November 2024 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

November 2024 | LHIndepende LHIndependent.com t.com

Living

HISTORY

Get to know Liberty Hill's oldest veteran

Election Guide: What’s on the ballot for Nov. 5? p.8

Dark Skies advocates, area businesses discuss ordinance concerns p.10

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Liberty Hill Independent celebrates 37 years of covering local news p.17

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CONTENTS FEATURES 8 | VOTERS GUIDE

Check out our omprehensive breakdown for Election Day 9 | ACC ANNEXATION

City of Liberty Hill explores possibility of Austin Community College annexation 10 | DARK SKIES Council hears from advocacy group, business owners regarding ordinance

12 | MEMORIES OF WAR Liberty Hill’s oldest-living World War II veteran recalls overseas tour

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14 | SCARY SITUATION Local couple shares warning after becoming victims of auto theft 17 | HAPPY BIRTHDAY The Liberty Hill Independent is celebrating 37 years in business

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18 | CARVING UP THE MEATS Florence High School has its own meat market

20 | OUTDOOR FUN New Braunfels campground is a must for adventurers 22 | NEWS ROUND UP News stories happening across Liberty Hill 24 | YMCA POSSIBILITIES Potential sites for YMCA location 26 | BOSS OF THE DEFENSE Panthers linebacker makes right calls 27 | PANTHERS VOLLEYBALL Senior setter set up for success 29 | WRANGLER OF THE MONTH Legacy Ranch RB/LB one of many playing offense and defense 31 | PANTHER OF THE MONTH Cross country duo leads team during end-of-season races 32 | STATE TITLE HOOPS HOPES Lady Panthers look to atone for early playoff exit last season 33 | BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP Wranglers basketball coach taking full advantage of opportunity DEPARTMENTS 7 | BIZ BRIEFS 34 | OBITUARIES/WORSHIP GUIDE

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ABOUT OUR COVER

Liberty Hill resident Ike Iverson is the oldest World War II veteran in the community. Iverson, who will turn 99 in December, shared memories of his time in the service with The Independent in a recent interview.

PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

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LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT MONTHLY

A Publication of Liberty Hill Independent News & Media

OWNERS/PUBLISHERS | Scott Akanewich, Rachel Madison ADVERTISING SALES | Rachel Madison GRAPHIC DESIGN | Katie McLaughlin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Scott Akanewich, Rachel N. Madison, Brad Martin, James Wear

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

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

36 | LOCAL EVENTS

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BIZ BRIEFS: What’s New?

Latest business news and what’s coming soon to Liberty Hill cently opened on Main Street in Liberty Hill. The company specializes in stone cleaning and restoration, carpet and rug restoration, upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, and tile and grout sealing.

FOOD & BEVERAGE The Yogurt Experience 14125 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Frozen yogurt shop The Yogurt Experience is slated to open its second location in the Water Tower Plaza's newest strip center. The original Yogurt Experience is located in Round Rock and serves up a variety of frozen yogurts, including non-fat and low-fat yogurts, along with an array of toppings, like fresh fruit and candy. An opening date has not been announced.

Invictus: An Acton Academy 10000 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Invictus is a private school within a global network of over 300 Acton Academies, serving students aged 4 to 12, with plans to expand to middle and high school. The school is student-led, self-paced, and accredited with an approach that fosters a love of learning through adaptive online programs in math and language, enriched by project-based experiences and Socratic discussions. Schedule a call or tour via invictusleander.org.

RETAIL The Golf Ranch 106 Cantera Way, Georgetown The Golf Ranch recently opened its new location in an 18,000-square-foot facility in West Georgetown. The Golf Ranch offers a variety of retail, as well as hitting bays, a fitting studio, golf academy and a bar.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • High Horse Hat Co. Online, Liberty Hill

SERVICES New Finish Floor Care 815 Main St., Liberty Hill New Finish Floor Care re-

Brakes Plus 12336 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Brakes Plus opened in late October adjacent to Auto Zone in Liberty Hill. The shop offers a variety of automotive services, including vehicle maintenance and repair.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Car Wash & Detail 15720 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • Bertram Nail Salon 163 E. Vaughan St., Bertram • L&B Drywall 51 Dews Rd., Liberty Hill • Pane'N The Glass Window Cleaning Mobile, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE Urban Defense Academy/Shin Gan Dojo 141 Jonathan Drive, Liberty Hill Urban Defense Academy has expanded its hours of operation due to increased demand for kids’ martial arts classes. The academy now has a new time slot for kids classes’ on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. in addition to regularly scheduled classes Monday through Thursday.

Allen Frederick, Williamson County 710 S. Main St., Georgetown Allen Frederick has been named Williamson County’s chief people officer and head of the Human Resources department. Frederick has been serving as the Human Resources workforce services manager since June. Frederick has extensive experience with employee relations and has held a variety of Human Resources roles.

Pure Remedy Massage 100 Church St., Liberty Hill Pure Remedy Massage is holding a Small Business Saturday gift basket raffle on Nov. 30, which includes movie tickets, a spa treatment at Pure Remedy, gift cards to local shops and more. Tickets are $3 each or 8 for $20.

Pure Remedy is also holding a Black Friday sale and Cyber Monday flash sale. For more information, visit pureremedy-massage.com.

The Blue Door Gift Store & Boutique 14365 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill The Blue Door Gift Store & Boutique celebrated seven years in business in October.

Hilltop Children's Center 9415 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Hilltop Children's Center is celebrating 10 years in business this month.

Major's Burger Company 14011 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Major's owners Fred and Diane Hinze announced in mid-October that they were retiring

the closing the restaurant at the end of the month. The land Major's sits on has been sold to tea company HTeaO. Bahama Bucks 112 CR 214, Liberty Hill The Bahama Bucks snow come trailer in Liberty Hill has closed for the season. It will reopen in spring of 2025.

Perky Beans Coffee 2080 N. Hwy. 183, Leander Perky Beans Coffee is celebrating its fifth anniversary in business this month.

Blair Frank

Blair Frank, A. Gandy & Co. 111 Grange St., Liberty Hill Blair Frank is the newest employee to join the ranks at A. Gandy & Co. Frank is a dedicated real estate agent with a background in corporate investment brokerage services.

ACA Appliance & AC/The Frozen Affair 325 Hwy. 29, Bertram Both ACA Appliance & AC and The Frozen Affair are moving out of the building they are currently housed in.

The building is set to become a Mexican meat market and grocery store. The Frozen Affair is moving into the former location of Central Texas Feed at 523 Hwy. 29 in Bertram.

ACA will be moving to remote office operations.

Dr. Candace Yong, Liberty Hill Dental 14933 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Dr. Candace Yong recently joined the team at Liberty Hill Dental as its newest dentist.

The Luxe 2001 Main St., Liberty Hill New businesses have joined the team at The Luxe to

round out the services the spa provides, including Laney Artistry, which provies lash extensions, and Liberty Hill Medical Massage, which provides a variety of massage services.

Fleur Rebelle Boutique has also opened its third location inside The Luxe, selling a vareity of clothing and gifts.

Rebecca Clemens, Williamson County 710 S. Main St., Georgetown Rebecca Clemons has been named Williamson County’s first county manager. The county manager reports directly to the Commissioners Court and is responsible for providing leadership and executing direct supervision over professional and administrative staff.

Signature Aesthetics 201 St. Joseph Ct., Liberty Hill In October, Signature Aesthetics celebrated four years in business in Liberty Hill.

Mosaic Garden Treasures 143 E. Vaughan St., Bertram Mosaic Garden Treasures celebrated 25 years in business in October, the last seven of which have been in downtown Bertram.

Crystal Mancilla, Capital Title 13987 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla recently joined the team at the Liberty Hill office of Capital Title. Mancilla will be serving on the commercial business development team.

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

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ELECTION INFO

Nov. 5 Election Guide Ballot measures, voting locations, other resources to prepare you for Election Day

BY RACHEL N. MADISON

STAFF WRITER

Check out the resources below to make sure you are informed, prepared and ready for Election Day.

On the ballot

Liberty Hill has several important elections on the Nov. 5 ballot. In addition to presidential, state and county elections, voters will vote on Liberty Hill Independent School District Propositions A and B and on adoption of the City of Liberty Hill’s Home Rule Charter.

LHISD’s Proposition A: School Funding Election

LHISD’s Proposition A is a school funding election, or voter approval tax rate election (VATRE), which proposes raising the total district tax rate to $1.226900 per $100 valuation.

This proposition adds six cents back into the

tax rate to be used for day-to-day maintenance and operational costs of the district.

This slight increase follows a 37-cent decrease of the total tax rate since the 2018 rate of $1.53. It would result in a monthly tax increase of $18.11 for a median home (valued at $462,264) within the district.

LHISD hopes to use the tax revenue generated by the new rate to raise educator salaries and maintain instructional and extracurricular programs.

LHISD’s Proposition B: Attendance Credit Election LHISD’s Proposition B determines if the district can make required payments to the state through the purchase of “attendance credits.”

If district funding exceeds a certain amount, the purchase of “attendance credits” allows it to pay that money to the state. The funds can then be redistributed to other districts in need of funding, thus creating a more equitable fund balance between school districts.

Without the purchase of “attendance credits,” the state can choose to allocate Liberty

Voters lined up outside the Liberty Hill ISD Gym Annex for early voting in October. Election Day is Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON Hill property tax funds to other districts if and when funds are needed.

The “attendance credits” recapture system gives LHISD greater financial control and security to prevent the loss of those property tax dollars through agreeing to offset its excess funding to meet state legal requirements.

City of Liberty Hill’s Home Rule Charter Election

Liberty Hill residents will have the opportunity to vote yes (in favor) or no (against) to adopt Proposition A: the citizen-created Home Rule Charter. It will appear near the end of the ballot.

The proposed Home Rule Charter will allow the City of Liberty Hill to become a Home Rule self-government, offering citizens greater power to determine the authoritative power of local government through the citizen-created charter, which would serve as a local constitution.

Some key changes of the proposed charter include the number of city council members, if voters can petition for city council to adopt or reconsider ordinances, opportunities for recall elections, and the minimum age to run for mayor.

The full charter document is available to the public under the Home Rule Charter page of the City of Liberty Hill’s website. It was also sent via mail to every residence within the City of Liberty Hill.

Voters are encouraged to reach out to City Secretary Elaine Simpson at 512-962-9549 with any questions about this election.

Election Day

On Nov. 5, Liberty Hill will host four Election Day voting center locations.

• The Ranch House at Santa Rita Ranch,

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

175 Elizabeth Park Blvd.

Liberty Hill High School, 16500 Hwy. 29 • Liberty Hill ISD Gym Annex, 301 Forrest St. • Legacy Ranch High School, 450 CR 258.

All polling centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

•

Make sure to bring a valid form of photo ID from the list below.

• Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) • Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS • Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS • Texas Handgun License issued by DPS • United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph • United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph • United States Passport (book or card)

Voting resources

To make sure you are registered to vote in Williamson County, check your eligibility on the “Voter Registration” page on the Williamson County website at www.wilcotx.gov.

To get more Election Day information or view a sample ballot, visit the Williamson County elections page at wilcotx.gov/elections.

For a list of general resources for Williamson County, check out the “Elections” page on libertyhilltx.gov.

To learn more about voting in Texas, go to votetexas.gov.

CITY

City council hears Austin Community College annexation presentation Liberty Hill lies within the service area of ACC’s newest campus in Leander

BY RACHEL N. MADISON

STAFF WRITER

The Liberty Hill City Council held a special meeting on Sept. 25 to hear a presentation from Austin Community College representatives about annexing to the ACC district.

ACC vice chancellor Dr. Chris Cervini spoke to council about the annexation process, associated tax impacts, and what joining the ACC district would mean for the Liberty Hill community.

Liberty Hill lies within the service area of ACC’s newest San Gabriel campus, located in Leander. Completed in in 2018, the existing general education complex is expected to serve 1,200 students in 2025.

The 100-acre parcel of land offers room for significant growth into the future. ACC has short-term plans to add two new applied technology buildings and expand parking areas, as well as long-term goals to construct more general education and applied tech facilities, as well as central utility and maintenance buildings. The new plans would allow the San Gabriel campus to serve nearly 17,000 students.

ACC has a total of 11 campuses across Central Texas, serving a total of 70,000 students annually.

“We are an open access institution,” Cervini said. “As a community college, it is our job to meet students wherever they are on the educational spectrum. This means not just young students early in their career journeys, but also people who are older and want to hit reset on their careers.”

Cervini explained the community college offers a variety college prep, career training, degree, and career advancement programs across ten areas of study. In addition to academic pathways and degree programs, they place a strong emphasis on career development and skills training opportunities.

“We’re very focused on skill trades and workforce development,” said Cervini. “We have a responsibility to educate the workforce of the folks that will be the welders, construction managers, etc. We work to meet with companies in our tax district to

make sure we’re meeting workforce training needs.”

If Liberty Hill chooses to join the ACC district through voter-approved annexation, residents would start paying ad-valorem tax to reap the benefits provided by the college at a rate of 10.13 cents per $100. For a homeowner with a property value of $500,000, this would add about $42 per month in taxes, or around $500 per year. ACC offers several tax exemptions categories, including a $5,000 homestead exemption to all residential taxpayers, an additional $75,000 exemption and tax freeze for seniors and homeowners with disabilities. The tax freeze caps the ACC tax rate at the rate you pay the year you qualify for the exemption.

The benefits of this tax include customized training programs, access to ACC facilities, board involvement, ACC community investment and ACC’s free tuition pilot program.

This includes access to in-district tuition, which lowers educational costs by around $200 per credit hour when compared to out of district fees. If approved, residents would become automatically eligible for in-district rates the semester following the annexation election.

“The good thing about having ACC in the community is that we will work at granular level with [local] employers to figure out your needs and training programs,” said Cervini.

“If you’re paying ACC tax, we’re going to make sure we’re serving you.”

Annexation is a community-led multi-step process that is entirely left up to the district.

Residents of the service area would first need to petition to join the college district, and “Signatures must be or exceed 5% of registers voters,” said Cervini. “Petitions are then presented to the ACC Board of Trustees.

[Once certified] the board then publishes a plan of services to be provided to community and posts publicly. After this, the board holds a public hearing, then calls for an election.”

If voters approve annexation, the community becomes part of the ACC district’s taxing authority.

ACC is not directly involved and cannot advocate for or against annexation. It will, however, offer opportunities for public engagement to answer any community questions or concerns throughout the process.

Council has not yet made any decisions or taken action on the annexation process.

These graphics show ACC’s San Gabriel Campus plans. Existing infrastructure is shown in purple, short term plans are shown in pink, and long-term expansion plans are shown in orange. COURTESY GRAPHICS

ACC ad valorem tax per property value (does not include exemptions). COURTESY GRAPHIC

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CITY

Public speaks out on Dark Sky Outdoor Lighting Ordinance

City Council hears support, concerns, calls for collaboration, postpones action

BY RACHEL N. MADISON

STAFF WRITER

The Liberty Hill community flooded into the Sept. 25 city council meeting to voice opinions on amendments currently under consideration for the Dark Sky Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. Fourteen people spoke to Council in public comment, emphasizing commercial concerns about amended sections and public support for the Dark Sky Initiative.

Liberty Hill began its Dark Sky journey in 2020, when then council and mayor passed a resolution to begin the official process towards certification. This initiative was largely thanks to the efforts of the local Save Our Stars group, started by resident Donna Leonard and composed of nearly 750 residents, that urged the city to work towards a Dark Sky designation.

In August 2022, the Liberty Hill City Council unanimously approved the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance with a fiveyear implementation grace period. The ordinance adhered to the five guiding lighting principles outlined by DarkSky International, requiring all nighttime outdoor lighting be useful, targeted, low level, controlled and warm-colored.

In 2023, the city began collaborating with a Dark Sky Consultant to assist with the official Dark Sky community application process, which is still underway. In August of this year, the Planning & Zoning Commission passed new redline amendments to two sections of the ordinance further specifying requirements and presented them for council’s approval.

P&Z members were not at liberty to specify the specific nature of the recent amendments, but said they referred to overall verbiage and requirement specificity within the existing sections.

Of the 14 speakers at the September public comment, 10 residents spoke in support of the ordinance amendments and four local business owners voiced their concerns about amendments.

A primary argument from business speakers was the impact that further reducing nighttime signage would have on sales. Since the ordinance was instituted, all LED signs have already reduced their brightness by 70 percent. Businesses fear the impacts of further reducing lighting

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and sign shutoff hours for signs would have into the future.

Brent Cloyd, owner of Thirsty Penguin, said he had concerns with the “wording” of the ordinance.

“It says we can only do 30-second [sign] slides,” he said. “The point of the boards is to be able to do videos. It does pull in traffic for the businesses in Liberty Hill.

Cloyd added recent videos advertising their new flavor shot sales up by 700 percent.

Moore Liberty Buildings owner Chad Moore echoed Cloyd’s concerns.

“The lighting and sign ordinance contains clauses that, if enforced, will not allow us to continue to use the signs as we currently do,” he said.

Local residents pushed back against business con- Liberty Hill City Council meeting on March 13, 2024, when Mayor Crystal Mancilla announced ‘Total Eclipse of the Hill’ community celebration as part of International Dark Skies Week. From left are Council member Amanda Young, Mancilla, and Dark Skies advocates Pam cerns and pressed their Turner, Donna Leonard, Molly Evans and Leah Jenkins. COURTESY PHOTO case to council, arguing “We understand development in Liberty tion’s negative impact on human health to the ordinance has already Hill is inevitable, but we believe that dethe environmental effects on wildlife and been adopted and the city needs to continvelopment should enhance our quality of energy. Many residents revealed light polue enforce it before it’s too late. life, not detract from it,” she said. “It is our lution from LED signs infiltrate their own “With the revitalization of downtown, profound duty to protect the stars at night homes and affect their sleep. we have unique opportunity as a city to and keep them big and bright deep in the Far from dimming the economy, several step forward and implement lighting ordiheart of Texas.” suggested strict adherence to the ordinances,” said resident Sheri Paul. “We can Despite differing opinions, stakeholders nance could help Liberty Hill become a hub be a beacon to other cities in the area and on both sides expressed an eagerness to for the booming “astro-tourism” industry show you can have exploding growth, but work together to come to a mutual agreeinto the future, opening the door to an do it responsibly. If we go forward with this ment on the ordinance language. entirely untapped economic resource. ordinance, our lighting will be functional “There have been some rumors that Leonard highlighted local businesses and environmental. It will be safe and it we as small business owners in Liberty would benefit from jumping onboard early will be inviting for all those who live here, Hill don’t care about the city. We actually and encouraged them to imagine a future for those with businesses here and for the do care very much,” said Moore. “We are with economic potential (metaphorically) people that visit us,” willing to work with the city to reduce the brighter than the one that currently exists.

“An outdoor lighting ordinance does not impact of our signs on the night sky.”

Above all, pro-amendment speakers notmean zero outdoor nighttime lighting. It Moore further encouraged council to ed the ordinance as a duty residents owe to does mean responsible outdoor nighttime postpone their decision on the amendfuture generations. lighting,” said Dark Sky Consultant Amy ments until they had a dialogue with “I’m a multi-generational Texan who Jackson, who has been advising the city businessowners. grew up seeing the Milky Way – those days on adhering to DarkSky International Others emphasized Moore’s support and are gone,” said resident Leah Jenkins. standards. “It is in the best interest of the urged council to collaborate with them on “Some people in their 20s have never seen community – including business owner the issue. what the night sky is capable of. This was – to support the proposed amendments “I encourage city council to enter into my childhood here in Texas. This was Libto the already enacted outdoor lighting dialogue with business owners in Liberty erty Hill and it can be again.” ordinance.”

Hill to reach a compromise on the lighting As the public comment closed, Leonard Other speakers reflected on key factors addressed council as she has countless related to nighttime signage regulation times over the past four years. from scientific literature on light polluCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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DARK SKY

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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COVER STORY

Memories of preserving freedom Oldest veteran in Liberty Hill shares stories of World War II

BY BRAD MARTIN

STAFF WRITER

It’s a safe bet to say for most Americans, every day is Veterans Day. As the daily grind has its way of doing so well, the things that matter most can often take a back seat to the tasks at hand. Still, if one was asked on a given day what they thought of the countless veterans that have served this country, the answer would most certainly be one of gratitude and praise. Although most of those on the receiving end of said gratitude and praise might very well find it unnecessary or humbling, America owes them a debt that can never be paid in full.

Take Ike Iverson, for example – a young West Texas man who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943, spent 27 months touring the Pacific Theater of World War II and watched it all come to an end as the allied forces brought forth the surrender of Japan and Germany alike – all before the age of 20. Today, in his 99th year, Iverson holds the title of Liberty Hill’s oldest-known veteran.

“I was no hero and never claimed to be,” said Iverson in response to the aforementioned gratitude and praise. “I just wanted to volunteer, which all of my brothers and I did and I wanted to get into something to help the country.”

Iverson told of his assignments overseas, starting in New Caledonia and proceeding northwest through multiple Pacific islands until arriving in Guam and eventually Okinawa, as his regiment provided continuous logistical support to the front lines and surrounding efforts.

“We were still there (in Okinawa) when (President) Truman dropped those bombs – and that pretty well ended the whole deal,” he said.

During the three months that followed Japan’s surrender, Iverson and company spent time in Peking, China – modern-day Beijing – as they were involved in cleanup and disarmament duties among their former enemy Japanese soldiers. Iverson recalled how easy it was to achieve, stating the inhabitants and soldiers alike were glad to see the Americans as their presence offered a welcome reminder of their newfound liberation.

“It was almost like liberty compared to

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Liberty Hill resident Ike Iverson, pictured to left and above, is the oldest veteran in the community. The soon to be 99-year-old served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. At left, Iverson is pictured with his family, including grandson Ehren Iverson, granddaughter Katie Iverson, and great-grandchilden Riley, Hallie and Hayes Iverson, also of Liberty Hill.

PHOTOS BY RACHEL MADISON

what we’d had for a couple of years,” Iverson said of his time in Peking.

Iverson went on to recall a bar that was located near Tiananmen Square, where they were welcomed to visit. Carved into the bar were numerous names of the allied soldiers who had passed through its doors throughout the war.

It seemed all parties involved, including Iverson, were glad to see the war’s end and just as the locals had longed for an end to the conflict for six agonizing years, Iverson longed for something else.

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

“The best part of it is when they said ‘You’re going home’” he said.

A short time later, after he and many in his company had earned the points needed for an honorary discharge, Iverson got his wish and returned stateside to San Diego, California – a great service behind him and what seemed like his whole life still ahead of him. As he’d just turned 20 years old, he recalled the comical story of a trip to a local San Diego bar with some of his fellow soldiers. Iverson, still at such a young age, was denied entry, even though he’d just taken

part in one of the largest scale conflicts the world had ever seen. He was okay with it, though, as he elaborated.

“At Pavuvu, they’d occasionally give us a six-pack of beer and a six-pack of cokes and I’d trade my beer for cokes,” he laughed. “I didn’t have any trouble finding people to trade with.”

Pavuvu was a Pacific Island the Allied Forces had claimed and used as a rest camp for the soldiers. Out of a 27-month tour, Iverson only saw Pavuvu twice.

Soon after his brief stint in San Diego

COVER STORY after his discharge, he eventually made his way back home to West Texas to pick up where he left off.

When asked about any memorable or key figures from his time in the Marines, whether at home or abroad, Iverson gave quite the answer as he told the story of D.G. McWilliams, or “Mac” as he was better known. Iverson met McWilliams in Lubbock, where they reported for duty, shortly after enlisting in military. From there, they literally embarked on a lifetime of adventures together. Not only did Iverson and McWilliams spend their entire tour of duty together, they were roommates in college at Texas Tech University. After college, Iverson was best man at McWilliams’ wedding and the two swapped roles a year later for Iverson’s wedding. They remained close friends all the way to McWilliams’ 75th wedding anniversary, which Iverson attended. McWilliams passed away just months after the milestone event.

“He was my best friend,” said Iverson.

McWilliams went on to author multiple published books. One of them is titled Never Too Old to Cry and tells the tale of a group of young men in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Iverson explained the stories were embellished, but that the places were real and it borrows heavily from their experiences together.

Throughout the evening, Iverson never showed his age. From the detailed depictions of his countless experiences on each and every island they encountered to one of his great-granddaughters touting the fact her great-grandpa still drives himself around town, it was clear Iverson has no plans to slow down. Another clear observation was his deep love of his family, who he lives with in his own apartment built on their land. As the sun started to fade into the horizon, the family gathered for a group photo with Iverson at center stage.

“These are my guardian angels,” said Iverson with a smile as wide as the West Texas sky.

As Iverson spoke about what Veterans Day means to him personally, he summed up the overall impact of the war and what his service and the service of his brothers and other relatives has meant to him.

“I just felt like my family did what we could,” he said. We did our part to stop it.”

Iverson – like so many others of his generation – simply wanted to do their part and stand on the side of liberty. In more ways than one, they are indeed the Greatest Generation.

Following in their tremendous footsteps are those who have stood on the same side and fought the good fight as they too simply wanted to contribute in whatever capacity they could. No matter the generation and no matter the conflict, they served something so much greater than themselves in order to preserve something

so sacred – the liberty and freedom of others. Today, the men and women of The Armed Forces stand ready to make footprints of their own as they have answered the call to serve their country. Today and every day, America thanks Iverson and all veterans for their service to this great nation.

The City of Liberty Hill will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park downtown.

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m, and there will be breakfast tacos provided courtesy of Pro-Wired Electric.

Together, the community will honor its beloved veterans and all will have the opportunity to stand before its finest – including Iverson himself – and utter those two simple yet powerful words – thank you.

“I was no hero and never claimed to be.

I just wanted to volunteer.”

Ike Iverson World War II veteran

Ike Iverson served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. These photos depict just a few memories from his time in the service. COURTESY PHOTOS

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

13

NEWS

Car stolen from Mesa Vista residence amid auto theft rise County Sheriff’s Office continues investigation, suspects remain at large

BY RACHEL N. MADISON

STAFF WRITER

Shortly after 2 a.m. on Aug. 17, a vehicle was stolen out of a Mesa Vista driveway off County Road 201.

Residents Ivan and Corrina Pointer of the 200 block of Yellow Senna Place awoke to the sound of a vehicle leaving their driveway. After realizing it couldn’t be their teenage son, Corrina turned to her husband and said, “Our car was just stolen.”

Ivan Pointer “shot out of bed, grabbed his gun and chased after them in his truck,” Corrina told the Independent. She called dispatch and alerted them to the car’s location, which she was able to track through her phone.

Ivan Pointer continued to pursue the thieves down Highway 29, eventually catching up to the vehicle. Suspects then fired multiple shots at the Pointers’ truck, striking the vehicle three times. Pointer remained unharmed and quickly ceased pursuit.

The Pointers’ car was later located off the 100 block of Jonathan Way, abandoned and left still running. Williamson County deputies subsequently stopped a car observed to be leaving the area at a high speed shortly before. Six individuals were identified and arrested on unrelated charges.

All individuals were later released.

“They weren’t able to [link] the guys to my car,” Corrina Pointer said. Still, she

DARK SKY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 ordinance that will work for small business and for the city,” said Dr. Thad Gillespie of Liberty Hill Dental.

Residents also expressed gratitude for businesses’ willingness to collaborate on the issue.

“This was never against business,” said Paul. “We need your business – that’s what makes a city viable. We’re trying to work together with you on this.”

Leonard also noted optimism for how some businesses have collaborated since

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expressed frustration. “They were released within 48 hours even though they attempted to kill my husband and stole the vehicle from our driveway.”

The case now rests with the Williamson County Sheriff ’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, which continues investigation and search for perpetrators. The department has said they will update the Pointer’s with any updates to the investigation. Williamson County has not yet responded to inquiries about the status of the search.

Two months after the incident, the Pointers remain concerned.

“We’ve heard nothing,” said Corrina Pointer. “The guys are free probably doing this to other people.”

The Pointers admit they haven’t had an easy time since the theft.

“The first month was extremely difficult,” Corrina Pointer reflected. “With every car that drove by, we wondered if it was them coming back for revenge. It was a very traumatic experience.”

“We want them put behind bars and are not going to back down,” she said.

Corrina Pointer also told the Independent similar crimes were reported along her street that night as well, including one resident whose key fob was stolen out of their driveway.

In addition, Corrina Pointer had advice for fellow residents to prevent themselves from becoming victims.

“Put up cameras, watch your yard, watch your home,” she said. “Don’t leave your keys in your vehicle. We get so lax and think it could never happen to us. We’re one of furthest neighborhoods out and it happened to us. Above all, protect and defend your family and home.”

Due to increased auto theft, the Williamson County Sheriff ’s Office began offering free steering wheel locks to Williamson County Kia and Hyundai owners last year. To request a lock, email the General Crimes Unit at CID@wilco.org with your contact information and schedule a time to pick up. You must provide proof of county residency and valid identification

to receive your lock.

All car owners are encouraged to ensure their cars are locked and keys stored in a safe place.

To report an active emergency or crime, call 911. To report other suspicious activity, contact Williamson County non-emergency dispatch by dialing 512-864-8282 and selecting option 1.

learning more about the Dark Sky initiative.

“We want the same thing – what’s best for Liberty Hill,” she said. “We do more good working together.”

Still, Leonard experiences frustration with the prolongation and continual pushback related delays of the process. The city has put in an extraordinary amount of time and energy in committing to Dark Skies, with little noticeable improvement, she told the Independent. While she and Save Our Stars volunteers continue to show up to meetings to educate about the initiative, she admits it’s “hard to keep bolstering

volunteers when they don’t feel like it’s making a difference.”

Nonetheless, the group is committed to continuing to advocate until a resolution is firmly implemented. For Leonard, it’s about more than just one ordinance.

“Dark Skies is a start. It’s a way to get people thinking differently,” she said. “It’s about our connection with the universe.

It’s right there and is always right there, it’s just hidden behind our veil of ignorance.”

Between the Sept. 25 and Oct. 7 city council meetings, several members of council began discussions with local businesses about the red line items. Leonard

noted council has not yet contacted her for a conversation about language changes, but hopes they will review her previously shared materials and include Save Our Stars in discussions before a final agreement is reached.

Council plans to issue new public hearing notices in November following stakeholder meetings. They aim to vote on the item no later than the first December council meeting.

To learn more about the Dark Sky initiative, regulations, or DarkSky certified cities, visit darksky.org.

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

Corrina and Ivan Pointer, residents of 200 Yellow Senna Place in Liberty Hill, whose car was stolen from their driveway in the early morning on Aug. 17. COURTESY PHOTO

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

MICHELLE WEST, DDS

ANGELA DAVIDSON, DDS

COLUMN

Looking back at the early years of The Independent Liberty Hill’s hometown newspaper celebrated 37th anniversary in October

BY JAMES WEAR

COLUMNIST

I still recall the first time I came across The Independent. It was the fall of 1987 and I was on the sidelines of a Panthers football game, snapping photos and taking notes for a story I would publish in a newspaper my brother and I owned and operated known as the Outlaw Express.

We covered Liberty Hill, as did a publication out of Bertram known as the Bertram-Liberty Hill News and as I discovered that evening, a new publication making its debut that week would give Liberty Hill its third newspaper.

Jim Linzy, who had been selling ads and doing stories for the Bertram-Liberty Hill News for a fellow named Ed Schaeffer (who I had worked alongside during a stint at the Burnet Bulletin a couple of years earlier), had launched his own paper he dubbed The Liberty Hill Independent. Emblazoned below the paper’s name was its motto: “The only newspaper that gives a hoot about Liberty Hill.”

Looking back a couple of months later, after I had decided to suspend publishing the Outlaw Express, I realized Linzy played it perfectly -- while the Bertram-Liberty Hill News was dividing its coverage between Liberty Hill and Bertram and the Outlaw Express was attempting to balance coverage of Liberty Hill and Florence, Linzy devoted 100 percent of his coverage to Liberty Hill and soon had a loyal following. The fact he was also an accomplished salesman with a magnetic personality didn’t hurt matters, either.

I think it was in March 1988 Linzy called me up and offered me a part time position.

The Independent was growing and he needed help. I accepted and soon we were churning out what one of our major advertisers termed as “the best high school newspaper in the state.” It wasn’t a slight or dig as one might imagine as at the time the school district was just about the only thing to cover in town. Liberty Hill had not yet incorporated and it would be fair to say 95 percent of what happened in the community was related to school activities.

And school was important. After having lost its high school back in 1969, the community had rallied and battled back and regained its accreditation status and now

was in the process of becoming one of the most respected districts in the entire state.

The success of the varsity boys’ basketball program in 1987, when the Panthers came up just one victory short of winning state, had Liberty Hill on the map and Charlie Braun and his staff, after having qualified for the postseason playoffs in 1984, guided the Panthers football team to its first ever district title. Other programs enjoyed success as well, both in athletics and academics.

The Independent was there to cover it and provide the scrapbook clippings that parents and grandparents cherished.

Linzy’s first office was basically the back seat of his car and while I can’t recall the make or model of that vehicle, I do remember Linzy drove that vehicle back and forth

The Independent’s founding publisher, Jim Linzy, loved to golf. COURTESY PHOTO

to Liberty Hill from his home in Austin as he set out to give Liberty Hill its own newspaper.

It was the same vehicle I’d ride in with Jim as we followed the Panthers’ football team to its out-of-town games, with more than once those trips taking us through Florence, where we’d be sure and stop and grab a bite to eat at a little taco stand that was owned and operated by my friend David and his family.

When I joined the staff, Linzy had established an arrangement with George Sybert and James Pogue to allow him to place a desk inside their print shop on Highway 29. We’d type up copy on an IBM Selectric typewriter,

paste it up on grid sheets and Linzy would take it over to Round Rock where the page negatives would be shot, the plates burned and placed on the web press that was located in the back room of the Round Rock Leader.

A couple of months after I started and had gone full-time, Linzy worked out an arrangement with Mike Fowler, son of the late Mel Fowler, to rent what’s commonly known as the Stubblefield building in downtown Liberty Hill. Linzy and his wife lived in the upstairs portion, while the downstairs room served as our office and I think I might have helped Jim build us some additional layout tables to put the paper together on.

We were still setting editorial copy with the IBM Selectric, but by this time Jim managed to purchase a phototypesetter we used for headlines and ad copy.

A few months later, Jim purchased a process camera and I began shooting our page negatives, often late at night or early in the morning before the sun rose, as the old building behind the Stubblefield building where we’d established a darkroom that had pinholes in the roof, so the sun’s rays prevented us from doing any darkroom work in the daylight hours. It was a rather primitive setup, but did reduce our production costs dramatically, prompting the publisher at the Round Rock Leader to comment, “I don’t know anybody who’s ever produced a newspaper for less money than you guys.”

It was during this time Jim and I spent as much time in Wanda Lane’s Liberty Hill Cafe as we did in the office, drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, visiting with other folks and hatching plans for an organization that would soon become known as the Liberty Hill Community Chamber of Commerce.

Later, Jim and others would plan benefit golf tournaments that would serve as seed money for the Liberty Hill Development Foundation, an organization that later obtained the land Lions Foundation Park and the Liberty Hill Fire Station are located upon.

After a few months in the Stubblefield building, we moved across the street to what some old timers refer to as the Brann building (the rock building that borders Veterans Park) and while Jim and his family lived in the living quarters in the back of the building, we utilized the front for the office.

We took a small closet and made it into a darkroom we could now utilize any time of day and for me, in my dual role as editor and darkroom tech, that was living in high cotton.

Diane Pogue joined the staff and I taught her a bit about the darkroom and other newspaper production skills before I left

Jim Linzy snapped this photo of columnist James Wear posing with a cardboard cutout in 1989. It was used in a house ad promoting the newspaper.

FILE PHOTO

the business for a few years. It was after I left Linzy and his family moved again, this time to a house beside what was once the First Baptist Church on Loop 332, now Main Street. I helped Jim build a darkroom in an outbuilding that was located on the property, but the main office was a building located next to what was then J&R Tire and Automotive on Highway 29 and if I recall correctly, that was the newspaper’s home for the next several years until Linzy sold the paper to Diane and her husband Dan. At some point, the new owners moved the office to a brick building, sharing the space with a local realtor and builder, that was located near the Liberty Hill Cemetery Association office at Brown Bridge Road and Highway 29 and I believe that’s where it remained until Shelly Wilkison purchased the paper some years later.

Although nearly a quarter century passed between the moment I had initially left The Independent as its first editor and the day I rejoined it as a columnist, the newspaper had remained a significant part of my life.

While Linzy and I didn’t always see eye-toeye on the newspaper business itself, we did remain friends and I was honored when asked by his family to help oversee his memorial services back in 1999.

Would he approve of the current Independent? Yes, I believe so, as the current owners – Rachel Madison and Scott Akanewich – have continued the vision of being cheerleaders for the community.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

17

EDUCATION

Carving up the meats Florence High School offers students unique opportunity to run own meat market

BY BRAD MARTIN

STAFF WRITER

According to the onslaught of radio and television advertisements heard throughout any given day, one might be convinced Arby’s has the meats. Well, I’ve got news for you – Florence High School literally has the meats and they have something that no restaurant chain can touch – a 30-year legacy of education and inspiration that spans a much broader spectrum than the meats themselves.

Founded by Bobby Rosenbusch in 1994, the Florence High School Meat Market has become a staple in the Florence community and abroad, offering a vast array of beef and pork products that are processed and packaged with care by the remarkable students that pass through its doors year after year.

During a recent conversation while ringing in the new year, Rosenbusch decided to pass the torch and handed over the Meat Market operations to Denielle Bailey, a former student of his who’d been working elsewhere in the Florence Independent School District after graduating in 2002. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Bailey and some of her students recently as they gave an in-depth tour of the place and shared their thoughts of just what it is that makes this place so special.

From the start, Bailey and her team were prepared to show off their market and talents alike. I was greeted by two of her students, Brynlee Cody and Jessi Threet, both of whom immediately shined as they guided me through the halls, out the back doors and across the grounds that led to the ancillary Ag building – home of the FHS Meat Market. It was there I would meet Bailey and two more of her students, Landon Loerwald (grandson of Bobby Rosenbusch) and Katie Bryant. Loerwald and Bryant are considered “red hats,” meaning they are second-year students, while Cody and Threet are “white hats,” or first-year students.

Upon entering the building, I encountered the retail side of the operation. It was a small, but welcoming room complete with a display freezer space and front counter with a glass window behind it that proudly displayed the FHS Meat Market Logo while also offering a glimpse into the processing facility beyond its walls. It was such a unique concept to me, which sparked my curiosity of just how rare of an opportunity this program might be to its students. Bailey was quick to respond.

“I think there are four other high schools in the state of Texas that have a market,” she said.

“So, there’s not very many. We were the first to have a lab as well, so it is very unique.”

After a brief conversation among us all, I was led into the lab, where there were numerous stainless steel tables accompanied by various processing and sanitizing stations. As

In addition to the classroom coursework, “The Lab,” as it’s referred to, offers students the opportunity to put their skills to the test in a hands-on environment. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

From left, students Katie Bryant, Brynlee Cody, Jessi Threet, Landon Loerwald and director Denielle Bailey run the Florence High School Meat Market. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN if it were rehearsed, each student took their respective turns walking me through the facility – step by step – as they explained in detail what each and every piece of equipment did and how they each played their critical role in the successful operations of the department.

It quickly became clear this wasn’t just another class to them.

“When we get to work in here, we get to work under leadership and as a team,” said Loerwald. “Which is a valuable skill you need.”

Once the lab tour concluded, we returned to the retail space to chat a bit more about the program and how it all came to be.

I was impressed throughout the conversation, not only by the overwhelmingly detailed and passionate responses from the students, but also from Bailey as they discussed what this program means to them and how it helps enrich their beloved community.

From the stories of its inception and how it has permanently changed this year’s students for the better, to its impact on the career choices of the students that pass through the program each year, I couldn’t help but admire each of these bright-eyed kids as if they were my own.

Cody offered a perspective outside of meat processing and how other aspects of the program were instilling valuable life skills within the students.

“When we’re in the market, being able to talk to the customers, I feel like it’s teaching us social skills, communication skills, or even things like using a cash register and counting change,” she said.

There are so many opportunities a school

district can seize upon in order to ensure their students have nothing but the utmost of opportunities to experience as much as the outside world has to offer and this department embodies every bit of that sentiment. A clear example can be seen in its former student, Bailey, who now leads today’s youth as they prepare themselves to become the stewards of tomorrow.

“I wouldn’t be as involved as I am if it wasn’t for my teacher,” said Bryant as her words lent to the validity of Bailey’s impact on the program.

I must say I went into this expecting to simply write a story about nothing other than a local high- school program that offered a unique service to its surrounding communities but, after having the opportunity to hear from these exceptional students and their inspiring teacher, it became so much more. Yes, you should reach out to them and buy some (or all) of the many products they have to offer.

After all, you’ll be helping support a time-honored tradition and there are so many of their mouth-watering products that you’ll be hard pressed to find on a grocery store shelf. More so, you’ll be supporting these wonderful kids as they continue to find themselves and chart their paths ahead.

In the meantime, I’ll be keeping an eye on my mailbox for those steak dinner invitations.

I’ll have the ribeye – medium rare, please.

For more information on the Florence High School Meat Market, including what products they offer and how to order, check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FHSMeatMarket.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

19

TRAVEL

Taking outdoor fun to a new level

New Braunfels campground offers variety of family enjoyment

BY BRAD MARTIN

STAFF WRITER

Fall in Texas has such its own vibe. On the front end, we tip our hats to summer.

Whether it’s floating the local rivers, hitting the neighborhood pools, or firing up those backyard smokers, it’s time for one last hurrah. On the back end, we turn the page and welcome those subtle hints of autumn with open, sweaty, sunburned arms as they come just in time, right before we all lose what’s left of our sanity. However, between the two were a few glorious days where we checked out of reality and checked in to all things fun and fancy free. In our case, that just so happened to be an almost unimaginable place called Camp FIMFO, located in New Braunfels.

Okay, let’s get this part out of the way, as I’ve spent the past few weeks answering this very question – “What does FIMFO stand for?”

The answer? Fun Is More Fun Outside. A funny name, perhaps, but once you’ve spent three days roaming the countless acres and amenities, you’ll be singing the Camp FIMFO song (yes, they have their own song), over and over again. Call it cheesy, call it what you will, just don’t call it dull or boring, because this place will redline your fun meter and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

So grab your swim trunks and leave plenty of extra food and water for the cat – it’s time to saddle up and ride.

Okay, I’ve got good news and bad news for you. First, the good: Camp FIMFO’s Texas Hill Country location is less than two hours from Liberty Hill, which is way less time than it takes the kids to start screaming at each other and crying for a pit stop. The bad news? The majority of the route is down that infamous stretch of highway called Interstate 35. Might as well be a four letter word, huh?

However, if you leave at the right time of day, it’ll be smooth sailing. I’m just kidding.

There’s never a good time of day or night to be in I-35 – I almost had you! But, it is indeed the quickest route so away we went, our travel trailer in tow and our excitement levels turned up to 11.

The check-in process for most campgrounds on day one of a holiday weekend typically leaves much to be desired, but Camp FIMFO has it down to a science. We didn’t even have to get out of the vehicle upon arrival! We were greeted by a front-gate attendant who kindly directed us where to go. He led us towards a parking area where several camp employees stood ready to assist. Once we pulled up, a bubbly young lady got our last name, ran back to a table underneath a pop-up canopy and returned with a nice neat

With a wide variety of splashy fun, the water park is the centerpiece of Camp FIMFO. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

Camp FIMFO has a general store on site with just about everything a camper might need over the course of a weekend. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

packet, complete with a map of the place, our wristbands and some other literature regarding some specials and events happening that weekend. She even drew the best route to our campsite on the map for us. I kid you not, in less than 10 minutes, we were backing into our campsite. That is unheard of.

The RV campsites are pretty close together, but each of them are roomy and well-built with large concrete parking areas, plenty of grassy spaces, a picnic table, barbecue grill and fire ring. We set up camp right away and were soon perusing the map as we plotted our adventures for the long weekend. I felt like a kid again as I scanned the map, just as I did right before Christmas time as I thumbed through the Sears catalog (remember those?) while making my list for Santa. We charted our course, reserved our roller coaster tickets online (yes, they even have a roller coaster) and checked in with my brothers and their families, who’d joined us in our quest for fun in the sun.

First and foremost on the list was the pool or, should I say, pools. Actually “playground in the water on steroids” is more fitting, albeit a terrible name. Our jaws dropped wide open as we walked through the gate. Talk about sensory overload, but in all the right ways. It all starts with a gigantic wading pool that is home to the No Dive Bar. Now that’s a good name. We couldn’t help ourselves and got right in, letting the perfect temperature of the water soothe our road worn bodies.

After a bit of relaxing and splashing around with our little one, I took a quick swim up to the bar and ordered a couple of cocktails for the Mrs. and I. Vacay mode: engaged.

As if that gigantic pool wasn’t enough, a short stroll deeper into the pool area led us to

an epic water park. From giant water blasting turrets and cannons to twisting, turning slides and a huge barrel high above it all that emptied itself every 15 minutes or so onto anyone within 20 feet of it, this was the place that childhood dreams are made of. Our little girl’s eyes became as big as saucers and before we could even say the words “go have fun,” she was gone. She released her boundless energy onto every square inch of the place for hours on end. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have that kind of energy again.

Just past the water park was the biggest flex of them all – the slides. Quick question: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be flushed down a giant toilet? Minus the unmentionable part of it all, of course.

For those of you with your hands up, you’re in luck. The first out of four slides we went down, all of which are five stories tall, mind you, starts out as a fast-moving, twisting and turning slide – in complete darkness. It then shoots you out into a monstrous bowl, where you spiral your way down to the bottom and a chute awaits to drop you into the shallow pool waiting at the end. It was an absolute blast of a ride. The tube slide on the opposite side was similar in design, but without the bowl and nestled in between them were two side-by-side racing slides that fly you down multiple dips before jetting you into the water below. I lost count of how many times I went down this one, every single day we were there. I guess I found a bit of that kid-like energy after all.

Now, we all remember those summer days as kids where we were poolside with our families and friends all day long. What I failed to remember, however, is just how much of an appetite swimming can build. After hours in

TRAVEL the water, we were ravenous, so it was off to The Filling Station, located just outside the pool area. It was an unassuming little walkup counter with a small ordering window and a menu overhead, followed by a waiting area over by the pickup window. The menu offered a variety of poolside munchies, including a pretty impressive ice cream selection. I honestly didn’t expect much from this place, but I would’ve eaten a cinder block at this point, I was so hungry. I ordered the cheeseburger and the wife got the chicken tenders, while the little one went with the Mac-n-Cheese bites and tater tots.

We’re on quite the healthy food kick if you couldn’t tell. Our food was ready in minutes and my expectations were blown out of the water, pun intended. The cheeseburger was excellent and the tenders did not disappoint either. It was hard to believe a little poolside walk-up counter could serve this quality of food, but it was true and it was delicious. Of course, the little one had to have some ice cream and it was equally delicious, judging from the smile on her face.

After our poolside fare, we made our way back to camp for some downtime as we recharged our batteries a bit before heading up the hill towards one of the numerous cabins towards the peak of this hill country paradise. My brother and his family were shacked up atop the hillside and they too were in full Labor Day Weekend mode. Our little one immediately joined her cousins as they were showing no signs of tiring for the evening, while us adults gathered around the tables on the large front porch of their cabin, which looked and felt much more like a home. From the natural pine shiplap walls to the modern appliances and inviting furniture, there wasn’t an inconvenience or discomfort to be found. I was impressed at the quality of the construction, including the outdoor elements such as a concrete driveway and grassy yard out front. We said goodbye to the sun for the day as we welcomed the nighttime air and simply enjoyed being together for the first time in quite a while. A little while later, it was back to camp for us to rest our bones and navigate our dreams of waterworld.

We greeted Day 2 with a peaceful, early-morning rise that found us sitting outside the RV, coffee in hand as we watched the sun rise over lush green hills in the distance.

We were easy like a Sunday morning, even though it was Saturday. As the little one emerged from her slumber, she took our laid back morning and sent it packing.

Before we could finish our tasty breakfast sandwiches from my dear wife, the questions started rolling in.

“Daddy, when is the rollercoaster? Daddy, are we playing mini golf today? Daddy, can

Camping along the Guadalupe River is one of the more charming aspects of Camp FIMFO. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

we go gem mining? Daddy, why do you look so tired?”

Okay, maybe she didn’t ask that last one, but she clearly had an agenda, so we finished our plates and sent out the group text to the other families. It was time to get this party started.

We met up at the general store near the entrance of the camp. Well, at least that’s what the sign said. “Supermarket” is more like it. I can’t think of one thing they didn’t have, including some out-of-this- world camp merchandise. Whoever does their marketing and graphic design deserves a raise. It was a great place to have on the grounds, as it meant that we never had to leave the place during our three-day visit.

Less time running to town equals more fun at camp. After the wallet-draining adventure at the General Store, it was time for a round of miniature golf. It was a wonderful 18-hole course that was thoughtfully laid out around a massive grove of oak trees that provided shade throughout. Here’s a shocker for ya: I lost – to a six-year-old. If you’ve ever seen me bowl, play darts or pool, or get in on a game of horseshoes, you’d get it. As we sank our putts at the 18th hole, our excitement began to mount. We were giddy with excitement because our next stop was The Cliff Carver, Camp FIMFO’s very own rollercoaster.

Not far from the general store, the Cliff Carver, also known as Texas’ first alpine coaster, patiently awaits its patrons at the bottom of the rolling hills that Camp FIMFO calls home. It’s not your typical coaster, mind you – it’s a gravity-fed coaster with individual cars that one or two people can ride in, almost like having your very own private tour of some of the most serene hill

country around. The best part? You control the speed. Yes, that’s right. Each car has its own braking system that allows the rider to choose between a leisurely cruise as they take in the scenery or an adrenaline-filled blast through a peripheral blur that slightly resembles the outdoors. My little girl rode with me and being the thrillseeker that she is, we chose the latter. If you do only one thing during your visit to Camp FIMFO, make sure it’s the Cliff Carver. It’s an experience you will not forget.

As the adrenaline from The Cliff Carver wore off, we decided to head back to camp for a light lunch in the RV while we went further down the itinerary. We chose a quick group arts & crafts session, where baby girl made some refrigerator magnets and then discovered our very own treasure at the gem mining exhibition. After that, the next stop was a unanimous decision – it was back to the water park for hours of fun with the cousins as the adults enjoyed relaxing in the cabanas as we watched. Okay, maybe we went on the slides again a time or 10 but, when in Rome, we do as Romans do. We just do it in swim trunks.

After the aquatic events of the day came to an end and before the nighttime festivities began, we grabbed some ice for the coolers and some ice cream for the little one and it was back up the hill to spend more time together as a family over an amazing steak dinner with an even more amazing sunset in the distance. Our bodies kissed by the sun and our hearts warmed from the love, it was eventually back to the RV and off to sleep.

Day 3 was like any other final day at camp, except it wasn’t anything like the final day at camp, because it was a three-day weekend,

remember?! Sure, I may have been starting to “feel it” at this point, but we were all in and there was more fun to be had so we were off to the races soon after shaking off the morning haze.

We found ourselves along the banks of the Guadalupe River about an hour or two after waking. Being from Central Texas, I’m no stranger to the Guadalupe, but I can never get enough of this majestic body of water. It’s as if a sculptor carved the most beautiful path through mountainous limestone boulders and lush grassy riverbanks and topped it all off with the most gorgeous cypress trees that reach straight for the heavens. The water was so inviting. Well, at least it was before we dipped our toes in it.

Once we were ankle-deep, however, we were reminded of just how cold the Guadalupe can be, even in late summer. I’d like to say we toughed it out and acclimated to the frigid waters, but we didn’t. No, we instead trekked back up the hillside to the – you guessed it – the pools. Hey, don’t judge. At least we took the riverside in for a while before jumping feet first back into the most chaotic fun to be had.

After yet another round of poolside shenanigans, we spent the rest of the day bouncing back and forth between the countless amenities and spent some time at both our camp and again with family in the hillside cabins. As the sun began to set on day three, we decided to take part in a Parker McCollum concert. Oh, and fun fact – it was free. That’s right, one thing I failed to mention is that Camp FIMFO is the fun-loving neighbor of Whitewater Amphitheater. And when I say neighbors, I mean it. You can see most of the stage and the sound is like you’re right there because, well, you are right there. It was the perfect exclamation point that marked the end of one of the most adventurous weekends I’ve ever had as an adult.

Believe it or not, fall is here and winter won’t be far behind. Camping season is indeed upon us and Camp FIMFO has adventures for all seasons including a chili cookoff for “Campsgiving” and even some December visits from jolly old St. Nick himself! So, as you dust off your camp boxes, check the air pressure in the RV tires and drop those pins on the map, be sure and save a pin for Camp FIMFO. At every step of this three-day adventure, we were greeted by staff members that were genuinely kind and went out of their way to ensure everyone was having a wonderful time. Camp FIMFO isn’t just a job to them – it’s truly a way of life and we are thrilled to have been a part of it, even if it was just for a moment.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to lay down for a nap.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

21

NEWS

Read our round up to learn more about the biggest news stories affecting our community COMPILED BY LIBERT Y HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF

Council appoints Ringstaff new Chief of Police Council appointed Jeff Ringstaff as Liberty Hill’s new chief of police at their Sept. 25 meeting. Ringstaff has worked with Liberty Hill Police Department for nearly two decades, starting as a police officer in 2006. He was later promoted to sergeant in 2009 and lieutenant in 2016. He most recently served as Liberty Hill’s interim police chief.

In addition to his long history with Liberty Hill, Ringstaff has received multiple awards and certificates for his work and achievements, holding a Master Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. He was awarded the esteemed FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award in 2021.

“This award honors the completion of supervisor command and executive level law enforcement leadership courses,” said City Manager Paul Brandenburg. “FBI-LEEDA aims to strengthen leaders in law enforcement and improve their management practices.”

Ringstaff was named best police officer of the year in 2021 from The Independent and 2022 Supervisor of the Year from the City of Liberty Hill.

Brandenburg further spoke to Ringstaff’s credentials and history with the city before he took his oath of office.

“I have the honor and privilege to be in front of you this evening to present the next chief of police of Liberty Hill,” he said. “His loyalty and commitment to the city of Liberty Hill has been unwavering and he has stepped up to lead operations multiple times as department vacancies occurred throughout the years. Chief Ringstaff is an experienced and proven leader and he will take the department to a new level of service and professionalism while protecting and serving the Liberty Hill community. We are honored he will be leading the department”.

Following the city manager’s comments, Mayor Crystal Mancilla swore Ringstaff into office. “[Ringstaff] leads with such humility and heart for his community,” said Mancilla,

22

following his oath. “I’ve seen him work tirelessly.”

Ringstaff is eager to serve the community in his new role.

“I’m excited to see where we can take the department,” he said. “My main vision is I want officers to be happy and enjoy coming to work and I want citizens to enjoy seeing officers and feel comfortable with them.”

When asked about his plans, Ringstaff emphasized embracing modern technology is among his top priorities.

Council adopts new ad valorem tax rate Council voted to adopt the proposed no-new-revenue ad valorem tax rate of $0.483029 per $100 at their September council meeting. This followed adoption of the 2024-25 fiscal year budget, which used the proposed rate as a basis for its revenue calculations, that they adopted on their Sept.

11 meeting.

The new rate marks a $0.02847 per $100 increase from the 2023-24 rate and will be divided to cover general fund and debt services fund costs. Of the $0.483029, $0.317978 per $100 valuation will go towards maintenance and operations expenditures and $0.165049 per $100 valuation will fund debt service fund obligations.

This new tax rate will be reflected in the end of year tax bills, due Jan. 31, 2025.

Council hears utility infrastructure funding recommendations City Council held a special workshop on Oct. 7 to hear a presentation about funding options for utility infrastructure projects. Financial Advisor Dan Wegmiller with Specialized Public Finance presented an overview of financing tools available to Liberty Hill to Council.

The motivation for the presentation was “looking at funding requirements that the city needs specifically on water and future wastewater [debt services,]” Wegmiller told Council.

Wegmiller began by overviewing common

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

debt financing tools available for all Texas cities. These were general obligation bonds, certificates of obligation, tax notes and revenue bonds.

General obligation bonds are most often used for general purpose items and require voter authorization through an election to be issued.

They are paid back with taxes, Wegmiller explained. Certificates of Obligation (COs), which carry an equal credit rating as general obligation bonds, can also be used for general purposes and can be paid for by future taxes. Furthermore, Liberty Hill Police Chief Jeff Ringstaff with Mayor Crystal Mancilla following they do not require his oath of office at the Sept. 25 city council meeting. COURTESY PHOTO voter authorization, Mancilla told Council that she and Deputy allowing city governCity Manager Mike Etienne had also met with ment to act more quickly for funding projects representatives from the Texas Water Board without having to wait for the results of a and TCEQ to discuss funding opportunities, public election. which will be presented at a later date.

The third option, tax notes, are for shorter-term projects where the city can borrow money to cover immediate needs. Wegmiller City Council, Liberty Hill did not recommend tax notes as an option for EDC and Williamson County a long-term issues like water or wastewater.

ESD discussed sales tax The final option was revenue bonds, which interlocal agreement the city has utilized in the past. These are fully funded by project income and have no tax backing.

In a special meeting on Oct. 7, Liberty Hill Wegmiller explained that he recommends City Council and Economic Development favoring certificates of obligation over the Council (EDC) met with the Williamson other options to pay current water debt County Emergency Services District (WESD) services. #4 Board of Directors to discuss the possibil“You want to use a financing that’s the most ity of a sales tax interlocal agreement. This efficient going forward that will allow the rate blanket agreement would set percentage structures to have growth support as well as allotments to determine the percentage of having future rate changes be as small and sales tax received by the city and ESD for incremental as needed over time,” he said. annexed areas of the ETJ as the city expands.

“Public works is an authorized use of COs. It As Liberty Hill grows, it annexes areas of is extremely common for public systems to the surrounding ETJ. These areas become use their system to get efficient financing for part of the city and thus pay property tax and projects.” receive city services. Any new commercial When asked about plans going forward, developments within these areas, however, Wegmiller said he would talk with staff and continue to pay an allotment of sales tax only plan to bring back a resolution at the next to the ESD, not also to the city. council meeting directing the notice of intent This means that, despite efforts to expand, to issue COs. Beyond that, future phases the city often must decline development would be discussion and workshops through proposals within these lease areas because other options as they present themselves. they lack the funding to support utilities and Council is still exploring all funding opservice without the added sales tax revenue tions and made no formal decision following that they would usually receive from city the presentation. projects.

NEWS The Liberty Hill EDC said that an interlocal agreement with WESD aligns with the city’s comprehensive masterplan. “We have a strategic three-year plan [for growth],” EDC Director Christian Kurtz told WESD representatives. He emphasized that any agreement reached would be a living document that could be adjusted in the future, but that a sales tax agreement is necessary to be able to undertake the expansion and growth that the plan envisions. “When cities are larger and bringing in more tax dollars, we have larger budget and put money away,” said Kurtz.

“We’re trying to have orderly growth,” City Manager Paul Brandenburg added.

“If we don’t manage growth, growth will manage us.”

The loss from untapped sales tax revenue doesn’t just affect city dollars. Just as it limits the city’s ability to expand, it also reduces the funding that the ESD would receive from any developments within the service area – developments that are currently being rejected by the city due to limited funds. Like the city, the ESD needs these sales tax dollars to continue to service growing communities.

WESD #4 Chief Anthony Lincoln spoke to the importance of sales tax revenue for running the fire service.

“We’re serving 60,000 in our fire district – that’s doubled since 2018,” he said. “It’s an ongoing cost for every station and it’s expensive to do this business. If it wasn’t for sales tax, we would have been limited in how fast we could have grown as an emergency service district. Hopefully, we can keep this whole area growing and we all benefit from it.”

A sales tax agreement would split sales tax revenue based on an agreed-upon percentage. This would benefit both city and WESD by allowing for greater commercial

growth in the ETJ, generating revenue for both parties that could be used to enhance ESD service and city initiatives.

“We want to see blanket agreement so that everyone is on an equal playing field in the controlled growth area,” said Council Member Diane Williams. “Want to get [something] in place. At the end of day, if we don’t get a blanket agreement for controlled growth, none of us are going to benefit from the commercial sales tax in that area.”

Members of the WESD Board requested Council provide them with further information on specific percentages before coming to an agreement.

After a closed session discussion, Mancilla spoke to the Board’s requests.

“We want to go back to drawing board and have a working group to put [detailed requests] together,” she said. “We will have that done by end of October and come back to the table with cost-per-acre numbers and re-discuss.”

Council plans to hold another meeting with WESD in November with updated numbers for continuing discussion.

Council approves development site plans City Council approved three site plans at their Oct. 23 meeting, including the site plan for Mrs. Amy’s Adventures Daycare expanded facilities.

Amy Payne, owner of the daycare center, has been in continuous communications with Council over the past several months as she urged them to approve her site plan and utility services. Due to water and wastewater restrictions, approval of the project had faced continual delays.

Council approved the site plan on the condition that the facility wait to confirm

Members of Liberty Hill City Council, Liberty Hill Economic Development Council and representatives from Williamson County Emergency Services District #4 gathered on Oct. 7 to discuss ETJ sales tax agreement. PHOTO BY RACHEL N. MADISON

their Certificate of Occupancy (CO) until Public Works verifies the completion of the South Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion project. This suggests Council’s intent to provide local wastewater service for the site. Water service will be provided

by Georgetown.

Payne expressed excitement and gratitude at Council’s approval of the plan.

“We are thrilled to be moving forward with our new preschool facility,” she said.

“Our families and teachers have provided so much support throughout this process and deserve this beautiful opportunity for growth in our community.”

Payne confirmed the project has officially broken ground and is anticipating a grand opening for the 2025-2026 school year.

“A huge thank you to my design and construction team as well as the city staff, mayor and council for having faith in our project,” said Payne. “We can’t wait to show you all our new school.”

Council also approved the site plan for the expansion of the Amifast Industrial Park Subdivision lots located at 138 Bevers Road, as well as the site plan for outdoor landscaping and paving around Health Different Chiropractic located at 1900 Main St.

City of Liberty Hill announces deputy city manager Liberty Hill City Manager Paul Brandenburg selected Dr. Mike Etienne to be the City’s first deputy city manager. Etienne’s first day with the city was Sept. 30.

Etienne has over 25 years of local government experience. In his most recent position, he served as assistant city manager for the City of Victoria, where he oversaw public works and engineering, CIP, planning and development services, parks and recreation, environmental services/solid waste management, economic development and downtown revitalization, traffic control, public utilities, water plant, wastewater plants, housing and community development and neighborhood engagement. In Victoria, Etienne managed a $60.5 million budget and 243 full-time employees.

Prior to Victoria, Etienne worked for the City of San Antonio for nearly 10 years, serving in multiple executive roles, including assistant director for capital projects, assistant director of neighborhood and housing services and director of Eastside revitalization and real estate services. He also served as deputy city administrator for development and director of housing and neighborhood services in several cities in the state of Virginia and served as director of urban initiatives and community out-

Dr. Mike Etienne is the new deputy city manager for the City of Liberty Hill. COURTESY PHOTO reach for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in Washington, D.C. In his new role with the City of Liberty Hill, Etienne will supervise, monitor and coordinate operations for the planning and development, building and code enforcement, downtown and public works departments, while directing and managing the implementation of city goals and objectives.

Under the supervision of the city manager, he will provide leadership to city staff and work effectively with the mayor and city council.

“Mike will be a key new member of our team serving as deputy city manager,” Brandenburg said. “His experience is extremely impressive, as well as his accomplishments.

There are several key projects and initiatives that he will be able to manage and address immediately. Liberty Hill is a small town, but we have large city issues. I am confident Mike will be able to hit the ground running as we strive to exceed the expectations of the community in service delivery, customer service and professionalism.”

Etienne holds a doctorate degree in public policy and administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, master’s degree of urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University, bachelor of arts degree in political science from James Madison University and a bachelor of arts degree from Ripon College.

In addition to his high level of education and experience, he also holds several certifications and professional memberships.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

23

CITY

City Council hears YMCA presentation Three different locations are being considered for proposed 48,000 square-foot complex

they would like to see in a center.

Amsler introduced ForeSquare Managing Partner, Li Li, to present the study results.

ForeSquare’s comprehensive market feasibility study included telephone interviews with 600 randomized households located within the survey area, along with census data and household growth projections. Li revealed high community interest for the complex, with 7.3% of surveyed households expressing a “great deal of interest” in joining the YMCA center if developed.

“That is a very strong number for a full-service YMCA,” Li said. “More importantly, that 7.3% percent is much higher than the national average of 4.5%. That’s a telltale sign that people in this community are very interested in a YMCA community center and gives us a very strong membership base to work with.”

Anderson confirmed the study’s sound results and confidence the project would be able to operate sustainably.

“Once a YMCA achieves 3,000+ units of membership, a YMCA third party provider can operate the center at no cost to the city,” he said.

The targeting surveyed area is one of rapid residential growth, estimated to have a total household growth rate of 25% from 2022-2027 by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Of three considered locations, the survey revealed community preferences for a YMCA location at Seward Junction, closely followed by a Highway 29 location. Consultants recommended a complex of around 48,000 square feet to accommodate a wellness center, exercise studios, an indoor pool, multipurpose activity center and

BY RACHEL N. MADISON

STAFF WRITER

The Liberty Hill City Council held a special meeting prior to their Oct. 23 meeting for a presentation and discussion on the proposed Liberty Hill YMCA community center. YMCA of Central Texas CEO and President Jeff Anderson was present at the meeting, along with YMCA representatives.

Managing Partner for ForeSquare Research, Inc., hired by the city to conduct a community-wide interest survey, reviewed results of the proposed development to determine the viability and interest for the project.

Liberty Hill Communications Director Katie Amsler opened the meeting by explaining the background of the study to the council.

“People in the community have been asking for more recreation, a community center and other things of that nature for many years. We don’t have funding for that now, but want to listen to our residents as we move forward with our planning,” said Amsler. “Last year, Council directed us to do a study to see if a YMCA would be viable here and if the community would use it.”

Amsler explained comprehensive studies like the one conducted serve as a first step to see if a YMCA project would be viable, determine desirable locations and receive community feedback about what features

Census tract of ForeSquare targeted YMCA study area, with site location recommendations starred. Study results reflected clear preference for Highway 183 and Highway 29 locations.

COURTESY GRAPHIC classrooms, child watch area, and lounge, as well as an outdoor pool.

Li also outlined membership projections for the project, aimed to help the city prioritize site location, develop a pricing strategy, and plan budgets based on forecasted membership revenue.

“Based on the findings and the membership units we’ve forecasted for the top location, we see an indoor facility with close

to 48,000 sq feet plus an outdoor pool area,” he said. “It is very clear if you build it, they will come.”

Following the presentation, Council discussed study findings and potential funding options. Council plans to hold future meetings with YMCA to continue financial discussions. No formal decisions were made at the meeting, and Council confirmed this would not be an immediate project.

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24 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

25

SPORTS

Living up to a legacy Liberty Hill linebacker follows in footsteps of past Panthers No. 10s

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

The number 10 has a hallowed history in Liberty Hill football lore, a jersey designation only worn by players who have earned the distinction on and off the field.

On the gridiron, it belongs to the de-facto quarterback of the Purple-and-Gold defense, the middle linebacker and away from the lights is a representation of everything a Panthers football player is supposed to be.

This season, it is worn by senior Garrett Lindgren – who like Andon Thomas and Samuel Knox before him – exemplifies the epitome of both aspects of life as a Liberty Hill athlete.

Considering the heights the senior has scaled as far as his rise up the depth chart since his arrival on campus as a freshman three years ago, Lingren’s current status is nothing short of remarkable, said Panthers head coach Kent Walker.

“As a sophomore, Garrett was on our JV ‘B’ team,” he said. “So, to go from that to starting for a strong Class 5A program just shows how hard he’s worked to get here.”

According to Lindgren, much of his improved standing is attributed to one of the hallmarks of the Panthers’ program’s success over the years, which includes long hours in the weight room.

“Our offseason is different,” said Lindgren, who packed on 30 pounds between his junior and senior campaigns and now has a playing weight of 210 pounds. “I’m definitely more confident now making tackles than I was before.”

So far this season, the statistics bear that out as Lindgren led Liberty Hill with 70 stops through the first seven games on the schedule and has been the Panthers’ leading tackler on four separate occasions.

Following last year, Lindgren was asked to switch from the outside linebacker position he had occupied to being one of two inside backers – along with fellow senior Caleb Nicholas – a role he was suited for after his offseason gains, said Walker.

“No question, Garrett is bigger, faster and stronger than last year,” he said. “So, now he’s more geared to be an inside linebacker and he’s always going to do what the team needs to be successful – he’s done a fantastic job.”

While many young players seek the glory on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage, be it as a running back, quarterback or the like,

Liberty Hill senior linebacker Garrett Lindgren (10) lives up to the history of the number he wears on and off the field. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO Lindgren said he’s always been enamored with stopping ballcarriers rather than being one himself from the get-go.

“No, I never played offense – it was always defense for me,” he said. “I’ve always liked hitting people more than getting hit.”

But, it’s certainly about more than brawn for Lindgren, as his football brain is smart enough to know what to do at all times, said Walker.

along with being very physical.”

Walker added Lindgren’s presence in the huddle is akin to him being out there himself.

“Having Garrett is like having a coach on the field, which is very valuable,” he said. “But, he’s also very coachable himself and is able to communicate with his teammates and our coaches.”

Lindgren said sometimes when he walks out onto the field on a Friday night, it’s almost

“For us, it’s huge to have someone who can wear the number 10 and Garrett represents what that means very well. He takes a great deal of pride in being that type of player and it’s pretty cool because our kids know what that number means.”

Kent Walker Liberty Hill Head Football Coach

Panthers linebacker Garrett Lindgren (10) anchors the Liberty Hill linebacking corps with fellow senior Caleb Nicholas (52) in forming a dynamic duo on defense. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

26 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

“Garrett’s a student of the game,” he said.

“He knows our game plan, is completely bought in and being such a good player always knows what we’re doing defensively and is a a big part of what goes on.”

In addition to the physical and intellectual aspects, Lindgren adds ruggedness to his approach – along with all of his teammates, for that matter.

“All of our kids are tough – we look at it like a toughman contest out there on the field,” said Walker. “Garrett has the mentality he wants to hit people, but he’s also intelligent

more than he can believe.

“Really, it’s surreal,” he said. “I used to be one of those kids at the games looking up to the players and now I’m on the other side.”

As for the number he wears these days, Walker said Lindgren is definitely deserving of the honor.

“For us, it’s huge to have someone who can wear the number 10 and Garrett represents what that means very well,” he said. “He takes a great deal of pride in being that type of player and it’s pretty cool because our kids know what that number means.”

Setting up for success Senior setter calm, cool, collected on court

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

the ball as hard as I wanted and fell in love with it.”

These days, Hight rarely hauls off and hits with all her might, as over the years Back in 2012, Ava Hight was a secshe has transitioned from outside hitter ond-grader who one day happened to be to setter, where her job description is to in front of the family TV getting a glimpse loft the ball into the wheelhouses of the of what her future might look like from a front-line players so they can hammer kills sports standpoint. like she once did – and is glad she made the “I was watching the summer Olympics switch. and there were showing beach volleyball,” “When I got to eighth grade, I switched said Hight. “At the time, I didn’t think I was and it was the best decision I ever made,” going to like volleyball.” said Hight, who currently stands 5-foot-7.

However, someone else had distinctly “I already had my growth spurt and wasn’t different ideas, she said. going to grow anymore.”

“As far as my mom was concerned, it was Indeed, that decision and all the endless always going to be volleyball for me,” said hours of bumping and setting balls has Hight. “Because that’s what she played.” paid off for the Liberty Hill senior, as she According to Hight, though, it didn’t will play next season at Texas A&M Univertake long once she finally stepped onto the sity-Corpus Christi for the NCAA Division court for the first time to be smitten with I Islanders – a destination she was always the game she had been reluctant about. destined for, she said.

“I wasn’t looking forward to it,” said “From the beginning, I wanted to go to Hight. “But, then I found out I could hit school at the beach,” said Hight. “As soon as I visited, I really liked the coaches and knew that was the place for me.”

But, before Hight heads south for the Gulf Coast, she has plenty more assists to serve up for her current squad, as the Lady Panthers are looking to make their third consecutive appearance at the Class 5A state tournament after third-place and runner-up results the past pair of campaigns – a goal she is highly aware of and focused on.

Lady Panthers setter Ava Hight (20) will play in college at Texas A&M University-Cor“We really pus Christi after a stellar high-school career. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO have to just stay OWNER/PUBLISHER

SPORTS on the gas,” she said. “Take one match at a time and focus on what we can control.”

Lady Panthers head coach Marie Bruce said control is something Hight has plenty of on the court.

“Ava’s maturity and growth has allowed her to always see the best look as far as where the ball should go,” said Bruce. “She runs the court with our second ball and makes a lot of decisions.”

Bruce was a setter herself during her playing days and still holds the single-season assists record (1,617 Liberty Hill’s Ava Hight (20) was originally an outside hitter before switching to setter in in 2007) and eighth grade, a position the senior has excelled in ever since. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO career mark for assists per set (11) at “On the court, I’m a lot more composed Southwestern University in Georgetown, now than I used to be when I make a where she played for the NCAA Division III mistake – I still care, but don’t let it bother Pirates from 2004-07 – so she knows from me like before,” said Hight. “Away from first-hand experience what it takes to excel the game, I’ve found a really good group of at the position – and said Hight has all that friends – people I want to be around.” and then some.

One more thing about Hight – she is the “As a former setter, I have super-high rare bespectacled athlete who has always expectations for Ava,” said Bruce. “She’s stuck with her frames over the years dealways aware of what is happening on the spite the obvious danger. other side of the net and what the block “I don’t know why – I just don’t like putis doing. Also, she’s a phenomenal server ting contact lenses in my eyes,” said Hight. and has really blossomed into a great all“My club teammates always make fun of me around player.” because somehow they never fall off.”

After debuting full-time as a varsity playOf course, there are certainly some er her sophomore season, Hight has colinherent risks with her preferred choice of lected 1,689 assists and has added 162 aces, vision correction. but had a brief cup of coffee as a freshman “One time in eighth grade, I got hit and when she was called up for a late-season my glasses didn’t break right then,” she varsity match on an occasion she remained said. “But, later when I went to go to sleep on the bench for the duration of. that night, they cracked right in half. But, I Suffice to say, she has come a long way always have spares.” since then – on and off the court, she said.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

WRANGLER OF THE MONTH

Battling on both sides of the ball Wranglers play offense, defense out of necessity

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Mason Hernandez is no different from his teammates.

As a member of Legacy Ranch’s Navy football squad, the freshman is one of 21 players on the Wranglers roster and if one does the math – considering it requires 11 each on either side of the ball at a given time to play the game – that number simply isn’t enough to stock both sides of the line of scrimmage, which means Hernandez and all his teammates play both offense and defense for the first-year program.

According to Hernandez, a focus point has been ensuring each and every player on the roster is up to par from a fitness standpoint.

“Our coaches have emphasized you have to stay conditioned if you want to do well,” said Hernandez, who plays running back and linebacker. “When you’re out there on the field, you don’t really think about it too much because the adrenaline kicks in.”

Wranglers head coach Tim Knicky said

this aspect of where the program currently stands from a numbers perspective has been one of the toughest obstacles to overcome in this first season for the Columbia-and-Navy.

“It’s been our biggest challenge,” he said.

“But, that’s just the number of players we have and even though we have varsity-level coaches, it’s been enormously difficult in games because you can’t make adjustments when kids are constantly on the field.”

As a result, Knicky said he’s taken a different approach as far as managing his players’ workload during games.

“Right after our first series, we start our rotation, so we can make sure we keep everyone fresh,” he said. “It’s almost like not even having starters and backups.”

Knicky added his players have also shared in the burden of being short-handed – especially considering the environment they’ve come from.

“It’s been a big learning process for them,” he said. “It’s a lot different playing highschool football compared to middle school

All 21 players on the Wranglers’ Navy squad play on both offense and defense due to Legacy Ranch having only freshmen in its inaugural season. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Legacy Ranch’s Mason Hernandez (1) plays running back on offense and linebacker on defense for the Wranglers.

PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

– stepping up from an eighth-grade team that had 35 players, so it really took about three or four weeks into the season for them to realize and understand what’s expected of them. But, all of them are mentally tough and have done a good job of doing what we need them to and growing together to make it work.”

Adjusting to an expanded playbook at the high-school level is yet another step up in understanding required and considering many of the Wranglers were indoctrinated into a completely different brand of football while rising up the youth ranks, it’s been even more difficult, said Hernandez.

“Most of us on offense came from the Slot-T,” he said, of Liberty Hill’s time-honored style of moving the ball on the ground.

“Now, we’re playing in a spread offense and doing things like learning how to passblock and as a running back, you see holes differently.”

Hernandez said there’s also a bit more freedom and room for creativity in the Wranglers’ offense compared to what he played before.

“In this offense, we have more options, as opposed to a play that has to be run a certain way,” he said. “We also have a really good screen pass we like to run and I need to be able to catch the ball to get to the next level.”

Playing offense and defense is certainly nothing new for Hernandez, though, as he’s always spent time on either side of the ball and definitely has a preference at this point

of which side of the contact he would rather be on.

“I’d rather be the hammer than the nail,” he said. “But, I like being a running back, too.”

In many ways, the two sides of the ball mirror each other from a positional standpoint. For example, a running back’s build is usually suited to fit the bill for a linebacker, while wide receivers are defensive backs and so forth.

However, Knicky said it’s not always that simple to discern.

“One of our most heated debates for our coaches has been to look at each kid and decide where they best fit for the team,” he said. “Just because someone plays on the defensive line doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to play offensive line. We could have a defensive end that’s a tight end, for example.”

Not even signal-caller Will Cunningham is exempt from two-way play, said Knicky.

“Will’s our quarterback,” he said. “But, we also use him at safety.”

As a result of the well-rounded gridiron education all his players are currently getting, Knicky said it will only bode well for the future.

“We have everything it takes to win at the high-school level,” he said. “We have talent, athletes and smart players, so the ceiling is extremely high, as long as we maximize the amount of hard work we put in – this is a special group we have to get this right.”

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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PANTHER OF THE MONTH

Rounding into form at the right time Liberty Hill’s Laura Jonas qualified for state cross country meet

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Part of any athlete’s training regimen is getting proper rest so the body can recover and perform at peak levels.

However, each individual is different as far as what that might be – six hours per night, eight, 10?

For Laura Jonas, apparently more is definitely better.

“Ever since I’ve been getting 12 hours sleep, I’ve been running faster,” said Liberty Hill junior Jonas. “One particular race this season, I only got seven hours and wasn’t as fast.”

Once Jonas discovered the optimum amount of rest – along with proper nutrition and training methods – she has shot to the top of the Panthers’ depth chart and was the Purple-and-Gold’s only qualifier for the Class 5A state championships.

In addition, Jonas said she made some

other changes that have been beneficial come race day – from mental and physical standpoints.

“I make sure I have a well-rounded diet at school, stay away from junk food and have less energy drinks,” she said.

“Also, I’ve been careful to surround myself with positive people. When I was younger, I didn’t really think about these kinds of things.”

Jonas crossed the finish line at the regional meet in Corpus Christi in a time of 19:44.35, good enough for a 17thplace result that booked her passage to the state event at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on Nov. 1.

Liberty Hill’s girls’ squad finished sixth overall in the team standings with 212 points behind winner Smithson Valley (39), missing out on a trip to state by two places in the finishing order, meaning Jonas was the only Panthers runner to compete for a state title.

On the boys’ side, senior Nick Hogge was Liberty Hill’s top finisher in 34th place with a time of 17:12.15, as the boys were ninth in the team standings with 258 points behind winner East, which posted 69 points.

Hogge also had to determine what worked best for him – a process that includes having an entire variety of different pairs of shoes – using whatever he feels is best suited at the time, he said.

“I’ve used all different brands,” said Hogge. “Usually, I can tell during a workout when I need to replace a pair because I can feel something in a particular part of the shoe.”

Both the girls’ and boys’ teams scored second-place finishes at the district meet, results that enabled them to move south for the competition in Corpus Christi, where

the oppressive heat and humidity always plays a role in the race on the course situated right along the Gulf Coast.

As a result, training takes a different turn later in the season, said Hogge.

“It definitely does,” he said of the muggy conditions. “So, I’ll go on some afternoon runs to prepare myself for the humidity.”

According to Liberty Hill head coach Kim Holt, at this point in the season adjustments are critical to maintain momentum heading into the biggest races of the season.

“We have 12 days in between district and regionals to get ready and if you want your body to be able to perform, you need to think about these kinds of things a lot more,” said Holt. “We’ve also been starting practice later at 6:30 a.m. But, all we can really do is control what we can.”

Jonas said she’s allowed herself to consider what success at the state meet would mean to not only her, but those who have helped her along the way.

“I just think about making my parents, coaches and myself proud,” she said. “I feel like I’ve come so far and I can imagine the joy on their faces when I do well.”

At left, Liberty Hill’s Laura Jonas (1182) qualified for the Class 5A state championships in Round Rock with a 17th-place finish at the regional meet in Corpus Christi. At right, Panthers senior Nick Hogge (1212) was the highest Liberty Hill boys finisher at the regional meet in 34th place. PHOTOS BY BRIEN AHO

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

31

SPORTS

Looking to rebound from lost opportunity Lady Panthers again aiming for state title following playoff disappointment

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

After having advanced all the way to the Class 5A regional finals the previous two seasons, Liberty Hill was poised for another postseason run last year until it ran into a familiar foe that shattered any dreams of hoisting a trophy.

The Lady Panthers had defeated district rival Cedar Park in both regular-season meetings earlier in the campaign, only to bow out to the Timberwolves in the third round of the playoffs – medicine Liberty Hill head coach Chris Lange said was tough to take.

“Losing to Cedar Park isn’t what you want,” he said, of the 42-37 regional quarterfinals setback that ended the Purple-and-Gold’s season.

“It was a hard pill to swallow – to let them beat us after we had beaten them twice, but that’s on me.”

According to Lange, lessons learned from not only that particular loss, but over the course of the entire season, have already been applied as he and his team readied themselves for the new season.

“We had to take what happened last year

as far as what worked and what didn’t,” said Lange. “We needed to make adjustments with the plays we’re running and try to avoid mistakes we made last year.”

Senior point guard Gabby Mundy has been at the controls for the Lady Panthers for the past three seasons since taking over a starting role her freshman year and knows this is her last opportunity before moving on to college – although despite the experience she’s gained in guiding Liberty Hill’s ship to this point, she said leading now is certainly a different proposition than it was back then.

“Actually, I think it’s a lot harder being a leader now,” said Mundy, who has committed to NCAA Division I Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. “Before, I’ve always had seniors who taught me what I needed to do and this year we have a small senior class.”

Aside from Mundy, the only other seniors on the squad are center Evie Bruce and guard Makaila Hay, so plenty of pressure will be on the trio to perform and Mundy said it’s also more difficult now to produce with how opponents game-plan to neutralize her specifically.

“Now when I go out on the court, it’s harder to find shots,” she said. “But, one of the things I’ve learned over the past three years is knowing when the right time for me to score is based on what the defense is doing. But, I’m still a lot more confident in my 3-point shooting now

Lady Panthers center Evie Bruce (5) provides powerful inside play with 3-point shooting ability and rebounding.

PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

32 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

Liberty Hill senior point guard Gabby Mundy (2) has led the Lady Panthers’ offense since taking over a starting role as a freshman. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO than my freshman year.”

Despite the fact Mundy remains the floor leader, Lange said going into this season he realized he needed to loosen his grip on the reins from the sidelines a bit.

“Our girls wanted a little more freedom in our offense,” he said. “We still have certain rules and concepts we stick to, but now they have the option to do some different things if the situation presents itself.”

But, it wasn’t just Xs and Os Lange concerned himself with based on last season’s experience – in addition he wanted to create more of a culture of togetherness.

“I’ve definitely made more of an effort working on building a better team dynamic and keeping the chemistry by being a little more honest with everyone about what their roles are,” said Lange. “We’ve gone as a team to watch some other sports and done as much as we can together.”

Surprisingly, though, Lange decided to dial back a bit on one particular staple of offseason activity.

“We had fewer summer workouts this year because I thought we were spending too much time with each other in the past,” he said. “Before, there wasn’t a time when the girls could really get away from each other, so we wanted to find a happy medium – having them spend enough time together, but not too much.”

Last season, the Lady Panthers finished with an overall record of 35-3 and a 12-2 district mark good for second in the league standings behind champion Glenn and burst out of the starting gates by winning their first 27 games before finally dropping their first matchup with the Grizzlies by a 44-30 score.

As a result, this time around, Lange chose to schedule a tougher non-district road for his

team – something he had drifted away from in recent years, he said.

“This year, I decided to go back to my old way of scheduling,” said Lange. “So, we loaded up our schedule.”

Indeed, Liberty Hill will face perennial powerhouse programs Westlake, Wagner, Georgetown and Fredericksburg, as well as play in the annual Jack Frost tournament that traditionally attracts some of the top teams from across Central Texas in order for his club to be more battle-tested come the district slate and eventually the postseason, said Lange.

“At that point in the season, it’s not necessarily about wins and losses,” he said. “But, getting better.”

In addition to Mundy and Bruce, much will also be expected from junior forwards Falon Stroup and Renee Stemmons, who provide rebounding and defense, as well as junior sharpshooter Reagan Robbins, who gives Lange an additional outside scoring threat. Additional returners from last season include juniors Julia Ortiz, Lyndsey Bullock and sophomores Katelyn Olds, Lexi Glenn and Audrey Richardson.

Another pair of juniors in Josie Perkins and Brooke Schneider will make their varsity debuts, while sophomore Kallahan Erps will also feature, giving Lange the infusion of youth he always likes to add to his roster, he said.

“I’ve always been all about giving kids a chance,” said Lange. “But, they have to show up and do the work.”

Mundy is determined to make the most of her final high-school season.

“I just want to have the best senior season possible because I know it’s going to be a lot different when I go off the college,” she said.

“So, I’m putting all my effort in because I really want to get a championship.”

SPORTS

Perfect fit at the right time Wranglers hoops coach plans to grow with program

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Long before Legacy Ranch High School was even on the drawing board, Rylan Gerber was very familiar with the area he would someday find himself calling home.

“Liberty Hill would always play at our tournament in Lorena,” said Gerber. “I was always in awe of them and what they were all about. Just how the players conducted themselves – they acted like winners – and the way they played was very detail-oriented and you could tell they really understood what was expected of them.”

After five seasons as an assistant coach at Lorena, Gerber now has the opportunity to be Legacy Ranch’s first-ever head boys’ varsity basketball coach and is grateful for the chance to build a program from the ground up – even if he didn’t necessarily expect to have risen so far up the coaching ranks so relatively soon in his career.

“Coming from a Class 3A school, I was humble enough to know the path for me would probably to be an assistant at a bigger school or maybe be a head coach at a smaller school,” said Gerber. “Which is why this is the perfect opportunity for me because I’m not being thrown right to the

wolves and I’ll be able to build a culture as opposed to change what somebody else had already done. So, I’m very fortunate for everything to have fallen into place.”

After graduating from Dumas High School, Gerber, 30, matriculated to West Texas A&M University, where he played for the NCAA Division II Buffs and earned a bachelor’s degree in sport and exercise science and a master’s in sports management before beginning his coaching career at Amarillo High School before moving to Lorena.

Legacy Ranch will feature a pair of freshman squads this season in the program’s inaugural campaign and Gerber definitely has a blueprint for how he wants his teams to play, he said.

“Defense is always going to be our calling card,” said Gerber, who was a shooting guard during his playing days. “We want to be a tough, man-to-man team that limits other teams’ options and it all starts from there because defense turns into offense.

But, we also need to understand when to push the ball and when to pull back and make a lot of reads on defense, which requires a lot of patience with a lot of motion involved – but we always want to be aggressive, push the ball and find the best shot.”

Wranglers head coach Rylan Gerber is determined to build Legacy Ranch’s brand-new program the right way to ensure sustainable long-term success. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Rylan Gerber is Legacy Ranch’s first-ever boys’ varsity basketball head coach after five seasons as an assistant at Lorena following a college playing career at West Texas A&M University. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Usually, freshmen – and junior varsity teams, for that matter – exist for the sole reason of preparing players for the varsity level, but with varsity competition still two seasons away for the Wranglers, Gerber has plenty of time to instill all the right ingredients for a successful team once that time rolls around.

“I want to push us to get better every day and build the program the right way,” he said. “If you do that, the wins and losses will take care of themselves, rather than speeding up just to get some wins, but not do it the right way to be sustainable for the future. It’s not going to be perfect the first game of this season or the last game, but if we build it the right way, our kids will be bought in and understand.”

Being a first-time head coach has already provided a bit of a baptism for Gerber, as sliding down the bench one seat opens up an entirely new dimension of responsibilities, he said.

“I’ve found out about a lot of stuff you have to take care of off the court,” said Gerber. “Making sure everything is organized and everyone knows what the expectations are. So, I’m trying to soak up as much as I can, but I had some great mentors who helped me grow into who I am now – at Lorena, I had a head coach who wasn’t afraid to let me coach, which helped prepare me.

Although some things you can’t be ready for, but I’m excited for the challenge.”

According to Gerber, though, he wouldn’t

be where he is on his life path without another important ally.

“My wife, Nicki,” said Gerber. “We met when I was in Waco and we got married two years ago and I’ve had her support the entire time.”

In fact, Gerber said it was Nicki who was initially responsible for his awareness of the opening he came to occupy, he said.

“Actually, she knew (Wranglers head baseball coach) Emory Atkisson and that’s how I found out about the job,” said Gerber.

“When I heard Liberty Hill, it got my attention because of the prior experience I had with it.”

Interestingly, one of the more unique aspects for all of Legacy Ranch’s coaches is the fact most of their athletes grew up with their collective sights on wearing different colors across town once they reached high school.

But, Gerber said any reservations he had concerning that dynamic have been put to rest since his arrival on campus.

“One of the first kids I met here was Brock Peterson,” he said, of the son of longtime Liberty Hill head volleyball and current Wranglers coach Gretchen Peterson, who plays football and basketball. “I asked him if he was bummed about not being a Panther and the answer – which I’ve gotten from all our kids – was he was excited to be able to come here and do their own thing, do it their way and be part of this family.”

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

33

OBITUARIES

Robert Parks

Sept. 12, 1941 – Sept. 30, 2024 Robert Bernay Parks passed away on September 30, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 83. He was born on September 12, 1941, in Hico, Texas, to J.T., Jr. and Mary (Bullard) Parks.

From a young age, he loved participating in sports, including playing little league baseball, running track, and playing football. He learned the importance of hard work early on by working on a dairy and in the cotton fields. Robert graduated from Cleburne High School in 1960 as a football standout and attended college to study education. During college and beyond, he drove a truck for Central Freight during the summer months for eleven years. He received his bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University and his master’s degree in educational administration from Tarleton State University.

In 1965, Robert began a decades-long career in education. He taught school and coached six-man football at Liberty Chapel and later coached virtually every boys’ sport in Rio Vista. While in Rio Vista, Robert met his love, Janis Winfield, whom he affectionately called “Jan.” They married on February 19, 1977. Together, they raised two children, Clint and Molly.

At age 35, Robert accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and made a public profession of faith at First Baptist Church in Rio Vista and was baptized by Pastor Gil Lane.

Robert continued his career in education by serving as high school principal in Plains and Lampasas, superintendent in White Deer, and assistant superintendent in Liberty Hill. He always enjoyed watching the sporting events, band performances, and one-act play competitions. Throughout his career, he oversaw the building of new school facilities on multiple occasions and witnessed his schools achieve several state championships. Robert retired in 2015 after fifty years in the school business.

Robert loved music, with gospel and country and western being his favorites. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing and was always teaching himself to play other instruments including the piano, harmonica, accordion, autoharp, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle. He encouraged his children to make music as well. He taught Clint to play the guitar, and together they enjoyed performing at local pickin’ and grinnin’ sessions. He faithfully drove Molly to her piano lessons twice a week that were forty-five minutes away. Thanksgivings spent at his mother’s house in Cleburne were particu-

34

larly special. After lunch, the family would sit around and tell old stories, and then Robert would lead the sing-a-longs, with his mother, brothers, and extended family taking part.

He had a heart of service and was heavily involved in the churches he attended. Over the years, he taught Sunday school classes, served as an usher, assisted with the youth group, and played music for vacation Bible school. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Lampasas and a deacon and elder at Fellowship Baptist Church in Liberty Hill. Robert regularly played the guitar and sang at church, often with Janis singing alongside him.

After retirement, Robert and Janis moved to Whitney, where Robert continued playing music and serving in church. He also enjoyed golfing, riding around in his pickup truck or golf cart, attending men’s breakfasts, and spending time with his family.

He was well-known for his practical advice, which always centered around working hard and making good decisions.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Jackie and Bill. He is survived by his wife, Janis of Dallas; children Clint Parks of Round Rock, and Molly Ward and husband Aaron of Dallas; grandchildren Karen and Travis Parks of Brownwood, and Owen, Austin, and Jillian Ward of Dallas; great grandchildren RhyLynn and Maeleigh Jo; and many other loving family members.

A celebration of life was held Friday, October 4, 2024, at Cedar Creek Baptist Church, 5643 FM 933 Whitney, Texas 76692, with Pastor Ricky Gobert officiating. Graveside services were held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blooming Grove, Texas. Pallbearers were Clint Parks, Owen Ward, Aaron Ward, Andy Pogue, Rob Beasley and Ted O’Neil.

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

Celest Oliver May 8, 1924-Sept. 17, 2024 Celest Oliver (née Gilliland), 100, passed away on September 17, 2024, in Round Rock, Texas.

Born on May 8, 1924, in Liberty Hill, Celest was the youngest child of Burtley L. Gilliland and Edna Rosie Gilliland (née Jennings). In 1941, she married Thomas J. Oliver and raised five children during their marriage. She remained devoted to her family throughout her lifetime.

Celest was a remarkable woman and led an extraordinary life. She owned and operated the first self-service gas station in Austin, Texas. Known for her tenacity, she once nearly faced arrest by military police at Fort Hood while attempting to catch a glimpse of Elvis Presley. She traveled extensively with her daughter, Linda, and son-in-law, living in Illinois, South Carolina, and abroad in Turkey before eventually returning to Texas. Over the years, she made homes in San Antonio, Mountain City and Liberty Hill.

Upon returning to Liberty Hill in 1998, Celest became an avid member of the Over The Hill Gang, known for her famous homemade cakes and her love of dominoes. A dedicated country music fan, she spent many weekends enjoying live music at the Liberty Hill VFW Hall. She loved to write letters and cards, take care of her plants, embroidery, collect antiques and all things Betty Boop, watch her favorite show, Gunsmoke, and enjoy her favorite treat, Hershey’s Kisses. She loved to laugh and “cut up” with her friends and family and never knew a stranger. She was “Mama” or “Nana” to everyone she met.

Celest is survived by her beloved cat, Chanel; her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Patrick Cannon of Liberty Hill, Texas; her son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Janet Oliver of Georgetown, Texas; her daughter, Ann Crawford of Kyle, Texas; her

niece, Stella Haecker, and husband Willie Pina of Bastrop, Texas; along with 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

She will be welcomed in heaven by her parents and eight siblings, son Tommy (Dink), and countless cherished friends and family members.

Her family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Comforts of Home Healthcare and Family Tree Assisted Living.

A special thanks to Amy, Viviana and Foga for their compassionate care in Celest’s final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Liberty Hill Cemetery pavilion on November 2, 2024, beginning at 2 pm. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Over the Hill Gang Senior Center, 3407 RR 1869, Liberty Hill, Texas.

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

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

Question: Since everything is online, do people even visit & use libraries anymore?

Answer: As our statics show, our community still visits & uses the library! Our patrons like to browse the shelves, check out items, & come for programs! (p.s. not everything is online!)

In October 2024: 13,194 physical items were checked out from our shelves & 2,678 digital items were borrowed.

Over 5,300 people visited the library in person.

30+ programs attended by over 3,750 people.

Our patrons saved over $210,000 by checking out items with their free library cards in October!

Liberty Hill Public Library District Spirit Night @LH Dairy Queen

Fundraiser for Living Grace Canine Ranch & the Library Outdoor Locker Fund

Tuesday November 12 3:00-7:00pm

DQ will donate a portion of sales to the library!

Support the library! rary!

P Paint a rock!!

Saturday, December 4, 10:00am-3:00pm All leashed or crated pets welcome!

$10 suggested donation! (Cash, Credit Card, or PayPal)

Bring your own camera or we can email a file to you!

Kids are welcome to take their pictures with Santa too!

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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EVENTS CALENDAR

November 9

LOVING LAUREL BENEFIT Margarita’s 10280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 4-6 p.m.

Margaritason29.com

November 2

13TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS REVEAL Simply Home Boutique 15280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 10 a.m.-4 p.m. simplyhometx.com LIBERTY HILL BEER FESTIVAL San Gabriel River Brewery 500 Chaparral Dr., Liberty Hill 12-6 p.m., $20-75 sangabrielriverbrewery.com

November 6

FREE INTRO CLASS ADULT MARTIAL ARTS Urban Defense Academy 141 Jonathan Dr, Liberty Hill 6:30-8 p.m. urbandefenseacademy.com WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR Hell or High Water Brewing 931 Main St, Liberty Hill 4-7 p.m.

Hellorhighwaterbrewing.com

November 7

LIBERTY HILL VOTERS ASSOCIATION MEETING Forrest Coffee House 103 Forrest St, Liberty Hill 10:30 a.m. facebook.com/events/ 551642283874233/551642287207566 NAME THAT TUNE BINGO Time Out Sports Bar 10280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 7-9 p.m. margaritason29.com

November 8

PUMPKIN SUCCULENT WORKSHOP Santa Rita Ranch 175 Elizabeth Park Blvd., Liberty Hill 6:30-8:30 p.m., $65 facebook.com/ events/894160138848422 RODNEY CROWELL Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 7 p.m., $45-65 globetheatretx.com

Bri Bagwell

THANKSGIVING COOKIE DECORATING CLASS Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 12:20-2:10 p.m. whitestonebrewery.com THE DECADES Fire Oak Distillery 4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill 2-5 p.m. fireoakdistillery.com

November 10

3RD ANNUAL GEARING FOR GAVIN CAR SHOW Golf Cart King 11 CR 214, Liberty Hil 11 a.m.-2 p.m. www.facebook.com/ events/504550592442280

November 11

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY Veterans Memorial Park 1001 Main St., Liberty Hill 10 a.m. www.facebook.com/ events/1210555340196592

November 13

TRIVIA NIGHT Liberty Hill Beer Market 13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 7-9 p.m. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063560199278

November 14 TRIVIA NIGHT

Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class Forrest Coffee House 103 Forrest St., Liberty Hill 7 p.m. www.forrest.coffee

November 16

BRI BAGWELL Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $20-30 globetheatretx.com 2ND ANNUAL FRIENDSGVING CELEBRATION Fire Oak Distillery 4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill 1-6 p.m. fireoakdistillery.com

November 17

PAINT YOUR PET Liberty Hill Beer Market 13851 W. Highway 29, liberty hill 5-7:30 p.m. facebook.com/people/liberty-hill-beer-market

THE MARKET LHTX SUNDAY POP-UP McCoy’s Building Supply 2497 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 10 a.m.-2 p.m. facebook.com/marketlhtx

November 21

PAINT NITE Perky Beans Coffee 2080 N. Hwy. 183 6-8 p.m., $46 www.facebook.com/ events/1041637111074462 TRIVIA NIGHT Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 6:30-8:30 p.m. whitestonebrewery.com

November 25

MUSIC TRIVIA BINGO NIGHT Liberty Tavern 3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7 p.m.

Libertytavern.com

November 30

HOLIDAY AROUND THE HILL Liberty Hill Boutiques Liberty Hill 10 a.m.-5 p.m. facebook.com/holidayaroundthehill THE MARKET LHTX: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY EDITION Liberty Hill Middle School 13125 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 10 a.m.-3 p.m. themarketlhtx.com

December 7

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Veterans Day Ceremony Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

LIBERTY HILL CHRISTMAS STROLL Liberty Hill Boutiques Liberty Hill 10 a.m.-6 p.m. facebook.com/LHStroll

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

37

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