February 2024 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

February 2024 | LHIndepende LHIndependent.com t.com

take it

Cheesy

Area cheesemaker finds niche creating artisan cheeses

City of Liberty Hill celebrates 25 years of incorporation p.8

Project Grad seeks more community involvement for graduation party p.18

City of Liberty Hill Mayor Liz Branigan resigns p.22

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

CONTENTS FEATURES 8 | HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIBERTY HILL City of Liberty Hill celebrating 25 years of incorporation 12 | WORKS OF ART Wood sculptor using trees from Veterans Park to create masterpieces 14 | CHEESE PLEASE Area cheesemaker creates unique, flavorful artisan cheeses 16 | HONORING A LOCAL LEGEND City’s oldest World War II veteran passes away

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17 | NEWS ROUND UP Learn more about the local news affecting Liberty Hill

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18 | PROJECT GRADUATION End of year party for seniors needs more support from community 22 | STEPPING DOWN Liberty Hill Mayor Liz Branigan reflects on years of service 24 | GIRL’S BASKETBALL Lady Panthers senior lends support to younger teammates 26 | BOY’S BASKETBALL New point guard exels at offense

28 | POWERLIFTING Panthers team has grown to 30 members since beginning

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ABOUT OUR COVER

31 | PANTHER OF THE MONTH Junior Jadyn Jones brings intensity to Lady Panthers soccer team 32 | BOY’S SOCCER Panthers striker has knack for scoring goals 33 | WRESTLING High school hosts first meet 34 | SCHOOLS OF THE PAST A look back at the Liberty Hill area’s first schools DEPARTMENTS 7 | BIZ BRIEFS New businesses opening soon 19 | WORSHIP GUIDE Find a church home for your family 36 | LOCAL EVENTS

Local entertainment planned across Liberty Hill in February

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Joel Haro, a Bertram-based cheesemaker, makes artisan cheeses through his company Haro Cheese Co. Here, he’s shown inside his “cheese cave” with several aging wheels of manchego and jack cheeses.

PHOTO BY ANNA McVEY

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

BIZ BRIEFS: What’s New?

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Chipotle Mexican Grill 12920 Hwy. 29 Chipotle Mexican Grill is the latest restaurant with plans to move to Liberty Hill, into a new development just east of O’Reilly Auto Parts. Chipotle is a California-based quick service restaurant chain known for its Mexican-inspired dishes. A construction timeline has not been announced.

Gathering Grounds 147 E. Vaughan St., Bertram A new coffee shop called Gathering Grounds is set to open this month in downtown Bertram.

The craft coffeehouse will serve premium espresso and coffee beverages, as well as beer, wine and light bites in a cozy setting.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • Hao Hao Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant 19376 Ronald Reagan Blvd.

• Tex & Mex BBQ 15390 Hwy. 29, Ste. 905

RETAIL Mad Boards TX Online, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill High School senior Merrill Madison recently started her own charcuterie business. Madison offers boxes, spreads and boards for small groups and large events.

TeacupLion Online, Liberty Hill Laura Turney of TeacupLion creates stuffed animal sewing patterns for print-at-home projects. Many are beginner friendly and include video tutorials. Over 100 cute patterns to choose from, as well as free samples at www.teacuplion. com.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • Sage Plaza Retail Center 1892 Hwy. 183, Leander • Prime 183 Commercial 2089 Hwy. 183, Leander • Babai's Mart 1735 Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill • Bullet Babes Merchandise Online, Liberty Hill

SERVICES Club Pilates 19388 Ronald Reagan Blvd.

A new location of Club Pilates will be opening in the Bar W Marketplace shopping center, where H-E-B is located.

Club Pilates offers low impact, full body workouts with a variety of different classes.

World Ninja Sport 612 Beebrush Court, Liberty Hill Justin Conway is the founder of World Ninja

Sport, which recently moved its headquarters to Liberty Hill. The company offers Ninja and obstacle course training as well as obstacle course design and building and program consulting.

Life Maid EZ Mobile, Liberty Hill Life Maid EZ is a professional cleaning and organization service now open and accepting clients in Liberty Hill and the surrounding areas. The team is dedicated to providing topnotch cleaning services for both residential and commercial spaces.

Giant Punch Mobile, Liberty Hill Matthew Mikulsky is the founder of Giant Punch, a branding agency in Liberty Hill. Giant Punch believes in the power of design and marketing to elevate local businesses and create lasting impressions.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • LTS Handyman Services Mobile, Liberty Hill • Bluesky Comfort Private Car Service Mobile, Liberty Hill • Harmony Window Cleaning 101 Possum Trot, Liberty Hill • Airrosti (inside ARC) 12779 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • Monument Oaks RV Park 1850 CR 289, Liberty Hill

• O2B Kids!

12238 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE Absolute Nails

by Ket 14745 Hwy. 29 Absolute Nails

by Ket is celebrating six years in business in February. The salon offers manicures, pedicures, waxing and more beauty services.

Rebel Fitness 126 Holmes Rd. Rebel Fitness will be operating under new ownership after previous owner Regina Watson announced she would be selling the business. Arvelle and Carrie Fearn will take over ownership beginning March 1.

River Ranch Inn 1030 CR 279 River Ranch Inn has been put up for sale at a price tag of $4.4 million, which includes the inn and its surrounding 17 acres. Kim Sanders, with Keller Williams, is representing the seller.

Prancing Pony Drink Trailer Mobile, Liberty Hill Don and Lisa Marshburn are the new owners of the Prancing Pony Drink Trailer, a mobile bar service that provides drinks for weddings, parties and other events.

Freedom's Secret Ingredient 1651 Main St. Freedom Gaither announced in January that her food stall inside Main Street Social, Freedom's Secret Ingredient, would be closing permanently.

Another food stall will open in its place, but Main Street Social hasn't announced the restaurant yet.

Access Health Urgent Care 13140 Hwy. 29 Access Health Urgent Care is up for sale. The medical clinic is priced at $2.36 million.

Lockie Ealy, Ealy & Company Real Estate OLiberty Hill resident Lockie Ealy recently started her own company, Ealy & Company Real Estate, which will serve the greater Austin area.

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

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

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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COMMUNITY

Liberty Hill celebrates 25 years of incorporation City has changed dramatically over a quarter of a century

BY ODALIS A. SUAREZ

STAFF WRITER

While Liberty Hill carries a rich history that dates back almost 200 years, its status as a self-governing city consumes only a quarter-century of time since its founding. This year, the City of Liberty Hill celebrates its 25th anniversary of being incorporated; a vote that was made into effect on Jan. 16, 1999.

There are various rationales for a town to turn into an incorporated city. For one, elected officials can be selected to uphold and take action on the issues that matter most to its residents. Another is to create defined lines of where a city begins and ends so it cannot succumb to control by neighboring municipalities.

Liberty Hill native and historian, Gary Spivey, recounts at least two unsuccessful times the city tried to hold an election to incorporate prior to the 1999 vote.

“In my lifetime, and I haven’t heard of any others, the only other two that I know of one was in the 70s, the other was in the 80s,” said Spivey.

Its continual resurgence created contention among residents. One camp wanted to keep Liberty Hill unchanged, while the other, like Spivey, foresaw a bigger issue ahead.

“I didn’t want Liberty Hill to be Leander,” said Spivey of his vote to incorporate the city in 1999. “And they were within two years of having enough voters or enough people within the Leander city limits to take over Seward Junction. Once they take over Seward Junction, there’s a buffer zone there and you’re screwed. Liberty Hill as we know it would not be Liberty Hill; it would be Leander.

The growth within Liberty Hill and changes happening in neighboring cities ultimately led to a consensus in 1999; a close one at that with just 15 votes more in favor of incorporation.

Soon after the January 1999 incorporation vote, the newly deemed city of Liberty Hill held their first City Council election in March of that same year with Nathan Wetzel as the first mayor. The next 25 years ignited a new journey of community empowerment and building a municipality from the ground to where it stands today.

“Twenty-five years seems like a long time and it seems like no time at all,” said current Mayor Liz Branigan, who will be resigning from her role at the end of February (see page 22 for more on this story). “We’ve come a very long way. I could go on for years about how

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proud I am of this community. This is truly, I think, the best place to live in all the world.”

Looking ahead, the City is in the process of taking their governance to the next level as they are actively working on becoming a home rule charter.

“Once a city reaches a population of 5,000, they can actually form their own charter, which is like a constitution for the City,” said Katie Amsler, the City’s director of communications and community engagement. “It gives us more control where we don’t have to follow state laws, but we can follow our charter.

That’s happening right now which is kind of cool to be happening in the 25th year.”

Currently, there are 16 people working on devising the charter. Amsler said once it’s finalized, it will be added to this year’s November ballot for voters to approve.

As with any milestone anniversary, celebrations are to follow and the City is putting together a special commemoration event for its 25th “birthday” celebration. The event is set for March 23 and the focal point will be a time capsule that will be buried at Central Park in downtown Liberty Hill.

“We want to preserve the culture and the history of Liberty Hill in this time capsule, and we want the community to be there and to be a part of it and to contribute items,” Amsler said. “I’m really excited about it.”

The City is currently accepting applications from the community for items they would like to donate to the capsule. Space is limited as they only have 25 caplet boxes.

Amsler said the City is in search of items that highlight the culture and history of Liberty Hill.

Once the capsule is buried, it will not be opened until 2040. Waiting 16 years fulfilled two goals for Amsler.

“We’re all getting a little older, and we want to be here for it,” she said. “We don’t want to wait 50 years,” she said. “But we just finished our comprehensive plan, which is a big deal for our City. That comprehensive plan is supposed to carry us through the year 2040. I thought 2040 is a good year, because it’ll be a reminder, like ‘Hey, you need a new comprehensive plan.’”

Deadline for submissions for the time capsule is March 1. Submissions can be submitted online at experiencelhtx.com/25thbirthday.

Rules and guidelines for submissions are also posted on the website.

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

This clipping from the front page of The Liberty Hill Independent on Jan. 21, 1999, highlights the incorporation of the City of Liberty Hill by just 15 votes with 43 percent voter turnout. COURTESY PHOTO

This clipping from the front page of The Liberty Hill Independent on Jan. 21, 1999, highlights the incorporation of the City of Liberty Hill by just 15 votes with 43 percent voter turnout. COURTESY PHOTO

The 25 small caplets that will hold items that represent the culture and history of Liberty Hill. Applications to submit are currently being accepted until March 1. PHOTO BY ODALIS A. SUAREZ

The exterior of the Liberty Hill time capsule which is set to be buried on March 23 at Central Park in downtown Liberty Hill. PHOTO BY ODALIS A. SUAREZ

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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COMMUNITY

Breathing new life into old wood Cut-down trees from Veterans Memorial Park will have renewed purpose in sculpture form

still viable, and to sculpt it into a piece of art that we can reinstall back at the park.”

Recruiting Burleigh for this project was a no-brainer for the City which already had familiarity with his work via his annual parBY ODALIS A. SUAREZ ticipation in the Sculpture Festival. With his STAFF WRITER artwork previously on display, city officials knew he had the skills needed to bring new After the removal of the two prominent life to the original tree limbs so they can oak trees that held a long-standing presence return to the memorial park. at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown “Wade has been a part of our sculpture Liberty Hill, the City of Liberty Hill is now festival for many years,” said Amsler. “He focused on making sure the void is filled is a wood sculptor, and we watch him every honorably. year. It was just a natural fit for us to migrate After consulting multiple arborists to towards him.” assure all appropriate steps were taken, The City was driven to hang on to the both trees were officially taken down in late original oak trees in some fashion. City staff 2023 due to failing health. In order to rectify members knew that the trees hold not only the loss, the City planted three new oak tree sentimental value, but also a grander symvariants, which stand at the park today.

In a unique twist, the next phase of this bolism considering their presence spent in a rejuvenation project involves the limbs of the park dedicated to commemorating military original trees which are set to be repurposed heroes. as two wood sculptures with the help of “[It was] the right thing to do—to plant Spicewood artist Wade Burleigh. new trees in order to give it new life, but “We’re looking forward to watching [the also respecting what was there before,” said replacement trees] grow over the years,” said Jamie Higuera, parks and recreation superviKatie Amsler, director of communications sor for the City. “It was the best way to honor and community engagement for the City. those trees. Not that they have any particular “And then the wood that we cut down; it was staple or story that I know of, but we didn’t just really important to us to somehow honor want to act like there was no history that the life of those trees. The best idea we could could be respected, and therefore this was come up with is to take the wood that was the best way to respect that.”

Burleigh received the limbs on his property late last year.

Due to his seasonal duties portraying Santa Claus, the project was put on hold until the conclusion of the holidays.

With the New Year in full swing, he is now focused on honoring the trees and creating new formations that uphold the vision of the park in honoring all veterans.

The project hits home for Burleigh who is also a veteran, A sketch of a bench concept that Wade Burleigh is considering. All designs are having served four tentative as he continues to cut into the wood limbs to understand their potential. years in the Air Force.

COURTESY PHOTO “The point is not

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Wood sculptor Wade Burleigh cuts into the limbs from the old oak trees that once stood at Veterans Memorial Park. COURTESY PHOTO sculptures, like ‘Oh, let’s just put some sculptures up in the park,’ said Burleigh. “The point is to use this historic wood from these trees to do something [important].”

There are a couple of conceptual designs that are on the drawing board which include an eagle as well as a bench.

However, Burleigh advises that these are tentative ideas based on his initial viewing of the current shape and movement of the limbs.

“These trees have been on the way out for many years,” said Burleigh. “It’s obvious now.

There’s just really no telling what you’re going to find once you get into them. This is what our plan is, but then we might need to modify that plan.”

With the assistance of Liberty Hill-based artist Josh Slack and Burleigh’s son, Richard Burleigh, the ambitious goal is to have the sculptures finished before the end of 2024.

A sketch of an eagle concept that Wade Burleigh is considering. All designs are tentative as he continues to cut into the wood limbs to understand their potential. COURTESY PHOTO

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COVER STORY

Cheese, please

FM 243, took a lot longer and cost more than he expected, no thanks to the aftereffects of the COVID pandemic, but finally, in mid-2022, Haro was able to start making his first batches of artisan cheeses.

BY RACHEL MADISON “I was ready to step making cheese for years. They were OWNER/PUBLISHER in and get rolling with looking to sell their business, including all making cheese as soon as I of their recipes, and they offered to teach If you would have told Joel Haro a few bought the business, so it Haro everything they knew about cheeseyears ago that he’d be making artisan making, so he jumped at the chance. was incredibly frustrating cheeses in Bertram, Texas, and selling it “My plan was to bring the business having to wait, but now I to niche cheese shops like Antonelli’s in back to Austin and start it up in the same have finally been making Austin, he probably wouldn’t have believed warehouse where my brownie business cheese for over a year now,” you. But life has a funny way of working was,” he said. “But then a few months later he said. out. [in 2020], the whole world fell apart [due to The cheese making process isn’t instantaneous, Haro, owner of Bertram-based Haro COVID] and my plans changed.” though, Haro said.

Cheese Co., went to the Culinary Institute Haro ended up selling his warehouse in “The thing with the of America in San Antonio to become a Austin, and with his free time, searched cheese I make is that it all trained culinarian. After finishing school, for a new place to establish his cheesemaking business. has to age,” he added. “My he started a brownie company in Austin “I really had a new focus on just making cheeses are made with called LovePuppies Brownies in 2009. cheese,” he said. “About a year after I sold raw cow’s milk that I get “We made the brownies and individually my Austin building, I found the Bertram from a dairy in McGregor, packaged them,” he said. “Our big vendor Joel Haro, owner of Bertram-based Haro Cheese Co., ages his raw milk property. The business I bought was Texas, called Mill-King. was Torchy’s Tacos. We started with them already selling their cheeses to Antonelli’s They deliver the milk to me cheeses inside a “cheese cave” for at least 60 days. PHOTO BY ANNA in the beginning, and at our peak, we were Cheese Shop in Austin and Houston Dairyin Bertram, and then I make McVEY making about 15,000 brownies a month.” maids in Houston, so because the distribuall the cheese in my facility.

Haro ran his brownie business for about after the first of the year, in early 2023, I tion was already there, I went with it.”

Raw cow’s milk requires at least 60 days of 10 years, until 2019, and then decided to had enough cheese to start selling to our Converting his future cheesemaking aging.” switch gears to a different endeavor. He distributors again.” building, located near Dove Meadows on The aging requirement for the cheeses found a couple in Waco who had been For now, he’s selling the cheese wholestems from the milk sale to Antonelli’s and Houston Dairymaids being raw, Haro said, once again but is also working with a store adding that when the in Dallas and another in New Orleans. He milk is delivered raw, doesn’t typically sell the cheese retail from that means it hasn’t his Bertram location, but around the holibeen pasteurized or days last year, he made an exception. homogenized.

“I put a sign out on the road, and it sur“Raw milk is straight prised me,” he said. “I had people coming from the cow,” he said. by on the weekends and buying my cheese.

“The U.S. government I’m not sure how often I plan on doing that, requires raw milk but it was pretty successful. It’s definitely a cheeses to be aged grassroots approach to selling cheese.” for at least 60 days Haro makes and sells two cheeses, for health and safety both of which have a natural rind and are reasons.” considered semi-hard. The first is a ManWhen Haro first chego, which is historically a cheese made started his cheesemaking business, he didn’t with raw sheep’s milk in the La Mancha know how the cheese region of Spain. was going to turn out, “My cheese is made the same way, but even though he was with cow’s milk,” he said. “I call it Eldo. It a trained culinarian ends up being a little creamier. Sheep’s and had been given milk makes the cheese a little drier.” extensive lessons in The second is an aged jack. cheesemaking.

“Because it’s aged, it’s a little more “I started out making crumbly, like a parmesan,” Haro said. “It’s it and hoping for the one you shred to top salads and things like best,” he said. “Not evthat.” ery batch turned out—I In addition to cheese, Haro has also Joel Haro’s version of manchego cheese is made with raw cow’s milk and rubbed with olive oil and ash during the aging process, giving its rind a definitely had some dabbled in making cultured butter, some black exterior. PHOTO BY ANNA McVEY misses—but finally with sea salt and some with honey. He is

Joel Haro of Bertram-based Haro Cheese Co. has found a unique niche in creating artisan cheeses

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

COVER STORY also working on another cheese recipe but isn’t ready to share that cheese with the public just yet.

Making a full batch of cheese, which typically consists of 16 wheels, takes Haro a full 12-hour day. He begins with the raw milk, which he heats in large vat until it’s warm. From there, he adds the culture to the milk, which is essentially a freezedried bacteria.

“There are endless numbers of cultures out there,” he said. “Cheese can actually make itself just from natural bacteria, but I’m just giving it a push in the right direction. Certain bacteria give cheese different character and flavor.”

After adding culture, Haro adds an ingredient called rennet, which is a set of enzymes produced in animal stomachs that help to firm the milk.

“That’s what makes the curd form,” he said. “After you add rennet, you let it sit and firm up until you have a nice jelly-like mass. Then you cut the curd down to get the whey to come out, and then it separates. Once it separates, you drain it all the way off, and you’re left with the curd.”

Next, Haro puts the curd into a cheese wheel mold and uses a press to press out the rest of the whey while also giving the cheese a shape and exterior design for the rind.

From there, he brines the cheese in a mixture of water and sea salt, and then it moves to the “cheese cave” to age.

“Aging caves in the cheesemaking world are a big deal,” Haro said. “They are pretty specific. They have to stay between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit and about 80 percent humidity. You can’t put anything else in there, because you have to create an environment specific for the cheese.”

Once the cheese is in the cave, it forms its natural rind, which begins to firm as time goes on. As more time goes by, the cheese gets drier and more crumbly in texture. Haro sets his cheese wheels on pine boards in his cave to soak up any excess moisture the cheese produces.

About 30 days into the aging process, he adds olive oil and ash to his Manchego cheese’s rinds, and cocoa to his jack cheese’s rinds. These don’t add much in the way of flavor, he said, but instead help to act as a barrier to help the cheese successfully complete its aging process.

Haro has experimented with different ages of cheese and hasn’t found one he doesn’t like yet.

“I have cheeses that are six months old, four months old, all the way to cheese made just last week,” he said. “The flavor and texture changes as they age. I’m still learning a lot about that, but I’ve had some nice, unexpected developments when I take cheeses of different ages home and eat them.

While the cheeses can be enjoyed several different ways, Haro said his favorite way to eat them is simple: on a cracker with a touch of honey or preserves.

“I just like to taste the cheese,” he said.

“You don’t need to add much to it.”

And though he’s new to the industry, he’s glad he’s made a commitment to cheesemaking.

“Everybody loves cheese,” he added.

“That’s one of the nice things about being a cheesemaker.”

For more information on Haro Cheese Co., visit harocheese.com or search for Haro Cheese Co. on Facebook (Haro Cheese Company) and Instagram (@haro_ cheese_co).

Top right, Joel Haro shows the molds he uses to create designs on the outside of his cheese wheels during the making process. Center, a wheel of aged jack cheese, rubbed with cocoa during the aging process, sits inside Haro’s “cheese cave.” Bottom left, this press is what Haro uses to squeeze out the excess whey and to form the cheese wheels into their molds.

Bottom right, the completed product of Haro Cheese Co.’s cheeses. Haro experiments with different aging lengths to change the texture and flavor of the artisan cheeses he creates.

PHOTOS BY ANNA McVEY

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

15

COMMUNITY

Losing a local treasure Liberty Hill World War II veteran Dale Bates passed away at 99

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

On New Year’s Day, Liberty Hill lost a local treasure and piece of living history when Dale Bates, 99, passed away of natural causes.

Bates served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and flew 47 combat missions as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator crew with the 90th Bomb Group in the Pacific theater over battlegrounds such as the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan.

But, for family members, it wasn’t only Bates’ decorated service to country that endeared him to them, but the fact he was a strong family man right to the very end, said nephew Michael Bates.

“I’ll just always remember how important family was to him,” said Bates, who served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a combat tour in Iraq. “He was always there for everyone and passed that down, but he also had a passion for his military service.”

Son Bill Bates said his father was always the foundation upon which he and his siblings could base their lives on.

“Dad was always a safe zone for all of us,” he said. “He always made sure home was a good place and was always calm in times of adversity.”

According to Bill Bates, there was one time when Dale was confronted with just such a situation, which he handled with his typical calm, cool, collective nature.

“We were in the high-school cafeteria one day and a boy called out something not so flattering to one of my sisters,” he said. “So, my brother went over and punched the guy in the nose. Well, it turns out it was the principal’s son and later that day, there was a knock on our front door – it was the principal. My dad answered the door and the principal said ‘Your son punched my son’ and Dad just said ‘Well, he deserved it’ and that was the end of it. As his children, we knew he always had our back.”

Daughter Sally Erwin said her father’s wartime experiences helped him face postwar everyday life with a perspective only someone who had witnessed life and death on the front lines of war could.

“I think Dad always handled everything with such calmness because of what he had gone through overseas,” she said. “After that, he could be calm in the face of anything and he always protected his daughters. Being in the military really gave him a sense of honor and duty and that’s something he passed along to us.”

Erwin added Dale was never shy when it

Dale Bates and family at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Liberty Hill. COURTESY PHOTO

came to relaying his experiences.

“When we would go to the VA, Dad would always wear his “World War II Veteran” hat,” she said. “He was so proud to be a veteran and loved to share his adventures with people.”

Another of Bates’ daughters, Susan Eutermoser, recounted an example of just

how fiercely proud Bates was of his service to America, something that was on full display during a visit to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. in 2007 during a trip to the nation’s capitol for the 90th Bomb Group’s annual reunion.

“We spent the longest time in the World

Left, World War II veteran and Liberty Hill resident Dale Bates at his Sundance Ranch home in 2021. Bates passed away from natural causes on New Year’s Day this year. Right, Bates had a strong sense of family. He had four children, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. COURTESY PHOTOS

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

COMMUNITY War II room,” she said. “As we went around and saw the different displays, he described all the various battles he had been in – one thing about Dad is when it came to the war, he had an incredible memory and recollection of everything he had gone through.”

Indeed, it was those experiences that allowed Michael Bates to connect with his grandfather after returning from the war in Iraq, he said.

“I was never really able to talk to anybody else in our family about what went on over there,” said Michael Bates, who was a sergeant with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and saw action in the area known as the “Triangle of Death,” a region south of Baghdad that saw some of the most brutal, bloody combat of the war. “As far as sights and smells – things like that – I lot of those things were left in my subconscious, but Grandpa could have real empathy because he had gone through a lot of the same things.”

In addition, Dale was always cognizant of the role he played for his family and never took a minute off from those responsibilities, said Michael Bates.

“He was the anchor of our entire family,” he said. “Grandpa set the tone and example for all of us and between him and my dad,

I was fortunate to have excellent role models.”

Michael said it was ironic Dale was dubbed with a particular moniker that stuck with him until the day he passed.

“Somewhere along the line we started calling him ‘Grumps’ even though he was obviously the opposite all the time,” he said. “Nobody really knows where it came from because he was always in a good mood and had a positive outlook on life.”

Now that his grandfather has passed, Michael can truly reflect on the legacy his late role model has left behind – and how it relates to his own existence, he said.

“When I think of everything he did,” said Michael. “I realize if I can live half as good a life as The family of Dale Bates joined together at a memorial service for the late World War II veteran and Liberty Hill resident in January. he did, I’ll be doing pretty COURTESY PHOTO good.”

News across Liberty Hill

From the City of Liberty Hill to the Liberty Hill Independent School District, read our roundup to learn more about the biggest news stories affecting our community COMPILED BY LIBERT Y HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF Filing window for Liberty Hill school board, city council now open Those interested in running for seats on the Liberty Hill City Council or the Liberty Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees can now file their applications.

The City of Liberty Hill will have four races in the May 4 general election, including Place 1, currently held by Chris Pezold; Place 3, currently held by Crystal Mancilla; and Place 5, currently held by Angela Jones. City of Liberty Hill Mayor Liz Branigan is resigning from office effective May 1. A special election will also be held May 4 to fill the remainder of her term.

To be on City Council or serve as mayor, candidates must live inside the City limits and be a registered voter. All members on Council are elected “at large” to serve

three-year terms. The mayor’s term runs through May 2025.

Applications can be filed with City Secretary Elaine Simpson at City Hall, 926 Main St., through Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. Paper copies can be obtained by calling Simpson’s office at (512) 548-5525.

The LHISD Board of Trustees will also have three races in the May 4 general election, including Place 3, currently held

by Michael Ferguson; Place 4, currently held by Kathy Major; and Place 5, currently held by Anthony Buck.

To be on the school board, candidates must have lived in the state of Texas for at least a year and in LHISD for at least six months. School board members are elected to serve three-year terms.

Applications can be picked up from the LHISD’s administration building, 103 Forrest St. Applications will be accepted at the building through Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. For more information, call 512-260-5580.

For both races, early voting will take place from April 22 to 30. Election Day is May 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All polling locations are still to be determined.

City of Liberty Hill to implement another utility rate increase in March The City Council approved a second utility rate increase in less than six months at their City Council meeting Jan. 10.

The most recent increase took effect Sept. 26, 2023. The Council’s decision behind that increase follows the completion of a water and wastewater rate study that was finalized in late 2018, which recommended a two-year rate plan with adjustments in January 2019 and 2020.

At a February 2019 City Council meeting, the study was adopted and the first rate change was implemented, but no other rate increases were made after that.

The study also forecasted subsequent rate increases in January 2021, 2022 and 2023—also none of which were implemented.

Because no changes had been made in years, in September 2023, the Council voted to increase water and wastewater rates to match the January 2021 proposed rates, with an implementation date of Sept. 26. During this meeting, there was also a discussion about the potential of

raising rates to the January 2023 proposed rates midway through fiscal year 2024.

City Manager Paul Brandenburg said because the water and wastewater rate study was never fully implemented, the City hasn’t been collecting what it should have been for the last several years.

“We’re not bringing in the revenues we need to, so we approved the rate increase using the 2021 rates, and then will entertain the 2023 rates sometime in 2024,” Brandenburg told The Independent in September, when the first rate increase was approved. “By the end of 2024, the water and wastewater master plans will be done, which will show us what our rate structure should be moving forward.”

Currently, the City is in the initial stages of conducting a new rate study, expected to be completed in fall 2024. However, staff members expressed concerns about waiting for the study’s completion to raise rates again and recommend another increase with an effective date of March 26. This timeline allows for customer awareness and the integration of new rates into the utility billing systems, according to city officials.

NEWS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

17

EDUCATION

Project Grad seeks more community involvement

Organization needs to raise $15,000 more to pull off end-of-the-year party for graduating LHHS seniors

BY RACHEL MADISON

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Project Graduation has been an annual tradition in Liberty Hill since 1988, but in order to make it successful again this year, the board is asking the community to step up and help the organization to raise another $15,000 for graduating seniors.

Tina Cash, secretary of the Project Graduation board this year, said the concept of Project Graduation began in Maine in 1979 when seven students from one high school lost their lives after their graduation ceremony as a result of driving while intoxicated. Liberty Hill High School held their first Project Graduation celebration in 1988 and it has become an annual tradition ever since.

“Project Graduation will host a graduation celebration for all 450-plus LHHS seniors with a safe, chemical and alcohol-free party that undoubtedly has saved many young lives by offering them an alternative to other post-grad events that might be conducted in less safe environments,” she said.

She added this is the main reason why Project Graduation is important—that and the peace of mind it gives to parents of graduates.

“All LHHS graduating senior students will hopefully want to come to a fun, prizefilled, alcohol- and drug-free graduation party,” Cash said. “Parents always want their children and their friends to be safe while having fun, so this graduation party is the perfect way for parents to feel secure.”

Each year, parents of high school seniors make up the board and take on the task of planning the end-of-the-year party for the entire graduating class. This year, the board consists of president Beth Lewis, vice president Julie Benton, treasurer Rhonda Shaw and Cash.

Film Alley in Georgetown, which was previously the City Lights movie theater, will host Project Graduation this year. The newly-renovated movie theater also offers bowling, axe throwing and an arcade.

Project Graduation is fully funded via senior parents and through community support. It is not awarded any funds through the school or the district.

“This support is crucial for our program to be a success,” Cash said. “By the community buying raffle tickets, coming to events, sponsoring and donating to us, this year’s

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graduation party will be great.”

The minimum amount needed to pull off a successful Project Graduation party at the end of the school year is $50,000, Cash said, which she said is a lofty goal, but gives every single graduating senior the chance to have a completely free night of fun, win prizes and possibly earn a scholarship for their future educational endeavors.

“The funds raised will go towards the location, food, games, and prizes for 450-plus high school seniors,” Cash said. “We would like to raise between $10,000 to $15,000 more for transportation to the event, food and prizes.”

Cash added that the more money Project Graduation raises, the more money the organization will have to put toward scholarships for some of the graduating seniors.

Normally, Project Graduation hosts an annual car show during the school year to help raise more funds for student scholarships and the end-of-the-year party, but this year, a lack of community support caused the board to cancel the event.

“Although we would have loved to hold the car show this year, the amount of volunteer participation is lacking,” Cash said. “We have some wonderful parent volunteers that have been consistent throughout the school year, but it is not enough for a car show. The amount of dedicated time to hold a car show cannot happen if a committee can’t even be formed.”

Cash added that she knows parents are extremely busy and a lot of parents already commit so much time to other organizations, clubs and sports teams.

“However, out of 450 or so seniors there should be plenty of people to participate by donating time or purchasing items for events and concessions,” she said.

“Senior students should really want their graduation night party to be awesome and that can’t happen without more of their support.”

Cash said since Project Graduation is its own entity, not supported monetarily by the high school or the district, certain ideas that the Project Graduation board wanted to do to raise funds this year were not possible at the school level or during school hours.

“The high school has gladly placed our information in the school newsletter and on Google Classroom, and the Liberty Hill community has seen our kids’ activity booths at

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Project Graduation participated in every tailgate event at home football games this school year as a way to raise funds for the end-of-year graduation party for seniors. COURTESY PHOTO

each city festival,” Cash added.

“We would ask that if you have not participated with Project Graduation this year to please get involved.”

The need to raise such a large amount of money during the school year for the party at the end of the year means the Project Graduation board has had to be creative when it comes to fundraising.

This year, the organization held 50/50 raffles at all high school football and volleyball games. Tickets were $2 per each, and whoever won on those particular nights won half of the “pot” at halftime.

Additionally, the board sells all the concessions during the high school boys’ basketball games, and also sells tickets to some of the fun events held throughout the year, Cash Project Graduation has been a part of several community events this year, said, like faculty basketball games and powder puff foot- like the annual Sculpture Festival, to raise awareness about the organization’s goals and to raise funds. COURTESY PHOTO ball games.

EDUCATION Project Graduation is also holding a large raffle for the community to win items like a cruise, Yeti products or a Costco shopping spree. Another fundraising campaign, dubbed “Support a Senior” gives community members another way to provide support by giving a monetary donation.

Other ways Project Graduation has raised funds this year include “yard flocking,” where anyone in the community can pay to have a flock of plastic flamingoes placed in someone’s yard to surprise them; local restaurant nights where proceeds from purchases made on specific nights go toward Project Graduation; and the annual Deck the Hill event, held every December.

Deck the Hill gives people the opportunity to visit beautifully decorated homes across Liberty Hill. All proceeds from the ticket sales of Deck the Hill go toward Project Graduation, Cash said.

“The wonderful realtors at Keller Williams—Kim Sanders, Lana Tucker-Voth and Clay Cole—were instrumental in raising $6,000 for Project Graduation [at Deck the Hill this year],” Cash said.

Lastly, the group has also participated in community events throughout the school year, like the annual Sculpture Festival and the Liberty Hill Christmas Festival, as well

as every tailgate held before home football games.

Project Graduation also takes donations from local businesses, whether that’s monetary or for prizes to gift to the graduates during the party, Cash said.

Dylan Couch, a senior this year and Benton’s son, said Project Graduation is important to him as a student because it provides the seniors with a final night to be together and gives them the opportunity to win a lot of prizes.

“The school district does not fund the program, so it’s up to community donations to make this night possible for all the seniors,” he said, adding that it’s not only important for community members to get involved, but also fellow students.

“Volunteering at Project Grad events will give students extra raffle tickets on graduation night,” he said.

Raffle tickets earned throughout the school year are what graduating seniors can use to win big prizes at the party, like mini fridges and air fryers.

“If it were not for Project Graduation then the graduating seniors would not have a graduation night party where all seniors are provided a safe alcohol- and substance-free night with movies, games, food and prizes/

Yard “flocking” is a creative fundraising campaign the Project Graduation board has instituted this year. Community members can pay a fee to surprise anyone in the community by “flocking” their yard . COURTESY PHOTO

scholarships,” Cash said.

For more information on Project Graduation or to make a donation for the end-ofyear graduation party, visit bit.ly/48vZi4U.

Project Graduation is also active on social media, including Instagram (@lhhs.project. grad) and Facebook (LibertyHillProjectGrad).

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21

CITY NEWS

City of Liberty Hill mayor resigns from office Liz Branigan reflects on accomplishments, challenges during her tenure

BY RACHEL MADISON

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Liberty Hill Mayor Liz Branigan recently submitted her resignation from office.

For the last several months, Branigan has been slowly recovering from heart surgery and other issues that took a toll on her overall health.

“I had a heart procedure last July and then pneumonia, and that caused problems,” Branigan said. “I asked [Council member] Crystal [Mancilla] to take over a [City Council] meeting one night when I wasn’t feeling well, and while I was gone, I felt things ran very well. In the last few months, I’ve been talking with my campaign manager about running again next year, but I think it’s time for me to retire. I’m not past my expiration date, but I’ve passed my best.”

Because she’s had extra assistance in her role over the last several months from Mancilla as well as the rest of the City Council, Branigan decided now was a good time to bow out.

“If I wasn’t going to leave, then I needed to get caught up and get back into the middle of things I haven’t been really involved in,” she said. “Right now seemed to be the proper time

to resign. Crystal has been getting prepared to take over, and everybody is ready.”

The Plan

The City Council accepted Branigan’s resignation from office in January. She will continue serving as mayor until March 1. Mancilla, who was unanimously appointed as mayor pro tem by the City Council, will take over in the interim, until the general election on May 4.

“Whenever the mayor isn’t able to perform her duties, then as mayor pro tem, I can act as mayor,” Mancilla said. “I have the authority to sign documents, run council meetings, things like that.”

Branigan was elected mayor in November 2020, when she beat out Rick Hall for the position by just over 100 votes.

She ran for mayor again in 2022, when she won in a landslide vote over her challenger, collecting 71 percent of the vote. Whoever is elected in May will serve the remainder of her term, which doesn’t expire until May 2025.

While serving as mayor pro tem, Mancilla also intends on putting her hat in the ring Mayor Liz Branigan is resigning from office, official March 1. Branigan was elected mayor in November 2020 and is to run for the open mayor position. She was currently serving her second term. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON elected to the City Council in May 2021, and her term will expire in May. “The reason I want to run for mayor is because I have a deep connection with the community—this is where I grew up,” Mancilla said. “Serving as a council member has allowed me to foster a liking to local government and the impact we can have. Seeing how the residents are getting involved is really inspiring. Being a part of that is a blessing. I’m also a giver and a server and this is one way I can serve my community in a big way.”

Mancilla feels she’s qualified for the role because of her commitment to serving the community. She’s been a part of the Williamson County Teen Court program, served on boards of nonprofits, volunteered as PTO president for her children’s schools, and worked as a project manager.

After Mayor Liz Branigan resigns, Mayor Pro Tem Crystal Mancilla will serve in the interim until Election Day on May 4. Mancilla has also filed to run for mayor in the upcoming special election. COURTESY PHOTO

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Dedicated Service

During her tenure as mayor, Branigan has been involved in many big changes across the

Each year since taking office, Mayor Liz Branigan has hosted a “Mayor for a Day” program, where she gives middle school students the chance to learn about local government. Here, she’s pictured with her 2022 council and mayor.

From left are Council member Brayden Rivera, Mayor Liz Branigan, Mayor Amanda Pavia-Cosper, Council member Adam Swindler and Council member Amelie Conforti. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

CITY NEWS City, but she feels her greatest accomplishment has been “putting the city back together.”

“It had been thoroughly fragmented by the previous administration,” she said. “I recruited the council members who served alongside me, I spoke to people and encouraged them to join our boards and commissions, and now they are all full. When I walked into City Hall in November 2020, it echoed it was so empty. The previous administration had fired everybody. We now have a stable staff.”

Branigan added that she feels the focus of the City has changed as a whole during her administration.

“During the Hall administration, the focus was excessively profit oriented, and now I feel we are very citizen oriented,” she said.

Getting the City to this new focus wasn’t easy though, Branigan admits, citing that her greatest challenge as mayor was working with a City Council that was “in a constant state of bickering.”

“Not only that, but we also had bad relationships with a lot of other groups in the community, like the [Liberty Hill] ISD, the Chamber of Commerce and any other entity

I could think of,” she said. “We had adversary relationships. Now, I think we’re able to sit down and converse with each other.”

One of Branigan’s proudest moments was when Central Texas suffered from an ice storm in early 2021 that left many in Liberty Hill without water and power.

“To the end of my days, I will never forget that incredible ice event,” Branigan said.

“People were calling because they were cold, and someone called because she needed to plug in her husband’s oxygen concentrator, and so many people needed heat and light.

I remember coming up to City Hall and trying to get into the building, but I couldn’t because the keypad was electronic.”

Branigan, along with the help of her fellow City Council members, was able to help many people during that storm, but it also prompted her to make sure the City was prepared for future ice events.

Since then, she’s held several meetings with community stakeholders for emergency preparedness and spearheaded the purchase of generators for the City to utilize when other weather events like the ice storm occur in the future.

Branigan said she’s going to miss being a big part of community events, like the annual Whimsy and Wonder festival and the Veteran’s Day ceremony, as well as the opportunity she’s had to get to know so many of Liberty Hill’s citizens.

“I’m going to miss the people who wander into City Hall to talk,” she said. “They’ve all been amazingly cordial.”

Though she won’t be serving the City in a major way anymore, Branigan said she does have plans to continue her involvement in less time consuming ways.

“I want to volunteer with Operation Liberty Hill, and I may even apply to be on one of the City’s boards,” she said. “But ultimately, I’m going to retire. I’m going to vacation, work on my garden, and do things with my grandchildren.”

Branigan, who spent the majority of her career working as a registered nurse, moved to Liberty Hill in the 1970s after visiting the Liberty Hill International Sculpture Symposium and falling in love with the art-focused atmosphere.

Before serving as mayor, she served on the parks and recreation board, held three terms

NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

CR 258 extension opens with ribbon cutting On Jan. 4, Williamson County hosted a ribbon cutting for the new extension of County Road 258.

The new extension connects U.S. Highway 183 to Sunset Ridge Drive, and additionally straightens CR 258 out and allows drivers to get from U.S. Highway 183 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard much easier, via a two-lane roadway, said County Commissioner Cynthia Long during the ribbon cutting.

Because the road is going to be a major access point for the future Legacy Ranch High School and Middle School #3, Liberty Hill Independent School District played a big role in the construction, Long said.

“The schools have just been a fantastic partner to work with on not only this project but communicating with the county and making sure that we are all in sync with what their growth plans are as it relates to our county road infrastructure,” she said.

She added that nearly $670,000 of the $5.8 million voter-funded road bond project was paid for by LHISD to put in additional turn lanes and to make a safer entrance to the school. Two acres of right-of-way was donated by developer Bruce Nakfoor.

LHISD Superintendent Steve Snell reit-

Officials from Williamson County and the Liberty Hill Independent School District celebrated the completion of the extension at County Road 258 with a ribbon cutting Jan. 4. PHOTO BY TATUM GRISEL

erated that the project was a great example of how the school district works with the county.

“Student safety and traffic patterns are very important when building a new school and between the county and the district, our common theme has been growth,” he said during the ribbon cutting. “Growing the right way is very important, and this road also gives us a safe connection to the two sides of our district, so we are very glad it is completed.”

Former NFL linebacker named head football coach at Legacy Ranch Liberty Hill Independent School District is gearing up for a new era in high school football, this time at Legacy Ranch High School.

Monday, the LHISD Board of Trustees approved Tim Knicky as the new athletic coordinator and head football coach for LRHS. Knicky brings a wealth of experience and strategic prowess to the Legacy Ranch Wranglers.

on the Liberty Hill City Council, and even played for the Liberty Hill Angels community baseball league in the 1980s.

Moving Forward

During the interim between March 1 and May 4, Mancilla wants to work with the City Council to make sure she’s carrying on what Branigan started.

She wants to make sure the City has thriving departments, she said, and has plans to start sharing details with the local community about what’s going with the City and local government.

“I have been so honored to serve alongside Mayor Liz,” Mancilla said. “This woman is a very strong leader because of what she has stood up for in our community. She was patient enough and fought the fight long enough to allow the right community members to come alongside her to get us back on track. If I can be the one to carry that flag on after her and do it well enough, that would be great.”

Those interested in filing for mayor can file at City Hall until Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit libertyhilltx.gov/507/Elections.

His most recent role was at Georgetown High School, where he worked as defensive coordinator for the football team.

Previous to that role, he worked in coordinating and coaching roles for football, track and powerlifting at both Willis High School and Cedar Park High School from 2017 to 2022. From 2012 to 2017, he worked as the special teams and defensive line coach at Georgetown High School.

Before his teaching and coaching career began, Knicky was a professional football player in the NFL as a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, where he also played football.

Knicky was joined at the school board meeting by his wife, Brittany, who is a teacher and track coach at Georgetown High School, as well as their two daughters, Colby and Peyton.

In a press release from LHISD, Knicky said: “I have dedicated my life to football, and to have the chance to be the first head football coach here [at LHISD] is the highest honor of my career. We are going to be a tough, well-coached football team that this community is proud to call their own.”

During the meeting, LHISD officials shared their optimism for the positive impact Knicky will have on the football program and other athletics at LRHS. Knicky will begin his new role in February.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

23

SPORTS

Staying the course

Lady Panthers senior lends supports, encourages teammates

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Now in her fourth season of Liberty Hill basketball, Paige Sterling has become a bit of an elder stateswoman for the Lady Panthers, as she and Ella Granda are the only seniors on the squad.

However, much of the time, Sterling finds herself on the bench during games as players younger and less experienced get the bulk of playing time.

Of course, she wants to play.

But, she also understands her role on the team at this point in her career and although it’s admittedly tough at times, Sterling soldiers on in a way that makes her a shining example of what a teammate should be.

“Sometimes, I’ll get home after a game and be upset I didn’t get to play more,” said Sterling. “But, then I remember our motto about team first, so then I just make sure I keep putting the effort in at practice.”

Lady Panthers head coach Chris Lange is impressed with how Sterling has maintained such a positive outlook when it would’ve been very easy for her to sour and perhaps even walk away from the program.

“Paige and Ella are our only seniors this year and we probably started with about 30 four years ago,” he said. “I’ve had plenty of girls

quit over things like playing time, but they’ve both stuck it out.”

Lange said he realizes the conundrum Sterling constantly faces, which makes it even more endearing how she continues to handle the situation with grace.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow and I get where she’s coming from,” he said. “But, Paige understands the coaches might see something in somebody else they don’t see in her – there’s always someone better than you and that goes for life, too. She’s always worked hard and been great.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean coach doesn’t feel player’s desire in the heat of battle.

“She’ll always be looking over at me on the bench like ‘Hey, are you going to put me in?’” said Lange. “But, Paige has recognized what makes her a good teammate.”

Sterling was born and raised in Liberty Hill, so she knows all about what it means to be a Panther and despite having also played volleyball and softball earlier on in her athletic life, she gravitated more naturally to the basketball court, she said.

“I always felt more connected to basketball,” said Sterling. “It’s really the sport where I felt the most ‘me.’ My dad was always one of my biggest supporters and coached me in youth basketball. When I played other sports, I felt

Lady Panthers forward Paige Sterling (20) contributes on the court when called upon in addition to being a model teammate. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

24 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Liberty Hill senior Paige Sterling (20) has embraced her role as a senior leader for the Lady Panthers in helping younger, less experienced teammates adjust to varsity play. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO like it was something other people wanted me to do, but basketball was what I wanted.”

After a season on Liberty Hill’s freshman and junior varsity squads her first two years of high school, Sterling got her first taste of varsity action when she was called up for the playoffs two years ago, just in time to experience the first of back-to-back regional finals appearances for the Lady Panthers and it was one of the mainstays on that team who helped her find her way, she said.

“I talked to (former Lady Panthers center) Emma (Hubbard) a lot,” said Sterling. “Varsity was a big jump for me and she had been there since she was a freshman. One thing she taught me was to not beat myself up too much when I made a mistake and she was always there to help me through it.”

Now, Sterling plays the role Hubbard did with her with young teammates such as freshmen Lexi Glenn, Audrey Richardson and Katelyn Olds, who are all undergoing their own growing pains as first-year varsity players.

Earlier this season provided a platform for Sterling to do exactly that when the Lady Panthers’ perfect season ended at 27-0 with a home defeat to rival Glenn in one of Liberty Hill’s biggest regular-season games in recent memory.

According to Sterling, the pressure on her and her teammates had continued to mount as the winning streak grew to historic proportions.

“We knew it was a big deal to be 27-0,” said Sterling. “Coach Lange had told us he had never had a team go so long into the season undefeated. After we beat Hays, we were warming up for the Glenn game and saw the big crowd that was there and we got a little overwhelmed.”

Sterling said there was an urgency in the immediate aftermath of the loss to address what went wrong against the Grizzlies, but she and the team quickly realized they needed to move on.

“I think that next practice, we were all focused on what we could’ve done better and how we can beat them next time,” she said.

“We definitely lacked rebounding and boxing out and we struggled a little with their height.

But, then we had to get ready for Cedar Park.”

Indeed, Liberty Hill rebounded from the setback with a 43-39 home victory over the Timberwolves that got its season back on track after what could’ve caused a derailment for teams with lesser resolve.

Entering the season, Sterling said the Lady Panthers had the right roster to get right back to where they had been the previous pair of postseasons and perhaps further.

“We knew we had a good group of girls and we could do this,” she said. “Winning district this year would be a great accomplishment and we have the opportunity to make it to state.”

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25

SPORTS

New kid on the court

Panthers point guard transferred from Georgetown this season

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Just because Marchel Timmons was new to Liberty Hill’s boys’ basketball squad this season doesn’t mean he was unfamiliar with the Panthers.

Timmons and his family moved to Liberty Hill from Georgetown, where he played for the Eagles’ varsity team his first two years of high school, but his history against his current home team goes back ever further.

“I’ve been playing against Liberty Hill ever since middle school and always had a personal rivalry with them,” said Timmons, a 5-foot-11 junior guard. “They were always the team I wanted to beat most.”

However, these days, Timmons finds himself donning the Purple-and-Gold in pursuit of Panthers victories and is teammates with former foes – one of whom has helped him transition to his new team, he said.

“I knew (senior) Luke (Lande) from being on the same AAU team,” said Timmons. “He really helped ease me in and get ready to go this season.”

Move-ins to Liberty Hill undergo a basketball baptism of sorts as players are indoctrinated into the Panthers’ style of play, which features high-intensity, full-court pressure and Timmons was certainly no exception, but

head coach Blake Boren said his new point guard picked up the system much quicker than most.

“Usually, when we get a new player, it takes a full season to really learn and understand what we do,” he said. “But, with Marchel, it was a lot faster because he came in put his head down and worked hard, so it was easier for him.”

Perhaps part of the reason for the easy adjustment is in Timmons’ blood, as his father, Marchel, played point guard at Texas Southern University in the early 2000s with the NCAA Division I program in Houston.

“I’m sure it helps his dad was a Division I point guard,” said Boren. “Marchel comes from a really good family. I can’t say enough about his character and work ethic.”

Despite the fact the Panthers have had a history of prolific point guards over the years, Boren said Timmons adds an entirely different dimension.

“Marchel has a different speed – he plays incredibly fast,” he said. “He’s only going to keep getting better as continues to learn our system.”

As a point guard, Timmons embraces the role of provider as well as being a scorer, he said.

“Usually, I like to get the other guys involved,” said Timmons. “Then I’ll worry about

Liberty Hill point guard Marchel Timmons (5) took over the Panthers offense after transferring in from Georgetown before this season. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO my points.”

Boren said Timmons is always concerned with only one thing – doing what the team needs to be successful regardless of what shows up on the stat sheet.

“Marchel has a real knack for tipping passes and stealing the ball,” he said. “He doesn’t feel like he always needs to score.”

According to Boren, Timmons is also a student of the game, a fact illustrated by a recent occurrence.

“One day, Marchel walked into my office and asked if he could draw up a play he though

he said. “Marchel never goes half-speed and doesn’t play with fear and when he adds his voice to that mix, he will be a true leader.”

Even so, Timmons believes despite his role, it takes a village to make the Panthers’ system truly come to life.

“I feel like everyone is responsible for running our offense,” he said. “We’re like a well-oiled machine when we play with collective effort.”

Earlier this season, Timmons returned to his old haunting grounds with his new team when the Panthers made the short trip to

“I’ve been playing against Liberty Hill ever since middle school and always had a personal rivalry with them. They were always the team I wanted to beat most.”

Liberty Hill Junior Marchel Timmons

Marchel Timmons (5) provides the Panthers with excellent on-ball defending to go with his offensive skills.

PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

26 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

would work,” said Boren. “He’s like having a coach on the floor because of his high basketball IQ and definitely has that ‘it’ factor you want in a point guard.”

For now, though, Timmons lets his play do the talking, but in time the vocal side of his leadership will round into form, which will complete him as a player, said Boren.

“As a point guard, he leads by example now,”

Georgetown and came away victorious by a 70-48 score, providing an experience that was somewhat surreal for him, he said.

“I’ve just always loved playing in that gym, but I had never been in the visiting locker room,” said Timmons. “I just had to lock into the game and was ready to go – it was definitely my favorite win of the season.”

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27

SPORTS

Growing by leaps and bounds Panthers powerlifting program hosts first-ever home meet

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Four years ago as a freshman, Elise Eckford joined a Liberty Hill girls’ powerlifting team that had only five members, so the now-senior has had a front-row seat in witnessing the growth of a Panthers program that has grown to the point at which it’s now 30 members strong.

In fact, Liberty Hill recently hosted its inaugural home meet at Liberty Hill Middle School – another milestone in the upward curve the team has traveled on and Eckford has been a prominent part of.

According to Eckford – one of three team captains – comparing the program from then to now is a source of great satisfaction for her.

“It’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown since my freshman year,” said Eckford. “A lot of girls have realized it’s cool to be strong and it’s nice to see how many have joined.”

Not only has Eckford be a critical cog in the program, though, she has excelled at the sport and is currently ranked first in the region in the 132-pound weight class with a combined score of 785 – 300 pounds in the squat, 160 in the bench press and 325 in the dead lift – results that provide tangible results for the work she’s put in over the years, she said.

“Powerlifting is a really gratifying sport because you’re always pushing yourself and trying to improve,” said Eckford, who has also been a varsity cheerleader and run track. “You need to stay consistent because you’re never

where you want to be, but you can always improve yourself.”

Charlie Harris is another lifter that has been part of the program over the past four years and is also enthused about how far it has gotten in such a relatively short amount of time.

“It’s crazy to see just four years later how big we’ve gotten,” said Harris, also a team captain and track athlete. “Having a home meet here is really cool because I can remember all the way back to the first time I lifted a plate (135-pound bench press, which is a rite of passage for beginning powerlifters) in this same weight room.”

Harris said these days as a senior who’s been around to help the program grow, she’s more than happy to help the younger lifters on the team find their respective ways in the sport as she once did.

“Definitely,” she said. “Really cool to help make a freshman’s day by helping them out.”

One of the obstacles the Panthers program has smashed is the misconception one needs to be big and bulky to excel – a myth Harris herself was at the heart of debunking, as she began lifting in the 97-pound class and now competes at 105 pounds.

“Some girls might think ‘I’m small and I can’t lift a lot,’” she said. “But, you just need to trust the process, know everything is God’s plan and don’t give up.”

Perhaps the most inspirational member of the team is senior Camryn Maddox, who began lifting as a sophomore and was voted by

Liberty Hill’s Raquel Oziran finished first in the 165-pound weight class at the Panthers’ first-ever home girls’ powerlifting meet with a score of 640 pounds. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Liberty Hill’s girls’ powerlifting team hosted its inaugural home meet at Liberty Hill Middle School earlier this season. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Panthers powerlifters Alyciana Rogers, Cassidy Wilson and Riley Monk take a break during Liberty Hill’s first-ever home girls’ powerlifting meet. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

28 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

her teammates to be a captain this season as a reward for her dedication to the program.

Maddox said the honor has humbled and filled her with a sense of accomplishment.

“When I found out my teammates had voted me a captain, it made me feel gratified about the fact they looked up to me,” she said. “I’m so thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to help lead the team in the right direction.”

Panthers head coach Rudy Acevedo was pleased at how the evening’s festivities unfolded.

“Tonight was just an awesome event,” he said. “We were finally able to host – we probably had four girls when I took over and continued to grow. I think once kids get

exposed to the sport and see the girls and boys doing powerlifting, they get excited and want to be a part of it.”

On this night, Liberty Hill hosted Jarrell and Florence in what’s known as a “closet” meet – a smaller event compared to full competitions, but Acevedo has designs on upping the scope of the event in the near future.

“Next year, we would like to host one at the high school for girls and boys,” said Acevedo.

“For starters, though, we wanted to keep it small to see how it would work. But, it’s been awesome to see our kids finally get to compete at home and with how our program has grown, it just shows powerlifting is a sport for anybody.”

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PANTHER OF THE MONTH

One rugged redhead

Lady Panthers midfielder brings physical play, intensity to pitch

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

One thing Jadyn Jones doesn’t mind doing is getting physical with opponents on a soccer field.

In fact, gritty, rugged play is so much a trademark of the Liberty Hill junior midfielder’s game, she’ll often look to set the tone early on in a contest with a physical challenge.

As long as it’s done properly, that is.

“I think that always sends a message,” said Jones. “As long as it’s clean and not a cheap shot.”

Lady Panthers head coach Landon Maddux appreciates what Jones brings to the fight from that standpoint and said as she matures, she’s able to pick her spots better in knowing when to push the envelope and

when to back off.

“Jadyn’s learning when to be physical and also how,” he said. “You can get fouls, but do it the right way.”

Which wasn’t the case in a game last season against district rival Cedar Park when Jones was sent off after a takedown accompanied by a yellow card was followed by a second – a sequence that didn’t make Maddux happy, he said.

“She got a red card and I had to get on her pretty hard that game,” said Maddux.

“Jadyn’s super-passionate, but also very coachable.”

In addition to her enforcer-like style of play, though, Jones also has a skillful side, one that saw her finish second on the Lady Panthers last season with 10 assists to go with seven goals in only her first season on

Jadyn Jones (12) is strong in the air and excellent on set-piece delivery from corners and free kicks.

PHOTO BY SHANNON HOFMANN

Liberty Hill midfielder Jadyn Jones (12) brings physical play to her role in the middle of the park for the Lady Panthers. PHOTO BY SHANNON HOFMANN

the squad after playing her freshman season at Gateway College Preparatory School in Georgetown.

Midfielders are expected to patrol the middle third of the field, but their job description also requires those duties to spill over into both the attacking and defensive thirds, so Jones’ versatility goes right along with those expectations and Maddux said she is quite adept at blending the two.

“When Jadyn is on her game, she completely controls the middle,” he said. “She’s great on long balls, has an excellent first touch and is good in the air – a well-rounded player. I know I can put her anywhere on the field and she’ll be good.”

Interestingly enough, though, upon taking up the game, Jones initially found herself in a different part of the field from where she currently resides – until she had a size-related epiphany, she said.

“At first, I was a goalkeeper – until about four or five years ago,” said Jones, whose family originally hails from Lubbock. “I wasn’t very big and I’m still only 5-3 now, so it was a matter of finding a place for me on the field I was better suited for.”

Perhaps one leftover residual from her days of donning the gloves between the sticks is Jones’ propensity for putting pinpoint balls into dangerous scoring areas on free kicks and corners.

“Back when I was playing goalkeeper, I took a lot of goal kicks,” she said. “So, that probably has something to do with it.”

Ironically, Jones’ adeptness in the air is perhaps a precursor to her possible profession of the future.

“I want to be an airline pilot,” said Jones, whose favorite subject in school is U.S.

history. “My dad was a helicopter mechanic in the Army and I’ve always been interested in aviation. I would also like to play soccer in college, so we’ll see where it leads me.”

Jones and her siblings have recently taken up wakeboarding at the behest of a cousin, but for now, her skill level on the lake doesn’t quite match up with her prowess on the pitch, she said.

“No, I can just barely do it,” said Jones.

“But, it’s fun. We usually go to Lake Georgetown or LBJ.” However, despite her skill level on the field and having already made the varsity squad as a freshman at her previous school, when Jones arrived in Liberty Hill before last season, she said she felt pressure to show what she could do all over again.

“I new Liberty Hill was a program that’s had a lot of success,” said Jones. “So, I felt like when I came here, I needed to prove myself.”

One person Jones no longer needs to prove herself to is Maddux, whose first season in charge of the Lady Panthers coincided with her arrival as a sophomore last year.

“One thing about Jadyn is she really wants it – her whole life is Liberty Hill soccer,” said Maddux. “She’s a leader for us and is part of the great junior class we have this year – the ultimate team player who will do anything for the team to win.”

Such as being a bit of a roughneck when the situation calls for some rough-and-tumble play, she said.

“I think the way I play intimidates a lot of people,” said Jones. “But, I’m a redhead and have a really hot temper, so I just need to use it the right way.”

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

31

SPORTS

Speed to burn up front Panthers striker has knack for scoring goals

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Last season, Jett Byars traded headers on the soccer field for headers on horseback as a competitive rodeo team roper and was quite successful in doing so.

However, by the time his former teammates on the pitch were working their way down the final stretch of the district schedule, Byars was compelled to return to the field in helping the Panthers attempt to qualify for the state playoffs.

Unfortunately, the Purple-and-Gold ultimately missed out on the postseason, but Byars was back in the fold full-time and this year the senior striker has done well in propelling the Panthers to being a competitive side.

But, just because he’s back on the field terrorizing opposing defenses doesn’t mean Byars has hung up his spurs.

To the contrary, he’s found a way to compete in both and is enjoying the best of both worlds.

“This year, I just looked at the schedule and figured out a way I could do it,” said Byars.

“Last year, there were just too many conflicts.”

Liberty Hill head coach Stefano Salerno is certainly glad Byars decided to return, as he

has formed a dangerous strike force up front with fellow seniors Dhar Ramsingh and Caden Glenn, but is also the kind of player that can break a game open single-handedly.

“Jett clearly helps us out offensively,” said Salerno. “It helps to have three guys like that who have played together for all four years of high school.”

Of course, having skill is one thing, but having the dedication to hone them to the next level is a different story altogether, but Salerno recounted an instance when Byars took it upon himself to get some extra work in – and on a game day, no less.

“Jett was out on the field during his free period working on his shooting about three or four hours before we played Cedar Park that night,” said Salerno. “We hadn’t gotten to practice as much that week because of the weather, so he wanted to make sure he kept himself fresh.”

Sure enough, Byars scored the only goal of the game that night in the Panthers’ 1-0 victory over the Timberwolves, an occurrence that simply put an exclamation point at the end of the sentence, said Salerno.

“Jett didn’t know I was watching him until

In addition to playing soccer for the Panthers, Jett Byars (5) is also a competitive rodeo team roper, finding time to participate in both sports. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO he was done,” he said. “He really embodies what we want in a player.”

In the Cedar Park game, Byars received a pass from teammate Ezequiel Gracia and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper into the lower-right corner of the net – the kind of instinctual finish Byars said he employs in such a situation.

“It depends on if I’m open or not,” said Byars. “If I have time, I can look up, see where the keeper is and go for placement. But, on that one I just had to react and go with my gut as far as where the net was.”

tactical switch with Glenn on the play that resulted in the game-winner.

“I told Caden to switch with me because the guy that was on me was beating me on the 50/50 jump balls,” he said. “But, I knew I could beat the guy that had been on him with speed and it worked.”

Another difference-making moment earlier this season took place when Byars didn’t let his multi-sport endeavors get in the way of participating in both of his sports in the same day when he competed in a rodeo in Hamilton in the afternoon, then made the 100-mile drive

“This year, I just looked at the schedule and figured out a way I could do it.”

Liberty Hill Senior Jett Byars, on playing soccer and competing in rodeo

Liberty Hill senior striker Jett Byars (5) uses speed and smarts to create scoring chances for the Panthers in the attacking third of the field. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

32 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Earlier in the evening, Byars had missed on a pair of scoring chances that could’ve opened up the scoreline earlier, but such is a striker’s existence as sometimes chances will go wanting over the course of a contest, only for another to crop up at exactly the right time and one must be ready to take advantage as opposed to letting the ones that got away linger on in the memory, he said.

“When that happens, I just need to keep trying to create more chances,” said Byars. “As a team, we’re pretty good about not beating ourselves up.”

In addition, Byars said he made an in-game

south to Georgetown to join his teammates for a big game against the Eagles at a pre-district tournament.

Liberty Hill fell behind early in the first half, 2-0, then stormed back with three goals to take the lead by halftime in a game it would eventually settle for a 3-3 draw in and despite Byars being held off the score sheet, Salerno said his presence had a positive impact on the proceedings nonetheless.

“Jett wasn’t going to miss that game,” he said. “I think that speaks to his level of maturity and commitment.”

SPORTS

Wrestling comes home to Liberty Hill Panthers hosted inaugural meet with dual against Glenn

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

were defeated by the Grizzlies by a 48-21 score, while the Panthers’ boys lost, 60-24, to a strong Glenn program in front of a near-capacity crowd with the dimmed lights in the gym providing quite a unique atmoIn what has been a historic season for sphere as the matches unfolded.

Liberty Hill’s brand-new wrestling proPerhaps the most spirited bout of the gram, the Panthers surpassed yet another night was Liberty Hill sophomore Julia Orsignpost on the road to success when the tiz winning her match in the 165-pound diviPurple-and-Gold hosted its inaugural home sion with a hard-fought 9-2 decision over meet with a dual against Glenn on Jan. 24.

Glenn’s Kapalikapu Kalili in the only contest According to Panthers head coach Danny to go the entire three rounds on either the Zieschang, the event was simply the icing on girls’ or boys’ side. the cake of what has been a wildly encouragDespite the fact she ended the match with ing first year for his team. a bloody nose and cotton stuffed up both “It’s really special and it’s been a special nostrils, Ortiz was pleased to have prevailed. season all year long,” said Zieschang. “Just “This was the first one of my matches this getting to introduce the sport to the kids season that didn’t end in a pin,” she said. and to reach different milestones along the “So, I had to be mentally strong, but I was way – it’s been milestone after milestone able to push my body because I knew I could this year, so for us to finally have our first take it.” live competition and check that box, it’s just Ortiz also plays on the Lady Panthers’ varone more, so it was pretty special tonight.” sity basketball team in addition to running On the scoreboard, the Liberty Hill girls track, but on this occasion, the floor where she and her hoops teammates pass, dribble and shoot was reserved strictly for the kind of hand-to-hand combat she thrives in, she said.

“On the basketball court, I’m an aggressive person,” said Ortiz. “If it wasn’t for wrestling, I was going to start jiu-jitsu with my dad.”

For Ortiz, it was good to Liberty Hill’s wrestling team hosted its inaugural home meet with a dual finally wrestle in front of the OWNER/PUBLISHER

against Glenn on Jan. 24. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Senior Jacob Morris provided a thrill for the home crowd with a victory by pin punctuated by an emotional victory celebration. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Liberty Hill sophomore Julia Ortiz won her match with a 9-2 decision – the only bout that went all three rounds on either the girls’ or boys’ side of the competition. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

home crowd.

“Just having the community here supporting us was great,” she said. “Also, Coach Z has done an amazing job and made it a lot of fun.”

Zieschang said Ortiz is exactly the kind of athlete his fledgling program needs to help lay a solid foundation for the future.

“Julia’s full of heart and she adds a lot of heart to our team,” he said. “It’s one of the reasons we value her so much as a member of our team because we know when she gets on the mat, it’s going to be a tough match and she’s not going to give up and I think that comes from her being a multi-sport athlete, so when she’s in a match that goes the distance, she has the competitive fortitude to be able to say ‘I’m not going to lose this match and I’m going to go the distance.’”

On the boys’ side, senior Jacob Morris stole the show in winning his match in the 175-pound division with a pin of Glenn’s Jordan Alday-Gonzalez at the 3:34 mark, then jumping to his feet and letting out a primal scream in celebration of the victory with the kind of energy that also made Morris one of the emotional leaders of Liberty Hill’s football squad that advanced to the Class 5A Division II state semifinals this season.

Morris said he’s glad to have finally had the chance to grapple after waiting for the opportunity.

“In ninth, 10th and 11th grades, I always wanted to wrestle,” he said. “I just love the peak of adrenaline and the competition.”

Having gutted out many a game on the gridiron, Morris said wrestling has proven to be a natural progression from lessons he’s learned on Friday nights.

“It’s 100-percent fourth-quarter mentality,” he said, referring to the Panthers’

famous football mantra of battling it out and wearing opponents down in the final period. “In wrestling, you need to be able to get through all three rounds.”

Morris said the chance to shine in the spotlight in front of Panthers supporters was almost more than he could take.

“I was really amped for this,” he said. “But, anxious at the same time.”

Zieschang said Morris provides the kind of excitement that rubs off on his teammates.

“Jacob has a lot of energy and I believe enthusiasm is caught, not taught,” he said.

“So, to have a guy like that who can be so energetic in all his matches is contagious and the rest of the team feeds off it.”

Morris had no previous wrestling experience, which makes his contributions even more remarkable, said Zieschang.

“As a senior first-year wrestler, it’s not easy an easy path,” he said. “So, Jacob hasn’t had a lot of time to learn the sport and he’s had his ups and downs. But, he came out here tonight and beat a tough opponent in front of a big crown and as a coach that’s really special and exciting to see.”

In reflecting on the Panthers’ season, Zieschang was philosophic in his assessment of where the program has already gone in such a short amount of time, as well as where it will in the future.

“When I look back to our first dual of the season and compare it to where we are now, the growth has been incredible, which gets me really excited,” he said. “Tonight, we had the Liberty Hill Youth Wrestling program out here and they’re going to be the ones to carry on the legacy of this program once they get to high school and I believe we’re going to have a special program.”

F E R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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COLUMN

Matthews, Liberty Hill Normal were among early schools to serve community

BY JAMES WEAR

COLUMNIST

Among the early schools to serve Liberty Hill were the Matthews School and Liberty Hill Normal.

According to Culture of the Shin Oak Ridge Folk, written by J. Gordon Bryson, the school was located in a one-room cabin that was originally built for a company of surveyors who were surveying land east of the south San Gabriel River for John G. Matthews and his wife. Matthews himself was among those surveyors. The couple would later build a home on their property. In 1976, a historical marker was erected near the entrance to the homeplace.

The cabin became a school in 1872, and Matthews would serve as a trustee. Bryson’s book includes a quote from a book written

by Matthews’ son, Joseph Neely Matthews: “The first school of the community was held in this log house and taught by Mr. De Kirkpatrick. It was customary in those days for the patrons to subscribe so many pupils. I remember my father saying that he subscribed three and a half pupils. I am still wondering if they didn’t count me as the half pupil.”

Joseph Matthews attended that school until he was 15, according to documents compiled by his daughter, the late Myreta Matthews. Myreta Matthews, who gained acclaim during her lifetime for her research into Liberty Hill’s early years, died in 1993.

Joseph Matthews would go on to spend more than 30 years as a teacher and principal in various schools in Williamson County. After leaving the teaching profession in 1922, he published a newspaper in Liberty Hill known as the Liberty Hill Index

Left, an artist’s depiction of Liberty Hill Normal and Business College, which served the community from its opening in 1885 until closing in 1910. Right, during The Independent’s first year of publication in 1988, the newspaper published a copy of an old school program that a reader shared. COURTESY PHOTOS

for four years before being appointed as the local justice of peace, a position he held for several years.

Bryson’s book also notes that a free school was built near the cabin school around 1884, also known as Matthews. According to Bryson, “terms lasted three to five months, with one teacher responsible for from 15 to 75 pupils.” Bryson identified Finis Foster as the teacher for that school.

In his book, Bryson wrote of the early days of a school located in Liberty Hill

known as Liberty Hill Normal and Business College. The college opened in 1985 and blossomed, according to the Texas State Historical Association. The TSHA claims that Liberty Hill Normal was “a nonsectarian institution; the legislature chartered the school and granted it the credentials formerly issued to the defunct Oak Grove College; E. M. Coleman was the first president and there were four teachers and 166 students by 1892. The curriculum around 1900 included humanities and science

Altha Grace Spaulding

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

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July 12, 1925 – Dec. 28, 2023 Altha Grace Spaulding was born on a farm in Readington Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, daughter of Ada May and Ole Dayre Spaulding. After graduation from Afton New York High School, moved back to New Jersey. Married Franklin C. Drake on June 1, 1947, and has three children: Kenneth Neil, Keith Alden and Kit Ellen Drake Vaugn. Moved to Michigan in 1971. She had one sister, Shirley Pauline Spaulding Cook. There are four brothers:

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Spencer Willis, Forrest Leland, George Herman and Ole Dayre Spaulding, Jr. She sang in church choirs and various choruses for over 50 years, enjoyed bowling, golf, playing piano and watercolors. Did volunteer work in senior centers and Borgess Medical Center, from which she retired in 1992. Her motto: Give me the simple life! She liked all flowers—no special kind—and liked any melody that could be sung to. She enjoyed spring and fall.

courses, as well as telegraphy, music and commercial training. The buildings were turned over to the public school system after closure.”

Joseph Matthews was among those to attend Liberty Hill Normal.

Bryson’s book noted the original building burned in 1903 and a new school was built.

The new building is known today as the Red Brick School House and served the community for decades before being torn down in the late 1960s.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

35

EVENTS CALENDAR

February 16

Jake Sherard

JAKE SHERARD Liberty Tavern 3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7-10 p.m.

Libertytavern.com

February 3

‘MEAT’ THE RANCHER VALENTINE’S EDITION Veteran’s Liberty Ranch 1208 CR 204, Liberty Hill 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. veteranslibertyranch.com COLIN BOUTWELL Fire Oak Distillery 4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill 1-6 p.m. fireoakdistillery.com HAZELL HORIZON Whiskey Barrel Pub 1004 Main St., Liberty Hill 7-9 p.m. whiskeybarrelpub.com

February 7

GALENTINE’S NIGHT OUT Simply Home Boutique 15280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 6-8 p.m. simplyhometx.com

February 9

KARAOKE NIGHT Hometown Watering Hole 3317 Hwy. 29, Bertram 7 p.m. hometownwateringhole.net

February 13

WOMEN IN BUSINESS Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce 170 CR 214, Liberty Hill (meet at RockPointe Church) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., $18-25 Libertyhillchamber.org

HONKY TONK WEDNESDAY WITH THE ALIBIS Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 7-9 p.m. globetheatretx.com

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

Libertytavern.co

February 8

February 14

‘Y’ALL’ENTINES Ginger Roots Boutique 104 Brown Bridge Rd., Liberty Hill 6-8 p.m. gingerrootsboutique.com

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER The Vineyard at Florence 111 Via Francesco, Florence 5:30 p.m., $95 thevineyardatflorence.com

Nerf Night Out

February 17

WISHING UPON A STAR L4 Cares/Reunion Ranch 850 CR 255, Georgetown 10 a.m., $5-20 l4cares.org NAME THAT TUNE BINGO Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 6 p.m. whitestonebrewery.com

February 19

TRIVIA NIGHT Liberty Tavern 3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7-8:30 p.m.

Libertytavern.com

February 21

POOL TOURNAMENT Hometown Watering Hole 3317 Hwy. 29, Bertram 7-10 p.m., $10 hometownwateringhole.net

February 22

Hazell Horizon

NETWORKING LUNCHEON Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce 170 CR 214, Liberty Hill (meet at RockPointe Church) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., $18-25 Libertyhillchamber. org

February 23

NERF NIGHT OUT Urban Defense Academy 140 Jonathan Drive, Liberty Hill 5:30-8:30 p.m., $40 urbandefenseacademy.com MYTHX Liberty Tavern 3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7-10 p.m.

Libertytavern.com

February 24

GUMBO FEST KFire Winery and Vineyard 3059 CR 212, Bertram 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. kfirewineryandvineyard.com

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

February 27

LIBERTY HILL BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS MINGLE Vaquero Plumbing/Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 4-7 p.m. vaqueroplumbing.com

March 1

SIMS STRONG BBQ COOK OFF & BENEFIT

Indian Mound Ranch 12805 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 8 a.m. simsstrongfoundation.org DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOW Whiskey Barrel Pub 1004 Main St., Liberty Hill 6-9 p.m., $60 whiskeybarrelpub.com

Happy 25th Birthday Liberty Hill!

Help us celebrate by contributing a piece of history to the 25th Birthday Time Capsule!

The capsule will be buried on March 23, 2024 and opened in 2040.

All families, businesses, and organizations are invited to apply by March 1.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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