August 2025 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly by The Liberty Hill Independent

BIZ BRIEFS:

What’s New?

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Sweet Retreat TX Ice Cream

15395 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Sweet Retreat TX Ice Cream opened in July. The shop offers a wide variety of premium ice creams, sundaes, shakes and more. It is owned locally by the Maxwell family.

7 Brew Coffee

19386 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander

7 Brew Coffee is opening its newest location Aug. 8. The stand will be owned and operated by franchise group, Texas Coffee Partners. The group's other locations are in Austin, San Antonio and Houston. The group plans to continue its momentum with additional locations in Texas in the coming years.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Antena Kitchen and Bar 2082 Hwy. 183, Leander

RETAIL

Kitfoxy's Putt Putt & Pew Pew

350 CR 277, Liberty Hill

A new laser tag and miniature golf adventure zone is opening in August in Liberty Hill. Kitfoxy's will offer indoor fun for all ages with its two nine-hole courses and 2,000 square feet of glow-in-the-dark laser tag action. The business is owned locally by the Rodriguez family.

SERVICES

Infinite Hitting

4701 FM 3405, Georgetown

A new location of Infinite Hitting is opening near Santa Rita Ranch soon. It will offer lessons for both baseball and softball players, as well as specialized equipment and batting cage rentals. It is owned by Trey and Kristen Whaley and Jane Hines.

Intensity Gymnastics

4701 FM 3405, Georgetown

A new gymnastics studio is set to open near Santa Rita Ranch in early September. The facility will offers classes for all ages, including tumbling, ninja and competitive options. Day camps and birthday parties will also be offered.

Yogalates by Nicole 217 CR 214, Liberty Hill (inside WORC Fitness Studio)

Nicole Sullivan recently started offering yoga classes at WORC Fitness Studio in Liberty Hill. Sullivan's classes are designed for all fitness levels. She offers vinyasa, yogalates and pilates at various times throughout the week. Learn more at yogalatesbynicole.com.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Infinity Party Rentals

Mobile, Liberty Hill

• Liberty Hill Credit Union

135 Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill

• Collab Online, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE

Vortex Martial Arts

14745 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Vortex Martial Arts recently expanded its location to take over the space next door to its original location, which was previously occupied by Starlite Vapor. The smoke shop closed at the end of June. Vortex Martial Arts will use the space to teach more classes simultaneously.

Fletcher's Florals

13651 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Fletcher's Florals is under new ownership. The shop was purchased by Rylie Jaramillo, and is undergoing several updates, including the addition of a flower bar and subscription plans.

Open Door Baptist Church

225 Foust St., Liberty Hill

Open Door Baptist Church recently moved from its location on State Highway 29 to 225 Foust St. in Liberty Hill. The church still owns property adjacent to Bill Burden Elementary, but doesn't yet have a timeline for construction of the new building.

Sweet Pop Boba Cafe

9073 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Sweet Pop Boba Cafe celebrated its one year business anniversary in Liberty Hill in July.

Hometown Watering Hole

3317 Hwy. 29, Bertram

Hometown Watering Hole owner Susan Anderson an-

nounced in early July that the bar and grill would be closing permanently. The closure was due to unsafe roof leaks, unforeseen circumstances and poor prospects of remediation by the landowner, according to Anderson.

Red's Smoke Shop

Mobile, Liberty Hill

Red's Smoke Shop, owned by James and C.J. Sims, celebrated four years in business in Liberty Hill in July. The mobile shop offers cigar rolling classes, custom cigars and more.

Tea2Go TeaN'ergy

15050 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Tea2Go TeaN'ergy celebrated its second business anniversary in July. As part of the celebration, the shop announced it now serves Amy's Ice Creams in addition to its beverages.

Liberty Hill Beauty Bar

13997 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill Beauty Bar recently moved to the suite next door to its previous location. The new space allows more room for the employees to work. The beauty bar also recently welcomed Inked Beauty Plug, which offers piercings, tiny tattoos and more.

Liberty Mail Center

2082 Hwy. 183, Leander

In July, Liberty Mail Center celebrated four years in business in the Shops at San Gabriel in North Leander.

The Frozen Affair

316 E. Vaughan St., Bertram

The Frozen Affair, which served ice cream treats from a trailer in Bertram, announced it would be closing at the end of July.

Kristen Basalla, Sound Mind

Integrative Psychotherapy

14001 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Kristen Basalla is the newest therapist to join the team at Sound Mind. She specializes in working with adolescents and their families to navigate stress and life transitions.

Speed Killz Period Performance Center

901 Jase Reid Lane, Liberty Hill

SKP Performance Center recently expanded its offerings to the community. It has partnered with The Blueprint Basketball Academy to bring training, tournaments and camps to basketball players in Liberty Hill. It has also launched Friday Foundations Sports Camps, which will give parents an option for their children on Fridays when there is no school within LHISD.

Alyssa Mortensen, Pure Remedy Massage Therapy

100 Church St., Liberty Hill

Alyssa Mortensen was recently announced as the new front desk receptionist at Pure Remedy Massage Therapy.

CrossTech Automotive

4333 Hwy. 29, Bertram

In July, CrossTech Automotive announced it would be moving from its location in Bertram to a new location beginning Sept. 1 to continue offering vehicle repairs at competitive prices. The site of the new location has not been announced.

Alyssa Mortensen

Thank You to Our 2025 Summer Reading Sponsors!

Liberty Hill Public Library extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible businesses, organizations, and individuals who supported our Summer Reading Program. Your generosity made it possible for us to offer exciting programs, fun incentives, and a summer full of reading adventures for all ages! We are grateful for your partnership and commitment to building a stronger, more connected community through literacy and learning.

Mon-Thurs: Friday: Saturday: Sunday: 10:00am-7:00 pm 10:00am-5:00 pm 9:00am-4:00 pm 1:00-5:00 pm

Dear Liberty Hill community,

A note from our publishers

When the historic flood swept through our community, it left behind more than damaged roads and waterlogged homes—it left a defining moment in our community’s story.

In a matter of hours, lives were changed. And yet, what rose in the aftermath was not just mud and debris, but something far more powerful: resilience.

We have always known Liberty Hill is built on a foundation of strength, neighborliness and deep community roots. But in recent weeks, those values have been on full display in ways that have humbled and inspired us all.

We’ve seen first responders working around the clock to ensure safety. Volunteers showed up by the hundreds with shovels, tools, meals

and open hearts. Families opened their homes, churches opened their doors and strangers became lifelines.

In the face of unimaginable loss, Liberty Hill came together—not just to clean up, but to lift up.

As your hometown newspaper, we believe our role goes far beyond just reporting the facts.

We’re also here to help document the spirit of this town. That’s why in this issue, we are proud to highlight just a few of the incredible stories that have emerged from this crisis—stories of courage, generosity and hope.

From small acts of kindness to large-scale efforts of recovery, these moments remind us of the goodness that still shines in the darkest times.

We know there are many more stories out

there, and we’ll continue doing our part to bring them to light in the weeks and months ahead.

The next several pages of this issue are just a starting point—a tribute to the people who make Liberty Hill more than just a place to live, but a true community in every sense of the word.

To those who stepped up in ways big and small: thank you. To those who are still recovering, know you’re not alone.

And to every reader who holds Liberty Hill in their heart, thank you for showing the world what resilience really looks like.

With deep gratitude,

Scott Akanewich & Rachel Madison Publishers, The Liberty Hill Independent

Liberty Hill endures historic flooding

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

July 3, 2025, started as just another day in Liberty Hill. As the community wiped the sleep from its eyes, it was the usual routine of getting the kids situated and off to their summer activities for the day, grinding through the workday and eagerly anticipating one of America’s most cherished holidays – Independence Day.

On the eve of Lady Liberty’s 249th birthday, the community stirred with excitement. The fireworks stands filled one sack after another with sparklers, the grocery stores sold hot dogs, beer and ice by the ton, and the City of Liberty Hill geared up for its annual Independence Day Spectacular, which is amongst its most popular festivals.

But the party would soon be crashed by a bittersweet act of Mother Nature herself. In a region desperate for rain, the precipitation was welcomed, but with the polite suggestion of maybe coming back for a visit later that weekend. But, as is typically the case, the rain followed its own schedule.

So, with the forecast for more rain, along with the already-saturated festival grounds, city officials made the unprecedented call to cancel the event. The community was both shocked and saddened by the announcement, but any heartbreak conceived would soon pale in comparison to what was to come.

As the sun rose on July 4, a horrific story

quickly began to unfold. Rain totals not seen in decades were accumulating at an exponential rate and many Central Texas area creeks and rivers were being pushed past historic flood stages, all during the most popular time of the year for waterfront getaways. News began breaking at mind bending speed and Central Texas, soon to be joined by the rest of the world, felt their hearts shatter over the numerous reports of missing creekside campers and residents, the majority of whom were children.

The reports quickly began to center around the Kerville community as the Guadalupe River reached unimaginable heights due to the tropical storm system.

But with major tributaries such as the north and south forks of the San Gabriel River running right through Liberty Hill, multiple tragedies would soon take place right here at home.

Every nearby creek eventually succumbed to the unfathomable flooding in the early morning hours of July 5, and would sadly claim numerous homes, livestock and the most precious commodity of them all – the lives of those deeply loved by their families and friends.

Sherry Richardson, 64, an employee of Hope House, which was also hit hard by the floods, tragically lost her life along with 22-year-old Kaitlyn Swallow and 36-year-old Kent Wattinger (read more about the victims on pages 10 and 11). As this tight-knit community came to terms with these horrific

realities, the pain quickly turned into fuel for continued action and the efforts of those near and far will echo in eternity.

Katie Amsler, the city’s director of communications and community engagement, laid out those efforts in detail. When the call to action came, the city immediately answered.

“When the flooding struck Liberty Hill on July 5, our phones and inboxes were overwhelmed with people needing help and others eager to provide it,” said Amsler. “In

the middle of the chaos, we knew we had to bring some kind of structure to the response – and quickly.”

Amsler, along with Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla and the entire city staff, quickly sprang into action, launching a dedicated webpage to provide critical information, connecting those in need with available resources, and collecting data from residents

Liberty Hill was hit with catastrophic flooding on Independence Day weekend, but locals quickly mobilized to help those affected. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Rising waters, unbreakable spirit

Community rallies to restore Hope House, CR 285 after devastation

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

In the darkness before dawn on July 5 the situation at Hope House was turning desperate.

Floodwaters had risen quickly and unexpectedly at the longtime Liberty Hill nonprofit, which provides lifelong residential care for children with for with the most severe mental and physical disabilities. The rising water surrounded the building, located on County Road 285, essentially trapping residents and staff inside.

But even in the chaos, there was a plan –and a community ready to act.

“We were in excellent contact with the rescue and fire departments,” said Dave Gould, executive director of Hope House. “We had a plan in place and when it came time to execute, it worked perfectly.”

With water rising and lives on the line, Black Hawk helicopters from nearby Fort Hood were dispatched to airlift residents to safety.

“We were watching our kids being carried off that Black Hawk by these incredible service guys and then being handed over to first responders,” Gould said. “There wasn’t a dry eye there. It was the first real moment of joy we’d had after eight hours of darkness.”

back home.

That same evening, Hope House posted a message on social media asking for help.

“At that point, we had no idea what to expect,” Gould said. “We figured people would be busy tending to their own homes and their own damage. We thought maybe 25 people would show up.”

Instead, over 200 volunteers arrived.

“They just kept showing up,” Gould said. “It was incredible. We ended up having to call it early because of another big storm rolling in.”

When cleanup resumed a couple of days later, expectations were again modest – Gould thought he’d see maybe 10 or 15 people. But again, the community showed up in force, with more than 150 volunteers arriving to help with debris removal, cleaning and repairs.

“Having all those people there – it lifted our hearts,” Gould said. “We’re used to being a little under the radar. But to feel like we were suddenly at the center of everyone’s hearts? It was awe-inspiring.”

Among those who showed up was Austin real estate agent Cord Shiflet, who had just spent the previous several days cleaning up destruction at a special needs summer camp in Center Point, just outside of Kerrville, where flooding also caused unspeakable damage.

“I almost said no when he offered to help,” Gould admitted. “I was just tired.”

art, curtains, bedding, linens and toys.

“When I walked back in, it felt like Christmas morning,” Gould said. “That’s what we got to bring our kids home to – an outpouring of love. They were so excited.”

Shiflet and his crew didn’t stop there. Over the next three days, they repaired fences, cleaned out nearby creeks and brought in chainsaws and skid steers to clear away trees and wreckage.

“I’ve said the words ‘awe’ and ‘amazing’ more times in the last few weeks than I think I have in my entire life,” Gould said. “I’m running out of adjectives.”

Just across the street, also on CR 285, Liberty Hill resident Lockie Ealy and her family were on vacation in Arkansas when they got the news – the flood had reached their property.

“I rolled over at 4:30 in the morning and checked my phone,” Ealy said. “I saw a message from our neighbor asking if they could bring their pets into our house because their home was actually flooding.”

Ealy’s house wasn’t flooded, but her property was underwater. She and her family left Arkansas immediately to head home. When they arrived, they were stunned.

“We couldn’t believe the extent of the damage,” Ealy said. “The street looked like a war zone.”

Liberty Hill Lacrosse team – a group of high school boys – showed up to help neighbors clean and clear damage.

“I’ve never been more proud of a group of teenage boys in my life,” Ealy said. “Honestly, this is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever been part of. There are real people out there who just want to help, who don’t want recognition.”

Many homes along CR 285 are still being worked on, but with continued efforts from volunteers and the community, Ealy said progress is definitely being made and her neighbors are maintaining their strength.

Hope House is fully operational again –but their long-term plan includes relocating out of the floodplain to ensure this kind of crisis never happens again.

“We’ve been here for 50 years,” Gould said. “We’d never seen anything like this. But now that we know the danger, we have to protect our kids. We’re looking for a new property where we can keep our mission going safely.”

For now, they’re safe, dry and fed – and incredibly grateful.

“Our kids are resilient,” Gould said. “They wouldn’t have made it this far with the challenges they’ve faced if they weren’t.”

The children were safely relocated to one of Hope House’s other residential facilities In Liberty Hill that day. Exhausted but relieved, Gould and his team turned their attention to the daunting task ahead: cleaning up, rebuilding and bringing the children

But Shiflet quickly mobilized a small army of volunteers. He put out a call on his social media pages and brought in people from all over who volunteered to clean up and paint the entire inside of the building as well as replace every lost item – including

From there, recovery along CR 285 became a group effort. Ealy put out a plea on Facebook: “Many hands needed. Just show up.”

The response was staggering. Celebration Church and The Grove Church both showed up with several people to help, and the

Hope House plans to continue offering opportunities for community involvement as cleanup and rebuilding continue. Announcements will be made on their website and social media channels.

“We’re grieving, we’re recovering – but thanks to this community, we’re still standing,” Gould said. “And we’re moving forward.”

Countless volunteers arrived after the flood July 5 to help Hope House in their recovery efforts. COURTESY PHOTO

Lockie Ealy and her son, Tristan, live on County Road 285, which was destroyed by the July 5 flood.

COURTESY PHOTO

Remembering those we lost

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

Life is such a precious commodity and often one taken for granted. When it ends naturally and at the end of a long line, we hang our heads in sorrow and we weep for the recently departed.

But when life is cut short, it shatters not only those who were close to those who passed on, but the ripple effect sends shock waves through their local community and often far beyond.

The recent floods in the Liberty Hill area sadly claimed the lives of three bright and shining examples of the true human condition. In their own unique ways, they gave selflessly and loved fiercely during their time on earth, and their stories need to be told. More importantly, their stories need to live on in the collective heart of the world they gave so much to.

Sherry Richardson

Sherry Richardson, 64, was a light in so many lives. A loving and nurturing mother and grandmother at heart, her dedication to helping those less fortunate or able than her held equal importance in her life. Her loss has now left an unfillable void for so many people and organizations, something that will take an unknown amount of time to adapt to. But through her warmth and compassion during her time on earth, her presence will remain as she has definitely made her mark.

“More than she knew,” said Richardson’s daughter, Deliah Greenslet, of her mother’s truly inherent gift to selflessly help others. “She was a great woman, a great mother and grandmother.”

One vast difference in Greenslet and her family’s loss of their mother and grandmother is the fact that the floods took everything from the property – everything. During a time when families are able to reflect on their recently departed loved ones and feel their presence by way of their home and their possessions, Greenslet had none of that, but she spoke of a different presence in things as simple as the many craft projects that seem to dominate every square inch of her own house, something her and her mother enjoyed doing together very much.

“She was very crafty,” said Greenslet. “Right after we lost her, I looked around my house and realized I don’t have anything of hers because her whole house was swept away. But then I was like, ‘Actually, everywhere around me – she’s here.’ In the things she helped me decorate and build – it’s all over the place. She’s everywhere here.”

Richardson worked for Liberty Hill nonprofit Hope House (learn more about Hope House on page 8). In an interview intended to update the community on their status after the floods,

which devastated their entire facility as well, Executive Director Dave Gould mentioned the tragic loss of Richardson, stating she “was an important part of our community and our culture. She will be missed and I don’t know how we’re going to replace her – we probably can’t.”

Greenslet echoed Gould’s sentiment as she spoke of her mother’s deep love and dedication for everyone at Hope House and her work in general.

“When she started working at Hope House, she went in there and really made it more of a ‘home’ for people,” she said. “She made sure that everybody had snacks and coffee and the little things that just make people feel more welcomed.”

Greenslet was torn between two different answers when asked what she thought her mother would like the community, as well as the ones she loved, to know.

“I don’t think that anyone that lives out in that area was expecting this tragedy to happen,” she said. “So, in one way, I think my mom would want to advocate for the safety of the individuals out there in Liberty Hill and in that area. Whether its closer fire departments or better warning systems, just making people more aware of all that a flash flood can do would be something she would want.”

On the other hand, Greenslet took the tragedy out of the picture for a second and focused on the person that her mother was.

“She always just believed in doing the right thing for people and making sure they were cared for,” she said. “She very much was a humanitarian at heart. To know those around you – your family, your neighbors, those you work for and with – and to always treat them like you would want to be treated – that’s what she would want.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family cover the funeral expenses for Richardson, but Greenslet also requested that people continue to donate to Hope House in her mother’s honor, so that they can pick up where Richardson left off, changing one life at a time.

To donate to funeral expenses, visit gofundme.com/f/help-honor-sherrys-memory.

To donate to Hope House, visit hopehousekids.org.

Kaitlyn Swallow

Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, was an immensely talented artist in every way. From her sense of fashion and her expressive makeup, hair color and styles, to her love for art and graphic design, she exuded individuality and expressed it in every facet of her life.

Her sense of awe and wonder began in her early years while playing video games and watching Japanese animation programs. Her

mother, Sarah Swallow, would often find ways to connect with her daughter through artistic collaboration.

“She really enjoyed costume/cosplay,” she said. “I found something to connect with her by creating some memorable costumes for her when she was younger. She really was just incredibly creative.”

A member of the Liberty Hill High School graduating class of 2021, Kaitlyn spent some of the following years in Tennessee studying business management. It was there she began to discover the field of cosmetology and she’d expressed to her mother that she was considering a career pursuit in that field.

“She always really enjoyed expressing herself through her style,” said Sarah. “From the variety of hair color and styles to makeup and clothes –I think she had so much unrealized potential to do so much.”

The pain Sarah is experiencing as she now grieves the loss of a child is unimaginable to most and she has taken to journaling as a means to help her navigate her newfound reality while also ensuring her daughter’s name lives on. As for the community, she isn’t quite sure of what can be done to carry on the name of Kaitlyn.

“For the community, it’s hard to say,” she said. “She was such a free spirit. I hope maybe something small can be done. It’s hard to determine the level of impact her loss has made beyond this massive emptiness I feel. But if there is anything I can do to make a small mark for her, I will.”

As the wheels kept turning, Sarah laid out an idea that would serve both her daughter’s name and the community she loved simultaneously.

“There was such an outpouring of support from so many people, I was hoping to do something in memory of her sweet, short life,”

she said. “One of the things I am working on is funding a shirt project with just a piece of her artwork on it. I initially wanted to share with friends and family and community members near and far that have helped us so much with her loss, but I started to think about ways I could further utilize them to help the community in some way. I’m going to reach out to our little library and see if they’d have any interest in selling her art tee as a means of raising funds for their needs. Maybe adding the technology they lack or using funds for future summer programs for kids of Liberty Hill. It would be nice to just run into people wearing something Katie created; little reminders of her for me.”

Whether it be through these shirts or otherwise, Kaitlyn’s name will live on for a very long time. For Sarah, she hopes her name will inspire everyone to cherish every moment. And if it sparks the reminder of just how unassumingly dangerous floodwaters can be, it will carry the love and light that she emitted so effortlessly, and hopefully save a life, if not many lives.

“My mind has gone over and over and over different scenarios and what ifs,” said Sarah. “I struggle with this on such a personal level. I would share the lesson of not taking time for granted. I work as a nurse in an ER setting and just feeling the pain and heartache firsthand that I’ve had to only witness in the past – I just wish I would have had more time with her.

I can’t even begin to imagine what her final minutes were like and what she would share in response to this question. But I hope young drivers in the area become more aware and conscientious about the dangers of driving and remaining alert and aware of their surroundings. While she was 22 years old, I feel like she didn’t take dangers of rising waters that day as seriously as she should of and it cost her her

SHERRY RICHARDSON KAITLYN SWALLOW

KENT WATTINGER

When asked if there was anything that her daughter would want to say if she were here today, Sarah again spoke of the thematic trait that seemed to encompass Kaitlyn: love.

“I know she would want her younger brothers to know she loved them so much,” she said. “They were together on the evening of July 4th playing card games. Isaac (13) and Ender (10) both loved the time they had with her. It’s hard for them, and each of them are dealing with grieving in their own way.”

Kent Wa inger

Kent Wa inger, 36, was larger than life. His commanding physical presence was ﬂanked by an incredibly so -spoken voice and an even so er heart when it came to anyone who needed help or recognition.

He took the saying “he never met a stranger” to unprecedented extremes and likely le a lasting impression on everyone he ever encountered, even if it was only for a minute.

“He wouldn’t just give a hundred percent,” said Luis Rodriguez, Wa inger’s best friend. “That dude gave a thousand percent and he poured into everybody. He changed a lot of lives, so we named him ‘Kilowa .’ ‘Kilo’ for a thousand, and ‘wa ’ from his last name.”

Wa inger’s nickname was bestowed upon him by his beloved motorcycle club, Wind Therapy Freedom Riders. He was president of the Austin chapter and Rodriguez, who presides over the club for the entire nation, said no one ever did it quite like Wa inger did.

enforcement and veterans, or just listening to other club members who were in need of a sounding board or guidance through a diﬃcult time, he did it without hesitation and he never asked for anything in return.

“Kent really loved to help people,” said Rodriguez. “To his core, he liked to help people. He was a genuinely nice guy.”

But his love wasn’t contained in any walls or club alliance. Wa inger could li the spirits of an entire room simply by his presence and when he made friends, he made them for life. Rodriguez told the story of a couples’ trip to Vegas, when their arriving ﬂight landed in the wee hours of the morning. As Rodriguez and his wife checked into their hotel room, they assumed that Wa inger and his wife, Samantha, intended to do the same. But when Rodriguez awoke later that morning, he discovered just how potent Wa inger’s charm could be.

“I looked at my texts and he’d sent me a picture of the sunrise,” he said. “And then he sent me a picture of a random stranger’s arm with a fresh ta oo with the word ‘Kent’ on it.”

“Kent killed it, man,” said Rodriguez. “He was the best chapter president we’ve ever had.”

Wa inger’s love for his club was deep. Whether he was training others on safe riding techniques, showing up as the voice for law

Wa inger had a running schtick of convincing people to ta oo his name somewhere on their body, but to convince a random stranger took it to an entirely new level. Further proof that he was like no other.

Wa inger leaves behind his wife and three children, all of whom must now navigate this world without a husband and a father. But an even heavier scenario would have played out if it weren’t for his ﬁnal act of selﬂessness.

He and his wife were swept into the rushing water together on that fateful day, but he gave everything he had inside him to ensure she made it to safety before being swept further downstream. Thanks to him and his heroic eﬀorts, their children have a mother to hold today.

“There’s no greater love than to give your life for another,” said Rodriguez. “If it wasn’t for him, we’d have lost both of them.”

When asked what he thought Wa inger’s parting words would be if given the chance to speak them, Rodriguez answered with clarity and precision.

“If you can make a diﬀerence in someone’s life for the be er, leave your shining light on them,” he said.

It’s safe to say Kent Wa inger’s light will continue to shine on through his family, his friends and all of those who he touched in such a special way. His love and protection for his family has spanned beyond his life as well.

His life insurance policy will ensure that his family can go on living the life that they created together and according to Rodriguez, Samantha, being just as selﬂess and giving as her husband was, wishes for any donations to be made in her husband’s honor to the Williamson County Deputies Association, which can be found at wilcoda.org. life.”

Losing everything in an instant

Local family suffers loss of home, business to devastating flood

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

When Ashley Dicken went to sleep on the night of July 4, the rain had already begun pouring out of the night skies, but the Liberty Hill business owner had no idea of what was about to unfold in the coming hours.

Until her phone rang.

“My mom called me at about 3 a.m.” said Dicken. “She said their house was moving.” By that point, the torrential flooding that swept across Central Texas had already started to take its toll and Dicken’s parcel of land was directly in the crosshairs of the rushing, relentless waters that ruthlessly changed lives that fateful night.

Virtually everything on Dicken’s property – including her own home, that of her parents’ and the space she runs her business, Ashley’s K9 Training, out of – was destroyed.

But, the utter destruction was only the beginning of Dicken’s woes, as in the aftermath of the catastrophic event she learned her homeowner’s insurance – provided through USAA – didn’t cover flood damage, adding tremendous insult to the unimaginable injury she and her family had already suffered.

“When we moved here, we weren’t offered flood insurance,” she said. “Because we don’t live in a flood zone.”

As she slowly picks up the pieces of what remains, Dicken said her mood fluctuates back and forth across the full spectrum of emotions.

“You never expect something like this to happen to you – it’s so surreal,” she said. “I’ve been dealing with a lot of anger, but I’ve also felt grateful for all the people who have come out and supported us. We’ve had between 50 to 70 people show up at various times to offer assistance and if it wasn’t for everyone helping out, I don’t know how we would’ve gotten through it.”

Dicken said thanks in large part to community support, she hopes to get her business up and running again very soon.

“We’ve already made a lot of progress and are hoping to get back to training dogs soon,” she said. “We still have all our rescue dogs here, so we’re getting back slowly.”

Ironically, Dicken had just moved her business – which she began six years ago –to the family compound recently.

“We had just relocated a few weeks before the flood,” she said. “All we have on our property is a dry creek, but the water just rushed in on us from all sides – they told us a dam had overflowed.”

Through it all, Dicken has attempted to remain positive from the standpoint that regardless of how much damage was done to her property, there was no loss of human life – a stark contrast to many others across the region that experienced the unthink-

able.

“I’ve tried to stay off the news and seeing all the families that lost people,” she said. “We’re grateful we were able to save everyone here.”

Dicken’s parents, her brother and his wife and her sister all live on the property and are now left to put their lives back together.

As she continues to contemplate what has just happened and what the future holds, Dicken can’t help but wonder about what – if anything – could’ve been done differently.

“Something like this might only happen every couple hundred years,” she said. “But, I would advise people to thoroughly look into the history of flooding on their property and especially do research on insurance even if you don’t live in a flood zone.”

Human nature dictates one will attempt to rationalize a happening such as this and Dicken is certainly no different.

“It’s very difficult to see everything you’ve worked your entire life for in rubble,” she said. “But, I always try to think everything happens for a reason and remember what’s most important, which is human life.”

Security camera footage shows the devastation of the flooding on Ashley Dicken’s property. COURTESY PHOTO

Ashley Dicken has owned and operated Ashley’s K9 Training for six years and had just moved her business to the family compound before the July flood. COURTESY PHOTO

Ashley Dicken and her family are left to pick up the pieces after losing virtually everything to the flood. Dicken also recently learned her homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. COURTESY PHOTO

“We had a wonderful experience with Specialty Millworks! Very responsive, great work product, and pleasant work crew. We used a lot of contractors through our house build and wish they had all been as wonderful as Specialty. I will be contacting J again in the future for any additional projects! 5 Stars! ”

A lasting reminder

Liberty Hill etches their support into their very own skin

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

No one was prepared to wake up and hear the news of the very community they cherish being inundated with catastrophic flooding.

But if there’s one thing that Liberty Hill always seems prepared for, it’s to show up in any way, shape or form for anyone and everyone who may be in need, no matter the cost. Such was the case for Paige Holland, owner of Inked Beauty Plug, who immediately took to social media, offering a select group of Texas-themed tiny tattoos at $50 a pop, with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated to those who fell victim to the disastrous floods.

Together with her colleagues and close friends at Liberty Hill Beauty Bar, where her

business is located, Holland left a lasting mark on many within the Liberty Hill community and beyond, and at a volume that far surpassed the expectations of everyone involved.

“We’re all Liberty Hill born and raised,” said Holland of her and the others at Liberty Hill Beauty Bar. “Everyone here knows someone personally who was affected or lost something.”

So, in light of the tragic events hitting so close to home, Holland and “the girls” started brainstorming on what would generate the biggest response and, in turn, the largest amount of donations to help the community that they hold dear. The tattoos won the vote, hands down.

“We were definitely not expecting it to take off like it did,” said Holland. “It was so cool to see the old heart of Liberty Hill show up.”

Speaking of those who have been around long enough to see Liberty Hill transform right before their very eyes, Holland was happy to see so many of “the originals” stand in line to support the community that, although it has changed, still means so much.

But her gratitude didn’t stop there. As residents from both the new and old guards happily waited for hours on end, a common bond was solidified, and they, together, were all in – ready to do their part in giving to their community in one of its darkest hours.

“Being from Liberty Hill, it’s easy to complain about a lot of the growth,” she said. “But growth is inevitable, and it’s nice to see that the people moving here do have that small town heart, and they actually care about their neighbors and their community.”

In one week’s time, the tattoos raised over $10,000, and at the top of the list of recipients was Hope House, a local nonprofit that was hit extremely hard during

the floods (read more about Hope House on page 8).

Holland and her girls didn’t stop there. As the almost overwhelming amount of donated items such as food, clothing and household supplies had all of the distribution centers bursting at the seams, they saw one specific void: cash.

“Hope House is very near and dear to our hearts,” said Holland in regard to where the money will go. “And then, we’re going straight to the locals.”

As the great appreciation for any and all of the donated items is vast, there were countless victims that lost time at work, many small businesses that had to close for days on end, all of which left them facing a financial deficit, and the bills didn’t stop coming.

Holland and her team found great reward in being able to put cash into the pockets of those who desperately needed it.

“I couldn’t have done this without all the girls,” said Holland of her colleagues at Liberty Hill Beauty Bar, including owner

Chelsea Breder, who happily opened up her building to the community for this monumental week.

“It wasn’t a ‘me’ thing, it was all of us,” Holland said. “And Jordan ‘Warden’ Clarkson –we couldn’t have done it without her, either. She doesn’t even work here but she was our fearless leader. Also, Jessica Melchor took to social media to get the word out and put us out there.”

As so many residents of Liberty Hill now walk with a permanent reminder of the many tragic events that took place, these tattoos will also serve as a lesson in hope and humility.

As the hordes of people stood in lines for hours on end while Holland and her team worked from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., and sometimes even later, the community, even if only for a moment, was there to serve something bigger than themselves.

A collective movement to serve others pierced the hearts, minds and skin of a small town with a very big heart.

Inked Beauty Plug owner Paige Holland (left) raised over $10,000 in one week through tiny Texas-themed tattoos. Her shop is located inside Liberty Hill Beauty Bar, which is owned by Chelsea Breder (right).

PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Inked Beauty Plug owner Paige Holland gave dozens of Liberty Hill locals tiny Texas-themed tattoos to raise funds for flood victims after the July 5 flood. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Picking up the pieces

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance joins Liberty Hill in flood recovery mission

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

When disaster hits, it’s often the brave – military veterans, first responders and volunteers – who jump into action. But what happens when those heroes themselves need help? That’s where Sheep Dog Impact Assistance steps in.

Founded by retired Marine Sgt. Major Lance Nutt, the Arkansas-based nonprofit helps veterans, first responders and their families dealing with PTSD, physical injuries and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life. Their solution? Get them active and engaged through adventurous activities

and meaningful service.

One of their key missions is disaster response. When floods swept through Central Texas, including Liberty Hill, over 80 volunteers from 17 states answered the call to help clear debris, clean homes and provide hope.

Dallas resident Giovanni Palavicini, a disaster response ambassador with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, said his group based themselves at River Ranch Inn in Liberty Hill on County Road 279. For five days, “sheep dogs” cut through fallen trees and debris to help families regain access to their homes. One family they helped was CR and Gayle Williamson, who live on County Road 215.

“The Williamson family’s front door ended up 500 yards away in the creek bed from the floodwaters,” Palavicini said.

Other teams mucked out flooded homes, helped with mold remediation and meticulously cleaned and stored belongings, preserving memories and dignity for those affected.

Local support was vital. Kendra Cofer, founder of nonprofit organization L4 Cares, connected the team with a donor who provided furniture and household items for families like the Williamsons. Custom home builders Dustin and Cassie Currant helped spread the

word online, sharing needs and addresses to coordinate aid.

Community leaders helped facilitate needed supplies, while the Highland Oaks neighborhood organized meal trains, providing breakfast and dinner to volunteers each day. Even local businesses like Texas Taco Kitchen and RJ Industries, which donated portable restrooms, pitched in.

Palavicini and the team followed waterways like Bear Creek in Liberty Hill, visiting homes along the most damaged county roads.

“We weren’t’ just there to clean up,” Palavicini said. “We were there to give people hope and show them they’re not alone.”

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance often deploys in the second week after a disaster, allowing the local community time to handle immediate needs before providing

sustained support.

“For the volunteers, this work is healing too,” Palavicini added. “It helps them process their own experiences through serving others.”

As disasters like floods continue to affect communities across the U.S., the Sheep Dog Impact Assistance group remains ready to help.

“We keep every disaster on our radar,” Palavicini said. “Our goal is to be a dependable resource – ready to serve wherever and whenever we’re needed.”

In Liberty Hill, their efforts have been a beacon of resilience and unity – a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and healing come from coming together.

“We want everyone to know they’re not alone,” Palavicini said. “Together, we can rebuild and recover.” and volunteers.

“Within hours, we had forms online for flood victims to request help and for volunteers and donors to offer support,” she said. “That initial step gave us the ability to start organizing efforts and building a path forward while the county finalized its coordinated response. We were able to match volunteers with flood victims and pass along that early data to the Austin Disaster Relief Network once they were activated through Williamson County – that handoff was seamless and allowed recovery efforts to continue without interruption.”

Amsler added that she can’t say enough about the volunteers who stepped up.

“Individuals, churches, businesses and especially Cross Tracks Church – who served

as a Red Cross shelter and gave us a launching point for donations and supplies, which were later transferred to Liberty Hill Middle School, made it possible for neighbors to help neighbors in the most tangible ways,” Amsler said. “I’m deeply proud of how Liberty Hill responded.”

Mancilla echoed Amsler’s sentiment of profound appreciation for the countless volunteers.

“The devastating floods on July 5 left a deep mark on Liberty Hill, displacing families, damaging homes and upending lives,” said Mancilla. “Our hearts go out to the households who experienced severe damage or total loss. Please know that your city stands with you –not just in words, but in action.”

Mancilla didn’t stop there, turning her attention to those who responded without question.

“In the face of this crisis, I witnessed something powerful – a community that refused to stand still,” she said. “Volunteers mobilized immediately. Local churches and businesses offered food, supplies and shelter. I’m thankful for [Mayor Pro Tem] Diane Williams, Katie [Amsler], first responders and volunteers for working with me around the clock to organize the response and support our residents. What started as a flood of destruction quickly became a flood of compassion. From the moment we put out the call for help, Liberty Hill stepped up.”

In closing, Mancilla recognized the very community that once again proved the size of its heart knows no bounds.

“Liberty Hill is resilient,” she said. “We care for each other. We show up for each other. As

we move into the recovery phase, that spirit will continue to carry us forward. Thank you for proving, once again, what makes this city so special.”

Rev. Dr. Brad King of Cross Tracks Church, during a prayer vigil held just days after the flooding had subsided, spoke of the days leading up to his arrival to Liberty Hill just one year ago. He’d heard Liberty Hill was “a strange place that didn’t fit into any stereotypical box” and followed with his own pleasantly surprising discovery that the people truly seem to believe loving their neighbor isn’t up for debate.

King hit the nail on the head. The response of those who hold this town close to their hearts is all the proof one will ever need. Whether it’s in hard times or in joyous celebration, this town shows up.

The Sheep Dog Impact Assistance team arrived in Liberty Hill shortly after the flood to help restore hope. COURTESY PHOTO

One of Sheep Dog Impact Assistance’s missions is disaster response and when floods swept through Central Texas, including Liberty Hill, over 80 volunteers from 17 states answered the call. COURTESY PHOTO

FLOOD

TexTerra launches community cleanup eﬀort in Rio Ancho subdivision

In the wake of the devastating ﬂoods that have impacted Central Texas, Liberty Hill-based land services company TexTerra Solutions stepped in to help neighbors in need.

Starting days a er the July 5 flood, TexTerra crews were on the ground in Rio Ancho, one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods, to assist with debris removal and flood recovery efforts — at no cost to residents.

“This is our community. We live here, we raise our families here — and now it’s our turn to show up for each other,” said Colton Cunningham, onsite team leader for TexTerra Solutions. “The damage we’ve seen is heartbreaking, but we’re commi ed to helping however we can.”

TexTerra’s crews donated their time to clear downed trees, damaged fences and ﬂood-damaged debris.

In partnership with Hook and Haul Dumpsters, who donated ﬁve dumpsters, the team worked to haul away waste and help homeowners begin the process of recovery.

Liberty Hill Compounding Pharmacy donated cleaning and sanitation supplies to aid in the eﬀort as well as minor injury

items like Band-Aids and Neosporin.

“We’re not alone in this,” said Cunningham. “We’re working with other local businesses, and we want to hear from residents who need help. This is a call for

Read our round up to learn more about the biggest news stories a ecting our community

COMPILED BY LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF

City approves annexation at CR 277 for multi-housing development

The Liberty Hill City Council unanimously approved the annexation of a 2.8-acre section of County Road 277 near the intersection of State Highway 29 during its July 23 meeting. The move is tied to the upcoming multi-housing project known as The Mansions and will bring the stretch of roadway—currently in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)—into city limits. With the annexation approved, the area will now be zoned multifamily residential, aligning with the anticipated development. Liberty Hill will begin providing munici-

pal services including water, wastewater, stormwater management, solid waste collection, police patrols, building inspections and zoning enforcement. Fire protection will remain under the jurisdiction of Williamson County ESD#4.

A service plan has been developed to ensure a smooth rollout of services, including oversight from the Liberty Hill Police Department and health code enforcement. City oﬃcials emphasized the annexation will give them the ability to oversee land use and planning related to the development.

The annexation process began with a public hearing on July 9. City staff presented the proposal, and no public comments were made. In compliance with state law, Liberty Hill notified Williamson County of its intent in May, and with no objections received, the annexation proceeded to the final hearing and approval.

community.”

TexTerra asks that anyone in the Liberty Hill area in need of assistance — or anyone who wants to lend a hand — to reach out.

Whether it’s helping a neighbor move tree

The annexed land is located just over 1,000 feet northeast of the State Highway 29 and CR 277 junction.

Liberty Hill Bypass construction ongoing

Construction of the Liberty Hill Bypass is ongoing and is taking place in multiple phases.

Currently, work is being done on a portion of the project between FM 1869 to CR 279, which will construct a new two-lane roadway and add turn lanes on RM 1869 and CR 279.

Utility relocation is currently taking place. Construction of this portion of the project is anticipated to be completed by late 2025. This portion of the project is being funded through the 2019 voter-approved Williamson County Road Bond.

Additional portions of the project include Liberty Hill Bypass West (SH 29 west of Liberty Hill High School to RM 1869) and Liberty Hill Bypass East (Bagdad Road/CR 279 to SH 29). Design activities are anticipated to be complete by Spring 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin Summer 2026.

Liberty Hill Bypass West and East are being funded through the 2023 voter-approved Williamson County Road Bond.

limbs, coordinating supplies, or just oﬀering a listening ear, every bit ma ers. To get involved, contact Cunningham at 512-516-7606 or colton@texterrasolution. com.

City manager Paul Brandenburg resigns from role

City Manager Paul Brandenburg resigned eﬀective immediately at the end of the Liberty Hill City Council meeting July 23. A er an approximately four-hour executive session, in which Brandenburg was a part of, the council and staﬀ emerged at 11:45 p.m. and unanimously accepted the immediate resignation of Brandenburg. Council member Wade Ashley said: “I move to accept the resignation of city man-

TexTerra Solutions has spent the last several weeks working to remove debris in Liberty Hill’s Rio Ancho subdivision. COURTESY PHOTOS

City manager Paul Brandenburg resigned from Liberty Hill July 23. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

ager Paul Brandenburg eﬀective immediately with three months’ pay, three months’ health beneﬁts and payment for accrued leave. Each director is responsible for their own department and deputy city manager for overall administration.”

“I want to say thank you for your service here at Liberty Hill and we wish you all the best as a council,” added Mayor Crystal Mancilla, speaking directly to Brandenburg. Brandenburg did not speak following his resignation. He was hired by City Council in April 2022 and began his role in May 2022 under a three-year contract.

The agenda item for the executive session read “Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (Personnel) to deliberate the employment, evaluation, duties, discipline, or dismissal of City Manager Paul Brandenburg, including but not limited to consideration of the performance of contractual conditions and obligations, and performance of Council objectives previously provided.”

The city listed the City Manager position online July 25. Calls and texts to Brandenburg and Mancilla were not returned to The Independent by press time.

Kathy Major resigns from LHISD Board of Trustees

Liberty Hill ISD announced the resignation of longtime trustee and board vice president, Kathy Major in mid-July. Major served in Place 4 since May 2018 and was elected as vice president in November 2020.

Major’s decision comes a er deep personal reﬂection and is rooted in her steadfast commitment to family.

In a message to the community, she shared that she is stepping away from the board to provide full-time care for her husband, Estes — honoring a promise made nearly 41 years ago.

“This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Major said. “But I’ve always lived by faith, family and friends. To keep a promise made decades ago, I must now prioritize my family. It doesn’t mean my love for this district or our kids has changed — I will always be cheering Liberty Hill on.”

Originally from Montague, Mich., Major came to LHISD in 1991 as an educator. Over the years, she held numerous leadership positions in the district, including principal of Liberty Hill Intermediate School.

“Kathy Major has spent more than three decades pouring into Liberty Hill ISD,” said Interim Superintendent Travis Motal. “From the classroom to the principal’s oﬃce to the boardroom, she has consistently centered her decisions around what’s best for kids. Her legacy is one of heart, integrity and unwavering commitment. She will be deeply

missed.”

Major’s term was set to expire in 2027. The LHISD Board of Trustees will begin the process of ﬁlling the Place 4 vacancy in accordance with board policy and Texas law.

LHISD eyes November tax election to oﬀset deﬁcit, boost teacher pay

During the school board meeting held July 21, LHISD trustees took a hard look at the district’s ongoing ﬁnancial strain as they prepare to adopt the 2025–2026 budget.

With adoption just weeks away, the board signaled unanimous support for a potential Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) in November to help close the gap between rising costs and stagnant funding.

Since 2023, LHISD has been operating at a deﬁcit and has already implemented $8 million in cuts, many of which have come at the expense of staﬃng. Despite these reductions, district leadership made it clear that Liberty Hill’s employee compensation still lags behind neighboring districts—putting the district at risk of losing teachers to be er-paying opportunities elsewhere.

“We’ve made hard cuts, but the reality is we’re still falling behind,” said Chief Financial Oﬃcer Rosanna Guerrero.

One of the most pressing concerns is teacher pay. A regional salary comparison presented at the meeting illustrated the challenge. Under the proposed 2025–2026 budget, starting salaries in Liberty Hill would be $55,450 with a 1 percent midpoint increase, or $56,050 with a 2 percent increase—still lower than starting salaries in districts like Leander ISD ($56,995), Round Rock ISD ($56,750), and Pﬂugerville ISD ($57,700).

The gap widens over time. A Liberty Hill teacher with 25 years of experience would make up to $68,950 under the current proposal, compared to $72,750 in Round Rock ISD and $72,400 in Pﬂugerville ISD.

These disparities highlight a growing concern about retention and recruitment in a district that’s rapidly expanding.

Enrollment is expected to increase by approximately 1,000 students in the coming year, and LHISD has already added 100 employees in compliance with House Bill 2. Looking forward, the district must also prepare to staﬀ several new campuses opening in the future.

The board noted that the district is currently operating with only six weeks of cash ﬂow, underscoring the urgency behind the proposed tax rate election.

The board is expected to ﬁnalize the budget in August, with additional discussions on the potential November election.

LHISD is exploring new branding concepts for both its logo and designs. Additional design concepts will be unveiled in the coming month. COURTESY GRAPHICS

LHISD unveils new branding concepts

At the July 21 school board meeting, Rachel Acosta, director of communications and community engagement for LHISD, presented additional looks for the updated branding concepts for the district—part of an ongoing eﬀort to create a cohesive visual identity across all media platforms.

The presentation included updated seal designs with a patriotic red, white and blue color scheme and modernized graphic elements. The current boardroom seal, which prominently features the Texas state outline and the LHISD name, served as the foundation for two new design concepts.

The refreshed designs include stylized Panther icons—one sleek and golden, the other a bold blue—set within the Texas silhoue e.

Both options retain the traditional circular layout and district branding but introduce cleaner lines and updated color contrasts for improved clarity on digital platforms.

“These graphics must look strong on everything from le erhead to social media and websites,” Acosta said.

The seal refresh is part of a larger “Panther Refresh” initiative, which includes reimagining other district logos and symbols tied to Liberty Hill’s identity. Additional design concepts are expected to be unveiled in the coming month.

Acosta encouraged board members and stakeholders to share feedback as the process continues, noting that input will help ensure the ﬁnal designs reﬂect the values and spirit of the Liberty Hill community.

Board members provided their feedback and weighed in during the meeting. This is an ongoing initiative.

LHISD proposes new facility rental guidelines

To improve transparency, accountability and revenue generation, LHISD recently unveiled a series of recommendations to overhaul its current facility rental process.

The proposed changes were presented to the school board and are aimed at simpli-

fying the pay structure, protecting district resources and ensuring proper usage of school facilities.

Under the proposed guidelines, a tiered rental structure would be established to distinguish between user groups.

The categories would include LHISD staﬀ, district-aﬃliated groups (such as the Liberty Hill Education Foundation and PTOs), Liberty Hill youth leagues with volunteer coaches, and all other external users.

Any organization found to have misrepresented its aﬃliation would be charged the full rental rate and barred from future use.

To further safeguard district resources, the recommendations call for the creation of a minimum usage requirement for all renting organizations to ensure the district’s operational costs are covered. Additionally, deposits would be required from outside organizations, especially those not previously known to the district.

Other safeguards include a strict no-suble ing policy and a system to monitor and enforce it. Only a limited number of designated users would have the authority to approve rentals, tightening oversight on who can access school properties.

A key component of the plan is the creation of a dedicated role to manage all facility rentals. This individual would be responsible for verifying user compliance, ensuring that all required steps are completed, and ultimately driving potential revenue growth for the district.

Currently, all facility renters are required to provide their own insurance as well.

“By having a single point of contact overseeing rentals, the district can be er protect its facilities, recover costs and streamline the process,” said Dustin Akin, executive director of operations for LHISD.

As the number of district facilities and external rental agreements continues to grow, trustees discussed the possibility of hiring a full-time employee to oversee and manage these operations.

The proposed updates are expected to return to the board for further review and potential adoption in coming months.

Cash Can, Cash Did

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

When Liberty Hill resident Cash Samarron was just 11 years old, his life – and the lives of those around him – changed forever.

In January 2018, Cash was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that began in his right pelvis and eventually spread to other places in his body, including his vertebrae, skull and lungs. For nearly eight years, he fought with remarkable courage, undergoing countless rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and spot therapy – all while inspiring the entire town.

Early in his journey, Liberty Hill rallied around the Samarron family through a grassroots movement called “Cash Can.” It started with bracelets and T-shirts raising funds for his medical care and quickly grew into a community-wide effort. Liberty Hill schools hosted “Cash Can” days, encouraging students to wear red – Cash’s favorite color – in solidarity.

His mother, Lori Samarron, regularly shared updates on his journey on a Facebook page, which was also called Cash Can. She would use the page as a way to not only share her thoughts, but also Cash’s thoughts and experiences as he went through treatment, often revealing the quiet strength and unwavering faith that defined her son.

“He just had a knowing that no matter what happened, God was going to take care of him,” Lori said. “He chose to live life fully, even if that meant stepping away from treatment to protect his mental peace. That kind of strength – it’s hard to describe.”

In March of this year, Cash made the decision to discontinue radiation. Though his body grew tired, his spirit never wavered. He graduated high school – a major milestone – and celebrated quietly, as he often did with big accomplishments.

On July 14, surrounded by family, Cash passed away in peace, just one day after entering the hospital in organ failure. He was 18.

Those who knew Cash agreed he had a wisdom beyond his years. He once told his mom, “I wish people were see-through. I wish we knew what people have to deal with every day.”

Kendra Cofer, founder of the nonprofit L4 Cares, remembers how Cash’s story inspired one of the organization’s most

enduring programs. Early on, she arranged a visit from players with the Austin Spurs to lift Cash’s spirits, as basketball was his biggest love in life.

They went to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin, where Cash was staying during treatment.

“He was having a rough day,” Cofer said. “But when those big guys walked into the hospital room in full uniform, Cash lit up. One of them led a prayer circle around him – it was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever witnessed.”

That visit sparked an idea – why not bring superheroes to other kids fighting cancer, in Cash’s honor? Eight years later, the initiative has become L4 Cares’ largest and most beloved program.

“He had a calmness about him and a desire to help kids like him,” Cofer added.

Cash’s journey also caught the attention of the Round Rock-based Clay Madsen Foundation, which supports families of children with cancer. Sarah Madsen-Cox, the foundation’s director, met the Samarrons in 2018.

“Cash was one of the strongest kids we’ve ever worked with,” Madsen-Cox said. “Even after chemo, he always had a smile and time for others. He was a big brother not just to his own siblings, Jett and Teddi, but to every child fighting a similar battle.”

The foundation provided meals, financial support and a shoulder to lean on during Cash’s cancer journey.

“He never complained,” Madsen-Cox said. “He was a true inspiration – gracious, calm and full of heart.”

In her reflections, Lori shared the heartache of losing her son – but also the peace that came with knowing how deeply he touched the world around him.

“I couldn’t hug him enough or tell him I loved him enough,” she said. “But even at the end, he was smiling, saying he loved us and that he loved Liberty Hill. He changed our family and this community in so many ways.”

Each year on July 14, the family plans to honor Cash’s memory with a red balloon release.

Friends and loved ones are invited to share memories and continue spreading the positivity he embodied.

“Cash always chose joy,” Lori said. “He believed nothing was ever too hard and he wanted people to feel seen and loved. I know God’s going to do something big with his story. I’m just so grateful I got to be his mom.”

Cash Samarron shared a close relationship with his siblings, Jett and Teddi. They celebrated alongside him as he graduated from Liberty Hill High School in May 2025. COURTESY PHOTO

Cash Samarron, center, had a large fan club cheering him on as he graduated from Liberty Hill High School in May 2025. Graduating high school was a major life goal for Samarron. COURTESY PHOTO

Down but not out

Historic treasure takes a hit during recent storms, neighbors call on community to bring it back better than ever before

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

Durham Park is one of Liberty Hill’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Its sprawling collection of multi-acreage estates, complete with ancient oak trees and views of the night sky so intense that it feels as if one can reach out and touch the stars, there’s rarely a house that goes up for sale and it isn’t hard to understand why.

As the city continues to welcome one and all to its newfound hustle and bustle, this sought after refuge on the southern boundaries of town offers a buffer for those that, though they may welcome those who now call Liberty Hill home, can do it from afar, with a friendly nod and a wave.

At the heart of Durham Park sits Hurricane Hall, a historic structure that has welcomed those in the neighborhood and beyond for generations.

From its towering shade trees and expansive green spaces to the nearby pavilion and community swimming pool, this stoic stone structure has quietly seen it all over the years as it acts as the community hub, but it now stands in need of help.

As Texas is known to do during this time of year, some impressive storms courtesy of Mother Nature recently took the roof off what some say to be a century old reminder of what used to be.

In the aftermath of significant storms that wreaked havoc on much of Liberty Hill’s southern residents, the small but close-knit neighborhood is left with a list of unknowns, including how to fund the needed repairs in a time frame that will limit any further damage of now-exposed parts of the building.

But, as some see it, those questions will soon find their answer. However, action was needed nonetheless, so the work began, and the cleanup soon followed.

Fast forward to the present day, those questions have once again reared their ugly heads. With limited funds from an even more limited number of contributors via the Durham Park Association, the neighborhood HOA, there’s some scratching of the head going on, but with the hope that the community will step in to help.

“Our next steps are to collect bids on repairing the damage,” said Scott Porter, president of the Durham Park Association.

“After that, depending on cost, is how to pay for it.”

As the means and methods of how to accurately restore the building begin to lend themselves to the likely substantial costs required to proceed, both contractors and Porter alike will need a clear path to the money, and it will take some creative avenues to get it done.

“We did send out our annual assessments with a separate sheet asking for donations,” said Porter. “We’re looking for additional ways to fund this. We might just be able to squeeze it in, but it will leave us very low on funds.”

If Liberty Hill is known for one thing, it’s how it steps up to support its fellow community members. There is a long and proud history of people helping those in need, whether they know them or not.

The slogan “small town, big heart” was not pulled like a random cheap toy from a cereal box; it’s a saying that fits this community very well and it has an infectious nature.

“Josh, Allen and Robert, they were out there at six o’clock last Saturday,” said Mike Kristan, a Durham Park resident, as he read through a recent Facebook post on their neighborhood page that spoke of a trio of residents, along with Porter, that took it upon themselves to initiate the cleanup efforts. “It’s all been a community effort.”

With the debris cleanup behind them, the next steps will likely be much trickier, as the neighborhood association weighs the different methods of how to repair the building in a manner that will ensure the continued longevity of the structure.

The common denominator, no matter the method, will be the cost of the repairs.

“We’ve had some volunteer work, which saved us some money,” said Porter. “A lot of the community has stepped up, but there’s still more to do.”

The Durham Park community has shown up to contribute where they can and the association is actively looking for ways to ensure this building is restored to its former glory.

Without it, the community will lose access to its core history and will have to look elsewhere for places to gather and celebrate together.

That’s where the surrounding commu-

and to the right, Hurricane Hall in the Durham Park neighborhood recently suffered considerable storm damage. Fundraising efforts for restoration of the community’s historical hub are currently underway.

COURTESY

PHOTOS

nity members come in. Through the power of community, there will be continued reasons for hope, and those gatherings and celebrations will likely soon pick back up where they left off.

To contribute monetarily, go to www.

zeffy.com/donation-form/repair-thedurham-park-clubhouse.

For more information on how to contribute in other ways, including volunteering, send an email to president@durhampark. info.

Above

Taking the load off Liberty Hill, one wash at a time

BY LESHELLE VALLEJO STAFF WRITER

For Liberty Hill local Rose Branigan, launching a commercial laundry business wasn’t part of a lifelong dream – it was simply the next right step.

What began as a practical extension of her short-term rental business has quickly grown into a thriving, full-scale laundry service serving families, businesses and even recent flood disaster victims throughout the area.

Branigan and her husband, Jon, are longtime members of the Liberty Hill community and have deep roots in Central Texas. Jon is a 25-year home builder turned land consultant and Rose worked formerly in the corporate world and later became a stay-athome mom.

Rose transitioned her business focus during the Covid pandemic, when she opened The Casitas at Copper Ridge, a group of tiny homes that offer both long- and short-term rentals just off County Road 279.

Since opening the business, the Branigans have found themselves overwhelmed not by guests, but by laundry.

“Turning over laundry for guests was a full-time job in itself,” Rose said. “I never realized how much laundry piles up until I had to manage it all at once.”

So, in March 2025, Bright Bubble Laundry was born.

Starting with a modest on-site facility and a few commercial machines, Rose quickly realized the demand far exceeded her expectations. In just a few short months, she’s expanded her team to four staff members – many of them local moms seeking flexible work – and is now preparing to move into a larger facility with additional machines.

The business is truly a family affair. The Branigans’ daughter, Charli, also plays an important role in the day-to-day operations. Whether it’s helping manage schedules and deliveries or folding loads of laundry, Charli’s involvement has helped Bright Bubble Laundry run smoothly while reinforcing the family-centered heart of the business.

What sets Bright Bubble Laundry apart isn’t just the sparkling clean laundry – it’s the personal service. The business is fully curbside, offering pickup and delivery seven days a week, with a guaranteed 24-hour turnaround.

“We’re not doing this as a side hustle,” Rose said. “This is a full-time business and we treat it that way. We communicate clearly, we’re responsive, and we always deliver on time.”

That level of care shows, especially during meaningful moments.

After the July flooding in Liberty Hill, Rose and her team helped affected families clean and recover their clothing and linens. Volunteers from the community came out to help fold clothes

Rose Branigan began Bright Bubble Laundry as a practical extension of her short-term rental business, but it has quickly grown into a thriving, full-scale laundry service serving families, businesses and even recent flood disaster victims throughout the area. COURTESY PHOTO

and even fed those lending a hand.

“It was incredible to see so many people come together and help,” Rose said. “That’s what this community is about.”

Bright Bubble Laundry offers traditional wash-and-fold or wash-and-hang services at $2 per pound, as well as specialized cleaning for larger household and pet items like rugs, comforters, horse blankets and pet beds. They also offer same-day services and provide commercial laundry support for hotels, spas and other businesses.

Many of their customers include oil field and construction workers living temporarily in the area, staying in RVs or hotels and needing fresh laundry after long, hot days in the field.

In August, Bright Bubble Laundry will move into its new, expanded facility, with

plans to begin servicing surrounding cities. Rose also hopes to introduce dry cleaning in the near future, offering the same convenient pickup-and-drop-off model but with slightly longer turnaround times.

Despite her growing success, Rose remains humble and grounded.

“It’s not as easy as people think,” she said. “Owning your own business can run you into the ground if you don’t set boundaries. You have to find something you love and be clear about your priorities.”

Bright Bubble Laundry may have started out of necessity – but it’s grown into something much more – a business built on service, community and the joy of making people’s lives just a little bit easier.

For more information on Bright Bubble Laundry, visit brightbubblelaundry.com.

Rose Branigan’s daughter, Charli, also plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of Bright Bubble Laundry. COURTESY PHOTO

Freetail Rooﬁng – Locally Owned.

Liberty Hill named International Dark Sky Community

Liberty Hill has been designated an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International, making it the first such community in Williamson County.

Liberty Hill is the 23rd Dark Sky Place (including communities, parks, sanctuaries, etc.) in Texas and the ninth Dark Sky Community in Texas.

This designation is a significant milestone for the fast-growing Hill Country city, reflecting a strong community commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky amid ongoing development.

Liberty Hill sits between the forks of the San Gabriel River and is surrounded by scenic hills, historic architecture, and a vibrant small-town culture.

With a population now exceeding 13,700, the city continues to attract new families drawn to its schools, parks and welcoming spirit.

Founded in the mid-1800s, Liberty Hill has worked to balance its rapid growth with efforts to preserve its historic charm—and now, its night skies.

The effort to become a Dark Sky Community began in 2020, when concerned citizens formed the Liberty Hill Save Our Stars volunteer group during COVID-19 lockdowns.

The group partnered closely with the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission to draft an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, which was adopted in 2022. Since then, the city has inventoried more than 1,100 lights, initiated lighting retrofits across City Hall, the Stubblefield Building, and public parks, and committed to completing all city retrofits, including streetlights maintained by Pedernales Electric Coop, by August 2027.

To support compliance, the city will retrofit public facilities, enforce lighting requirements for new builds, support existing businesses during the transition, and increase education and awareness.

In parallel, Save Our Stars has conducted night lighting audits, hosted annual public star parties in collaboration with the Austin Astronomical Society, designed awareness materials, staffed booths at the Whimsy & Wonder Festival and The Market LHTX, and launched the “Night Sky Friendly Business” program to recognize responsible lighting in the community.

“Liberty Hill’s commitment to preserving the night sky is a shining example of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose and passion,” said Cindy Luongo Cassidy, board presi-

dent of DarkSky Texas. “This designation is more than a title—it’s a reflection of Liberty Hill’s regional leadership and a powerful reminder that protecting our skies protects our quality of life. Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible achievement.”

“Growing up in Liberty Hill, I loved the night skies with the stars and fireflies,” said Dr. Diane Williams, Liberty Hill City Council member and former Planning & Zoning Commissioner. “As the city grew, so did the light pollution that threatened to take that away. I am very thankful to the Save Our Stars volunteer group and the city leaders who initiated the effort for the lighting ordinance. I am really proud and excited that our city has reached this major milestone.”

“Becoming the first Dark Sky city in Williamson County is a proud moment for Liberty Hill and a shining example of what grassroots action can accomplish,” said Donna Leonard, founder of Liberty Hill Save Our Stars. “For over four years, the volunteers of Liberty Hill Save Our Stars have worked tirelessly to protect our night skies—not just for ourselves, but for future generations. In Texas, the stars at night are supposed to be big and bright. This designation honors that heritage and reflects our community’s deep commit-

ment to preserving what makes our Hill Country home so special.”

Looking ahead, Liberty Hill’s Dark Sky Committee has several initiatives in development. These include partnering with other aspiring Dark Sky cities to host workshops, launching a Tri-County Star Party at River Ranch County Park, and expanding outreach through local homeowners’ associations to promote the Five Principles of Responsible Lighting.

Ongoing sky darkness monitoring will ensure continued compliance and data tracking for the city’s night skies.

The DarkSky designation for Liberty Hill came after about five years of work from locals, city officials and consultants. COURTESY PHOTO

Council member Diane Williams and Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla during the announcement of the DarkSky designation at City Council July 23. COURTESY PHOTO

Maintaining momentum while moving forward

New Panthers head coach already assimilated

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

When David Seaborn was a high school football player, his head coach was a father figure – literally.

Seaborn’s father – also named David – was the head coach for his son at both Travis and LBJ High Schools in Austin.

Now, two decades later, Seaborn will have the same opportunity his father had after taking over the reins as Liberty Hill head coach this season, as his son DJ is a senior on the squad.

Not only does the chance to lead the Panthers represent a full-circle moment for him from a family standpoint, but for Seaborn it’s his first head-coaching position after 15 years of being an assistant, including the past four with the Purple-and-Gold.

“I had my father as head coach back in high school and now I get to be in charge of a program with my son,” said Seaborn. “Although I’m a little bit different from my dad, because personality-wise, I’m a bit of a live wire.”

According to Seaborn, his familiarity with the entire program inside and out makes an enormous difference compared to another coach arriving from the outside.

“It’s a big advantage,” said Seaborn. “Over the past four years, I’ve already cultivated relationships and for a program like ours that’s had a lot of success, I already know what the recipe looks like. Also, I know the kids and the coaches, which is the foundation.”

Seaborn is stepping into the void left by the departure of former head coach Kent Walker, who stepped down after four full seasons as sideline boss following the passing of his late brother Jeff in 2020, meaning for the first time in nearly a decade, Liberty Hill will be led by a head coach with a different surname than the one that had become synonymous with success – a run that included four consecutive state semifinal appearances and one in the Class 5A Division II championship game in 2021.

However, despite the situation he now finds himself in, Seaborn said he doesn’t view it as difficult.

“Not necessarily pressure,” he said. “All I have to do is everything possible to make sure we’re prepared when we take the field on Friday night and when that clock ticks

down to zeros, we’ve done everything we could to win.”

Along those lines – despite his increased responsibilities – Seaborn doesn’t anticipate drastic changes in the way he handles his business, only adjustments. He doesn’t feel he needs to make his mark right off the bat, but simply keep the program running on all cylinders as it has in the past.

“I’m not looking to put my stamp on the program,” he said. “My goal is to just make sure we put the kids in the best possible position to be successful, not just with Xs and Os, but with character building to make them great.”

Since his arrival in Liberty Hill, Seaborn has coached defensive backs and will continue to do so moving forward in addition to his role as head coach and boys’ athletic coordinator, along with keeping a close eye on all Panthers sports, he said.

“For me, it’s a blessing to be able to be a part of these kids’ lives with the girls’ and boys’ teams,” said Seaborn. “I believe my greatest strength is the ability to build positive relationships.”

David Seaborn is taking over as head coach from former head coach Kent Walker after 15 years as an assistant coach. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Just as new Panthers head coach David Seaborn played for his father in high school, he will now coach son DJ Seaborn (24) during his senior season. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Lighting up Dell Diamond

PHOTOS BY JBS SPORTS

In July, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League made a stop at Dell Diamond in Round Rock as part of its 10-city summer tour across America in showcasing the country’s best pro softball players. The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is the premier professional women’s softball league in the United States. The league will culminate in a best-of-three championship in August.

In elite company

Future Panthers set to compete for spot on Team USA

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

Cruz LaGrange and Hudson “Huddy” Starnes have been eating, sleeping and breathing baseball from a very young age.

As LaGrange enters his eighth-grade year and Starnes his sixth-grade year, they’ve already seen competition on many levels both at home and abroad, including multiple national stages via select baseball leagues.

But an even bigger stage awaits in the hills of Cary, N.C., as they have both been selected to represent the South Region at the USA Baseball National Training Complex, where they will try out for Team USA. The south region is comprised of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Louisiana, and only 36 total players are selected from each region to represent their age group.

The year-long process starts with individual skills assessments and training, as well as competing with other regions in an initial four-game series. From there, 40 players from each age group will compete to make the ﬁnal roster and eventually don the coveted Team USA uniform.

Mike Starnes, father of Hudson Starnes, spoke of the longtime friendship between the two boys that has developed into more of a brotherhood and to what this accomplishment means to him as well as Sco LaGrange, father of Cruz LaGrange.

“Cruz’s father is a former Marine and I am former Army,” said Starnes. “It holds a special place for both of us as veterans to have our kids be considered to play for Team USA.”

The recognition of both LaGrange and Starnes links back to their many forays into

the world of select baseball, which puts players into much more competitive scenarios facing a much broader age range and in a much broader region.

A byproduct of participating in these leagues is the recognition they receive from baseball scouts, including those who represent the National Team Identiﬁcation System, the very entity that selects youth players such as LaGrange and Starnes to try out for Team USA.

“So, instead of just staying in the Austin area, where you just play other select teams, which are usually the same kids every weekend, Cruz and Hudson have gone and put themselves on a national stage to where they’re recognized,” said Starnes. “When you do that, you kind of open up yourself to other opportunities.”

Liberty Hill is known for breeding champions and these two aspiring young players are living proof of just that. When any Liberty Hill team shows up to a game, their competition knows they have their work cut out for them.

As both LaGrange and Starnes get closer to wearing Panthers uniforms, they’ll be arriving with an unmatched exposure to some of the best to play the game, making them ba le ready from the word go.

“Whether they make the team or not – to be recognized as two of the top 150 players in the country, that’s amazing for the Liberty Hill brand,” said Starnes. “And when you go compete on this level and then come back to play a district team – you’re not intimidated, because you’ve seen it.”

Starnes gave much of the credit to the coaches that invest in players even before they reach their team – coaches like Panthers

baseball head coach Brandon Creek. When a coach sees promise in a young player and takes the time to make that clear to them, it creates a two-way street of expectations.

For the player, the expectation is to continue improving, using the recognition as fuel. For the coach, it’s that the player ﬁnally arrives to the team with the drive and discipline that they helped instill in them along the way.

“Liberty Hill, while it is growing, being such a small town, you have a coach like Coach Creek that is so embedded in the community, it makes these kids want to strive

and be like, ‘I want to make sure Coach Creek knows that I’m ready to play as soon as I step on the ﬁeld as a freshman,” Starnes said. “It’s the championship mentality.”

Liberty Hill will be rooting for LaGrange and Hudson as they take the ﬁeld in August. By the sound of it, the boys will be ready to make this small town proud.

“It’s a business trip,” said Starnes. “These kids work so hard and they sacriﬁce a lot of being kids. It’s tough to watch and you try to make them ﬁnd the balance and yes, they’re going to go there and have fun, but to these kids, it’s a business trip.”

•

Re-Election Campaign Statement for Judge Angela Williams, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 – Williamson County Paid for by Angela Williams for Justice of the Peace Pct 2 Campaign.

It is my greatest honor to serve as YOUR Justice of the Peace and to ofﬁcially announce my intent to seek candidacy for re-election as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2 in Williamson County. I am seeking another term as Justice of the Peace to continue upholding the Constitution and the laws of our great State of Texas. My commitment is to provide impartiality in every case, maintain efﬁciency in the courtroom, advocate for improvements that enhance our justice system, and serve with a strong community mindset. Together, we can ensure justice is fair, timely, and accessible to all.

Cruz LaGrange and Hudson Starnes have been invited to try out for Team USA at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. COURTESY PHOTO

Recalling heavy rains, floods from the past

BY JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

The devasting floods many people in the Liberty Hill area and other parts of Texas experienced last month triggered memories of past heavy rainfall events. Several years ago, after we’d been through a particularly heavy rain, I turned to Facebook and asked how many others recalled the Flood of 1957 that impacted thousands of folks in Central Texas.

William Seward was among those to respond and shared a few pictures from the aftermath of the flood. While I haven’t come across any reports of human life lost during the ‘57 flood, I’ve heard that many lost livestock and bridges and roads received severe damage from the heavy rainfall that covered a large portion of Williamson County and the Central Texas area.

Rick Andrews commented, “I recall sitting on my front porch watching houses float down the San Gabriel,” while Seward himself, in a separate post, noted, “Darn near every bridge around washed out that year, 1957. I remember it.”

Jane Allman commented, “After the flood of ‘57, we had good swimming all summer.” In another thread, following a post by George Hyman that included more pictures of the ‘57 flood, Lisa Canady Laminack recalled, “My mom, Faye Canady, told me about the flood and how she and Patsy

Smith crawled across a tree that was wedged where the bridge had washed out at the South San Gabriel on 183 to get home. They both worked in Austin then. My dad, Joe Ed Canady, was on the other side to pick them up. The next morning dad took them back and they both crawled back across the tree and got in their car and drove back to Austin to work.”

One tragic tidbit of information I’ve come across while looking into the ‘57 flood had to do with a little-known cemetery that’s apparently located west of US 183 a few miles north of Seward Junction.

According to findagrave.com, the Foster Cemetery, located on the banks of the North San Gabriel River, was badly damaged during the flood, with many markers washed away. Of course, while the 1957 flood continues to be a primary source of conversation when folks talk about floods that impacted the local area (it did trigger lawmakers to pass legislation that paved the way for more than 40 dams or lakes to be built in the years that followed), it was not the only significant flood in the past century to heavily impact Williamson County and Liberty Hill.

The flood of 1921 claimed many lives in the eastern portion of the county, many of whom historians believe to have been migrant workers who were camped along the banks of the San Gabriel.

According to historical accounts, 215 persons died in Texas in the ‘21 flood, with 93

COURTESY OF GEORGE HYMAN

of those in Williamson County. I have not come across any reports of any Liberty Hill fatalities from the ‘21 flood, but a newspaper article from a 1921 issue of the Williamson County Sun noted that “Lee Mather lost 50 head of sheep...” and “quite a number of head of stock all along the Gabriel were lost.”

Among the bridges destroyed in the 1921 flood was one at Gabriel Mills. More than 50 years would pass before the bridge was replaced.

Of course, these two events, while perhaps the most devastating to have occurred in local history, are not the only times Liberty Hill has been hit with hard rain. I recall in the mid-1980s driving out to County Road 285 and finding the roads impassable.

It wasn’t too many years ago that heavy

Cash T. Samarron

Oct. 22, 2006 - July 14, 2025

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Cash T. Samarron who left us far too soon on July 14, 2025, at the age of 18.

Born in Austin, Cash was raised in Liberty Hill since six months of age. He brought so much light, laughter and pure joy into the world from the moment he arrived.

With a huge heart and ever-present smile, Cash had a gift for making people feel special and loved. He gave the best hugs that felt like forever and had a deep love for time with his family and friends. He was a devoted son, a loyal friend, and a young man of great integrity, humor and compassion.

Cash graduated from Liberty Hill High School in May of this year. He was a lifelong basketball

fan on and off the court. You could often find him playing basketball on his home court or watching his favorite teams, the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys. Off the court he had a deep love for trains, something that started in childhood and never faded. Trains gave him a quiet joy and wonder that reflected his thoughtful nature.

Cash faced every obstacle in his life with incredible courage. He was strong not just in body, but in heart and spirit. His resilience and strong faith inspired those around him and taught us the true meaning of bravery.

Though our time with him was far too short, the impact he made will last a lifetime. He reminds us that even in sorrow, God’s love never fails and that we are never truly apart when we carry one another in prayer.

He is deeply missed by his parents Sean and

rains resulted in the bridge on RR 1869 being covered with water from the south fork of the San Gabriel River and huge chunks of pavement being washed away.

In June 2007, Liberty Hill firefighters found themselves rescuing a total of eight persons in two separate incidents, one of which occurred on West Bear Creek Road near the north fork of the San Gabriel River.

In the mid-1990s, as a member of the fire department, I found myself and another volunteer dispatched to County Road 214, where we were told to advise travelers of high water up ahead on the road and encourage them to turn around.

One fellow refused to heed our advice and went around us. I heard later his vehicle ended up being washed off the road, but fortunately, he escaped unharmed.

Lori Samarron; his brother Jett Samarron; his sister Teddi Samarron; grandparents Lloyd and Paula Curington; grandmother Ella Samarron; uncle and aunt Doug and Lindsey Curington; aunt Sona Samarron; uncles Victor and Telesforo Samarron; cousins Ryan and Addy Curington, Ricky and Aaliyah Ortiz, Unike Rodriguez; and many more extended family.

A celebration of Cash’s life was held July 21 at 1 p.m. at Glad Tidings Church in Leander. Burial took place immediately after at Liberty Hill Cemetery, with a balloon release after.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to two foundations that were near and dear to Cash’s heart: L4 Cares and the Clay Madsen Foundation.

Forever loved. Deeply missed. Always remembered. Not bye, but see you later!

Among the bridges washed out during the 1957 flood that ravaged Liberty Hill and Williamson County was this one located on County Road 214. The bridge, which connected CR 214 to US 183, was never replaced, although remnants of it remain. PHOTO

EVENTS CALENDAR

August 2

SATURDAY UNDER THE OAKS WITH ERIC HEIDEMAN BAND

Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

6:30-9 p.m. agapebbq.com

DEPARTURE ATX

Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram

8-10 p.m., $30-$233 globetheatretx.com

August 6

TRIVIA NIGHT

Liberty Hill Beer Market

13851 SH 29, Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m. facebook.com/even

ts/1393333915176201/139333399517 6193

August 8

CHRISTIAN FAMILY BARN DANCE

Williamson County Cowboy Church 8111 RM 1869, Liberty Hill

6:30-10 p.m. facebook.com/even

ts/561696806836684/561696820170 016

August 9

DEKA MILE/DEKA STRONG

Rebel Fitness

126 Holmes Rd., Liberty Hill

7 a.m.

rebelﬁtnesstx.com

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH AND STREET DANCE

The Market LHTX Downtown Liberty Hill 6 p.m. themarketlhtx.com

BACK-TO-SCHOOL COOKIE

DECORATING CLASS

Baked by Joy Leigh 1201 Main St., Liberty Hill 12-2 p.m., $50 bakedbyjoyleigh.com

August 11

THE WORLD OF LICHEN

Williamson County Master Gardener

100 Wilco Way, Georgetown (Georgetown Annex) 6:45-8 p.m. txmg.org/williamson

August 14

PURE WATER LHTX COMMUNITY TOWN HALL

Liberty Hill Learning & Events Center

14875 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 5:30-7 p.m. purewaterlhtx.org

August 15

THE MERLES PLAY RAY: A CHEROKEE COWBOY DANCE Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8-10 p.m., $25-$233

globetheatretx.com

FRIDAYZ WITH KEN & RENEE

Dahlia Cafe

2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

6:30-8:30 p.m.

facebook.com/ events/977080897320738

August 16

LIBERTY HILL OPEN

PRESENTED BY LIBERTY HILL

MASONIC LODGE

Delaware Springs Golf Club

600 Delaware Springs Blvd., Burnet 8:30 a.m., $600/team of four libertyhillopen@gmail.com

SATURDAY UNDER THE OAKS WITH THE STEEL BELTS

Agape BBQ

3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

6:30-9 p.m. agapebbq.com

August 23

TY GRUBB

Fire Oak Distillery

4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill

12 p.m.

facebook.com/ events/1223756259247676

HANDS ON IN THE GARDEN PROPAGATION WORKSHOP CUTTINGS & DIVISIONS Williamson County Master Gardener

100 Wilco Way, Georgetown (Georgetown Annex) 9-11 a.m. txmg.org/williamson

August 30

TASMIN AND TIM

Liberty Hill Beer Market

13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

7 p.m.

facebook.com/ events/603145415853478

Back-to-School Cookie Decorating Class

Departure

Tasmin and Tim

The Steel Belts

Eric Heideman Band