April 2024 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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CONTENTS FEATURES 8 | ROCKET RANCH Go behind the scenes at Firefly Aerospace, just north of Liberty Hill 9 | ECLIPSE SAFETY TIPS View the Great American Eclipse safely with tips from a local eye doctor

10 | SEEING STARS Local advocates, city teaming up to earn DarkSky designation 12 | CANDIDATE Q&A Get to know the candidates running for school board, city council, mayor

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17 | ROCK CRUSHER OPERATIONAL Wilco Aggregates causing concerns for local residents

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18 | A TALE OF TWO HIGH SCHOOLS LHISD focusing on rebranding district with second high school about to open 20 | NEWS ROUND UP News stories affecting Liberty Hill today 23 | LIBERTY UNITED Competitive youth soccer league empowers players to do their best 24 | SWIM COACH AWARDED LHHS’s Dimitra Becker recently earned two deserved awards

26 | POWERLIFTING See the strength behind the Panthers boys team

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ABOUT OUR COVER

29 | TRACK & FIELD Shot put crew excels in the pit during area track meets 31 | TENNIS Panthers use strategy and skill to play the game well 32 | PANTHER OF THE MONTH Meet Cadence Weise of the Lady Panthers softball team 33 | BASEBALL Senior pitcher signed to play at Concordia University after graduation DEPARTMENTS 7 | BIZ BRIEFS

8 | WORSHIP GUIDE

34 | OBITUARIES

36 | LOCAL EVENTS

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On April 8, a total solar eclipse will take place. In Liberty Hill specifically, there will be nearly four minutes of totality. This photo shows the last solar eclipse that occured in Liberty Hill in October 2023.

PHOTO BY BRIEN AHO

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LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT MONTHLY

A Publication of Liberty Hill Independent News & Media

OWNERS/PUBLISHERS | Scott Akanewich, Rachel Madison ADVERTISING SALES | Anna McVey GRAPHIC DESIGN | Anna McVey, Rachel Madison CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Rachel Madison, Scott Akanewich, Odalis A. Suarez, James Wear

www.LHIndependent.com

The information in this publication was compiled with great care to assure the accuracy of editorial content and advertising copy. Liberty Hill Independent Monthly and its parent company assume no liability for the accuracy of the information reported to us herein, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. For advertising rates and information, or to obtain additional copies, call (512) 778-5577 or send email to news@LHIndependent.com. This publication is truly a collaborative effort of experienced journalists, a professional design team, advertising specialists and many others passionate about sharing the story of Liberty Hill, Texas. Copyright©2024 Liberty Hill Independent News & Media/Liberty Hill Independent. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publishers.

Contact Us: (512) 778-5577 | news@LHIndependent.com | Liberty Hill Independent, PO Box 204, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

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Our mission is to provide personalized, high-quality, comprehensive eye care and fashion-forward eyewear with exceptional service to our community. We can’t wait to serve you!

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BIZ BRIEFS:

the building with their landlord, and were asked to vacate. The Sotos do not plan to reopen elsewhere.

What’s New?

Latest business news and what’s coming soon to Liberty Hill

FOOD & BEVERAGE Apna Dhaba 13677 Hwy. 29 Apna Dhaba, an authentic Halal Pakistani food truck, recently opened in a Shell gas station parking lot on Highway 29. The food truck serves dishes like biryani, samosas and tandoori chicken.

The Bloomkery Mobile, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill resident Loredana Rodriguez opened a bakery that specializes in cupcake "bouquets" and boxed "blooms." Her baked goods resemble realistic flowers, hence the floral terms for her products.

ness that specializes in custom accessories for cars, trucks and jeeps. It will be opening in the District 29 development this month.

building kinematic models with blocks, kids will learn about mathematics, physics and engineerings all while having fun.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Vaughan Street Mercantile 316 E. Vaughan St., Bertram • Kerri's Kandles Mobile, Liberty Hill

SERVICES

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • High Vibes Food Mobile, Liberty Hill • The Ultimate Graze Mobile, Liberty Hill

RETAIL TwoBrandIt Hwy. 183 & RR 1869 Jennifer Smith, owner of TwoBrandIt, plans to open a second location, which will focus mainly on Legacy Ranch High School Wranglers gear. The project is still in the permit stage.

Relentless Rides Inc. 295 CR 214 Relentless Rides Inc. is a busi-

Laura Fucik

Victory Financial Fitness Mobile, Liberty Hill Jocelyn Groce, owner of Victory Financial Fitness, helps motivated women gain clarity, achieve confidence, and enjoy contentment with the resources that have been entrusted to them. She offers coaching from a biblical perspective on day-today finances, with an emphasis on the YNAB platform.

Agape Mental Health Online, Bertram Laura Fucik is a licensed professional counselor who will be launching Agape Mental Health, a Bertram-based online counseling service in June.

Fucik specializes in the areas of depression, anxiety, adjustments and life transitions.

Youth Engineers Williamson County Santa Rita Ranch, Liberty Hill Youth Engineers Williamson County offers after-school STEM classes for kids. Through

Top Knot Grooming Salon 11701 Hwy. 183 Top Knot Grooming Salon recently opened inside United K-9 On Duty. The salon offers a wide variety of services for dogs, including baths, haircuts and nail trims.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Custom Airport Transportation Mobile, Liberty Hill • Emma Channing Nails 907 Jase Reid Lane • A.M.P. Automotive Liberty Hill • AG Performance Horses Liberty Hill • MyMarketingTeam 4013 Discovery Well Drive, Liberty Hill • Kidtivity Online, Liberty Hill • Bert & Judy's Laundry Service Mobile, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE Elena's Mexican Restaurant 14801 Hwy. 29 Elena's closed its doors after 23 years in business on March 15.

Owners Elena and Grecia Soto cited they were unable to come to an agreement on purchasing

Schultze Agency - Farmers Insurance 14362 Hwy. 29 Schultze Agency, headed up by husband and wife team Jeff and Jaime Schultze, celebrated its one year anniversary in March.

Liberty Hill Outfitters 923 Main St. After two years in business in downtown Liberty Hill, Danyel Cake, owner of Liberty Hill Outfitters, announced she would be closing the store's doors by April. Cake hopes to continue to sell some items, particularly her men's line, in the future.

Little Crusaders Christian Preschool 3203 RR 1869 Little Crusaders, a Christian preschool in Liberty Hill, celebrated 15 years in business in March.

Community Barbershop 15100 Hwy. 29 Community Barbershop owner Anthony Kendig recently announced that due to a major life transition for his family, staff member Caeden Kieper would be taking over ownership of the business effective April 1. Kendig will stay on staff through late May.

Viridian Rowe 10 CR 279 Viridian Rowe announced in early March they would be closing their brick-and-mortar store in downtown Liberty Hill and moving to a fully online platform.

Michele Lott, Cross Tracks Church Pastor Michele Lott of Cross Tracks Church has been reappointed to a different church.

In March, she announced she will be overseeing a new congregation in Corpus Christi beginning July 1.

WORC Fitness Studio 295 CR 214 WORC Fitness Studio closed its location at 13140 Hwy. 29 on Feb. 28. It will be reopening in April in the District 29 development.

Ginger Roots Boutique 104 Brown Bridge Rd. Ginger Roots owner Whitney Petroski announced in March she would be closing the Liberty Hill location of Ginger Roots Boutique at the end of July. Ginger Roots Boutique's second location in Hico will remain in operation.

OPENING A BUSINESS? JUST PROMOTED? MOVING LOCATIONS? SHARE YOUR BUSINESS NEWS WITH US! Email news@LHIndependent.com

Information gathered from the City of Liberty Hill, Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, TDLR, LoopNet and Williamson County ESD No. 4.

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A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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FEATURE

A trip to Rocket Ranch Even for the non-science lover, Firefly Aerospace in Briggs is truly remarkable

new rocket test stands and the state-of-the-art machinery the rocket scientists (yes – real rocket scientists!) are using to build a medium launch vehicle (MLV) alongside Northrop Grumman.

BY RACHEL MADISON Not only does Firefly work alongside the OWNER/PUBLISHER likes of Northrop Grumman, but they’ve also been awarded contracts with many of the big Science was never my favorite subject in players in the space industry, like Lockheed school growing up. As a writer, I naturally faMartin and NASA. vored my English and creative writing classes, The Briggs location, fondly called Rocket but one thing I’ve learned over the years is Ranch by its employees, is where most of the science is a whole lot more interesting when design, development and construction of the you actually get to see it in action. A little over components of the rockets are being made. a month ago, I had the opportunity to do just For example, I was able to see an automated that. fiber placement machine in action, which is I was invited to Firefly Aerospace in Briggs, used to create the massive composite rocket just up Highway 183 a few minutes north barrels. In another building, I watched engiof Liberty Hill, for a media tour and ribbon neers working together to build propulsion cutting for their recently expanded facilities. engines essentially from scratch.

I joined about a dozen other Austin-area Rocket Ranch is also where all the rocket journalists for a tour of the recently-doutesting occurs. As part of their expansion, bled-in-size manufacturing warehouses, two Firefly built a higher thrust engine stand to test their engines with 230,000 pounds of thrust and five times the load capacity as their previous test stands. When they test a rocket, the scientists and engineers who work there get to see the rockets do everything they’d do in a real launch, besides actually launch.

Later that day, the tour moved to Firefly’s headquarters in Cedar Park, where scientists are actively working on the Blue Ghost lunar lander, a vehicle that will help conduct research on the moon later this year for NASA. The vehicle is inside a clean room, and scientists wear protective gear (think hair nets and gloves) while they An automated fiber placement machine is used to create massive work to keep the vehicle’s environcomposite rocket barrels at Firefly’s Rocket Ranch in Briggs. ment stable.

PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON Firefly’s headquarters is also home

to a brand-new mission operations center, which will be used by ground support staff when the Blue Ghost goes to the moon. It was one of my favorite stops on the tour, because I felt like I was stepping onto the set of a movie, like “Apollo 13.” Rows of computers and chairs filled the room, while a gigantic screen spanned one entire wall.

It was fun to imagine the views of space that will grace that screen and the conversations that will take place in that room when the Blue Ghost finally does land Jana Spruce, vice president of spacecraft, stands in the mission operations on the moon – and it’s just center, which is where she will oversee the Blue Ghost lunar lander’s mission down the road from Liberty to the moon later this year. Spruce is also a Liberty Hill resident. PHOTO BY Hill.

RACHEL MADISON While the tour itself was amazing, what I think I loved most was learning that some of Firefly’s most senior staff live right in Liberty Hill and are influencing the future of space technology every day.

I met Dan Fermon, chief operations officer, at Rocket Ranch. He came to Liberty Hill from Ohio just last year to work for Firefly but has quickly settled into Liberty Hill’s small-town way of life.

Later, at the Cedar Park headquarters, I met Jana Spruce, vice president of spacecraft, who also recently moved to Liberty Hill from the Houston area. She, too, loves the small-town feel Liberty Hill has to offer.

After a full day of all things space, this non-science lover was definitely given a new appreciation for the sheer amount of expertise The Blue Ghost lunar lander is currently being that goes into building rockets and lunar constructed in a clean room at Firefly’s Cedar Park landers. Maybe science isn’t so bad after all – headquarters. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON at least when rockets are involved.

WORSHIP GUIDE Custom Millwork & Trim Packages Solid Handcrafted Doors Spiral Staircases • Fine Cabinetry Solid Wood Tops Call Us: 512-291-1751 www.SpecialtyMillworksByJ.com 143 Peaceful Valley Rd, Liberty Hill

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OPEN DOOR BAPTIST CHURCH 13997 State Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (512) 337-6814 opendoorbaptistchurchwc@gmail.com PASTOR Kevin Alexander SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am Children’s Church 10:30am Sunday Afternoon Worship 1:30pm Wednesday Service 7pm

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LIFE SPRINGS CHRISTIAN CHURCH 15611 W State Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (512) 633-6074 www.lifespringschristianchurch.org PASTOR Dr. William Brannan SERVICES Sunday Worship 10am Sunday Online youtube.com/lifesprings

MISSION LIBERTY HILL LUTHERAN CHURCH (LCMS Affiliated) 15725 W State Hwy. 29, #7, Liberty Hill (512) 778-9310 www.missionlibertyhill.com PASTOR Rev. Mike Cofer SERVICES Sunday Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 9am Sunday Worship 10am Sunday Online missionlibertyhill.com/onlineworship

COMMUNITY

View the Great American Eclipse the smart way on April 8

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Millions of pairs of eyes will look skyward on April 8 to get a good view of the Great American Eclipse and Liberty Hill just happens to be located in what’s known as the “path of totality” meaning the swath of land included in that description will have the added bonus of witnessing a total eclipse.

But, just because the sun will be briefly completely blocked by the moon certainly doesn’t mean proper eye protection isn’t needed.

It’s really a simple enough equation, said Dr. Erica O’Brien, a Liberty Hill optometrist who owns and operates Vista Family Eye Care, located in the Water Tower Plaza on State Highway 29.

“If you wear the required glasses, you’ll have no problem,” she said. “Just make sure they’re well-fitting and especially for young children because they really don’t know any better, so parents should exercise caution.”

Exposing your eyes to the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause a condition known as solar

retinopathy – or quite simply put – “eclipse blindness” – the result of retinal burns.

Solar retinopathy can damage or even destroy cells in the retina that transmit what a person sees to the brain, can be temporary or permanent and occurs with no pain. In addition, symptoms such as loss of central vision, distorted vision or altered vision can take anywhere from a few hours up to a couple days to appear.

While many people will view the event through the lens of a cell phone or even a telescope, one shouldn’t think they’re protected by the apparatus, said O’Brien.

“You need to wear the right glasses no matter what,” she said. “Also, if you wear regular glasses, you need to hold the eclipse glasses over them to keep them in place properly.”

What about even the most powerful sunglasses?

Still a no-go.

Also, the fact it’s a full eclipse might lead one to believe it’s okay to view without for protection during that period.

Not the case, said O’Brien.

“Supposedly, there’s a brief time when

you can,” she said. “But, I would still advise against it because you can never be sure.”

Even a brief moment of exposure can cause damage, so the best thing to do is just play it safe.

Inspect your eclipse glasses before using them and discard them if there are any scratches or tears, as they will be rendered ineffective.

The safest way to view an eclipse is with the use of a pinhole projector, a device that can be constructed using a cardboard box and a few other household items. Once ready, the sun can be viewed via projection without looking directly at it.

Any changes in vision after viewing the eclipse should be reported to an optometrist immediately.

O’Brien said only eclipse glasses with the proper ISO rating (international standard ISO 12312-2) should be used, then the sky is the limit – literally.

“This is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime event and we want people to enjoy it,” she said. “But, we want the public to be informed and safe.”

Dr. Erica O’Brien, a Liberty Hill optometrist who owns and operates Vista Family Eye Care, shares safety tips for viewing the eclipse on April 8. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

Total Eclipse of the Hill Community Celebration a success The Liberty Hill Independent, Liberty Hill Public Library and Liberty Hill Save Our Stars group teamed up to co-host the Total Eclipse of the Hill Community Celebration on March 22. The event included a lineup of activites to celebrate the upcoming eclipse, including crafts for kids, yard games, a nighttime story walk, a photo booth, food vendors, and a star party with the Austin Astronomical Society. Attendees were able to view the moon, planets and stars through high-powered telescopes, all while learning more about the mysteries of outer space.

Left, community members listen to Ed LaBelle of the Austion Astronomical Society give a sky orientation talk before the star party. Above, community members were able to view the moon and planets up close through high-powered telescopes. Right, LaBelle shows the audience how to measure the moon using their hand for reference. PHOTOS BY ANNA MCVEY

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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CITY

When stars align Local advocate group, City of Liberty Hill working together to achieve DarkSky certification

BY ODALIS A. SUAREZ

STAFF WRITER

It’s been three years since Donna Leonard first pursued her ambitions to turn Liberty Hill into a DarkSky certified community.

Since then, her efforts have turned into a grassroots movement. She founded the Liberty Hill Save Our Stars group which holds approximately 700 Facebook members and most recently, accomplished a milestone in 2022 when the Liberty Hill City Council passed an outdoor lighting ordinance to uphold the preservation of the city’s dark skies.

“The more I learned, the more passionate I got and the next thing you know, I started a group on Facebook and the first person to join me was feeling exactly the same way,” Leonard said. “It just went from there.”

Trusting the process

The Save Our Stars movement is now in close reach toward the ambitious goal to earn Liberty Hill its official DarkSky Community designation.

The Liberty Hill Save Our Stars group is collaborating with the City of Liberty Hill to finalize the application to submit to DarkSky International – the nonprofit organization that will review and approve certification eligibility.

“I’ve always been interested in the night sky, said city council member Amanda Young. “When I first ran for council, that was one of the very first things I wanted to try to get done and I thought, especially in this community, we have a unique opportunity because the growth is coming, but it isn’t quite here or overrun yet.”

The designation is not a legal or regulatory document, but rather an award of international recognition for the work accomplished to achieve dark sky preservation.

Preserving Liberty Hill’s dark skies does not mean nighttime lighting is completely eradicated. Instead, this initiative is focused on changing community mindset of what safe and effective nighttime lighting should be.

Key factors in transforming a city into a DarkSky compliant one includes assessing all existing light fixtures, retrofitting these fixtures accordingly, and using a special device to conduct routine sky brightness monitoring.

Ideal light fixtures follow DarkSky International’s Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, which are to be useful, targeted, low level, controlled and warm-colored (see graphic for more detailed information).

“I’m not trying to take away anything,” said Leonard of the mission’s narrative. “I’m try-

Ideal light fixtures for DarkSky compliance follow DarkSky International’s Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting. GRAPHIC COURTESY DARK SKY INTERNATIONAL

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Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla issued a proclamation at a March 13 City Council meeting in support of the Liberty Hill Save Our Stars group. From left are Council member Amanda Young, Mancilla, and Save Our Stars volunteers Pam Turner, Donna Leonard, Molly Evans and Leah Jenkins. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

ing to help you keep what you have. You may not even realize what you have until it’s gone.

I’m saying I’m seeing it stripped away – I’m seeing it right now.”

Getting tough

To assure their application is completed correctly, the City of Liberty Hill has sought the assistance of Amy Jackson as a consultant.

Jackson is the founder of Central Texas-based organization Starry Sky Project, which strives to provide astronomy education to the masses. With the addition of her extensive background in science and physics, she was an ideal candidate to consult the city in supporting its DarkSky efforts. “[The ordinance] has got to be the hardest part of an application, and to get everyone on board and adopt it,” said Jackson. “The next part that’s big is a lighting audit. All the city-owned lighting is being audited. We’ve been going around with Liberty Hill Save Our Stars volunteers and assessing [and doing] inventory [of] all the city-owned lighting.”

The city’s outdoor lighting ordinance was passed in August 2022 and adopts similar expectations as set in the five lighting principles and lays out lighting standards for new and existing fixtures.

For existing fixtures, the expectation is for retrofitting to occur within five years.

Another standard set is an 11 p.m. curfew with certain exceptions detailed for business

hours and 24-hour operating locations.

“Why not set things up in a way that keeps some of the qualities of Liberty Hill that we’ve had up until now?” said Leonard. “Let’s not forget that the businesses are going to come, development is going to come, but there is no reason that we should not put restrictions on them. They’re going to come in, make as much money as they can and then leave.

Right now we have the opportunity to say, ‘No, you’re going to do it how we want it done, so that once you’re gone, we still have something wonderful.’”

There are also separate parameters for sign illumination included in the ordinance as well.

“We make sure that all illuminated signs are compliant with the lighting ordinance by making sure any light being emitted is below 2700 Kelvin, or Correlated Color Temperature (CCT),” said city planner Stephan Zaparolli.

With the ordinance in place, Jackson, the City of Liberty Hill, and members of Liberty Hill Save Our Stars are focusing on the next to-do items in the application process.

Currently, they are conducting the full audit of all city-owned light fixtures to identify those that require retrofitting within the five years.

“The ordinance includes a five-year grace period for which already existing signs are to be brought up to code,” said Zaparolli. “The city has also equipped volunteer organizers

CITY with the equipment necessary to measure light emissions of existing light fixtures and the equipment to read the light quality of our skies after dark. These measurements are useful in our lighting audit that we must submit to DarkSky International for accreditation.”

Another crucial element in this process is community engagement and education. On March 13, Mayor Crystal Mancilla issued her first proclamation recognizing the efforts of Liberty Hill Save Our Stars.

She acknowledged their third annual star party, held March 22, that raises dark sky awareness in the community, and declared the city’s support of April 2-8 as International Dark Sky Week.

This was another big boost for the initiative in raising awareness and encouraging community involvement in the dark sky preservation movement.

Making it official

Once the certification is awarded, the city must maintain good standing and submit an annual report to DarkSky International that showcases efforts to uphold standards, monitor sky light and provide sufficient community outreach.

Ultimately, all this work boasts an end result that goes beyond simply having clearer visibility of the stars at night that are big

and bright in the Texas skies.

The most obvious is the reduction in light pollution. The less obvious is a healthier, more environmentally friendly, and surprisingly, safer nighttime landscape.

According to DarkSky International, dimming down artificial light improves human circadian rhythm, melatonin production and eyesight.

From an environmental standpoint, a community’s effort to lessen light intrusion allows wildlife to realign their lifestyles with the natural evolvement of the day.

For some, the most unexpected benefit is improved safety measures.

While custom to assume that more light means more safety at night, DarkSky International stands on the contrary. By abiding to light fixture best practices, a nighttime landscape can see reduced glare and can create less inconspicuous areas that are typically susceptible for criminals to hide in.

The goal is for the application to be submitted this summer and at that point it is unknown how long DarkSky International will take to reply with their determination.

If Liberty Hill does receive their designation, they will join fellow Central Texas cities such as Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Horseshoe Bay, Jonestown and Wimberley Valley as a DarkSky designated community.

This close-up view of the moon was taken with a cell phone camera via telescope during the Liberty Hill Save Our Stars group’s star party on March 22. The event encouraged community involvement in the dark sky preservation movement. PHOTO COURTESY SHANNON BURKE

Members of the community view stars, planets and the moon during the Liberty Hill Save Our Stars group’s star party on March 22. PHOTOS BY RACHEL MADISON

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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LOCAL ELECTION

Meet the candidates for LHISD Board of Trustees, Place 4 COMPILED BY LIBERT Y HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF

For the Liberty Hill Independent School District’s board of trustees, three places are up for election this spring, but only one place, Place 4, drew more than one candidate. Incumbent Kathy Major is up for reelection against challenger Sharon Yager.

Major has served on the school board since 2018. She’s retired now, but spent a 36-year career in education, much of that in Liberty Hill. She served 16 years as a principal, four years as an assistant principal and prior to that was a teacher.

Yager has lived in Liberty Hill for two years and is also retired after spending 32 years working in education as a senior administrative assistant.

Both candidates chose to participate in a questionnaire from The Independent. Their responses appear here as they were submitted -- unedited by The Independent.

to ensure student success. As president I had to negotiate with district for employees, so I know needs of employees, I was on the budget committee, Insurance committee, and on the hiring panel for Principals and Asst. Principals.

LHI: What qualities do you believe best qualify you for serving on the board?

MAJOR: My best qualities for serving as trustee are my experience and commitment to the LHISD community. Serving as teacher, HS asst. principal, Intermediate School principal and now board member, my service has spanned over 33 years for Liberty Hill. I have been part of volunteer opportunities that enriched my understanding, love, and appreciation of our community.

YAGER: I spent 32 years as a Sr. Administrative Asst. in one of the biggest school districts with 18 Schools and a district budget of over 200 Million dollars, I also served as a Union President to the Classified employees for 15 years. In both rolls I learn how schools are run, what is needed

LHI: Describe your overall philosophy of education and how your role on the board ties into those views?

MAJOR: My philosophy is rooted in love for my students. Every child will learn and grow when stakeholders just do it right, so children can achieve success. Doing things right is how we build champions. My philosophy aligns with the vision and mission of LHISD. I expect myself and others to love and respect each other, and then do the hard work that achieves success for students.

YAGER: I believe it is very important to teach our future, I want to do all I can to make sure the great schools I trust my own grandchildren to attend continue to thrive. I also want to do my part to illuminate LHISD as a model of academic excellence in Texas for genera-

SHARON YAGER

KATHY MAJOR

tions to come.

LHI: What are the district’s biggest challenges at the current time the board needs to most focus on?

MAJOR: The biggest challenges facing us are attracting and retaining quality teachers, and adequately funding our schools. Our district strives to build environments that support learning. We have to be financially smart while working with our community and state representatives to support funding that supports that excellence.

YAGER: LHISD’s challenges at the current time would be space for students, It is in progress with a new high school coming next year and a new middle school. Liberty Hill is growing but we need to make sure we keep the small town values and morals no matter how big it gets. Always protect our children, they should always feel safe when at school.

LHI: As LHISD continues to grow, how can the standards of excellence the district is known for be properly maintained?

MAJOR: Our mission, vision, portrait of a graduate, and belief statement clearly define LHISD expectations. Every campus must partner with parents and neighborhoods to build these standards into the community identity. Every employee must live them out in the classroom. We all will measure our success against our expectations. Our community must stand on those expectations, and as a trustee, I am part of the team that ensures it happens.

YAGER: We should keep doing what we are doing and if we need to step it up then we should. All student should benefit, we should have classes that help students for their future. Not all students will go to college so we should have classes that teach a trade ensuring all students succeed.

LHI: If there’s one thing you could change about public education, what would it be and why?

MAJOR: My two greatest challenges lead to what I would change. By trusting and financially supporting public schools, we ensure a top notch education which retains the rights and liberties of all students as citizens. We are accountable for our children, and must work together to achieve success. Let’s remember we all love Liberty Hill ISD and that is why we are here.

YAGER: More money, I would love to see the state as well as the federal invest more money in public education. I believe given the resources we can get all the qualified teachers we need and pay them accordingly, and I don’t mean the ones we have are bad, they are excellent. However, they are worth more that what they get. Students would have supplies they need without having to put the burden on the parents or having student fundraise in order to do something at school.

Meet LHISD Board of Trustees members elect, Places 3 & 5 COMPILED BY LIBERT Y HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF For the Liberty Hill Independent School District’s board of trustees, both Place 3 and Place 5 only drew one candidate.

Incumbent Michael Ferguson was the only person to file for Place 3, which means he will maintain his current role, which he’s had since 2021. Brandon Canady, who unsuccessfully ran for a place on the school board in 2023, filed for Place 5, which is currently held

by Anthony Buck.

Both candidates chose to participate in a

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questionnaire from The Independent. Their responses appear here as they were submitted -- unedited by The Independent.

LHI: What was the board’s biggest accomplishment during your first three-year term, and why does it stand out to you?

FERGUSON: Over the past three years, we have passed two bonds: 2021 for $491 million and 2023 for $471 million. During my first term, I worked together with the Trustees to help guide the district through massive growth, including a one-year bubble of 23.5%.

As a Trustee, I voted in favor of a large pay in-

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crease for teachers of approximately 8%. That was important for us to catch up to bigger districts and aid in recruiting and retention of staff. Under our governance, LHISD came out of COVID as one of the highest-performing districts in the region because the focus stayed on academic excellence and keeping the community and parents involved. I was also proud to vote on lowering the tax rate each year totaling a reduction of 20 cents in the last 3 years and most recently voted in A/B block scheduling at the HS. LHI: What qualities do you believe best

qualify you for serving on the board?

CANADY: Over the last two years, I have been attending school board meetings and serving on the Student Health Advisory Council.

At these meetings, I have learned about the process of how money is spent by the board, how curriculum gets created or purchased, and how policies are created. This will help me serve the board effectively and be able to hit the ground running after I am sworn in.

My career has also prepared me to be a board member. I have project management skills that include: managing a team of people, being a project manager for the construction

LOCAL ELECTION

BRANDON CANADY

MICHAEL FERGUSON

of large electrical substations, ordering and delivering equipment, working with contractors, and navigating chronic supply chain crisis during covid and acute supply chain issues during major storm events.

These skills will benefit the school board while building new schools and managing finances responsibly.

coming on I feel it is very important that the Liberty Hill Culture is instilled in that new school. As a board member, I will focus on making sure all campuses in the district follow the same set of standards that keep Liberty Hill values strong. This will not only create unity but creates stronger bonds across our entire community.

FERGUSON: A strong economy and growing population result in Fast-growth schools or so-called “destination districts”. To keep pace with continued growth we will likely see more school bonds for building new facilities, hiring new staff and managing increased academic resource costs. With the addition of a second High School comes new challenges. LHISD is no longer a one-horse town but a thriving academic and athletic district. To preserve the culture, it will take both the district and the community to have buy in to create togetherness, teamwork, and school pride. With that said, let’s get to what I consider the district’s biggest challenge today. This past legislative session school districts were hit with major budget deficits due to school tax compression and a $100,000 homestead exemption. To make matters worse, House Bill 100 which would have given teachers a modest raise and helped ease schools financial strain died due to Gov. Abbott failed attempts to pass school vouchers. With that said I believe LHISD is in a good place, and we have the right team thinking outside the box to deal with increased financial burdens in the absence of state funding.

LHI: Describe your overall philosophy of education and how your role on the board ties into those views?

CANADY: I believe education is to build a foundation for students to become the best adults they can be. Liberty Hill has done a great job for many years of producing smart, talented, and driven students that successfully go into the next chapter of their life.

The district has developed many classes and courses built around chosen career paths that prep our students for the next phase of their life after graduation. Whether that is college, trade school, or going straight into the workforce. As a board we need continue to give our students the best chances of being successful at whatever they chose.

FERGUSON: My philosophy on education is simple and has always been to instill students with the “essentials” of academic knowledge and character development to give them the best opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed in life. With that said, all students are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. As a school board member, it is my desire to support the administration and teaching in creating and sustaining this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential.

LHI: What are the district’s biggest challenges at the current time the board needs to most focus on?

CANADY: As our district grows, I want to make sure we do not lose our small-town, big heart feel. With the new High School

LHI: As LHISD continues to grow, how can the standards of excellence the district is known for be properly maintained?

CANADY: As our district continues to grow it is important that we maintain and uphold the character and traditions of LHISD. This mean keeping policies in place that reflect those values. Hiring professionals that share the values of LHISD, and the Liberty Hill Community. It is also very important that

the district is retaining the current teachers and staff that have helped to build LHISD into the district it is today. We need to continually assess the districts surrounding Liberty Hill to ensure we have competitive hiring and compensation packages. All of these things together will help ensure that the Legacy that is LHISD doesn’t only last for my kids, but for generations to come.

FERGUSON: With growth comes changes outside of our control. For us to maintain our culture of excellence it’s imperative that we continue to define and communicate our expectations. We need to model and reward excellence while continuing to empower and support our staff and students to reach their full potential. We need to monitor and evaluate our progress toward our goals and objectives and adjust as needed. In addition, we need to continue to celebrate and share the success of the staff and students with stakeholders.

LHI: If there’s one thing you could change about public education, what would it be and why?

CANADY: I think the biggest issue with public education today is the major push of outside factors into the classroom. The most important thing that we can do as a district is provide an unbiased education for our students that will get them the fundamental skills to think for themselves and be smart successful individuals in whatever endeavors they choose.

FERGUSON: I’d change the way we legislate educational change. If these decisions were made by a panel representative of all ed stakeholders, the children of America would stop being tossed around as a political football. We could set clear goals and move toward them over decades, instead of moving targets and resources every 8 years.

Funding is another major issue. Simply put, our students and educators deserve more. Our system continues to exacerbate vast inequities that have been prevalent for centuries. Investing in our K12 system is not simply an education issue but the foundation of our economy at both the local and national levels.

Meet Liberty Hill’s City Council members elect, Places 1, 3 & 5 COMPILED BY LIBERT Y HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF The City of Liberty Hill had three places open for City Council, all of which only had one person file. Due to this, there will be no general election, and the candidates will take their oath of office after Election Day. Jacquetta Thayer will take over Place 1, which is currently held by Chris Pezold.

Thayer previously served as a member of the City’s home rule charter commission and lists her career as a national social studies content coach.

Diane Williams will take over Place 3, which is currently held by Crystal Mancilla.

Williams is currently a member of the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission and lists her career as an international consultant.

Wade Ashley will take over Place 5, which is currently held by Angela Jones. Ashley also previously served as a member of the City’s home rule charter commission and lists his career as retired military.

All three candidates chose to participate in a questionnaire from The Independent.

Their responses appear here as they were submitted -- unedited by The Independent.

Some answers were shortened due to space constraints.

LHI: Why do you want to be a City Council member and what is your main goal once you have taken your oath of office?

ASHLEY: I desire to be part of City Council CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

VOTING INFORMATION

• Early voting: April 22-30, LHISD Gym Annex, 301 Forrest St. • Election Day: May 4, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Polling locations on Election Day: LHISD Gym Annex; Liberty Hill High School, 16500 Hwy. 29; Santa Rita Ranch House, 175 Elizabeth Park Blvd.

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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LOCAL ELECTION

City Council

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

because I want to help ensure that Liberty Hill keeps being a friendly community that is a safe place for my children to grow up.

THAYER: I have had the privilege of calling Liberty Hill home for nearly six years. As a City Council member, I now have the additional honor to serve my community and continue building relationships. My main goal as a City Council member is to ensure that the perspectives and concerns of Liberty Hill residents are heard and represented in our community. To accomplish this goal, I encourage community members, stakeholders, and leaders in our city to reach out to me by email or text directly so we may begin to learn more from each other. You can reach me at JThayer@ libertyhilltx.gov and (512) 270-9535.

WILLIAMS: I want to be on City Council to give back to my hometown where I was born and raised. If I had to name one main goal, which is also another reason why I wanted to be on the City Council, it is to continue the implementation of the approved 2040 Comprehensive (Comp) Plan, which is focused on fiscally sustainable growth, and of course includes addressing our infrastructure needs and availability of water. We must ensure, as a City, that we utilize this Plan in our decision making and that we consider the priorities outlined for future development in accordance with our growth sector map, future land use map, and development matrix. This also necessitates rewriting the Unified Development Code (UDC) to align it with this Plan, and improving the flow to follow the development process (adding more graphics, etc.) to streamline the processes and help ensure clarity.

LHI: What experience do you have that qualifies you to be a City Council member, and how will you use that experience to enhance the City of Liberty Hill during your term?

ASHLEY: I am a recently retired Navy Commander, and have ample experience managing large budgets requiring future & strategic planning.

THAYER: There are several skills and experiences I possess that exemplify the qualities of a City Council member: the skill of problem-solving and experiences in education, communication, and public service.

As an educator, instructional leader, and coach, my day-to-day work involves analyzing problems of practice, creating and implementing creative solutions, listening

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WADE ASHLEY

JACQUETTA THAYER

DIANE WILLIAMS

to and learning from students, staff, and community members of all backgrounds, and engaging in honorable, ethical, and public-serving practices. Coupled with two degrees in history and three teaching certifications, I have spent nearly fifteen years immersed in the learning and teaching of constitutional law, public history, public policy, political science, and human cultures, societies, and activities. In my over twenty years of involvement in the speech and debate community as a competitor, coach, judge, ombudsperson, and a curriculum and topic writer, my leadership skills, professional expertise, and education and training have all helped me navigate working with and advocating for all walks of life.

WILLIAMS: In addition to my educational background with a Master in Business Administration and a PhD in Organization Development, I was the Director of Information Resources at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT); an International Consultant, who worked with a national Public Works and Highways Department to streamline processes, strengthen internal controls and improve transparency through the use of enabling information technology; and a trainer for skills and leadership development for organizations such as Microsoft. I have also had the honor of serving as the Secretary of Liberty Hill’s Planning and Zoning Commission that has worked hard on the Comprehensive Planning process and improving the UDC by writing and recommending several key ordinances.

I will use my knowledge of governance, and my experience in process improvements, analytics, critical thinking, and public service, to continue the City’s ongoing efforts to improve policies and processes, and strengthen internal controls.

growth in Liberty Hill?

ASHLEY: By questioning everything and everyone. I want to know the today plan, and the plan 20 years from now. Any relationship formed with the city of Liberty Hill must be a positive contribution to the city and surrounding area, and mutually beneficial.

THAYER: Over the past several months, I joined the Home-Rule Charter Commission to guide the governance of our growing city.

During this time, I got to put into practice what I had only ever read and taught about: cities like Liberty Hill growing in healthy and environmentally sustainable ways through smart planning, diverse economic development initiatives, local access to goods and services, and engaging and educating the public. As I continue building working relationships with our community and the city’s staff, I anticipate my education and experience will enhance our community’s development while maintaining the spirit of what Liberty Hill is all about.

WILLIAMS: I believe in community input, and I feel that the 2040 Comp Plan recommendations are based on the community input received during that process. In terms of fostering healthy growth, a key aspect of that is ensuring fiscally sustainable growth, and I believe that the strategies outlined in the Plan, and its growth sector map, are focused on that critical need through prioritizing infill, and especially commercial, where there is already existing development and infrastructure. I want to use the Plan to make decisions relative to future development, which I firmly believe will foster healthy growth, and most importantly, I don’t want this City to become a “concrete jungle” and I believe the 2040 Comp Plan respects those wishes of our Community. Another critical priority to me, and I believe extremely important in fostering healthy growth, is the Dark Skies initiative. I will continue to support this effort and appreciate all the volunteers that

are working so hard to protect our night skies. I will work to encourage developers and businesses to be good neighbors in this regard as well.

LHI: The City is growing at an unprecedented rate when it comes to both commercial and residential development. How will you help to foster healthy

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

LHI: What steps will you take to address the infrastructure needs of the City, namely water availability, when it comes to growth and development?

ASHLEY: First, by educating myself on the issue. I’ve only lived here since November 2022. I intend to become intimately educated on this issue, and am confident I can find resolution.

THAYER: I believe the best ways to address Liberty Hill’s water and larger infrastructure needs is found in the LHTX 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This document has been key to developing my understanding of what the future of Liberty Hill is expected to grow towards. Specifically my belief in smart planning to foster healthy growth for Liberty Hill lives in the comprehensive plan’s tenets: focusing development toward our existing infrastructure’s expansion, developing the core of our city while keeping our rural nature, ensuring accessibility from walkable neighborhoods to access to water, and funding road maintenance and water and wastewater lines. As the comprehensive plan sets the groundwork for our city, I am encouraged to continue revisiting its many layers to guide my next steps.

WILLIAMS: I am a strong advocate of the 2040 Comp Plan and believe we must strive to adhere to the growth sector map, and give priority to where we have existing infrastructure. In addition, while infrastructure may give us the capacity to serve, the focus is also on the ability to serve, meaning the water availability itself, which is also a priority to resolve through exploring additional surface and ground water sources, coordinating with surrounding cities, as well as looking to progress reuse opportunities. I will continue to support these ongoing efforts.

LOCAL ELECTION

Meet the candidates for Liberty Hill Mayor COMPILED BY LIBERT Y HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF

city’s growth. Regarding water availability, we have explored sustainable options that we believe will effectively meet the needs of our community for generations to come.

VYNER: Water is no doubt the hot button issue that a lot of residents are concerned with, and rightfully so. Fortunately, the city has done well in the last couple of years under Mayor Branigan’s leadership attracting new employee talent. We have the right people in the right places now, experts in the field, and trusting your employees to formulate the best solution for the city is effective leadership. As Mayor, it’s impossible to be an expert in all things. I’m not an expert in water, but I know enough to lean on the right people that are. Conservation and education should also be a part of the multi-faceted approach to long-term water security for the city as well.

The City of Liberty Hill has two candidates vying for the position of mayor to fill the unexpired term of former Mayor Liz Branigan, who resigned from her position March 1 due to ongoing health issues.

The remainder of Branigan’s term is for one year, from May 2024 to May 2025 and will be filled in a special-called election on May 4.

City Council member Crystal Mancilla, who is also serving as mayor through the election on May 4, is up against challenger Devin Vyner. Mancilla lists her career as project manager, while Vyner lists his career as police sergeant.

Both candidates chose to participate in a questionnaire from The Independent. Their responses appear here as they were submitted -- unedited by The Independent.

LHI: Why do you want to be mayor for a one-year term, and what is your main goal once you have taken your oath of office?

MANCILLA: My love for this town is strong as it has been the place where I have raised my children and served our community in various roles. Finishing the mayor’s term for one year is important to me As I have spent many hours serving on council. Through my roles on the Council and as Mayor pro tem, we’ve prioritized transparency in city governance and infrastructure improvement. I’m committed to seeing these projects through as we’re at a pivotal point of momentum.

VYNER: I’ve lived a life of public service for 14 years as a police officer and it just makes sense to pour that dedication, integrity, and devotion that I’ve shown throughout my career into the town my family and I call home. Being an officer has been an amazing ride, but I was created to be a father, and having a hand in providing an atmosphere for my family that’s safe, that has leaders who understand that they serve the citizens, and that promotes transparency in government should be the focus of all city leaders, especially the Mayor. My main goal during my term is to work on bringing minds and competing ideas together. There’s no shortage of problems to solve in Liberty Hill and you can’t work towards the best solution without listening to all of the ideas, from all of the experts in the various fields, and then making an well-informed decision.

LHI: What experience do you have that qualifies you to be mayor, and how will

CRYSTAL MANCILLA

DEVIN VYNER

you use that experience to enhance the City of Liberty Hill during your term?

MANCILLA: With two and a half years of dedicated service on the council, I’ve actively been involved in shaping water and infrastructure sustainability initiatives.

My hands-on experience minimizes the learning curve, ensuring efficient action to address our city’s rapid growth. Additionally, my background in developing and expanding departments for various companies equips me to growing partnerships with local entities, including schools, counties, and developers, to better serve our community’s needs.

VYNER: I’ve been on the “inside” of government most of my professional life, helping build budgets, negotiate concessions, and seeking ways to improve the lives of our citizens and employees alike. I also had the opportunity as a Liberty Hill resident to serve on the city’s Home Rule Charter Commission. During my tenure on HRC, one of my guiding tenants I felt was essential to remember was that just because you can govern one way, doesn’t mean you should.

infrastructure development to support increasing demands, implement smart zoning regulations to ensure sustainable development, engage with local businesses to encourage growth while preserving the town’s character, and continue to invest in our parks and to enhance quality of life for residents.

VYNER: Growth doesn’t have to be a dirty word in our city, but, you have to get out in front of it instead of waiting until you have a problem. We’re a city that people want to move to, that’s a great thing! But, resources are finite and without the infrastructure in place, sometimes the answer has to be “no, not right now”. Infrastructure investment is costly on the front end, but seldom a poor investment in the long run. In regards to business growth, it’s important the city creates an environment that’s appealing to business too. I sat down with one business owner for several hours last month and learned so much about the struggles he faces, down to the sign regulations the city imposes on him and how that effects his business. We have to have those sometimes difficult conversations to make sure we’re growing as a city responsibly.

LHI: The City is growing at an unprecedented rate when it comes to both commercial and residential development. How will you help to foster healthy growth in Liberty Hill?

MANCILLA: Thats right! Last I checked we grew 225% since I have been serving on council! So, To foster healthy growth in Liberty Hill, as mayor, I will prioritize

LHI: What steps will you take to address the infrastructure needs of the City, namely water availability, when it comes to growth and development?

MANCILLA: I will prioritize equipping our staff and collaborating with engineers to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with the

LHI: Traffic is a big issue across town.

What ideas do you have to remedy traffic concerns?

MANCILLA: While on the council, we initiated a traffic study, and I anticipate receiving the results soon. These findings will inform our actions and help us prioritize areas for improvement. It’s essential to acknowledge that traffic issues go beyond the city’s authority and involve partnerships with the state, county, and school district.

If elected mayor, I’m committed to maintaining collaboration with these entities to promptly and efficiently address our citizens’ traffic concerns.

VYNER: As both an officer and while I was a Law Enforcement Liaison for the largest police association in Texas, I’ve had the opportunity to build relationships with TXDOT, specifically, the Traffic Safety Specialist at TXDOT for our area. Through that partnership I learned quickly that a big component to addressing some traffic concerns is through enforcement. We have to change those driving behaviors that exacerbate the traffic issues through town. Whether you’re the car being stopped or just passing by, when a police officer makes a traffic stop, people slow down, they wear their seatbelts, they stop at red lights, etc. Essentially, if you know you might get caught, you drive better, and when people drive better, traffic flows more smoothly. We also have to approach it from an engineering standpoint. I would leverage those professional relationships I’ve already built to keep the attention at the state level on Liberty Hill; the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

NEWS

WilCo Aggregates rock crushing plant in operation After meeting pushback from Liberty Hill community, plant began operations in 2023

BY ODALIS A. SUAREZ

STAFF WRITER

In the summer of 2022, public dialogue ensued when a proposed rock crushing plant by Wilco Aggregates, LLC would land on 4655 County Road 284 in Liberty Hill.

Fast forward to present day, the story now concludes with the location in question now open for business.

With a Google My Business page live and showcasing active business hours, Wilco Aggregates appends the name “Armadillo” to the plant’s site name, as it’s located on Armadillo Ranch, a more than 2,000-acre ranch owned by the Youngquist family, which has leased the land to Wilco Aggregates.

Nearby residents are well aware the site is in full operation due to experiencing ongoing loud noises, big trucks driving unsafely fast and eroding road conditions as a result.

“I live across the street from Armadillo Ranch and I used to love it out here, but now that’s changed,” said CR 284 resident Kris Weixel. “There’s constant traffic, with the big trucks going by constantly. I can’t leave my gate without waiting for trucks or following trucks. They do go at very fast speeds. Our road down here on this end is also torn up. My biggest concern is where they’re getting their water. And the noise is constant, like you can hear loud booms often.”

The initial filing of the rock crushing plant’s Texas Commission on Environmental Quality air quality permit began on May 10, 2022, with public notices later posted in the Hill Country News and Spanish publication El Mundo on June 2, 2022. In the subsequent months, residents and businesses in the area attended multiple public hearings expressing concerns which included proper notification procedures, operating hours, air quality, as well as water use and management of the plant.

On Feb. 28, 2023, TCEQ sent their final action notice with recipients including approximately 144 protestants/interested persons. The 63-page document outlined an official decision to proceed with issuing the air quality permit followed by TCEQ’s 27 responses to concerns raised by community members during the public forum period.

“The executive director’s staff reviewed the permit application in accordance with the applicable state and federal law, policy

and procedures and the agency’s mission to protect the state’s human and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development,” said Rebecca Partee, assistant deputy director of the air quality permits division at TCEQ. “The TCEQ cannot deny authorization of a facility if a permit application contains a demonstration that all applicable statutes, rules, and regulations will be met.”

Additionally, while air quality was a key focal point of concern, water management, conservation, and permitting was another environmental factor raised. The TCEQ’s response to this was stated in the final notice letter as “not within the scope of this permit review” due to being focused on air quality-related issues only—a decision area residents don’t agree with.

“How does TCEQ expect them to be controlling the dust in the air if they’re [not] getting water?” Weixel said. “They’re connected. You can’t take them apart and look at them independently, so I don’t get how they are doing that.”

Today, water usage still poses concern for neighboring residents who are unsure how the site is utilizing water for their day-to-day operations. This unknown also leaves homeowners and businesses alike in the dark as to how the usage could impact potable water supply for everyone.

“They should have sunk a well out there 900 feet that had brackish water, which had been great to spray onto dirt, not drink,” stated CR 284 resident Fritz Schubert. “But they went completely around that. What I heard during the time period we were doing all these meetings was that they said they didn’t want to drill that far down. It cost too much. Well, that’s insane. As far as I’m concerned, this whole thing’s insane.”

According to the activity action list provided on the TCEQ website for the Liberty Hill site, on March 23, 2023, a motion to overturn (MTO) the final notice was submitted and received. The motion was written

by CR 284 resident Regina O’Brien and submitted with the names of 325 protestants in the community. This motion readdressed nine out of the 27 responses to comments made in TCEQ’s final notice letter.

“Those were the specific blatant violations,” said O’Brien. “Like the [public notices only being] in the Hill Country [newspaper] and El Mundo. Also, the map the TCEQ

Above, hundreds of Liberty Hill area residents attended a public hearing in August 2022 at Shooting Star Ranch to voice their concerns about Wilco Aggregates, a rock crushing plant on CR 284. Right, Wilco Aggregates also operates a rock crushing plant near Jarrell, as viewed here. Crushed rock from Wilco Aggregates’ plants are used to build roads and for bedding underground water and sewer lines in Williamson County.

PHOTOS BY RACHEL MADISON

used was the one submitted by the company. They didn’t even bother to consult their own maps. It’s like an airline making up its own air regulations and saying, ‘Let me just do whatever I want to do.’”

According to O’Brien, TCEQ did not respond to the MTO she submitted. TCEQ procedures state that “if the commissioners have not acted on a motion to overturn within 45 days after the date that the TCEQ mailed the notice of the signed permit, the motion is thereby denied, unless an extension of time has specifically been granted.”

“The permit meets all federal and state regulatory requirements and is protective of human health and the environment,” said Partee.

After the submission and receipt of the MTO, there are no further actions or responses listed in the activity history regarding this specific permit.

“It’s valuable to be involved in the process and it felt empowering at the time, but I feel really jaded now,” said CR 284 resident Laura McFarland. “I hate to feel that way, because it’s like, even if the outcome isn’t what we want, we should always fight, but it takes a lot for ordinary citizens who are working to try to come together and organize something like this and to fight.”

Wilco Aggregates is owned by Harold Chapman, who also owns additional site locations in Florence and Jarrell. The listed applicant for the approved air quality permit was plant manager Trey Cox. The Independent made numerous attempts to reach Chapman, as well as impacted community members David Gould, executive director of Hope House and Shawn Oehrlein, owner of Shooting Star Ranch. All parties did not respond for comment.

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EDUCATION

A tale of two high schools LHISD officials share initial district rebranding plans as Legacy Ranch High School comes on board

BY ODALIS A. SUAREZ

STAFF WRITER

It’s only the best of times in Liberty Hill with the town on the precipice of welcoming its second high school, Legacy Ranch.

The newly-deemed home of the Wranglers will welcome its first-ever freshman class in August on the campus of Liberty Hill’s third middle school, also recently named Legacy Ranch, until construction on the high school campus is complete. Both schools are located on County Road 258, just off U.S. Highway 183.

With only months left until Legacy Ranch goes live, the community, from district personnel to families to local businesses, are now focused on settling into their new reality.

Liberty Hill is no longer just Panther Nation – it’s now a town that will represent both Panthers and Wranglers.

“The community relates to purple and gold and LH, but the community is the people and the students and all the things that make education great,” said Liberty Hill Independent School District Superintendent Steven Snell.

“We’ll replicate that with Legacy Ranch. We have a great principal and great athletic coordinator hired and they are working as fast as they can to hire the best teachers, too. We already have a great high school – we want to have two great high schools.”

Origins

In December 2023, the LHISD Board of Trustees announced Wranglers as the official mascot selection – a far cry from the heavily-represented Panther which brands all schools in the district. Other options under consideration were Rattlers and Leopards, which would have aligned with the district’s cat motif. Pairing with the Wranglers theme are branding colors Columbia blue and navy blue.

The district anticipates by summer of this year they will have an official branding kit for Legacy Ranch to disseminate so the school can continue to saturate its presence in the community.

“Once we do get the finalized logos and everything figured out for the branding, we’ll be putting together a branding package that we can share online so that our local community partners can pull from that,” said Rachel Acosta, LHISD’s director of communications.

The seal of approval set on Legacy Ranch’s

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mascot and colors is only the beginning as there’s more work to be done in building a new two-high-school world and this starts at the district level.

Making it happen

Creating more unified messaging is priority as the district rebrands itself, a process that includes the incorporation of a brand color and marketing verbiage that is inclusive of all the schools it represents in the district.

“The district is working on having its own district branding and logo,” said Megan Parsons, president of the LHISD Board of Trustees. “But even things like our online systems for our academics is called Panther Net, so you know, things like that will have to adjust because it can’t be Panther Net when you have the Wranglers as well. There’s a lot of things within the district that we’re looking at that we’ve got to consolidate and just make more encompassing of all the schools.”

With new branding comes brand ambassadors. Liberty Hill High School Principal Bryon Ellison and Legacy Ranch High School Principal Mark Koller have been teaming up since the latter’s hiring to lay the foundation of a duo united. Since Koller’s onboarding as Legacy Ranch’s school head, he has been present at LHHS school events showing his support as he balances the launch of his school’s first year in operation.

In return, there are talks of possibly having LHHS students participate in a mentorship program to support the sole incoming class that will be attending LRHS. “Learning from [Bryon], collaborating with him and making sure he knew he had a partner in me was key so we are truly collaborative partners through this process,” Koller said. “We’re going to try to emulate what’s happening at Liberty Hill High School, because they’re pretty successful at what they do.”

Although the partnership is new, it’s also familiar since Ellison and Koller both worked at Leander Independent School District at the same time in the past. For Ellison, he enjoys collaborating with Koller and shares his enthusiasm for welcoming a new high school.

“When you have two high schools, it’s important to try to do similar things,” said Ellison. “The good thing about Mr. Koller and I is we feel the same about a lot of different things.”

Another big anticipation is the existence

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This aerial view shows the location where the future Legacy Ranch High School will be located on County Road 258.

COURTESY PHOTO

of two of everything at the high school level – including sports, clubs and extracurricular activities, particularly football. With Legacy Ranch only hosting a freshman class during its inaugural year, it will be some time before the community experiences two Friday Night Lights events.

“We’re eventually going to play on Fridays, but we’re going to start with Thursdays, most likely for our first couple of years,” said Koller. “That Friday night feel you have at Liberty Hill High School – we’re going to have to have that feel at Legacy Ranch High School, too. We want to make sure a family that lives on the east side feels no real difference other than maybe the colors of the outfits that they wear to the game. We’re aligned with our district vision of building champions in academics, character and community – that’s what we’re going to do.”

Mascot harmony

While planning and execution of the LRHS image continues to progress, businesses and families impacted by the new change are also adjusting and preparing accordingly.

Local custom apparel company, Two Brand it, launched a T-shirt in January that donned a front that stated “Panthers Today” and a back that stated “Wranglers Tomorrow.”

“A lot of customers were asking for it and a lot of people didn’t really know where they’re going to fit in,” said Jennifer Smith, owner of Two Brand It. “We want it to be more of a one

town, one community, we’re all in here together kind of thing. We want people to know it’s OK to be a Panther and a Wrangler.”

Smith also said Two Brand It will be building a second location that will be a Wranglers-focused apparel store. While still in the permit stage of the new shop construction, the site will ultimately land on the corner of U.S. Highway 183 and RR 1869. This will provide convenient proximity to Legacy Ranch students and families, she added.

Parental perspective

At the community level, both LHHS and LRHS parents have their own journey toward assimilation.

Future LRHS mom Courtney Pyle is looking forward to seeing her son, who is currently in sixth grade, continue to attend school with the same group of classmates he has spent most of his academic career with.

She also has a daughter who is currently a sophomore at LHHS and will graduate as a Panther while her son will eventually graduate as a Wrangler.

“It’s really important to support both schools –it’s all part of Liberty Hill.” Pyle said.

“At the end of the day, we are still Liberty Hill ISD whether we’re a Panther, Wrangler or something else.”

Katie Iverson currently has a daughter at LHHS, as well as two more children who will move up through LHHS and remain Panthers. She said her family is prepared to

EDUCATION end goal – providing positive handle the moves that school experiences and will be made around outstanding education to all them this summer.

Liberty Hill students.

“I understand that “We want to make sure we all want to have we’re building our culture Panther pride,” she early,” Koller said. “That’s said. “But ultimately, why we’re here. I’ve been things have got to working in a science lab at change because of the Santa Rita Middle School growth and that’s just and I’ve been here since Janpart of life, no matter uary. My counselor is across how old you are.” from me, and our head Iverson added she’s football coach is down in heard a lot in the athletics hanging out. We’re community from other getting to know our students parents sharing confuThese concept graphics for Legacy Ranch High School were presented to the LHISD Board of Trustees during their March meeting and could eventually be incorporated so that they feel comfortable sion on future school with the unknown.” mascots at the existing into the overall Wranglers branding. COURTESY GRAPHICS Koller added most stuelementary and middle starting point for elementary schools.” concerns and said while there aren’t any dents have only known the Panthers and schools, as well as future schools, now that Snell added SRMS has historically been definitive answers yet, Legacy Ranch Middle Liberty Hill High School, so this has been a LRHS will be breaking away from the Panthe Panthers with purple and gray colorSchool will emulate the same branding as change for some of them. ther theme. ways, which may change as well.

LRHS. Changes to Santa Rita Middle School “They’re going to be unique,” he said of “A lot of people are concerned about “We’ll engage with the community, school and elementary schools on the east side of the first class of LRHS. “They’re going to be which schools will be the Wranglers and leaders and district leaders to talk about town could also occur. the first of everything we do. They’re the which schools will be the Panthers,” she Santa Rita Middle School and if there’s a “We’re going to get with the campus leadalpha class and they’re going to be the first said. desire to change the mascot and school ers and PTOs to talk through desired posgraduating class. They’re going to be the colors,” he said. sibilities of a ranch-related mascot,” Snell first freshmen and then the first sophoAs all adjust to the changes ahead, the said. “Rancho [Sienna] is already blue and United, but unique mores, and then the first juniors and then unification process has already begun as Tierra Rosa will be blue. You’ve got Santa At the March LHISD Board of Trustees the first seniors.” community members find alliance in the Rita and Bar W that are purple. This is just a meeting, Snell addressed these community

What’s inside Liberty Hill’s time capsule?

BY RACHEL MADISON

OWNER/PUBLISHER

The City of Liberty Hill buried its time capsule March 23 at Central Park in downtown Liberty Hill during a private ceremony.

The capsule won’t be opened until 2040.

Curious to know what’s inside? Check out the list here: • A photo of Gio Magallon, who kicked the winning field goal to give the Liberty Hill Panthers the state football championship in 2006 • Notecards depicting downtown landmaRks from the 1970s hand drawn by H. Chesley • A Whimsy & Wonder Festival T-shirt, first festival budget, and layouts and maps from the 2021 and 2022 festivals • The first issue of Connect LHTX Magazine, published in 2023 • An invitation to Liberty Hill’s 25th birthday celebration and “Small Town, Big Heart” stickers • Historic photos and drawings of the Stubblefield building, including a timeline of occupants and the original plat

• A fossilized rock/shell found on GL Vaughn Transport’s property in 2010, which highlights the geologic activity of the Liberty Hill area • A T-shirt from Howdy Liberty Hill, a social media account run by local Nicci Bontrager that aims to help people stay connected and get to know each other • A copy of a note the superintendent of Liberty Hill schools wrote in the early 1900s addressing what to do in the event of

a snakebite • A souvenir cup from the 1984 Liberty Hill Panthers’ football season during which the Panthers qualified for the state playoffs for the first time in school history • A promotional coin distributed by Adams Grocery, which served Liberty Hill during the Great Depression • A copy of a letter long-time Liberty Hill resident Wanda Lane, owner of Liberty Hill Cafe, received from Gov. Ann Richards that

was read to the community on Wanda Lane Appreciation Day in Veterans Park with more than $30,000 raised to help offset expenses Lane had incurred fighting cancer • A Shin Oak Festival T-shirt • A Liberty Hill 10th Anniversary T-shirt • A booklet with information about the building process of LHTX RV Resort, including what is offered to guests and a sticker with the business logo • A Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce T-shirt and membership application with current annual dues • Paper menus from local restaurants • A brochure containing color photos of each of the sculptures in Liberty Hill’s International Sculpture Park • A copy of the January 2024 issue of The Liberty Hill Independent, which highlights the changes made to and coming to downtown Liberty Hill • Solar eclipse viewing glasses, a Total Eclipse of the Hill T-shirt, and a newspaper article from The Liberty Hill Independent about the eclipse on April 8, 2024 • Panther swag to commemorate the school district’s last year with only one high school

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

19

NEWS

From the City of Liberty Hill to the LHISD, read our roundup to learn more about the biggest news stories affecting our community COMPILED BY LIBERT Y HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF

City finance director, EDC director resign; planning director position still vacant

The City of Liberty Hill has three major positions open for hire as both the economic development director and finance director have recently resigned, while the planning director position has been vacant since mid-2023.

Mary Poche, economic development director for the City of Liberty Hill, notified City Manager Paul Brandenburg of her resignation in February, but has agreed to stay on with the city for a few months while officials search for her replacement.

“Unfortunately, I am having some health issues and will need time and space to take care of myself per my doctor’s recommendation,” Poche told The Independent. “This is a very busy job, and it deserves someone that can give 100-plus percent. To that end, I made the difficult decision to make a transition. We hope to have someone on board soon so that I may train with them.”

Finance Director Sidney Smith resigned suddenly, leaving the city the same day she submitted her resignation letter.

Her resignation letter was sent to Brandenburg on March 22. It stated: “After much consideration I have decided to leave the City of Liberty Hill. I have enjoyed my time with the City and appreciate the opportunity to work as the Finance Director. This resignation is effective as of today’s date.”

Calls to Smith were not returned by press time.

The City of Liberty Hill’s planning department has been without a director since August 2023. Former planning director Jerry Millard resigned in mid-August after leading the department for about a year.

An ongoing search for a new planning director has not yielded any success, so earlier this month the city council approved the creation of an assistant city manager and planning director hybrid position.

TCEQ orders Liberty Hill wastewater plant to lower phosphorus release

In March, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s board voted unanimously to approve a permit allowing the City of Liberty Hill to continue discharging its treated wastewater into the South San Gabriel River.

Though the decision was a long time com-

ing—the city filed for the permit in 2018—the outcome of the approval did not lean in the city’s favor.For years, the City of Liberty Hill has been embattled with locals who live along the South San Gabriel River who have argued that because of the wastewater treatment plant’s discharge into the river, it’s made it impossible to enjoy.

The approved permit came with the stipulation that the plant’s phosphorus release must be reduced from .15 milligrams per liter to .02 milligrams per liter. Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla said she is “shocked and dismayed” by TCEQ’s decision.

“At every single step during this permitting process, the City of Liberty has followed the applicable, required standards demanded by both the TCEQ and State of Texas,” she said.

“That’s why it is so disappointing to receive this decision that will have devastating effects across the State of Texas.”

Mancilla added that the City Council will be reviewing the ruling with guide from legal counsel and will likely appeal the “horrendous decision.”

City council votes to distribute $45k in grant money As part of the City of Liberty Hill’s budget planning for 2024, the City Council set aside a total of $45,000 to support the city’s community groups through grants.

From Jan. 15 to Feb. 15, the city accepted applications from community groups that require additional funds to continue their work.

During this period, eight groups submitted applications, out of which five spoke about why they needed the funds at a special meeting held Feb. 28. At a March meeting, the council voted on who would receive the grant money.

They awarded Hope House with $15,000; Operation Liberty Hill with $15,000; the Williamson County Crisis Center and Hope Alliance with $7,500; and Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties’ local Meals on Wheels program with $7,500.

School district hosts superintendents from across state

Local dignitaries break ground on the Liberty Hill Fire Department’s third station, which will be located on Umbrella Sky in the Clearwater Ranch neighborhood. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

20 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

More than 50 superintendents and their leadership teams from school districts across Texas visited Liberty Hill in March to spend two days learning about innovation in the community and using AI in the classroom.

LHISD Superintendent Steve Snell hosted the event, put on by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) as a part of the Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network. The program allows superintendents to gather for events with current school leaders to network and learn more about leadership beyond the local level.

Kristin Coulter, who oversees strategic

TCEQ’s board unanimously approved a permit in March that allows the City of Liberty Hill to continue discharging its treated wastewater into the South San Gabriel River, but with a requirement to lower the phosphorus level from .15 milligrams per liter to .02 milligrams per liter to help improve the aesthetic of the river. COURTESY PHOTO planning and partnerships for LHISD, said the two-day event focused on best practices when using AI in the classroom as well as how innovation in the community can be helpful for school districts.

“We focused on how to use AI as a tool in an effective way,” she said. “We had superintendents from guest districts sitting on various panels talking about the use of AI in their district’s classrooms, and about what they’re seeing.”

During the event, all 200 guests visited one of four campuses across LHISD, Coulter said, which included breakout sessions, visits with students and more on the campuses.

New fire station breaks ground in Clearwater Ranch In March, ground was broken for the Liberty Hill Fire Department’s third station on Umbrella Sky in the Clearwater Ranch neighborhood.

According to LHFD Chief Anthony Lincoln, the station, scheduled to open next year, is only the first in a continued expansion of the department as the area continues to grow.

“We’ve already bought two more stations sites and we’re working on a third one right now,” said Lincoln. “A lot depends on the growth area. We know farther east; we have a lot more growth in our district than we do west and that’s mainly because of water.”

Lincoln added the department is well aware of the curve it must keep up with as more homes and businesses are added to the local landscape, thus expanding the coverage area of Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 4.

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A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

21

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

COMMUNITY

Providing opportunities at home Liberty United gives local soccer players elite competition

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

2021, all that changed.

The Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Association was founded in 1994, but after the recent growth of the area and the influx of young On any given weekday evening, dozens players needing a place to play, the LHYSA of young soccer players are put through the branched out with Liberty United, a sepapaces on the multiple fields at City Park, rate club under the same umbrella where with designs on continuing to build on a players can compete on elite competitive foundation that has already been put in teams as opposed to recreational soccer place to ensure Liberty Hill has a place for only, as was the case before. its aspiring athletes to flourish and grow.

How successful has that venture been?

All without having to make the long trip Numbers don’t lie, said Liberty United to Austin or any of the other surrounding Technical Director Arturo Duarte. soccer destinations that for too long were “We recently went from nine teams up the only options for local players that wantto 19,” said Duarte, who has been on board ed to compete at an elite youth level. since 2018. “It got to the point where I told Up until just three years ago, that was the our board I couldn’t do it all by myself situation that faced Liberty Hill parents of anymore.” players who wanted their sons and daughAs a result, Alec Bellamy was hired as ters to have that opportunity. director of coaching and along with Duarte But, when Liberty United was created in can ensure the mission of the club remains on course in creating a synergy throughout the ranks, said Duarte.

“My job is to make sure we develop players by staying within our model,” he said. “What this means is not necessarily anything strategic such as formations or anything, but the principles we want all our coaches to employ so everyone speaks a common language as far as the way we play the game.”

One of the club’s brightest young players is 12-year-old Jackson Sprague, who is a member of one of the organization’s top teams, is clearly an example of what Liberty United’s vision is all about and is definitely glad he can hone his considerable skills close to home, he said.

“There are a lot of nice people here – coaches and teammates,” said Sprague. “We’re always working on all of the Liberty United was created in 2021 in order for young local players to have a things that go into games, place to further themselves in a competitive environment without having to from the little things to travel out of town. COURTESY PHOTO the big things like crossOWNER/PUBLISHER

Liberty United Director of Coaching Alec Bellamy helps promote the club’s model of providing a competitive environment for young players by building relationships with stakeholders. COURTESY PHOTO

ing, passing, shooting and defending.”

According to mother Beth, both Jackson and 10-year-old daughter Lexi moved over from the recreational side of LHYSA to the competitive Liberty United once they realized they wanted more as players and were ready for the challenge the increase in competition provides.

“We started at the recreational level, but then saw how the program here worked,” she said. “So, we thought ‘Why not try and make the team?’ after we saw how other players performed, plus both of them wanted more competitive games.”

Jake Kirchoff-Sleet is a Birmingham, England native who has been coaching in the U.S. for over a decade, but is currently in his first season with Liberty United and describes the environment at his new club to be a quire refreshing departure from his previous club coaching experiences – one that promotes an enjoyable atmosphere combined with a desire for excellence.

“Being here is definitely a breath of fresh air,” he said. “Where I was before there was a feeling of eliteness – it was very cliquey.

But, here it’s so different – it’s like being chill, but still having the drive to be good.

There’s a real family feel from the parents to the players to the coaches and I’m happy to be here.”

However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of intensity and attention to detail during training sessions, he said.

“At this age especially, we focus on being skillful with both feet, finding passes and spaces,” said Kirchoff-Sleet. “We would rather have real footballers as opposed to just athletes that chase the ball – players who have a high soccer IQ and play the right

way.”

Bellamy was actually teammates with Duarte when the pair played at Stony Point High School in Round Rock and has been with LHYSA for the past five years, but was just recently elevated to his current role, where he can now have an even more profound influence on what unfolds on and off the pitch.

“We want to promote professionalism and a standard in everything we do as a club,” said Bellamy. “Everyone should feel comfortable and players shouldn’t have to restart everything year after year when they switch teams and coaches, which is why we do what we do – it’s all about development of players, but to do that, you need the parents behind you, which we also strive for by building relationships.”

Bellamy said with Liberty Hill’s sports culture already in place, it’s much easier to build these bonds and the trust that comes along with them.

“We have an open-door policy – parents are always free to talk to our coaches and directors,” he said. “If you provide them with expectations for their sons and daughters so there’s an understanding of how we do things, you get that buy-in, which is extremely important.”

In fact, parental harmony is one of the blocks that form the foundation for the club, said Bellamy.

“I call them our four pillars,” he said.

“We want to develop relationships with our parents, players, coaches and referees. By doing that, we can stick to our methods and provide an environment to grow love of the game.”

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

23

SPORTS

No pool, no problem Liberty Hill’s Becker named District, Region Coach of Year

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Imagine for a moment a football team without a field to practice on or perhaps a basketball or volleyball squad without a court to call home and one will quickly realize the gravity of what Liberty Hill head swim coach Dimitra Becker faces on a daily basis.

Indeed, Panthers swimmers don’t have a pool to train in and must always compete in away meets due to the absence of local aquatic climes.

However, that makes even more remarkable the fact Becker was named District and Region Girls Swimming Coach of the Year this spring after leading the Purple-and-Gold to another successful season despite this huge handicap.

Certainly Becker’s fellow coaches understand this, as they are the voters – which makes it all the more gratifying, said Becker.

“I think the biggest thing is the fact it’s voted on by my peers – I think they respect me because they know what I’m up against and the coaches in our district and region are close and lean on one another,” she said. “We’ve also never been given money to be able to rent

pools, which other teams in our district do, so it’s hard to compete with them.”

Becker found out about the region honor at the regional championships, which were held at Texas A&M University and she experienced an emotional role reversal in the process.

“A couple of my swimmers were crying when they found out,” she said. “Addison Gonzalez came up and gave me a big hug because she was so happy for me – those are the kinds of feelings I usually have for them when they compete and do well.”

Becker added the approval from her athletes was icing on the cake.

“Sometimes as a coach,” she said. “You don’t really know how your swimmers feel about you.”

After growing up in Manhattan, Kansas, where she played basketball and ran track in high school, Becker was set to compete on the oval at Kansas State University until injury derailed her athletic ambitions before graduating and moving on into the corporate world.

However, upon a particular life event occurring, she realized she needed to return to where her heart truly resided, she said.

“I had my kids,” said Becker, of twins Brooke

Panthers head swimming coach Dimitra Becker, here with husband Chad, was named District and Regional Girls Swimming Coach of the Year by her fellow coaches. COURTESY PHOTO

24 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

Liberty Hill head swimming coach Dimitra Becker has always incorporated a feeling of family and togetherness into her coaching philosophy. COURTESY PHOTO and Bailey, who graduated with Liberty Hill’s Class of 2022 after having played volleyball and swam for the Panthers. “I coached them in soccer, volleyball and swim and it was like it was where I should’ve been all along – like a calling – I felt like I had the gift of being able to reach kids.”

According to Becker, it wasn’t necessarily a surprise for these seeds to come to fruition despite the fact it may have taken some time.

“Even in high school, I always had a passion for coaching,” said Becker. “Back then, I realized how big an impact you can have on kids as a coach. To this day, I still remember some of the things my coaches told me all the way back then – things that helped and pushed me forward.”

As a result, Becker has always incorporated that approach into her personal coaching philosophy – one that includes cultivating a family atmosphere, but also applying tough love when needed, she said.

“I’ve always tried to treat my athletes like my own kids,” said Becker. “Celebrate them, but also hold them accountable because kids need to be pushed, which you can do once they realize you care and have their backs because at some point along the way, they’ve had someone give up on them.”

Proof positive of this method comes in the form of gratitude from some Becker has needed to motivate slightly more than others, she said.

“Some of the kids I’ve pushed the hardest

have come back to me later and just said ‘Thank you,’” said Becker. “‘For making me better and being a mom to me and not just a coach.’ I feel really strongly about that.”

When Liberty Hill’s swim team was founded five years ago, Becker was an assistant for the first two seasons before taking on the role of head coach for the past three and has striven from the outset to create an environment everyone associated with the program can be pleased to be a part of.

“I’ve always wanted to build a culture I’m proud of,” she said. “The big thing is it’s not just about competition, but teaching the kinds of life lessons we should pass down as teachers and coaches, so later on in life, kids are better off for it because there’s a bigger picture.”

Being able to do just that and be rewarded for her efforts in both tangible and intangible ways is perhaps the best of both worlds, but Becker was quick to credit all those who played a part in her success this season.

“I was over the moon when I was awarded the Regional Girls Swimming Coach of the Year,” she said. “What an honor. Every coach on that deck deserved it, so thank you to those who nominated and voted for me. Of course, none of it would be possible without the continuous love and support of my family, Chad Becker, Bailey Becker and Brooke Becker – they sacrifice so I can do the things I do. I’m blessed to be a Liberty Hill Panther coach and I’m super blessed by each of my athletes.”

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A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

25

SPORTS

Another strong season for Panthers powerlifters Four Liberty Hill athletes qualified for the state meet

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

In a first for the program since its inception, the Liberty Hill boys’ powerlifting team had four athletes qualify for the state championships.

Jayden Malone (123-pound division), Jayce Gonzalez (123), Eric Ontiveros (132) and Evan Neilson (181) all posted strong enough results at the regional meet in Joshua to earn the right to compete in Abilene on March 23.

According to Malone, much of his success is the result of landing in the proper weight class in order to maximize his performance.

“I was able to find the right fitness level and weight for myself,” said Malone, a sophomore who also plays football for the Panthers. “Next

year, I plan on going up in weight class and build more muscle mass, but I have to play it by ear.”

Initially, Malone was apprehensive about taking up powerlifting last year as a freshman due to his relatively small frame, but said he was convinced by head coach Rudy Acevedo the sport can be for anyone – regardless of size.

“When I thought about powerlifting, I pictured guys like Jackson Harrison,” he said, of the Liberty Hill senior who graduated last year after competing in the 308-pound division.

“I didn’t know there were different weight classes.”

Ever since embracing his newfound pursuit, Malone has thrived and advanced to the state meet last season where he ironically competed

Liberty Hill’s Jayden Malone was one of four Panthers powerlifters who qualified for the state championships after another successful season for the program. COURTESY PHOTO

26 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

Panthers powerlifters Eric Ontiveros, Evan Neilsen, Jaydin Malone and Jayce Gonzalez all qualified for the state meet. COURTESY PHOTO alongside Harrison as the only two Liberty Hill lifters who qualified for the event and finished 12th in a field of 29 lifters with 400 pounds in the squat, 235 in bench press and 405 in the dead lift for a combined score of 1,040.

Fast-forward to this season and Malone was the second-ranked lifter in his weight class with numbers of 435-240-445-1120 – already an improvement on the previous season.

Malone credits his upward trajectory with a focused mental approach he was perhaps missing last year, he said.

“I’ve gone to new levels this year,” said Malone. “Last year, I was little timid as far as what I thought I could do.”

Along those lines, psychological buy-in can be just as powerful as physical strength, he said.

“Powerlifting is 50 percent mental, 50 percent physical,” said Malone. “You have to worry about what your opponent is doing, but the rest is all in your head. After that, you can break down mental blocks, don’t think about what-ifs, go up there and do what your muscles can to their full potential.”

Malone said his powerlifting endeavors provide a contrast to his gridiron accomplishments due to the fact one tends to be more solitary than the other despite both sports taking place in team environments.

“In football, it’s different because you have other people out there on the field with you to give you advice and motivation,” he said. “With powerlifting, when you’re under the bar you don’t have anyone telling you what to do, so it becomes a mental battle – it’s more about believing in yourself, trying your hardest and not worrying.”

Like Malone, teammate Parker Langwell is a team captain and Panthers football player who found a different kind of competition and intensity in the realm of powerlifting.

“I started to get into it back in middle school,” said Langwell, who competes in the 198-pound division. “For me, I felt like I was able to push myself more.”

However, with the amount of time he and his fellow football players spend throwing iron around in the weight room, the transition to powerlifting was a natural one, he said.

“Our football team really pushes the weight room,” said Langwell. “But, I like the individuality of powerlifting and the fact it’s all on me, which is something I take pride in.”

Earlier this season, the Panthers hosted their inaugural home event at Liberty Hill Middle School – an indication of how far the program has progressed in recent years – and was an opportunity for Langwell and the other Purple-and-Gold strongmen to showcase their skills before the home crowd for the first time.

“It was really cool getting to lift in a place where I’m so comfortable,” said Langwell. “I think it gave us all a sense of pride to finally have a home meet.”

As powerlifters push themselves to new levels of performance, improvements can be only incremental and there are even periods of leveling off that must be dealt with using the proper mentality, he said.

“When you hit plateaus, it can be kind of frustrating,” said Langwell, a junior whose high score this season was 510-305-460-1275.

“Also, it definitely aches on your body, especially your joints.”

Acevedo highlighted the fact there are plenty more lifters entering the program who will be able to maintain the ever-growing levels of excellence it continues to achieve.

“We have a lot of freshman, which is good because they can get experience and that makes it easier to grow as a lifter,” he said.

“You can go to meets and see what the expectations will be as far as the competition.”

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

SPORTS

‘Putting’ in the proper technique Shot putters combine strength, form to achieve maximum distance

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

On a recent afternoon at the shot put pit on the campus of Liberty Hill High School, there was a rather large divot in the sand that forms the area where the Panthers practice the art of hurling a large, metal ball as far as they can.

Jett Harrison stood and proudly pointed out the spot where an effort of his had impacted with the gritty surface with a wish.

“I hope it doesn’t rain anytime soon,” said the sophomore. “So, it’ll be there for awhile.”

Harrison began throwing in middle school in addition to playing football and now competes in both the shot put and discus for the Purple-and-Gold and credits that one particular training throw to a sortof- superhero-like effect that is elusive to achieve, but very effective when it occurs.

“I call that a ‘Superman’ throw,” said Harrison. “It’s when everything comes together perfectly to the point where you don’t even really feel the throw.”

Panthers assistant track coach Scott Hawkins said these kinds of results are no accident, but rather a result of hard work and an acceptance from athletes to embrace

and apply proper training techniques.

“We have four different drills we incorporate for the shot put from the start all the way to the follow-through,” he said. “But, you need to have the mindset to do these drills right because there’s a progression.”

According to Hawkins, Harrison needed a bit of extra convincing to buy in to the method – a reluctance the coach used a fairly good example to prove its worth.

“I showed him a video of an Olympic gold medalist,” said Hawkins. “Once he saw that, he was sold.”

Another aspect Harrison has adapted to is switching over from the glide technique of throwing to the spin, which instantly added distance to his throws, he said.

“I used the glide for three years,” said Harrison. “But, then I started the spin because the first time I tried it, I threw a foot farther than I ever had.”

As opposed to the glide – in which a thrower shuffles forward in the circle before letting loose – the spin allows for additional momentum to be put behind the shot due to the centrifugal force the spinning athlete creates, which is then applied to the sphere when released.

Of course, pure strength certainly enters

Liberty Hill’s Jett Harrison switched from the glide to the spin technique to add distance to his throws this season. PHOTO BY BRYCE MUCHAW

into the equation when hurling a 12-pound shot is the objective, but strength without technique will only get one so far, said Harrison.

“The shot put is a lot more strength-based than the discus,” he said. “With the discus, you don’t have to be as strong if your form is impeccable.”

Lower-body strength is just as critical – if not more so – than upper-body, said Harrison.

“Kind of like a pitcher in baseball pushing off the rubber to generate power,” he said.

“So, we do a lot of explosive drills to get stronger.”

enced throwers make is not holding the shot in the right place in one’s hand.

“Some people make the mistake of palming the shot,” he said. “Instead, you need to hold it more at the base of your fingers, so that way the torque created will help launch it better by catapulting it forward and putting better spin on it.”

Also, the shot must be kept in close to the body at all times to avoid both poor throws and injury, said Harrison.

“You should always keep the shot right up against your neck and stay behind it with your elbow tucked in until you go to release it,” he said. “If you do this wrong, you’ll

“I used the glide for three years, but then I started the spin because the first time I tried it, I threw a foot farther than I ever had.”

Liberty Hill sophomore Jett Harrison, on switching shot put techniques this season

Kallahan Erps is one of Liberty Hill’s top throwers, competing on the Panthers varsity as a freshman this year.

PHOTO BY BRYCE MUCHAW

In addition, a thrower’s footwork must be on point regardless of which throwing style is used – although one more than the other, said Hawkins.

“Actually, there’s more that can go wrong with the glide because there’s only small room for error,” he said. “Your strides need to be perfect or you’ll end up in the wrong place, where with the spin, if you feel like you’re in the wrong place, you can make adjustments on the fly.”

Harrison said a common error inexperi-

definitely feel it in your elbow and strain on your arm.”

Last season, Harrison said he experienced firsthand the wonders of achieving a feat the Man Of Steel himself would be proud of – with the numbers to back it up.

“All year, I couldn’t throw over 42 feet to save my life,” he said. “Then at the district meet with my last throw of the season, I set a new personal record of 44’6’’ – adrenaline kicked in and I could feel it right away – now that was a Superman throw.”

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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Always thinking the game

SPORTS

Panthers stringers employ strategy to go with skill

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

When Jax Caldwell takes to the hardcourts for a tennis match, the Liberty Hill sophomore is doing more than simply trying to outplay his opponents – he’s attempting to outsmart them.

Even during warm-ups when opponents hit balls to one another, Caldwell is constantly sizing up the player he will opposed to.

“During warm-ups, you can see a lot of little things that might help during the match,” said Caldwell. “At first we only hit balls in the service boxes, but you can still things like what kind of spin they put on the ball,” said Caldwell. “When we move back to the baseline, you start seeing how hard they hit the ball and can determine where they’re going to hit it.”

However, there is always the possibility for some gamesmanship at this point in the proceedings, as one never wants to reveal too much before the shots start to count for real.

“You don’t want to give anything away,” he said. “But, you also want to play like you’re going to during the match – you need to work on both sides.”

Once the match begins, it’s a matter of controlling the tempo, said Caldwell.

“For me, the main thing is to always start off slower,” he said, of the pace each point is played at the outset. “When an opponent wants to speed things up and win points quicker, I’ll back off a bit and wait for the right shot for me – then I can speed it back up.”

Panthers head coach Sherry Rhoden appreciates Caldwell’s cerebral approach to the game.

“Jax is so smart out there,” she said. “He always waits for what we call the ‘put-away ball,’ as opposed to rushing through a point – he’s patient and that allows him to see the court better.”

Along those lines, Caldwell said Rhoden will often require her players to plan on a certain number of returns until the right shot presents itself.

“She’ll give us a ‘rally number’ to get to before we use our main shot,” he said. “But, it also matters where you are in the match – if you’re ahead or behind – as far as whether you want to slow down and place the ball or speed up and go for the kill.”

Surprisingly, Caldwell only took up tennis a few years ago as an eighth-grader when he

decided the sport he was currently immersed in wasn’t exactly his cup of tea.

“I was playing soccer back then, but I was kind of bored with it,” said Caldwell. “Which was when I met Coach Rhoden and she offered me some lessons.”

Certainly, it was one of those offers one couldn’t refuse and the rest has been history – albeit a relatively brief one – as Caldwell has picked up many of the finer points of the game much quicker than most of his contemporaries, said Rhoden.

“Usually when someone hasn’t played the game, you don’t know how it’s going to unfold when you’re on the court during a match,” she said. “Things like being able to read your opponent and know where the best place to be on the court is. But, Jax is very coachable and has a real desire to always get better.”

Caldwell made his varsity debut during the team tennis season this fall after playing on the Panthers’ junior varsity his freshman year when Rhoden realized he was ready for the big time, she said.

“Jax is very quiet, but that’s because he’s so observant of everything that’s going on around him,” said Rhoden. “I think that’s why he’s gotten so good so fast because he sees the right way to do something and is able to mimic it – that along with a desire to learn – and despite being only a sophomore, he’s a true leader.”

Mehkayla Mulski is also a student of the game who uses the many strategic drills Rhoden employs during practice to hone her ability to zero in on not only her strengths – but opponents’ weaknesses – during matches.

“We’ll do drills based on the kinds of shots we need to work on,” said Mulski, a junior. “Practice is always based on how she wants us to play.”

Mulski plays both singles and doubles, but said she prefers to be on the court with her girls’ partner, Lily Tobin, due to the chemistry the duo has.

“I like to play at the net because that allows me to be aggressive,” she said. “Lily’s really good at rallying and feeding me the ball.”

According to Rhoden, it’s that kind of cohesion that makes the pair a joy to watch – and also listen to, as some improvised comedy might come into play at any moment.

“If there was one doubles team I could mic up during matches, it would be them,” said Rhoden. “They’re close enough friends to give each other a hard time with some

Liberty Hill sophomore Jax Caldwell employs strategy and a cerebral approach to outsmart opponents on the court. COURTESY PHOTO

smack talk, but they’ll also sometimes just talk about random things like what kind of shampoo they’re using or something.”

Mulski said playing alongside Tobin is just as enjoyable to experience first-hand.

“I think the best thing about playing with her is the connection we have,” she said. “We help each other in matches and practice and are happy when we see the other getting better.”

Standing 5-foot-11, Mulski is taller than most opponents, which gives her a mental advantage – especially when at the net – she said.

“I can get a lot of high balls other players can’t when I’m up there,” said Mulski. “Also, I’m lengthy, so I can use my reach to get to more balls and I can really get on top of my serve. It’s also a bit intimidating when I’m standing at the net, so opponents will hit the ball away from me, so then Lily only needs to cover half Standing 5-foot-11, Panthers junior Mehkayla Mulski uses height to her of the court.” advantage on the court--mentally and physically.

In addition, Mulski focuses on COURTESY PHOTO foot speed and making sure she’s catalyst for her squad moving forward beable to marry that to reaction yond this year due to the immense amount time because one without the other doesn’t of talent currently in the Purple-and-Gold do much good, she said. pipeline.

“You can have really quick reflexes, but “We only have one senior this year,” she you need to be able to move your feet just as said. “So, we have a lot of kids who are happy fast,” said Mulski. “Without that, you can’t to be on varsity and are going to have a lot of get to the ball.” competition for spots, which will make us a Rhoden said having players such as better team.”

Mulski and Caldwell will provide the proper

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

31

PANTHER OF THE MONTH

Catcher with a cannon Lady Panthers senior backstop dares runners to steal

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

But, more than that, Wiese has the ability to quickly break down opposing hitters in order to decide what pitches should be thrown to Cadence Wiese has always had a strong best exploit weaknesses and relay that intel throwing arm. to her pitchers – a knowledge Wiese said she’s In fact, going all the way back to her days as gained over the years while working on her a middle-school student, there were indicaown swing at the plate. tions she would perhaps one day employ that “With all the hitting instruction I’ve had,” skill on a softball field – albeit at the expense she said. “I can take that and use it behind the of a few of her classmates at the time. plate.”

“Back when I was in sixth grade P.E. class, Brewer said that kind of quick breakdown they made me go play dodge ball with the boys certainly comes in handy. because the nurse was tired of getting girls “Cadence can look at a girl and see, for exshowing up crying after I hit them with the ample, if she has a late swing, to keep the ball ball,” said Wiese. “I made a few boys cry, too.” inside because she’ll never catch up to it or Fast-forward to the present and the Liberty where a hitter steps or if their shoulder pulls Hill senior catcher has honed her cannon of out,” she said. “You can see all the work she’s a right arm to the point where base runners put in and is ready to be behind the plate.” must constantly be wary of being gunned Especially critical this season, as the Lady down – a skill that has allowed the Lady PanPanthers have primarily employed a pair of thers to minimize opposition running games pitchers that are relatively inexperienced in and provides peace of mind for both ends of the circle at the varsity level in freshman Bella the battery, she said.

Nicholson and junior Aubri Ettinger, said “Whenever I throw a runner out, it’s really Brewer. exciting because I can see my hard work and “Cadence has exceeded my expectations focus pay off,” said Wiese. “Also, it’s relaxing in that regard,” she said.

“Going into the season, we thought we might struggle a little in that area (pitching), but she’s worked with them really well as far as their mental state during games with pitching being neither one of their primary positions. She’s been able to get them to trust her and know she’s always got their backs.”

Just how much trust does Brewer have in Wiese?

“Cadence is the only catcher I’ve let call pitches,” said Brewer. “Especially good this year because she Liberty Hill’s Cadence Wiese (16) uses knowledge gained from her own hitting knows Bella has a good experience to get opposing hitters out as a catcher. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO change-up and when to showcase that pitch more, while Aubri has more movement on her because that’s one fewer base runner we have pitches.” to worry about.”

To think, everything could’ve been different According to Liberty Hill head coach Krisfor Wiese if she had continued pursuit of a ten Brewer, Wiese has developed not only that particular two-wheeled endeavor. part of her game, but perhaps more impor“I actually quit softball for six years to race tantly, her ability to run the entire show for motocross,” said Wiese. “It was something I her team on defense. really bonded with my dad and grandpa over.”

“You want your catcher to be able to control Indeed, father Wes raced road bikes and the game because she can see the entire field grandfather Billy was her mechanic, but evenand everything that’s going on,” said Brewer. tually the rough-and-tumble world of dirt-bike “Cadence lets everybody know where they racing took its toll, prompting an intervention should be.”

OWNER/PUBLISHER

32 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

Lady Panthers senior catcher Cadence Wiese (16) is a vocal leader behind the plate who also calls her own pitches to exploit hitters’ weaknesses while emphasizing her pitchers’ strengths. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO on her behalf from mother Summer, she said.

“One time, I wrecked and got knocked out,” said Wiese. “I had a really bad concussion and my mom is a physical therapist who has seen people with brain injuries and didn’t want that for me. It was hard to give up, but I also knew softball could be my way to college.”

Along those lines, next season Wiese will continue her career on the diamond at Blinn College, but after two years with the Buccaneers, said she will leave the game behind to pursue a nursing career.

“I want to go into the medical field and be a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist),” she said. “It would be hard to keep playing softball, so I’ll just transfer to (Texas) A&M (University) and be a student.”

Wiese has also extensively played third base during her time in Purple-and-Gold, but decided to take up residence behind the plate to help satisfy a sibling rivalry, she said.

“My brother Maverick was a catcher and I wanted to be better than him,” said Wiese.

“Also, I wanted to be more involved with every pitch and watching him I had somebody to look up to.”

In addition, Wiese vocalizes rather vociferously from behind the plate, which she believes is critical to keeping her entire team going in the right direction together.

“The catcher has to be the loudest person on the field,” said Wiese. “I’m a very vocal person, fun and bubbly, so I use that because if a catcher isn’t that way, a team can crumble because you need somebody who is confident enough to not be afraid to make mistakes.”

However, Brewer said Wiese can at times get carried away verbally – although she’s improved a great deal in that department over

the years.

“I think Cadence can talk her way out of strikes sometimes,” she said, of banter with home-plate umpires while hitting. “But, she usually gets chummy with them before the game and makes sure everything is okay.”

Sometimes, though, Wiese’s emotions can still get the best of her.

“Once during a game against Leander, I threw out three base runners,” said Wiese.

“When I was running off the field, I passed their coach and said something like ‘I’m 3-for3, so keep trying to steal on me.’ At times like that, I’m super-excited, but my mom always tells me to stay humble.”

To that end, Wiese knows she must harness her emotions in order to take advantage of them in a positive way, while also providing a proper example for her teammates.

“Sometimes I have to remind myself ‘Okay, you’re the leader, so just calm down and stay under control,’” she said. “But, at the same time, I think when we have that fire we play better as a team and have a lot more fun.”

Brewer is fine with Wiese’s enthusiasm, she said.

“As long as it’s done with a purpose,” said Brewer. “Also, she does a really good job now of not letting how her game at the plate is going affect the rest of her game or her teammates.”

Right now, Wiese’s purpose is to lead the Lady Panthers back to the playoffs after advancing within a game of the state tournament last year – a goal she believes is well within view.

“I’m really confident with what we have here,” said Wiese. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work and have excellent chemistry.”

SPORTS

Maturing on the mound Senior pitcher will play at Concordia University next season

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Milam have formed a dynamic duo at the front of the Liberty Hill rotation, which is only fitting, as the two have basically grown up together and have proven to be a bonanWhen Gavin Voth was a freshman, he had za for Panthers head coach Brandon Creek. an interesting decision to make regarding “We’re pretty lucky to have both of these his immediate future as a Liberty Hill baseyoung men pitching for us,” said Creek. ball player.

“Neither one of them tries to overpower Voth could either claim a spot on the Panhitters, which keeps pitch counts down and thers’ varsity roster or relegate himself to allows them to stay in games longer.” the junior varsity, where he would get more Voth, though, didn’t pitch much once he playing time. moved up to the varsity for his sophomore For most, the choice would be fairly clear. season – a trend that continued last year as Better to be on the bench with the big a junior – mostly playing first base. But, all boys than toil in obscurity on the JV squad. that changed this spring as he has slotted However, Voth made a choice that belied into the rotation behind Milam, meaning he his relative inexperience. usually takes the ball for the second contest “I could’ve been on varsity as a PO (pitchof the two-game series against district er only),” said Voth. “But, I wanted to be able opponents. to play other positions and hit.”

Ironically, the pair of Panthers were also Turns out Voth proved to be wise beyond the club’s top two hitters, as Voth led the his years, as the now-senior has signed to way with a .386 batting average through play at Concordia University in Austin, an the first 16 games of the season to go with NCAA Division III program, meaning the a team-high 17 runs batted in and 10 runs extra experience he got three years ago scored. away from the bright lights of varsity play Next season, Voth said he plans to pitch certainly paid off. and play the field for the Tornados and This season, Voth and fellow senior Blaze won’t even need to get accustomed to different colors as his new team also wears Purple-and-Gold.

“I’m going there as a two-way player,” he said. “Honestly, I don’t think it will be much of a change from high school and I think I’ll have a chance to be a starting pitcher as a freshman.”

According to Creek, the versatile Voth can be deployed in many places on the diamond.

“Gavin’s a hard worker and can fill a lot of roles for us,” said Creek. “Sometimes, I joke we might end up putting him in center field.”

Creek added it would be in Voth’s Liberty Hill senior Gavin Voth (3) has signed to play next season at Concordia best interest to conUniversity, where he will pitch and play the field for the NCAA Division III program. tinue to pitch and play OWNER/PUBLISHER

PHOTO BY BRIEN AHO

Panthers infielder Gavin Voth (3) has led Liberty Hill’s lineup from the cleanup spot this season.

PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

the field at the college level.

“My advice is to try and play both,” he said. “You never want to close any doors that might be open, even if you have to double up on your practice time, but Gavin’s always in the cages hitting extra.”

As for his mound exploits this season, Creek attributed Voth’s success to a simple formula.

“The biggest thing for Gavin this year is he’s constantly pounding the strike zone,” said Creek. “Last year, he was up in the zone and he’s also been able to throw his breaking ball for strikes.”

Perhaps the best example of Voth’s progression as a pitcher was in the Panthers’ home game against Cedar Park earlier this season when he managed to work out of bases-loaded jams in each of the contest’s

first two innings before going on to post a scoreless outing.

“Sometimes at the beginning, I’ll be a little wild until I get my command,” said Voth.

“If I’m up in the count, I’ll go for a strikeout pitch, but if I’m behind, my change-up gets a lot of ground balls.”

Of course, as a pitcher, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing what you started, which is exactly what Voth accomplished – sort of – earlier this season when he pitched seven shutout innings with nine strikeouts in a tournament game that went eight innings before ultimately ending in a 0-0 tie against Fort Worth Country Day. “Hitting a walk-off home run would be great,” he said. “But, if I had to pick, I would take a complete-game shutout.”

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

33

OBITUARIES

Kyle Turpin

Oct. 20, 1989-Feb. 21, 2024 Kyle Christine Turpin passed away February 21, 2024. She was born in Austin, Texas, to Teresa Marie Wells and James Turpin on October 20, 1989.

She grew up in Liberty Hill, Texas with her two younger siblings, Karlene and Mason.

She graduated from Liberty Hill High School in 2008 and went on to Major in English at UT. She lived in Austin, Texas for most of her adult life, and fitting to the city itself, she relished in the curious nature of all things and people.

Kyle was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was compassionate, creative, talented, loved by everyone she met, and inspired to share her unique sparkle with those who crossed her path. She loved cats, nature, helping others, and all things ethereal.

April 30, 1934 – March 24, 2024 Betty Lou Fansler Alexander passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2024, in Georgetown, Texas with her loving husband Ralph by her side. They were married over 68 years.

Betty was born on April 30, 1934, in Grinnell, Iowa, the second daughter of Oramel W. and Nell Rahe Fansler. She was especially close to her aunt and uncle, Marjorie (Fansler) and Fred Eichmeier with whom she lived in Sheffield, Iowa for most of her young life. She moved to Kingsville, Texas her senior year in high school graduating in 1951.

She met Ralph in Kingsville, and, after a whirlwind courtship, they were married in August of 1955.

She was welcomed into the Alexander family as a daughter and sister to her motherin-law Iva Maurine Alexander and Ralph’s four brothers.

While raising their four children in Bishop, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Texas A&I University and went on to teach early childhood education for Kingsville ISD. Following her career in education, she was a local realtor until Ralph retired in 1985. They moved to the “farm” outside of Liberty Hill,

34

Kyle was a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels and served the Austin community for the last five years of her life.

She enjoyed bringing hot meals to seniors and talking with those in need of an open heart from a compassionate human.

Kyle is survived by her parents, Teresa Marie Wells (Cathy Turner) and James Turpin (Stacy Steward), her loving sister and brother Karlene and Mason Turpin, and her kitten L.O.C (little orange cat).

She will be dearly missed by so many, and this world is sure to have less sparkle without her here – thus we must all make it sparkle for her.

Kyle’s family held a small memorial at Beverly Sheffield Northwest District Park at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024.

All were welcome to join her family as they celebrated her life.

Oct. 27, 1953 – March 1, 2024 Helenmarie Eberley DeLeon, born on October 27, 1953, graced this world with warmth and kindness. She was a testament of power and strength, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

In 1980, Helenmarie married her beloved spouse, Husbaldo DeLeon. Their marriage was a testament to love, commitment and partnership. Together they created a warm and nurturing home where she planned to birth her nine children: Sharred, Terrell, Xavier, Santiago, Corrinas, Sergio, Ricardo, Zinarelia and Anistacia. She provided her kids with the tools and resources needed to succeed in the world and become the wonderful people they are today.

Helenmarie is a cherished grandmother to 13 grandchildren, whom she adored dearly. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and she took great joy in watching her family grow and flourish. She had a deep passion for the arts and pursuit of education. She found joy and ex-

Betty Lou Alexander

named La Chuparosa, where they lived for 30 years. She lived her last years in Bertram and Georgetown.

Betty and Ralph loved their retirement, traveling the world and meeting new people along the way. There were frequent stories about strangers who quickly turned into friends.

Betty learned piano from her Aunt Marjorie and was a wonderful singer who instilled an appreciation for music with all of her children.

She was a lifelong Baptist teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School while her children were young.

Supporting their children in their pursuits was a priority for Betty and Ralph.

Whether as band booster club president, cheering at football games, track meets, and volleyball games, or attending concerts and band competitions, Betty was there. She had

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

Helenmarie DeLeon

the same love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren traveling to be there for special occasions, holidays or just babysit as needed.

Betty loved crosswords puzzles, reading and teaching her grandchildren to play her favorite card games.

Holidays and family gatherings always included jigsaw puzzles, dominoes and cards.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Fred and her sister Barbara Nichols.

She is survived by her husband Ralph C. Alexander, Jr. and her sisters JoAnn (Jim) Lukasko, of Edgar, Wisconsin, Mary Kelly of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Doris (Hank) Asmussen of Fountain Valley, California.

She will be greatly missed by her children Ralph C. Alexander III (Linda) of Covington, Washington, Marjorie Yandell of Austin, Diane Jay (Billy Wall) of Bertram, Carol Scott (Mark)

pression through books, music and movement.

She loved gracefully moving to the rhythm of a dance, creating beautiful melodies on her violin, and singing pleasant ballads. She also had a green thumb and found fulfillment in tending to her garden with care to nourish her family.

Helenmarie brought beauty and harmony into the world.

Helenmarie was an exemplary wife, mother and human being. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit and an unending generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She touched the lives of countless people with her compassion and grace. Helenmarie was a faithful disciple of Christ as she served her friends and family with an abounding heart. Let us remember her with love and gratitude.

Though she may be gone from our sight, her spirit will live on in our hearts forever. May our collective love serve as a perpetual tribute to a beautiful soul, forever remembered and dearly missed.

of Corpus Christi, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially thank Betty’s oldest granddaughter, Candice O’Dell, for taking on many responsibilities for her grandparents these past few years.

A small family service is being planned in a few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice.

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April 20

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SPRING CITY CLEANUP City of Liberty Hill 100 Carl Shipp Dr. (Municipal Court) 8 a.m.-12 p.m. libertyhilltx.gov

Guns & Oil

SWEET SINGER COOKIE DECORATING CLASS Baked by Joy Leigh 1650 Main St. (Main Street Social) 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $45 bakedbyjoyleigh.com

April 6

TOUCH-A-TRUCK Divine Savior Academy 23857 Ronald Reagan Blvd.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. divinesavioracademy.com

April 7

THE MARKET LHTX ECLIPSE POP-UP McCoy’s Building Supply 2497 RR 1869 11 a.m.-3 p.m. facebook.com/marketlhtx ORGANIZING CLASS FOR MOMS Forrest Coffee House

103 Forrest St.

1-3 p.m., $60 forms.gle/Wi7BpXqmKzg9dnpA6 PAINT NITE Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 5 p.m., $45 whitestonebrewery.com

April 9

NAME THAT TUNE BINGO Liberty Tavern 3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7-9 p.m.

Libertytavern.co

April 11

NEWS & BREWS WITH THE MAYOR Forrest Coffee House

103 Forrest St. 5:30-7:30 p.m. forrest.coffee OPEN MIC NIGHT Agape BBQ/Liberty Hill School of Music 3610 RR 1869 6-8 p.m. lhmusicschool.com

April 13

PANTHER BAND 5K Liberty Hill Middle School 13125 Hwy. 29 9 a.m., $35 lhpantherband.org NAME THAT TUNE BINGO Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 6-8 p.m. whitestonebrewery.com GUNS & OIL Dahlia Café 2450 RR 1869 6 p.m. dahliacafe.com

April 16

NOT ON OUR WATCH PANEL City of Liberty Hill Location TBD 1-3 p.m. notonourwatchtx.com

COUPLES DATE NIGHT SCAVENGER HUNT Connection Adventures ATX 3429 Hwy. 29, Bertram (Decadent Saint) 6-8 p.m. connectionadventuresatx.com

April 21

GUIDED GROUP HIKE AT DOESKIN RANCH Balcones National Wildlife Refuge 10341 S. FM 1174, Bertram 9 a.m.-12 p.m. friendsofbalcones.org

April 23

CANDIDATE FORUM FOR SCHOOL BOARD/CITY COUNCIL/MAYOR The Liberty Hill Independent/ Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce 16500 Hwy. 29 (Liberty Hill High School) 6-8 p.m. lhindependent.com

April 24

BLOOD DRIVE FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS Cross Tracks Church 101 Church St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. redcrossblood.org

101 Main St. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. facebook.com/marketlhtx BERTRAM ART, HERB & WINE FESTIVAL Downtown Bertram Vaughan & Grange Streets 10 a.m.-6 p.m. facebook.com/bertramfestival JASON KANE WHITE Fire Oak Distillery 4600 CR 207 1-6 p.m. fireoakdistillery.com SATURDAY UNDER THE OAKS WITH JOEL TUCKER BAND Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869 6:30-9 p.m. agapebbq.com

April 28

APRIL 2024 SHOOT Hill Country Bowhunters 540 CR 258

8 a.m.

Hillcountrybowhunters.com BERTRAM ART, HERB & WINE FESTIVAL Downtown Bertram Vaughan & Grange Streets 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. fcebook.com/bertramfestival

April 29

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT Operation Liberty Hill 200 Cimarron Trl. (Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club) 7:30 a.m., $100+ operationlh.org

May 4

SPRING FLING & CLASSIC CAR SHOW Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 2 p.m. car show, 8 p.m. concert, $20-200 globetheatretx.com

April 25

WATER TOWER KICKSTART City of Liberty Hill 822 Main St. (Water Tower Parking Lot) 6:30-8:30 p.m. experiencelhtx.com

April 26

PFLAME Dahlia Café 2450 RR 1869 6 p.m. dahliacafe.com FRIDAYZ WITH RENEE Liberty Hill Beer Market 13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 6-8 p.m. facebook.com/fridayzband

April 27

Water Tower Kickstart 36

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A P R I L 2 0 2 4

THE MARKET LHTX Louine Noble Elementary

Fridayz With Renee

A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

37

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CELEBRATING 40+ YEARS OF SELLING LIBERTY HILL! RE/MAX Town & Country 13561 W. State Hwy 29, Liberty Hill shanetwhite@remax.net www.ShaneTWhiteTeam.com Shane T. White

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