Erick Mitchell

From left, Department of State Health Services staff at the Lampasas clinic, nurse Dee Edwards and specialist Tammy Pastor, pose for a photo outside the building located at 205 Water Street. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

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

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

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

The Lampasas Depot Foundation has located a Grafton Upton EMD F7 locomotive. However, the nonprofit organization would repaint the locomotive in the Warbonnet paint scheme seen above, which was utilized by the Santa Fe line in Texas. COURTESY PHOTO

The Lampasas Public Library offered a foam party and cool treats outside in its park to help celebrate the start of its Summer Reading programs. Reading logs are available for children to track their reading in June, and prizes are offered for those who reach various milestones. For more photos from the summer kickoff party, see page 2 inside....

It’s time to put on the dancing boots and get ready for the Adamsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary’s Cowboy Ball on June 13 at The Landing, at the Bar 17 Ranch.The event will include everything from fresh barbecue to live music and, of course, dancing. The evening will mark the first event for newly formed Adamsville VFD Auxiliary led by director Valerie Houston.“I a...

School buses will be required to utilize three-point safety harnesses for riders by the Sept. 1, 2029 deadline set by the Texas Legislature. Lampasas administrators say only 20 of the district’s fleet currently comply with the new regulations. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Forty-eight nations will vie this summer for the most coveted trophy in sports, the FIFA World Cup. The tournament starts June 11 at 2 p.m. when tournament co-host Mexico hosts South Korea. The U.S. Men’s National Team, also a tournament co-host, will play its first game against Paraguay on June 12 at 8 p.m. on FOX. MY PROFIT TUTOR | UPSPLASH

The Lampasas Animal Shelter is offering free adoptions of dogs through Sunday as the shelter battles a heavy influx of canines in its care. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD