices. "Now we are in an environment - and have been really for the almost the past year - where commodity prices are rising," he said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows electricity costs in DFW as having increased by 28.2 percent over the last year, compared to a national average of 11 percent. So how can you keep your bill from sky-rocketing? Electrician PJ Waites said start with
your lights.
"I'd say start going to LED lighting," he said. "I've had some
customers say it almost cut their bill in half." He also said to turn your thermostat up, especially at night and when you're not home. Even a few degrees, to 74 or 75, will help.
"At this point, just hold on as best as you can this summer,
because I think it is going to be a tough one from a
financial standpoint."
Summer months in Texas traditionally equal higher electric bills, but experts said this year will bring extra sticker shock if you aren't locked into a contract that goes through the summer. "For some people, it's probably up 50% to 70%," said Bruce Bullock, Director of the Maguire Energy Institute at SMU. "If you are paying $100, you're probably going to be paying $150, $170."
Bullock said Texas' deregulated electricity market has typically meant low commodity prices. "Now we are in an environment - and have been really for the almost the past year - where commodity prices are rising," he said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows electricity costs in DFW as having increased by 28.2 percent over the last year, compared to a national average of 11 percent. So how can you keep your bill from sky-rocketing? Electrician PJ Waites said start with
your lights.
"I'd say start going to LED lighting," he said. "I've had some
customers say it almost cut their bill in half." He also said to turn your thermostat up, especially at night and when you're not home. Even a few degrees, to 74 or 75, will help.
"At this point, just hold on as best as you can this summer,
because I think it is going to be a tough one from a
financial standpoint."
Cattle Market Report
Lampasas Cattle Auction’s weekly sale took place Wednesday and 777 head were on hand, up from the 688 head of the last sale, and up from the 563 a year ago on this day.
Feeder Steers were $3-$5 lower
Feeder Heifers were $3-$5 lower
Slaughter cows were Steady-$3 higher
Slaughter bulls were Steady
Feeder Steers Feeder Heifers
200-300lbs $1.55-$1.82lb 200-300lbs $1.50-$1.76/lb
300-400lbs $1.61-$2.00/lb 300-400lbs $1.32-$1.80/lb
400-500lbs $1.55-$1.84/lb 400-500lbs $1.43-$1.70/lb
500-600lbs $1.36-$1.62/lb 500-600lbs $1.35-$1.56/lb
600-700lbs $1.49-$1.62/lb 600-700lbs $1.30-$1.46/lb
700-800lbs $1.40-$1.64/lb 700-800lbs $1.26-$1.40/lb
Slaughter Cows Slaughter Bulls
Under 800lbs .20-.45/lb 1000-1300lbs No Test
800-1100lb .40-.85/lb 1300-2100lbs .70-1.05/lb
1100-1300lbs .55-1.02/lb Replacements No Test
Bred Replacement Cows
Baby Tooth to 5yr old- $750-$1000 Solid Mouth – $750-$1000
Cow/Calf Pairs- Young to Middle Age w/baby-300 lb calf–$600-$1100/pr Aged Cows w/baby-300 lb calf– No Test
Feeder Steers were $3-$5 lower
Feeder Heifers were $3-$5 lower
Slaughter cows were Steady-$3 higher
Slaughter bulls were Steady
Feeder Steers Feeder Heifers
200-300lbs $1.55-$1.82lb 200-300lbs $1.50-$1.76/lb
300-400lbs $1.61-$2.00/lb 300-400lbs $1.32-$1.80/lb
400-500lbs $1.55-$1.84/lb 400-500lbs $1.43-$1.70/lb
500-600lbs $1.36-$1.62/lb 500-600lbs $1.35-$1.56/lb
600-700lbs $1.49-$1.62/lb 600-700lbs $1.30-$1.46/lb
700-800lbs $1.40-$1.64/lb 700-800lbs $1.26-$1.40/lb
Slaughter Cows Slaughter Bulls
Under 800lbs .20-.45/lb 1000-1300lbs No Test
800-1100lb .40-.85/lb 1300-2100lbs .70-1.05/lb
1100-1300lbs .55-1.02/lb Replacements No Test
Bred Replacement Cows
Baby Tooth to 5yr old- $750-$1000 Solid Mouth – $750-$1000
Cow/Calf Pairs- Young to Middle Age w/baby-300 lb calf–$600-$1100/pr Aged Cows w/baby-300 lb calf– No Test
Thursday June 23, 2022
The Weather
The high yesterday 97° This morning’s low 72°
Today: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 102°. Wind will become E at 5-10 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and down to about 76° overnight. Wind will be S-SE at 5-10 mph.
Friday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 103°. Wind will be SW near 5-10 becoming S-SE in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear skies and a low of 74°. Wind will be
S-SE at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny and hot with the high temperature near 101°. Wind will be S-SW at 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear skies and a low near 74°. Wind will be S-SE near 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Today: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 102°. Wind will become E at 5-10 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and down to about 76° overnight. Wind will be S-SE at 5-10 mph.
Friday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 103°. Wind will be SW near 5-10 becoming S-SE in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear skies and a low of 74°. Wind will be
S-SE at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny and hot with the high temperature near 101°. Wind will be S-SW at 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear skies and a low near 74°. Wind will be S-SE near 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police blotter for Wednesday shows a suspicious vehicle in the 300 block of W. Ave D at 12:09am. The afternoon shows a suspicious person reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 12:41pm, a theft reported in the 1400 block of 281S at 1:13pm and a runaway reported in the 1400 block of S. Main St. at 1:41pm. There was suspicious activity in the 1400 block of W. North Ave. at 1:43pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 400 block of N. Walnut St. at 1:52pm and a harassment was reported in the 1300 block of CTE at 2:35pm. On Samac Lane at 4:33pm there was a report of a suspicious person, and a suspicious vehicle was reported on the 100 block of E. 9th St. at 5:46pm and there was a reported disturbance in the 900 block of E. 3rd St. at 6:29pm. There was a suspicious person reported in the 2100 block of Rocky Mountain Dr. at 6:39pm. At 8:24pm, DeeDee Gilstrap, 41, of Lampasas was arrested in the 600 block of Brown St. on a Lampasas County Warrant for motion to adjudicate-possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram. There was a suspicious person reported in the 100 block of S. Howe St. at 8:30pm and a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 800 block of N. Key Ave. at 11:42pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter shows Lometa with a theft. In Kempner there were animal issues, an accident, medical calls, and a reported trespassing. Out in the county there were reports of abandoned vehicles and an attempt to locate. Deputies went into Cove on livestock issues, a structure fire (see story) and a requested welfare check.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of Joshua Mize, 25, of Copperas Cove for possession of controlled substance PG 2 less than a gram.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter shows Lometa with a theft. In Kempner there were animal issues, an accident, medical calls, and a reported trespassing. Out in the county there were reports of abandoned vehicles and an attempt to locate. Deputies went into Cove on livestock issues, a structure fire (see story) and a requested welfare check.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of Joshua Mize, 25, of Copperas Cove for possession of controlled substance PG 2 less than a gram.
House Fire in Rumley
The Lampasas Fire Dept. was called out to Rumley Wednesday morning around 9am for a house fire in the 11900 block of FM 580E. According to Fire Chief Jeff Smith, due to the long response time because of the geographic location, the house was fully
involved when they arrived. No one was injured but the house was a total loss. The family is staying at the Country Inn until permanent housing can be found.
involved when they arrived. No one was injured but the house was a total loss. The family is staying at the Country Inn until permanent housing can be found.
TEA to Check Exterior Doors at Texas Schools
In the wake of the deadliest school shooting in state history, the Texas Education Agency plans to check whether hundreds of thousands of external school building doors lock properly before the next school year begins.
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath told Texas senators Tuesday that the agency will review external entry points of every school in Texas, which is about 340,000 doors. It will evaluate school facilities to determine what repairs may be needed to
secure campuses.
Morath’s comments came during a Texas Senate committee hearing about the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, during which a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers. At the same hearing, Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said the law enforcement response to the shooting was an “abject failure” and police could have stopped the shooter three minutes after arriving. McCraw also told lawmakers
the teacher who taught in the conjoined
classrooms where the shooting occurred had flagged to the school
administration that the door would not lock.
The Uvalde shooter entered the school through a back door,
according to school surveillance footage. Authorities said a teacher closed the door and the automatic lock failed.
In the weeks since the tragedy in Uvalde, questions have swirled around the actions of police and whether some lives could have been saved if officers confronted the barricaded gunman sooner. Authorities have shared conflicting information about who was in charge, who confronted the shooter and when. A debate over whether the locked classroom doors could be breached gave way to the discovery that they may never have been locked at all.
Morath also gave more information on the 18-year-old shooter. He started being chronically absent in the sixth grade and in his last year at Uvalde High School, he failed every class except web
design. Bettencourt asked if anyone on the school’s threat
assessment team should’ve noticed the chronic absenteeism and truancy as a red flag.
In Texas, it is mandated that schools have a safe and supportive school program team, which determines the risk an individual poses and what the appropriate intervention is.
“Any kind of ongoing absenteeism, I wouldn’t call it threat
assessment,” Morath said. “The safe and supportive team should notice that and then begin the process of intervening.”
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath told Texas senators Tuesday that the agency will review external entry points of every school in Texas, which is about 340,000 doors. It will evaluate school facilities to determine what repairs may be needed to
secure campuses.
Morath’s comments came during a Texas Senate committee hearing about the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, during which a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers. At the same hearing, Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said the law enforcement response to the shooting was an “abject failure” and police could have stopped the shooter three minutes after arriving. McCraw also told lawmakers
the teacher who taught in the conjoined
classrooms where the shooting occurred had flagged to the school
administration that the door would not lock.
The Uvalde shooter entered the school through a back door,
according to school surveillance footage. Authorities said a teacher closed the door and the automatic lock failed.
In the weeks since the tragedy in Uvalde, questions have swirled around the actions of police and whether some lives could have been saved if officers confronted the barricaded gunman sooner. Authorities have shared conflicting information about who was in charge, who confronted the shooter and when. A debate over whether the locked classroom doors could be breached gave way to the discovery that they may never have been locked at all.
Morath also gave more information on the 18-year-old shooter. He started being chronically absent in the sixth grade and in his last year at Uvalde High School, he failed every class except web
design. Bettencourt asked if anyone on the school’s threat
assessment team should’ve noticed the chronic absenteeism and truancy as a red flag.
In Texas, it is mandated that schools have a safe and supportive school program team, which determines the risk an individual poses and what the appropriate intervention is.
“Any kind of ongoing absenteeism, I wouldn’t call it threat
assessment,” Morath said. “The safe and supportive team should notice that and then begin the process of intervening.”
Baby Formula
Imports from Mexico
The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it is
providing logistical support to import the equivalent of about 16 million 8-ounce baby formula bottles from Mexico starting this weekend, as part of its efforts to ease nationwide supply shortages caused by the closure of the largest U.S. manufacturing plant.
The Department of Health and Human Services is expediting the travel of trucks that will drive about 1 million pounds of Gerber Good Start Gentle infant formula from a Nestlé plant to U.S.
retailers, the White House said, nearly doubling the amount
imported to the U.S. to date. The White House has been working to make supply more available as it has faced pressure from
parents over supply issues after regulators in February shuttered a Michigan plant run by Abbott that is the largest domestic
manufacturer of baby formula over safety concerns. The plant reopened on June 4 after the company committed to additional sanitizing and safety protocols, but shuttered again more than a week ago after severe weather caused damage to the plant.
The company said it needs time to assess damage and re-sanitize the factory after severe thunderstorms and heavy rains swept through southwestern Michigan on June 13.
Wednesday’s announcement also includes air shipments of 1.65 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of Nestlé NAN Supremepro 2 infant formula from Germany to Texas this weekend, and 5.5 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of Bubs infant formula in two shipments on June 26 and July 5.
providing logistical support to import the equivalent of about 16 million 8-ounce baby formula bottles from Mexico starting this weekend, as part of its efforts to ease nationwide supply shortages caused by the closure of the largest U.S. manufacturing plant.
The Department of Health and Human Services is expediting the travel of trucks that will drive about 1 million pounds of Gerber Good Start Gentle infant formula from a Nestlé plant to U.S.
retailers, the White House said, nearly doubling the amount
imported to the U.S. to date. The White House has been working to make supply more available as it has faced pressure from
parents over supply issues after regulators in February shuttered a Michigan plant run by Abbott that is the largest domestic
manufacturer of baby formula over safety concerns. The plant reopened on June 4 after the company committed to additional sanitizing and safety protocols, but shuttered again more than a week ago after severe weather caused damage to the plant.
The company said it needs time to assess damage and re-sanitize the factory after severe thunderstorms and heavy rains swept through southwestern Michigan on June 13.
Wednesday’s announcement also includes air shipments of 1.65 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of Nestlé NAN Supremepro 2 infant formula from Germany to Texas this weekend, and 5.5 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of Bubs infant formula in two shipments on June 26 and July 5.
Wednesday June 22, 2022
The Weather
The high yesterday 99° This morning’s low 73°
Today: Sunny and hot with a high temperature near 100°. Winds will become S-SE at 5-10 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and the low temperature will dip to near 76° with S-SE winds at 5-10 mph, shifting S-SW overnight.
Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high temperature near 101°. Winds will become S-SE in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 75°. Winds will be SE at 5-10 mph.
Friday: Skies will be sunny with the temperature topping out near 102°. Wind will be S-SE at 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Clear skies and the low will be near 74°. Winds will be S-SE near 5-15 mph.
Today: Sunny and hot with a high temperature near 100°. Winds will become S-SE at 5-10 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and the low temperature will dip to near 76° with S-SE winds at 5-10 mph, shifting S-SW overnight.
Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high temperature near 101°. Winds will become S-SE in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 75°. Winds will be SE at 5-10 mph.
Friday: Skies will be sunny with the temperature topping out near 102°. Wind will be S-SE at 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Clear skies and the low will be near 74°. Winds will be S-SE near 5-15 mph.
The Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Tuesday shows a report of a suspicious person in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 2:25am. Michael Morgan, 30, of Copperas Cove was arrested in the 1500 block of S. key Ave on a Navarro Co. Warrant (Probation Revocation-DWI) at 10:22am. There was a harassment reported in the 1600 block of CTE at 10:25am. The afternoon shows another harassment, this time in the 700 block of Old Georgetown Rd. at 1:56pm and a minor accident in the 200 block of N. Key Ave at 7:52pm. At 7:53pm Christopher Salvagin, 25, of Georgetown was arrested in the 900 block of Stanley St. for accident involving damage to vehicle over $200 and possession of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams. There was a report of s suspicious vehicle reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 10:21pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter for Tuesday shows Lometa with civil matters and a report of a stolen vehicle. In Kempner there were medical calls, civil matters, a mental health call, an accident and a warrant was served. Out in the county there was a requested welfare check, civil matters, a fish & game call, medical calls and livestock issues. Deputies went into Cove on alarm calls.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 27 year old Lawrence Ewell III of Ponca City Oklahoma on an out of county charge. Also arrested was Caitlyn Lawrence, 24, of Salt Lake City Utah on an out of county charge, and Everett Wenzel, 18, of Hico, Texas on an out of county charge.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter for Tuesday shows Lometa with civil matters and a report of a stolen vehicle. In Kempner there were medical calls, civil matters, a mental health call, an accident and a warrant was served. Out in the county there was a requested welfare check, civil matters, a fish & game call, medical calls and livestock issues. Deputies went into Cove on alarm calls.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 27 year old Lawrence Ewell III of Ponca City Oklahoma on an out of county charge. Also arrested was Caitlyn Lawrence, 24, of Salt Lake City Utah on an out of county charge, and Everett Wenzel, 18, of Hico, Texas on an out of county charge.
Grass Fire
The Kempner Volunteer Fire Dept. was called out to near the Rumley Bridge yesterday evening at 9pm on FM 580 for a grass fire according to Kempner VFD Fire Chief Krause. The fire was quickly extinguished and burned less than an acre. Please use caution as it is so dry outside, fires can start and spread easily!
Jury Trials
The Lampasas County District Clerk shares that the trail for tomorrow, June 23rd has been cancelled. The Jury Trial scheduled for June 27th in the 27th District Court will begin on Monday.
LCRA Grants
The Lower Colorado River Authority is offering grants of up to $50,000 for community projects throughout LCRA’s wholesale power, water and transmission service areas.
Applications for Community Development Partnership Program grants will be available online in July and must be submitted by midnight July 31. Most grants are for $25,000 or less, but several grants of up to $50,000 are awarded during each cycle.
Eligible organizations include volunteer fire departments, emergency responders, local governments, schools, libraries, civic groups, museums and other tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. The grants are not available to individuals, for-profit entities, professional associations, social service projects or limited-use facilities.
Applicants requesting more than $5,000 in grant funding must supply matching funds of at least 20 percent of the total project cost. The projects must benefit or be available to an entire community and also improve the value of a capital asset through building, renovating or purchasing equipment.
Organizations in all or part of the following counties are eligible for CDPP grants: Aransas, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Blanco, Brown, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Callahan, Cameron, Coke, Coleman, Colorado, Comal, Concho, Coryell, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Eastland, Ector, Edwards, Fayette, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Lavaca, Lee, Llano, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McCulloch, Medina, Menard, Midland, Mills, Nolan, Nueces, Pecos, Real, San Patricio, San Saba, Schleicher, Starr, Sterling, Sutton, Taylor, Terrell, Tom Green, Travis, Upton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Waller, Washington, Wharton, Williamson and Zavala.
In the most recent round of grants in spring 2022, LCRA awarded more than $815,000 to 36 projects, including purchasing new vehicles and equipment for first responders; making renovations to historic buildings; and improving parks and community centers.
Visit lcra.org/cdpp for details about eligibility requirements and previous grant awards. Applications will be available July 1. For questions, email grants@lcra.org or call 800-776-5272, ext. 3140 or ext. 1627.
Applications for Community Development Partnership Program grants will be available online in July and must be submitted by midnight July 31. Most grants are for $25,000 or less, but several grants of up to $50,000 are awarded during each cycle.
Eligible organizations include volunteer fire departments, emergency responders, local governments, schools, libraries, civic groups, museums and other tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. The grants are not available to individuals, for-profit entities, professional associations, social service projects or limited-use facilities.
Applicants requesting more than $5,000 in grant funding must supply matching funds of at least 20 percent of the total project cost. The projects must benefit or be available to an entire community and also improve the value of a capital asset through building, renovating or purchasing equipment.
Organizations in all or part of the following counties are eligible for CDPP grants: Aransas, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Blanco, Brown, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Callahan, Cameron, Coke, Coleman, Colorado, Comal, Concho, Coryell, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Eastland, Ector, Edwards, Fayette, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Lavaca, Lee, Llano, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McCulloch, Medina, Menard, Midland, Mills, Nolan, Nueces, Pecos, Real, San Patricio, San Saba, Schleicher, Starr, Sterling, Sutton, Taylor, Terrell, Tom Green, Travis, Upton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Waller, Washington, Wharton, Williamson and Zavala.
In the most recent round of grants in spring 2022, LCRA awarded more than $815,000 to 36 projects, including purchasing new vehicles and equipment for first responders; making renovations to historic buildings; and improving parks and community centers.
Visit lcra.org/cdpp for details about eligibility requirements and previous grant awards. Applications will be available July 1. For questions, email grants@lcra.org or call 800-776-5272, ext. 3140 or ext. 1627.
Tuesday June 21, 2022
The Weather
The high yesterday 100° The low this morning 77°
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near a 101°. The wind will be E-SE at 10-15 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low that will be around 74°. The wind will be E-SE at 5-15 shifting S after midnight with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny skies and a high temperature near 100°. Winds will be SE at 5-10.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 76°. Winds will be SE at 5-10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high temperature near 102°. Winds will become S-SW at 5-10 mph.
Thursday Night: A low near 76° with mostly clear skies. Wind will be S-SE near 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near a 101°. The wind will be E-SE at 10-15 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low that will be around 74°. The wind will be E-SE at 5-15 shifting S after midnight with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny skies and a high temperature near 100°. Winds will be SE at 5-10.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 76°. Winds will be SE at 5-10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high temperature near 102°. Winds will become S-SW at 5-10 mph.
Thursday Night: A low near 76° with mostly clear skies. Wind will be S-SE near 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
the Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Monday shows a report of a suspicious person in the 900 block of E. 3rd St. at 12:52am. The afternoon shows a minor accident in the 400 block of S. Key Ave. at 12:44pm. There was a reported theft in the 900 block of E. 3rd St. at 4:40pm, a harassment was reported in the 500 block of Hetherly St. at 6:46pm and a criminal mischief was reported in the 1600 block of E. Ave H at 7:19pm, and there was a domestic disturbance reported in the 700 block of Old Georgetown Rd. at 9:20pm.
Lampasas Sheriff’s Dept. blotter for Monday shows Lometa with reports of suspicious activity. In Kempner there was an alarm call, an accident, reported thefts, an animal issue, medical calls and a reported disturbance. Out in the county there were livestock/animal issues, civil matters, a requested welfare check, and a warrant was served. Deputies went into Cove on animal issues, a report of criminal mischief, and an alarm call.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 27 year old Heath Cole of Lometa for possession of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams. Also arrested was 29 year old Jacob Easter of Lampasas for violating a bond/protective order/assault/stalking/enhanced.
Lampasas Sheriff’s Dept. blotter for Monday shows Lometa with reports of suspicious activity. In Kempner there was an alarm call, an accident, reported thefts, an animal issue, medical calls and a reported disturbance. Out in the county there were livestock/animal issues, civil matters, a requested welfare check, and a warrant was served. Deputies went into Cove on animal issues, a report of criminal mischief, and an alarm call.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 27 year old Heath Cole of Lometa for possession of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams. Also arrested was 29 year old Jacob Easter of Lampasas for violating a bond/protective order/assault/stalking/enhanced.
In Lampasas Radio Studios
Tiffany Verette, of Lone Star Social Services, visited with Ronnie Witcher today in the Lampasas Radio Studios.
Lone Star Social Services, a 501(c)3 non profit is opening a facility on the Lampasas/San Saba County Line as a center to attend to the needs of foster children in the State of Texas. The facility will be called Heritage Home. There will be 100 beds in this facility. Lone Star Social Services has offices in every major city in Texas.
All foster kids come into the system with needs created from some level of Trauma. This facility will treat the kids with a complete, encompassing staff and prepare them for placement in a foster home in Texas. There will be medical staff, therapists, and
caregivers. The facility will aim to make it feel like a real home for the kids, making their integration into an individual foster home quicker and easier. There will be 50-100 kids in this facility at any given time receiving the extra levels of care offered.
The State of Texas is looking for a solution to the foster care issues it is having and facilities like Heritage House will offer a much needed service.
The help fund the facility, there will be a Gala Event at the
Lampasas County Youth Livestock Association facility on July 23rd. Tickets are available, as well as sponsor levels, sponsor
tables and other opportunities for community members to
contribute. The goal is $500,000. For more information please call
Tiffany at 512-557-8796.
Lone Star Social Services, a 501(c)3 non profit is opening a facility on the Lampasas/San Saba County Line as a center to attend to the needs of foster children in the State of Texas. The facility will be called Heritage Home. There will be 100 beds in this facility. Lone Star Social Services has offices in every major city in Texas.
All foster kids come into the system with needs created from some level of Trauma. This facility will treat the kids with a complete, encompassing staff and prepare them for placement in a foster home in Texas. There will be medical staff, therapists, and
caregivers. The facility will aim to make it feel like a real home for the kids, making their integration into an individual foster home quicker and easier. There will be 50-100 kids in this facility at any given time receiving the extra levels of care offered.
The State of Texas is looking for a solution to the foster care issues it is having and facilities like Heritage House will offer a much needed service.
The help fund the facility, there will be a Gala Event at the
Lampasas County Youth Livestock Association facility on July 23rd. Tickets are available, as well as sponsor levels, sponsor
tables and other opportunities for community members to
contribute. The goal is $500,000. For more information please call
Tiffany at 512-557-8796.
Lometa ISD School Board to Meet
The Lometa ISD School Board will meet on Thursday June 23rd for a regular meeting at the Lometa School Library at 8th & Main St.
The Agenda includes community input, recognition of students and staff members of the month, consideration of a resolution to recognize the Lampasas County Texas 4-H Organizations as approved for recognition and eligible for Extra Curricular Status, consideration of adjunct faculty members, consideration of stipends for completion of HB3 reading academy while under current employment at Lometa ISD, the monthly investment report, consideration of budget amendments and monthly bills, reassignment of classroom teacher to ACE Program position and hiring of instructional staff.
The Agenda includes community input, recognition of students and staff members of the month, consideration of a resolution to recognize the Lampasas County Texas 4-H Organizations as approved for recognition and eligible for Extra Curricular Status, consideration of adjunct faculty members, consideration of stipends for completion of HB3 reading academy while under current employment at Lometa ISD, the monthly investment report, consideration of budget amendments and monthly bills, reassignment of classroom teacher to ACE Program position and hiring of instructional staff.
Mills County Fatality
From Texas DPS: Texas DPS Troopers responded to a report of a one vehicle fatality crash in the City of Goldthwaite on Highway 84 on June 19th at 5:19am. A 2015 Buick Lacrosse, operated by 20-year-old Luis Miguel Castillo, of Temple, Texas, was traveling eastbound on US 84 in Goldthwaite. For reasons unknown the Buick failed to negotiate a curve and collided with a guardrail. The Buick continued down an embankment, struck a large tree, and caught on fire. The Buick’s interior was fully engulfed. Castillo and his one-year-old female passenger were pronounced deceased on scene by Justice of the Peace Kim Avants. The crash investigation is currently active and ongoing. For a complete copy of this crash report go to Texas.gov.
Lampasas Jr. Rodeo
The Lampasas Jr. Rodeo event will take place this Friday and Saturday beginning each night at 8pm.
The age groups are: 8 & Under, ages 9-12, ages 13-15 and ages 16-19. The events will be barrels, flags, goats, poles, calf riding (ages 8 & under), steer riding (ages 9-12), bull riding (ages 13-19) and roping events. The event will be jackpotted nightly with buckles to all-around cowboy and cowgirl in each age group.
The age groups are: 8 & Under, ages 9-12, ages 13-15 and ages 16-19. The events will be barrels, flags, goats, poles, calf riding (ages 8 & under), steer riding (ages 9-12), bull riding (ages 13-19) and roping events. The event will be jackpotted nightly with buckles to all-around cowboy and cowgirl in each age group.
Drought-Stressed Trees
Only mid-way through June and Texas has already seen extreme heat and very little rain this summer, with the trend predicted to continue.
Drought is defined by a relatively long duration with substantially below-normal precipitation, usually occurring over a large area, and Texas is no stranger to drought. According to the US Drought Monitor, in 2011 more than 80% of Texas experienced exceptional drought conditions.
According to experts at Texas A&M Forest Service, tree fatalities occur during a drought because drought is a significant stress to trees.
“A stress is anything that reduces the capacity of the tree to function efficiently and grow vigorously,” said Karl Flocke, Texas A&M Forest Service Woodland Ecologist.
Drought alone may not kill your trees, though it could be the tipping domino of tree mortality and should be cause for concern.
“Most trees usually die from a combination of different stresses,” said Courtney Blevins, Texas A&M Forest Service Urban Forester. “One of the biggest stresses we see in Texas is drought. When that happens, stresses build up and secondary pests or diseases can establish in trees.”
The most helpful way to reduce stress to your tree during drought conditions is to give supplemental water – though the amount and how often you water will depend on your specific tree and area.
“Watering is going to depend on the tree; the size, species and age of the tree as well as the soils you have in your area,” said Flocke.
If you begin to see signs of stress in your trees and the ground under your trees is extremely dry, it’s time to begin watering. To test the dryness of the soil, you can take a long screwdriver and stick it in the ground. If the screwdriver doesn’t go easily six to eight inches into the soil, it’s time to water.
“Start by watering the area around the canopy of the tree,” said Flocke. “Not just at the base of the tree and not just around the edge of the dripline but water the entire area underneath the canopy of the tree until the point where you have water start pooling and running off the surface.”
Drought is defined by a relatively long duration with substantially below-normal precipitation, usually occurring over a large area, and Texas is no stranger to drought. According to the US Drought Monitor, in 2011 more than 80% of Texas experienced exceptional drought conditions.
According to experts at Texas A&M Forest Service, tree fatalities occur during a drought because drought is a significant stress to trees.
“A stress is anything that reduces the capacity of the tree to function efficiently and grow vigorously,” said Karl Flocke, Texas A&M Forest Service Woodland Ecologist.
Drought alone may not kill your trees, though it could be the tipping domino of tree mortality and should be cause for concern.
“Most trees usually die from a combination of different stresses,” said Courtney Blevins, Texas A&M Forest Service Urban Forester. “One of the biggest stresses we see in Texas is drought. When that happens, stresses build up and secondary pests or diseases can establish in trees.”
The most helpful way to reduce stress to your tree during drought conditions is to give supplemental water – though the amount and how often you water will depend on your specific tree and area.
“Watering is going to depend on the tree; the size, species and age of the tree as well as the soils you have in your area,” said Flocke.
If you begin to see signs of stress in your trees and the ground under your trees is extremely dry, it’s time to begin watering. To test the dryness of the soil, you can take a long screwdriver and stick it in the ground. If the screwdriver doesn’t go easily six to eight inches into the soil, it’s time to water.
“Start by watering the area around the canopy of the tree,” said Flocke. “Not just at the base of the tree and not just around the edge of the dripline but water the entire area underneath the canopy of the tree until the point where you have water start pooling and running off the surface.”
Important Dates for Lampasas ISD
Lampasas ISD has shared that the new student registration will be held July 20th from 9am-6pm at the Lampasas High School Cafeteria.
There will be Family Access Update support at the Lampasas Middle School at 902 S. Broad St. from 9am-4pm on Wednesday July 27th. For those who need assistance in updating their Family Access Page.
Meet the Teacher night for elementary aged kids will be Monday, August 8th from 5-6pm for Hanna Springs and Kline Whitis and 5:30-7pm for Taylor Creek Elementary.
Open house for Lampasas Middle School and Lampasas High School will be on August 9th from 5-6:30 for the middle school and from 5:30-7pm for the high school.
There will be Family Access Update support at the Lampasas Middle School at 902 S. Broad St. from 9am-4pm on Wednesday July 27th. For those who need assistance in updating their Family Access Page.
Meet the Teacher night for elementary aged kids will be Monday, August 8th from 5-6pm for Hanna Springs and Kline Whitis and 5:30-7pm for Taylor Creek Elementary.
Open house for Lampasas Middle School and Lampasas High School will be on August 9th from 5-6:30 for the middle school and from 5:30-7pm for the high school.
Monday June 20, 2022
The Weather
The High Yesterday: 98° The Low This morning 72°
Today: Sunny and hot with a high temperature topping out near 100°. The wind will become SE at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low temperature near 75°. Wind will be from the SE near 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny and hot with the high temperature near 99°.The wind will continue from the SE at 5-10 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 74°. The wind will be S at 10-15 mph decreasing to 5-10 mph overnight with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot with a forecast high near 100°. Winds will become SE at 5-10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 75°. Wind will be S-SE at 5-15 mph
Today: Sunny and hot with a high temperature topping out near 100°. The wind will become SE at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low temperature near 75°. Wind will be from the SE near 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny and hot with the high temperature near 99°.The wind will continue from the SE at 5-10 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 74°. The wind will be S at 10-15 mph decreasing to 5-10 mph overnight with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot with a forecast high near 100°. Winds will become SE at 5-10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 75°. Wind will be S-SE at 5-15 mph
The Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Saturday shows a suspicious vehicle reported in the 1600 block of 281S at 1:09am, and a suspicious person was reported in the 100 block of N. Key Ave at 4:50am. The evening shows a suspicious person in the 600 block of S. Spring St. at 10:47pm and a reported disturbance in the 1700 block of E. 3rd St. at 11:34pm.
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Sunday shows a reported assault in the 1700 block of E. 3rd St. at 1am, and the arrest of 37 year old Juan Zarate of Lampasas in the 1700 block of E. 3rd St. for Assault class C/family violence at 1:20am. There was a reported fraud in the 700 block of S. Key Ave. at 11:48am. There was a report of recovered property in the 1700 block of E. 3rd St. at 12:42pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 600 block of S. Chestnut St. at 2:15pm, and Ernest Montoya, 37, of Florence was arrested in the 1700 block of CTE on a Georgetown Police Dept. warrant for Robbery Felony 2 at 4:05pm. There was a suspicious person reported in the 700 block of S. Spring St. at 5:28pm. At 8:48pm, Anthony Rivera, 37, of Killeen was arrested in the 1200 block of Barnes St. on a Lampasas Police Dept. Warrant for possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram and 2 Lampasas Municipal Court Warrants (no drivers license, and possession of Drug paraphernalia). A suspicious person was reported in the 1100 block of W. 1st St. at 9:53pm, a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 9:55pm and there was a noise complaint in the 200 block of Riverview Dr. at 11:12pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for the weekend shows Lometa with medical calls, a fish & game call, and animal issues. In Kempner there was a requested welfare check, reported disturbances, animal/livestock issues, medical calls, a shots fired call and an alarm call. Out in the county there were reported disturbances, reports of suspicious activity, civil matters, a reported criminal mischief, animal/livestock issues, a reported trespassing, medical calls, and a reported theft.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 23 year old Keendell Rodriguez-Martin of Harker Heights for possession of Marijuana less than 2 oz.
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Sunday shows a reported assault in the 1700 block of E. 3rd St. at 1am, and the arrest of 37 year old Juan Zarate of Lampasas in the 1700 block of E. 3rd St. for Assault class C/family violence at 1:20am. There was a reported fraud in the 700 block of S. Key Ave. at 11:48am. There was a report of recovered property in the 1700 block of E. 3rd St. at 12:42pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 600 block of S. Chestnut St. at 2:15pm, and Ernest Montoya, 37, of Florence was arrested in the 1700 block of CTE on a Georgetown Police Dept. warrant for Robbery Felony 2 at 4:05pm. There was a suspicious person reported in the 700 block of S. Spring St. at 5:28pm. At 8:48pm, Anthony Rivera, 37, of Killeen was arrested in the 1200 block of Barnes St. on a Lampasas Police Dept. Warrant for possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram and 2 Lampasas Municipal Court Warrants (no drivers license, and possession of Drug paraphernalia). A suspicious person was reported in the 1100 block of W. 1st St. at 9:53pm, a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 9:55pm and there was a noise complaint in the 200 block of Riverview Dr. at 11:12pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for the weekend shows Lometa with medical calls, a fish & game call, and animal issues. In Kempner there was a requested welfare check, reported disturbances, animal/livestock issues, medical calls, a shots fired call and an alarm call. Out in the county there were reported disturbances, reports of suspicious activity, civil matters, a reported criminal mischief, animal/livestock issues, a reported trespassing, medical calls, and a reported theft.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 23 year old Keendell Rodriguez-Martin of Harker Heights for possession of Marijuana less than 2 oz.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Texas is planning to add enough electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state to support 1 million electric vehicles with
dozens of new stations to allow for easier long-distance travel.
In a draft plan released this month, the Texas Department of Transportation broke down a five-year plan to create a network of chargers throughout the state, starting along main corridors and interstate highways before building stations in rural areas. The plan is to have charging stations every 50 miles along most
non-business interstate routes.
In most other areas in the state, there will be charging stations within 70 miles, according to the plan. Each station is designed to have multiple stalls so there will likely be one available whenever someone stops to charge. The chargers will be high-powered at 150kW, able to bring most electric vehicles from 10% to 80% in about half an hour, according to the report.
The funding is coming from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed last year, which is estimated to allocate about $408 million over five years to Texas for the purpose of expanding its electric vehicle charging network. No funds from the state budget will be used. Nationally, the goal is to create a network of 500,000 convenient and reliable electric vehicle chargers by 2030.
In total from the infrastructure act, Texas is expected to receive about $35.44 billion over five years for roads, bridges, pipes, ports, broadband access and other projects.
Less than 1% of Texans’ registered vehicles are electric. As of May 31, there were 129,010 electric vehicles registered in Texas, according to the report.
“However, since 2020, the total number of electric vehicles across Texas has nearly tripled as more people adopt the technology,”
TxDOT stated in its report. “With rapidly growing adoption rates, it is necessary to ensure Texas will be able to meet the demand of these new vehicles on the road.”
The state is gathering public comment on the plan, after which it will be finalized. To receive the funds, TxDOT must submit a finalized plan by Aug. 1 to the Federal Highway Administration.
Officials plan to award contracts for construction starting
in January.
dozens of new stations to allow for easier long-distance travel.
In a draft plan released this month, the Texas Department of Transportation broke down a five-year plan to create a network of chargers throughout the state, starting along main corridors and interstate highways before building stations in rural areas. The plan is to have charging stations every 50 miles along most
non-business interstate routes.
In most other areas in the state, there will be charging stations within 70 miles, according to the plan. Each station is designed to have multiple stalls so there will likely be one available whenever someone stops to charge. The chargers will be high-powered at 150kW, able to bring most electric vehicles from 10% to 80% in about half an hour, according to the report.
The funding is coming from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed last year, which is estimated to allocate about $408 million over five years to Texas for the purpose of expanding its electric vehicle charging network. No funds from the state budget will be used. Nationally, the goal is to create a network of 500,000 convenient and reliable electric vehicle chargers by 2030.
In total from the infrastructure act, Texas is expected to receive about $35.44 billion over five years for roads, bridges, pipes, ports, broadband access and other projects.
Less than 1% of Texans’ registered vehicles are electric. As of May 31, there were 129,010 electric vehicles registered in Texas, according to the report.
“However, since 2020, the total number of electric vehicles across Texas has nearly tripled as more people adopt the technology,”
TxDOT stated in its report. “With rapidly growing adoption rates, it is necessary to ensure Texas will be able to meet the demand of these new vehicles on the road.”
The state is gathering public comment on the plan, after which it will be finalized. To receive the funds, TxDOT must submit a finalized plan by Aug. 1 to the Federal Highway Administration.
Officials plan to award contracts for construction starting
in January.
Childcare Costs Increasing
Childcare costs are already through the roof, and there’s no sign that prices will drop anytime soon. A new report from Care.com found that rates for everything from nannies to afterschool care have increased significantly since the beginning of the
Covid pandemic.
Care.com found that 72% of families spend at least 10% of their income on child care, exceeding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) affordability threshold of 7%, and 51% of parents say they expect to pay at least 20% for care.
Since 2019, weekly nanny rates have increased a staggering 23%, childcare centers have gone up by 5%, family care centers or
in-home care centers have increased by 10%, and afterschool care costs have risen by 7%. That is when parents can find care at all.
While 5% over two years may not seem like a huge jump, these increases are occurring during a time of unprecedented inflation, stagnant wages, skyrocketing housing costs, and an economy on the brink.
It should come as no surprise then that 59% of parents are more concerned about the financial impact of childcare than they were in previous years, 21% plan to leave or have left the workforce entirely in order to care for their children, and many said they would not grow their families because they cannot afford care for additional children.
Fifty-one percent of parents say they’re cutting back on vacations or travel, 51% are decreasing leisure activities, 45% say they’re trimming their food budgets, 41% are cutting their family
clothing budgets, and 37% say they’re reducing the number of extracurricular activities their children participate in all in order to afford care for their children while they work.
The U.S. is not an economically-friendly place for parents right now, and the burgeoning childcare crisis is only adding to the pressure. Student loans that have been in federal forbearance since early in the pandemic are due to begin repayment this
summer, almost four million children have lapsed back into
poverty since the end of the Expanded Child Tax Credit program in December, and costs for essential goods like diapers and staple foods are higher than ever. Coupled with the national baby
formula shortage, it’s incredible that American parents are
making it work at all.
Covid pandemic.
Care.com found that 72% of families spend at least 10% of their income on child care, exceeding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) affordability threshold of 7%, and 51% of parents say they expect to pay at least 20% for care.
Since 2019, weekly nanny rates have increased a staggering 23%, childcare centers have gone up by 5%, family care centers or
in-home care centers have increased by 10%, and afterschool care costs have risen by 7%. That is when parents can find care at all.
While 5% over two years may not seem like a huge jump, these increases are occurring during a time of unprecedented inflation, stagnant wages, skyrocketing housing costs, and an economy on the brink.
It should come as no surprise then that 59% of parents are more concerned about the financial impact of childcare than they were in previous years, 21% plan to leave or have left the workforce entirely in order to care for their children, and many said they would not grow their families because they cannot afford care for additional children.
Fifty-one percent of parents say they’re cutting back on vacations or travel, 51% are decreasing leisure activities, 45% say they’re trimming their food budgets, 41% are cutting their family
clothing budgets, and 37% say they’re reducing the number of extracurricular activities their children participate in all in order to afford care for their children while they work.
The U.S. is not an economically-friendly place for parents right now, and the burgeoning childcare crisis is only adding to the pressure. Student loans that have been in federal forbearance since early in the pandemic are due to begin repayment this
summer, almost four million children have lapsed back into
poverty since the end of the Expanded Child Tax Credit program in December, and costs for essential goods like diapers and staple foods are higher than ever. Coupled with the national baby
formula shortage, it’s incredible that American parents are
making it work at all.
New Teacher Certification Test Rejected
The State Board of Education on
Friday unanimously rejected a new teacher certification exam that
supporters dubbed the solution to
prepare and retain new teachers, but critics worried would create barriers for people of color to enter the
profession.
Many board members said the exam currently used by the state to certify teachers, known as the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities, is not an adequate test, but they did not feel switching to the new test, called the Educative Teacher
Performance Assessment, addressed concerns about retaining teachers during a statewide teacher shortage and holding current educator prep programs accountable for how they prepare future teachers.
“I feel there are some stones left unturned,” said SBOE Chair Keven Ellis, a Republican who represents Northeast Texas. “I would not consider a vote to reject a wooden stake through the heart of edTPA. This is not the end of the road.”
Ellis proposed bringing stakeholders back to the table Monday to discuss possibly developing an additional exam or other potential solutions.
The edTPA exam was first approved in late April by the
11-member State Board for Educator Certification, which
oversees the preparation, certification and standards of conduct of public school educators, but it needed final approval from the State Board of Education to be implemented.
Proponents of the new exam say it will better support and retain new teachers because it can pinpoint exactly what a teacher lacks through the video recordings and written analyses provided. Those against the edTPA say it creates a barrier for people of color entering the profession because it costs nearly $200 more than the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam
currently used. The new exam has been scrapped in New York and Washington, two states where it had been required.
This new licensing test would have replaced the PPR exam, a
100-question test that has been in use since 2002. Critics of the PPR teacher certification exam have called it a less-than-precise way of testing a new teacher’s potential. All the questions on the test are multiple choice, making it easier to pass.
Before Friday’s vote, the Board’s Committee On School
Initiatives, which is made up of five State Board of Education members, on Thursday recommended the full board reject the edTPA exam. They cited that teachers and school administrators don’t want it, it will negatively affect people of color, it’s been adopted and then scrapped in other states, and there has been a lack of communication between stakeholders leading up
to adoption.
Ruben Cortez Jr., a Brownsville Democrat, on Thursday brought up a letter from 26 different teacher unions and education groups sent to Texas State Board of Education members asking that the board reject the plan and instead mandate the certification board to increase training requirements of teacher preparation
programs.
But Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told board members Wednesday that edTPA will help Texas’ new teachers as they are more likely to leave the profession quicker and are more likely to serve low income students and students of color.
He also said it would take too long for Texas to come up with its own exam and it would be easier to contract a proven exam like the edTPA. The TEA is ready to set aside about $2 million
dollars to help prospective teachers pay for the more expensive exam.
Friday unanimously rejected a new teacher certification exam that
supporters dubbed the solution to
prepare and retain new teachers, but critics worried would create barriers for people of color to enter the
profession.
Many board members said the exam currently used by the state to certify teachers, known as the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities, is not an adequate test, but they did not feel switching to the new test, called the Educative Teacher
Performance Assessment, addressed concerns about retaining teachers during a statewide teacher shortage and holding current educator prep programs accountable for how they prepare future teachers.
“I feel there are some stones left unturned,” said SBOE Chair Keven Ellis, a Republican who represents Northeast Texas. “I would not consider a vote to reject a wooden stake through the heart of edTPA. This is not the end of the road.”
Ellis proposed bringing stakeholders back to the table Monday to discuss possibly developing an additional exam or other potential solutions.
The edTPA exam was first approved in late April by the
11-member State Board for Educator Certification, which
oversees the preparation, certification and standards of conduct of public school educators, but it needed final approval from the State Board of Education to be implemented.
Proponents of the new exam say it will better support and retain new teachers because it can pinpoint exactly what a teacher lacks through the video recordings and written analyses provided. Those against the edTPA say it creates a barrier for people of color entering the profession because it costs nearly $200 more than the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam
currently used. The new exam has been scrapped in New York and Washington, two states where it had been required.
This new licensing test would have replaced the PPR exam, a
100-question test that has been in use since 2002. Critics of the PPR teacher certification exam have called it a less-than-precise way of testing a new teacher’s potential. All the questions on the test are multiple choice, making it easier to pass.
Before Friday’s vote, the Board’s Committee On School
Initiatives, which is made up of five State Board of Education members, on Thursday recommended the full board reject the edTPA exam. They cited that teachers and school administrators don’t want it, it will negatively affect people of color, it’s been adopted and then scrapped in other states, and there has been a lack of communication between stakeholders leading up
to adoption.
Ruben Cortez Jr., a Brownsville Democrat, on Thursday brought up a letter from 26 different teacher unions and education groups sent to Texas State Board of Education members asking that the board reject the plan and instead mandate the certification board to increase training requirements of teacher preparation
programs.
But Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told board members Wednesday that edTPA will help Texas’ new teachers as they are more likely to leave the profession quicker and are more likely to serve low income students and students of color.
He also said it would take too long for Texas to come up with its own exam and it would be easier to contract a proven exam like the edTPA. The TEA is ready to set aside about $2 million
dollars to help prospective teachers pay for the more expensive exam.
Saturday June 18, 2022
The Weather
Yesterday’s high 98° This morning’s low 75°
Today: The high temperature will be near 98° with sunny skies. Winds will be from the SE at 10-15 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies with a low near 74º. Winds will become S-SW at 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny and the high temperature will climb to near 100º. Winds will become from the SE at 10-15 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear with a low temperature near 75°. The wind will be SE near 5-15 mph.
Monday: Look for sunny skies and a high temperature near 101°. The wind will be S at 5-15 mph and could gust as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear with a low near 75°. Winds will be S at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph
Today: The high temperature will be near 98° with sunny skies. Winds will be from the SE at 10-15 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies with a low near 74º. Winds will become S-SW at 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny and the high temperature will climb to near 100º. Winds will become from the SE at 10-15 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear with a low temperature near 75°. The wind will be SE near 5-15 mph.
Monday: Look for sunny skies and a high temperature near 101°. The wind will be S at 5-15 mph and could gust as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear with a low near 75°. Winds will be S at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph
The Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Friday shows the early morning arrest of Jonathan Garcia, 27, of Lampasas in the 800 block of N. Ridge St. on a Belton PD Warrant for theft of property at 12:28am. A suspicious person was reported in the 1700 block of CTE at 4:58am. The afternoon shows a suspicious vehicle reported in the 600 block of N. Key Ave. at 2:46pm, a child endangerment was reported in the 1700 block of CTE at 6:52pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 1100 block of Nix Rd. at 10:03pm, a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 2300 block of 580W at 10:20pm and there was a noise complaint on Samac Lane at 11:59pm.
Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for Friday shows Lometa with a report of suspicious activity. In Kempner there were animal issues, civil matters, and reported disturbances. Out in the county there were reports of suspicious activity, animal/livestock issues, medical calls, a fish & game call, accidents, civil matters, a reported trespassing, a reported assault and a suicidal person. Deputies went into Cove on livestock issues.
Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for Friday shows Lometa with a report of suspicious activity. In Kempner there were animal issues, civil matters, and reported disturbances. Out in the county there were reports of suspicious activity, animal/livestock issues, medical calls, a fish & game call, accidents, civil matters, a reported trespassing, a reported assault and a suicidal person. Deputies went into Cove on livestock issues.
KACQ at Kempner Wellness Festival
The KACQ Crew will hit the road this morning headed to Kempner for the Kempner Wellness Festival at 466 FM 2808 in Kempner. The festival goes from 10am-4pm, and the live KACQ Remote will begin at 10am.
There will be lots to do including vendors, giveaways, prizes, kids activities, free pet microchipping, senior services and more!
Stop by and say Hi!
Thank you to our sponsors Sulphur Creek Urgent Care, Lee Healthcare of Lampasas and the Kempner Wellness Festival.
There will be lots to do including vendors, giveaways, prizes, kids activities, free pet microchipping, senior services and more!
Stop by and say Hi!
Thank you to our sponsors Sulphur Creek Urgent Care, Lee Healthcare of Lampasas and the Kempner Wellness Festival.
Important Dates for Lampasas ISD
Lampasas ISD has shared that the new student registration will be held July 20th from 9am-6pm at the Lampasas High School Cafeteria, not July 29th as previously reported.
There will be Family Access Update support at the Lampasas Middle School at 902 S. Broad St. from 9am-4pm on Wednesday July 27th. For those who need assistance in updating their Family Access Page.
Meet the Teacher night for elementary aged kids will be Monday, August 8th from 5-6pm for Hanna Springs and Kline Whitis and 5:30-7pm for Taylor Creek Elementary.
Open house for Lampasas Middle School and Lampasas High School will be on August 9th from 5-6:30 for the middle school and from 5:30-7pm for the high school.
Classes begin for the 2022-2023 school year on Thursday August 11th.
There will be Family Access Update support at the Lampasas Middle School at 902 S. Broad St. from 9am-4pm on Wednesday July 27th. For those who need assistance in updating their Family Access Page.
Meet the Teacher night for elementary aged kids will be Monday, August 8th from 5-6pm for Hanna Springs and Kline Whitis and 5:30-7pm for Taylor Creek Elementary.
Open house for Lampasas Middle School and Lampasas High School will be on August 9th from 5-6:30 for the middle school and from 5:30-7pm for the high school.
Classes begin for the 2022-2023 school year on Thursday August 11th.
The Weather
The High yesterday 99° The Low this morning 70°.
Today: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 100°. Wind will become E-SE at 10-15mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies with a low near 75°. Winds will be from the S-SE at 5-15 mph.
Saturday: The sky will be sunny, and the high temperature will be near 99°. Wind will become E-SE near 5-10 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 75°. The wind will be SE near 5-15 mph.
Sunday: Sunny skies and hot with a high temperature near 100°. Winds will become S-SE at 10-15 mph with gusts of 20 mph.
Overnight Sunday: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 75°. Wind will be from the S at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Today: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 100°. Wind will become E-SE at 10-15mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies with a low near 75°. Winds will be from the S-SE at 5-15 mph.
Saturday: The sky will be sunny, and the high temperature will be near 99°. Wind will become E-SE near 5-10 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 75°. The wind will be SE near 5-15 mph.
Sunday: Sunny skies and hot with a high temperature near 100°. Winds will become S-SE at 10-15 mph with gusts of 20 mph.
Overnight Sunday: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 75°. Wind will be from the S at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Thursday shows an early morning report of a prowler on Sunset Dr. at 1:17am. A noise complaint in the 900 block of E. Ave B at 4:48am, a disturbance reported in the 300 block of Northington St. at 6:17am and a child endangerment reported in the 300 block of W. Ave A at 11:25am. The evening shows a suspicious person reported in the 500 block of E. Ave J at 8:42pm and an assault by threat reported in the 400 block of W. Ave A at 10:33pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. shows Kempner with medical calls, a mental health call and reports of suspicious activity. Out in the county there were civil matters, an attended death, animal issues, a reported trespassing, a fish & game call and a reported theft. Deputies went into Cove for an accident, a suicidal person and a warrant was served.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 43 year old Andrew Dooley of Copperas Cove for failure to appear.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. shows Kempner with medical calls, a mental health call and reports of suspicious activity. Out in the county there were civil matters, an attended death, animal issues, a reported trespassing, a fish & game call and a reported theft. Deputies went into Cove for an accident, a suicidal person and a warrant was served.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 43 year old Andrew Dooley of Copperas Cove for failure to appear.
Ain’t Life Wonderful ! Ronnie Witcher
We say the above only out of convention, and sadly, with some reservation!
The truth is, it’s too blasted hot, and dry. I haven’t had a peek at any records yet but we must be looking at an all-time hot stretch. It was 114° on one gauge at the Waco airport Monday afternoon, and the U.S. Drought Map shows all but the far northern part of Lampasas Co. is in the “Exceptional Drought” category (maxed out). On the Colorado River at Bend this week the high was 107° and we note that the customers of the Lometa Water Supply system (Corix) have been put on a water conservation status. So-o, it’s likely to be a tough summer. Time to load up on sunscreen, big hats, and to start thinking more about saving trees than grass.
Then again, it ain’t all bad. We haven’t had to worry much about mowing and edging.
On another subject, we learned of the passing of an old friend, Donnell Rathman. How many stories come to mind when we think about Donnell. He was a young man when I was a teen and he worked for a time for a power line construction company as a
lineman. I hired on there too. I was just 15 that summer and lied about my age to get a job as a laborer. We were putting in the early electric lines along the east side of the Colorado River near today’s Bend State Park.
I had some lousy assignments, busting rock and planting dynamite in holes, cutting cedar for right of way – with an axe, etc, etc. One day I was sent to be a “grunt” for a lineman, Donnell. My job was to stand under a pole he was working on and throw tools and
various pieces up to him. I had a hard time getting it right, always missing the mark, but Donnell was infinitely patient. And I
eventually learned.
Donnell was a good guy, and years later when I had contracted to build a cable TV system at Fort Hood, I hired Donnell to work for me when he had time off from his regular job. There I watched as he had the same kind of patience in tutoring other younger
workers on the team.
Yes, Donnell was a good guy, and it was a life well lived.
Here’s hoping you squeeze all the juice out of your life, and start enjoying it every day. We’re rootin’ for ya! rw
The truth is, it’s too blasted hot, and dry. I haven’t had a peek at any records yet but we must be looking at an all-time hot stretch. It was 114° on one gauge at the Waco airport Monday afternoon, and the U.S. Drought Map shows all but the far northern part of Lampasas Co. is in the “Exceptional Drought” category (maxed out). On the Colorado River at Bend this week the high was 107° and we note that the customers of the Lometa Water Supply system (Corix) have been put on a water conservation status. So-o, it’s likely to be a tough summer. Time to load up on sunscreen, big hats, and to start thinking more about saving trees than grass.
Then again, it ain’t all bad. We haven’t had to worry much about mowing and edging.
On another subject, we learned of the passing of an old friend, Donnell Rathman. How many stories come to mind when we think about Donnell. He was a young man when I was a teen and he worked for a time for a power line construction company as a
lineman. I hired on there too. I was just 15 that summer and lied about my age to get a job as a laborer. We were putting in the early electric lines along the east side of the Colorado River near today’s Bend State Park.
I had some lousy assignments, busting rock and planting dynamite in holes, cutting cedar for right of way – with an axe, etc, etc. One day I was sent to be a “grunt” for a lineman, Donnell. My job was to stand under a pole he was working on and throw tools and
various pieces up to him. I had a hard time getting it right, always missing the mark, but Donnell was infinitely patient. And I
eventually learned.
Donnell was a good guy, and years later when I had contracted to build a cable TV system at Fort Hood, I hired Donnell to work for me when he had time off from his regular job. There I watched as he had the same kind of patience in tutoring other younger
workers on the team.
Yes, Donnell was a good guy, and it was a life well lived.
Here’s hoping you squeeze all the juice out of your life, and start enjoying it every day. We’re rootin’ for ya! rw
Notice of Passing
Lampasas, Texas – On June 16, 2022, the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department was notified of the passing of one of their
longest tenured members, Donnell “Duck” Rathman.
Mr. Rathman passed away at his home in Euless, Texas.
Mr. Rathman became a member of the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department when he was only 16 years old and still in high school. For over 70 years Mr. Rathman has been an active
member of the department.
The members of the Lampasas Fire Department send their
condolences to his surviving wife, Inez, and their son, Donnie Rathman of Grapevine.
Details of arrangements are still pending at this time.
longest tenured members, Donnell “Duck” Rathman.
Mr. Rathman passed away at his home in Euless, Texas.
Mr. Rathman became a member of the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department when he was only 16 years old and still in high school. For over 70 years Mr. Rathman has been an active
member of the department.
The members of the Lampasas Fire Department send their
condolences to his surviving wife, Inez, and their son, Donnie Rathman of Grapevine.
Details of arrangements are still pending at this time.
What’s Goin’ on ?
If you want to keep cool this evening, you might try the Dive-In Movie at Hanna Springs Pool. The gates open at 8pm and it is $5 per person. The movie, “Luca”, will start at Dusk. There will be food and drinks available from the concession stand.
Tomorrow brings the 36th Annual Sulphur Creek Car Cruise to WM Brook Park. Registration will begin at 9am with the Burn-Out competition beginning at 12 noon. There will be awards, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. Come down and check out the cars.
Tomorrow brings the 36th Annual Sulphur Creek Car Cruise to WM Brook Park. Registration will begin at 9am with the Burn-Out competition beginning at 12 noon. There will be awards, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. Come down and check out the cars.
School Lunch 2022-2023 Applications
The Lampasas ISD Nutrition Services Dept. has been notified by the USDA that for school year 2022-2023 we will be operating the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program. We strongly encourage all households to complete the 2022-2023 meal application for free and reduced price school meals. On Friday July 1st and Friday July 15th, the Nutrition Service Department will host those parents or guardians that wish to complete the paper copy of the meal application in a come and go format.
Dates: July 1st and July 15th
Times: 8am-6pm
Location: Old Middle School Cafeteria (207 E. Ave A)
Dates: July 1st and July 15th
Times: 8am-6pm
Location: Old Middle School Cafeteria (207 E. Ave A)
TxDOT Meeting
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in coordination with the City of Lampasas, is conducting a feasibility study to
explore a potential relief route around Lampasas. The in-person open house will be held on Tues., June 28, to discuss the potential relief route and receive comments. In addition, a virtual open house will be available beginning on Tues., June 28 at 12pm.
Meeting Options:
In-Person Open House
June 28, 2022, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Lampasas Middle School Cafeteria
902 South Broad St., Lampasas, TX 76550
Virtual Open House
June 28 beginning at 12:00 PM (Noon)
www.txdot.gov and search: Lampasas Relief Route
The purpose of the feasibility study is to consider a possible relief route which would give people the option to travel around the city. Although no specific route is yet determined the in-person open house will be held on Tues., June 28, to discuss the potential route and receive comments. In addition, a virtual open house will be available beginning on Tues., June 28 at 12pm. The relief route study limits would connect US 281, US 183, and US 190 on the southern side of Lampasas to US 281 and US 183/US 190 on the northern side of Lampasas. The purpose of the relief route is to help reduce congestion, to improve safety and to improve mobility.
In addition to the open house meetings, the public is invited to view an interactive study map area, draw their preferred relief route, answer survey questions and add their comments by visiting the online engagement site.
The public is invited to provide feedback. Comments may be submitted in the following manner: At the in-person meeting, Online via the virtual meeting, by Email Jodie.Kelly@TxDOT.gov, and by mail : TxDOT Brownwood District, Attn: Jodie Kelly, 2495 Highway 183 N, Brownwood, TX 76802
explore a potential relief route around Lampasas. The in-person open house will be held on Tues., June 28, to discuss the potential relief route and receive comments. In addition, a virtual open house will be available beginning on Tues., June 28 at 12pm.
Meeting Options:
In-Person Open House
June 28, 2022, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Lampasas Middle School Cafeteria
902 South Broad St., Lampasas, TX 76550
Virtual Open House
June 28 beginning at 12:00 PM (Noon)
www.txdot.gov and search: Lampasas Relief Route
The purpose of the feasibility study is to consider a possible relief route which would give people the option to travel around the city. Although no specific route is yet determined the in-person open house will be held on Tues., June 28, to discuss the potential route and receive comments. In addition, a virtual open house will be available beginning on Tues., June 28 at 12pm. The relief route study limits would connect US 281, US 183, and US 190 on the southern side of Lampasas to US 281 and US 183/US 190 on the northern side of Lampasas. The purpose of the relief route is to help reduce congestion, to improve safety and to improve mobility.
In addition to the open house meetings, the public is invited to view an interactive study map area, draw their preferred relief route, answer survey questions and add their comments by visiting the online engagement site.
The public is invited to provide feedback. Comments may be submitted in the following manner: At the in-person meeting, Online via the virtual meeting, by Email Jodie.Kelly@TxDOT.gov, and by mail : TxDOT Brownwood District, Attn: Jodie Kelly, 2495 Highway 183 N, Brownwood, TX 76802
Important Dates for Lampasas ISD
Lampasas ISD has shared that the new student registration will be held July 29th from 9am-6pm at the Lampasas High
School Cafeteria.
There will be Family Access Update support at the Lampasas Middle School at 902 S. Broad St. from 9am-4pm on Wednesday July 27th. For those who need assistance in updating their Family Access Page.
Meet the Teacher night for elementary aged kids will be Monday, August 8th from 5-6pm for Hanna Springs and Kline Whitis and 5:30-7pm for Taylor Creek Elementary.
Open house for Lampasas Middle School and Lampasas High School will be on August 9th from 5-6:30 for the middle school and from 5:30-7pm for the high school.
Classes begin for the 2022-2023 school year on Thursday August 11th.
School Cafeteria.
There will be Family Access Update support at the Lampasas Middle School at 902 S. Broad St. from 9am-4pm on Wednesday July 27th. For those who need assistance in updating their Family Access Page.
Meet the Teacher night for elementary aged kids will be Monday, August 8th from 5-6pm for Hanna Springs and Kline Whitis and 5:30-7pm for Taylor Creek Elementary.
Open house for Lampasas Middle School and Lampasas High School will be on August 9th from 5-6:30 for the middle school and from 5:30-7pm for the high school.
Classes begin for the 2022-2023 school year on Thursday August 11th.
Thursday June 16, 2022
The Weather
The high yesterday 95° This morning’s low 75°
Today: Sunny skies with haze and a high temperature near 99°. Wind will be S at 10 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and down to about 74°
overnight. Wind will become S-SW at 5-15 mph after midnight and could gust as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 100°. Wind will be SW near 5-10 becoming E-SE, and could gust to 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear skies and a low of 75°. Wind will be
Saturday Night: Mostly clear skies and a low near 75°. Wind will be SE near 5-15 mph
Today: Sunny skies with haze and a high temperature near 99°. Wind will be S at 10 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and down to about 74°
overnight. Wind will become S-SW at 5-15 mph after midnight and could gust as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 100°. Wind will be SW near 5-10 becoming E-SE, and could gust to 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear skies and a low of 75°. Wind will be
- E-SE at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear skies and a low near 75°. Wind will be SE near 5-15 mph
the blotter
The Lampasas Police blotter for Wednesday shows a suspicious person reported on Park Lane at 4:32am. At 6:16am 3 arrests were made in the 1500 block of S. Key Ave: Sylvano Sanchez III, 41, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams and prohibited substance in a correctional facility. Also arrested at that time and location were Jonathan Friedlander, 35, of Bonham, for possession of marijuana less than 2 oz., and Jessica Anne Brown, 42, of Lampasas for possession of marijuana less than 2 oz. Suspicious activity was reported in the 500 block of S. Spring St. at 7:10am, and a disorderly conduct was reported in the 200 block of E. Vine St. at 10:19am. The afternoon shows the arrest of Ronnie Romo, 21, of Lampasas in the 200 block of W. Ave B on a Lampasas PD Warrant for burglary of a building and 3 Lampasas County Warrants for failure to appear (burglary of habitation, criminal conspiracy, and possession of a controlled substance) at 2:03pm. A suspicious vehicle was reported in the 1600 block of S. Key Ave. at 3:23pm, there was a reported disturbance in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 4:30pm, an assault was reported in the 900 block of CTE at 5:06pm and there was a minor accident in the 1100 block of S. Key Ave. at 5:58pm. At 10:08pm, Noah Williams, 22, of Killeen was arrested at the intersection of S. Western St. and CTE for possession of a controlled substance PG 1-A (LSD) over 80 AU and possession of drug paraphernalia at 10:08pm. There was a reported assault in the 900 block of S. Key Ave at 10:53pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter shows Lometa with animal/livestock issues, a fish & game call, a requested welfare check and a civil matter. In Kempner there were reports of suspicious activity, a requested extra patrol, livestock issues, a reported disturbance, a requested welfare check and a warrant was served. Out in the county there was a structure fire, medical calls, and a warrant was served. Deputies went into Cove on two accidents.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of Adam Trejo, 31, of Lometa for failure to register as a sex offender. Also arrested was Kahndra Williams of Killeen for possession of a controlled substance PG2 4-400 grams.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter shows Lometa with animal/livestock issues, a fish & game call, a requested welfare check and a civil matter. In Kempner there were reports of suspicious activity, a requested extra patrol, livestock issues, a reported disturbance, a requested welfare check and a warrant was served. Out in the county there was a structure fire, medical calls, and a warrant was served. Deputies went into Cove on two accidents.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of Adam Trejo, 31, of Lometa for failure to register as a sex offender. Also arrested was Kahndra Williams of Killeen for possession of a controlled substance PG2 4-400 grams.
Saharan Dust has Returned
Saharan dust has returned to Central Texas for the second time this season. This is not a rare occurrence by any means. This is normal — especially for this time of the year.
We typically see these dust plumes start to reach Central Texas by June and continue a few times through the middle of August. While some of the dust certainly does reach ground level and affect the air quality, the vast majority of the dust remains one mile above the surface in about a two-mile thick layer.
Lower air quality and vibrant sunsets/hazy conditions are what we expect from Central Texas down to the Texas Gulf Coast. This will last from Monday all the way through Friday, June 17.
We expect the air quality to lower to the higher range of the “moderate” category Monday through Friday. A moderate index means a small number of unusually-sensitive people may have a few health concerns.
The elderly and the very young — as well as people with asthma and other respiratory issues — are at the highest risk. It’s important for these people to limit their time outdoors.
While low concentrations of dust are already overhead in our area, higher amounts moved in Wednesday night and today before quickly mixing out of the air just in time for the weekend. Today we expect the air quality to be at its worst.
It’s important to note Saharan dust is an irritant and not an allergy, so allergy medication will not work to prevent discomfort. It doesn’t cause sneezing or runny noses but can cause itchy eyes and a sore throat. The best prevention to avoid any discomfort is to limit your time outdoors or wear a facemask.
We typically see these dust plumes start to reach Central Texas by June and continue a few times through the middle of August. While some of the dust certainly does reach ground level and affect the air quality, the vast majority of the dust remains one mile above the surface in about a two-mile thick layer.
Lower air quality and vibrant sunsets/hazy conditions are what we expect from Central Texas down to the Texas Gulf Coast. This will last from Monday all the way through Friday, June 17.
We expect the air quality to lower to the higher range of the “moderate” category Monday through Friday. A moderate index means a small number of unusually-sensitive people may have a few health concerns.
The elderly and the very young — as well as people with asthma and other respiratory issues — are at the highest risk. It’s important for these people to limit their time outdoors.
While low concentrations of dust are already overhead in our area, higher amounts moved in Wednesday night and today before quickly mixing out of the air just in time for the weekend. Today we expect the air quality to be at its worst.
It’s important to note Saharan dust is an irritant and not an allergy, so allergy medication will not work to prevent discomfort. It doesn’t cause sneezing or runny noses but can cause itchy eyes and a sore throat. The best prevention to avoid any discomfort is to limit your time outdoors or wear a facemask.
Trying to get the Records from the Uvalde School Shooting
(Texas Tribune) In the past week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has joined the growing list of state and local officials fighting the release of records that could help bring clarity to how the emergency response unfolded during last month’s deadly shooting in Uvalde.
The governor’s office strayed from that broader opposition Monday, granting a request under the Texas Public Information Act from a Houston television station that sought the handwritten notes he used when he first spoke publicly about the shooting. The notes appear to support Abbott’s claim that he was misled when he initially praised law enforcement efforts during the mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two educators and left many more injured.
The recent release by Abbott underscores both the tremendous power government officials have to decide what is in the public interest and the unwillingness to release records that could call their agencies’ actions into question.
ProPublica and The Texas Tribune have submitted about 70 public information requests that could help answer larger questions as state and local leaders continue to offer conflicting accounts about why law enforcement did not confront the gunman sooner during the May 24 massacre. Those requests include 911 audio recordings, body and police car camera footage, and communications among local, state and federal agencies. The newsrooms also requested use-of-force documents, death records and ballistic reports.
Three weeks after the shooting, government officials have not provided the news organizations a single record related to the emergency response.
“The public wants immediate transparency,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. “The most enlightened law enforcement agencies understand the importance of being transparent, being open and doing it right away.”
Since the shooting, state police have said Pete Arredondo, the chief of police for the school district, erred in judgment by keeping law enforcement officers from immediately confronting the barricaded gunman despite 911 calls from inside classrooms indicating that children and educators remained in danger.
Arredondo, who leads the district’s six-person police force, defended his actions in an interview last week with the Tribune. He said he never considered himself in charge of directing the law enforcement response and didn’t issue any orders. He also said he didn’t know about the 911 calls because he left his radios behind. He thought they would slow him down and wanted both hands free in the event that he had to use his gun.
Abbott’s office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Marshals Service and the city of Uvalde are asking the state’s attorney general for permission to withhold records that may offer tangible answers to the contradictory accounts. (Under Texas law, agencies seeking to avoid disclosure of public records typically must make their case to the attorney general.) Other government entities have asked the state for extensions as they decide whether to fight such disclosures. News organizations across the country are reporting similar responses.
Among the arguments provided by government entities for withholding such documents is one from DPS stating that releasing records like footage from body cameras would provide criminals with “invaluable information” about its investigative techniques, information sharing and criminal analysis.
In most cases, however, the agencies argue that releasing such information could interfere with ongoing law enforcement investigations by the federal government and the Texas Rangers, an arm of DPS now tasked with investigating its own department. In a statement, Abbott’s office said that, upon completion of the investigations, “we look forward to the full results being shared with the victims’ families and the public, who deserve the full truth of what happened that tragic day.”
But timely disclosure of the records is paramount given the lack of transparency and contradictory accounts from state and local officials, three Texas Public Information Act experts told ProPublica and the Tribune.
Laura Prather, a First Amendment attorney in Texas, said the reason the state allows agencies to withhold information when it is part of an ongoing investigation is to protect someone who was accused of a crime but didn’t ultimately get convicted, “not to protect law enforcement for their actions in circumstances like this, where the shooter is dead.”
“The public has the right to know what happened that day, and right now they can only act on rumors and conflicting information,” said Prather, who is representing ProPublica in an unrelated defamation lawsuit. She said law enforcement must be transparent in order to earn the public’s trust, but agencies are instead using their discretionary powers “to thwart the public from getting information that they are rightly entitled to.”
The governor’s office strayed from that broader opposition Monday, granting a request under the Texas Public Information Act from a Houston television station that sought the handwritten notes he used when he first spoke publicly about the shooting. The notes appear to support Abbott’s claim that he was misled when he initially praised law enforcement efforts during the mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two educators and left many more injured.
The recent release by Abbott underscores both the tremendous power government officials have to decide what is in the public interest and the unwillingness to release records that could call their agencies’ actions into question.
ProPublica and The Texas Tribune have submitted about 70 public information requests that could help answer larger questions as state and local leaders continue to offer conflicting accounts about why law enforcement did not confront the gunman sooner during the May 24 massacre. Those requests include 911 audio recordings, body and police car camera footage, and communications among local, state and federal agencies. The newsrooms also requested use-of-force documents, death records and ballistic reports.
Three weeks after the shooting, government officials have not provided the news organizations a single record related to the emergency response.
“The public wants immediate transparency,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. “The most enlightened law enforcement agencies understand the importance of being transparent, being open and doing it right away.”
Since the shooting, state police have said Pete Arredondo, the chief of police for the school district, erred in judgment by keeping law enforcement officers from immediately confronting the barricaded gunman despite 911 calls from inside classrooms indicating that children and educators remained in danger.
Arredondo, who leads the district’s six-person police force, defended his actions in an interview last week with the Tribune. He said he never considered himself in charge of directing the law enforcement response and didn’t issue any orders. He also said he didn’t know about the 911 calls because he left his radios behind. He thought they would slow him down and wanted both hands free in the event that he had to use his gun.
Abbott’s office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Marshals Service and the city of Uvalde are asking the state’s attorney general for permission to withhold records that may offer tangible answers to the contradictory accounts. (Under Texas law, agencies seeking to avoid disclosure of public records typically must make their case to the attorney general.) Other government entities have asked the state for extensions as they decide whether to fight such disclosures. News organizations across the country are reporting similar responses.
Among the arguments provided by government entities for withholding such documents is one from DPS stating that releasing records like footage from body cameras would provide criminals with “invaluable information” about its investigative techniques, information sharing and criminal analysis.
In most cases, however, the agencies argue that releasing such information could interfere with ongoing law enforcement investigations by the federal government and the Texas Rangers, an arm of DPS now tasked with investigating its own department. In a statement, Abbott’s office said that, upon completion of the investigations, “we look forward to the full results being shared with the victims’ families and the public, who deserve the full truth of what happened that tragic day.”
But timely disclosure of the records is paramount given the lack of transparency and contradictory accounts from state and local officials, three Texas Public Information Act experts told ProPublica and the Tribune.
Laura Prather, a First Amendment attorney in Texas, said the reason the state allows agencies to withhold information when it is part of an ongoing investigation is to protect someone who was accused of a crime but didn’t ultimately get convicted, “not to protect law enforcement for their actions in circumstances like this, where the shooter is dead.”
“The public has the right to know what happened that day, and right now they can only act on rumors and conflicting information,” said Prather, who is representing ProPublica in an unrelated defamation lawsuit. She said law enforcement must be transparent in order to earn the public’s trust, but agencies are instead using their discretionary powers “to thwart the public from getting information that they are rightly entitled to.”
About the TDCJ Escapee
From Lt. Governor Dan Patrick:
“Today, I sent a letter requesting an investigation by the Texas Rangers into how a convicted killer was able to escape Texas
Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) custody, elude capture for 21 days, and perpetrate the brutal murder of Mark Collins and his 4 grandsons on June 2.
“Mark and his four grandsons traveled to their cabin in Leon County. A man serving life in prison for capital murder had escaped and had been on the run for 21 days in the area. He
murdered Mark and his 4 grandsons in cold blood before stealing their truck. Later that night, he was killed in a shootout with
police in Atascosa County, about 200 miles away.
“There are several basic questions that I want the Texas Rangers’ investigation to answer:
How did the prisoner, who was handcuffed and locked in a secure cage inside the prison bus, remove his handcuffs, escape the cage and attack the driver?
How did the second guard in the back of the bus not see
what was happening?
Was the prisoner fully searched as protocol required before getting on the bus?
Was the community put on high alert after a cabin near the Collins family cabin was broken into a few days prior to their murder?
“As to the cabin that was broken into days before the murder,
fingerprints and DNA samples were taken, but results were not expected back for 48 hours. By the time the results came back with a positive match to the escapee, it was too late for the
Collins family.
“This is a crime that was preventable on several levels and should never have happened. My request for investigation is not about affixing blame, but rather to ensure TDCJ procedures and
protocols are adequate and always followed. There must
be accountability.
“Today, I sent a letter requesting an investigation by the Texas Rangers into how a convicted killer was able to escape Texas
Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) custody, elude capture for 21 days, and perpetrate the brutal murder of Mark Collins and his 4 grandsons on June 2.
“Mark and his four grandsons traveled to their cabin in Leon County. A man serving life in prison for capital murder had escaped and had been on the run for 21 days in the area. He
murdered Mark and his 4 grandsons in cold blood before stealing their truck. Later that night, he was killed in a shootout with
police in Atascosa County, about 200 miles away.
“There are several basic questions that I want the Texas Rangers’ investigation to answer:
How did the prisoner, who was handcuffed and locked in a secure cage inside the prison bus, remove his handcuffs, escape the cage and attack the driver?
How did the second guard in the back of the bus not see
what was happening?
Was the prisoner fully searched as protocol required before getting on the bus?
Was the community put on high alert after a cabin near the Collins family cabin was broken into a few days prior to their murder?
“As to the cabin that was broken into days before the murder,
fingerprints and DNA samples were taken, but results were not expected back for 48 hours. By the time the results came back with a positive match to the escapee, it was too late for the
Collins family.
“This is a crime that was preventable on several levels and should never have happened. My request for investigation is not about affixing blame, but rather to ensure TDCJ procedures and
protocols are adequate and always followed. There must
be accountability.
Wednesday June 15, 2022
the weather
The high yesterday 97° This morning’s low 78°
Today: Mostly cloudy with a high temperature near 96°. Winds will be S at 15-20 mph. Winds could gust to 30 mph.
Tonight: Look for partly cloudy skies and the low temperature will dip to near 74° with S-SE winds at 10-15 mph, gusting to 25 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high temperature near 101°. Winds will be S at 5-10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 74°. Winds will be SE at 5-15 mph.
Friday: Skies will be sunny with the temperature topping out near 100°. Wind will become E-SE at 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear skies and the low will be near 75°. Winds will be E-SE near 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Today: Mostly cloudy with a high temperature near 96°. Winds will be S at 15-20 mph. Winds could gust to 30 mph.
Tonight: Look for partly cloudy skies and the low temperature will dip to near 74° with S-SE winds at 10-15 mph, gusting to 25 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high temperature near 101°. Winds will be S at 5-10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 74°. Winds will be SE at 5-15 mph.
Friday: Skies will be sunny with the temperature topping out near 100°. Wind will become E-SE at 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear skies and the low will be near 75°. Winds will be E-SE near 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
The Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Tuesday shows a report of a suspicious person reported in the 400 block of W. Ave B at 12:14am. At 1:37am Chevy Vega, 34, of Lampasas was arrested in the 700 block of N. Key Ave for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Lampasas PD Warrant for criminal trespass. There was a disturbance reported in the 1300 block of CTE at 2:30am, and a suspicious person was reported in the 400 block of N. Key Ave at 3:35am. There was suspicious activity reported in the 1700 block of E. Ave G at 7:45am, a harassment was reported in the 300 block of E. 4th St. at 7:51am, and a criminal trespass was reported in the 600 block of S. Main St. at 10:22am. The afternoon shows the arrest of 20 year old Joshua Sanchez, 20, of Lampasas in the 100 block of E. 3rd St. on 3 Lampasas County Warrants (Motion to adjudicate-cruelty to non livestock animal, motion to adjudicate-possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram, and motion to adjudicate-injury to a child/elderly/disabled person w/ intentional bodily injury)at 3:06pm. There was a suspicious vehicle reported in the 1700 block of E. Ave G at 5:28pm, a reported fraud on Sue Ann Dr. at 5:57pm, a suspicious person was reported on Lively Lane at 7:38pm and a suspicious person was reported in the 1300 block of CTE at 10:29pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter for Tuesday shows Kempner with civil matters, a reported trespassing and a warrant was served. Out in the county there were medical calls, civil matters, and an attempt to locate. Deputies went into Cove on a structure fire.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter for Tuesday shows Kempner with civil matters, a reported trespassing and a warrant was served. Out in the county there were medical calls, civil matters, and an attempt to locate. Deputies went into Cove on a structure fire.
Update on Fatality Fire
From Fire Chief Jeff Smith: “Lampasas, Texas – On 6/13/2022 at 0051 hrs, the Lampasas Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1700 block of East Avenue G. The first emergency personnel arrived on scene at 0053 hrs. There was 1 Engine, 2 Command Vehicles, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 1 Rescue, 1 Squad and 2 Ambulances on scene. There was one civilian fatality and one firefighter injury.
Investigation of the incident site has been completed by members of the Lampasas Fire Marshal’s Office and members of the State of Texas Fire Marshal’s Office. This incident will remain open until reports are received from the medical examiner.
At this time the name of the victim has not been released as we await notification of family.”
Investigation of the incident site has been completed by members of the Lampasas Fire Marshal’s Office and members of the State of Texas Fire Marshal’s Office. This incident will remain open until reports are received from the medical examiner.
At this time the name of the victim has not been released as we await notification of family.”
City Manager’s Notes
Finley de Graffenried, Lampasas City Manager was in Lampasas Radio studios this morning.
He confirmed that construction on the Skate Park will begin within 90 days and is being built by the same company that designed it. Once built, the park will be classified as a park asset.
There is currently 1.4 million dollars in the HOT funds, and with the $400,000 going to the skate park, there is a $1 million balance left in that account.
When questioned about a separate civic center/community center fund by Mr. Witcher, the City Manager stated that there is not a separate fund for a civic or community center in Lampasas, it was part of the existing fund. However, the city is looking at some modifications to the Hostess House to make it more user friendly. Some estimates place the cost of renovations at more than $1 million dollars. The plan is to do some structural upgrades and update accessibility.
He confirmed that construction on the Skate Park will begin within 90 days and is being built by the same company that designed it. Once built, the park will be classified as a park asset.
There is currently 1.4 million dollars in the HOT funds, and with the $400,000 going to the skate park, there is a $1 million balance left in that account.
When questioned about a separate civic center/community center fund by Mr. Witcher, the City Manager stated that there is not a separate fund for a civic or community center in Lampasas, it was part of the existing fund. However, the city is looking at some modifications to the Hostess House to make it more user friendly. Some estimates place the cost of renovations at more than $1 million dollars. The plan is to do some structural upgrades and update accessibility.
TxDOT Seeks Ideas for a Lampasas Loop
TxDOT will have a meeting on June 28th at 5:30pm at the Lampasas Middle School cafeteria on S. Broad St. in Lampasas.
Everyone who drives Key Ave. knows there is a lot of traffic congestion, in particular, there is definitely a lot of truck traffic along our main streets. It is unbearable at times. A relief route from north to south could go east or west to loop around town.
The meeting it seeking input from residents on ideas about how a (loop) relief route should be constructed.
Everyone who drives Key Ave. knows there is a lot of traffic congestion, in particular, there is definitely a lot of truck traffic along our main streets. It is unbearable at times. A relief route from north to south could go east or west to loop around town.
The meeting it seeking input from residents on ideas about how a (loop) relief route should be constructed.
Order Banning Certain Fireworks
Due to the drought conditions in Lampasas County determined by the Texas Forest Service, the Commissioners of Lampasas County have adopted an order prohibiting the sale or use of restricted fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Lampasas County.
A person may not sell, detonate, ignite or in any way use fireworks classified as “skyrockets with sticks” or missiles with fins in any portion of Lampasas County
The order does not prohibit ‘permissible fireworks’.
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally violates a prohibition established by this order. An offense under this order is a class C misdemeanor.
A person may not sell, detonate, ignite or in any way use fireworks classified as “skyrockets with sticks” or missiles with fins in any portion of Lampasas County
The order does not prohibit ‘permissible fireworks’.
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally violates a prohibition established by this order. An offense under this order is a class C misdemeanor.
Disaster Preparedness
Today the Texas General Land Office announced its public outreach initiative to encourage Texans to be prepared and stay prepared for hurricane season, which began Wednesday, June 1 and runs through November 30, 2022. The preparedness campaign includes a video advertisement series titled, “Don’t Ignore Your Risk”, a bilingual multi-media, multi-platform campaign urging Texans to take time now to know their risk, purchase flood insurance, protect their home, safeguard documents, and prepare emergency supplies and an evacuation route.
"It is important to be prepared to have a solid plan in place prior to severe weather,” said Commissioner George P. Bush. “Knowing your risks, having an evacuation plan, gathering supplies, securing documents, and protecting your property with flood, wind, and fire insurance are key steps to being prepared for storms or wildfires. For more disaster preparedness tips, Texans can follow the GLO on social media and find information for family and pets at recovery.texas.gov/preparedness.”
According to a report by the Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at The Wharton School,
homeowners received an average of $8,900 in individual housing assistance from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Harvey, while the average of flood insurance claims was $115,104. According to FEMA, just one inch of flood water can cause more than $25,000 in damage.
The GLO encourages all Texans to prepare for hurricane season by doing the following:
*Know Your Risk - Sign up for your community’s emergency warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
*Make Your Evacuation Plan - Check with local officials about updated evacuation shelters for this year. Know where your family will meet up if you are separated and where you will stay. Pack a “go bag” including items you need to take with you if you evacuate. A “go bag” should be easy to carry and kept in a place where you can grab it quickly. Check with drivetexas.org to find routes near you. To find a shelter near you, download the FEMA app at fema.gov/mobile-app.
*Gather Supplies - Plan for your entire household including children, people with disabilities or access/functional needs, and pets.
*Secure Documents - Remember to secure copies of important personal documents. Filing for government assistance requires documentation. Be sure to keep documents in a secure location and take them with you if you need to evacuate. Place these documents in a waterproof bag and back them up on cloud storage or a thumb drive.
*Protect Your Property - Shutter your home as needed, review your flood insurance policy (or sign up for one), and declutter drains and gutters. Most homeowner and renter insurance policies do not cover flood damage. A flood insurance policy generally does not take effect until 30 days after purchase, so be sure to maintain your policy. Take a video “tour” of your home to
document all items and the home’s current condition.
The campaign will run for the next three months and includes social media, digital display, cable, broadcast and streaming platforms. Inspired by Senate Bill 285, signed into law during the 86th Session of the Legislature, the GLO has remained committed to educating Texans about the benefits of protecting their homes and finances through flood insurance and being prepared for storms and other natural disasters.
For more information, visit recovery.texas.gov/preparedness
"It is important to be prepared to have a solid plan in place prior to severe weather,” said Commissioner George P. Bush. “Knowing your risks, having an evacuation plan, gathering supplies, securing documents, and protecting your property with flood, wind, and fire insurance are key steps to being prepared for storms or wildfires. For more disaster preparedness tips, Texans can follow the GLO on social media and find information for family and pets at recovery.texas.gov/preparedness.”
According to a report by the Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at The Wharton School,
homeowners received an average of $8,900 in individual housing assistance from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Harvey, while the average of flood insurance claims was $115,104. According to FEMA, just one inch of flood water can cause more than $25,000 in damage.
The GLO encourages all Texans to prepare for hurricane season by doing the following:
*Know Your Risk - Sign up for your community’s emergency warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
*Make Your Evacuation Plan - Check with local officials about updated evacuation shelters for this year. Know where your family will meet up if you are separated and where you will stay. Pack a “go bag” including items you need to take with you if you evacuate. A “go bag” should be easy to carry and kept in a place where you can grab it quickly. Check with drivetexas.org to find routes near you. To find a shelter near you, download the FEMA app at fema.gov/mobile-app.
*Gather Supplies - Plan for your entire household including children, people with disabilities or access/functional needs, and pets.
*Secure Documents - Remember to secure copies of important personal documents. Filing for government assistance requires documentation. Be sure to keep documents in a secure location and take them with you if you need to evacuate. Place these documents in a waterproof bag and back them up on cloud storage or a thumb drive.
*Protect Your Property - Shutter your home as needed, review your flood insurance policy (or sign up for one), and declutter drains and gutters. Most homeowner and renter insurance policies do not cover flood damage. A flood insurance policy generally does not take effect until 30 days after purchase, so be sure to maintain your policy. Take a video “tour” of your home to
document all items and the home’s current condition.
The campaign will run for the next three months and includes social media, digital display, cable, broadcast and streaming platforms. Inspired by Senate Bill 285, signed into law during the 86th Session of the Legislature, the GLO has remained committed to educating Texans about the benefits of protecting their homes and finances through flood insurance and being prepared for storms and other natural disasters.
For more information, visit recovery.texas.gov/preparedness
Tuesday June 14, 2022
The Weather
The high yesterday 100° The low this morning 76°
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 99°. The wind will be S at 15-20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies and a low that will be around 76°. The wind will be S-SE at 10-15 mph overnight with possible gusts of 30 mph.
Wednesday: Cloudy in the morning with clearing skies and a high temperature near 98° with a heat index near 101°. Winds will be S at 10-20 mph and could gust to 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low near 74°. Winds will be S-SE at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high temperature near 101°. Winds will be S at 5-10 mph.
Thursday Night: A low near 74° with clear skies. Wind will be SE near 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 99°. The wind will be S at 15-20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies and a low that will be around 76°. The wind will be S-SE at 10-15 mph overnight with possible gusts of 30 mph.
Wednesday: Cloudy in the morning with clearing skies and a high temperature near 98° with a heat index near 101°. Winds will be S at 10-20 mph and could gust to 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low near 74°. Winds will be S-SE at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high temperature near 101°. Winds will be S at 5-10 mph.
Thursday Night: A low near 74° with clear skies. Wind will be SE near 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph
The Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Monday shows a suspicious person reported in the 600 block of N. Key Ave. at 12:44am, and found property was reported in the 900 block of CTE at 7:35am. The afternoon shows a reported theft in the 1300 block of CTE at 1:07pm, and another theft in the 300 block of E. 6th St. at 1;16pm. There was a minor accident in the 500 block of E. 8th St. at 3:09pm, a domestic disturbance reported on Sue Ann Dr. at 8:56pm and a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 10:18pm. There was a disturbance in the 200 block of W. 4th St. at 10:34pm, a harassment reported in the 900 block of W. 3rd St. at 11:10pm and a suspicious person reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 11:34pm.
Lampasas Sheriff’s Dept. blotter for Monday shows Lometa with a reported assault and an alarm call. Kempner shows repossessions, animal/livestock issues, a reported fraud and an accident. Out in the county there was a structure fire (see story), civil matters, medical calls, livestock/animal issues, and a report of illegal dumping. Deputies went into Cove on a reported assault, a medical call, an alarm call and a requested welfare check.
Lampasas Sheriff’s Dept. blotter for Monday shows Lometa with a reported assault and an alarm call. Kempner shows repossessions, animal/livestock issues, a reported fraud and an accident. Out in the county there was a structure fire (see story), civil matters, medical calls, livestock/animal issues, and a report of illegal dumping. Deputies went into Cove on a reported assault, a medical call, an alarm call and a requested welfare check.
House Fire Fatality
From Fire Chief Jeff Smith: "Lampasas, Texas – On 6/13/2022 at 0051 hrs, the Lampasas Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1700 block of East Avenue G. The first emergency personnel arrived on scene at 0053 hrs. There was 1 Engine, 2 Command Vehicles, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 1 Rescue, 1 Squad and 2 Ambulances on scene. There was one civilian fatality and one
firefighter injury. The incident is currently being investigated by investigators from the Lampasas Fire Marshal’s Office in
conjunction with the State of Texas Fire Marshal’s Office.”
The Lampasas Fire Marshall told Lampasas Radio this morning that they are waiting on a positive identification before releasing the name of the victim.
firefighter injury. The incident is currently being investigated by investigators from the Lampasas Fire Marshal’s Office in
conjunction with the State of Texas Fire Marshal’s Office.”
The Lampasas Fire Marshall told Lampasas Radio this morning that they are waiting on a positive identification before releasing the name of the victim.
City Council Approves Skatepark
The Lampasas City Council met last night for regular meetings, which began at 5:30 p.m. with a workshop session. The City
Council discussed six agenda items, including a Workforce
Recruitment and Retention plan, the Night Skies Initiative, the budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023, and, most notably, the design, cost, and progression of the Campbell Park Skatepark.
Although funding for the initial $300,000 Skatepark and a $120,000 pavilion was approved in 2020, the initial cost of the skatepark increased significantly to approximately $375,000. The pavilion's construction was approved and in fact exceeded its budget by approximately $65,000. Following this, several members of the City Council expressed their displeasure with the increased cost of the Skatepark and agreed to postpone voting on its approval until Monday's City Council meeting.
Lampasas County residents of all ages filled the room in support of the Skatepark's continuation, and during the Regular City Council Meeting, a unanimous vote was passed to approve the construction of the Campbell Park Skatepark, which is not to
exceed $400,000.
The Skatepark's construction, which is being funded by HOT funds (also known as a Hotel Occupancy Tax, a "heads and beds" tax collected from hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts), is expected to begin within the next 90 days.
Council discussed six agenda items, including a Workforce
Recruitment and Retention plan, the Night Skies Initiative, the budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023, and, most notably, the design, cost, and progression of the Campbell Park Skatepark.
Although funding for the initial $300,000 Skatepark and a $120,000 pavilion was approved in 2020, the initial cost of the skatepark increased significantly to approximately $375,000. The pavilion's construction was approved and in fact exceeded its budget by approximately $65,000. Following this, several members of the City Council expressed their displeasure with the increased cost of the Skatepark and agreed to postpone voting on its approval until Monday's City Council meeting.
Lampasas County residents of all ages filled the room in support of the Skatepark's continuation, and during the Regular City Council Meeting, a unanimous vote was passed to approve the construction of the Campbell Park Skatepark, which is not to
exceed $400,000.
The Skatepark's construction, which is being funded by HOT funds (also known as a Hotel Occupancy Tax, a "heads and beds" tax collected from hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts), is expected to begin within the next 90 days.
District Court Notes
Lampasas County Courthouse was the site of a 27th District Court Docket Call on June 10th. Presiding over the Court was 27th District Court Judge John Gauntt. Altogether 51 cases were brought to the court with 42 cases involving men, and 9 cases involving women.
There were 7 defendants that failed to appear on a total of 8 cases. Thomas Floyd failed to appear on the charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B less than a gram. Brady Finney of Killeen failed to appear on the charge of fraud/ possession of identifying information. Nathaniel Martin failed to appear on the charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance
PG1 4-200 grams. Natalie Jayroe of Burnet failed to appear on the charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams. Ricky Wilson failed to appear on the charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams. Ronnie Romo failed to appear on the charges of possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B less than a gram and burglary of a habitation. Keith Clemons of Austin failed to appear on the charge of bail jumping and failure to appear.
There were 19 cases involving possession of a controlled
substance/PG1. There were 12 cases for less than a gram, and 4 cases for 1-4 grams. There was 1 case for manufacture and
delivery/possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams, and 2 cases for possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams. There was 1 DWI case.
There were 4 cases of tampering w/government records, and 3 cases of burglary. There were 2 cases each of theft of property, evading arrest, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. There was 1 case each for illegal dumping, fraud, forgery, bail jumping/failure to appear and engaging in organized criminal activity.
In crimes involving personal harm, there were 4 cases of assault of a family member. There were two cases for indecency with a child/sexual contact. There was 1 case each for sexual assault of a child, abandoning/endangering a child, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, intoxication manslaughter, indecency with a child/exposure and deadly conduct/discharge firearm.
Of the 51 cases, 9 were resolved with Jerel Johnson pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram and received a sentence of 11 months in county jail w/credit for days served plus court costs and fines.
Dakota Price of Lampasas plead guilty to
abandoning/endangering a child/criminal negligence and was
sentenced to 5 years probation plus court costs and a fine. Tristan Argo plead guilty to possession of a controlled substance PG1-1-B/less than a gram and was sentenced to 5 years probation with ISF as a stipulation plus court costs. Marcus Reed was found guilty of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 12 months in state jail w/credit for days served plus court costs. Kayla Pierce plead nolo contendre to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 3 days in county jail with credit for 3 days. John Neimann plead guilty and was sentenced to 5 years probation plus court costs and a fine on the charge of possession of a
controlled substance 1/1-B less than a gram, and saw his other charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram dismissed. Ruben Gutierrez plead guilty to possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram and was sentenced to 10 months state jail w/credit for days served. Jamison Cavazos saw his probation amended to include ISF on the charge of engaging in organized criminal activity.
All other cases were rescheduled or set for jury trials.
There were 7 defendants that failed to appear on a total of 8 cases. Thomas Floyd failed to appear on the charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B less than a gram. Brady Finney of Killeen failed to appear on the charge of fraud/ possession of identifying information. Nathaniel Martin failed to appear on the charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance
PG1 4-200 grams. Natalie Jayroe of Burnet failed to appear on the charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams. Ricky Wilson failed to appear on the charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams. Ronnie Romo failed to appear on the charges of possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B less than a gram and burglary of a habitation. Keith Clemons of Austin failed to appear on the charge of bail jumping and failure to appear.
There were 19 cases involving possession of a controlled
substance/PG1. There were 12 cases for less than a gram, and 4 cases for 1-4 grams. There was 1 case for manufacture and
delivery/possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams, and 2 cases for possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams. There was 1 DWI case.
There were 4 cases of tampering w/government records, and 3 cases of burglary. There were 2 cases each of theft of property, evading arrest, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. There was 1 case each for illegal dumping, fraud, forgery, bail jumping/failure to appear and engaging in organized criminal activity.
In crimes involving personal harm, there were 4 cases of assault of a family member. There were two cases for indecency with a child/sexual contact. There was 1 case each for sexual assault of a child, abandoning/endangering a child, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, intoxication manslaughter, indecency with a child/exposure and deadly conduct/discharge firearm.
Of the 51 cases, 9 were resolved with Jerel Johnson pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram and received a sentence of 11 months in county jail w/credit for days served plus court costs and fines.
Dakota Price of Lampasas plead guilty to
abandoning/endangering a child/criminal negligence and was
sentenced to 5 years probation plus court costs and a fine. Tristan Argo plead guilty to possession of a controlled substance PG1-1-B/less than a gram and was sentenced to 5 years probation with ISF as a stipulation plus court costs. Marcus Reed was found guilty of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 12 months in state jail w/credit for days served plus court costs. Kayla Pierce plead nolo contendre to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 3 days in county jail with credit for 3 days. John Neimann plead guilty and was sentenced to 5 years probation plus court costs and a fine on the charge of possession of a
controlled substance 1/1-B less than a gram, and saw his other charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram dismissed. Ruben Gutierrez plead guilty to possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram and was sentenced to 10 months state jail w/credit for days served. Jamison Cavazos saw his probation amended to include ISF on the charge of engaging in organized criminal activity.
All other cases were rescheduled or set for jury trials.
Lampasas County Commissioners Court
In the court house of Lampasas Texas, a commission court meeting was held on June 13th at 9am. Among the Agenda items, The Friends of the Night Sky presented to the court their current
improvements to community and suggestions to further help their cause. They had some very special guests from our local Lampasas 4-H program. 4-H helps youth from 5-18 years of age, to expand their abilities in learning-by-doing.
The two young female members opened their presentation with a course of the well-remembered song of “deep in the heart of Texas.” They then described the issues with light
pollution such as harming animals, plants, and the sky. They then followed with effective ways to reverse and prevent this issue, like switching regular light bulbs to LED lights, and making sure to keep lights turned off if they are not being used in the most
effective manner.
The Night Sky group started last year and has since convinced many local businesses to switch to light friendly light bulbs.
Volunteer fundraising has helped this clean-sky dream to plant its feet. They have put on a star party, Christmas party and other events this past year to spread awareness about their cause. The Night Skies group has made it clear that they are not trying to regulate light usage, but to influence light friendliness to help keep our sky clean and beautiful.
improvements to community and suggestions to further help their cause. They had some very special guests from our local Lampasas 4-H program. 4-H helps youth from 5-18 years of age, to expand their abilities in learning-by-doing.
The two young female members opened their presentation with a course of the well-remembered song of “deep in the heart of Texas.” They then described the issues with light
pollution such as harming animals, plants, and the sky. They then followed with effective ways to reverse and prevent this issue, like switching regular light bulbs to LED lights, and making sure to keep lights turned off if they are not being used in the most
effective manner.
The Night Sky group started last year and has since convinced many local businesses to switch to light friendly light bulbs.
Volunteer fundraising has helped this clean-sky dream to plant its feet. They have put on a star party, Christmas party and other events this past year to spread awareness about their cause. The Night Skies group has made it clear that they are not trying to regulate light usage, but to influence light friendliness to help keep our sky clean and beautiful.
Project SERV Grant to Uvalde CISD
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education furthered the
Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government response to the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School by disbursing a $1.5 million School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) grant to the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School
District (UCISD). The proactive release of grant funds reflects the extraordinary and immediate needs facing UCISD and follows Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s visit to the district on May 31 and June 1, 2022.
Project SERV funds are authorized under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act and may be used for activities that help restore a sense of safety and security for the district’s students, teachers, staff, and families, and that address specific needs of those individuals directly affected by the shooting. Such activities include mental health services for staff and students, and overtime pay for teachers, counselors, and security staff, and may take place over the summer in the form of additional
summer programming.
Secretary Cardona initiated the emergency funding through a
letter to the district superintendent that outlines key assurances around the federal funding. In the days following the tragedy,
Secretary Cardona and other Department staff communicated with UCISD leadership and their Texas Education Agency colleagues and pledged to support recovery efforts in the district and community with a range of technical assistance, including direct access to Department personnel and partners who have helped other communities respond to and recover from acts of
school violence.
“No community should have to experience a tragedy like this alone. While in Texas, I saw the Uvalde community come together in deep and meaningful ways to support one another and all the families who lost loved ones; and it is our turn to support them,” said Secretary Cardona. “In the hours and days since that tragic day, we have committed to providing the Uvalde community with every available resource they may require from the Department. Today’s release of these emergency funds is an initial step that will be followed by technical assistance and on-the-ground
supports in the months and years to come.”
Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government response to the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School by disbursing a $1.5 million School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) grant to the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School
District (UCISD). The proactive release of grant funds reflects the extraordinary and immediate needs facing UCISD and follows Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s visit to the district on May 31 and June 1, 2022.
Project SERV funds are authorized under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act and may be used for activities that help restore a sense of safety and security for the district’s students, teachers, staff, and families, and that address specific needs of those individuals directly affected by the shooting. Such activities include mental health services for staff and students, and overtime pay for teachers, counselors, and security staff, and may take place over the summer in the form of additional
summer programming.
Secretary Cardona initiated the emergency funding through a
letter to the district superintendent that outlines key assurances around the federal funding. In the days following the tragedy,
Secretary Cardona and other Department staff communicated with UCISD leadership and their Texas Education Agency colleagues and pledged to support recovery efforts in the district and community with a range of technical assistance, including direct access to Department personnel and partners who have helped other communities respond to and recover from acts of
school violence.
“No community should have to experience a tragedy like this alone. While in Texas, I saw the Uvalde community come together in deep and meaningful ways to support one another and all the families who lost loved ones; and it is our turn to support them,” said Secretary Cardona. “In the hours and days since that tragic day, we have committed to providing the Uvalde community with every available resource they may require from the Department. Today’s release of these emergency funds is an initial step that will be followed by technical assistance and on-the-ground
supports in the months and years to come.”