August 2024 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

August 2024 | LHIndepende LHIndependent.com t.com

A New Legacy Wranglers ready to wreck ‘em as LHISD opens second high school

Get to know Liberty Hill’s new economic development director p.9

The Market LHTX showcases local entrepreneurs p.10

Panthers, Wranglers gearing up for exciting football seasons p.27 & 31

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CONTENTS FEATURES 8 | BEST OF LIBERTY HILL 2024 Voting for this year’s program opens Aug. 5 9 | Q&A WITH CHRISTIAN KURTZ Liberty Hill’s new economic development director talks goals, plans 10 | THE MARKET LHTX Locally run vendor market offers unique opportunities to area entrepreneurs 14 | UPDATED GPA POLICY LHISD’s school board recently approved changes to the district’s GPA policy

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17 | P&Z QUESTIONS CITY COUNCIL Commission raises procedural appointment concerns 18 | SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE LHHS’ solar car team takes first place

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20 | SILVERADA Band with Liberty Hill roots releases ninth studio album 23 | BACK TO SCHOOL Info on new LHISD hires, construction 24 | LIBERTY HILL ATHLETICS New gym offers locals space to play sports, host events

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26 | FIGHTING WITH A PASSION Get to know Sophia Aho of the U.S. National Taekwondo Team

ABOUT OUR COVER

27 | PANTHERS FOOTBALL PREVIEW A look at the upcoming season for the Purple-and-Gold 29 | JUNIOR OLYMPICS Four runners represented Liberty Hill 31 | WRANGLERS FOOTBALL PREVIEW Youth league provides foundation for future players 32 | WRESTLING CAMP Panthers wrestling camp teachers youth new skills on the mat 33 | VOLLEYBALL CAMP Camp for young Wranglers focuses on being more than an athlete DEPARTMENTS 7 | BIZ BRIEFS 8 | WORSHIP GUIDE 34 | COLUMN & OBITUARY 36 | LOCAL EVENTS

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From left, Legacy Ranch High School freshman Natalie Fagan, Principal Mark Koller, freshman Aditya Nemani, freshman Brooklyn Stockhoff and freshman Mason Hernandez pose on the football field at Legacy Ranch Middle School, which opens this month to the freshmen class of LRHS. PHOTO BY ANNA McVEY

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LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT MONTHLY

A Publication of Liberty Hill Independent News & Media

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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.

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

BIZ BRIEFS: What’s New?

Latest business news and what’s coming soon to Liberty Hill scholarship applications, essay writing and more.

RETAIL Blingle! of Central Texas TBD, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill residents Chelsea Turner and Kelli Katzman are opening a franchise of Blingle! in September. Blingle! offers outdoor lighting for homes, businesses and events.

The Vinew Shoppe TBD, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill resident Deanna Ferguson recently announced she will be opening The Vinew Shoppe, a store where vintage and new collide, in the fall. The shop will also offer spaces for local artisans.

Ronald Reagan Retail Center 3065 CR 258, Liberty Hill A permit has been filed to build a retail center on a four-acre site at 3065 CR 258. The retail center will include a 5,500-square-foot convenience store with fuel sales and a 10,010-square-foot retail pad.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • With a Bow Mobile, Liberty Hill

SERVICES Class 101 College Planning Online, Georgetown Class 101 College Planning recently started serving students in Liberty Hill and surrounding areas with college prep services, including test preparation,

All Kleened Up Laundry Services Mobile, Liberty Hill All Kleened Up Laundry Services recently opened and provides pick up, washing, folding and delivery of all laundry in Liberty Hill and surrounding areas.

ON THE MOVE Glenny Bee Boutique 15399 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Glenny Bee Boutique celebrated one year in business in July with a celebration and ribbon cutting with the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Bull Creek Brewing Company 7100 FM 3405, Liberty Hill Bull Creek Brewing announced in early July that it would be permanently closing due to factors beyond the brewery's control.

Dr. Hope Jensen

Soil Grower Mobile, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill resident George Steward recently opened Soil Grower, a business that provides a unique system of fertilization using a biostimulant that enhances soil fertility for trees, gardens, landscapes and more.

Fit4Mom Mobile, Liberty Hill Fit4Mom, a workout group designed for moms with young children, will be opening in Libety Hill in September. The group will offer mommy-andme stroller fitness classes.

The shop offers hand-rolled cigars and cigarillos by owner and operator James "Red" Sims.

LHTX RV Resort 2224 RR 1869, Liberty Hill LHTX RV Resort recently celebrated its first year in business. The RV resort offers guests a fishing pond, swimming pool and business center among other amenities.

Dani Luckey Aesthetics 104 Brown Bridge Rd., Liberty Hill Dani Luckey of Dani Luckey Aesthetics recently announced her business will be moving from its current location inside Southern Sugar & Brow at 1353 Main St. to the former location of Ginger Roots Boutique. Upon moving, she plans on expanding services.

Raise 'Em Up Inflatables Mobile, Liberty Hill Inflatable bounce house rental company Raise 'Em Up Inflatables closed for business in mid-July.

The Powder Room Blow Dry Bar 14001 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill The Powder Room Blow Dry Bar celebrated two years in business in July.

Dr. Hope Jensen, Liberty Hill Animal Hospital 13100 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Dr. Hope Jensen is the newest veterinarian at Liberty Hill Animal Hospital. She graduated from Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2024 and has a passion for helping and caring for animals.

Staats Psychiatric Services 14001 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Staats Psychiatric Services, owned and operated by AnnMarie Staats, is moving locations from 2001 Main St. to 14001 Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill.

Dondi Thomas

Dondi Thomas, Pure Remedy Massage Therapy 12635 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Dondi Thomas is the newest massage therapist at Pure Remedy. Thomas has over 20 years of experience in the medical field and is passionate about helping clients manage chronic pain.

Red's Smoke Shop Online/Mobile, Liberty Hill Red's Smoke Shop celebrated three years in business in July.

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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COMMUNITY

Best of Liberty Hill 2024 voting to open Aug. 5

BY RACHEL MADISON & SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNERS/PUBLISHERS

Liberty Hill community, we are pleased to bring you the Best of Liberty Hill 2024 program!

We have been working for several months on revamping this program to make it the best it can be for our community.

The program looks a little different this year with some exciting changes and new opportunities to promote your favorite businesses, organizations and people.

Nominations ran for 10 days in July. During that time, the community was invited to log onto our website (www.lhindependent.com) to nominate their favorites for each category provided.

From best coffee to best taco and best law firm to best day spa, there were more than 55 inclusive categories the community had the opportunity to nominate for.

New this year, there was no fee to nominate your favorites. Each nomination submission was completely free.

At the end of the nomination process, we tabulated the results, and the top three picks from each category will now be listed during the voting process.

Voting will run from Monday, Aug. 5 through Monday, Aug. 19.

Again, only the top three nominated businesses from each category will be listed for the community to vote for.

The community can once again log onto our website during those two weeks to vote for their favorite businesses, organizations or peo-

ple in each category. One vote per category per email address.

Once the voting window closes, our staff will tabulate the final results and spend a few weeks getting to know the winners – writing their stories, sharing their triumphs and challenges, and what makes them the best of the best in Liberty Hill.

The entire list of winners and

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runners up will be announced in the October issue of The Liberty Hill Independent Monthly, which will be delivered across Liberty Hill on Friday, Oct. 4.

New this year are a few special Best of Liberty Hill awards, including best overall restaurant, best overall business, best overall community organization and the Spirit

of Liberty Hill award.

The Spirit of Liberty Hill award will be given to a person, business or organization within Liberty Hill that exhibits the highest level of support and love for the community of Liberty Hill by making a significant impact on individuals as well as the community as a whole.

The winner of this award will be featured with a story and will appear on the cover of the October issue of The Liberty Hill Independent Monthly.

As always, we appreciate feedback from the community. Let us know what you like and don’t like about the revamped program at news@lhindependent.com anytime.

We are happy to share this fresh perspective on the Best of Liberty Hill program with you all and can’t wait to discover this year’s favorites across our growing community.

Happy voting!

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CITY

Christian Kurtz The City of Liberty Hill hired new economic development director Christian Kurtz in July. Kurtz comes to Liberty Hill from Pflugerville, where he most recently served as the director of business development for the Community Development Corporation.

The EDC director position was previously held by Mary Poche, who retired in June.

Read on to learn more about Kurtz and his goals as the new EDC director.

BY RACHEL MADISON

OWNER/PUBLISHER

LHI MONTHLY: What experience do you have in the economic development industry, and how will that experience help you in your new role as Liberty Hill’s EDC director?

the City of Liberty Hill’s goals in recent years.

How will the EDC help the city to revitalize downtown?

Christian Kurtz is the new economic development director for the City of Liberty Hill. Kurtz is passionate about economic development and promoting smart growth. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

KURTZ: I have over 12 years of economic development experience in a city that also grew at a very similar, explosive rate. I believe my time in the region and the state helps bring perspective on best practices in programming and implementation.

KURTZ: The EDC has made investments in properties downtown, as well as the Master Plan, to help expand on the City’s vision of future.

The goal is that when the plan is passed it will give a blueprint for how we drive more people downtown to support the growth and success of the whole.

LHI MONTHLY: In recent months, several Liberty Hill businesses, particularly in the downtown area, have closed. What will you do as EDC director to improve the business environment in Liberty Hill?

LHI MONTHLY: Within the last year, the EDC has purchased two downtown properties. Can you provide an update on those two properties and what the future plans for their use are?

KURTZ: COVID and the shifts in economy have really hit small businesses hard. We will focus on outreach, especially in the downtown area to act as a conduit to resources that maybe the businesses are unaware of that are available.

KURTZ: Those properties are being considered in various concepts that are being explored. Again, the goal will be what is the highest and best use of those properties in driving business and people in to downtown.

LHI MONTHLY: Downtown revitalization has been at the forefront of

LHI MONTHLY: What specific goals do you have for economic development in Liberty Hill over the next

year? The next five years?

KURTZ: The road map for success in Liberty Hill is in smart growth. Ultimately, bringing in the right projects that complement the community’s needs and through investment and generation of revenue help offset the costs on infrastructure and the citizens. In the first year that looks like evaluating “our tools” and beyond that adding to them, to really diversify the economy of Liberty Hill.

LHI MONTHLY: What is the status of the EDC’s incentive programs, and how will you improve, change or revamp these programs in your new role?

KURTZ: As the city grows the rules for how an EDC’s money can be used change. Getting this city and organization ready for that is where we are and where we are headed is crucial.

The board and City Council really drive how this will adapt. I’m here to

advise, champion and achieve those goals.

LHI MONTHLY: In what ways do you plan on attracting new businesses to Liberty Hill?

KURTZ: Business is already attracted to Liberty Hill, but finding those that are a complement to the needs and wants is the focus. In site selection the most important attraction tool is telling the “story” of the community and finding partners that share in that vision and provide for a lasting beneficial relationship.

LHI MONTHLY: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the community, or anything else you feel people should know about you?

KURTZ: I am passionate about how economic development is an inclusive partnership opportunity for the whole community and that is what I aim to further enable as we grow.

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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COMMUNITY

The Market LHTX creates tapestry of community support

Community-centered market supports local vendors, boss babes, young entrepreneurs

BY RACHEL N. MADISON

STAFF WRITER

The Market LHTX is a family-friendly outdoor market supporting local vendors, artists and entrepreneurs.

With live music, networking opportunities and community-support initiatives, it has become a hub for collaboration and support between residents and local business owners, nonprofits and brick-andmortar businesses.

“We are dedicated to enhancing the local economy and enriching the lives of everyone involved by fostering connections and promoting local businesses in [Liberty Hill] and our surrounding communities,” said Nancy Wilk, The Market LHTX founder.

The Market LHTX hosts markets every fourth Saturday of the month, along with occasional pop-up events. Saturday markets are hosted at Louine Noble Elementary in the parking lot off State Highway 29 and Main Street. This year, The Market LHTX also added a Saturday Sunset market, located at the Water Tower Parking Lot in downtown Liberty Hill, during the evening to support vendors and customers who are unable to attend regular market hours during the hot summer months. This will continue through August.

Now a bustling event with over 25 regular vendors, The Market LHTX has grown since its humble beginnings. The market was originally started by well-known Liberty Hill resident Susan Jones Anderson and held for years at her family’s Indian Mound Ranch on State Highway 29.

Jones Anderson, who Wilk credits as “a Liberty Hill OG and the original ‘boss babe,’” started the market in 2015 with a desire to share her overabundance of food from her garden with the community.

“One Saturday, I just went out there,” Jones Anderson said. “I advertised on Facebook for other vendors to come and sell, and it worked. I was tired of working for other people and wanted to empower other women to do the same thing. Liberty Hill didn’t have a market at the time, but one of my favorite memories from growing up here was going to the market downtown with my mother on Saturdays. I hope I helped bring that back to the community.”

After purchasing her restaurant, Ber-

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tram-based Hometown Watering Hole, in 2020 and a series of weather-related challenges, Jones Anderson decided to pass the market’s management torch. Her one request was that her longtime vendors would have a local place to go to sell that would take care of them. To this day, The Market LHTX is honoring her wishes.

Wilk worked to organize a new venue for the much-anticipated 2021 Christmas market after it was cancelled due to bad weather, so that she and other vendors could still sell their holiday perishable goods. Liberty Hill Beer Market graciously offered the space.

“That day marked the beginning of The Market LHTX, and the rest is history,” said Wilk. “With [Jones Anderson’s] blessing, a small group of vendors, including myself, took on the responsibility of organizing and running the market.”

Over the past three years, the Market has collaborated with families and institutions to host the event.

“It has been a community collaborative effort for sure,” Wilk said.

“They’ve done such a tremendous job,” Jones Anderson added. “Nancy’s a powerhouse and a very kind and generous one. I love that they are working so hard to keep it going.”

The Market LHTX currently operates under the umbrella of Foundation XXL HOPE, a nonprofit founded by Nancy Wilk’s two entrepreneur sons, Dylan and Kyle Wilk.

The nonprofit is committed to empowering and supporting the local community through mentorship by teaching life skills with peer-to-peer education.

It is led by its dedicated board, consisting of the Wilk family and close friends, and run and organized by its leadership team of local vendors.

“We recognize, appreciate, and cultivate each other’s talents and strengths, as well as help along where we might struggle,” Wilk said. “That’s why we call it ‘friends like family.’”

Today, The Market hosts two events per month, one with over 40 vendors and a smaller one with around 25, where vendors offer everything from jewelry, beauty and home products to homemade goods, kindness rocks and self-defense classes.

Musicians and bands also regularly perform

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

Above, an aerial view of a typical market day at The Market LHTX. Over 25 regular vendors set up at the markets each month. Right, youth entrepreneurs Gabby and Eliza Padilla, and craft booth group sponsor Kim Sanders of Keller Williams, man the Kindness Rocks tent, which gives market attendees the opportunity to exercise their creativity by designing and painting their own rocks. COURTESY PHOTOS

live music.

“This allows us to offer a diverse range of products and experiences for our vendors and attendees,” said Wilk. “We can’t exist without these vendors. In a day and age where everyone is doing their own thing, we’re in a special place in Liberty Hill that we’re so focused on community and can

have something like this.”

In addition to fostering a family atmosphere and community fun, The Market LHTX is dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs through their unique youth entrepreneurs program.

“The program is designed to encourage and support young people to reach set goals,

COMMUNITY inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity that is so abundant in our youth,” said Wilk.

“Through guidance, marketing assistance, and hands-on support, we work to nurture and cheer on the next generation of business owners.”

This is an initiative close to the Wilks’ hearts, as both Dylan and Kyle were young entrepreneurs who first sold their homemade goods at Indian Mound years ago.

The brothers are in a unique position to support and mentor these aspiring business owners with firsthand knowledge and experience, Wilk added.

Over the years, The Market LHTX has proudly supported many young business owners and regularly partnered with Liberty Hill Independent School District organizations and groups.

Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator Amanda Davis’ 12-year-old son Tyler is a thriving member of the program, owning and running two of the market’s repeat vendors: Sensory Overload and The Mad Cappers.

“Tyler’s journey through our programs has transformed him,” said Davis. “The skills he’s gained—negotiation, marketing, financial literacy—have left an indelible

The Market LHTX received a Hometown Hero Award from former Mayor Liz Branigan at the 2023 Liberty Hill Sculpture Festival. From left are The Market LHTX team members Dylan Wilk, Kyle Wilk, Branigan, David Herlo, Jacob Castro and Zach Castro. PHOTO BY KENDRA COFER

mark on his life. He’s not just selling products; he’s building confidence, resilience and a future.”

In addition to supporting vendors and

young entrepreneurs, The Market LHTX is committed to helping those in need and regularly participates in drives and other initiatives to support local community

members and families.

“We believe in offering a hand up, not a handout,” Wilk said. “If we can’t help directly, we can connect people with those who can.”

The Market LHTX has certainly served its part in the Liberty Hill community.

“Our family has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the market, from our bakery, The Treat Box TX, to watching my daughters learn the value of young entrepreneurship,” said Amy Padilla of the market’s leadership team. “We are truly grateful to have this market in our community.”

Other team members described the market as kind, local, welcoming, fun, engaging and caring.

“As Liberty Hill and the surrounding areas grow, the core values that drew many families here—neighbors helping neighbors, loving one another, and serving the Lord together—remain essential,” said Wilk.

The Market LHTX is always looking for community sponsors, young entrepreneurs and vendors, and encourages anyone interested to check their social media at The Market LHTX or visit their website at themarketlhtx.com.

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EDUCATION

LHISD school board approves updated GPA, class rank policy

New system to encourage student choice, course exploration

BY RACHEL N. MADISON

STAFF WRITER

At their monthly meeting on July 15, the Liberty Hill Independent School District’s Board of Trustees voted to approve updates to grade point average (GPA) and class rank policy for the incoming class of 2028 and beyond.

The goal of the updates is to reward students for taking challenging courses and offer more room for curricular exploration.

Travis Motal, LHISD’s chief of schools, presented the proposed guidelines to the board along with district officials Susan Cole, executive director of teaching and learning; Deah Twine, career and technical education (CTE) director; and Jamie Richardson, counseling coordinator.

The proposals emerged from thorough review by the GPA committee – consisting of Cole, Twine, Richardson and high school principals, counselors, teachers, parents and students – in response to stakeholder feedback surrounding confusion of the previous policy and a desire for greater clarity.

The GPA committee held five focus group meetings from December 2023 to May 2024 in which they reviewed the district’s processes and determined potential ways to foster greater systemic clarity and student choice.

The committee was determined to create

a system in which students are more than a GPA and are rewarded for taking challenging classes.

They also believed that a system that supports diversity, equity and student choice were essential. The committee crafted proposed adjustments to existing GPA policy based on this committee-wide feedback. “[The new guidelines] open the possibility for our students to really have freedom of choice to explore the things they are interested in and not feel bound to a GPA or get into those competitive colleges,” Twine told the school board during the meeting. “They can do that and still explore their interests in fine arts, CTE and other areas.”

The newly approved guidelines institute several changes to existing policy.

First, students who receive a grade below 70 in advanced courses will still receive the additional weight for the course.

“Our current policy states that if a student earns below 70 in an AP, advanced or honors course, they shall not be given the weight,” Richardson said. “We feel like this penalizes students for trying and taking a risk. We believe that any grade a student earns in an AP, advanced or honors course should be given the extra weighted point, regardless of grade earned.”

Second, students enrolled in honors, AP, dual credit, dual enrollment, or OnRamps courses will now receive weight for each

semester of these completed courses.

“We feel that if a student finishes the semester of the weighted course, they should get the weight,” Richardson added.

These changes remove apprehension and encourage students to enroll in more difficult courses by ensuring they will be receiving the benefit of weighting, regardless of their ultimate grade or number of semesters completed.

New guidelines also cap the number of credits that can count toward the GPA to 18.

Within that, four credits in the areas of English, math, science and social studies, along with two credits in LOTE courses (Spanish, ASL, world languages or computer science) are included.

Only the best grades from each category will count toward GPA and class rank, offering more room for student improvement.

“Students can re-take those courses and if they get a higher grade, they can replace a lower grade,” Richardson said. “This keeps students motivated because there is always the opportunity to improve your GPA, which is how we calculate your rank.”

The new cap also allows students who are satisfied with their grades for those credits to free up space in their schedule to explore other interests and passions.

“We’re excited to be able to allow our

students the ultimate flexibility of pursuing the highest GPA they can while also being able to explore all areas of interest,” Motal said.

Lastly, weight assignments have been streamlined to focus on honors, core and LOTE courses by removing weights for fine arts. This encourages students to explore other areas and creates a clearer GPA system.

“We didn’t want students to feel like they had to take fine arts classes just to count toward their GPA,” Motal told The Independent. “We wanted them to be able to pursue fine arts, CTE, athletics or other interests and focus on their enjoyment of those subjects. Instead of it all being connected, now it’s one GPA path and one path for pursuing other interests.”

Motal added that he believes this change will help to make well-rounded students and people throughout LHISD. Now that the policy change has received board approval, the GPA committee will meet with school faculty and administrators to discuss the changes and prepare them for implementation.

The new policy and guidelines will go in effect for incoming freshmen with the start of the 2024-25 school year.

“We’re excited to be able to allow our students the ultimate flexibility of pursuing the highest GPA they can while also being able to explore all areas of interest.”

Travis Motal, LHISD Chief of Schools

The Liberty Hill Independent School District’s Board of Trustees approved updates to the grade point average (GPA) and class rank policy for the incoming class of 2028 and beyond at their July meeting. PHOTO BY RACHEL N. MADISON

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

CITY

P&Z Commission raises procedural appointment concerns with council

BY RACHEL N. MADISON & RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER & OWNER/PUBLISHER

Over the last several weeks, discord between the Liberty Hill City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission has been at the forefront of many city meetings, with three sitting members of P&Z resigning in tandem during the June 26 council meeting.

The resignations stemmed from P&Z Commission Chair Steve Messana being scheduled to speak to council under an agenda item reevaluating the recent appointments of Devin Vyner and Karlyn Keller to P&Z, as well as council’s decision to not reappoint former Commissioner Bryan Rivera. This item was added to the meeting agenda at Messana’s request to discuss his concerns about the selection process for the recent appointments, which he outlined in an email to the mayor and council members earlier that month.

He stated in his email, “P&Z made recommendations for 2 of the 3 candidates as that is what was asked of us. The council decided to postpone the decision until the new council was seated. Unbeknownst to P&Z there were 8 additional applications turned in, these applications were not passed through P&Z, went straight to council and council appointed two new commissioners. There aren’t any real criteria set to determine who the right candidate would be.”

Messana said his request for appointment reconsiderations weren’t a personal affront to anyone in particular, neither on council, city staff nor in the P&Z candidate pool.

“It’s not about the individuals, but rather the process,” he said. “The process wasn’t followed to appoint the candidates that they did, so those appointments in my mind are null and void,” Messana told The Independent.

During the council meeting, Council member Diane Williams motioned to appeal the agenda item regarding putting P&Z appointments under reconsideration, which council then approved. Because of this vote, neither P&Z commissioners nor council members were permitted to speak further on the issue.

“I vetted those candidates,” said Williams, who was a member of the P&Z Commission until she joined City Council in May. “I interviewed six of the 11 candidates, and I stand by my decisions.”

Williams did not deny that commissioners may have felt differently about recent appointments. She told The Independent that a key concern going into this meeting was making quorum, causing an unprecedented time crunch under which council considered applicants without as much commission feedback as before. However helpful, this feedback, she added, is not mandatory and that all proper

protocols were followed.

“If you look at actual process, final decision is at council,” Williams said.

Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla affirmed that time constraints for considering recent appointments for filling vacancies did not allow for as much commissioner feedback or recommendations as it did under former councils. She acknowledged the frustration that this change may have caused commissioners and expressed disappointment that their concerns were not heard.

“They felt like they didn’t have a voice and weren’t heard—that’s what I was trying to give them,” she said of her comments during the meeting that objected to the council’s decision.

“I value and respect our volunteers and people that put their names in hat to participate in our city government. I decided it would be a good idea to bring [the issue] back to council to ensure we’re doing due process. What I regret is that two appointed commissioners were caught in the middle unfairly; that was not the intention.”

Following council’s decision, Messana walked out of the meeting, and new commissioners Vyner and Keller were sworn in.

“I resigned five minutes after walking out of the meeting,” Messana said.

Resignations from commissioners Chad Cormack and Sara Novo came shortly thereafter. Messana, Cormack and Novo felt that the disrespect that was given to planning & zoning was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back, Messana said.

“I’ve dedicated over six years to this commission, and I sat on water task force before that,” he said. “I attend over 125 meetings a year; that’s 250 hours a year as a volunteer. It’s very painful the disrespect we received. I’m not a quitter, and I hate that I resigned. But I won’t have them disrespect a commission that wasn’t even afforded the chance to speak.”

Cormack shared Messana’s frustrations.

“We had planned on showing up at the meeting as we did to have a venue to voice our opinions publicly on the situation,” he said. “I was hopeful to be able to talk about it. I was floored when Council member Williams muted us and shut us down while we were there.”

Cormack, who viewed council’s decision as a “slap in the face,” stated that his resignation was due to the combination of disrespect toward Rivera, who was not re-appointed, and not having a voice to express his opinions.

Williams expressed disappointment in how the meeting played out, adding that her motion was not an aim to silence or disrespect commission members or avoid procedural evaluations.

She validated commissioner concerns stating she had added discussion of process itself

on the agenda.

“I planned to analyze and listen to Messana’s and others’ concerns,” she said.

“I wanted them to come back to discuss that.”

Ultimately, she felt that reconsidering the sound decisions made by council in appointing Vyner and Keller were not the appropriate way to discuss these larger concerns.

“I love those people and that commission; but at the end of the day, I have got to make the decisions I believe are best for the city,” she said.

Mancilla expressed disappointment at council’s decision not to hear out P&Z Former P&Z Commissioner Bryan Rivera and P&Z Commissioner Chad Cormack stand together after Rivera was honored for his service to P&Z during members. the commission’s July 16 meeting. Former P&Z Commissioners Steve Messana “We’ve had an incredible and Sarah Novo, who were not present at the meeting, were also honored. relationship with P&Z— COURTESY PHOTO that’s why as mayor I wanted to understand the process and have a public to make sure we kept the relationship by voice to share our concerns. Unfortunately, giving them a voice and having conversations,” the council refused to hear our voices.” she said. “Yet, at the end of the day, it’s counCormack also spoke about fellow commiscil’s decision and I’m there to do what I can to sioner Vyner, who offered public comments facilitate and support.” during the June council meeting before he was As he parts ways with P&Z, Messana hopes appointed to P&Z. the council will address and correct the issues “[Devin’s] public comments were wrong,” he raised.

Cormack said. “[He said there was] a recurring Mancilla told The Independent that conproblem of [P&Z] meeting quorum, but in my versations have taken place to try to remedy three years, we only missed quorum one time. any existing shortfalls in procedure, and was I don’t appreciate untrue facts being spewed hopeful that Messana, Cormack and Novo about the commission that I’m passionate and would reconsider their resignations. proud to be on. Another comment, that this “I want to work with the commission and was a thinly veiled, politically motivated ploy council to fix the process, so no one has to by the mayor to change the appointments, go through this again,” Mancilla said. “I want was completely untrue. These comments what’s best for Liberty Hill.” contributed to the tipping point for why the While Messana and Novo have decided entire P&Z commission resigned following the not to move forward with P&Z, Cormack did meeting. The showcase of egos and politics has rescind his resignation, which he announced no place on P&Z.” at the July 16 P&Z meeting.

Cormack said the commissioners he “I’ve decided to rescind my resignation worked alongside completely revamped the to try to do what’s right for the city,” he said roles and responsibilities of P&Z, updated over during the meeting. “I hope as we move a dozen city ordinances and rewrote their own forward, we can put aside our differences bylaws, and for members of that commission and continue several initiatives we’ve already to be disrespected was wrong. started.”

“I personally feel like Bryan wasn’t honored Cormack also publicly shared his thoughts for his service,” he said. “And Steve served P&Z about council’s decision during the meeting. for seven years and poured his heart into the “I wanted to have a public venue to share, city harder than any person I’ve witnessed. It’s since we weren’t allowed at council, to express an absolute tragedy that he’s been pushed out my opinions about what’s happened,” he said. by the antics that occurred.”

“The city council decided it wasn’t important Current P&Z commission members include to get our input on nominations for reappointCormack, Vyner, Keller and Ernesto Barreras. ments. It was a complete shock that [Rivera] The commission has one vacancy to fill. wasn’t reappointed, which is why we wanted

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

17

EDUCATION

Slow and steady wins the race LHHS solar car team earns first place at Texas Motor Speedway

BY ELLIE HERT

EDITORIAL INTERN

Liberty Hill High School recently competed in a four-day Solar Car Challenge, earning a first-place win after traveling 208 laps on the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

Physics teacher Michael McGregor said the team’s race strategy was to prioritize efficiency over speed during the multi-day race.

“A lot of teams drove faster and ran out of energy and had to stop and recharge their batteries,” McGregor said. “We were able to dial in exactly the right speed and stay on the track. It was a slow speed, but a car that’s moving is always faster than a car that’s parked.”

During the race, competitors drove on the track from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the winners were determined by the mileage covered during the four days. Liberty Hill earned first place, beat three other teams in the cruiser division – meaning they had four student passengers – totaling about 312 miles on the track, while the second-place team only traveled an estimated 264 miles.

Using their “turtle and hare” strategy, the Panthers made considerable progress early

in the race. However, on day three, they had to stop the race earlier than expected to change two flat tires.

“We pulled the car off of the track to fix the flat tires, which was not a big deal because we had spares,” McGregor said. “While we were doing that, we were sitting in the sun, recharging our batteries.”

The slight setback on day three ended up turning in Liberty Hill’s favor when thick clouds covered the sky in day four of the race.

“When we pulled our car off early on day three, we charged a lot more than other people,” McGregor said. “We had a considerable amount of energy in our battery and could do our same plan as usual – get out in the track and go slow.”

During the race, the students drove at 15 mph, which helped them conserve energy and ultimately win the endurance race.

“Going fast does not mean winning,” McGregor said. “You really have to calculate how much energy each mile costs.”

The students who competed in the contest were Stephen Martin, Gabriel Villaneuva, Jayme Brown, Kaelyn Brushett and Leon Ellis. Trenton Shaw, Justin Norwood, Pranav

Liberty Hill High School competed in the recent Solar Car Challenge, traveling over 300 miles to bring home first place in their division. COURTESY PHOTO Nichenanetla and Nirukta Balaji are also on the team, but were unable to attend the competition.

McGregor said as the coach, seeing his students’ reactions to winning the race showed the true value of all of the work that went into the solar car.

“It’s hard work, building the car can be quite a challenge, but that’s one of my favorite parts,” McGregor said. “The students really, really get excited about the race. Quite often, they say, ‘Driving around that track was the most amazing thing.’ That makes all of the work we put into it really worth it.”

At left, members of Liberty Hill High School’s solar car team stand with their first-place trophy after beating out three other teams in the cruiser division of the Solar Car Challenge. At right, Liberty Hill’s entry passes a competitor on the track at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth during the Solar Car Challenge. COURTESY PHOTOS

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

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A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

19

ENTERTAINMENT

Silverada stuns with new self-titled album Band formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies embraces musical evolution with name change, bold new sound

BY RACHEL N. MADISON

STAFF WRITER

For over 15 years, five-man country group Silverada – previously known as Mike and the Moonpies – has gone from gracing Austin honky-tonks to European stages and continues to grow in popularity.

Their ninth studio album, Silverada, was released in June.

Silverada frontman and Liberty Hill resident Mike Harmeier explains Silverada represents a new chapter for the band and is considered by many to be their boldest record yet.

Growing up in Tomball, Texas, Harmeier always had a passion for music.

“I started playing guitar at eight and had my first gig at 14,” Harmeier told The Independent. “They were acoustic shows – just me and the guitar. I’ve been doing that forever.”

The self-proclaimed “child of 90s country radio” moved to Austin in 2002 to pursue his music career. Heavily influenced by artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Strait and Jerry Jeff Walker, Harmeier said

the outlaw movement and overall Texas scene were a big influence for him in those early days.

In 2007, Harmeir formed Mike and the Moonpies alongside drummer Taylor Englert, guitarist Catlin Rutherford, bassist Omar Oyoque and steel guitarist Zachary Moulton.

The band name emerged from a joke among bandmembers alluding to a line in a Tracy Byrd song they often covered.

They decided to use it as their group name in hopes that it would clue Austinites in about the type of music they could expect to hear from them.

After years of regular gigs at Austin bars and dance halls, the band took off in the late-2010s with the release of their acclaimed studio album Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold – recorded at Abbey Road Studios – in 2019. That record won them a place on top country charts and an award for Best Country Artist, putting the group on the global map.

The album also marked a shift in the Moonpies’ musical style and the start of a noticeable evolution of their sound,

Silverada (formerly Mike and the Moonpies) performed at Open Road Abilene at the Grace Museum in Abilene, Texas, in June 2022. From left are Mike Harmeier, Taylor Englert and Omar Oyoque. COURTESY PHOTO

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

Silverada at YellowDOG Studio in San Marcos, Texas, in 2024. From left are Zachary Moulton, Omar Oyoque, Mike Harmeier, Catlin Rutherford and Taylor Englert. PHOTO BY ERIC CAIN which continued over their subsequent two albums, Touch of You: The Lost Songs of Gary Stewart and One to Grow On. “We’d been doing the band hall circuit for so long and we’d gotten really good at the playing part,” Harmeier said. “But a lot of times we pigeonholed ourselves – it wasn’t satisfying us musically. We were evolving. We needed to signify a change from what it was to what it had become. It was time to take it to the next level.”

Silverada’s ninth studio album cover, Silverada. COURTESY GRAPHIC After 17 years as Mike and the Moonpies, the group announced their name Grow On, was based around the idea of a change to Silverada earlier this year.

Chevrolet Silverado truck, so they decided “We’d always been attached to the word to combine the former and the latter, and silver – like silver tequila,” said Harmeier.

Silverada was born.

“We almost changed our name to Cheap “We put it all together,” Harmeier said.

Silver years ago following the release of “It was an amalgamation of many things Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold.” that evoke what we sound like and who we The band’s eighth album, 2021’s One to are.”

ENTERTAINMENT “We weren’t chasing a band sound or any genre. It covers many styles, because we are all very influenced by different things. We just played whatever we thought was best for the song.”

Mike Harmeier, Silverada frontman The group is using their namesake record to launch their new and improved sound to the world. Silverada embodies the musical creativity and diversity the group has experimented with for years, bouncing between electrifying country-rock anthems and twangy acoustic melodies.

“Freedom of creativity is at the forefront of the new record and sound,” said Harmeier.

In addition to Harmeier’s introspective lyricism and metaphorical songwriting, he wanted all band members to have the freedom to create the music they wanted to.

Harmeier describes the album as eclectic.

“We weren’t chasing a band sound or any genre,” he said. “It covers many styles,

because we are all very influenced by different things. We just played whatever we thought was best for the song.”

Silverada will be on the road touring their new record through the rest of the year. Silverada has dazzled crowds from San Francisco to Stockholm, but Harmeier said that doing Central Texas shows feels like coming home.

“Whenever we do a show in Austin or Cedar Park or Liberty Hill, everyone comes out,” he said. “It’s all family and friends here. It’s like a family reunion. It’s a different vibe than the other shows. It feels like a vacation, like a homecoming.”

Follow Silverada on social media to stay up to date with tours, music and more, and learn more about the band at silverada.com.

Liberty Hill resident and Silverada frontman Mike Harmeier performs at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas, in 2022. PHOTO BY LYZA RENEE

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

21

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

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A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

23

BUSINESS

Liberty Hill Athletics: Building community through sports

BY LESHELLE VALLEJO STAFF WRITER

Liberty Hill has a new athletic facility that is focused on providing top-notch sports training and indoor gym rental, appropriately named Liberty Hill Athletics.

Charles Himmer, a software engineer who moved from Seattle to Liberty Hill in 2011, and his business partner Jordan Potts, a dedicated basketball trainer, launched Liberty Hill Athletics to address the growing need for an indoor athletic center in the Liberty Hill area.

Himmer and Potts’ partnership began coincidentally. Potts’ father, Jimmy, often played pick-up basketball with Himmer.

Around six months ago, Himmer and Potts met, instantly connecting over their shared love for sports and community development.

“Jordan has this calm demeanor and refreshing perspective, and he had been training kids straight out of his driveway,” Himmer said. “He needed a proper facility to expand his impact.”

Recognizing an opportunity, the two decided to join forces and provide something unique for the whole community.

Himmer manages the gym, while Potts handles the training side of the business.

Their doors have only been open since June 1, and Liberty Hill Athletics has already become a popular spot for local youth and families. The facility features a full-size basketball court with four hoops, which can be converted into two full-size volleyball courts, and an additional performance room. The spaces can be rented in half-court or full-court increments to include a shooting machine for basketball, which is available at no extra cost.

“As Liberty Hill continues to grow, the need for such a facility has become apparent,” said Himmer, who also heads up the Liberty Hill Youth Basketball League.

“With the district’s growth, construction and requirements for insurance purposes, it has been increasingly more work to secure access to school gyms. The new center alleviates this issue and provides a space for various teams, leagues, classes and training sessions.”

Launching a new business comes with its challenges. For Liberty Hill Athletics, installing basketball hoops and other equipment proved unexpectedly tricky due to the high demand for gym construction services during the summer months. Competing with school districts

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Left, the Liberty Hill Athletics facility offers a full-size basketball court with four hoops, which can also be converted into two full-size volleyball courts. Right, Liberty Hill Athletics co-owner Charles Himmer stands with his family outside the new facility located on Highway 183 in Liberty Hill. COURTESY PHOTOS

for installation time added to the complexity.

Despite these hurdles, the summer months have been promising for Liberty Hill Athletics, with high attendance at camps held in June and July.

Himmer and Potts are now strategizing to maintain momentum through August and beyond.

Beyond sports, Liberty Hill Athletics has also incidentally become a favored venue for birthday parties, offering dodgeball games and other activities.

Parents are welcome to bring their own pizza and cake.

Liberty Hill Athletics’ core values are fairness, human dignity and personalized experiences. Himmer, who has four children who all played youth sports, understands the importance of creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all.

“Our goal is to treat everyone like a human being and handle situations fairly,” he said. “We want to curate an experience that accommodates unique situations and makes everyone feel valued.”

Liberty Hill Athletics is located at 987 N. Hwy. 183. To learn more about the facility, visit libertyhillathletics.com.

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

Charles Himmer (far left) and Jordan Potts (center) are the duo behind the recently opened Liberty Hill Athletics facility, which offers a place for locals to play sports, workout and host events. COURTESY PHOTO

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A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

25

SPORTS

Fighting with a passion Liberty Hill High School grad has sights set on Olympics

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

When Sophia Aho first stepped onto a mat to practice the ancient martial art of taekwondo at the age of six, it was quite a different experience from the one she now immerses herself in.

“Back when I first started, it was all about having fun,” said Aho, who recently graduated with Liberty Hill High School’s class of 2024.

“But, now as a grown woman, I feel completely different. No longer is it just about having fun, but seeing who the best is and winning.”

Currently, Aho is living and training in Houston as a member of the U.S. national taekwondo team with a goal of competing at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles after having moved up the rankings steadily while also earning a level one black belt.

However, where she is now is a long way from where she began – literally and figuratively.

“When my family and I were still living in Maryland where I was born, my mom took me to a day care that was also a taekwondo studio,” she said. “I fell in love with the sport immediately.”

Soon after, it was apparent Aho had ability, which was obvious to her instructors, she said.

“The masters there saw I had talent,” said Aho. “So, after six months of learning, I started to compete.”

Despite the fact she dabbled in other sports as a youngster, it was taekwondo that lit a fire inside Aho that eventually grew into a passion.

“When I was young, my parents wanted me to be involved in school sports, so I played volleyball, basketball and softball,” she said.

“But, those others just weren’t the same. With taekwondo, I felt different emotions when I was fighting.”

But, flying fists and feet weren’t all that attracted her.

“Just with how the taekwondo community is, I learned such love and respect for the sport,” said Aho. “It’s all about competing, but at the end of the day, you respect your opponent – team sports are great, but with this, it’s just you, so you can’t depend on teammates to help you.”

Doused, then reignited

At one point, though, Aho stepped away from the sport for a period that coincided with the global pandemic right after she had reached high school, she said.

“I stopped for an entire year because I really didn’t see a future in the sport,” said Aho. “In 2020, I was really trying to find myself.”

It was a process that took Aho down a dark road before she could once again emerge and continue down the path she had already been traveling.

“When I wasn’t doing taekwondo, I found myself with a lot of free time – it was like something was lost,” she said. “I was gaining weight and getting depressed with myself, just laying around in my room or hanging out with friends losing shape and not liking life as much as I did before.”

Being involved in a sport in which one competes in weight classes had taken a toll on Aho, which was one of the primary motivators for her to walk away.

“It was the reason I decided to take a break – it was really stressful,” she said. “But, then I decided I could keep cutting weight or be depressed and fat, so I realized I should get back in the gym and try it again.”

Back on track

Ever since her epiphany, Aho has been on a mission with a renewed sense of purpose and as a result is now on what amounts to a 24-hour-a-day regimen to keep herself in world class shape moving forward, including a recent two-week camp to cut weight the healthy way.

“I’m still eating and drinking normal,” said Aho. “I get up every day at 8 a.m. and go through a full workout wearing a sauna suit.

After that, I’ll refuel, take a nap for about two hours, then work out from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with a full kick-out to build the muscles I use and work on the techniques I need to make work – then I rehySophia Aho has competed in taekwondo events nationally and in South drate and fast until morning.”

Korea, Canada and Mexico. COURTESY PHOTO

26 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

Liberty Hill class of 2024 alum Sophia Aho is an accomplished martial artist who has earned her black belt and is training for a place on the U.S. Olympic taekwondo team for the 2028 Summer Games. COURTESY PHOTO Aho competes in the 46-kilogram (102 pound) weight class, but will eventually fight at the 49-kilo (108) level down the road, as the higher weight is the lowest featured at the Olympic level, although she won’t ever make the mistake of moving too far up the ladder again, as she once did and learned a hard lesson, she said.

“One time, I actually fought at the 57-kilogram (126) level when I was 15 and was up against Faith Dillon, who is on the Olympic team in Paris this year,” said Aho. “I’m 5-1 and she’s about 5-10, so if you watch the video, it was like she was just toying with me. She went right for my head and all I remember after that was falling to the ground before waking up a few seconds later. So, I’ll never put myself in that position again.”

Fighting like a girl

According to Aho, there is quite a stark contrast between male and female competitors as the respective genders work their way up the ranks.

“A lot of guys will do taekwondo just because they like it and it’s fun,” said Aho. “But, with girls it’s different – a lot more competitive.”

Perhaps that mindset is the result of having a fight of an entirely different kind while learning the sport, she said.

“Growing up as a female in taekwondo is completely different than being male,” said Aho. “Martial arts is such a male-dominated community and females are relatively uncommon, so I believe I missed out on a lot of opportunities because I was female.”

Aho said high-school classmates would often question her continued dedication to the sport.

“Sometimes I was made fun of because taekwondo isn’t a common sport,” she said. “You

know, like ‘Why don’t you just play volleyball or something?’”

In addition, Aho said many girls will shy away from the competitive side of the sport due to its violent nature.

“A lot of girls will just practice traditional taekwondo, which isn’t at all about just beating people up – it’s about being able to control your body and protect yourself from another person. In fact, taekwondo literally translates in Korean to ‘control of foot and fist.’”

Taekwondo originated in South Korea – a country Aho has already competed in at the international level along with an event in Vancouver, Bristish Columbia, Canada, last year – with roots so steeped in tradition that whenever an athlete achieves the status of black belt, it must be verified by the sport’s governing body in the nation across the Pacific known as “The Land of the Morning Calm.”

Aho said the trials to gain such notoriety were both mental and physical, not the least of which was the requirement to put pen to paper.

“One of the things you have to do is write an essay in describing why you want to be a black belt,” she said. “I said I was doing it because it was something I always dreamed about since I was little.”

Upon gaining black belt status, one is qualified to open a “dojang” or studio in order to teach others, but before she possibly reaches that point, there’s plenty more Aho wants to accomplish herself, with a trip to Mexico up next for a competition that will begin the march to perhaps competing for a gold medal at the 2028 Games.

“Right now is when they’ll start the validation process for the next Olympics,” said Aho. “There are only two spots in each weight class and I want one of them.”

SPORTS

Re-loading the backfield

Panthers offensive personnel much different this season

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

juniors Bryce Muchaw, Jack Pitchford and DJ Seaborn will join senior Kyle May, with all of them having seen significant varsity action last season.

Following a 2020 season that saw Liberty According to Walker, it’s using the same Hill go 12-1 and advance to the Class 5A gun, but with different bullets.

Division II state semifinals, Panthers head “I never like to use the word ‘replace’ coach Kent Walker was faced with replacing because Ben (Carter), Joe (Pitchford) and his entire backfield of Blake Simpson, Trey Noah (Long) are special football players and Seward and Eric De la cruz after the senior great young men who can’t just be replaced,” trio had combined for 4,410 rushing yards said Walker, of the trio that all went on to and 63 touchdowns.

NCAA Division I programs. “Every team is Certainly a daunting task for a team different and this year we have guys who are predicated on the run with its famed Slot-T ready to take those positions.” offense, but that same year, freshman Noah Also new will be junior quarterback JuLong had already burst onto the varsity dah Fried, who will take over the signal-callscene and the following season was joined ing responsibilities after having performed by backfield mates Joe Pichford, Logan well for the Panthers’ junior varsity team Dyer and Grady Flinn in more-than-capably last year, which gives Walker confidence filling the void in 2021 for a Purple-and-gold he’s prepared to excel at the varsity level. squad that advanced all the way to the state “There’s no doubt in my mind Judah is championship game. ready to move in and start,” said Walker, Over the course of the 2022 and 2023 who begins his fourth full season running campaigns, the trio of Long, Pitchford and the Liberty Hill sidelines. “He’s a hard-workfullback Ben Carter shouldered the load, ing player that’s very selfless with a calm, resulting in back-to-back trips to the state cool and collected demeanor and doesn’t let semifinals. his emotions get too high or low – not too However, entering this season, Walker vocal, but a natural leader.” is once again up against the same dilemma Along the offensive line, senior center after losing the Long-Pitchford-Carter comKolton New will anchor, with Aiden Merbination to graduation after combining for chant, Nick Vasquez, Daniel Simpson and 4,320 yards and 54 touchdowns. junior tight end Jett Harrison contributing Once again, though, the Panthers are heavily. poised to reload their offensive backfield Liberty Hill’s defense will be led by senior and it’s simply a case of next-man-up, as linebacker Garrett Lindgren – the Panthers’ leading returning tackler from last season – who is moving from the outside linebacker spot he occupied last year to the inside alongside fellow inside backer Caleb Nicholas to form the heart of the unit to go with outside linebackers Kaden Cockburn and Will Fulford, who will patrol the edges.

But, perhaps the player who will have the biggest Panthers junior defensive lineman Alister Vallejo (56) led Liberty Hill with 11 impact will be sacks last season and has already received a scholarship offer from the University junior defensive of Mississippi. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO lineman Alister OWNER/PUBLISHER

Liberty Hill’s Bryce Muchaw (34) will shoulder much of the rushing responsibilities for the Panthers this season after running for 401 yards and four touchdowns last year. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Vallejo, who collected a team-high 11 sacks last season, said Walker.

“Alister is a difference-maker,” he said, of the 6-foot-3, 270-pound Vallejo, who has quickness that belies his hulking presence and has already been offered a scholarship by the University of Mississippi. “We’re looking for him to have a huge junior year and he’ll demand a lot of double-teams, which will free up our linebackers to make plays.”

Leading the defensive secondary will be senior cornerback Kendrick Hicks, who had a team-high seven passes defended last season, along with Seaborn and Sebastian Evans lending a hand in pass coverage and run support.

On the schedule this season are three nondistrict games – down from four in previous years – due to the Panthers’ new district that features seven league opponents, including Class 6A powerhouse Steele in the season opener away on Aug. 30, along with contests against Rouse to open the home schedule on Sept. 6 and a matchup with Class 6A Eastlake of El Paso, which will be played at a neutral site in Midland on Sept. 13.

Walker said the opener against Steele will be a litmus test for his team moving forward.

“Steele is as good a team as there is in the state of Texas,” he said of of the Knights, who posted a 13-2 record last season in advancing to the Class 6A Division II state semifinals. “We’ll have our work cut out, but it’ll tell us what our strengths and weak-

nesses are.”

The district opener will be against Connally on Sept. 20 (home), followed by Navarro (Sept. 26, away), Elgin (Oct. 11, home), Pflugerville (Oct. 18, away), McCallum (Oct. 25, home), Crockett (Nov. 1, home) and Bastrop (Nov. 8, away).

Walker is expecting a rugged road through his team’s new district.

“Elgin is a good football team, Connally is much-improved, McCallum has a great coach and Division I quarterback and Bastrop has more Division I players than anyone in the district,” he said. “We have some good opponents and I think it’s going to be tougher than a lot of people think.”

As the season draws closer with the first official day of practice on Aug. 5, Walker said he and his coaching staff are beginning to transition into regular-season mode.

“The sleepless nights for me have already started thinking about everything,” he said.

“But, it never gets old and I’m extremely lucky to have one of the best coaching staffs in the state of Texas and awesome kids that do everything we ask of them and more – I’m fortunate to be their head coach and be able to lead the program.”

Walker added the primary objective remains a state championship as a new season prepares to unfold.

“Our goal is always the same,” he said. “If we do the right things, the scoreboard will take care of itself and I’m really excited to see what we can do – it’s football season in Liberty Hill, Texas – what more could you ask for?”

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

27

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

Panthers track quartet qualifies for Junior Olympics

SPORTS

Event was held at Texas A&M University in College Station

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

you can the whole time.”

Chloe Egizio and Pfeiler are both members of Texas Select’s girls’ 15-16 4x800-meter relay team and are also first-time club When starting guns were fired at E.B. track participants, so the fact they advanced Cushing Stadium on the campus of Texas to the championships was a bit unexpected.

A&M University at the U.S.A. Track & Field “We didn’t think we were going to get this National Junior Olympic Championships, far,” said Chloe Egizio. “This was also the there were four Liberty Hill-based athletes first time for me running club track.” running for glory at the famed venue in In addition, she said it’s a bit easier going College Station. out on the track knowing you have someone Panthers senior Ella Egizio, and sophto pass the baton to during a race. omores Chloe Egizio, Katy Pfeiler and “For me, there’s not as much pressure in Caroline Pahl all compete for Texas Select relays,” said Chloe Egizio. “Because you have Track Club in the summer when they’re not teammates to help you.” running for the Purple-and-Gold during the However, that being said, one’s individual school year. mental outlook is also critical, she said.

Ella Egizio hadn’t participated at the club “Running is really all in your head,” said level prior to this summer, but decided to Chloe Egizio. “So, if you’re in a good headgive it a go and competed in the girls’ 17-18 space, it really helps a lot.”

3000 meters, where she finished 11th in Chloe Egizio added she enjoyed being the field of 24 with a personal-best time of able to compete against athletes from across 11:32.01.

America and at a famous stadium.

Also a cross-country runner, she pointed “Having the chance to run against people out the stark contrast between traversing from all over the country was really cool,” terrain and circling a track. she said. “Also, I was really excited to have “With cross country, every course is the chance to run on a college track.” different and your feet constantly hit the Pfeiler – along with both Egizio sisters – is ground differently, so it’s harder on your also a cross country competitor and is hopbody,” said Egizio. “But it’s shorter, so it goes ing this newfound success on the track will by quickly and you’re just running as fast as translate to the trails.

“We really want to improve our cross-country times because that’s what we’re passionate about,” said Pfeiler. “I like running track, but cross country seems like more of a family.”

Chloe Egizio and Pfeiler finished 12th in a field of 15 with a time of 10:24.10.

Pfeiler was also glad she decided to take a flier on club track due to the memories she will now have as a result, she said.

“I was excited for the experience and I’m glad I took the opportunity to do this,” said Pfeiler.

“I just want to use the Chloe Egizio hands the baton off to Liberty Hill and Texas Select teammate Katy talents God gave me to Pfeiler during the 4x800-meter relay. PHOTO BY ABBY JENKINS do my best.”

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Liberty Hill senior Ella Egizio competed in the 3000 meters for Texas Select Track Club at the U.S.A. Track & Field National Junior Olympic Championships. PHOTO BY ABBY JENKINS

Panthers Chloe Egizio and Katy Pfeiler with 4x800-meter relay club track teammates Lauren Pardo and Elianna Hodge at the U.S.A. Track & Field National Junior Olympic Championships. PHOTO BY ABBY JENKINS

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

29

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

SPORTS

Wranglers getting ready to roll

Legacy Ranch Youth Football League provides foundation for football future

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

In early August when Tim Knicky steps onto the field for the first official day of practice as Legacy Ranch head football coach, he will already have had a head start as the Wranglers look to building their own tradition of excellence during the program’s inaugural season.

“All summer, our teams have all had sports-specific practices along with strength and conditioning,” said Knicky of the program’s Wrangler Performance Course. “So, our players have had the ability to be with our coaches, so we can start to build those relationships.”

Legacy Ranch will field a pair of freshman squads for the first season, then add junior varsity next year before finally debuting at the varsity level for the 2026 campaign.

However, despite the fact there will only be freshmen representing the Wranglers this year, Knicky knows there will be a spotlight on them the likes of which first-year high-school players usually don’t have.

“People are going to be looking at this group now and in the future,” he said. “Normally as freshmen, nobody knows you exist, but all eyes will be on them.”

Much of the Wranglers’ roster will be stocked with players from last season’s Santa Rita Middle School team that won its district championship, so the foundation for

success is certainly there, but that doesn’t mean anything should be taken for granted moving forward, said Knicky.

“Just because you’ve reached the top in eighth-grade football doesn’t mean anything,” he said. “But, we have phenomenal kids – they’re not afraid to work and have already shown a willingness to do what it takes to be successful.”

If that sounds like a familiar formula to longtime Liberty Hill football followers, it’s because it is – and despite the newness of a second school in town doesn’t mean the overall mindset will change.

“We have a Liberty Hill ISD mentality here,” said Knicky. “We want people to know just because we’re going to have a different playbook on this side of town, we’re not going to be soft.”

Indeed, the Wranglers will run a spread offense that features multiple wide receivers designed to stretch the field – a polar opposite approach compared to Liberty Hill High School’s famed Slot-T running game – but, Knicky said it won’t be an all-or-nothing game plan.

“We’re still going to run the ball,” he said.

“But, we’re going to add a little spice to what people are used to seeing around here with a vertical passing game.”

Which is where the newly-formed Legacy Ranch Youth Football League enters into the equation, featuring players from third grade and up that must be indoctrinated

Legacy Ranch High School’s football program will fill its ranks with players that work their way up through the Wranglers’ youth system. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Players from the Legacy Ranch Youth Football League attended a five-day preseason camp at Santa Rita Middle School in late July. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

into the Wrangler way despite the fact many older players have already spent years in the Liberty Hill Youth Football League setup, which teaches the Panthers’ powerful ground attack.

According to Knicky, though, it usually doesn’t take much convincing to get youngsters to embrace the idea of a wide-open passing game.

“Kids turn the TV on and see the kind of football that’s being played at the pro and college levels,” said Knicky. “So, we might have a kid that says ‘Hey, I’ve always been a halfback,’ but we might not have that in our offense, so we’ll tell him “Okay, go out and catch passes now, you’re a wide receiver.”

A big part of the youth piece to the puzzle has been provided by a dedicated group of parents that has been more than enthusiastic to contribute to the cause, he said.

“We had a meeting with about 15 of the dads from this side of town who are ready to rock and roll,” said Knicky. “The community has already played a big part in what we’re trying to do.”

Knicky added his entire staff will constantly be evaluating talent to make sure pieces are put in the right places.

“We have a great staff of veteran coaches who know where to put kids to be most successful based on their individual skills,” he said. “Which is why WPC this summer has been so valuable.”

Building a new program from scratch gives Knicky and his coaches the rare opportunity to instill their way of playing the game without potential obstacles in the form of previous regimes, said Knicky.

“Sometimes when a new coach comes into a school, it’s because the old one got

fired or something, but that’s obviously not the case here,” he said. “So, we have a blank canvas and don’t have to change things from how they were before and it’s going to be awesome to grow a program from the ground up.”

Legacy Ranch will play an “outlaw” schedule this season, meaning the Wranglers won’t be affiliated with a district and were free to schedule games with whoever Knicky saw fit – and the selected opposition is certainly a reflection of the high standards that will be set from the get-go, with no less than a traditional powerhouse across the line of scrimmage in the season-opener at home on Aug. 29.

“We’re not going to shy away from anyone, which is why we’re playing Lake Travis in our first game,” he said. “We want opponents that are going to make us better because you gain nothing from winning 70-7.”

Wranglers home games will be played on the new field on the site of Legacy Ranch Middle School on County Road 258 that is adjacent from the site of Legacy Ranch High School, which will serve as the Wranglers’ high-school campus until the full high school is finished and opens in August 2026.

Although the first-ever football season in school history and even the following year will be geared toward building the Wranglers’ first varsity team two years from now, that doesn’t mean there won’t still be an emphasis on the scoreboard, said Knicky.

“Don’t get me wrong – I want to win every game we play,” he said. “But, whether we go 10-0 or 0-10 this year, it won’t be a reflection of the progress the program will be making – the question is are we going to be able to win at the varsity level when we get there.”

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

31

SPORTS

Getting more technical with teaching on the mat

Grapplers get expert instruction at Panthers wrestling camp

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

A year ago, Liberty Hill’s brand-new wrestling program was only in its fledgling stages, as Panthers head coach Danny Zieschang began to assemble athletes for the Purple-andGold’s inaugural campaign of competition on the mats.

Fast-forward to this summer and the program has already grown by leaps and bounds following a highly-successful first season that saw four Liberty Hill grapplers qualify for the state tournament.

As a result, Zieschang was able to host the Panthers’ first-ever summer wrestling camp, an event that attracted 50 young athletes ranging from kindergarten to incoming ninth-graders.

According to Zieschang, perhaps the most stark contrast between this summer and last was not only the fact the program had already gained enough traction to host such an event, but the presence of current Panthers varsity wrestlers to help show the ropes to those in attendance, including senior Aubree Schubert, junior Blake Hunter and sophomore Alyciana Rogers, who all qualified for the state meet last season.

“It’s been very exciting to see where we

are now compared to last summer,” said Zieschang. “Last year, we were teaching all of our kids a new sport from scratch. But, this year, it doesn’t feel like we’re just starting out at square one anymore, so we can speed up the learning curve. Now, we have some of our wrestlers that have advanced enough in their knowledge of the sport to be able to pass it along to the little wrestlers and we have kids as young as five years old, so that’s exciting for us.”

Zieschang added now his current team members are experiencing what he went through last season from a coach’s perspective.

“I’ve had some of them say to me, ‘Wow, it’s hard to teach,’” he said. “But, it’s been a good experience for them and with their own advancement as wrestlers, they can be more technical in their coaching and I’ve already seen moves being taught by some of our wrestlers they just learned two weeks ago themselves, which allows us to spread knowledge more quickly.”

Mornings were set aside for kindergarten through fifth grade, with afternoons for the middle-school athletes, but Zieschang said there was only one discernible difference between the sessions.

“Really, it’s very similar as far as the tech-

Liberty Hill head coach Danny Zieschang provides encouragement at the conclusion of a session during the Panthers’ summer wrestling camp. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

32 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

Panthers wrestlers Charlotte Wilder and Eva Granchukoff practice technique during Liberty Hill’s wrestling camp.

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH niques we’re teaching,” he said. “But, with the older kids, we can increase the pace we coach at. I always tell them you can watch college wrestling and you’ll see the same basic moves we do here – it’s just much faster.”

As Zieschang and his squad ready themselves for their second season of competition this winter, one advantage he has over last year is being able to build on the foundations that were laid last year, he said.

“Now, I can focus on helping each wrestler with his or her individual style depending on what their strengths and weaknesses are,” said Zieschang. “These are little things that could’ve won matches last year, but we just didn’t have time for. Now we Liberty Hill sophomore Alyciana Rogers was one of the current Panthers can make better use of our wrestlers on hand to help coach at the program’s first-ever summer camp. time.”

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH Despite girls and boys competing separately, though, the camp provides a place where wrestlers of both genders can share the mat in what is a unique level with the sport initially,” said Zieschang. opportunity not afforded many other sports, “But to me, they’re all just wrestlers.” said Zieschang.

Zieschang hopes the campers will take away “If you look at other sports like basketball, from the four days a spark that will ignite in for example, they have separate teams for girls the form of future participation in the sport, and boys,” he said. “Even though we compete he said. separately, we’re all part of one team, which “Wrestling is something that once it gets provides a different kind of energy and makes in your blood, it stays there,” said Zieschang. us feel more united.”

“Some of these kids will only wrestle over the As a result, the summer camp is also consummer and not again until next year, but ducted in co-ed fashion, although most times hopefully they stick with it and by the time each will pair up with their own side. they come to our high-school program, they’re “I think young kids need to find a comfort ready to compete with us.”

SPORTS

‘More than an athlete’

Lady Wranglers coach stresses whole self of players

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

With over 100 young volleyballers ranging in age from fourth through ninth grade gathered around her on the final day of Legacy Ranch’s inaugural summer camp, Wranglers head coach Taylor Bryant wanted to make a concise point to all those in attendance.

“You not just volleyball players – you’re much more,” said Bryant. “You’re also daughters, sisters, students, classmates and many other things, so always remember that. Volleyball shouldn’t define who you are as a person.”

According to Bryant, the interpersonal skills required to be a good teammate on the court go a long way toward being a good person away from the game.

“All of these girls are going to be grown women one day,” said Bryant. “Let’s face

it – women have a reputation of being catty toward one another. So, I teach them it’s okay to have differing opinions on things – that’s going to happen. But, learn how to communicate that properly to others.”

For the first two seasons of the new program’s existence, the Lady Wranglers will play freshman and junior varsity, respectively, with an eye on a varsity debut in the third year, which means Bryant will have plenty of time to indoctrinate her players into her system of play.

“I have two years to teach the kids how to be what I know they can be,” she said.

“As coaches, we’ll be able to learn their strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to help them gain knowledge, skill and confidence in preparing them to be good.”

Bryant has over a decade of coaching experience under her belt, with her most previous stop being as an assistant coach at

“I have two years to teach the kids how to be what I know they can be. Our goal is to help them gain knowledge, skill and confidence in preparing them to be good.”

Taylor Bryant, Legacy Ranch head volleyball coach

Over 100 players attended Legacy Ranch’s summer volleyball camp, where they were provided coaching and instruction over four days. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Legacy Ranch head volleyball coach Taylor Bryant instructs players on the final day of the Wranglers’ inaugural summer volleyball camp. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Odessa College, where she also played for the Wranglers after beginning her college career at the University of Texas-Permian Basin, following a playing career at her hometown Odessa High School.

However, before her stint as a college coach, Bryant spent three years running the volleyball program at Midland Christian School, a kindergarten through 12th grade institution, so she has valuable experience overseeing players of all ages during their development through the years – precisely what she is now doing in readying the Wranglers of tomorrow and today – keeping focus on the present while simultaneously having one eye on the future.

“With not having varsity for the first two years, I’ll be able to stay in the moment by going to a lot of middle-school matches to see those players and be able to build relationships,” said Bryant. “I can’t wait to see what we’re all going to look like together in year three.”

Bryant said the volleyball environment in Central Texas is a stark contrast to the one she grew up in.

“Compared to West Texas, it’s a lot different culture here,” she said. “So many people are willing to play club volleyball.”

Despite the fact the program is only in its infant stages, Bryant still expects certain things from her players, but also knows she must be ready for whatever comes her way.

“Is there a certain way I want us to play?

Yes,” she said. “But, at the same time, I have to be open-minded with my expectations for year one because I don’t know all of our players yet. However, serving, passing,

setting and hitting are the foundation and are always the same.”

Hence the emphasis on team building while this initial period passes, said Bryant.

“Our players need confidence behind them and the ability to be able to trust each other and their coaches,” she said. “I want all of them to develop and grow and be confident in their bodies, so when the game speeds up, they won’t lose confidence, but have the skills and know-how to be successful.”

After graduating college, Bryant ventured out into the business world, planning on making a career in those surroundings, but said the itch to be around the game never left her and eventually led her back to coaching full-time.

“Even when I was working in Austin, I was still coaching in my spare time,” she said. “But, then the opportunity at Midland Christian came along and it was perfect – I’ve never looked back since.”

In fact, Bryant almost ended up in Liberty Hill a few years earlier than she eventually did, but fate has a way of working itself out, she said.

“I actually interviewed to be (former Liberty Hill head coach) Gretchen Peterson’s assistant,” said Bryant. “But, then the offer to go to Odessa College opened up. College coaching is so hectic and my husband and I were looking for a slower lifestyle and an awesome school district. I’m so grateful for how I’ve been received by the Liberty Hill community and I believe coming here was answering God’s call, so I feel very at peace.”

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

33

COLUMN

Historical church continues to meet in Mahomet

BY JAMES WEAR

COLUMNIST

One of the oldest churches in the Liberty Hill area continues to thrive, and recently held its first Vacation Bible School in its history.

According to a narrative written by the late Morgan Clark that may be found on the church’s website, “The Mahomet Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was established shortly after 1851 in the Sycamore Springs area of Burnet County, Texas. When the schoolhouse was erected services were held there. It is said, that before the school was built members met in various homes, posting men to guard against Indians.”

Clark’s narrative continues.

“In 1898 the schoolhouse burned. Later that year a new schoolhouse was built at Mahomet on land given by B.H. Steward, Mrs. T.F. Burch’s grandfather. The Mahomet Christian Church met in the school building after this.

“In about 1922 the Mt. Horeb Methodist Church moved its meeting house from Gabriel Mills to Mahomet, at which time the Methodist and the Christian congregations held joint services. It is said that such Christian unity prevailed that the only way you could tell whether a Methodist or Christian minister was preaching was by who sat in the amen corner.

“Both the Methodist and the Christian Church Boards functioned for several years.

One year the Methodist Board would hire the minister, the next year the Christian Board would hire the minister.

“One year the Christian Board hired Bro. Morgan Morgans (the present minister is named after Bro. Morgans). Bro. Morgans preached his year and held the summer meeting. He impressed the congregations so that the Methodist Board hired him again for the next year. After this the Methodist Church faded out. It is said that Bro. Morgans killed

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the Methodist Church but that he did it with love.

“The Methodist congregations dwindled in number and strength. The members either transferred their membership to the Christian Church or moved their membership to the Bertram Methodist Church.

“So on May 13th, 1936 the Methodist Church sold their meeting house to C.P. McCormick, W.H. Greer and John F. Clark, elders of the Christian Church. Then in 1947, due to the winding of the county road, which is now Farm Road 243, the Church building was torn down and rebuilt across the road on land that was given by A.J. Clark.

“It is interesting to note that his funeral was the first conducted in the new building.

The first wedding in the rebuilt building was that of L.J. Russell and Margaret McCormick, daughter of the late C.P. McCormick, one of the elders who signed the deeds when the Methodist Church sold the building to the Christian Church. Hence the Mahomet Christian Church will continue to be in existence until time shall be no more.”

Clark, who died in 1994, also noted, “On the 4th of July 1982 a rededication service was held at the Mahomet Christian Church preached by their minister Morgan (Muggs) Clark, in which members with fifty years or more continuous membership were honored.

Included in this number was Mrs. T.F. (Lola) Burch, the oldest member, for seventy-five years. Mrs. Burch was baptized the summer of 1907 and had never had a church membership in any other church. Mrs. Burch was unable to attend the service but a corsage intended

Sept. 1, 1955 – June 20, 2024

for her was received by her daughter, Oletha Russell. Mrs. Burch had attended the previous Sunday. Mrs. Burch celebrated her 95th birthday April 1, 1983 but passed away less than one month later.

“Other members honored include two with over seventy years membership each were Mrs. F.C. Nutt and Mr. Roy Williams. At least six members were present making a grand

total of over four-hundred years of membership.”

In December 2020, the church building burned to the ground, but the congregation rallied and built a new building and along with a new building, adopted a new name: Peace Christian Church at Mahomet. Services are held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

John Havener

I lost my husband, John Havener, of 47 years on June 20, 2024. He has gone home.

John was born Sept. 1, 1955, to John and Locretta Havener in Artestia, N.M. He was 68 years old.

We met in college at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, N.M., in June 1976 and got married Jan. 8, 1977. John graduated with a B.S. in chemical engineering and started his post graduate career at Texas Eastman (a division of Kodak) in December 1978 in Longview, Texas.

Our three children were born while he worked there in 1979, 1980 and 1981. We met our friends Jim and Barbara Kenning at a Halloween party at our home in 1981. We hit it off so well (oh, those pinochle games!) that we all decided that we are family.

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

Pictured above are members of the 1904 Mahomet Men’s Choir. Seated from left are, front row, Albert Stewart, Johnny Williams, Ike Hall, Homer Stewart, Hansford Williams, Hillary Williams and Hubert Williams. Back row, from left, are Tom Williams, B. H. Stewart, Roland Williams, Jim Williams, Bob Millard, John Bright Williams, Columbus Stewart, Jack Williams and George Williams. COURTESY PHOTO

He worked there until 1993, when he joined Pavilion Technologies, Inc., in Austin, Texas. There he started learning AI and began his prolific patent career.

In March 1995, our three children were in a car accident and our oldest, Patrick, and youngest, Roxann, were killed. Our middle daughter, Tara, miraculously survived.

In July 1995, we moved to Antwerp, Belgium.

John was part of the European startup by Pavilion there in Antwerp (where our adopted son, Joshua, was born) and also in Neder Waluf, Germany. We came back to the states in late 1996.

In March 2003, he moved on to Solomon Associates, in Dallas, Texas, as a consulting engineer and traveled the world. We also lived in Sau Paulo, Brazil—John for six months and Joshua and I for three of those months. He was

quite the globe trotter.

He was medically retired in 2013 over his vigorous protests. I believe he is part inventor of over 20 patents in the states and Europe. In May 2014, we moved to Calhoun, Tenn.

He is survived by our daughter, Tara, her husband, Jason, and their seven children; our son, Joshua, and his fiancé, Makayla; his sister, Jeanette Henry and her family; his brother, Patrick and his family; Jim and Barbara Kenning and their family; me (Tami) and many other wonderful family and friends.

He is missed and forever loved but is now home with no pain. Thank you, God. A family and friends get together is planned for Sept. 14 at noon at Cross Tracks Church in Liberty Hill. They have so very graciously opened their beautifully renovated chapel. God bless you all.

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME? Buyers and sellers are my specialty and Liberty Hill is home! eXp ICON Agent 2017 - 2021 Platinum Top 50 Agent 2015 - 2021 Salesperson of the Year, Austin Board of Realtors 2017 Austin Business Journal Top Producer Nominee 2015 - 2016

Vanessa Nunez, GRI The V-Group | REALTOR® 512.750.5716

vanessa.nunez@exprealty.com aus.exprealty.com

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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EVENTS CALENDAR August 11 SANTA RITA RANCH FARMER’S MARKET Santa Rita Ranch 503 Santa Rita Blvd., Liberty Hill 9 a.m.-1 p.m. facebook.com/ groups/991452455908444 August 3 LIVE MUSIC BY THE DECADES The Vineyard at Florence 111 Via Francesco, Florence 9 a.m.-12 p.m. thevineyardatflorence.com JASON EADY WITH MIDNIGHT RIVER CHOIR Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $20-200 globetheatretx.com August 7 BLOOD DONATION DRIVE Kim Sanders - Keller Williams Realty 14001 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 10 a.m.-2 p.m. facebook.com/LHTX78642 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH City of Liberty Hill 821 Main St., Liberty Hill (Wetzel Park Splash Pad) 1-3 p.m. experiencelhtx.com August 8 SUMMER MOVIE SERIES – FREE WILLY Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 12 p.m., $5-7 globetheatretx.com

August 9

COUPLES GAME NIGHT Connection Adventures ATX 147 E. Vaughan St., Bertram (Gathering Grounds) 6:30-8:30 p.m., $59 connectionadventuresatx.com

August 10

CREATE A S’MORES STATION Two22 DIY Creative Studio 12780 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 10:30 a.m., $45 two22studio.com CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST COOKIE DECORATING CLASS Baked by Joy Leigh 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (Whitestone Brewery) 12:20-2:10 p.m., $45 bakedbyjoyleigh.com THE MARKET LHTX SECOND SATURDAY SUNSET MARKET Water Tower Parking Lot 822 Main St., Liberty Hill 5-9 p.m. facebook.com/marketlhtx

Sunny Sweeney

PAINT YOUR PET Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 5 p.m., $45.50 whitestonebrewery.com August 13 MUSIC BINGO Liberty Tavern 3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7-10 p.m.

Libertytavern.com

August 17 NAME THAT TUNE BINGO Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 6 p.m. whitestonebrewery.com August 22 COUPLES MURDERY MYSTERY EVENT Connection Adventures ATX 3547 Hwy. 29, Bertram (Decadent Saint Winery) 6:30-8:30 p.m., $79 connectionadventuresatx.com

August 24 SUNNY SWEENEY Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $20-200 globetheatretx.com August 25 AUGUST 2024 SHOOT Hill Country Bowhunters 540 CR 258, Liberty Hill 8 a.m. hillcountrybowhunters.com

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THE MARKET LHTX McCoy’s Building Supply 2505 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 4

Family Shiloh

August 14 COMMUNITY DATE NIGHT The Boozy Barista (inside Perky Beans Coffee) 100 Whitewing Dr., Leander 6-8 p.m. facebook.com/leanderdatenight

TRIVIA NIGHT Forrest Coffee House 103 Forrest St., Liberty Hill 7-9 p.m. forrest.coffee

tacular

Create a S’mores Station

9 a.m.-1 p.m. facebook.com/marketlhtx

August 31

FAMILY SHILOH Dahlia Café 2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. dahliacafe.com LIVE MUSIC BY THE DECADES Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30-9 p.m. agapebbq.com

September 6

THE WILDER BLUE Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $25-200 globetheatretx.com

September 7

LIBERTY HILL OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT Liberty Hill Masonic Lodge 600 Delaware Springs Blvd., Burnet (Delaware Springs Golf Course) 8:30 a.m., $400/team of 4 libertyhillopen@gmail.com

The Wilder Blue

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