Monday February 6, 2023
The Weather
The High Yesterday: 51° The Low This morning 73°
Today: Look for skies to be mostly cloudy with a high temperature topping out near 71°. Wind will be S near 15-20 mph with possible gusts of 35 mph.
Tonight: Look for increasing clouds and the low temperature will be near 59°. Wind will be S near 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Tuesday: Look for cloudy skies with a 70% chance of rain. The high temperature will be near 65°. The wind will become W at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Cloudy skies with a low temperature near 43°. Wind will be N-NW near 15 mph gusting to 25 mph with a 70% chance of precipitation.
Wednesday: Partly sunny skies with a forecast high near 58° and a 70% chance of precipitation. Wind will be NW near 15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 41°. Wind will be W-NW at 5-10 mph shifting SW overnight.
Today: Look for skies to be mostly cloudy with a high temperature topping out near 71°. Wind will be S near 15-20 mph with possible gusts of 35 mph.
Tonight: Look for increasing clouds and the low temperature will be near 59°. Wind will be S near 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Tuesday: Look for cloudy skies with a 70% chance of rain. The high temperature will be near 65°. The wind will become W at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Cloudy skies with a low temperature near 43°. Wind will be N-NW near 15 mph gusting to 25 mph with a 70% chance of precipitation.
Wednesday: Partly sunny skies with a forecast high near 58° and a 70% chance of precipitation. Wind will be NW near 15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 41°. Wind will be W-NW at 5-10 mph shifting SW overnight.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Saturday shows the arrest at 1:28pm of Wesley Bo Shannon, 28, of Lampasas in the 500 block of S. Walnut St. on 2 Lampasas Municipal Warrants (no driver’s license and failure to yield right of way). A suspicious person was reported in the 200 block of E. Ave J at 4:09pm, a harassment was reported in the 700 block of Old Georgetown Rd. at 5:30pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 1400 block of S. Key Ave. at 9:59pm and a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Olive St. at 10:34pm.
The Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Sunday shows a suspicious person reported in the 200 block of E. 5th St. at 12:54pm, an assault was reported in the 1400 block of W. Ave B, a criminal mischief was reported in the 100 block of W. 1st St. at 4:07pm, and a theft was reported in the 600 block of S. Western St. at 4:52pm. There was a minor accident in the 700 block of S. Key Ave. at 5:04pm, a noise complaint came in from the 700 block of E. 5th St. at 9:19pm and a minor accident took place in the 700 block of W. Ave. B at 9:44pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for the weekend shows Lometa with reports of stolen vehicles. In Kempner there was a shots fired call, medical calls, reports of suspicious activity, livestock/animal issues, a reported theft and a reported disturbance. Out in the county there were utility problems, requested welfare checks, reported disturbances, noise complaints, medical calls, a structure fire, a grass fire, animal issues, civil matters, juvenile problems and a warrant was served. Deputies went into Cove on a reported disorderly conduct.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 53 year old Robert Lee Higginbotham of Kempner for assault causing bodily injury/family member.
The Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Sunday shows a suspicious person reported in the 200 block of E. 5th St. at 12:54pm, an assault was reported in the 1400 block of W. Ave B, a criminal mischief was reported in the 100 block of W. 1st St. at 4:07pm, and a theft was reported in the 600 block of S. Western St. at 4:52pm. There was a minor accident in the 700 block of S. Key Ave. at 5:04pm, a noise complaint came in from the 700 block of E. 5th St. at 9:19pm and a minor accident took place in the 700 block of W. Ave. B at 9:44pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for the weekend shows Lometa with reports of stolen vehicles. In Kempner there was a shots fired call, medical calls, reports of suspicious activity, livestock/animal issues, a reported theft and a reported disturbance. Out in the county there were utility problems, requested welfare checks, reported disturbances, noise complaints, medical calls, a structure fire, a grass fire, animal issues, civil matters, juvenile problems and a warrant was served. Deputies went into Cove on a reported disorderly conduct.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 53 year old Robert Lee Higginbotham of Kempner for assault causing bodily injury/family member.
Some Austin Homes Still Without Electricity
(Texas Tribune) Nearly 95% of Austin now has electricity after last week's winter storm, but the city’s utility says some of the fewer than 30,000 homes and businesses still without power Sunday night might have to wait another week for it to be restored.
Austin Energy said Sunday it has moved on to addressing the most complicated and time-consuming outages around the city and it expects that many customers will get their lights on before Feb. 12.
Ice from last week’s winter storm broke tree branches, felled entire trees and pulled down power lines across Central Texas and a large swath of the state. On Wednesday, more than 400,000 Texas households and businesses were without electricity.
I’m sorry for how long this is taking,” Austin Energy general manager Jackie Sargent said at a Sunday afternoon press conference.
But even as progress has been made, more outages could be on the horizon this week with strong winds forecast for Tuesday. City Manager Spencer Cronk said more tree limbs could fall on power lines and advised residents to avoid parking under trees. Tuesday’s winds could slow down ongoing repairs.
Austin-area schools will reopen campuses Monday after the freeze prompted closures last week. Austin Independent School District said all but one of its campuses of have power restored. Student at that school will have class at another nearby school on Monday.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for seven counties on Saturday. Austin was the epicenter of the ice storm’s damage. The local and state disaster declarations mean repairs in Austin will be reimbursed by Federal Emergency Management Agency. Cronk also said the city will “explore options” for reimbursing citizens financially.
More than 170,000 Austin Energy customers lacked power Wednesday. Leaders in the city, the tech capital of Texas, fumbled digital communications amid the crisis, drawing scorn and frustration from residents.
Getting the power back on has been hindered by the sheer number of incidents crews are trying to fix. Improper pruning and drought may have contributed to the massive amount of damage to Austin’s urban tree canopy, which prompted many of the power outages.
The destruction and prolonged loss of electricity renewed a debate about whether Texas cities should prioritize extreme weather preparedness even though it can be extremely costly.
For many Texans, the ice storm stirred up memories of previous crises, like 2021’s deadly winter storm that caused the state’s power grid to nearly collapse and plunged millions into darkness amid subfreezing temperatures.
.Austin crews slowly began restoring electricity last week, neighbors rushed to help each other remove fallen trees from roofs and yards. Residents who still lacked power this weekend spent their days searching for refuge in libraries, tossing out spoiled groceries and finding places to charge electronics.
Austin Energy said Sunday it has moved on to addressing the most complicated and time-consuming outages around the city and it expects that many customers will get their lights on before Feb. 12.
Ice from last week’s winter storm broke tree branches, felled entire trees and pulled down power lines across Central Texas and a large swath of the state. On Wednesday, more than 400,000 Texas households and businesses were without electricity.
I’m sorry for how long this is taking,” Austin Energy general manager Jackie Sargent said at a Sunday afternoon press conference.
But even as progress has been made, more outages could be on the horizon this week with strong winds forecast for Tuesday. City Manager Spencer Cronk said more tree limbs could fall on power lines and advised residents to avoid parking under trees. Tuesday’s winds could slow down ongoing repairs.
Austin-area schools will reopen campuses Monday after the freeze prompted closures last week. Austin Independent School District said all but one of its campuses of have power restored. Student at that school will have class at another nearby school on Monday.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for seven counties on Saturday. Austin was the epicenter of the ice storm’s damage. The local and state disaster declarations mean repairs in Austin will be reimbursed by Federal Emergency Management Agency. Cronk also said the city will “explore options” for reimbursing citizens financially.
More than 170,000 Austin Energy customers lacked power Wednesday. Leaders in the city, the tech capital of Texas, fumbled digital communications amid the crisis, drawing scorn and frustration from residents.
Getting the power back on has been hindered by the sheer number of incidents crews are trying to fix. Improper pruning and drought may have contributed to the massive amount of damage to Austin’s urban tree canopy, which prompted many of the power outages.
The destruction and prolonged loss of electricity renewed a debate about whether Texas cities should prioritize extreme weather preparedness even though it can be extremely costly.
For many Texans, the ice storm stirred up memories of previous crises, like 2021’s deadly winter storm that caused the state’s power grid to nearly collapse and plunged millions into darkness amid subfreezing temperatures.
.Austin crews slowly began restoring electricity last week, neighbors rushed to help each other remove fallen trees from roofs and yards. Residents who still lacked power this weekend spent their days searching for refuge in libraries, tossing out spoiled groceries and finding places to charge electronics.
Raises for Texas teachers:
Texas teachers are hopeful that this session lawmakers will use some of the historic $32.7 billion budget surplus to fund raises for educators. Texas currently ranks 28th in the nation for teacher pay, $7,652 less than the national average, according to the latest report from the National Education Association.
Both Republicans and Democrats have signaled that they intend to use some of the extra money for teacher raises. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick already listed teacher pay raises as one of his legislative priorities late last year, and Gov. Greg Abbott’s office said in a statement last week that he will “continue working with the Legislature to support our teachers.”
But while teacher raises may be a bipartisan issue this session, Republicans may be at odds with Democrats over how to get it done.
A couple of bills calling for teacher raises have already been filed, including one which would give teachers a $15,000 pay raise and other school employees a 25% pay raise. At least one estimate from the Association of Texas Professional Educators says those raises would cost $12 billion every two years.
Current budget proposals from both the Senate and House have also pitched raises for teachers, including allocating additional funding for a program that gives teachers raises based on their performance. Some educators have voiced concerns that raises could be used as a bargaining chip as Republicans seek more support for “school choice” programs.
But some teachers say that any across-the-board raise would be helpful even if the amount drops.
Jupiter has 92 Moons
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Astronomers have discovered 12 new moons around Jupiter, putting the total count at a record-breaking 92. That’s more than any other planet in our solar system. Saturn, the one-time leader, comes in a close second with 83 confirmed moons.
The Jupiter moons were added recently to a list kept by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center, said Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution, who was part of the team. They were discovered using telescopes in Hawaii and Chile in 2021 and 2022, and their orbits were confirmed with follow-up observations.
These newest moons range in size from 0.6 miles to 2 miles (1 kilometer to 3 kilometers), according to Sheppard.
“I hope we can image one of these outer moons close-up in the near future to better determine their origins,” he said in an email Friday. In April, the European Space Agency is sending a spacecraft to Jupiter to study the planet and some of its biggest, icy moons. And next year, NASA will launch the Europa Clipper to explore Jupiter’s moon of the same name, which could harbor an ocean beneath its frozen crust.
Sheppard — who discovered a slew of moons around Saturn a few years ago and has taken part in 70 moon discoveries so far around Jupiter — expects to keep adding to the lunar tally of both gas giants.
Jupiter and Saturn are loaded with small moons, believed to be fragments of once bigger moons that collided with one another or with comets or asteroids, Sheppard said.
The same goes for Uranus and Neptune, but they’re so distant that it makes moon-spotting even harder.
For the record, Uranus has 27 confirmed moons, Neptune 14, Mars two and Earth one. Venus and Mercury come up empty.
The Jupiter moons were added recently to a list kept by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center, said Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution, who was part of the team. They were discovered using telescopes in Hawaii and Chile in 2021 and 2022, and their orbits were confirmed with follow-up observations.
These newest moons range in size from 0.6 miles to 2 miles (1 kilometer to 3 kilometers), according to Sheppard.
“I hope we can image one of these outer moons close-up in the near future to better determine their origins,” he said in an email Friday. In April, the European Space Agency is sending a spacecraft to Jupiter to study the planet and some of its biggest, icy moons. And next year, NASA will launch the Europa Clipper to explore Jupiter’s moon of the same name, which could harbor an ocean beneath its frozen crust.
Sheppard — who discovered a slew of moons around Saturn a few years ago and has taken part in 70 moon discoveries so far around Jupiter — expects to keep adding to the lunar tally of both gas giants.
Jupiter and Saturn are loaded with small moons, believed to be fragments of once bigger moons that collided with one another or with comets or asteroids, Sheppard said.
The same goes for Uranus and Neptune, but they’re so distant that it makes moon-spotting even harder.
For the record, Uranus has 27 confirmed moons, Neptune 14, Mars two and Earth one. Venus and Mercury come up empty.
Saturday February 4, 2023
The Weather
Yesterday’s high 47° This morning’s low 34°
Today: Mostly cloudy skies with gradual clearing and a high near 57°. Wind will be S-SW at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 39º. Wind will be from the SW at 5-10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny skies and the high temperature will climb to near 67º. Wind will be W-SW at 5-10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 49°. The wind will be S near 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Monday: Look partly sunny skies with a high temperature near 70°. The wind will be S at 15-25 mph gusting to 35 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy with a low near 57°. The wind will be from the S at 15-20 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph.
Today: Mostly cloudy skies with gradual clearing and a high near 57°. Wind will be S-SW at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 39º. Wind will be from the SW at 5-10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny skies and the high temperature will climb to near 67º. Wind will be W-SW at 5-10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 49°. The wind will be S near 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Monday: Look partly sunny skies with a high temperature near 70°. The wind will be S at 15-25 mph gusting to 35 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy with a low near 57°. The wind will be from the S at 15-20 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Friday shows a reported theft in the 900 block of E. Ave F at 10:19am. The afternoon shows the arrest of 28 year old Gustavo Garza Jr. of San Antonio in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 1:14pm for DWI 2nd. A burglary of a business was reported in the 1000 block of S. Key Ave. at 1:356pm, there was a minor accident in the 1700 block of CTE at 2:02pm and a domestic disturbance was reported in the 300 block of Northington St. at 3:10pm. There was a reported assault by threat in the 600 block of E. Ave. F at 3:45pm, a reported disturbance in the 900 block of CTE at 4:04pm, suspicious activity reported in the 1300 block of W. Ave B at 6:08pm and a possession of drug paraphernalia was reported in the 1600 block of S. Key Ave. at 11:56pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dep. Blotter for Friday shows Kempner with animal issues and medical calls. Deputies went into Cove on animal issues and an alarm call.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 32 year old Warren Maxwell of Burnet on an out-of-county charge. Also arrested was 36 year old Adam McNamee, 36, of Killeen for possession of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams, unlawful carrying of a weapon w/felony conviction, possession of marijuana less than 2 oz., and a miscellaneous class C offense.
COPPERAS COVE, TEXAS – On February 3, 2023, at approximately 9am, an on-duty Copperas Cove Police Officer observed a male subject lying on the ground next to a vehicle in the 1600 block of N 1st Street. The officer stopped to check his welfare and discovered the male was not breathing, and appeared to be suffering a medical emergency.
Officers immediately requested Copperas Cove Fire and EMS units to respond and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The male was unable
to be resuscitated. Coryell County Justice of the Peace John Guinn pronounced the male deceased at 9:33am. The victim was identified as 75-year-old Kenneth Dean Moseley.
The Criminal Investigations Division responded and is investigating the incident.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dep. Blotter for Friday shows Kempner with animal issues and medical calls. Deputies went into Cove on animal issues and an alarm call.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 32 year old Warren Maxwell of Burnet on an out-of-county charge. Also arrested was 36 year old Adam McNamee, 36, of Killeen for possession of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams, unlawful carrying of a weapon w/felony conviction, possession of marijuana less than 2 oz., and a miscellaneous class C offense.
COPPERAS COVE, TEXAS – On February 3, 2023, at approximately 9am, an on-duty Copperas Cove Police Officer observed a male subject lying on the ground next to a vehicle in the 1600 block of N 1st Street. The officer stopped to check his welfare and discovered the male was not breathing, and appeared to be suffering a medical emergency.
Officers immediately requested Copperas Cove Fire and EMS units to respond and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The male was unable
to be resuscitated. Coryell County Justice of the Peace John Guinn pronounced the male deceased at 9:33am. The victim was identified as 75-year-old Kenneth Dean Moseley.
The Criminal Investigations Division responded and is investigating the incident.
Lampasas ISD School Board Meeting
The Lampasas ISD School Board will meet on Monday February 6th at 6pm at the Lampasas ISD Administration Building.
The Agenda includes the consent agenda to include a budget amendment, notification of resignation of professional personnel, the first reading of policy update 120, the purchase of computer replacement devices and the purchase of replacement HVAC Units for the Kline Whitis Elementary Cafeteria. Also on the agenda is a list of bills, calling the school board election and appointment of Election Judges, the 2023-2024 district calendar, administrative reports and a long term facility plan for the HUB
The Agenda includes the consent agenda to include a budget amendment, notification of resignation of professional personnel, the first reading of policy update 120, the purchase of computer replacement devices and the purchase of replacement HVAC Units for the Kline Whitis Elementary Cafeteria. Also on the agenda is a list of bills, calling the school board election and appointment of Election Judges, the 2023-2024 district calendar, administrative reports and a long term facility plan for the HUB
…and the Beat Goes On
Music in Lampasas County, 1880-2023
The Lampasas County Museum will be open today from 10am to 4pm so be sure to stop by and view the new exhibit and hear the first of the Saturday Concerts: Zach Huckabee at 1pm and Zac & Marci Morris at 2pm.
Next Saturday February 11th will feature the Texas Elderly Brothers at 1pm and Rick Harrison on guitar at 3pm.
The Museum’s regular hours will be Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
The Lampasas County Museum will be open today from 10am to 4pm so be sure to stop by and view the new exhibit and hear the first of the Saturday Concerts: Zach Huckabee at 1pm and Zac & Marci Morris at 2pm.
Next Saturday February 11th will feature the Texas Elderly Brothers at 1pm and Rick Harrison on guitar at 3pm.
The Museum’s regular hours will be Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Water Well Screening in Burnet
The Texas Well Owner Network, TWON, is hosting a “Well Educated” water well screening Feb. 9 in Burnet to give area residents the opportunity to have their well water screened.
Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity. Water samples can be dropped off from 8:30-10 a.m. at the following locations:
* Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Burnet County, 607 N. Vandeveer, Burnet.
* Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District Office, 225 S. Pierce, Burnet.
The cost of water sample screening is $15 per sample.
The follow-up meeting to explain the results of the screenings will be at 1pm Feb. 10 at the AgriLife Extension office for Burnet County.
“The program was established to help well owners become familiar with Texas groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance and construction, and water quality and treatment,” said Joel Pigg, AgriLife Extension program specialist and TWON coordinator, Bryan-College Station. “It allows them to learn more about how to improve and protect their community water resources.”
The screening is presented by AgriLife Extension and Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, partnership with the AgriLife Extension office in Burnet County and the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, TGCD.
Sampling instructions
Pigg said the TWON program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs. Area residents wanting to have their well water screened should pick up a sample bag, bottle and instructions from the AgriLife Extension office or the TGCD office, Pigg said. “It is very important that only sampling bags and bottles from the AgriLife Extension office be used and all instructions for proper sampling are followed to ensure accurate results,” he said.
Private water wells should be tested annually, he said. The samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.
Pigg said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the Feb. 10 meeting in order to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and improve their understanding of private well management.
Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity. Water samples can be dropped off from 8:30-10 a.m. at the following locations:
* Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Burnet County, 607 N. Vandeveer, Burnet.
* Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District Office, 225 S. Pierce, Burnet.
The cost of water sample screening is $15 per sample.
The follow-up meeting to explain the results of the screenings will be at 1pm Feb. 10 at the AgriLife Extension office for Burnet County.
“The program was established to help well owners become familiar with Texas groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance and construction, and water quality and treatment,” said Joel Pigg, AgriLife Extension program specialist and TWON coordinator, Bryan-College Station. “It allows them to learn more about how to improve and protect their community water resources.”
The screening is presented by AgriLife Extension and Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, partnership with the AgriLife Extension office in Burnet County and the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, TGCD.
Sampling instructions
Pigg said the TWON program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs. Area residents wanting to have their well water screened should pick up a sample bag, bottle and instructions from the AgriLife Extension office or the TGCD office, Pigg said. “It is very important that only sampling bags and bottles from the AgriLife Extension office be used and all instructions for proper sampling are followed to ensure accurate results,” he said.
Private water wells should be tested annually, he said. The samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.
Pigg said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the Feb. 10 meeting in order to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and improve their understanding of private well management.
Infection Linked to Eye Drops
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that consumers and health care providers immediately stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears as it investigates a "multistate cluster" of infections that testing has linked to the eye drops. At least one death has been associated with the infections.
Infections have been found in 50 patients in 11 states, the CDC said, adding that most of them had used artificial tears and that the mostly commonly used brand was Ezricare.
Results in some patients included "permanent vision loss resulting from ocular infection, hospitalization and [the] death of one patient with bloodstream infection," the CDC said, noting that the bacterial infections are often resistant to antibiotics.
The CDC said it "recommends that clinicians and patients immediately discontinue the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears" until its probe and lab tests are complete. The agency is working with state and local health departments on the issue.
Ezricare said it hasn't received any consumer complaints or reports of adverse reactions related to the investigation or any word from any regulatory agencies about the probe, and it hasn't been asked to conduct a recall.
Still, the company said that "in an abundance of caution," it strongly emphasized that customers stop using "any portions of EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops you may have until we can discover more details about any potential safety concerns."
Infections have been found in 50 patients in 11 states, the CDC said, adding that most of them had used artificial tears and that the mostly commonly used brand was Ezricare.
Results in some patients included "permanent vision loss resulting from ocular infection, hospitalization and [the] death of one patient with bloodstream infection," the CDC said, noting that the bacterial infections are often resistant to antibiotics.
The CDC said it "recommends that clinicians and patients immediately discontinue the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears" until its probe and lab tests are complete. The agency is working with state and local health departments on the issue.
Ezricare said it hasn't received any consumer complaints or reports of adverse reactions related to the investigation or any word from any regulatory agencies about the probe, and it hasn't been asked to conduct a recall.
Still, the company said that "in an abundance of caution," it strongly emphasized that customers stop using "any portions of EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops you may have until we can discover more details about any potential safety concerns."
Friday February 3, 2023
The Weather
The High yesterday 36° The Low this morning 32°
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high near 49°. Wind will be N-NW near 5-10 mph shifting E-NE this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 27° with patches of freezing fog early Saturday morning. Wind will become S-SW near 5 mph overnight.
Saturday: Look for areas of freezing fog before 9am, then mostly sunny skies with a high temperature near 58°. Wind will be S at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for partly cloudy skies with a low temperature near 38°. The wind will be SW near 5-10.
Sunday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 67°. Wind will be SW at 5-10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 46°. Wind will be S near 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high near 49°. Wind will be N-NW near 5-10 mph shifting E-NE this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 27° with patches of freezing fog early Saturday morning. Wind will become S-SW near 5 mph overnight.
Saturday: Look for areas of freezing fog before 9am, then mostly sunny skies with a high temperature near 58°. Wind will be S at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for partly cloudy skies with a low temperature near 38°. The wind will be SW near 5-10.
Sunday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 67°. Wind will be SW at 5-10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 46°. Wind will be S near 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Thursday shows the early morning arrest of Julien Amparan, 23, of Lampasas on Hillcrest Dr. for DWI at 2:52am. At 7:04am, Manuel Lopez-Marez, 47, of Lampasas was arrested in the 1200 block of Barnes St. on a Lampasas PD warrant for theft. The afternoon shows a burglary of a motor vehicle reported in the 200 block of Riverview Dr. at 12:12pm and an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle report in the 700 block of S. Pecan St. at 5:07pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. for Thursday shows Kempner with medical calls, a requested welfare check and an alarm call. Out in the county there were civil matters and deputies went into Cove on a requested welfare check.
The Burn Ban has been lifted.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. for Thursday shows Kempner with medical calls, a requested welfare check and an alarm call. Out in the county there were civil matters and deputies went into Cove on a requested welfare check.
The Burn Ban has been lifted.
Ain’t Life Wonderful! Ronnie Witcher
Let’s all wave!
I’m glad something came along to take our collective mind off of the ice and politics.
That Chinese spy balloon that’s floating along over Montana and Idaho! They say it’s up there at 66,000 feet or so. That would be a challenge for my cell phone camera, but I guess they’ve got a lot better one, and it can get pictures of an occasional cow or an antelope.
I guess nobody knows what the Chinese are lookin’ for, so our spy-catcher folks have decided to let it be. They say they could shoot it down, but it isn’t worth the trouble, and the Chinese say they’re sorry. They say it was a harmless domestic balloon that just strayed with the wind. I’m good with that, but our Radiogram lady, Mary, say’s she thinks there somethin’ more to all this. I tease her and tell her she believes in all the conspiracy theories.
Anyway, as long as our Chinese friends know we know… I think the best thing we can do is just all go outside and wave. Just think, If we all smiled real big and waved, they could get a real Kodak moment picture and, if they spread it around town Beijing…I guess they have Facebook… maybe they’d get the idea we were pretty nice folks after all… and we could start trading with them again. It would be good for everybody. That’s what I think about that!
So, here’s hoping the ice has thawed out at your house, and do me a favor when you go to the car...
Look up at the northwest sky. Smile real big now…and WAVE!
And remember, we’re rootin’ for ya!
I’m glad something came along to take our collective mind off of the ice and politics.
That Chinese spy balloon that’s floating along over Montana and Idaho! They say it’s up there at 66,000 feet or so. That would be a challenge for my cell phone camera, but I guess they’ve got a lot better one, and it can get pictures of an occasional cow or an antelope.
I guess nobody knows what the Chinese are lookin’ for, so our spy-catcher folks have decided to let it be. They say they could shoot it down, but it isn’t worth the trouble, and the Chinese say they’re sorry. They say it was a harmless domestic balloon that just strayed with the wind. I’m good with that, but our Radiogram lady, Mary, say’s she thinks there somethin’ more to all this. I tease her and tell her she believes in all the conspiracy theories.
Anyway, as long as our Chinese friends know we know… I think the best thing we can do is just all go outside and wave. Just think, If we all smiled real big and waved, they could get a real Kodak moment picture and, if they spread it around town Beijing…I guess they have Facebook… maybe they’d get the idea we were pretty nice folks after all… and we could start trading with them again. It would be good for everybody. That’s what I think about that!
So, here’s hoping the ice has thawed out at your house, and do me a favor when you go to the car...
Look up at the northwest sky. Smile real big now…and WAVE!
And remember, we’re rootin’ for ya!
…and the Beat Goes On
Music in Lampasas County, 1880-2023
The Lampasas County Museum and the exhibit focusing on the musical offerings in our county will remain closed today due to the weather.
However, the Museum will be open tomorrow from 10am to 4pm so be sure to stop by the hear the first of the Saturday Concerts: Zach Huckabee at 1pm and Zac & Marci Morris at 2pm.
Next Saturday February 11th will feature the Texas Elderly Brothers at 1pm and Rick Harrison on guitar at 3pm.
The Lampasas County Museum and the exhibit focusing on the musical offerings in our county will remain closed today due to the weather.
However, the Museum will be open tomorrow from 10am to 4pm so be sure to stop by the hear the first of the Saturday Concerts: Zach Huckabee at 1pm and Zac & Marci Morris at 2pm.
Next Saturday February 11th will feature the Texas Elderly Brothers at 1pm and Rick Harrison on guitar at 3pm.
TxDOT to Hold Meeting on US281N Expansion
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is proposing to widen US 281 from US 183 in Lampasas to US 84 in Evant.
TxDOT will conduct an online virtual public meeting on the proposed project with in-person options. . The presentation will be posted online on next Tuesday, February 7th by 12pm. To log onto the virtual public meeting, go to the following web address at the date and time indicated above: www.TxDOT.gov and Search “US 281 – Lampasas to Evant.” Following the virtual public meeting, the presentation will remain available for viewing until Monday Mar. 3rd at 11:59pm.
Additionally, TxDOT is providing an in-person option for individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online. In-person attendees will be able to hear a presentation that includes the same information as the online public meeting, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff and/or consultants,
and leave written comments.
The meeting date for Lampasas is next Tuesday February 7th from 5:30-7:30pm at the New Covenant Church at 1604 CTE in Lampasas. There will be another in-person meeting in Evant on Monday February 13th from 5:30-7:30pm at Evant ISD 339 Memory Lane in Evant.
The project proposes to widen US 281, between US 183 and US 84 with two additional travel lanes in either a northbound or southbound direction for a total of four lanes; improve safety by separating traffic with a grassy median; and add crossovers along US 281 within the project to facilitate access to both sides of the highway. The total length of the project is approximately 28 miles.
Written comments from the public regarding the proposed project are requested and may be submitted by mail to: TxDOT Brownwood District Office, 2495 HWY 183 N., Brownwood, Texas 76802. Written comments may also be submitted by email to Jodie.Kelly@txdot.gov. All comments must be received on or before Friday, March 3rd to be included in the official meeting record. Responses to comments received, once they have been prepared, will be available online on the project page at TxDOT.gov and Search US 281 Lampasas to Evant
TxDOT will conduct an online virtual public meeting on the proposed project with in-person options. . The presentation will be posted online on next Tuesday, February 7th by 12pm. To log onto the virtual public meeting, go to the following web address at the date and time indicated above: www.TxDOT.gov and Search “US 281 – Lampasas to Evant.” Following the virtual public meeting, the presentation will remain available for viewing until Monday Mar. 3rd at 11:59pm.
Additionally, TxDOT is providing an in-person option for individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online. In-person attendees will be able to hear a presentation that includes the same information as the online public meeting, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff and/or consultants,
and leave written comments.
The meeting date for Lampasas is next Tuesday February 7th from 5:30-7:30pm at the New Covenant Church at 1604 CTE in Lampasas. There will be another in-person meeting in Evant on Monday February 13th from 5:30-7:30pm at Evant ISD 339 Memory Lane in Evant.
The project proposes to widen US 281, between US 183 and US 84 with two additional travel lanes in either a northbound or southbound direction for a total of four lanes; improve safety by separating traffic with a grassy median; and add crossovers along US 281 within the project to facilitate access to both sides of the highway. The total length of the project is approximately 28 miles.
Written comments from the public regarding the proposed project are requested and may be submitted by mail to: TxDOT Brownwood District Office, 2495 HWY 183 N., Brownwood, Texas 76802. Written comments may also be submitted by email to Jodie.Kelly@txdot.gov. All comments must be received on or before Friday, March 3rd to be included in the official meeting record. Responses to comments received, once they have been prepared, will be available online on the project page at TxDOT.gov and Search US 281 Lampasas to Evant
School Vouchers on the Horizon in Texas?
The State Board of Education on Thursday night took steps to walk back its previous decision to ask lawmakers to reject vouchers or anything that reduces “funding to public schools.” It appears that the board may stay neutral on “school choice” policies.
The 15-member board had already voted on its legislative priorities in late November, which included rejecting school vouchers. But some board members like Keven Ellis and Tom Maynard believed it was wise for the board not to get involved in the voucher fight this spring. Members voted 8-5 to preliminarily strike the language from its priorities. A final vote will take place Friday.
The move from the board comes as Abbott on Tuesday night voiced his most explicit support yet for a school choice policy, saying that Texas needs to create an education savings account program.
“School choice” is a term used to describe programs that give parents state money to send their kids to schools outside of the state’s public education system. Some Republicans in the Legislature believe this may be the year they expand school choice as some parents have been displeased with public schools over pandemic response mandates and about how race and history are taught in the classroom.
Texas already practices school choice, as parents can choose to send their children to free charter schools or transfer schools within or outside of their district.
In the Legislature this session, Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, filed Senate Bill 176, which could become the most expansive piece of school choice legislation in the state if it were to pass. It would create an education savings account program that would allow parents to use state funds to pay for their children’s private school, online schooling or private tutors.
Democratic members of the State Board of Education questioned why the priorities were brought up again when they had already voted in November ahead of the session that they would take a stance for public education and against vouchers
The 15-member board had already voted on its legislative priorities in late November, which included rejecting school vouchers. But some board members like Keven Ellis and Tom Maynard believed it was wise for the board not to get involved in the voucher fight this spring. Members voted 8-5 to preliminarily strike the language from its priorities. A final vote will take place Friday.
The move from the board comes as Abbott on Tuesday night voiced his most explicit support yet for a school choice policy, saying that Texas needs to create an education savings account program.
“School choice” is a term used to describe programs that give parents state money to send their kids to schools outside of the state’s public education system. Some Republicans in the Legislature believe this may be the year they expand school choice as some parents have been displeased with public schools over pandemic response mandates and about how race and history are taught in the classroom.
Texas already practices school choice, as parents can choose to send their children to free charter schools or transfer schools within or outside of their district.
In the Legislature this session, Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, filed Senate Bill 176, which could become the most expansive piece of school choice legislation in the state if it were to pass. It would create an education savings account program that would allow parents to use state funds to pay for their children’s private school, online schooling or private tutors.
Democratic members of the State Board of Education questioned why the priorities were brought up again when they had already voted in November ahead of the session that they would take a stance for public education and against vouchers
Thursday February 2, 2023
The Weather
The high yesterday 27° This morning’s low 29°
Today: Cloudy with a high temperature near 40° and a 30% chance of showers. Wind will be N-NW near 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies, and the low will get down to about 29° overnight. The wind will continue N-NW at 10-+15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Friday: Sunny with a high temperature near 51°. Wind will be N-NW near 5-10 mph shifting NE in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 30°. Wind will become S-SW near 5 mph after midnight.
Saturday: Mostly sunny with the high temperature near 59° and S wind at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear skies and a low near 39°. Wind will be S-SW at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Today: Cloudy with a high temperature near 40° and a 30% chance of showers. Wind will be N-NW near 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies, and the low will get down to about 29° overnight. The wind will continue N-NW at 10-+15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Friday: Sunny with a high temperature near 51°. Wind will be N-NW near 5-10 mph shifting NE in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 30°. Wind will become S-SW near 5 mph after midnight.
Saturday: Mostly sunny with the high temperature near 59° and S wind at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear skies and a low near 39°. Wind will be S-SW at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police blotter for Monday shows a structure fire reported in the 900 block of W. Ave E at 4:41am, an assault was reported in the 400 block of N. Ridge St. at 10:54am and a suspicious person was reported in the 600 block of E. Ave F at 11:20am. The afternoon shows a minor accident in the 2700 block of 281S at 3:29pm.
The Lampasas Police blotter for Tuesday shows a possession of drug paraphernalia reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 11:17am. The afternoon shows a reported DWI in the 900 block of S. Key Ave. at 2:14pm and a minor accident reported in the 1700 block of CTE at 4:16pm. There was a reported fraud in the 600 block of Casbeer St. at 5:29pm and a child endangerment reported in the 1500 block of E. 3rd St. at 10:30pm.
The Lampasas Police blotter for Wednesday shows a noise disturbance reported in the 700 block of E. 5th St. at 1:26am and a criminal trespass reported in the 600 block of N. Key Ave. at 8:51am. The afternoon shows a shots fired call reported in the 900 block of E. 3rd St. at 6:37pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for Wednesday shows Lometa with a requested welfare check, livestock issues and an accident. In Kempner there were medical calls, mental health calls, alarm calls, livestock/animal issues, reported disturbances, juvenile problems, reported threats, a fish & game call, a requested welfare check and civil matters. Out in the county there was a reported trespassing, animal/livestock issues, accidents, medical calls, and reported disturbances. Deputies went into Cove on a reported harassment, animal/livestock issues, medical calls, reports of suspicious activity, and a requested welfare check.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 24 year old Monique Beaudry of Copperas Cove for possession of marijuana less than 2 oz., possession of a controlled substance PG2 4-400 grams and an out of county charge.
The Lampasas Police blotter for Tuesday shows a possession of drug paraphernalia reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 11:17am. The afternoon shows a reported DWI in the 900 block of S. Key Ave. at 2:14pm and a minor accident reported in the 1700 block of CTE at 4:16pm. There was a reported fraud in the 600 block of Casbeer St. at 5:29pm and a child endangerment reported in the 1500 block of E. 3rd St. at 10:30pm.
The Lampasas Police blotter for Wednesday shows a noise disturbance reported in the 700 block of E. 5th St. at 1:26am and a criminal trespass reported in the 600 block of N. Key Ave. at 8:51am. The afternoon shows a shots fired call reported in the 900 block of E. 3rd St. at 6:37pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for Wednesday shows Lometa with a requested welfare check, livestock issues and an accident. In Kempner there were medical calls, mental health calls, alarm calls, livestock/animal issues, reported disturbances, juvenile problems, reported threats, a fish & game call, a requested welfare check and civil matters. Out in the county there was a reported trespassing, animal/livestock issues, accidents, medical calls, and reported disturbances. Deputies went into Cove on a reported harassment, animal/livestock issues, medical calls, reports of suspicious activity, and a requested welfare check.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 24 year old Monique Beaudry of Copperas Cove for possession of marijuana less than 2 oz., possession of a controlled substance PG2 4-400 grams and an out of county charge.
Groundhog Day Today
Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog emerged from his burrow on this cold Thursday morning and saw his shadow, declaring there would be six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil made his prediction as a deadly storm wreaked havoc in the South and the Northeast was bracing for a dangerous Arctic blast.
There was certainly no shadow to be found in Lampasas this
morning, as we come out of 3 days of hibernation brought on by the ice storm of '23. The roads were very passable for most of us, though we spent excessive amounts of time trying to clear the ice from our windshield. The kids are back in school and the Badger's will be hosting the Marble Falls Mustangs today with the Girls
Varsity at 6pm followed immediately by the
Boys Varsity (around 7:15pm).
There was certainly no shadow to be found in Lampasas this
morning, as we come out of 3 days of hibernation brought on by the ice storm of '23. The roads were very passable for most of us, though we spent excessive amounts of time trying to clear the ice from our windshield. The kids are back in school and the Badger's will be hosting the Marble Falls Mustangs today with the Girls
Varsity at 6pm followed immediately by the
Boys Varsity (around 7:15pm).
Trash Service Update
From the City of Lampasas:
Waste Connections will not be in town today to service
residential customers. They will service Thursday’s route on Friday and Friday’s route on Saturday. There is a chance with Friday’s route being heavy from not being serviced Tuesday, they will pack out and not get everything off the ground.
Commercial drivers will be in town tomorrow, February 2nd, so we expect everything to be cleaned up by Saturday afternoon.
Waste Connections will not be in town today to service
residential customers. They will service Thursday’s route on Friday and Friday’s route on Saturday. There is a chance with Friday’s route being heavy from not being serviced Tuesday, they will pack out and not get everything off the ground.
Commercial drivers will be in town tomorrow, February 2nd, so we expect everything to be cleaned up by Saturday afternoon.
Statewide Power Outages
Hundreds of thousands of businesses and households across Central and East Texas remained without power Thursday, as utility crews continue scrambling to fix power lines downed by freezing rain and fallen trees.
Statewide, more than 400,000 customers didn't have electricity Thursday morning. About 150,000 of those are served by Austin Energy, which warned that some outages could extend until 6 p.m. Friday. The outages persist as residents head into another day of closed college campuses, public schools and a paused Legislature.
The freezing rain and power outages halted Texans’ normal lives in scores of counties. School districts across the affected areas were closed through at least Thursday. Thousands of flights that were scheduled to arrive at or depart from airports in Dallas and Austin were canceled this week. Delays and cancellations continued Thursday morning,
according to FlightAware.
The causes of electricity outages are unlike those from the
infamous 2021 winter storm, when the state’s power grid nearly collapsed during a catastrophic freeze that killed hundreds of Texans. This year’s winter storm is not as cold, prolonged or widespread as the one two years ago. And the current outages are due mostly to localized issues like downed power lines, not a problem with the power grid itself.
The outages in Austin had been caused by more than 1,300
individual incidents, said Austin Energy spokesperson Matt Mitchell, each one demanding an individual assessment by crews traversing the fallen debris and icy roadways.
As repairs were underway, other customers reported more
outages throughout the day.
“It’s like whack-a-mole,” Mitchell said.
“Outside of our office in north Tarrant County, it's like an ice rink,” said Hunter Reeves, a NWS meteorologist in North Texas. “We have this round of freezing rain that’s just coming through, and it's not going to go anywhere.”
Meanwhile, residents in Austin waited for power to be restored, but many only heard the cracks of more trees succumbing to the freeze.
Statewide, more than 400,000 customers didn't have electricity Thursday morning. About 150,000 of those are served by Austin Energy, which warned that some outages could extend until 6 p.m. Friday. The outages persist as residents head into another day of closed college campuses, public schools and a paused Legislature.
The freezing rain and power outages halted Texans’ normal lives in scores of counties. School districts across the affected areas were closed through at least Thursday. Thousands of flights that were scheduled to arrive at or depart from airports in Dallas and Austin were canceled this week. Delays and cancellations continued Thursday morning,
according to FlightAware.
The causes of electricity outages are unlike those from the
infamous 2021 winter storm, when the state’s power grid nearly collapsed during a catastrophic freeze that killed hundreds of Texans. This year’s winter storm is not as cold, prolonged or widespread as the one two years ago. And the current outages are due mostly to localized issues like downed power lines, not a problem with the power grid itself.
The outages in Austin had been caused by more than 1,300
individual incidents, said Austin Energy spokesperson Matt Mitchell, each one demanding an individual assessment by crews traversing the fallen debris and icy roadways.
As repairs were underway, other customers reported more
outages throughout the day.
“It’s like whack-a-mole,” Mitchell said.
“Outside of our office in north Tarrant County, it's like an ice rink,” said Hunter Reeves, a NWS meteorologist in North Texas. “We have this round of freezing rain that’s just coming through, and it's not going to go anywhere.”
Meanwhile, residents in Austin waited for power to be restored, but many only heard the cracks of more trees succumbing to the freeze.
State Sales Tax Revenue
Totaled $4.11 Billion in January
(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today said state sales tax revenue totaled $4.11 billion in January, 6.6 percent more than in January 2022. The majority of January sales tax revenue is based on sales made in December and remitted to the agency in January.
“While state sales tax collections reached another all-time high, it is important to note that the rate of growth from the previous year was the lowest in the 22 months since the end of pandemic restrictions,” Hegar said. “This reflects slowing in the rate of inflation and slowing growth in real economic activity as well. Unfortunately, inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of Texas consumers as the consumer price index rate for December was 6.5 percent.
Total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in January 2023 was up 9.4 percent compared with the same period a year ago. Sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 56 percent of all tax collections.
“While state sales tax collections reached another all-time high, it is important to note that the rate of growth from the previous year was the lowest in the 22 months since the end of pandemic restrictions,” Hegar said. “This reflects slowing in the rate of inflation and slowing growth in real economic activity as well. Unfortunately, inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of Texas consumers as the consumer price index rate for December was 6.5 percent.
Total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in January 2023 was up 9.4 percent compared with the same period a year ago. Sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 56 percent of all tax collections.
Saturday January 28, 2023
The Weather
Yesterday’s high 60° This morning’s low 48°
Today: Mostly cloudy skies with the high near 65°. Wind will be S-SW at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of showers. The low will be near 56º. Wind will be from the S-SW at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph, shifting W overnight.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy with gradual clearing and the high temperature will climb to near 63º with at 30% chance of showers and storms in the morning. Wind will become N-NE at 5-10 mph.
Sunday Night: Increasing clouds with a low temperature near 35°. The wind will continue from the N-NE near 10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Monday: Look for cloudy skies with a high temperature near 43° and a 30% chance of precipitation. The wind will be N-NE at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Monday Night: Cloudy with a 60% chance of showers and a low near 33°. The wind will continue from the N-NE at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Today: Mostly cloudy skies with the high near 65°. Wind will be S-SW at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of showers. The low will be near 56º. Wind will be from the S-SW at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph, shifting W overnight.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy with gradual clearing and the high temperature will climb to near 63º with at 30% chance of showers and storms in the morning. Wind will become N-NE at 5-10 mph.
Sunday Night: Increasing clouds with a low temperature near 35°. The wind will continue from the N-NE near 10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Monday: Look for cloudy skies with a high temperature near 43° and a 30% chance of precipitation. The wind will be N-NE at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Monday Night: Cloudy with a 60% chance of showers and a low near 33°. The wind will continue from the N-NE at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Friday shows a major accident reported in the 100 block of E. 3rd St. at 8am. The afternoon shows a disturbance in the 900 block of CTE at 12:11pm, a minor accident reported in the 200 block of W. 3rd St. at 5:12pm and a suspicious person was reported in the 300 block of Supple Dr. at 5:49pm. There was a reported harassment in the 100 block of S. Ridge St. at 6:13pm, and suspicious persons were reported; one in the 100 block of E. 9th St. at 6:59pm and one in the 500 block of S. Hackberry at 7:15pm. A criminal trespass was reported in the 1700 block of CTE at 8:29pm, and at that same location at 8:36pm, Jessica Johnson, 34, was arrested for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. There were suspicious vehicle reports; one in the 1500 block of S. Western at 9:54pm and one in the 2300 block of 580S at 11:37pm.
Texas Awarded Federal Grant to Increase Internet Access
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today his agency will receive $363 million in grants from the federal government to increase access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet to more than 150,000 homes and businesses in Texas.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the award of $363.8 million for the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) program, which is a competitive grant application program administered by the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) housed within the Comptroller's office. The funds, administered through the federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, will bring much-needed service to about 152,000 locations across the state. The BOOT program will begin accepting applications for broadband expansion projects in spring 2023.
“The most recent U.S. Census Bureau data indicate that almost 2.8 million Texas households — including 7 million people — lack broadband access,” Hegar said. “Twenty-three percent of Texans are unable to attend online classes, see a health care provider from their living room, fill out a job application online, start a business or access online marketplaces from their kitchen table. These barriers negatively affect Texans’ quality of life and limit economic opportunities for individuals and the state overall. This grant will help my office address these critical needs and inequities by providing competitively awarded funding to projects bringing reliable broadband to unserved and underserved communities.”
The funding will support sustainable broadband infrastructure projects, awarded through a competitive grant process, that help reduce the digital divide by closing the broadband last mile gap. In closing the gap between a broadband internet service provider's infrastructure and broadband users, the program will ultimately enable all community members to access high-quality, affordable broadband and engage in remote employment, education and health monitoring.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the award of $363.8 million for the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) program, which is a competitive grant application program administered by the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) housed within the Comptroller's office. The funds, administered through the federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, will bring much-needed service to about 152,000 locations across the state. The BOOT program will begin accepting applications for broadband expansion projects in spring 2023.
“The most recent U.S. Census Bureau data indicate that almost 2.8 million Texas households — including 7 million people — lack broadband access,” Hegar said. “Twenty-three percent of Texans are unable to attend online classes, see a health care provider from their living room, fill out a job application online, start a business or access online marketplaces from their kitchen table. These barriers negatively affect Texans’ quality of life and limit economic opportunities for individuals and the state overall. This grant will help my office address these critical needs and inequities by providing competitively awarded funding to projects bringing reliable broadband to unserved and underserved communities.”
The funding will support sustainable broadband infrastructure projects, awarded through a competitive grant process, that help reduce the digital divide by closing the broadband last mile gap. In closing the gap between a broadband internet service provider's infrastructure and broadband users, the program will ultimately enable all community members to access high-quality, affordable broadband and engage in remote employment, education and health monitoring.
You can File Your Taxes for Free
There are several options you can use to file your federal taxes, and sometimes your state taxes, for free. Now that the 2023 tax season is underway, people are looking for ways to file their taxes for free.
The IRS announced on Jan. 17 that Free File, a federal program providing taxpayers with free online tax preparation and filing software, is ready to use. Any taxpayer or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $73,000 or less in 2022 is eligible for IRS Free File. People who qualify for IRS Free File can file their taxes using a computer, smartphone or tablet. Free File only guarantees you a free federal tax return, although the IRS says some programs offer free state tax preparation and filing.
These seven providers are partnering with IRS Free File during the 2023 tax season: 1040Now; ezTaxReturn.com; FileYourTaxes.com; On-Line Taxes; TaxAct; FreeTaxUSA; and TaxSlayer. Taxpayers can use the IRS Free File online lookup tool to find the right provider for them. The IRS says ezTaxReturn.com is offering Free File in Spanish for the 2023 tax season.
The AARP Foundation has a program called Tax-Aide that offers free in-person and virtual tax assistance. Tax-Aide is available to anyone, regardless of income, although the service is focused on people over 50 who have low to moderate incomes. The program can help with most, but not all, tax returns.
Cash App Taxes provides a free tax filing service with no income restrictions for both federal and state taxes, but you have to download Cash App and log in to use the service.
Many of the largest paid tax preparation services also offer free tax filing for simple tax returns, separate from the IRS Free File program. TurboTax’s free version covers W-2 income, limited interest or dividend income reported on a 1099 form, standard deduction claims, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), child tax credits and student loan interest deductions.
H&R Block’s free version covers basic W-2 income, EITC, child tax credit, student loan interest deductions and retirement income reports. Neither TurboTax or H&R Block place income restrictions on their free filings.
*Note: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on March 29, 2022 that it was taking administrative action against TurboTax for misleading consumers about the availability of its free service. According to the FTC, TurboTax would inform consumers they needed to upgrade to the paid version only after the consumer had entered sensitive personal and financial information. The FTC said two-thirds of all tax filers didn’t qualify for TurboTax's free service.
The IRS announced on Jan. 17 that Free File, a federal program providing taxpayers with free online tax preparation and filing software, is ready to use. Any taxpayer or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $73,000 or less in 2022 is eligible for IRS Free File. People who qualify for IRS Free File can file their taxes using a computer, smartphone or tablet. Free File only guarantees you a free federal tax return, although the IRS says some programs offer free state tax preparation and filing.
These seven providers are partnering with IRS Free File during the 2023 tax season: 1040Now; ezTaxReturn.com; FileYourTaxes.com; On-Line Taxes; TaxAct; FreeTaxUSA; and TaxSlayer. Taxpayers can use the IRS Free File online lookup tool to find the right provider for them. The IRS says ezTaxReturn.com is offering Free File in Spanish for the 2023 tax season.
The AARP Foundation has a program called Tax-Aide that offers free in-person and virtual tax assistance. Tax-Aide is available to anyone, regardless of income, although the service is focused on people over 50 who have low to moderate incomes. The program can help with most, but not all, tax returns.
Cash App Taxes provides a free tax filing service with no income restrictions for both federal and state taxes, but you have to download Cash App and log in to use the service.
Many of the largest paid tax preparation services also offer free tax filing for simple tax returns, separate from the IRS Free File program. TurboTax’s free version covers W-2 income, limited interest or dividend income reported on a 1099 form, standard deduction claims, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), child tax credits and student loan interest deductions.
H&R Block’s free version covers basic W-2 income, EITC, child tax credit, student loan interest deductions and retirement income reports. Neither TurboTax or H&R Block place income restrictions on their free filings.
*Note: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on March 29, 2022 that it was taking administrative action against TurboTax for misleading consumers about the availability of its free service. According to the FTC, TurboTax would inform consumers they needed to upgrade to the paid version only after the consumer had entered sensitive personal and financial information. The FTC said two-thirds of all tax filers didn’t qualify for TurboTax's free service.
Texas State Child Welfare Agency Under Fire
(Texas Tribune) U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack again threatened to hold the state’s child welfare agency in contempt of court for failing to comply with at least three of her orders.
The judge warned the state could be held in contempt of court for not following through with three mandates: youths not knowing their rights, not adequately responding to abuse allegations and still having too many children without placement.
At the Friday court hearing, the judge admonished the state for not making children aware of their rights and for not taking adequate action over reports of abuse. The judge also pressed the state about increasing the use of kinship care and implementing qualified residential treatment programs as a means to reduce the number of children without placement.
A court monitors’ report released last week cited a survey that found youth in the state’s care know about the abuse hotline, the ombudsman program and the foster child bill of rights about 50% of time. The report notes that the state’s child welfare agency also did not take appropriate action to protect kids in about 58% of cases where the agency suspected maltreatment or abuse. "Somebody is not getting the urgency of this,” Jack said when threatening a contempt-of-court order. “I know that you all say you understand the urgency, but this is just not happening.”
Jack also blasted the state for continuing to have children without placement, when the state cannot find a suitable placement for that child, requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide temporary emergency care until a placement can be secured. When she asked if the state could commit to having no children without placement by June, Associate Commissioner for Child Protective Services Erica Bañuelos could not say yes. “I can commit that we will continue to put the same level of effort towards reducing those numbers,” Bañuelos said instead.
Jack first ruled in 2015 that Texas has violated the constitutional rights of foster children to be free from an unreasonable risk of harm, saying that children “often age out of care more damaged than when they entered.”
The judge warned the state could be held in contempt of court for not following through with three mandates: youths not knowing their rights, not adequately responding to abuse allegations and still having too many children without placement.
At the Friday court hearing, the judge admonished the state for not making children aware of their rights and for not taking adequate action over reports of abuse. The judge also pressed the state about increasing the use of kinship care and implementing qualified residential treatment programs as a means to reduce the number of children without placement.
A court monitors’ report released last week cited a survey that found youth in the state’s care know about the abuse hotline, the ombudsman program and the foster child bill of rights about 50% of time. The report notes that the state’s child welfare agency also did not take appropriate action to protect kids in about 58% of cases where the agency suspected maltreatment or abuse. "Somebody is not getting the urgency of this,” Jack said when threatening a contempt-of-court order. “I know that you all say you understand the urgency, but this is just not happening.”
Jack also blasted the state for continuing to have children without placement, when the state cannot find a suitable placement for that child, requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide temporary emergency care until a placement can be secured. When she asked if the state could commit to having no children without placement by June, Associate Commissioner for Child Protective Services Erica Bañuelos could not say yes. “I can commit that we will continue to put the same level of effort towards reducing those numbers,” Bañuelos said instead.
Jack first ruled in 2015 that Texas has violated the constitutional rights of foster children to be free from an unreasonable risk of harm, saying that children “often age out of care more damaged than when they entered.”
Friday January 27, 2023
The Weather
The High yesterday 54° The Low this morning 29°
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high near 61°. Wind will be S-SW near 10 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for increasing clouds and a low near 45°. Wind will be S near 10 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday: Look for mostly cloudy skies with a high temperature near 66°. Wind will be S-SW at 10-20 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for cloudy skies with a low temperature near 50°. The wind will be S-SW near 5-15 mph with possible gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny skies with a high temperature near 66° and a 20% chance of precipitation. Wind will be W at 5-10 mph shifting N-NE in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low temperature near 37°. Wind will be N-NE near 10 mph.
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high near 61°. Wind will be S-SW near 10 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for increasing clouds and a low near 45°. Wind will be S near 10 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday: Look for mostly cloudy skies with a high temperature near 66°. Wind will be S-SW at 10-20 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for cloudy skies with a low temperature near 50°. The wind will be S-SW near 5-15 mph with possible gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny skies with a high temperature near 66° and a 20% chance of precipitation. Wind will be W at 5-10 mph shifting N-NE in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low temperature near 37°. Wind will be N-NE near 10 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Thursday shows a report of possession of drug paraphernalia reported in the 400 block of S. Key Ave. at 12:52pm, and suspicious activity was reported in the 100 block of W. 7th St. at 1:16pm. At 7:56pm, Kirk Stewart, 34, of Coleman was arrested in the 300 block of S. Key Ave. on a Mills County warrant (motion to revoke/possession of a controlled substance).
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. for Thursday shows Lometa with livestock issues. In Kempner there were animal/livestock issues and a mental health call. Out in the county there was a utility problem, livestock issues, medical issues and a requested welfare check. Deputies went into Cove on livestock issues.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. for Thursday shows Lometa with livestock issues. In Kempner there were animal/livestock issues and a mental health call. Out in the county there was a utility problem, livestock issues, medical issues and a requested welfare check. Deputies went into Cove on livestock issues.
The Avian Bird Flu
The Avian Bird Flu has been detected in Lampasas County. It was confirmed on January 18th and according to the USDA website, a flock of 70 was affected. This situation is contained. The exact location has not been released. At this time no new cases have been discovered. The Texas Animal Health Commission and the USDA are involved according to their respective websites. This is the 5th case in Texas.
This type of bird flu is highly pathogenic not usually transmitted flock to flock, rather from wildlife that are carriers but any bird can carry the virus. We understand that this is also a more recent mutation of the Avian Flu, (HPAI), some of the symptoms are lethargy and appearing ill, nasal discharge, unusually quiet birds, decreased food and water consumption, drop in egg production, and increased/unusual death loss in your flock. Not all of the symptoms may be apparent. A high mortality rate that happens quickly is concerning. Please contact the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242. (24 hours).
Local residents seem to be concerned about eggs produced by local chickens that may have the Avian Flu. If residents are concerned about this, eggs can be sanitized by dipping in a bleach solution. More information can be found at https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Assets/tipsheet-cd-eggs.pdf.
If residents are concerned about their flock becoming infected, covering and enclosing your chicken runs reduces the chances of interaction with wildlife and transmission.
As the Texas Animal Health Commission and the USDA release more information we will share it with our readers.
This type of bird flu is highly pathogenic not usually transmitted flock to flock, rather from wildlife that are carriers but any bird can carry the virus. We understand that this is also a more recent mutation of the Avian Flu, (HPAI), some of the symptoms are lethargy and appearing ill, nasal discharge, unusually quiet birds, decreased food and water consumption, drop in egg production, and increased/unusual death loss in your flock. Not all of the symptoms may be apparent. A high mortality rate that happens quickly is concerning. Please contact the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242. (24 hours).
Local residents seem to be concerned about eggs produced by local chickens that may have the Avian Flu. If residents are concerned about this, eggs can be sanitized by dipping in a bleach solution. More information can be found at https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Assets/tipsheet-cd-eggs.pdf.
If residents are concerned about their flock becoming infected, covering and enclosing your chicken runs reduces the chances of interaction with wildlife and transmission.
As the Texas Animal Health Commission and the USDA release more information we will share it with our readers.
Water Well Screening in Burnet
The Texas Well Owner Network, TWON, is hosting a “Well Educated” water well screening Feb. 9 in Burnet to give area residents the opportunity to have their well water screened.
Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity. Water samples can be dropped off from 8:30-10 a.m. at the following locations:
* Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Burnet County, 607 N. Vandeveer, Burnet.
* Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District Office, 225 S. Pierce, Burnet.
The cost of water sample screening is $15 per sample.
The follow-up meeting to explain the results of the screenings will be at 1pm Feb. 10 at the AgriLife Extension office for Burnet County.
“The program was established to help well owners become familiar with Texas groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance and construction, and water quality and treatment,” said Joel Pigg, AgriLife Extension program specialist and TWON coordinator, Bryan-College Station. “It allows them to learn more about how to improve and protect their community water resources.”
The screening is presented by AgriLife Extension and Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, partnership with the AgriLife Extension office in Burnet County and the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, TGCD.
Sampling instructions
Pigg said the TWON program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs. Area residents wanting to have their well water screened should pick up a sample bag, bottle and instructions from the AgriLife Extension office or the TGCD office, Pigg said. “It is very important that only sampling bags and bottles from the AgriLife Extension office be used and all instructions for proper sampling are followed to ensure accurate results,” he said.
Private water wells should be tested annually, he said. The samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.
Pigg said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the Feb. 10 meeting in order to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and improve their understanding of private well management.
Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity. Water samples can be dropped off from 8:30-10 a.m. at the following locations:
* Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Burnet County, 607 N. Vandeveer, Burnet.
* Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District Office, 225 S. Pierce, Burnet.
The cost of water sample screening is $15 per sample.
The follow-up meeting to explain the results of the screenings will be at 1pm Feb. 10 at the AgriLife Extension office for Burnet County.
“The program was established to help well owners become familiar with Texas groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance and construction, and water quality and treatment,” said Joel Pigg, AgriLife Extension program specialist and TWON coordinator, Bryan-College Station. “It allows them to learn more about how to improve and protect their community water resources.”
The screening is presented by AgriLife Extension and Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, partnership with the AgriLife Extension office in Burnet County and the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, TGCD.
Sampling instructions
Pigg said the TWON program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs. Area residents wanting to have their well water screened should pick up a sample bag, bottle and instructions from the AgriLife Extension office or the TGCD office, Pigg said. “It is very important that only sampling bags and bottles from the AgriLife Extension office be used and all instructions for proper sampling are followed to ensure accurate results,” he said.
Private water wells should be tested annually, he said. The samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.
Pigg said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the Feb. 10 meeting in order to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and improve their understanding of private well management.
Tax Season Scams
The season for filing 2022 taxes began January 23rd, and while some Texas residents are planning on submitting their own returns, others are reaching out to reputable tax preparers for assistance. With roughly three months remaining until the filing deadline of Apr. 18 for general tax returns, Better Business Bureau reminds residents to be wary of con artists and unethical businesses who claim to specialize in tax preparation.
As consumers gather their tax documents and plan to file their 2022 taxes this year, Better Business Bureau expects an increase in rates of IRS impostor and phishing scams, as well as reports of ghost tax preparers.
IRS impostors target tax filers and tax preparation businesses, often claiming the recipient must take immediate action or confirm account details. IRS impostor scams are carried out through unsolicited phone calls and emails, including students, faculty and staff at educational institutions with a ‘.edu’ email address. Emails often display the IRS logo and encourage recipients to follow a link to verify their tax refund payment by entering personal information, such as their SSN, date of birth and current address, on a lookalike website. The website is a phishing scam, and the information provided could lead to identity theft or Stolen Identity Refund Fraud.
Remember, the IRS will never: (1) Demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. (2) Threaten to immediately contact local police or other law enforcement to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying. (3) Demand that taxes be paid without allowing taxpayers to appeal the amount owed. (4) Unexpectedly call about a tax refund. (5) Send emails about your tax refund or sensitive personal information. (6)Initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or social media to request personal or financial information.
A ghost preparer is an individual who advertises themselves as a professional tax preparer, often guaranteeing a significant tax return when using their services. However, the preparer either refuses or conveniently “forgets” to sign the return they created on behalf of a client.
Individuals impacted by tax preparer misconduct can file a report with the IRS at IRS.gov/tax-professionals and are encouraged to file an official complaint on the business’s BBB Business Profile, as well as submit a report to BBB Scam Tracker.
As consumers gather their tax documents and plan to file their 2022 taxes this year, Better Business Bureau expects an increase in rates of IRS impostor and phishing scams, as well as reports of ghost tax preparers.
IRS impostors target tax filers and tax preparation businesses, often claiming the recipient must take immediate action or confirm account details. IRS impostor scams are carried out through unsolicited phone calls and emails, including students, faculty and staff at educational institutions with a ‘.edu’ email address. Emails often display the IRS logo and encourage recipients to follow a link to verify their tax refund payment by entering personal information, such as their SSN, date of birth and current address, on a lookalike website. The website is a phishing scam, and the information provided could lead to identity theft or Stolen Identity Refund Fraud.
Remember, the IRS will never: (1) Demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. (2) Threaten to immediately contact local police or other law enforcement to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying. (3) Demand that taxes be paid without allowing taxpayers to appeal the amount owed. (4) Unexpectedly call about a tax refund. (5) Send emails about your tax refund or sensitive personal information. (6)Initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or social media to request personal or financial information.
A ghost preparer is an individual who advertises themselves as a professional tax preparer, often guaranteeing a significant tax return when using their services. However, the preparer either refuses or conveniently “forgets” to sign the return they created on behalf of a client.
Individuals impacted by tax preparer misconduct can file a report with the IRS at IRS.gov/tax-professionals and are encouraged to file an official complaint on the business’s BBB Business Profile, as well as submit a report to BBB Scam Tracker.
Thursday January 26, 2023
The Weather
The high yesterday 51° This morning’s low 29°
Today: Sunny with a high temperature near 55°. Wind will be N-NW near 5 mph.
Tonight: Look for partly clear skies, and the low will get down to about 32° overnight. The wind will become light from the SW overnight.
Friday: Mostly sunny with a high temperature near 60°. Wind will be SW near 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Look for increasing clouds and a low near 44°. Wind will be S at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Saturday: Cloudy with the high temperature near 64° and S wind at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy skies and a low near 51°. Wind will be S at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Today: Sunny with a high temperature near 55°. Wind will be N-NW near 5 mph.
Tonight: Look for partly clear skies, and the low will get down to about 32° overnight. The wind will become light from the SW overnight.
Friday: Mostly sunny with a high temperature near 60°. Wind will be SW near 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Look for increasing clouds and a low near 44°. Wind will be S at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Saturday: Cloudy with the high temperature near 64° and S wind at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy skies and a low near 51°. Wind will be S at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police blotter for Wednesday shows a reported disturbance in the 600 block of S. Western St. at 4:04am, suspicious activity was reported in the 300 block of S. Walnut St. at 4:21am, and a suspicious person was reported in the 100 block of W. 1st St. at 10:15am. The afternoon shows a harassment reported in the 600 block of E. Ave F at 2:15pm and a disturbance reported in the 200 block of W. 3rd St. at 2:59pm. At 3:04pm, David Ray Tolbert, 54, of Amarillo was arrested in the 1400 block of S. Key Ave. on a Potter County Warrant (probation violation-assault causing bodily injury/family violence). There was a reported fraud in the 100 block of Mockingbird Lane at 3:57pm, a burglary of a motor vehicle was reported in the 1900 block of 281S at 5:05pm, and a harassment was reported in the 600 block of S. Western St. at 5:10pm. A suspicious person was reported in the 500 block of W. 3rd St. at 9:47pm and a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 500 block of N. Ridge St. at 10:01pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for Wednesday shows Lometa with a reported theft. In Kempner there was an alarm call, animal issues, a requested welfare check, a reported disturbance and reports of suspicious activity. Out in the county there were medical calls, animal issues, and a requested welfare check.
The Burn Ban has been lifted
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for Wednesday shows Lometa with a reported theft. In Kempner there was an alarm call, animal issues, a requested welfare check, a reported disturbance and reports of suspicious activity. Out in the county there were medical calls, animal issues, and a requested welfare check.
The Burn Ban has been lifted
Statewide School Security Audit Released
The Texas School Safety Center released its Fall Intruder Detection Audit on Wednesday after visiting school districts across the state.
These unannounced random inspections are a result of the tragic school shooting in Uvalde last year. On June 1, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Education Agency and the Texas School Safety Center to conduct these inspections.
From September to December 2022, inspectors visited 2,864 campuses. Out of those, inspectors could not walk onto the campus or gain unauthorized access 95.3% of the time. Inspectors were able to gain unauthorized access to the visited campuses 4.7% of the time, which is equivalent to 136 campuses. In the 4.7% of campuses (n=136) with unauthorized access, 40.4% of the inspectors for those campuses gained access after 1 minute. 12.5% of inspectors entered at the primary entrance and 86.9% of inspectors entered through a secondary door, 45.6% of the inspectors were stopped by no one, and 40.4% were stopped by campus staff.
The report also stated that inspectors found 84.6% of campuses checked had their exterior doors locked, while 15.4% had unlocked exterior doors. The report also broke down more data, finding that 3.7% of checked exterior doors were broken and 13.8% of exterior doors were propped open.
5.7% of all campuses did not follow any procedure listed below: Ask for an ID; Issue visitor badge; use sign-in/sign-out roster; or verify an ID through electronic database.
57.5% of the school districts had a policy in place to close and lock classroom doors. 42.5% of districts did not. In the Hill Country Region, (Education Service Regions 12, 13 and 20) 56% of districts have this policy and 44% do not.
28.4% of school districts had corrective action (s) in one or more phases, 71.6% had no corrective actions.
Inspectors aren't finished yet. The goal is for them to visit 100% of school districts and 75% of campuses in Texas by this May.
These unannounced random inspections are a result of the tragic school shooting in Uvalde last year. On June 1, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Education Agency and the Texas School Safety Center to conduct these inspections.
From September to December 2022, inspectors visited 2,864 campuses. Out of those, inspectors could not walk onto the campus or gain unauthorized access 95.3% of the time. Inspectors were able to gain unauthorized access to the visited campuses 4.7% of the time, which is equivalent to 136 campuses. In the 4.7% of campuses (n=136) with unauthorized access, 40.4% of the inspectors for those campuses gained access after 1 minute. 12.5% of inspectors entered at the primary entrance and 86.9% of inspectors entered through a secondary door, 45.6% of the inspectors were stopped by no one, and 40.4% were stopped by campus staff.
The report also stated that inspectors found 84.6% of campuses checked had their exterior doors locked, while 15.4% had unlocked exterior doors. The report also broke down more data, finding that 3.7% of checked exterior doors were broken and 13.8% of exterior doors were propped open.
5.7% of all campuses did not follow any procedure listed below: Ask for an ID; Issue visitor badge; use sign-in/sign-out roster; or verify an ID through electronic database.
57.5% of the school districts had a policy in place to close and lock classroom doors. 42.5% of districts did not. In the Hill Country Region, (Education Service Regions 12, 13 and 20) 56% of districts have this policy and 44% do not.
28.4% of school districts had corrective action (s) in one or more phases, 71.6% had no corrective actions.
Inspectors aren't finished yet. The goal is for them to visit 100% of school districts and 75% of campuses in Texas by this May.
Asteroid will be Close to Earth Today
A newly discovered asteroid will come very close to Earth today. Asteroid 2023 BU measures between 12 and 28 feet wide (3.8 to 8.5 meters), and was just discovered on Saturday (Jan. 21) by astronomer Gennadiy Borisov at the MARGO Observatory in Crimea.
When it passes by Earth at its closest on Thursday (Jan. 26) at 4:17 p.m. EST (2117 GMT), the space rock will be within less than 3% of the average Earth-moon distance at an altitude of just 2,178 miles (3,506 kilometers) above Earth's surface. For comparison, most geostationary satellites orbit at an attitude of around 22,200 miles (35,800 km).
Most asteroids aren't bright enough to be seen without a powerful telescope; luckily, you can watch asteroid 2023 BU make its close encounter with our planet thanks to the Virtual Telescope Project. You can log on at https://www.virtualtelescope.eu/webtv/ beginning at 1:15pm today Central Standard Time.
When it passes by Earth at its closest on Thursday (Jan. 26) at 4:17 p.m. EST (2117 GMT), the space rock will be within less than 3% of the average Earth-moon distance at an altitude of just 2,178 miles (3,506 kilometers) above Earth's surface. For comparison, most geostationary satellites orbit at an attitude of around 22,200 miles (35,800 km).
Most asteroids aren't bright enough to be seen without a powerful telescope; luckily, you can watch asteroid 2023 BU make its close encounter with our planet thanks to the Virtual Telescope Project. You can log on at https://www.virtualtelescope.eu/webtv/ beginning at 1:15pm today Central Standard Time.
Tax Filing Season Begins
(CNBC) If you’re expecting a tax refund in 2023, it may be smaller than this year’s payment, according to the IRS. Typically, you get a federal refund when you’ve overpaid yearly taxes or withheld more than the amount you owe. Your annual balance is based on taxable income, calculated by subtracting the greater of the standard or itemized deductions from adjusted gross income.
“Refunds may be smaller in 2023,” the IRS said in a November news release about preparing for the upcoming tax season. “Taxpayers will not receive an additional stimulus payment with a 2023 tax refund because there were no economic impact payments for 2022.”
The average refund for the 2022 filing season was $3,176 as of Oct. 28, according to the IRS, up nearly 14% from $2,791 in 2021.
With a higher standard deduction since 2018, it’s become more difficult to itemize deductions. Filers choose either the standard deduction or itemized deductions, whichever is greater.
The IRS has warned taxpayers not to count on receiving a 2022 tax refund “by a certain date,” as some filings may require “additional review,” which may delay the process. Generally, you can expect a faster refund by electronically filing an error-free return and receiving payment via direct deposit. However, mistakes and other issues, such as identity theft, may hold up your refund, the agency said.
Filers claiming the earned income tax credit or the child tax credit won’t receive refunds before mid-February, the IRS said.
As of November 18, 2022, there were 3.4 million unprocessed individual returns received in 2022, including filings for previous tax years, the IRS reported. These pending returns are 1.7 million requiring error correction or other special handling, and 1.7 million paper filings. The agency has hired more workers to prepare for the upcoming tax season, with plans to add more, aiming to clear the backlog and improve customer service.
“Refunds may be smaller in 2023,” the IRS said in a November news release about preparing for the upcoming tax season. “Taxpayers will not receive an additional stimulus payment with a 2023 tax refund because there were no economic impact payments for 2022.”
The average refund for the 2022 filing season was $3,176 as of Oct. 28, according to the IRS, up nearly 14% from $2,791 in 2021.
With a higher standard deduction since 2018, it’s become more difficult to itemize deductions. Filers choose either the standard deduction or itemized deductions, whichever is greater.
The IRS has warned taxpayers not to count on receiving a 2022 tax refund “by a certain date,” as some filings may require “additional review,” which may delay the process. Generally, you can expect a faster refund by electronically filing an error-free return and receiving payment via direct deposit. However, mistakes and other issues, such as identity theft, may hold up your refund, the agency said.
Filers claiming the earned income tax credit or the child tax credit won’t receive refunds before mid-February, the IRS said.
As of November 18, 2022, there were 3.4 million unprocessed individual returns received in 2022, including filings for previous tax years, the IRS reported. These pending returns are 1.7 million requiring error correction or other special handling, and 1.7 million paper filings. The agency has hired more workers to prepare for the upcoming tax season, with plans to add more, aiming to clear the backlog and improve customer service.
Cattle Market report
Lampasas Cattle Auction’s weekly sale took place Wednesday and 259 head were on hand, down from the 673 head of the last sale, and down from the 396 a year ago on this day.
Feeder Steers were steady on a light test
Feeder Heifers were steady on a light test
Slaughter cows were $3-$5 higher
Slaughter bulls were stronger on a light test
Feeder Steers Feeder Heifers
200-300lbs $1.775-$2.10/lb 200-300lbs $1.41-$2.05/lb
300-400lbs $1.75-$2.20/lb 300-400lbs $1.82-$2.075/lb 400-500lbs $1.89-$2.325/lb 400-500lbs $1.70-$1.96/lb
500-600lbs $1.75-$2.00/lb 500-600lbs $1.67-$2.025/lb
600-700lbs $1.56-$1.70/lb 600-700lbs $1.50-$1.65/lb
700-800lbs $1.24-$1.50/lb 700-800lbs $1.25-$1.40/lb
Slaughter Cows Slaughter Bulls
Under 800lbs .20-.50/lb 1000-1300lbs No Test 800-1100 lbs .64-.84/lb 1300-2100lbs Limited Test 1100-1300 lbs .70-.86/lb Replacements No Test
Bred Replacement Cows
Baby Tooth to 5yr old-$750-$1180/hd
Solid Mouth –Weighed per Hd
Feeder Steers were steady on a light test
Feeder Heifers were steady on a light test
Slaughter cows were $3-$5 higher
Slaughter bulls were stronger on a light test
Feeder Steers Feeder Heifers
200-300lbs $1.775-$2.10/lb 200-300lbs $1.41-$2.05/lb
300-400lbs $1.75-$2.20/lb 300-400lbs $1.82-$2.075/lb 400-500lbs $1.89-$2.325/lb 400-500lbs $1.70-$1.96/lb
500-600lbs $1.75-$2.00/lb 500-600lbs $1.67-$2.025/lb
600-700lbs $1.56-$1.70/lb 600-700lbs $1.50-$1.65/lb
700-800lbs $1.24-$1.50/lb 700-800lbs $1.25-$1.40/lb
Slaughter Cows Slaughter Bulls
Under 800lbs .20-.50/lb 1000-1300lbs No Test 800-1100 lbs .64-.84/lb 1300-2100lbs Limited Test 1100-1300 lbs .70-.86/lb Replacements No Test
Bred Replacement Cows
Baby Tooth to 5yr old-$750-$1180/hd
Solid Mouth –Weighed per Hd
Wednesday January 25, 2023
The Weather
The high yesterday 49° This morning’s low 36°
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 51°. Wind will be W-NW near 15 mph gusting to 25 mph
this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and the low temperature will dip to near 30°. Wind will be NW at 5-15 mph with
possible gusts of 20 mph.
Thursday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 53°. Wind will be NW near 5-10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 31° and wind becoming light from the SW overnight.
Friday: Skies will be sunny with a high temperature near 59°. Wind will be S-SW near 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy skies and the low will be near 44°. Wind will be S near 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Today: Look for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 51°. Wind will be W-NW near 15 mph gusting to 25 mph
this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and the low temperature will dip to near 30°. Wind will be NW at 5-15 mph with
possible gusts of 20 mph.
Thursday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 53°. Wind will be NW near 5-10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 31° and wind becoming light from the SW overnight.
Friday: Skies will be sunny with a high temperature near 59°. Wind will be S-SW near 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy skies and the low will be near 44°. Wind will be S near 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
The Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Tuesday shows an early morning report of a suspicious person in the 400 block of E. 7th St. at 2:09am and a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of S. Key Ave. at 3:39am. The afternoon shows a major accident in the 100 block of E. 4th St. at 3:41pm and a criminal mischief reported in the 600 block of Gamel St. at 4:06pm. At that same location at 4:37pm, Adam Sunberg, 46, of Lampasas was arrested for assault/family violence/previous convictions. An unauthorized use of a motor vehicle report came in from the 1900 block of 281S at 5pm, an assault was reported in the 700 block of Brown St. at 8:13pm, a theft was reported in the 700 block of S. Key Ave. at 9:04pm and a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 200 block of E. Ave B at 11:42pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter for Tuesday shows Lometa with a medical call. In Kempner there were medical calls. Out in the county there were accidents, a report of criminal mischief, a sex offense, a requested welfare check, animal issues and warrants were served. Deputies went into Cove on animal issues and juvenile problems.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of a 38 year old Lampasas man for false report to a police officer and duty on striking an unattended vehicle. Also arrested was a 44 year old Lampasas woman for giving a false report to a peace officer. 52 year old Jose Angel Suarez of Houston was arrested for failure to appear.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter for Tuesday shows Lometa with a medical call. In Kempner there were medical calls. Out in the county there were accidents, a report of criminal mischief, a sex offense, a requested welfare check, animal issues and warrants were served. Deputies went into Cove on animal issues and juvenile problems.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of a 38 year old Lampasas man for false report to a police officer and duty on striking an unattended vehicle. Also arrested was a 44 year old Lampasas woman for giving a false report to a peace officer. 52 year old Jose Angel Suarez of Houston was arrested for failure to appear.
District Court Notes
Lampasas County Courthouse was the site of a 27th District Court Docket Call on January 20th. Presiding over the Court was 27th District Court Judge John Gauntt. Altogether 45 cases were brought to the court with 32 cases involving men and 13 cases involving women. Anthony Rivera failed to appear on the charge of possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram.
There were 13 cases involving possession of a controlled substance/PG1. There were 9 cases for possession less than a gram, 2 cases for possession of 1-4 grams, and 2 cases for possession PG1 4-200 grams. There was 1 DWI case.
There were 5 cases of tampering, 2 cases each for fraud, criminal mischief and burglary. There was one case each for engaging in organized criminal activity, evading arrest and theft.
In crimes involving personal harm, there were 5 cases of possession with intent to promote child pornography, 3 cases of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and one case each for injury to child/elderly/disabled, accident involving injury, arson and abandoning/endangering a child. There were 2 cases of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14. There was one case each for aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child/sexual contact, and sexual assault.
Of the 45 cases, 2 were settled with Saul Rodriguez of Killeen pleading guilty to 2 charges, the first one aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for which he was sentenced to 4 years TDCJ with credit for time served. The second charge, possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams, saw Mr. Rodriguez again sentenced to 4 years TDCJ with credit for time served.
All other cases were reset or were set for jury trials.
The District Court Jury Trial for February 13th, 2023 has been cancelled.
There were 13 cases involving possession of a controlled substance/PG1. There were 9 cases for possession less than a gram, 2 cases for possession of 1-4 grams, and 2 cases for possession PG1 4-200 grams. There was 1 DWI case.
There were 5 cases of tampering, 2 cases each for fraud, criminal mischief and burglary. There was one case each for engaging in organized criminal activity, evading arrest and theft.
In crimes involving personal harm, there were 5 cases of possession with intent to promote child pornography, 3 cases of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and one case each for injury to child/elderly/disabled, accident involving injury, arson and abandoning/endangering a child. There were 2 cases of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14. There was one case each for aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child/sexual contact, and sexual assault.
Of the 45 cases, 2 were settled with Saul Rodriguez of Killeen pleading guilty to 2 charges, the first one aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for which he was sentenced to 4 years TDCJ with credit for time served. The second charge, possession of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams, saw Mr. Rodriguez again sentenced to 4 years TDCJ with credit for time served.
All other cases were reset or were set for jury trials.
The District Court Jury Trial for February 13th, 2023 has been cancelled.
Grand Jury Notes
The Lampasas Grand Jury met Wednesday January 11th and the following were true billed:
The Lampasas Police Dept. brought 6 cases:
Michael Nelson-Burglary/Habitation/Assault
Manuel Solorzano-Sanchez-DWI 3rd or more
Christopher Faubion-Failure to register as a sex offender
Clayton Shepherd-Sexual Assault of a Child
Sarah Reyes-Possession/meth
Alvin Pavey-Possession/meth
The Lampasas County Attorney brought 3 cases:
Sean Adams-Injury to Elderly
Edith Tratt-Injury to Elderly
Althea Yazzie-DWI 3rd or more
*all Persons named above are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
The Lampasas Police Dept. brought 6 cases:
Michael Nelson-Burglary/Habitation/Assault
Manuel Solorzano-Sanchez-DWI 3rd or more
Christopher Faubion-Failure to register as a sex offender
Clayton Shepherd-Sexual Assault of a Child
Sarah Reyes-Possession/meth
Alvin Pavey-Possession/meth
The Lampasas County Attorney brought 3 cases:
Sean Adams-Injury to Elderly
Edith Tratt-Injury to Elderly
Althea Yazzie-DWI 3rd or more
*all Persons named above are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
Catalytic Converter Legislation
A report from the Texas Insider tells us that Senator
Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) filed Senate Bill 465 in response to the 5,300 percent jump in catalytic converter theft insurance claims in Texas since 2019. The spike is fueled by organized criminal rings that target catalytic converters for the precious metals inside them (palladium and rhodium) that are worth more per ounce than gold.
SB 465 will help law enforcement and prosecutors across Texas charge and convict criminals targeting catalytic converters.
Under SB 465, if a person is in possession of a catalytic
converter that's been removed from a vehicle, they then have committed a crime, unless they are on an approved list of
businesses that can legally possess a catalytic converter that's been removed from a vehicle.
The list of approved businesses includes
employees of wrecking and salvage yards, metal recycling entities, garage automotive shops, or other entities who possess converters through the course of everyday business.
However, if a person associated with the previously mentioned businesses knows that the catalytic converter was acquired
illegally, they are NOT protected under this statute and will be charged and prosecuted. Furthermore, SB 465 will add organized crime statutes that automatically increases the offense one category higher than the most serious offense listed if the convicted person is linked to organized crime.
"During the interim, I sat on Chairman John Whitmire's Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and heard stories from Texans leaving work, parades, the grocery store, and finding their catalytic converters missing and the culprits long gone. If passed, Senate Bill 465 will help law enforcement crack down on these catalytic converter crime rings!" said Bettencourt.
The 60-day deadline for filing bills is March 10, 2023.
Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) filed Senate Bill 465 in response to the 5,300 percent jump in catalytic converter theft insurance claims in Texas since 2019. The spike is fueled by organized criminal rings that target catalytic converters for the precious metals inside them (palladium and rhodium) that are worth more per ounce than gold.
SB 465 will help law enforcement and prosecutors across Texas charge and convict criminals targeting catalytic converters.
Under SB 465, if a person is in possession of a catalytic
converter that's been removed from a vehicle, they then have committed a crime, unless they are on an approved list of
businesses that can legally possess a catalytic converter that's been removed from a vehicle.
The list of approved businesses includes
employees of wrecking and salvage yards, metal recycling entities, garage automotive shops, or other entities who possess converters through the course of everyday business.
However, if a person associated with the previously mentioned businesses knows that the catalytic converter was acquired
illegally, they are NOT protected under this statute and will be charged and prosecuted. Furthermore, SB 465 will add organized crime statutes that automatically increases the offense one category higher than the most serious offense listed if the convicted person is linked to organized crime.
"During the interim, I sat on Chairman John Whitmire's Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and heard stories from Texans leaving work, parades, the grocery store, and finding their catalytic converters missing and the culprits long gone. If passed, Senate Bill 465 will help law enforcement crack down on these catalytic converter crime rings!" said Bettencourt.
The 60-day deadline for filing bills is March 10, 2023.
Monday January 23, 2023
The
weather
The High Yesterday: 56° The Low This morning 30°
Today: Look for skies to be sunny with a high temperature topping out near 57°. Wind will be E-SE near 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies and the low temperature will be near 41°. Wind will be E near 10-20 mph gusting to 30 mph with a 60% chance of rain.
Tuesday: Look for cloudy skies with a 100% chance of rain. The high temperature will be near 50°. The wind will become NW at 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy skies with a low temperature near 35°. Wind will be NW at 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny skies with a forecast high near 52°. Wind will be NW near 15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 31°. Wind will be N-NW at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Today: Look for skies to be sunny with a high temperature topping out near 57°. Wind will be E-SE near 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies and the low temperature will be near 41°. Wind will be E near 10-20 mph gusting to 30 mph with a 60% chance of rain.
Tuesday: Look for cloudy skies with a 100% chance of rain. The high temperature will be near 50°. The wind will become NW at 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy skies with a low temperature near 35°. Wind will be NW at 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny skies with a forecast high near 52°. Wind will be NW near 15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 31°. Wind will be N-NW at 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
The blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Saturday shows reports of domestic disturbances: in the 200 block of Hillside Lane at 12:13am, In the 800 block of N. Ridge St. at 3:11am and in the 100 block of CTE at 8:40am. There was a reported assault in the 200 block of N. Walnut St. at 1:27pm and a minor accident in the 1700 block of CTE at 4:01pm. At 5:46pm, Charles Simpson, 57, of Bertram was arrested in the 2700 block of S. Key Ave. for DWI 3rd or more. A noise complaint came in from the 800 block of McLean St. at 11:15pm.
The Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Sunday shows a reported disturbance in the 700 block of Brown St. at 7:36pm and a suspicious vehicle reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 10:59pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for the weekend shows Lometa with animal issues and an interference with custody call. In Kempner there were civil matters, a fish & game call, medical calls, animal/livestock issues, reported disturbances, reports of suspicious activity, an alarm call, a reported robbery, a repossession, and a reported assault. Out in the county there were requests for extra patrol, reports of suspicious activity, animal/livestock issues, a missing persons report, medical calls, reported disturbances, civil matters, and accidents. Deputies went into Cove on livestock issues, a report of lost and found property and a structure fire.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 19 year old Devon Seda of Copperas Cove for DWI 1st offense, possession of marijuana less than 2 oz., possession of drug paraphernalia, evading arrest, duty on striking highway landscape and accident involving injury. Also arrested was Raymond Kirkpatrick of Harker Heights on a parole violation
The Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Sunday shows a reported disturbance in the 700 block of Brown St. at 7:36pm and a suspicious vehicle reported in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr. at 10:59pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for the weekend shows Lometa with animal issues and an interference with custody call. In Kempner there were civil matters, a fish & game call, medical calls, animal/livestock issues, reported disturbances, reports of suspicious activity, an alarm call, a reported robbery, a repossession, and a reported assault. Out in the county there were requests for extra patrol, reports of suspicious activity, animal/livestock issues, a missing persons report, medical calls, reported disturbances, civil matters, and accidents. Deputies went into Cove on livestock issues, a report of lost and found property and a structure fire.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 19 year old Devon Seda of Copperas Cove for DWI 1st offense, possession of marijuana less than 2 oz., possession of drug paraphernalia, evading arrest, duty on striking highway landscape and accident involving injury. Also arrested was Raymond Kirkpatrick of Harker Heights on a parole violation
Lampasas High School
Cheer Team
The Lampasas High School cheer squad placed 11th overall in the biggest division in NCA Nationals history with 39 teams in their division. There were over 15 states represented in the division. Badger Cheer received a Specialty Award for Technical Excellence.
Way to go Badgers!
Way to go Badgers!
Commissioners Court
The Lampasas County Commissioners Court met this morning at 9am in the Commissioners Courtroom in the Lampasas County Courthouse.
The Agenda included the consent agenda, accounts payable and payroll, the Supplemental and Final Order Adopting Revised Political Boundaries following redistricting of Commissioner Court Precincts, the release of Warranty Bond for Lampasas River Place section 2, appointment of Sick Leave Pool Committee, Removing the Purchase Order Policy, Requesting bids for Asphalt and Emulsion, the Lawn Maintenance Contract, the Transfer, Sale or disposal of Surplus Property, the new IRS Standard Mileage Rate and the TxDOT Public Hearing on US 281-Lampasas to Evant Expansion.
The Agenda included the consent agenda, accounts payable and payroll, the Supplemental and Final Order Adopting Revised Political Boundaries following redistricting of Commissioner Court Precincts, the release of Warranty Bond for Lampasas River Place section 2, appointment of Sick Leave Pool Committee, Removing the Purchase Order Policy, Requesting bids for Asphalt and Emulsion, the Lawn Maintenance Contract, the Transfer, Sale or disposal of Surplus Property, the new IRS Standard Mileage Rate and the TxDOT Public Hearing on US 281-Lampasas to Evant Expansion.
Lampasas City Council to Meet
The Lampasas City Council will meet this afternoon for regularly scheduled meetings.
The Workshop Session will begin at 5:30pm and the agenda includes discussion with TxDOT regarding the Relief Route Feasibility Study. To view the summary statement, go to Lampasas.org, click on City Government, Agendas and Minutes, and on that page click on packets and choose the packet for 01-23-23 p 5 for more information.
The Regular Session will be called to order immediately following the Workshop Session and may begin prior to 6pm. The Agenda includes presentation of service anniversaries and the Community Champion Award, the Consent Agenda to include the second reading of an ordinance to modify the Electric Security Light Installation Fee, and to consider the proposed amendments to the Lampasas Zoning Ordinances Chapter III Zoning Districts Height & Area Regulations.
Also included on the agenda are board and departmental reports, routine matters, the City Manager’s Operational Report to include information on the Skate Park, the Hostess House, LCRA ROW work, and the Airport. That will be followed by Mayor’s Comments, and discussion and possible action on the following: approval of the Contract for Election Services between Lampasas County and the City of Lampasas for the May 6th election, a proposed 35 mph speed zone for Lampasas High School on Highway 281, and amending the Code of Ordinances to include Skate Park Rules.
Council will then go into Executive Session on the following: to deliberate personnel matters, to receive and evaluate financial information received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have locate or stay in or near the City with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations and to deliberate any financial or other incentives, and relating to the authority of public power utility governing bodies to deliberate regarding competitive matters-Utilities.
Council will then return to regular session for action on items discussed in Executive Session.
The Workshop Session will begin at 5:30pm and the agenda includes discussion with TxDOT regarding the Relief Route Feasibility Study. To view the summary statement, go to Lampasas.org, click on City Government, Agendas and Minutes, and on that page click on packets and choose the packet for 01-23-23 p 5 for more information.
The Regular Session will be called to order immediately following the Workshop Session and may begin prior to 6pm. The Agenda includes presentation of service anniversaries and the Community Champion Award, the Consent Agenda to include the second reading of an ordinance to modify the Electric Security Light Installation Fee, and to consider the proposed amendments to the Lampasas Zoning Ordinances Chapter III Zoning Districts Height & Area Regulations.
Also included on the agenda are board and departmental reports, routine matters, the City Manager’s Operational Report to include information on the Skate Park, the Hostess House, LCRA ROW work, and the Airport. That will be followed by Mayor’s Comments, and discussion and possible action on the following: approval of the Contract for Election Services between Lampasas County and the City of Lampasas for the May 6th election, a proposed 35 mph speed zone for Lampasas High School on Highway 281, and amending the Code of Ordinances to include Skate Park Rules.
Council will then go into Executive Session on the following: to deliberate personnel matters, to receive and evaluate financial information received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have locate or stay in or near the City with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations and to deliberate any financial or other incentives, and relating to the authority of public power utility governing bodies to deliberate regarding competitive matters-Utilities.
Council will then return to regular session for action on items discussed in Executive Session.
Lometa ISD School Board to Meet
The Lometa ISD School Board will meet tonight at 6:30pm in the Lometa School Library.
The agenda includes student and staff recognition, community input and presentation and consideration of the following: call for Board of Trustee Regular election May 6th for two at large positions, contracting with Lampasas County for the May 6th Board of Trustee Elections, Early Voting Judges, the Election Judge, Interlocal participation agreement with Region 10 ESC Multi-Region Purchasing Cooperative for membership and participation for food service purchases, the Monthly Investment Report, Budget Amendments, Monthly Bills and Administrative Reports.
The agenda includes student and staff recognition, community input and presentation and consideration of the following: call for Board of Trustee Regular election May 6th for two at large positions, contracting with Lampasas County for the May 6th Board of Trustee Elections, Early Voting Judges, the Election Judge, Interlocal participation agreement with Region 10 ESC Multi-Region Purchasing Cooperative for membership and participation for food service purchases, the Monthly Investment Report, Budget Amendments, Monthly Bills and Administrative Reports.
Saturday January 21, 2023
The Weather
Yesterday’s high 57° This morning’s low 45°
Today: Cloudy skies with gradual clearing and a 30% chance of showers this morning. The high will be near 64°. Wind will be SE at 5-10 mph shifting W this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 37º. Wind will be from the W at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Sunday: Sunny and the high temperature will climb to near 58º. Wind will be NW at 10-15 mph gusting to 25 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear skies with a low temperature near 33°. The wind will shift to the SE overnight at 5-10 mph.
Monday: Look for sunny skies with a high temperature near 60°. The wind will be SE at 10-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Monday Night: Cloudy with a low near 43° and an 80% chance of showers and storms. The wind will be E-SE at 15-20 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph.
Today: Cloudy skies with gradual clearing and a 30% chance of showers this morning. The high will be near 64°. Wind will be SE at 5-10 mph shifting W this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 37º. Wind will be from the W at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Sunday: Sunny and the high temperature will climb to near 58º. Wind will be NW at 10-15 mph gusting to 25 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear skies with a low temperature near 33°. The wind will shift to the SE overnight at 5-10 mph.
Monday: Look for sunny skies with a high temperature near 60°. The wind will be SE at 10-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Monday Night: Cloudy with a low near 43° and an 80% chance of showers and storms. The wind will be E-SE at 15-20 mph with possible gusts of 30 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Friday shows a reported assault in the 300 block of S. Walnut St. at 1:58am and an assault by threat reported in the 100 block of W. 2nd St. at 11:58am. The afternoon shows a report of a suspicious person in the 100 block of E. Ave B at 12:36pm. At 3:45pm, Joseph Scott, 31, of Lampasas was arrested in the 300 block of E. 4th St. on a Lampasas Municipal Court Warrant (failure to maintain financial responsibility) and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams. There was a noise complaint in the 800 block of N. Ridge St. at 4:26pm and a minor accident was reported in the 140 block of S. Key Ave. at 7:06pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dep. Blotter for Friday shows Kempner with a reported trespassing, a mental health call and a repossession. Out in the county there were reports of suspicious activity and a code enforcement call. Deputies went into Cove on an animal issue.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 18 year old Dayron Riley of Lampasas on an out-of-county charge. Also arrested was 36 year old Brandy Westberry of Briggs for criminal mischief $2,500-$30,000 and 53 year old Aurelio Coronado was booked in on a commitment charge.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dep. Blotter for Friday shows Kempner with a reported trespassing, a mental health call and a repossession. Out in the county there were reports of suspicious activity and a code enforcement call. Deputies went into Cove on an animal issue.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 18 year old Dayron Riley of Lampasas on an out-of-county charge. Also arrested was 36 year old Brandy Westberry of Briggs for criminal mischief $2,500-$30,000 and 53 year old Aurelio Coronado was booked in on a commitment charge.
Commissioners Court
The Lampasas County Commissioners Court will meet Monday January 23rd at 9am in the Commissioners Courtroom in the Lampasas County Courthouse.
The Agenda includes the consent agenda, accounts payable and payroll, the Supplemental and Fi8nal Order Adopting Revised Political Boundaries following redistricting of Commissioner Court Precincts, the release of Warranty Bond for Lampasas River Place section 2, appointment of Sick Leave Pool Committee, Removing the Purchase Order Policy, Requesting bids for Asphalt and disposal of Surplus Property, the new IRS Standard Mileage Rate and the TxDOT Public Hearing on US 281-Lampasas to Evant Expansion.
The Agenda includes the consent agenda, accounts payable and payroll, the Supplemental and Fi8nal Order Adopting Revised Political Boundaries following redistricting of Commissioner Court Precincts, the release of Warranty Bond for Lampasas River Place section 2, appointment of Sick Leave Pool Committee, Removing the Purchase Order Policy, Requesting bids for Asphalt and disposal of Surplus Property, the new IRS Standard Mileage Rate and the TxDOT Public Hearing on US 281-Lampasas to Evant Expansion.
Lampasas City Council to Meet
The Lampasas City Council will meet Monday January 23rd for regularly scheduled meetings.
The Workshop Session will begin at 5:30pm and the agenda includes discussion with TxDOT regarding the Relief Route Feasibility Study. To view the summary statement, go to Lampasas.org, click on City Government, Agendas and Minutes, and on that page click on packets and choose the packet for 01-23-23 p 5 for more information.
The Regular Session will be called to order immediately following the Workshop Session and may begin prior to 6pm.
The Agenda includes presentation of service anniversaries and the Community Champion Award, the Consent Agenda to include the second reading of an ordinance to modify the Electric Security Light Installation Fee, and to consider the proposed amendments to the Lampasas Zoning Ordinances Chapter III Zoning Districts Height & Area Regulations.
Also included on the agenda are board and departmental reports, routine matters, the City Manager’s Operational Report to include information on the Skate Park, the Hostess House, LCRA ROW work, and the Airport. That will be followed by Mayor’s Comments, and discussion and possible action on the following: approval of the Contract for Election Services between Lampasas County and the City of Lampasas for the May 6th election, a proposed 35 mph speed zone for Lampasas High School on Highway 281, and amending the Code of Ordinances to include Skate Park Rules.
Council will then go into Executive Session on the following: (1)to deliberate personnel matters, (2) to receive and evaluate financial information received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have locate or stay in or near the City with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations and to deliberate any financial or other incentives, and (3) relating to the authority of public power utility
governing bodies to deliberate regarding competitive matters-Utilities.
Council will then return to regular session for action on items discussed in Executive Session.
The Workshop Session will begin at 5:30pm and the agenda includes discussion with TxDOT regarding the Relief Route Feasibility Study. To view the summary statement, go to Lampasas.org, click on City Government, Agendas and Minutes, and on that page click on packets and choose the packet for 01-23-23 p 5 for more information.
The Regular Session will be called to order immediately following the Workshop Session and may begin prior to 6pm.
The Agenda includes presentation of service anniversaries and the Community Champion Award, the Consent Agenda to include the second reading of an ordinance to modify the Electric Security Light Installation Fee, and to consider the proposed amendments to the Lampasas Zoning Ordinances Chapter III Zoning Districts Height & Area Regulations.
Also included on the agenda are board and departmental reports, routine matters, the City Manager’s Operational Report to include information on the Skate Park, the Hostess House, LCRA ROW work, and the Airport. That will be followed by Mayor’s Comments, and discussion and possible action on the following: approval of the Contract for Election Services between Lampasas County and the City of Lampasas for the May 6th election, a proposed 35 mph speed zone for Lampasas High School on Highway 281, and amending the Code of Ordinances to include Skate Park Rules.
Council will then go into Executive Session on the following: (1)to deliberate personnel matters, (2) to receive and evaluate financial information received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have locate or stay in or near the City with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations and to deliberate any financial or other incentives, and (3) relating to the authority of public power utility
governing bodies to deliberate regarding competitive matters-Utilities.
Council will then return to regular session for action on items discussed in Executive Session.
Lometa ISD School Board to Meet
The Lometa ISD School Board will meet Monday January 23rd at 6:30pm in the Lometa School Library.
The agenda includes student and staff recognition, community input and presentation and consideration of the following: call for Board of Trustee Regular election May 6th for two at large positions, contracting with Lampasas County for the May 6th Board of Trustee Elections, Early Voting Judges, the Election Judge, Interlocal participation agreement with Region 10 ESC Multi-Region Purchasing Cooperative for membership and participation for food service purchases, the Monthly Investment Report, Budget Amendments, Monthly Bills and Administrative Reports.
The agenda includes student and staff recognition, community input and presentation and consideration of the following: call for Board of Trustee Regular election May 6th for two at large positions, contracting with Lampasas County for the May 6th Board of Trustee Elections, Early Voting Judges, the Election Judge, Interlocal participation agreement with Region 10 ESC Multi-Region Purchasing Cooperative for membership and participation for food service purchases, the Monthly Investment Report, Budget Amendments, Monthly Bills and Administrative Reports.
Texas Unemployment Rate Drops in December
(Texas Tribune) Texas continued a 14-month streak of record employment in December, according to a Friday report from the Texas Workforce Commission. And the state’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.9%, the first time it fell below 4% since the forced business closures at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
Texas employers added 29,500 nonfarm jobs in December, according to the TWC. Positions in education and health care accounted for over 40% of that figure with 12,700 positions, leading last month’s job growth. Financial services and manufacturing also added 6,300 and 5,500 jobs respectively. In total, there are more than 13.7 million nonfarm jobs in the state.
Texas also saw strong job growth for much of 2022. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from November 2021 to November 2022, Texas saw the country’s second-highest increase in total nonfarm payroll employment with 657,600 jobs — a 5.1% bump. California led the country with 675,000 added positions.
Texas employers added 29,500 nonfarm jobs in December, according to the TWC. Positions in education and health care accounted for over 40% of that figure with 12,700 positions, leading last month’s job growth. Financial services and manufacturing also added 6,300 and 5,500 jobs respectively. In total, there are more than 13.7 million nonfarm jobs in the state.
Texas also saw strong job growth for much of 2022. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from November 2021 to November 2022, Texas saw the country’s second-highest increase in total nonfarm payroll employment with 657,600 jobs — a 5.1% bump. California led the country with 675,000 added positions.
Friday January 20, 2023
The Weather
The High yesterday 63° The Low this morning 39°
Today: Look for mostly cloudy skies and a high near 55° with a 30% chance of showers today. Wind will be E at 5-10 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies and a low near 42°. Wind will be E-SE near 5-15 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday: Look for mostly cloudy skies with a high temperature near 62°, and a 30% chance of showers mainly in the morning. There will be gradual clearing in the afternoon with wind becoming W near 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 37°, and a slight chance of showers in the evening. The wind will be NW near 5-15 mph with possible gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 60°. Wind will be NW at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear skies with a low temperature near 38°. Wind will be W-NW near 5-10 mph shifting SE in the evening.
Today: Look for mostly cloudy skies and a high near 55° with a 30% chance of showers today. Wind will be E at 5-10 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies and a low near 42°. Wind will be E-SE near 5-15 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
Saturday: Look for mostly cloudy skies with a high temperature near 62°, and a 30% chance of showers mainly in the morning. There will be gradual clearing in the afternoon with wind becoming W near 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Look for mostly clear skies with a low temperature near 37°, and a slight chance of showers in the evening. The wind will be NW near 5-15 mph with possible gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny skies with a high temperature near 60°. Wind will be NW at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear skies with a low temperature near 38°. Wind will be W-NW near 5-10 mph shifting SE in the evening.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Thursday shows a report of a suspicious vehicle reported in the 100 block of CR 3000 at 9:21am and a reported theft in the 800 block of W. Ave C at 9:55am. The afternoon shows a minor accident in the 2700 block of 281S at 12:44pm, a criminal trespass reported on Steele St. at 1:19pm and a harassment reported in the 400 block of E. 3rd St. at 2:25pm. Suspicious persons were reported: in the 400 block of E. 3rd St. at 2:37pm, in the 100 block of W. 1st St. at 2:59pm and in the 900 block of S. Spring St. at 3:26pm. There was a reported assault in the 2700 block of 281S at 3:47pm, another report of a suspicious person in the 100 block of W. 1st St. at 4:03pm, and a disorderly conduct reported in the 800 block of N. Ridge St. at 4:47pm. At 6:33pm Monica Dunn, 50, was arrested in the 1500 block of S. Key Ave. for criminal trespass. A suspicious person was reported in the 300 block of Hackberry St. at 8:41pm and a criminal trespass was reported in the 300 block of N. Ridge St. at 11:26pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. for Thursday shows Lometa with animal issues and a medical call. In Kempner there were reports of suspicious activity, animal/livestock issues, a request for extra patrol, a missing persons report, medical calls, and civil matters. Out in the county there were animal issues, an alarm call, civil matters and a warrant was served. Deputies went into Cove on a report of an abandoned vehicle and a requested welfare check.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 36 year old Demietri Price of Bastrop for possession of a controlled substance PG2 4-400 grams and driving with an invalid license. Also arrested was Alberto Hernandez Jr. of Lometa for driving with an invalid license.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. for Thursday shows Lometa with animal issues and a medical call. In Kempner there were reports of suspicious activity, animal/livestock issues, a request for extra patrol, a missing persons report, medical calls, and civil matters. Out in the county there were animal issues, an alarm call, civil matters and a warrant was served. Deputies went into Cove on a report of an abandoned vehicle and a requested welfare check.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 36 year old Demietri Price of Bastrop for possession of a controlled substance PG2 4-400 grams and driving with an invalid license. Also arrested was Alberto Hernandez Jr. of Lometa for driving with an invalid license.
TxDOT to Hold Meeting on US281N Expansion
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is proposing to widen US 281 from US 183 (Lampasas) to US 84 (Evant), in
Lampasas and Coryell Counties.
TxDOT will conduct an online virtual public meeting on the
proposed project with in-person options. . The presentation will be posted online on Feb. 7 by 12pm. To log onto the virtual public meeting, go to the following web address at the date and time
indicated above: www.TxDOT.gov and Search
“US 281 – Lampasas to Evant.” Following the virtual public meeting, the presentation will remain available for viewing until Monday Mar. 3rd at 11:59pm.
Additionally, TxDOT is providing an in-person option for
individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online. In-person attendees will be able to hear a presentation that includes the same information as the online public meeting, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff
and/or consultants, and leave written comments.
The meeting dates are: In Lampasas Tuesday February 7th from 5:30-7:30pm at the New Covenant Church at 1604 CTE in
Lampasas. In Evant on Monday February 13th from 5:30-7:30pm at Evant ISD 339 Memory Lane in Evant.
The project proposes to widen US 281, between US 183 (Lampasas) and US 84 (Evant) in Lampasas and Coryell counties, with two additional travel lanes in either a northbound or southbound direction for a total of four lanes; improve safety by separating traffic with a grassy median; and add crossovers along US 281 within the project to facilitate access to both sides of the highway. The total length of the project is approximately 28 miles.
Written comments from the public regarding the proposed
project are requested and may be submitted by mail to: TxDOT Brownwood District Office, 2495 HWY 183 N., Brownwood, Texas 76802. Written comments may also be submitted by email to Jodie.Kelly@txdot.gov. All comments must be
received on or before Friday, March 3rd to be included in the official meeting record. Responses to comments received, once they have been prepared, will be available online on the project page at TxDOT.gov and Search US 281 Lampasas to Evant.
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions
required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this
project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated
December 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) and TxDOT.
Lampasas and Coryell Counties.
TxDOT will conduct an online virtual public meeting on the
proposed project with in-person options. . The presentation will be posted online on Feb. 7 by 12pm. To log onto the virtual public meeting, go to the following web address at the date and time
indicated above: www.TxDOT.gov and Search
“US 281 – Lampasas to Evant.” Following the virtual public meeting, the presentation will remain available for viewing until Monday Mar. 3rd at 11:59pm.
Additionally, TxDOT is providing an in-person option for
individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online. In-person attendees will be able to hear a presentation that includes the same information as the online public meeting, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff
and/or consultants, and leave written comments.
The meeting dates are: In Lampasas Tuesday February 7th from 5:30-7:30pm at the New Covenant Church at 1604 CTE in
Lampasas. In Evant on Monday February 13th from 5:30-7:30pm at Evant ISD 339 Memory Lane in Evant.
The project proposes to widen US 281, between US 183 (Lampasas) and US 84 (Evant) in Lampasas and Coryell counties, with two additional travel lanes in either a northbound or southbound direction for a total of four lanes; improve safety by separating traffic with a grassy median; and add crossovers along US 281 within the project to facilitate access to both sides of the highway. The total length of the project is approximately 28 miles.
Written comments from the public regarding the proposed
project are requested and may be submitted by mail to: TxDOT Brownwood District Office, 2495 HWY 183 N., Brownwood, Texas 76802. Written comments may also be submitted by email to Jodie.Kelly@txdot.gov. All comments must be
received on or before Friday, March 3rd to be included in the official meeting record. Responses to comments received, once they have been prepared, will be available online on the project page at TxDOT.gov and Search US 281 Lampasas to Evant.
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions
required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this
project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated
December 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) and TxDOT.
Lampasas ISD School Board Candidates
The Lampasas ISD School Board Election for May 6th has seen the incumbent for Place 6, Sam Walker, and the incumbent for Place 7, Ryan Shahan file as candidates for the election.
According to the Lampasas ISD District website, these are the only 2 Places on the ballot for the May 6th election.
According to the Lampasas ISD District website, these are the only 2 Places on the ballot for the May 6th election.
Kempner Water Restored
The concrete line in Kempner has been repaired.
There WILL be air in the lines which will cause noises in your pipes and your water to appear milky. Please open your large taps (bathtubs and outdoor faucets) to help alleviate some of the air. It will take time for the water to reach some of you as there are a lot of lines to fill.
Please don't forget to boil your water until notified to do otherwise.
Thank you for your patience and kind words while we worked to restore your water service.
There WILL be air in the lines which will cause noises in your pipes and your water to appear milky. Please open your large taps (bathtubs and outdoor faucets) to help alleviate some of the air. It will take time for the water to reach some of you as there are a lot of lines to fill.
Please don't forget to boil your water until notified to do otherwise.
Thank you for your patience and kind words while we worked to restore your water service.
Homeless Coalition ‘Point in Time’ Count
The Central Texas Homeless Coalition is assisting in a multi-county effort to assess the size of the homeless population. The "point in time" count will take place on January 26th and is set to take place between 6am and 7pm. The coalition counts in Bell, Coryell, Hamilton and Lampasas counties.
Coalition president Bobby Ehrig explained the count has an impact on the federal funding received locally to assist those experiencing homelessness and poverty. "We want to provide the most updated data of the snapshot of our homelessness so that our federal elected officials can make decisions on funding, housing vouchers and those types of things," Ehrig said.
Volunteers do not need to meet any particular experience, and will undergo brief training before the count date. If you are interested in volunteering you can reach Bobby Ehrig, President of the coalition at (254) 856-3752, or the volunteer application can be found at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftOTnbkbD5DKBWMdzWp4apkd8Xt3Ikz9dnLKLQryqkgMUrRw/viewform.
Coalition president Bobby Ehrig explained the count has an impact on the federal funding received locally to assist those experiencing homelessness and poverty. "We want to provide the most updated data of the snapshot of our homelessness so that our federal elected officials can make decisions on funding, housing vouchers and those types of things," Ehrig said.
Volunteers do not need to meet any particular experience, and will undergo brief training before the count date. If you are interested in volunteering you can reach Bobby Ehrig, President of the coalition at (254) 856-3752, or the volunteer application can be found at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftOTnbkbD5DKBWMdzWp4apkd8Xt3Ikz9dnLKLQryqkgMUrRw/viewform.
Thursday January 19,2023
The Weather
The high yesterday 70° This morning’s low 44°
Today: Sunny with a high temperature near 64°. Wind will be N-NW near 5-10 mph shifting NE this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for partly cloudy skies, and the low will get down to about 40° overnight. The wind will become light from the SE in the evening.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with a high temperature near 58°. Wind will be E near 5-10 mph gusting as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Look for increasing clouds and a low near 43°. Wind will be E-SE at 5-10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy with the high temperature near 64° and a 30% chance of showers. Wind will become W-NW at 5-10 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear skies and a low near 37°. Wind will be NW at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
Today: Sunny with a high temperature near 64°. Wind will be N-NW near 5-10 mph shifting NE this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for partly cloudy skies, and the low will get down to about 40° overnight. The wind will become light from the SE in the evening.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with a high temperature near 58°. Wind will be E near 5-10 mph gusting as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Look for increasing clouds and a low near 43°. Wind will be E-SE at 5-10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy with the high temperature near 64° and a 30% chance of showers. Wind will become W-NW at 5-10 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear skies and a low near 37°. Wind will be NW at 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 20 mph.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police blotter for Wednesday shows a suspicious person reported in the 900 block of S. Broad St. at 8:56am. The afternoon shows a reported harassment in the 2700 block of 281S at 12:10pm, a suspicious person reported in the 1700 block of CTE at 12:45pm and suspicious activity reported in the 400 block of CTE at 2:26pm. There was a reported disturbance in the 600 block of N. Key Ave. at 2:52pm, another disturbance was reported in the 1500 block of S. Key Ave. at 4:19pm and a 3rd disturbance was reported in the 200 block of Naruna Rd. at 10:39pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for Wednesday shows Lometa with medical calls and repossession. In Kempner there were livestock/animal issues, a medical call and a requested welfare check. Out in the county there was an accident, an alarm call, reports of suspicious activity and a medical call. Deputies went into Cove on reports of suspicious activity, a reported trespassing, livestock issues and a reported runaway.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 33 year old Jeremiah Westbrook of Copperas Cove for failure to appear and 44 year old Ramon Castro Jr. was booked in on a commitment charge.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dept. Blotter for Wednesday shows Lometa with medical calls and repossession. In Kempner there were livestock/animal issues, a medical call and a requested welfare check. Out in the county there was an accident, an alarm call, reports of suspicious activity and a medical call. Deputies went into Cove on reports of suspicious activity, a reported trespassing, livestock issues and a reported runaway.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 33 year old Jeremiah Westbrook of Copperas Cove for failure to appear and 44 year old Ramon Castro Jr. was booked in on a commitment charge.
Lampasas Cheerleaders Headed to Nationals
The Lampasas High School Cheer contingent will be heading to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas this weekend to compete this Saturday and Sunday in the NCA High School Nationals competition. The girls brought home the Class 4A District 1 Bronze medal from the UIL Spirit State Championship contest in Ft. Worth last weekend.
They will be leaving Lampasas High School at 8:30am tomorrow, and there will be a send-off from the Grace Fellowship Parking lot.
There will be teams from all over the US competing. In the Medium Game Day Division, which Lampasas High School is in, there are 40 teams. Within those 40 teams are teams from 15 states. Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, Florida, Mississippi, and New York. Go Badgers!
They will be leaving Lampasas High School at 8:30am tomorrow, and there will be a send-off from the Grace Fellowship Parking lot.
There will be teams from all over the US competing. In the Medium Game Day Division, which Lampasas High School is in, there are 40 teams. Within those 40 teams are teams from 15 states. Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, Florida, Mississippi, and New York. Go Badgers!
District Court Notes
Lampasas County Courthouse was the site of a 27th District Court Docket Call on January 13th. Presiding over the Court was 27th District Court Judge John Gauntt. Altogether 58 cases were brought to the court with 44 cases involving men and 14 cases involving women. Dustin Crawford of Killeen failed to appear on the charge of theft of a firearm.
There were 19 cases involving possession of a controlled substance/PG1. There were 12 cases for less than a gram, with one being in a drug free zone. There were 2 cases for possession of 1-4 grams, and 3 cases for possession PG1 4-200 grams. There was one case for manufacture delivery of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams, and one case for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams. There was one case for possession of a controlled substance PG2 less than a gram.
There were 2 DWI cases. There were 5 cases for burglary of a building, 3 cases each for burglary of a habitation, theft of property and evading arrest w/vehicle. There were 2 cases for a prohibited substance in a correctional facility. There was one case each for criminal mischief $2500-$30,000, forgery, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and one case of theft of firearm.
In crimes involving personal harm, there were 2 cases each for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and injury to a child/elderly/disabled person. There was one case each for assaulting a public servant, assault of a family member, intoxication manslaughter, abandoning/endangering a child and violating a protective order. There was one case each of indecency w/a child/sexual contact, aggravated sexual assault of a child and sexual assault.
Of the 58 cases, 8 were settled with Alan Gaytan of Hutto pleading guilty to evading arrest/detention w/vehicle with previous convictions. He was sentenced to 5 years TDCJ. Keannan Sanchez of Lampasas plead guilty to possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram and was sentenced to 5 years probation with SAFPF as a stipulation plus court costs. Naythen Jackson of Lampasas on the charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams plead guilty and was sentenced to 8 years probation plus court costs and a $1500 fine. Richard Boykin of Pflugerville plead guilty to DWI 3rd or more and was sentenced to 10 years TDCJ with 10 years probated plus court costs and a $2000 fine. Allan DeLoach of Lockhart plead guilty to manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams and was sentenced to 15 years TDCJ. Ernesto Bailon of Lampasas saw his case for assault on a family member/impeding breath/circulation dismissed to County Court. Douglas Stephens of Lampasas plead guilty to indecency with a child/sexual contact and was sentenced to 4 years probation plus court costs and a $1500 fine. Rex Eicher of Lampasas plead guilty to violating a protective order and was sentenced to 5 years probation.
All other cases were reset or were set for jury trials.
There were 19 cases involving possession of a controlled substance/PG1. There were 12 cases for less than a gram, with one being in a drug free zone. There were 2 cases for possession of 1-4 grams, and 3 cases for possession PG1 4-200 grams. There was one case for manufacture delivery of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams, and one case for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams. There was one case for possession of a controlled substance PG2 less than a gram.
There were 2 DWI cases. There were 5 cases for burglary of a building, 3 cases each for burglary of a habitation, theft of property and evading arrest w/vehicle. There were 2 cases for a prohibited substance in a correctional facility. There was one case each for criminal mischief $2500-$30,000, forgery, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and one case of theft of firearm.
In crimes involving personal harm, there were 2 cases each for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and injury to a child/elderly/disabled person. There was one case each for assaulting a public servant, assault of a family member, intoxication manslaughter, abandoning/endangering a child and violating a protective order. There was one case each of indecency w/a child/sexual contact, aggravated sexual assault of a child and sexual assault.
Of the 58 cases, 8 were settled with Alan Gaytan of Hutto pleading guilty to evading arrest/detention w/vehicle with previous convictions. He was sentenced to 5 years TDCJ. Keannan Sanchez of Lampasas plead guilty to possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram and was sentenced to 5 years probation with SAFPF as a stipulation plus court costs. Naythen Jackson of Lampasas on the charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance PG1 1-4 grams plead guilty and was sentenced to 8 years probation plus court costs and a $1500 fine. Richard Boykin of Pflugerville plead guilty to DWI 3rd or more and was sentenced to 10 years TDCJ with 10 years probated plus court costs and a $2000 fine. Allan DeLoach of Lockhart plead guilty to manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance PG1 4-200 grams and was sentenced to 15 years TDCJ. Ernesto Bailon of Lampasas saw his case for assault on a family member/impeding breath/circulation dismissed to County Court. Douglas Stephens of Lampasas plead guilty to indecency with a child/sexual contact and was sentenced to 4 years probation plus court costs and a $1500 fine. Rex Eicher of Lampasas plead guilty to violating a protective order and was sentenced to 5 years probation.
All other cases were reset or were set for jury trials.
Kempner WSC Boil Water Notice
Alert from Kempner Water Supply Corporation:
Due to a break on a concrete transmission line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Kempner Water Supply Corporation, 1410028, public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Due to a break on a concrete transmission line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Kempner Water Supply Corporation, 1410028, public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Cattle Market Report
Lampasas Cattle Auction’s weekly sale took place Wednesday and 673 head were on hand, down from the 803 head of the last sale, and down from the 695 a year ago on this day.
Feeder Steers were steady- $3 lower
Feeder Heifers were $3-$5 lower
Slaughter cows were steady
Slaughter bulls were steady-$2 lower
Feeder Steers Feeder Heifers
200-300lbs $2.13-$2.36/lb 200-300lbs $1.86-$2.16/lb
300-400lbs $1.80-$2.51/lb 300-400lbs $1.75-$2.18/lb 400-500lbs $1.77-$2.23/lb 400-500lbs $1.63-$1.94/lb
500-600lbs $1.70-$2.03/lb 500-600lbs $1.52-$1.76/lb
600-700lbs $1.49-$1.78/lb 600-700lbs $1.44-$1.64/lb
700-800lbs $1.51-$1.60/lb 700-800lbs $1.39-$1.55/lb
Slaughter Cows Slaughter Bulls
Under 800lbs .30-.44/lb 1000-1300lbs No Test 800-1100 lbs .30-.79/lb 1300-2100lbs .89-1.02/lb 1100-1300 lbs .50-.80/lb Replacements No Test
Bred Replacement Cows
Baby Tooth to 5yr old-$800-$1250/hd
Solid Mouth -$750-$1100/hd
Feeder Steers were steady- $3 lower
Feeder Heifers were $3-$5 lower
Slaughter cows were steady
Slaughter bulls were steady-$2 lower
Feeder Steers Feeder Heifers
200-300lbs $2.13-$2.36/lb 200-300lbs $1.86-$2.16/lb
300-400lbs $1.80-$2.51/lb 300-400lbs $1.75-$2.18/lb 400-500lbs $1.77-$2.23/lb 400-500lbs $1.63-$1.94/lb
500-600lbs $1.70-$2.03/lb 500-600lbs $1.52-$1.76/lb
600-700lbs $1.49-$1.78/lb 600-700lbs $1.44-$1.64/lb
700-800lbs $1.51-$1.60/lb 700-800lbs $1.39-$1.55/lb
Slaughter Cows Slaughter Bulls
Under 800lbs .30-.44/lb 1000-1300lbs No Test 800-1100 lbs .30-.79/lb 1300-2100lbs .89-1.02/lb 1100-1300 lbs .50-.80/lb Replacements No Test
Bred Replacement Cows
Baby Tooth to 5yr old-$800-$1250/hd
Solid Mouth -$750-$1100/hd
Wednesday Janaury 18, 2023
The Weather
The high yesterday 80° This morning’s low 59°
Today: Look for partly sunny skies with gradual clearing and a high temperature near 71°. Wind will be W at 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph this afternoon. Windy and dry conditions will result in elevated critical fire weather conditions along and west of the I-35 corridor. A Red Flag Warning has been issued.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and the low temperature will dip to near 44°. Wind will be W at 15-20 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny skies with a high temperature near 63°. Wind will be NE near 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low near 39° and E wind near 5 mph.
Friday: Skies will be mostly sunny with a high temperature near 62°. Wind will be E-SE near 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy skies and the low will be near 42°. Wind will be E-SE near 5-10 mph.
Today: Look for partly sunny skies with gradual clearing and a high temperature near 71°. Wind will be W at 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph this afternoon. Windy and dry conditions will result in elevated critical fire weather conditions along and west of the I-35 corridor. A Red Flag Warning has been issued.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and the low temperature will dip to near 44°. Wind will be W at 15-20 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny skies with a high temperature near 63°. Wind will be NE near 5-15 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low near 39° and E wind near 5 mph.
Friday: Skies will be mostly sunny with a high temperature near 62°. Wind will be E-SE near 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy skies and the low will be near 42°. Wind will be E-SE near 5-10 mph.
The Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Tuesday shows a suspicious vehicle reported in the 900 block of E. 3rd St. at 12:48am, and another suspicious vehicle was reported in the 200 block of S. Key Ave. at 1:05am. The afternoon shows a reported fraud in the 400 block of S. Pecan St. at 1:24pm, a reported theft in the 1400 block of S. Chestnut St. at 1:54pm, a disorderly conduct reported in the 400 block of S. Live Oak St. at 2:27pm and a criminal mischief was reported in the 100 block of N. Chestnut St. at 2:37pm. At 2:56pm, Felipe Barrientos, 37, of Miles, Texas was arrested in the 200 block of S. Key Ave. for driving with an invalid license and a Pardons & Paroles Warrant (Parole violation-DWI 3rd or more). A minor in possession of tobacco was reported in the 2700 block of 281S at 3:42pm, there was a reported theft in the 200 block of S. Key Ave. at 3:59pm, and there was a minor accident in the 1000 block of Fieldstone Dr. at 4:11pm, a shots fired call in the 100 block of EE Ohnmeiss Dr.a t 6:44pm and another minor accident in the 700 block of N. Elm St. at 8:44pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter for Tuesday shows Kempner with reports of suspicious activity, a reported theft, livestock issues, an accident and a requested welfare check. Out in the county there were medical calls, a reported burglary, animal issues, and a reported assault. Deputies went into Cove on medical calls, animal issues, and a reported theft.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 49 year old Joshua Joy of Lampasas on a class C offense
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Blotter for Tuesday shows Kempner with reports of suspicious activity, a reported theft, livestock issues, an accident and a requested welfare check. Out in the county there were medical calls, a reported burglary, animal issues, and a reported assault. Deputies went into Cove on medical calls, animal issues, and a reported theft.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 49 year old Joshua Joy of Lampasas on a class C offense
Red Flag Warning
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Lampasas County today from noon until 8 pm. No outdoor burning!
TxDOT to Attend City Council Meeting on January 23rd
Lampasas Radio has confirmed through the City Manager that TxDOT will be attending the January 23rd City Council meeting to offer an update on the Lampasas Relief Route.
City Council meetings begin at 5:30pm with the Workshop Sessions and Regular Session begins immediately following.
City Council meetings begin at 5:30pm with the Workshop Sessions and Regular Session begins immediately following.
Gas Prices Rising
Gasoline demand is going through a seasonal slack-off, AAA data said in a note on Tuesday, with short days and icky weather keeping drivers at home. U.S. retail gasoline prices are on the rise despite the demand slump, with the national average rising 5.7 cents since last week to $3.327 per gallon.
Gasoline demand normally slacks off this time of year, and according to AAA, gasoline demand is unlikely to pick up until we get closer to Spring Break. Gasoline prices are rising, nevertheless, with the biggest increases seen in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, and Nebraska. The nation’s most expensive markets continue to be Hawaii and California.
“So the primary factor in this latest increase is the higher cost of oil, which accounts for more than half of what you pay at the pump,” Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson said.
Gasoline demand normally slacks off this time of year, and according to AAA, gasoline demand is unlikely to pick up until we get closer to Spring Break. Gasoline prices are rising, nevertheless, with the biggest increases seen in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, and Nebraska. The nation’s most expensive markets continue to be Hawaii and California.
“So the primary factor in this latest increase is the higher cost of oil, which accounts for more than half of what you pay at the pump,” Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson said.
Governor Abbot’s Inaugural Address
(Texas Tribune) Gov. Greg Abbott, in his third inaugural address Tuesday, emphasized that the legislative session would be centered on the historic budget surplus, “parental rights” in schools and public safety.
Notably, he pitched a focus on infrastructure that included the power grid, after the 2021 winter storm and blackout left millions of Texans in the dark and hundreds dead. Abbott trumpeted grid improvements that he successfully pushed in the months after but acknowledged there is more work to do.
In doing so, he aligned himself with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has called the grid a top priority for the session. Abbott, while running for reelection last year, was dismissive of critiques that there were unresolved grid issues and declared it fixed.
“We all know that increased demand is going to be placed on the grid as Texas continues to grow,” Abbott said. “So this session, we will build a grid that powers our state — not for the next four years, but for the next 40 years.”
Abbott is on track to becoming Texas’ second-longest-serving governor, behind Rick Perry, who served more than 14 years. Abbott enters his third term after a decisive reelection win in November and with big ambitions for the session, which include the “largest property tax cut in the history of the state of Texas,” a promise he repeated in his inaugural address. Abbott also begins his third term as a potential candidate for the White House in 2024, something his aides say he will consider after the legislative session concludes in May.
Patrick was also sworn in for a third term Tuesday morning on the north steps of the Texas Capitol in Austin, on a stage below a massive Texas flag. Both he and Abbott were first elected to their current positions in 2014.
Notably, he pitched a focus on infrastructure that included the power grid, after the 2021 winter storm and blackout left millions of Texans in the dark and hundreds dead. Abbott trumpeted grid improvements that he successfully pushed in the months after but acknowledged there is more work to do.
In doing so, he aligned himself with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has called the grid a top priority for the session. Abbott, while running for reelection last year, was dismissive of critiques that there were unresolved grid issues and declared it fixed.
“We all know that increased demand is going to be placed on the grid as Texas continues to grow,” Abbott said. “So this session, we will build a grid that powers our state — not for the next four years, but for the next 40 years.”
Abbott is on track to becoming Texas’ second-longest-serving governor, behind Rick Perry, who served more than 14 years. Abbott enters his third term after a decisive reelection win in November and with big ambitions for the session, which include the “largest property tax cut in the history of the state of Texas,” a promise he repeated in his inaugural address. Abbott also begins his third term as a potential candidate for the White House in 2024, something his aides say he will consider after the legislative session concludes in May.
Patrick was also sworn in for a third term Tuesday morning on the north steps of the Texas Capitol in Austin, on a stage below a massive Texas flag. Both he and Abbott were first elected to their current positions in 2014.
Tik-Tok Banned On UT Wi-Fi
The University of Texas at Austin has blocked access to the video-sharing app TikTok on its Wi-Fi and wired networks in response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent directive requiring all state agencies to remove the app from government-issued devices, according to an email sent to students Tuesday.
“The university is taking these important steps to eliminate risks to information contained in the university’s network and to our critical infrastructure,” UT-Austin technology adviser Jeff Neyland wrote in the email. “As outlined in the governor’s directive, TikTok harvests vast amounts of data from its users’ devices — including when, where and how they conduct internet activity — and offers this trove of potentially sensitive information to the Chinese government.”
Since the university’s announcement Tuesday morning, multiple Texas university spokespeople, including those at the University of Texas at Dallas and Texas A&M University System, have announced they are also restricting the use of the app on their campus networks.
“We are in the process of putting in place network based filtering that will block both wireless and wired access to downloading or accessing the app from our campus network, which means students, faculty, staff and visitors will not be able to use the app when connected to an A&M network,” said Laylan Copelin, system spokesperson.
Abbott’s Dec. 7 directive stated that all state agencies must ban employees from downloading or using the app on
government-issued devices, including cellphones, laptops and desktops, with exceptions for law enforcement agencies. He also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Information Resources to create a plan to guide state agencies on how to handle the use of TikTok on personal devices, including those that have access to a state employee’s email account or connect to a state agency network.
That plan was to be distributed to state agencies by Jan. 15, and each state agency is expected to create its own policy regarding the use of TikTok on personal devices by Feb. 15, according to Abbott’s directive. Two public universities, the University of Houston and Texas Tech University, said in separate statements they are still waiting for state guidance to be released.
“The university is taking these important steps to eliminate risks to information contained in the university’s network and to our critical infrastructure,” UT-Austin technology adviser Jeff Neyland wrote in the email. “As outlined in the governor’s directive, TikTok harvests vast amounts of data from its users’ devices — including when, where and how they conduct internet activity — and offers this trove of potentially sensitive information to the Chinese government.”
Since the university’s announcement Tuesday morning, multiple Texas university spokespeople, including those at the University of Texas at Dallas and Texas A&M University System, have announced they are also restricting the use of the app on their campus networks.
“We are in the process of putting in place network based filtering that will block both wireless and wired access to downloading or accessing the app from our campus network, which means students, faculty, staff and visitors will not be able to use the app when connected to an A&M network,” said Laylan Copelin, system spokesperson.
Abbott’s Dec. 7 directive stated that all state agencies must ban employees from downloading or using the app on
government-issued devices, including cellphones, laptops and desktops, with exceptions for law enforcement agencies. He also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Information Resources to create a plan to guide state agencies on how to handle the use of TikTok on personal devices, including those that have access to a state employee’s email account or connect to a state agency network.
That plan was to be distributed to state agencies by Jan. 15, and each state agency is expected to create its own policy regarding the use of TikTok on personal devices by Feb. 15, according to Abbott’s directive. Two public universities, the University of Houston and Texas Tech University, said in separate statements they are still waiting for state guidance to be released.
Monday January 17, 2023
The Weather
The High yesterday 77° The Low this morning 49°
Today: Mostly sunny and a high near 80° this afternoon. The wind will be out of the W-SW about 5-10 mph shifting S-SE this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for increasing clouds, and a 20% chance of precipitation a low dropping to about 57° by morning. Wind will be W near 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with gradual clearing, with the wind out of the W at 5-15 mph gusting to 25 mph as the afternoon temperature gets up to 72º. There is a Fire Weather Watch in effect tomorrow beginning at noon for the counties surrounding Lampasas. The passing of a cold front is expected to bring strong winds and low humidity.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 414° and W wind at 5-10 mph with possible gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny skies with a high near 62° and N-NW wind near 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low of 40°. Wind will be calm.
Today: Mostly sunny and a high near 80° this afternoon. The wind will be out of the W-SW about 5-10 mph shifting S-SE this afternoon.
Tonight: Look for increasing clouds, and a 20% chance of precipitation a low dropping to about 57° by morning. Wind will be W near 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with gradual clearing, with the wind out of the W at 5-15 mph gusting to 25 mph as the afternoon temperature gets up to 72º. There is a Fire Weather Watch in effect tomorrow beginning at noon for the counties surrounding Lampasas. The passing of a cold front is expected to bring strong winds and low humidity.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low near 414° and W wind at 5-10 mph with possible gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny skies with a high near 62° and N-NW wind near 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low of 40°. Wind will be calm.
The Blotter
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Saturday shows a reported theft in the 1000 block of E. Ave J at 11:08am, a disturbance in the 700 block of Dent St. at 11:19am and suspicious activity reported in the 200 block of Riverview Dr. at 11:22am. The afternoon shows a criminal trespass reported in the 1100 block of S. Key Ave. at 12:11pm and a harassment reported in the 1300 block of CTE at 1:57pm. At 5:52pm Miguel Perez, 35, of Lampasas was arrested in the 1000 block of E. 4th St. for violation of a bond/protection order w/2 or more previous convictions.
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Sunday shows the arrest at 1:20am of Elsie Hooks, 31, of Lampasas in the 2300 block of 281S for public intoxication. A suspicious person was reported in the 1300 block of S. Main St. at 9:57am and suspicious activity was reported in the 200 block of W. 1st St. at 10:45am. There was a major accident in the 800 block of S. Key Ave at 6:33pm with injuries, suspicious activity was reported in the 1700 block of CTE at 10:07pm, and there was a noise complaint in the 500 block of Hetherly St. at 11:11pm.
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Monday shows a shots fired call from the 1200 block of S. Willis St. at 8:22am. At 11:13am, Carlton Hudson, 23, of Killeen was arrested in the 1500 block of S. Key Ave. on a Lampasas Municipal Court Warrant for assault by contact/family violence. The afternoon shows a reported fraud in the 1600 block of E. Ave. H at 2:11pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 700 block of Dent St. at 3:15pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 500 block of E. 3rd St. at 3:21pm, a harassment was reported on Park Lane at 4:26pm and there was a reported theft in the 300 block of S. Ridge St. at 5:48pm. At 6:50pm, Sharice Rivera-Torres, 28, of Kempner was arrested in the 200 block of S. Live Oak St. on a Coryell County warrant (FTA-display fictitious motor vehicle registration).
Lampasas Sheriff’s Dept. blotter for the weekend shows Lometa with a reported trespassing, a noise complaint, reports of suspicious activity, a reported theft, livestock issues, and a requested welfare check. In Kempner there were medical calls, reported disturbances, livestock/animal issues, a report of criminal mischief, an alarm call, repossessions , civil matters and reports of suspicious activity. Out in the county there were civil matters, livestock/animal issues, a shots fired call, a reported trespassing, reports of suspicious activity, medical calls, an accident, a requested welfare check, and a suicidal person. Deputies went into Cove on medical calls, and a report of lost and found property.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 31 year old Ariel Arce of Lampasas on a probation violation and the arrest of 57 year old Julian Banda of Lometa for public intoxication with 3 prior convictions.
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Sunday shows the arrest at 1:20am of Elsie Hooks, 31, of Lampasas in the 2300 block of 281S for public intoxication. A suspicious person was reported in the 1300 block of S. Main St. at 9:57am and suspicious activity was reported in the 200 block of W. 1st St. at 10:45am. There was a major accident in the 800 block of S. Key Ave at 6:33pm with injuries, suspicious activity was reported in the 1700 block of CTE at 10:07pm, and there was a noise complaint in the 500 block of Hetherly St. at 11:11pm.
Lampasas Police Dept. blotter for Monday shows a shots fired call from the 1200 block of S. Willis St. at 8:22am. At 11:13am, Carlton Hudson, 23, of Killeen was arrested in the 1500 block of S. Key Ave. on a Lampasas Municipal Court Warrant for assault by contact/family violence. The afternoon shows a reported fraud in the 1600 block of E. Ave. H at 2:11pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 700 block of Dent St. at 3:15pm, a suspicious person was reported in the 500 block of E. 3rd St. at 3:21pm, a harassment was reported on Park Lane at 4:26pm and there was a reported theft in the 300 block of S. Ridge St. at 5:48pm. At 6:50pm, Sharice Rivera-Torres, 28, of Kempner was arrested in the 200 block of S. Live Oak St. on a Coryell County warrant (FTA-display fictitious motor vehicle registration).
Lampasas Sheriff’s Dept. blotter for the weekend shows Lometa with a reported trespassing, a noise complaint, reports of suspicious activity, a reported theft, livestock issues, and a requested welfare check. In Kempner there were medical calls, reported disturbances, livestock/animal issues, a report of criminal mischief, an alarm call, repossessions , civil matters and reports of suspicious activity. Out in the county there were civil matters, livestock/animal issues, a shots fired call, a reported trespassing, reports of suspicious activity, medical calls, an accident, a requested welfare check, and a suicidal person. Deputies went into Cove on medical calls, and a report of lost and found property.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 31 year old Ariel Arce of Lampasas on a probation violation and the arrest of 57 year old Julian Banda of Lometa for public intoxication with 3 prior convictions.
Lampasas County Youth Livestock Show Cattle Results
The Lampasas County Youth Livestock Show Cattle Show Heifer Class the Grand Champion is Selie Hodge and the Reserve Grand Champion is Cort Maples. In the Market Steer Class Selie Hodge is the Grand Champion and also the recipient of the Buddy Perry Award. The Reserve Grand Champion in the Market Steer Class is Cora Groves.
In the Cattle Showmanship Class, Cort Maples won the Jr Showmanship award, Ridge Hill won the Intermediate Award as well as the Martin Van Sportsmanship Award, and Jewel Groves won the Sr. Showmanship Award.
In the Cattle Showmanship Class, Cort Maples won the Jr Showmanship award, Ridge Hill won the Intermediate Award as well as the Martin Van Sportsmanship Award, and Jewel Groves won the Sr. Showmanship Award.
Gubernatorial Inauguration Today
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will be sworn in to office and celebrated in a series of events for Inauguration Day today.
Abbott defeated Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke by an 11-point margin in November on a platform of tightening border security and attacking Democrats over inflation and a slowing economy. He kicks off his third four-year term in office with a legislative session in which a nearly $33 billion budget surplus looms large. Abbott has promised to use half of the surplus funds to reduce the property tax burden for homeowners. However, he faces headwinds in the form of constitutional restrictions to some of the spending and competing interests from other lawmakers.
Patrick, who serves as leader of the state Senate, where he exerts tremendous influence over legislation, also defeated his Democratic opponent in November by double digits and is entering his third four-year term. Texas does not have term limits for state officials.
The inauguration day festivities kicked off Monday afternoon with a Catholic Mass at Saint Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin.
Today, there’s a prayer service at 9am at the University Avenue Church of Christ.
Abbott will be sworn in and take the oath of office at 11am on the Texas Capitol’s north steps, which will be followed by “A Taste of Texas” —a luncheon featuring restaurants from across the state serving food on the south grounds of the Capitol. The night will finish with a “Celebration of Texas” ball at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater.
Spending on each of the last two inaugurations for the two Republicans has eclipsed that of any other in Texas for at least 40 years, The Texas Tribune reported in 2019. The last inauguration cost $5.3 million; the governor’s office said no state dollars were spent on the festivities that year.
Abbott defeated Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke by an 11-point margin in November on a platform of tightening border security and attacking Democrats over inflation and a slowing economy. He kicks off his third four-year term in office with a legislative session in which a nearly $33 billion budget surplus looms large. Abbott has promised to use half of the surplus funds to reduce the property tax burden for homeowners. However, he faces headwinds in the form of constitutional restrictions to some of the spending and competing interests from other lawmakers.
Patrick, who serves as leader of the state Senate, where he exerts tremendous influence over legislation, also defeated his Democratic opponent in November by double digits and is entering his third four-year term. Texas does not have term limits for state officials.
The inauguration day festivities kicked off Monday afternoon with a Catholic Mass at Saint Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin.
Today, there’s a prayer service at 9am at the University Avenue Church of Christ.
Abbott will be sworn in and take the oath of office at 11am on the Texas Capitol’s north steps, which will be followed by “A Taste of Texas” —a luncheon featuring restaurants from across the state serving food on the south grounds of the Capitol. The night will finish with a “Celebration of Texas” ball at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater.
Spending on each of the last two inaugurations for the two Republicans has eclipsed that of any other in Texas for at least 40 years, The Texas Tribune reported in 2019. The last inauguration cost $5.3 million; the governor’s office said no state dollars were spent on the festivities that year.
Pedestrian Killed in Train Accident in Cove
On January 15, 2023, at approximately 2:11 PM, the Copperas Cove Police Department received a report of a train-pedestrian
accident.
It was reported the victim was lying on the railroad tracks adjacent to the 1500 block of East Business Highway 190. The train was traveling east, approaching the location of the pedestrian. The train operator noticed the pedestrian lying on the railroad tracks and immediately activated the emergency stopping system for the train while signaling with the horn. The pedestrian attempted but was unable to take evasive action to get away from the train before being struck.
The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased on scene by Justice of the Peace F.W. “Bill” Price. The
pedestrian was later identified as 21-year-old, Masao Joverson Skilling.
The train consisted of two engines and 119 cargo cars, which were loaded with approximately 13,000 tons of various commodities. The Copperas Cove Police
Department continues to investigate this incident.
accident.
It was reported the victim was lying on the railroad tracks adjacent to the 1500 block of East Business Highway 190. The train was traveling east, approaching the location of the pedestrian. The train operator noticed the pedestrian lying on the railroad tracks and immediately activated the emergency stopping system for the train while signaling with the horn. The pedestrian attempted but was unable to take evasive action to get away from the train before being struck.
The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased on scene by Justice of the Peace F.W. “Bill” Price. The
pedestrian was later identified as 21-year-old, Masao Joverson Skilling.
The train consisted of two engines and 119 cargo cars, which were loaded with approximately 13,000 tons of various commodities. The Copperas Cove Police
Department continues to investigate this incident.
Saturday January 14, 2023
The Weather
Yesterday’s high 60° This morning’s low 32°
Today: Sunny skies and a high near 63°. Wind will be S at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph. There is an elevated grass fire threat west of I-35 today.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 47º. Wind will be from the S at 5-10 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny and the high temperature will climb to near 71º. Wind will be S increasing to 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy with a low temperature near 54°. The wind will continue from the S at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
M.L.King Day: Look for partly sunny skies with a high temperature near 77°. The wind will be W-SW at 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy with a low near 52°. The wind will become calm.
Today: Sunny skies and a high near 63°. Wind will be S at 10-15 mph gusting to 20 mph. There is an elevated grass fire threat west of I-35 today.
Tonight: Look for mostly clear skies and a low near 47º. Wind will be from the S at 5-10 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny and the high temperature will climb to near 71º. Wind will be S increasing to 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy with a low temperature near 54°. The wind will continue from the S at 5-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph.
M.L.King Day: Look for partly sunny skies with a high temperature near 77°. The wind will be W-SW at 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy with a low near 52°. The wind will become calm.
The Blotter
The Lampasas Police Dept. Blotter for Friday shows a suspicious vehicle reported in the 1200 block of CTE at 4:45am, a disturbance was reported in the 500 block of N. Willis St. at 10:12am and there was a reported fraud reported on Chris Ave. at 10:27am. At 11:31am Richard Adames, 30, of Lampasas was arrested in the 1200 block of Barnes St. on a Lampasas PD Warrant for criminal trespass. The afternoon shows the arrest of 18 year old Nathan Diederich in the 600 block of N. Key Ave for possession of a controlled substance PG1 less than a gram; tamper/fabricate physical evidence w/intent to impair and theft of property $100-$750. There was a minor accident in the 900 block of S. Key Ave. at 2:12pm, and another minor accident in the 2200 block of 281S at 4:08pm. There was a reported disturbance in the 1000 block of W. North Ave. at 9:05pm and a report of criminal mischief in the 1300 block of CTE at 11:10pm.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dep. Blotter for Friday shows Lometa with a medical call. Kempner also shows a medical call. Out in the county there were livestock/animal issues, reported disturbances, a fish & game call, medical calls, a missing persons report, an accident, and a repossession. Deputies went into Cove on a reported trespassing, livestock issues and reports of suspicious activity.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 35 year old Travis Calhoun of Hamilton for possession of marijuana 4 oz.-5 lbs. Also arrested was 32 year old Justine DeWald of Kempner on a bond revocation, 41 year old Deedee Gilstrap of Lampasas on a probation violation and 46 year old Antonia Felan was booked in on a commitment charge.
The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Dep. Blotter for Friday shows Lometa with a medical call. Kempner also shows a medical call. Out in the county there were livestock/animal issues, reported disturbances, a fish & game call, medical calls, a missing persons report, an accident, and a repossession. Deputies went into Cove on a reported trespassing, livestock issues and reports of suspicious activity.
The Jail Log shows the arrest of 35 year old Travis Calhoun of Hamilton for possession of marijuana 4 oz.-5 lbs. Also arrested was 32 year old Justine DeWald of Kempner on a bond revocation, 41 year old Deedee Gilstrap of Lampasas on a probation violation and 46 year old Antonia Felan was booked in on a commitment charge.
Lampasas County Youth Stock Show
At the 2023 Lampasas County Youth Livestock Show yesterday, the Swine Show results are as follows for the Market Swine Class: Hampshire Champion is Avery Hopson, Hampshire Reserve Grand Champion is Paige Rutland. Duroc Class-Jaden Nadeau is the Champion and Caroline Rojas is the Reserve Grand Chamion and also the recipient of the Lee Vann Sportsmanship Award. In the OPB Class Bry Hopson is the Champion and Cole Rutland is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Dark Cross Class, Avery Hopson is the Grand Champion as well as the recipient of the Britt Hopson Award, and Cole Rutland is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the All-Other-Cross Class Paige Rutland is the Champion and Bry Hopson is the Reserve Grand Champion. Overall in the Market Swine Class, Avery Hopson was the Grand Champion and Paige Rutland is the Reserve Grand Champion.
In the Breeding Gilt Class Ella Montgomery is the Grand Champion and also the Reserve Grand Champion.
In Swine Showmanship the Jr. Showmanship Award went to Bry Hopson, the Intermediate Showmanship Award went to Cole Rutland and the Sr. Showmanship Award went to Paige Rutland.
In the Sheep Show in the Finewool Class, Alyssa Foust is the Champion and Jack Duncan is the Reserve Champion. In the Finewool Cross Class Tanner Duncan is the Champion and Roy Stewart is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Southdown Class Brylie Turner is the Champion and Tatum Duncan is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Dorper Class Alyssa Foust is the Champion and Tatum Duncan is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Medium Wool Class Alyssa Foust is the Champion as well as the T.R. Carson Award, and Tatum Duncan is the Reserve Grand Champion. Overall in the Sheep Show Alyssa Foust is the Grand Champion and Tatum Duncan is the Reserve Grand Champion.
In Sheep Showmanship the Jr. Award went to Hadley Kuhl, and the Sr. Showmanship Award went to Brylie Turner.
In the Breeding Goat Show in the Light Class Teagan Brooks is the Champion and Daecee Ellis is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Medium Class, Wyatt Tucker is the Champion and RaeLynne Salazar is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Heavy Class Mason Luna is the Champion and Haylee Finley is the Reserve Grand Champion. Overall for the Breeding Goats, Mason Luna is the Grand Champion and Haylee Finley is the Reserve Grand Champion.
In Breeding Goat Showmanship the Jr. Award went to Carly Brister, the Intermediate Award went to Rylee Brooks and the Sr. Award went to RaeLynne Salazar.
In the Market Goat Light Class, Brylie Turner is the Champion and Daecee Ellis is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Market Goat Heavy Class Hadley Kuhl is the Grand Champion and the Reserve Grand Champion. Overall for Market Goats Brylie Turner is the Champion and Hadley Kuhl is the Reserve Grand Champion.
In the Market Goat Showmanship Awards Hadley Kuhl received the Jr. Showmanship Award, Lorelai Dressell received the Intermediate Showmanship Award and the Sr. Showmanship Award went to Daecee Ellis.
Today the Cattle Show begins at 8am and the Buyer’s Appreciation Dinner starts at 5pm.
In the Breeding Gilt Class Ella Montgomery is the Grand Champion and also the Reserve Grand Champion.
In Swine Showmanship the Jr. Showmanship Award went to Bry Hopson, the Intermediate Showmanship Award went to Cole Rutland and the Sr. Showmanship Award went to Paige Rutland.
In the Sheep Show in the Finewool Class, Alyssa Foust is the Champion and Jack Duncan is the Reserve Champion. In the Finewool Cross Class Tanner Duncan is the Champion and Roy Stewart is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Southdown Class Brylie Turner is the Champion and Tatum Duncan is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Dorper Class Alyssa Foust is the Champion and Tatum Duncan is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Medium Wool Class Alyssa Foust is the Champion as well as the T.R. Carson Award, and Tatum Duncan is the Reserve Grand Champion. Overall in the Sheep Show Alyssa Foust is the Grand Champion and Tatum Duncan is the Reserve Grand Champion.
In Sheep Showmanship the Jr. Award went to Hadley Kuhl, and the Sr. Showmanship Award went to Brylie Turner.
In the Breeding Goat Show in the Light Class Teagan Brooks is the Champion and Daecee Ellis is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Medium Class, Wyatt Tucker is the Champion and RaeLynne Salazar is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Heavy Class Mason Luna is the Champion and Haylee Finley is the Reserve Grand Champion. Overall for the Breeding Goats, Mason Luna is the Grand Champion and Haylee Finley is the Reserve Grand Champion.
In Breeding Goat Showmanship the Jr. Award went to Carly Brister, the Intermediate Award went to Rylee Brooks and the Sr. Award went to RaeLynne Salazar.
In the Market Goat Light Class, Brylie Turner is the Champion and Daecee Ellis is the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Market Goat Heavy Class Hadley Kuhl is the Grand Champion and the Reserve Grand Champion. Overall for Market Goats Brylie Turner is the Champion and Hadley Kuhl is the Reserve Grand Champion.
In the Market Goat Showmanship Awards Hadley Kuhl received the Jr. Showmanship Award, Lorelai Dressell received the Intermediate Showmanship Award and the Sr. Showmanship Award went to Daecee Ellis.
Today the Cattle Show begins at 8am and the Buyer’s Appreciation Dinner starts at 5pm.
Red Flag Warning
Lampasas County Judge Randy Hoyer has issued a Red Flag Warning effective for today, Sunday and Monday, January 14th- 16th.
Martin Luther King Day
The Lampasas City Offices and Library and the Lampasas County Offices will be closed on Monday January 16th, as well as local schools, the US Postal Service and the banks. The Radiogram offices will be open.
Naruna Road Closed
Naruna Road, from the entrance at Hwy 281S to the Golf Course, will be closed from Sunday the 15th through Monday the 16th. The City will be performing utility maintenance in preparation for the widening of Hwy 281. The Golf Course will remain open and accessible from Howe St.
Elevated Fire Danger
According to the Texas A & M Forestry Service, a progressive pattern of cold front passages is expected over the next 7-10 days. Each cold passage has the potential to bring elevated to critical fire weather to areas of the state.
There is a moderate potential for wildfire activity this weekend into early next week as a progressive pattern of frontal passages, characterized by dry air and intermittent elevated to critical fire weather, impacts the state. Multiple days of minimum relative humidity values near 20-25% will expand the area of dry vegetation to now include portion of the Western Plains, Hill Country and South Texas.
Increased surface moisture will briefly provide relief on Sunday to East, Central and South Texas. However, the frontal passages will prevent Gulf moisture from moving into the western plains
Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring the situation and working with state and local partners to prepare and respond to any wildfire incident.
“When the forecast indicates an increased potential for wildfire activity, our agency strategically positions personnel and equipment in areas of concern to quickly respond to requests for assistance from local fire departments who are our first line of defense,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Personnel and equipment, including fully staffed task forces, dozers and engines, are prepared for a quick and effective response to any new wildfire ignition in these areas.”
Since Jan. 1, 2023, state and local firefighters have responded to 27 wildfires burning 97 acres across the state.
There is a moderate potential for wildfire activity this weekend into early next week as a progressive pattern of frontal passages, characterized by dry air and intermittent elevated to critical fire weather, impacts the state. Multiple days of minimum relative humidity values near 20-25% will expand the area of dry vegetation to now include portion of the Western Plains, Hill Country and South Texas.
Increased surface moisture will briefly provide relief on Sunday to East, Central and South Texas. However, the frontal passages will prevent Gulf moisture from moving into the western plains
Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring the situation and working with state and local partners to prepare and respond to any wildfire incident.
“When the forecast indicates an increased potential for wildfire activity, our agency strategically positions personnel and equipment in areas of concern to quickly respond to requests for assistance from local fire departments who are our first line of defense,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Personnel and equipment, including fully staffed task forces, dozers and engines, are prepared for a quick and effective response to any new wildfire ignition in these areas.”
Since Jan. 1, 2023, state and local firefighters have responded to 27 wildfires burning 97 acres across the state.
Upcoming City Council Election
The City of Lampasas will be holding an election May 6, 2023 for the following City Council positions; Mayor of City of Lampasas (TJ Monroe), City Council Place 1 (Zach Morris), City Council Place 2 (Randy Clark), and City Council Place 6 (Herb Pearce).
The earliest to file an Application for a place on the Ballot is January 18th, and the deadline is February 17th. Applications can be found on the City of Lampasas website as well as other campaign documents.
Early voting begins April 26th and ends May 2nd with the election taking place on May 6th.
The earliest to file an Application for a place on the Ballot is January 18th, and the deadline is February 17th. Applications can be found on the City of Lampasas website as well as other campaign documents.
Early voting begins April 26th and ends May 2nd with the election taking place on May 6th.