Liberty Hill Independent Monthly - March 2022

March 2022 | LHIndependent.com

PASSION ON WHEELS

Q&A with Mayor Liz Branigan p.10

Biz Briefs: What’s New or Coming to Liberty Hill p.12

Classic cars bring out the best in local collectors

Spreading the Love of Soccer p.26

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

CONTENTS

YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL EXPERTS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 2012

FEATURES 14 | CLASSIC CARS

Classic cars bring out the best in local collectors

25 | A PERFECT SCORE

LHHS student earns the highest score on the ACT college entrance exam

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26 | LIBERTY HILL YOUTH SOCCER Youth soccer league growing with the community

CARPET CLEANING WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION TILE & GROUT CLEANING POWER WASHING DISINFECTION SERVICES

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36 | TRAVEL TAYLOR

A short drive from Liberty Hill, Taylor is the ultimate day trip, offering something unique for every age

DEPARTMENTS

BEFORE

8 | OPINION

Columnists James Wear, Wilt Cutter, and What’s New at your hometown newspaper

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL TODAY 512-825-4005 OR SCAN TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT!

10 | Q&A

Liz Branigan looks back on her first term as Mayor of Liberty Hill

12 | BIZ BRIEFS

What’s new in Liberty Hill

19 | THE CITY BEAT

Learn more about the City Council and Economic Development Corp.’s actions from February

AFTER

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ABOUT OUR COVER

22 | HOMES AROUND THE HILL Area Real Estate listings

29 | SPORTS

Liberty Hill High School sports features, Panthers of the Month

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38 | LOCAL EVENTS

Local entertainment coming in March

500+ FIVE STAR REVIEWS

Classic cars bring out the best in local collectors. Just ask James McGuire, whose 1967 Lincoln Continental took five years to restore into a showpiece.

PHOTO BY STACY COALE

LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT MONTHLY | A Publication of Texas Independent News Corp.

PUBLISHER | Shelly Wilkison CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Stacy Coale ADVERTISING SALES | Stacy Coale CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Rachel Madison, Scott Akanewich, Shelly Wilkison, James Wear, Wilt Cutter

www.LHIndependent.com The information in this publication was compiled with great care to assure the accuracy of editorial content and advertising copy. Liberty Hill Independent Monthly and its parent company assume no liability for the accuracy of the information reported to us herein, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. For advertising rates and information, or to obtain additional copies, call (512) 778-5577 or send email to news@LHIndependent.com. This publication is truly a collaborative effort of experienced journalists, a professional design team, advertising specialists and many others passionate about sharing the story of Liberty Hill, Texas. Copyright©2022 Texas Independent News Corp./Liberty Hill Independent. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.

Owner DJ Keegan & Family

www.tetriscleaningservices.com 815 Loop 332 | Liberty Hill

Contact Us: (512) 778-5577 | News@LHIndependent.com | Liberty Hill Independent, PO Box 1235, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 | Stop by at 921 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

101 JONATHAN DR., SUITE 4 • LIBERTY HILL • WWW.LIBERTYHILLPEDIATRICS.COM

Meet the News Nerds of THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT SHELLY WILKISON OWNER/PUBLISHER With more than 30 years experience as a professional journalist, Shelly earned a degree in journalism and Spanish from Baylor University in 1984. Specializing in public affairs reporting, she worked for major dailies and smaller bi-weekly newspapers in Texas where she covered politics, elected officials, city and county governments, the Texas Legislature, criminal and civil courts, and law enforcement before purchasing The Independent in 2010. In 2009, she started a local website -- Radio Free Liberty Hill -- that covered local news and provided internships to aspiring high school journalists.

In addition to newspaper experience, she served as a press secretary to a state senator in the late 1980s, and later as a media consultant, working through her company to produce print publications and websites for businesses and organizations across the country. She moved to Liberty Hill with her family in 1999.

NEWS@LHINDEPENDENT.COM

STACY COALE MEDIA SPECIALIST ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Responsible for advertising sales as our Media Specialist, Stacy also serves as Creative Director for our publications. Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Stacy earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Louisiana Tech University. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the advertising and publishing industries as an award-winning art director with Publicis Groupe in Indianapolis and Reed Business Information (now RELX Group) in Chicago.

Stacy enjoys the collaborative experiences she shares with her clients and strives to deliver results that consistently exceed their expectations.

STACY@LHINDEPENDENT.COM

SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR An award-winning journalist with 20 years of experience in the military and civilian sectors, Scott is a native of San Diego, California, who adopted Liberty Hill as his home in 2019. He specializes in coverage of high school sports.

Scott enlisted in the U.S. Army following

9/11 and went to Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, followed by Advanced Individual Training at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Maryland, where he was trained as a military journalist. Following a year-long tour in South Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, he was stationed at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, for the remainder of his active-duty enlistment, during which time he rose to the rank of sergeant.

SPORTS@LHINDEPENDENT.COM

RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER With more than 15 years experience in journalism, Rachel covers Liberty Hill city government and local business.

Previously, she worked as associate editor for Utah Business Magazine and was the community editor for the Tooele Transcript-Bulletin in Utah. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and print journalism from Dixie State University in St. George, Utah. She lives in Liberty Hill and volunteers in the community as public relations and media chair for the Liberty Hill Education Foundation.

RACHEL@LHINDEPENDENT.COM

JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST A native of Florence who now resides in Andice, James pursued a childhood interest in journalism and earned a degree in offset printing from Central Texas College. He worked for the Lampasas Dispatch where he split time between production and news writing, then served as sports editor for a newspaper in Seguin before taking a job at The Independent under a previous owner. He left in 1989 and worked in construction before returning to The Independent as a columnist in 2015.

ALEX RUBIO SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER By day, Alex works from his home office in Liberty Hill for a major employer in Central Texas. Since 2015, he has transformed into the sports photographer you see on nights and weekends running up and down the football sidelines or sitting on the court taking photos of Liberty Hill athletes for The Independent. Alex also shoots for Austin FC.

WHAT’S NEW

BY SHELLY WILKISON

OWNER/PUBLISHER

For more than 34 years, The Liberty Hill Independent has been delivering a weekly print newspaper chronicling local news and events, and reporting stories about the people who make our community special.

In a quest to reach more readers with the news of our hometown, the newspaper has transformed itself in different ways through the decades. But this year, the community will see the biggest change to date as we introduce Liberty Hill Independent Monthly in print and move all of our daily headlines to our website, LHINDEPENDENT.COM. We want you to know things when they happen as opposed to waiting a week, or even a month, to get ink on your hands.

While our social media pages are always buzzing, we now have a faster way to deliver the news to you when you want it.

We rolled out a new look on LHINDEPENDENT.COM where we are posting and updating stories there continuously throughout the day. Sign up for the free Daily Independent newsletter that will

deliver the headlines to you by email. For those who prefer the news in print, our Independent Monthly is the news capsule of the most important stories to help you keep up with your world.

Under this faster news and features platform online, our goal is to make sure you gain everything and lose nothing. In fact, in the process you will get to know us a little better. It seems only fair that you get to know the news nerds who have spent our careers chasing down the often stubborn, elusive facts and working hard to get them right. We do this work because we believe it is our calling in life.

Change can be difficult, but there is no going back to the sleepy Liberty Hill we moved to 23 years ago. The kids we raised here are grownups now. Our staff, whether old timers or newer Liberty Hill converts care deeply about you and this community.

So, we will embrace the change with you and promise that our mission has not changed. Our commitment has not changed and our professionalism has not changed. The only change is our platform for doing things better.

If you know, you know.

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EDITORIAL:

OPINION

L ooking B ack

The news must be independent and true

In 1929-30, when these Andice students were seniors, the average pay for a rural teacher was about $735 annually.

Pictured, seated, are Opal Houston, Ralph Love and Willie Ruth Asher. Standing from left, are Ima Womack, Superintendent J.Y. Taylor, Hoyt Stapp, Ruby Howland, Dwight Stapp, Maudine Wilkerson, Welborn Dunlop and Anna Mae Davis. COURTESY PHOTO

Would you work for $735?

In 1925, that was the average annual salary for a rural teacher

BY JAMES WEAR

COLUMNIST

Stories from The Broadcaster, a publication of the Rural School Teachers of Williamson County in the 1920’s, show public schools were vastly different from today.

Beneath a headline “What They’ve Done This Year” were the following items: - “Seymour school is getting a new well drilled and has gravel walks ready for the mud.

- “The Hudson school girls have a new baseball and bat. They are enjoying baseball since the basketball season.

- “White House community is planning to build a bigger and better school. Their new four-room building was destroyed by fire, March 5.”

While many things have changed since those times, other things remain the same, including articles recognizing the importance of teachers. Beneath the headline “Better the Teacher, Better the School” was the following: “One of our slogans for school and teacher days is ‘The better the teacher the better the school.’ It is often said that the teacher is the school. City schools on the average have better teachers than the country schools can afford. Longer terms and better pay make worthwhile the teachers position in the city.

“The average salary in the one-teacher schools of the country in 1924 was $735, while elementary teachers in cities of 2,500 to 5,000 population received the average salary of $1,229; in cities of 5,000 to 10,000

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the salary was $1,231, in cities of 10,000 to 30,000 it was $1,354, in cities of 30,000 to 100,000 it was $1,528; and cities of 100,000 or more the average salary of elementary teachers was $1,968.

“Some of the difference between city and rural salaries is due to the difference in cost of living, but not all. The city teachers are receiving pay for a longer school year -- an average of two months longer. But city school authorities demand higher qualifications. The teachers come forward with better training, and in turn demand adequate salaries.

“Would better training insure better salaries for the country teacher, or would better salaries encourage higher professional training?

“When the states provide sufficient funds for nine-month schools and adequate pay for competent teachers, trained teachers will report for duty.”

Other odds and ends that appeared in this particular issue included the following report from Annie Merl Alcorn, a ninth grade student at Weir.

Alcorn noted “There are ninety pupils enrolled and the attendance has been very good with the exception of those that have been out on account of sickness and those that are picking cotton.”

Harry B. White, a 10th grader at Friendship School, noted, “When the bell rang for recess or dinner the children crawled out windows or any way that was quickest,” in a story where he listed the improvements that had been made at his school since 1916.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war against the independent nation of Ukraine has not only highlighted the bizarre world of political and military strong men, but also the fragile relationship between politics and a free press.

Russian and Ukrainian citizens are seeing and hearing very different stories. Russian news agencies are controlled by politicians so the news the citizens are seeing and reading portrays a false narrative claiming Russian armed forces are entering a sovereign neighboring nation to secure the peace when the opposite is true.

The truth is that it’s an unjust war for geo political purposes of gaining power and punishing independence.

All the true information coming out of the country illustrates just how far a politically controlled press will go to coordinate lies.

Government-sanctioned lies. Politician certified lies.

Real journalists are risking their lives on the ground covering the war. Their commitment isn’t just to their employer or to their craft. They place their lives on the line for a far greater cause -- truth.

How does this affect your family here on the

Shin Oak Ridge? Well, an injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere. And a lie told loud enough and often enough will be believed as truth, even if it’s for only a short time.

Next week we are not likely to have to pack up our families and run toward another country’s border for safety and freedom. But this situation serves as a reminder that our freedoms are all connected to our ability to know the truth. When the politicians control the news, they can end debate, discussion and the ability to achieve justice.

Our nation has been fortunate. A free press was guaranteed along with the right of freedom of speech and the right to choose our leaders by voting. And although the struggle to keep those freedoms in place have ebbed and flowed with national failures, the politicians have never been able to own the press outright. Eventually, the truth has been known and has saved us.

When you read the news, remember that someone somewhere risked something important to tell you everything they could verify as true. We all are indebted to the great American traditions of truth seeking and independent truth telling.

Share your views with us. Send letters to the editor by email: news@LHIndependent.com

While complaining about the weather, the earth is trying to take care of whiny folks

BY WILT CUTTER

COLUMNIST

HEY! Gas prices are going up but we keep paying for it, taking pictures of the total charged to our debit cards and posting it to Facebook. Look, everyone knows Joe Biden personally travels the nation at night with a special socialist screwdriver raising the prices on each pump. No wonder that old man looks so tired.

Despite all the damage we manage to do to Mother Earth, she remains steadfast on a cycle of producing and sustaining life. I think deep thoughts like these as I’m coal rolling past the hippies in their Prius’ with the COEXIST bumper stickers as we are all headed to our jobs in Austin. I pass my fellow brothers in arms with ‘Come and Take It’ stickers and wonder which state agency they are employed by. We are all opposed to government and taxes, you know, except for the ones funding our jobs, health insurance and retirement plans. You know that’s different. We actually earn our money.

The punk in the cubicle next to mine

watches the NASA website on his lunch break. He plugs in his earbuds and leans in to look at what looks like a Kawasaki Mule fitted with cameras as it rumbles across Mars. Mars? You must be kidding me. If there really is a Mars it is insignificant to earth. It’s a lazy, do nothing planet. You can’t even hunt or fish up there even if it does exist, which I doubt. This guy in his Bernie shirt believes that NASA has put a vehicle on Mars. C’mon, Man! While this person (man?) eats his spinach wrap and contemplates a fake screen located somewhere in Arizona there are real things we should be focusing on, like Hillary Clinton’s emails.

The earth has been around for say 5,000 years or so and during its creation cycle by the hand of the Almighty his ownself, was built just for humans in seven days. It’s our home. It’s ours to dominate and build as many convenience stores and fast food joints as possible.

Wilt Cutter is the only man whose name is his profession. He finds beauty in the naturally occurring poetry of the Shin Oak Ridge.

His typewriter hates injustice.

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COMMUNITY | Q&A

We have been fortunate in our new council with all of the forward thinking as opposed to what we had before, which was dedicated to no change at all.

As for the staff, we’ve hired for the first time a human resources director, and he is going to help in recruiting and repopulating City Hall. It’s been empty for way too long.

We are going to repopulate it with the best and most creative people we can find. I have really missed the supportive and creative atmosphere that we had a couple of administrations ago.

Liz Branigan

BY RACHEL MADISON LHI MONTHLY: How long have you been a LH resident, and what brought you here?

LIZ: I’ve been in Liberty Hill since the 1970s.

I came here from Leander with my family to the Liberty Hill International Sculpture Symposium. We had a friend who talked my late husband into working for Meridell Achievement Center, which was a boys’ ranch at the time, and so we stayed. We were attracted to the atmosphere. I stayed home while he worked. I enjoyed the beautiful, natural setting, and the community cohesiveness and positive community spirit were even evident back then. I was so impressed with the local community bringing meals to the sculptors at the symposium as they worked. I decided this is where I needed to be.

LHI MONTHLY: Has change and fast growth been good for our city?

LIZ: I think growth is inevitable. It’s our role as a city government to step in and try to shape this growth as much as possible. I am working to the best of my ability with the planning department to update our comprehensive plan. I’d like to host town halls and get input from our citizens as we update that plan.

Our biggest challenge is avoiding a boom town mentality. The future city limits of Liberty Hill are surely going to be much

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larger. I want to foster an environment that is nurturing to businesses and citizens. We’ve tried to separate the two in the past, and it’s been a terrible failure. We can’t ignore the needs of our citizens or our businesses. We need to balance those two extremes.

LHI MONTHLY: What do you believe are Liberty Hill’s biggest strengths? Biggest challenges?

LIZ: Our strength is our cohesiveness. We also have a streak of creativity that I think sets us apart from surrounding cities. We have a high quality of artistic endeavors.

As for challenges, we are facing a conundrum with housing. We need a variety of housing for a variety of markets. I don’t like the term “workforce housing.” I want the workforce to be housed in whatever housing of their choice, so the city needs to grow in a manner that offers a variety of choices.

Affordable should have a newer and deeper meaning. We should be able to provide a wide range of quality accommodations. As we grow, I also want to encourage leaving room for things like churches, daycares and dog parks.

LHI MONTHLY: What did you think was important to accomplish during your first term that you haven’t been successful at? And why weren’t you able to reach that goal?

LIZ: The first thing I wanted to do was to re-

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

Mayor Liz Branigan has been an active member of the Liberty Hill community for decades. She’s served on the Parks & Recreation Board, held three terms on the Liberty Hill City Council, and even played for the Liberty Hill Angels community baseball league in the 1980s. Branigan has been serving as Mayor since November 2020, and during that time, has faced a lot of challenges, from a broken previous administration to unprecedented growth across the city, but said she is still the best person for the job. write our comprehensive plan to accommodate quality growth. I think we are working toward that but have not been able to bring that into any sort of realistic time frame.

Running a city is like sailing a ship. If it’s a large ship, it requires time and effort to turn it around. Turning Liberty Hill around as much as it’s needed takes a lot of time and effort.

LHI MONTHLY: During your first year as mayor, you struggled with a previous council that was largely still under the influence of Rick Hall. Some members of city staff were also still loyal to him. You were mostly outnumbered on council and some staff members remained uncooperative. What did you learn from that experience?

LIZ: Yes, at that time, the city council was Mr. Hall’s and the city staff was Mr. Hall’s.

That’s because Mr. Hall’s administration fired everybody that was there previously. We had almost no holdover.

The first place I went where I had an unsupportive administration was when I walked through the doors of City Hall for the first time. The staff and prior council were all shocked that I was there, but I had conducted a successful political campaign. They were happy with where they were and didn’t want to see any change. That’s been a challenge for me. I had to do a lot of talking to get a new council that’s on board with moving the City in a more citizen-focused direction.

LHI MONTHLY: What are you most proud of during your tenure as Mayor?

LIZ: We were talking about turning the momentum of the city, and I feel that it has turned. That is my most proud accomplishment. And last but not least, for 10 years citizens came to City Council meetings asking for a community swimming pool and it’s finally going in this year. I’m proud of that, too.

LHI MONTHLY: You recently allocated your Mayor’s stipend of $40,000 to the Liberty Hill Youth League. Why was that important to you?

LIZ: I chose to not accept the stipend as part of my campaign. I was running against an administration that was self-serving, and I wanted to be in contrast with that. I asked the previous council early on about donating the money, but they refused to let me do it.

Now with this council, they allowed me to donate it to the organization of my choice. I grew up playing baseball in the park with my friends, and I’ve had my wish in the days of the past, we would have had a softball team. I wanted to use this money as an opportunity to make baseball accessible to the girls and boys of our community. That’s one of the finer gifts I could give.

LHI MONTHLY: Do you plan on running for re-election? Why or why not?

LIZ: I am running for re-election. I’m old enough to retire but I’m strong enough to still be able to function in this role. I like a number of people, but I don’t see any of them stepping up to lead the city. I want to keep us moving in a forward direction.

LHI MONTHLY: What do you believe will be the most important issue facing the council in the next few years, and what should candidates for office be talking about during the upcoming election cycle?

LIZ: They should be talking about growth management and prosperity, and how we are going to grow and create prosperity at the same time. We also have many things we need to build and only so much money to build with, so we need help with arranging priorities. I also think transportation and improving our traffic flow is a big deal that will require a lot of hard thinking.

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BIZ BRIEFS

the other side features beer.

In addition to beverages, the Thirsty Penguin will also sell a variety of convenience items, tobacco products and lottery tickets. A patio on the backside of the building will be open for customers to stay and enjoy their beverages as well.

What’s New in 2022

New businesses on their way to Liberty Hill

in the middle of the strip center at Liberty Meadows Plaza, next to PT Solutions. The Liberty Hill location will serve the same popular pizza it has been known to serve since it opened its first location in Texas in the 1980s.

Double Dave’s Pizzaworks 12705 Hwy. 29, Liberty Meadows Plaza A new franchise of Double Dave’s Pizzaworks is set to open

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Thirsty Penguin 14751 Hwy. 29 A drive-thru daquiri shop and beer barn is now open in Liberty Hill. One side of Thirsty Penguin features daquiris—with 12 flavors on rotation—and

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Action Behavior Centers 667 US 183, Highland Office Park A new location for Action Behavior Centers will be opening in the Highland Office Park in North Leander. Action Behavior was founded in Austin and provides ABA therapy for children on the Autism spectrum.

Liberty Hill Animal Hospital Near 13130 Hwy. 29 This new veterinarian clinic will be located on the north side of Highway 29 next to Sunny Hill RV Park. The owner is Dr. Matthew Brooks of New Hope Animal Hospital in Round Rock.

Cold Springs Liquor 9073 Hwy. 29, Vista at 29 Cold Springs Liquor is opening its second location in Liberty Hill at Vista at 29. The first location in Leander, opened in 2016.

The store will be a full-service wine, beer and spirits store, and will have a drive-thru.

Austin Joinery 117 Bevers Road Austin Joinery is a custom furniture business. The project includes new construction of a 4,200 square-foot warehouse where furniture from dining tables and sideboards to book-

COURTESY PHOTO

Faithful + True Bridal House 719 N. US 183, Hill Country Square Liberty Hill’s first bridal boutique will be opening in Hill Country Square, behind Smokey Mo’s BBQ, and promises to offer customers timeless, romantic gowns with a modern touch. The store is set to open in March.

COURTESY PHOTO

Krab Kingz ^ 719 N US 183, Hill Country Square Krab Kingz started as a single food truck in the Fort Hood/ Killeen area, and decided to bring its cajun seafood to Liberty Hill in a brick-and-mortar restaurant at Hill Country Square behind Smokey Mo’s BBQ on US Highway 183.

SERVICES

RETAIL

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Munch Munch Waffles ^ 9073 Hwy. 29, Vista at 29 This family-owned restaurant started out as a food truck in 2019 and will now have a brickand-mortar location at the new Vista at 29 development on Highway 29. The menu will feature both sweet and savory waffles made just like the ones in Brussels.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • Cowboy Smoke Depot 15100 Hwy. 29 • Songbird Office Condo & Convenience Store 200 Mourning Dove Ln. • Nexgen Nails & Spa 201 St. Joseph Court • Hill Country Card Club 15399 Hwy. 29, Jardin Center • The UPS Store 9073 Hwy. 29, Vista at 29 • Olive & Sage Boutique 12700 Hwy. 29, Liberty Plaza

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • McDonald’s 12270 Hwy. 29, Stonewall Crossing • Taco Bell 11730 Hwy. 29, Stonewall Crossing • Wendy’s 12330 Hwy. 29, Stonewall Crossing • Popeye’s 12390 Hwy. 29, Stonewall Crossing • Koffe Café 9073 Hwy. 29, Vista at 29 • Michelle’s Patisserie 1908 Loop 332, Downtown Liberty Hill • Blue Sky Texas 13057 Hwy. 29, Heritage Ridge

This rendering shows what Stonewall Crossing, at the intersection of Highway 29 and Stonewall Parkway, might look like once it’s fully built out. So far, McDonald’s and Taco Bell have announced restaurants there. Landowner Rockspring will also be constructing an 11,000-square-foot retail strip center on the site. COURTESY GRAPHIC

FOOD & BEVERAGE

cases and desks can be custom made to order.

Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness ^ 13575 Hwy. 29 Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness will be a sister clinic to Sam Bass Veterinary Wellness in Round Rock. Dr. Todd Murphy (pictured, above) is the lead veterinarian for the clinic.

Bunch Pediatric Dentistry 9073 Hwy. 29, Vista at 29 Set to open in the spring, Bunch Pediatric Dentistry will provide a wide range of dental

services for infants, children and adolescents, from cleanings to emergency care.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS • Golf Cart King 111 CR 214 • Ortho 360 13882 Hwy. 29 • Community Barbershop 13561 Hwy. 29 • LMS Lonestar Masonry & Stone 5855 CR 258 • Patriot Storage 292 CR 214 • Whitewing Self Storage 1927 US 183 • Tex-Con Oil 180 N. US 183 • Magee Law Firm 13002 Hwy. 29 • Caliber Collision 12330 Hwy. 29 • LHTX RV Park & Store-N-Save 2224 RR 1869 • Rapid Express Car Wash near 13200 Hwy. 29 • Tex-Mix 9073 Hwy. 29, Vista at 29 • Liberty Hill Pediatrics 12661 Hwy. 29 • Great Clips 14125 Hwy. 29, Water Tower Center • Trillium Montessori 1699 US 183 • Paw’s Landing 1633 US 183 • True Smile Ortho 9073 Hwy. 29, Vista at 29 • Lotus Dental 9073 Hwy. 29, Vista at 29 • United K9 Academy 15399 Hwy. 29, Jardin Center Information gathered from the City of Liberty Hill, Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, LoopNet and Williamson County ESD No. 4.

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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

13

Plasencia originally hails from Saratoga Springs, New York, which was where the seeds for what would eventually become a hobby-turnedprofession were planted. He got his first car in 1990 – a ‘78 Firebird.

One rather fateful night, Plasencia decided to go for a drive in the upstate Empire State countryside, feeling pretty good about the hot rod he had at his disposal – until he happened upon one even hotter, he said.

“I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw a pair of round headlights about five cars behind me and I could hear something really cool,” said Plasencia. “It was a two-lane road and eventually the guy pulled up right next to me in a ‘67 Camaro before he took off and absolutely smoked me. Finally, we came up to a traffic light in town and he pulled up again and asked me if I wanted to race. I was like ‘No way! After what just happened?!’”

However, the experience left an indelible impression on him as he sat there after having been outclassed by the rival car. “Right then and there, I decided I wanted my car to go faster,” he said. “Which was when the light went on and the bug bit me.”

Plasencia moved to Houston in 2001, pursuing a career in information technology, then lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before returning to Texas, where he and his family eventually settled in Liberty Hill. Now, the two-car garage of his rural residence is akin to a muscle car shrine whose walls are adorned with various posters and neon signs that profess Plasencia’s love for all things automotive, which also includes an enormous toolbox, a flat-screen television mounted on the wall and a leather sofa and mini-fridge for when he takes a break from wrenching.

But, his pride and joy is the Mustang, a black beast named Jezebel, which Plasencia bought for $26,000 before transforming it into the muscle machine it is today – including the menacing paint scheme, although it looked quite different upon purchase, he said.

“When I bought the car, it was Kawasaki green,” said Plasencia, of the Kermit-the-Frog shade that had previously covered the vehicle. However, it was about far more than aesthetics when it came time to convert the car into a drag racer, complete with an engine that protrudes through the hood and of course, the gigantic racing slicks on the car’s rear wheels.

Plasencia does all the work himself and said a great deal of satisfaction comes from seeing the fruits of his labor in the form of what amounts to a completely different vehicle from the one he purchased.

“There’s a huge sense of gratification when you make changes and the car performs well,” he said. “It’s a real feeling of satisfaction and pride when you build something and it goes fast.” • Ernest Placentia stands next to his Chevrolet Corvette Z51, which sits in his garage right next to his 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, providing a unique automotive juxtaposition between old and new.

STORY + PHOTOS BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

CLASSIC CARS BRING OUT THE BEST IN LOCAL COLLECTORS 14

I

t’s a good thing Ernest Plasencia has understanding neighbors. When the Liberty Hill resident opens his garage, rolls out his classic 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and fires up the engine, the air is immediately filled with the force of 605 cubic inches as the monster big block cranks out 1,000 horsepower along with all the sound and fury one would expect from a car designed to burn the rubber off its oversized rear tires while flying down a quarter-mile long strip of asphalt in the blink of an eye.

Plasencia is the proprietor of Desperado Rods and Classics, a business he runs out of the garage of his home – one that also contains a brand-new Corvette Z51 he recently purchased.

With the two cars from vastly different eras sitting next to one another, a profound juxtaposition is created that shows just how far automobile design has come over the past half-century.

The fact that a Ford and a Chevrolet can peacefully coexist under the same roof is a testament to Plasencia’s passion for high-speed rides of all makes and models.

“I’m not a Ford guy or a Chevy guy or any of that,” said Plasencia. “There are some guys who have one or the other and won’t even look at the other, but that’s not me.”

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

A

s opposed to hot rods designed for speed, there are other classic cars that are made for luxury and style, and the 1967 Lincoln Continental owned by Liberty Hill resident James McGuire is certainly one such ride.

The fire-engine red vehicle provides a blast from the past from a time when luxury automobiles were the length of aircraft carriers and the gasoline that fueled them cost pennies on the dollar compared to today’s rates.

In fact, the car is so lengthy McGuire made sure when he was shopping for a home, there was one amenity he simply had to have, he said. “I needed a five-car garage that was 25 feet deep,” said McGuire, who is the chief strategy officer of a technology company. “ Along with the Lincoln, McGuire also owns a Mercedes, a Porsche and a bright yellow Hummer. “I always joke that’s my apocalypse car,” he said, of the imposing, military-style vehicle that is outfitted with everything necessary to traverse even the most rugged terrain, including a snorkel that extends to just above the top of the windshield to enable river crossings and an enormous steel cage that

extends up and over the hood to protect against any wayward creatures that might run afoul of the road.

But, it’s the luxurious, Continental that is the crown jewel of his collection – a vehicle he has invested $175,000 in to bring it to its present glory, with most of the work being done in Riverside, California, a process that took five years to complete.

Perhaps the most endearing feature of the car is a hydraulic system that can lower the frame of the vehicle nearly to ground level in classic lowrider fashion, in addition to what are known as “suicide doors,” as both back doors open in the opposite direction of the front ones.

Inside the garage where he stores the Continental are several shelves of die-cast model cars, including scaled-down versions of some he’s owned over the years – a tribute of sorts to the days of his youth growing up in Paris, Texas.

Eventually, he finally landed his first ride of the grown-up variety, a 1970 Mercury Cyclone GT, which would be the first of many he would own over the years.

“I’ve loved cars ever since I was a little boy playing with Matchbox cars,” said McGuire. •

James McGuire invested $175,000 to restore his 1967 Lincoln Continental, which is complete with suicide doors and an air ride system used to lower and lift the car.

NATURAL Mechanic

M

ost people may know Chance Pogue from his football exploits as an offensive lineman for the Liberty Hill Panthers, but the senior who is set to graduate this year and attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point is just as adept with a wrench in his hands as he is at blocking opponents on the gridiron.

In fact, Pogue has restored a 1966 Ford Mustang back to its original pristine condition and is now taking it to the next level by constantly adding improvements.

Pogue said he’s always been interested in cars and takes great pride in doing all of the work himself before getting behind the wheel.

“There’s just something about working on something yourself and then having the ability to enjoy the finished product,” he said.

“Although it’s never in the condition I want it to be.”

The silver Mustang has a 289 cubic-inch engine under the hood and a five-speed manual transmission Pogue installed, along with many other features he’s had the pleasure of adding over the course of the three years since he and father Randy bought the vehicle for $11,000.

Pogue said the car is now a far cry from what it was when he first bought it.

“When I first got the car, it was in non-driving condition,” he said. “It spent the first six months up on a jack.” But, it wasn’t long before the car slowly began to resemble the fabulous machine it was upon first rolling off the assembly line over 50 years ago.

“We had it back in perfectly-good working condition in about a year,” said Pogue. “There was just so much CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 Liberty Hill High School senior Chance Pogue proudly shows off the engine of his 1966 Ford Mustang, which he completely restored himself and continues to improve upon.

FUN FACTS

SENSE OF Style

THE TITLE OF THE FIRST “MUSCLE CAR” GOES TO THE 1964 PONTIAC GTO In the early 1960s, Pontiac had a pretty firm stake in the muscle car game. However, things began to change and Pontiac began to see some competition by 1968.

THE FORD MUSTANG DEBUTED IN 1964 This car had a pretty cool first birthday – after being unveiled at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York, this car made an appearance in showrooms all across the United States. An estimated 22,000 cars were sold; not too shabby, huh?

A 1977 PONTIAC TRANS AM WAS A MOVIE STAR Snagging a role in the 1977 film “Smokey and the Bandit,” four of these cars were used for the movie. Of course, all four of them were badly damaged. That’s okay, Hollywood isn’t for everyone!

THE FIRST CHEVROLET CAMARO WAS AN INTERESTING COLOR The first one of these cars straight off of the production line was a striking black. Due to its color, the Camaro was actually going to be called the Panther.

M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

tinkering that needed to be done.” Things like the suspension and a new rear end needed replacing with the goal for the car to keep its oldschool, classic appeal while driving and handling more like one of its descendants. However, that’s not always an easy task when dealing with the technology of yesteryear, he said.

“When you’re dealing with a 50-year-old car, that’s a lot of very old parts,” said Pogue.

In addition, the lack of computer chips and all the high-tech gadgets that go into cars these days is absent – although Pogue said that doesn’t bother him one bit – in fact, he actually embraces the fact he doesn’t have to deal with modern-day machinations when working on his ride.

“It’s a blessing as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “With the new cars, there are more things that go here and there, but all this one needs is a spark, gas and air to run.”

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the fact sometimes it can prove quite difficult to access certain areas of the vehicle.

“I was trying to replace the bezels on both sides of the car right in front of the rear wheel wells,” said Pogue. “I had to reach in behind a small space to get to them in order to loosen five nuts using only two fingers – it took an hourand-a-half for each side and I had cuts all up and down my arms.”

All that being said, the pleasure Pogue’s car provides him far outweighs any potential pain along the way.

“It’s something that’s really unexplainable,” he said. “When you build something with your hands and it comes out right.”

Chance Pogue enjoys the vintage aspect of his Mustang while working on it compared to the modern-day technology of today’s cars.

SPRING CAR SHOW BENEFITS LHHS PROJECT GRADUATION Liberty Hill High School’s Project Graduation provides a safe, alcohol-free celebration for seniors – a costly event that requires significant fundraising to host the extravaganza.

Seniors and their parents earn tickets for giveaways by helping to raise money and volunteering for events during the school year.

One such event is a classic cars show planned for April 9 and staged in the high school parking lot.

The festivities include the judging of the vehicles with winners in different classes.

Project Graduation is a national program founded in Maine in 1980 after a rash of drugand-alcohol-related incidents that caused student deaths.

HOW TO DONATE Visit www.lhprojectgrad.org to purchase tickets for the April 9 Spring Car Show or to register your classic car for the show. Scan the code at left with your phone to donate directly to Project Grad’s VENMO. Please tag your senior so they can earn tickets!

Donations can be mailed to: Liberty Hill Project Grad 2022, PO Box 175, Liberty Hill, TX 78642.

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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

17

WORSHIP GUIDE Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities ANDICE BAPTIST CHURCH

6570 FM 970 Florence, TX 76527 (254) 793-2557 www.andicebc.org PASTOR Derrick Norris, Senior Pastor Matt Koehler, Associate Pastor of Students & Families SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9:45am Sunday Worship 11am Wednesday AWANA 6:30pm Sunday Online facebook. com/andicebaptist/

CROSS TRACKS CHURCH

Power your education with a PEC scholarship Apply by March 22 Applications for 2021 PEC scholarships are being accepted now! Graduating high school seniors and adults seeking to further their education can find eligibility requirements and application details at pec.coop/scholarships.

101 Church St. Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 515-0070 crosstrackschurchumc.org PASTOR Michele Lott SERVICES Sunday School 9am Sunday Worship 10am Sunday Online Facebook. com/crosstracks church/

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

3600 RR 1869 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 515-5579 fellowshiplh.com PASTORS Tim McIlhaney, Dan Riemer, Ed Billock & Angel Perez SERVICES Sunday Worship 8:30 & 11am Servicio española a las 11am Sunday Bible Study All ages 10-10:45am Wednesday Bible Study All ages 6pm

THE HILL CHURCH

PEC GIVES 18

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

111 Holmes Road Liberty Hill, TX 78642 fbg.church PASTORS Tim Richardson, Pastor Kendall Ringler, Youth Pastor SERVICES Sunday Worship 10:15am Sunday Online 10:15am

facebook.com/thehillchurch. church

HOLY ANNUNCIATION ORTHODOX CHURCH

5205 County Road 236 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 782-9940 annunciationtx.com PASTOR Bp. Irineos Placek SERVICES Vespers, Sat. 6:30pm Divine Liturgy, Sun. 10am

LIFE SPRINGS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

15611 W. State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 633-6074 lifespringschristianchurch.org PASTOR Dr. William Brannan SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9am Sunday Worship 10am Sunday Online youtube. com/c/LifeSprings

MISSION LIBERTY HILL LUTHERAN CHURCH

(LCMS Affiliated) 15725 W. State Hwy 29, Ste.7 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 778-9310 missionlibertyhill.com PASTOR Rev. Mike Cofer SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9am Sunday Church Worship 10am Sunday Online 10am missionlibertyhill.com/ onlineworship/

NEW LIFE CHURCH

1015 US-183 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 567-3809 newlifechurch.family PASTORS Stephen Behrman, Senior Pastor Kimberly Behrman, Worship Pastor SERVICES Sunday Worship 10am

Wednesday Bible Study/ Livinit Youth 7pm Sunday Online newlife church.family/media/live stream

ONE CHAPEL LIBERTY HILL

811 Loop 332 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 729-6200 onechapel.com/liberty-hill PASTOR Darren Shaw SERVICES Sunday Service 10am Online Service 10am online.onechapel.com Wednesday Youth 7pm

SELAH HILLS CHURCH

14370 W. SH 29, Suite 10 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (833) 735-2489 selahhillschurch.com info@selahhillschurch.com PASTOR Chris Wimberly SERVICES Sunday Services 9am & 11am Sunday Youth Service 11am Wednesday Services 7pm Wednesday Youth 7pm Roam Coffee Shop Thurs-Sat 7am-2pm Live Stream selahhills church.com/livestream

VINTAGE CHURCH

Meets at Liberty Hill Middle School 13125 W. State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 vintage.church/libertyhill PASTORS Nathan & Ashley Brown SERVICES Sunday Service 10am Sunday Online Facebook. com/vintagechurchtx

INCLUDE YOUR CHURCH IN OUR MONTHLY WORSHIP GUIDE

Email (512)778-5577 or email stacy@LHIndependent.com

CITY BEAT

City celebrates extension of shared use path Downtown Liberty Hill’s shared use path was ceremoniously opened to the public on Feb. 22. The path, which begins at the Water Tower Parking Lot and winds its way up Loop 332 to State Highway 29, was constructed as a way to improve the walkability of the downtown area. City officials say it is the first phase in what will eventually become a

system of paths to navigate Liberty Hill, said City Administrator Lacie Hale. The path was funded partially by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation, which funded approximately $800,000 of the project, or 75 percent. The City of Liberty Hill paid for the other 25 percent of the project, approximately $275,000.

The current Liberty Hill City Council includes from left, Tony DeYoung, Angela Jones, Mayor Liz Branigan, Crystal Mancilla, Kathy Canady and Chris Pezold. In the May municipal election, there are three contested races. Place 4, which is currently held by DeYoung who has moved outside the city limits, has two candidates; Branigan has one opponent for Mayor; and Canady attracted one challenger. COURTESY PHOTO

City Council News Roundup February 2022

BY RACHEL MADISON

STAFF WRITER, CITY BEAT

In no particular order, here are the top things that happened in City meetings in February: • The City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of a $9.3 million bond for its wastewater treatment facility from The Baker Group LP on Feb. 23. The purpose of the bond is to finance capital additions to the facility as well as pay for the costs of issuance of the bonds.

• The City Council asked its legal staff to draft an ordinance that would prevent former officials from being employed in any capacity within the City through a revolving door policy. Council member Chris Pezold brought the topic up during the City Council meeting on Feb. 23. He made a motion to direct legal staff to produce a revolving door policy for the City.

• The Council voted unanimously to direct legal staff to draft an ordinance that states that any new school construction or expansion of an existing school of greater than 15 percent of its current capacity located within the city limits or within the Liberty Hill extraterritorial jurisdiction will be required to perform a traffic impact analysis.

• Council member Tony DeYoung moved outside of city limits, which would normally disqualify him from being on council, but because of a holdover provision in the Texas Constitution, he is allowed to complete his three-year term, which will end on May 7 when a new council member is elected.

• The City of Liberty Hill hired a George-

town law firm to represent its interests in a dispute between two asset management companies. Following an executive session at a City Council meeting Feb. 2, the Council unanimously approved the hiring of George Hyde and his firm, Russell, Rodriguez, Hyde & Bullock, LLP, as their litigation counsel to represent the City’s interests regarding any subpoenas served upon the City in any matter from Preston Hollow Capital LLC, a capital investment firm based in Dallas.

• The council approved a zone map amendment from agricultural to planned unit development for approximately 25 acres at 15830, 16000 and 16030 State Hwy. 29, known as Fort Tumbleweed. Council member Kathy Canady opposed because she said she was concerned about traffic in that area when it is fully built because of its proximity to the high school. The area is slated to include 45,000 square feet of commercial retail space including a restaurant, multifamily residential dwellings with garden style and mid-rise apartment homes, and a 120-room hotel.

• The Council voted Feb. 23 to require staff to update them at each meeting on the number of living unit equivalents (LUEs) currently available for water and wastewater. The Council also voted to direct staff to draft an ordinance stating the City will never sell LUEs beyond the capacity of its water or wastewater systems.

Visit the Independent online at LHIndependent.com to read more City of Liberty Hill news.

A City of Liberty Hill maintenance worker blows debris off the shared use path in front of Noble Elementary in preparation for the “Twos-day Stroll” event on 2/22/22. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

LHISD, CITY ELECTION NEWS

Incumbents draw challengers in 4 of 5 races The filing window for two Liberty Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees positions and three Liberty Hill City Council positions closed Feb. 18, and most every race will be contested in May. In the school district where two seats were available, Place 7 incumbent Megan Parsons drew no opponent while Place 6 incumbent Kristi Hargrove drew three challengers.

Antonio Canas, who has previously sought a position on the school board in the past two elections, is seeking to unseat Hargrove. Also in the race are Jim Dillon, who has made multiple runs for school board and other public offices in the past, and newcomer Janice Brooker.

On the City Council, voters who reside inside the city limits will cast ballots for Mayor and two council seats.

Mayor Liz Branigan, who is seeking re-election is being challenged by Che Lankford, the wife of former council member Gram Lankford. She lists her occupation as a homemaker.

In Place 2, Kathy Canady is facing a challenge by William Crossland. Both Canady and Crossland are in the auto repair business. Crossland owns CrossTech Automotive and Canady owns Quick Service Garage.

Canady was appointed in 2019 by a previous council to fill an unexpired term and ran unopposed in 2020.

In Place 4, Amanda Young and Carrie Van Meeteren are seeking to fill the position currently held by Tony DeYoung.

Young lists her occupation as a legal assistant, and Van Meeteren is a professional engineer.

DeYoung, who was also appointed to the Council in 2019 and was unopposed in 2020, has moved outside the city limits and is not eligible to continue holding the seat.

Early voting will take place from April 2 to May 3. Election Day is May 7 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters may cast ballots in city and school board races on Election Day at Liberty Hill High School, the Liberty Hill Municipal Court or the Santa Rita Ranch House.

Look for continuing local election coverage at LHIndependent.com.

M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

19

EDC Board seeks to improve its position with Council

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The Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, which has been under fire from the City Council in recent months, is discussing ways to improve its position with elected officials.

In early 2022, council members scolded EDC Director Matt Powell for essentially not doing his job. Council member Chris Pezold said he doesn’t believe the City is “getting its money’s worth” with Powell, and accused him of being lazy, untrustworthy, and treating the Council “like we’re morons” by bringing back the same incentive program document months after officials requested revisions.

“In June, you came before us with incentive programs, and we asked you to take the document back and make it less vague because of the problems that we’re having in our community,” said Council member Angela Jones. “It was three months later that you brought it back before us — and this is a big deal because we have business owners in our community waiting on these

programs — and you brought back the exact same document.”

Since then, the EDC Board has appointed a subcommittee to work with Council on updating incentive programs. Council voted to rescind all incentive programs except for the sign grant program and the Water Wise program.

The Board also approved a project with The Retail Coach, which will refresh local business data for EDC use. For $2,000, the company will conduct a retail market analysis through area cell phone use to determine where consumers are coming from to shop and dine in Liberty Hill. The project will also provide demographic profiles for the retail area and update overall demand for specific real categories.

The Board has also discussed playing a role in downtown revitalization, including possible creation of a position in the next fiscal year for someone to oversee downtown projects, as well as studies that would help with downtown development.

The Board is also seeking proposals to develop a strategic plan for the EDC.

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

REAL ESTATE

Considering a kitchen upgrade?

These affordable possibilities can make a big difference

Is remodeling your kitchen on your wish list?

Afraid of how much it’ll set you back?

HomeAdvisor puts the average kitchen remodel price in the $12,567 to $34,962 range.

However, you can buck the trend of costly, complicated updates. Consider these three renovations, all of which will improve the look and functionality of your kitchen, without costing you thousands of dollars:

REFRESH FABRICS

Reupholstering just one chair means shelling out $150 to $600, according to HomeGuide.

If that’s beyond what you’re willing to pay, but you’re not ready to replace a beloved set of kitchen chairs, you can update their look on a budget and in just a few minutes with stretchable seat covers. A good choice for families with kids or pets, these covers are typically machine-washable and can be swapped out as often as you like to suit your mood. From geometric designs to citrus vibes to florals, they’re offered in a range of patterns that will look great with any style.

NEW GRANITE SURFACES

Countertops are the most common feature upgraded during kitchen renovations, according to a 2022 Houzz study, which found that nine in 10 remodelers performed this update. The same survey found that 35% of homeowners are splurging to make

it happen. If you’ve looked into granite countertops, you probably learned that it can cost thousands of dollars and take months to have them custom-made and installed.

Adding this touch of luxury to your kitchen doesn’t have to bust your budget, involve contractors or mean supply chain hassles.

It can actually be an easy, one-weekend DIY project. Using a LuxROCK Solid Surface Granite Countertop Kit from Daich Coatings, you can transform your countertops and island surfaces at just a fraction of the price of a professional granite countertop installation. For about $300, a kit covers 40 square feet of space. This functional and decorative blend of real stone with stunning mineral highlights can be used to give a smooth appearance to countertops, tables or any other surface. The authentic stone surface resists stains, heat and impact and is food safe.

Each kit includes a prime coat, stone coats, clear epoxy and a clear coat finish, as well as all the tools needed. This revolutionary and exceptionally easy resurfacing project doesn’t require any artistic skills to be a success. Nor does it require technical skills, as sinks, plumbing fixtures and existing countertops don’t need to be removed before application.

If you’re someone who likes the flexibility of changing things up every few years, it’s simple to update granite surface colors using

Luxury granite countertops can be DIY projects completed in just one weekend. PHOTO COURTESY IRIANA SHIYAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

another LuxROCK kit when you’re ready.

Both this U.S. patent-pending kit and the brand’s textured countertop kits are available online at The Home Depot and Lowe’s.

OPTIMIZE YOUR PANTRY

Pantries are often tucked away, but you can still give them an eye-catching makeover.

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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

23

OBITUARIES

Neil Debbs Carroll

Neil Debbs Carroll, age 83, was born October 25, 1938 in Alice, Texas to Lester Edward Carroll and AnnaLee Whitley Carroll.

Neil graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1961, majoring in chemistry and physics and playing on the tennis team. There he met Martha Nell McClung, daughter of Paul and Lucille Wilmeth McClung, while playing tennis. They married August 25, 1961, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last August. Their children are Celeste Anne Carroll, Kevin Paul Carroll and wife Kathy Stayton with their two children - Kason Neil and wife Emily, and Kastin, Kent Neil Carroll and wife Karey Lander with their three children - Cooper, Cash, and Kinley; and Kerry Mark Carroll and wife Michele Williams with their two daughters Taylor and Rylee. (All above children are also graduates of Abilene Christian U.) Neil has two brothers, Larry (deceased) and Jerry (wife Norma Shrum) of Granbury TX. He has two brothers in-law, Paul Wilmeth McClung (deceased) and Larry (wife Gail Legg) of Dallas.

For the first seven years of their marriage Neil taught chemistry and physics and coached tennis back in the High School he had attended in Alice, Texas. During that time he had National Science Foundation grants at Montana State U in Bozeman, MT (chemistry) and at Western Washington U in Bellingham, WA (physics) where he and Martha spent summers. Then he moved to Austin, TX where he worked for Phoenix Lamar.

Wanting to raise his children in the country, he bought a ranch at Liberty Hill, where they eventually moved in 1973 and lived until 2006. During that time Neil established Cable Products Inc. in Liberty Hill.

About the time of 9/11 much of the electronic cable assembly work was going to China and Neil closed his company. He returned to his first love of teaching, and taught physics, algebra, and Senior Boy’s Bible at Brentwood Christian School. He was a popular teacher

but did not enjoy the drive, having to leave home early and arrive home late to avoid Austin rush hour. After Neil’s mother broke her arm and needed round the clock care, and Martha’s parents entered assisted living at CARE in Brownwood, it was decided that it was necessary to move Neil’s mom to the same facility and find a place nearby to live. The Carrolls moved to their beautiful ranch between Comanche and Gustine in the fall of 2006. It was an ideal place for camping, hunting, horseback riding, and outdoor adventure with Neil’s much loved 7 grandchildren and many happy hours were spent there. The Carroll family are members of the Church of Christ and Neil preached, led singing, and taught Bible classes wherever he lived. Neil studied the Bible often and lived his life accordingly. He was an admired role model for his family.

Neil fought a long, hard battle with brain cancer beginning Jan 26, 2021, finally succumbing to it on Feb. 18, 2022. Much of 2021 was spent in the devoted care of son Kevin and wife Kathy of Fort Worth as his two brain surgeries were performed in Harris-Methodist Hospital there and rehab was done there. But he was finally allowed to return to his beloved ranch (and dog Zeus) in Comanche County in September 2021. Good neighbors along their road have been a blessing and invaluable help, especially Jason Luckie across the road who came daily to care for animals and check on Martha. The Carrolls give special thanks to the CCS Hospice team for their loving, kind and diligent care of Neil during his last days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to World Bible School, 16110 Anderson Mill Rd., Cedar Park, TX 76813.

The funeral service was held Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Heartland Funeral & Cremations, 1508 N Austin St, Comanche, TX 76442. A graveside service was held February 21, 2022, at Ebony Cemetery, Brownwood, TX 76801.

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

James Wayne Mather

James Wayne Mather (AKA Johnny Lee Harper) Our Daddy peacefully went to be with the Lord and our beloved sister, Cheyenne Lynn Mather on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the age of 75.

He was born December 4, 1946 in Liberty Hill, TX to Charlie L. (Huldy) and May Ozell Mather.

James loved his family and loved his life. He lived his life exactly the way he wanted and he had a great and rowdy time doing it! He was a hard worker and an All Around Cowboy. In his younger years he rode bulls, broncs, rope calves, team roped and bull dogged, he was a bit of a hell raiser and liked a good fight. He was known to be the King of Dice and played many games with friends and foes. Las Vegas welcomed him for a good time but he soon realized that Liberty Hill was his home. James was a friend to everyone and never met a stranger, he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. One of James’ favorite sayings was, “I am Johnny Lee Harper, the oldest and best looking of all the Harper boys.”

James graduated from Liberty Hill High School in 1965 and went on and worked and paid his way through college where he received a degree in Agriculture from Tarleton State University in 1970. He built a striving Septic System Installation business that he carried on until retirement in 2015. He was a Master Mason and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Liberty Hill.

James is proceeded in death by his parents, Huldy and Ozell Mather; beloved daughter, Cheyenne Lynn Mather; sisters, Letha Jo Havins and husband Willie, Patsy Ann Gray and husband Larry; grandchildren: Shawnee Rilynn, Shoshone Sue and Spade Wayne Dufner.

He is survived by his children who he was very proud of, Chisholm Neal Davis and husband Rich, Cherokee Dawn Mather and Bubba Sims, his one and only son, Cheyloh Jesse James Mather and his sole surviving sister who he loved very much, Debbie Rampy and husband Gene. Grandchildren: Cimarron, Aspen and husband Bret, Denver, Randy, Tyler, Luke, Chylee Rayne, Drake, Jayce, Avree, Chloe Sue, Raelynn, Kopeland and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Active Pallbearers: Cheyloh Mather, Cimarron Rucker, Bubba Sims, Denver Ponton, Rich Davis, Luke Davis, Drake Mather, Jayce Brizendine.

Honorary Pallbearers: Gene Rampy, Elroy Foust, Coy Foust, James Hardin, Charles Schoeff, Tim Bobbitt, Rick Roberts, Jeff Dufner, Matthew Beason, Carter Callan, Dee Rampy.

Visitation was held at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown, TX on Monday, February 14, 2022, 6:00-8:00 PM. Graveside Service were Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Mather Cemetery, County Road 236 Liberty Hill, TX.

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EDUCATION

Practice makes ‘perfect’ Liberty Hill student achieves highest possible ACT score

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH When Dhanush Kondapalli sat down to take the American College Testing exam, the Liberty Hill student only planned for it to be a trial run.

After all, he was only a junior and seeing how most high school students don’t tackle the daunting exam until their senior year, Kondapalli simply wanted to use the opportunity as a measuring stick for the following year when it really counted.

So much for that.

Kondapalli scored 36 on the ACT, which is the highest possible score for the exam that is broken down into four different sections – English, math, reading and science.

Honestly, though, he wasn’t trying to ace it, he said.

“It was only meant to be a practice test,” said Kondapalli. “I felt really good about it, but I expected to get somewhere in the mid-30s.”

Just how rare was his achievement?

Fewer than one-half percent of students who take the ACT get a perfect score and out of the 1.29 million high school students across America that took it in 2021, only 4,055 scored a 36.

However, it turns out Kondapalli wasn’t completely perfect.

In calculating the composite score, the scores from the four different sections are averaged together and he only managed 34

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on the math section.

But, after scoring 36 on the other three sections, the average was 35.5.

“They rounded it up to 36,” said Kondapalli. “There was an algebra problem that was the most difficult question on the entire exam.”

As a result, Kondapalli can put that score in the bank and not have to take it again, which means he can continue to grind away as far as his grades are concerned – something that actually does require a lot of work, he said.

“I think that’s the biggest misconception about smart people,” said Kondapalli, who aspires to be a neurosurgeon. “They think we don’t have to study – that we just know everything and it’s easy.”

Not so. But, with his level of academic acumen comes certain standards.

“I don’t know if there’s pressure,” he said. “But, at this point, with the grades I get there are expectations and if I don’t live up to them, there are going to be question marks.”

Kondapalli said people often wonder if he’s always been so smart. Turns out, the answer is no, and he has a teacher from very early on in his school life to thank for setting him on the academic path he’s been on ever since, he said.

“I had a teacher way back when I was five in Montessori school,” said Kondapalli. “I don’t even remember her name, but she completely changed me by pushing me in a

good way, which really helped me.”

Kondapalli also skipped a grade when it was determined he was far enough ahead to warrant such a promotion.

“Back when I was in third grade, I was getting really bored,” he said.

“I wasn’t getting challenged enough – I think you always need to be pushed to your limits.”

But, Kondapalli isn’t always pouring over textbooks. In fact, he’s a member of Liberty Hill’s golf team, which is an extension of a pursuit he picked up from his father.

“My dad played in college and he was always saying, ‘We need to get you playing golf,’” said Kondpalli.

“It’s a very mental, cerebral sport.”

In may ways, Kondapalli is like any other teenager, playing video games among other activities his peers engage in, along with watching football, playing guitar and reading fiction.

However, Kondapalli knows his bread-and-butter is academics and just like an athlete who is constantly striving to hone his craft and perform better in the arena, he said he can’t imagine ever not giving it his all, whether it’s the ACT or just a random homework assignment.

“Back in ninth grade once, I slacked off just for a few days and I could immediately feel the difference,” he said. “I feel like with grades, you can’t ever let up.”

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Dhanush Kondapalli, a junior at Liberty Hill High School, earned the highest possible score on the ACT. COURTESY PHOTO

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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

25

Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Association provides local place to play the world’s game

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

F

or years, the young soccer players of Liberty Hill have had to travel in search for top-notch academy training with the hopes of developing their skill level to the point of having the chance to play in college and beyond.

However, as the area has continued to grow exponentially in recent years with an influx of young families, there has been a need for a place where tomorrow’s players can hone those skills today without the commute to Austin or anyplace else, for that matter.

Enter Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Association, which is dedicated to providing a viable option for local families right in their own backyard.

According to LHYSA President Josh Jacobi, his league is already at the point where it can compete with the big-city programs in the area.

“Every parent wants the absolute best for their kids. We feel confident we offer today a quality experience comparable to most programs in Austin,” said Jacobi. “Now we have to prove it. Our travel teams in both recreational and select are competing at very high levels and are starting to turn heads.

But, there is still work to do and we have to be open to improvement and criticism.”

BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP

The lifeblood of the organization are the

26

volunteers that donate countless hours of their time in helping LHYSA reach its goals, Jacobi said, but the organization is also looking to build bonds with Liberty Hill’s other youth recreational organizations.

“We’ve had an incredible group of volunteers past and present to get us to where we are today – thousand of hours of service to the community,” he said. “We’ll continue to be able to plan and develop with more volunteers looking for a way to serve their community and be close to their kids. We need to build better relationships with the school district and City of Liberty Hill, as well as the other youth leagues. We’re all seeing the same growth and can probably work together to accomplish common goals.”

However, in order to do all that, the league will rely on a plan that must see them continue to expand on the gains already made.

“The most critical factors are space and personnel. We need more volunteers, quality coaches, properly-trained referees and additional game and practice facilities. These are all very important and we’re working on programs to not only solve the current limitations, but build a more sustainable solution that will grow with us,” said Jacobi.

“In addition, we want to keep the best coaches and refs here in Liberty Hill and find additional space so we can service every youth interested in ‘the beautiful game’ and make this a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

COMPETITIVE VS. RECREATIONAL

LHYSA is divided into two subcategories – an academy that is geared for serious players who have aspirations of playing at the highest levels and a recreational program designed for players who simply want to enjoy the game in a much less pressurized environment.

Jacobi stressed that maintaining a dynamic between the two is a constant focus.

“This has to be one of the most important issues we talk about every season,” he said. “Both options have to be in place for our kids. We’re not here to produce only the most competitive soccer players in the country – we’re here to serve the youth of Liberty Hill no matter what their level of skill or desire. Based on registrations, we’re almost there. Probably one of the best side effects of growth is being able to balance the two becomes easier as more teams and opportunities become available.”

LHYSA technical director Arturo Duarte has a vision for making this balance a reality, as LHYSA’s academy – known as the Liberty United Soccer Club – features nine teams for girls and boys ranging in age from eight to 14 and is geared for those who are more serious about the game and requirehigher-level coaching in order to reach their full potential.

In addition, recreational leagues are available for young players who perhaps want to try out the game at a lower level,

with the option of more serious soccer later on.

“What I wish to accomplish for Liberty Hill is to create a club where any player – whether they want to take it seriously or they want to play for fun with their friends – will have a place,” said Duarte. “Liberty United will give them access to play at whatever level they would like to compete in.”

In addition, Duarte said it’s critical for young players to be given license to explore their own abilities through creativity in order to maximize potential.

“My philosophy is to grow players to love the game by making all of our training sessions at a young age very player-centric,” he said. “This then will develop and encourage innovative and creative soccer players and leaders today that will shape and change the game for tomorrow.”

PASSION FOR TEACHING THE GAME

Duarte is a California native who has spent the past 15 years in the Austin area, and in his current role he is fulfilling his desire to stay connected with the game following his playing days.

“I first started coaching right after high school at the age of 18. I wanted to play college soccer, but knew that wasn’t an option for me at the time, so I did the next best thing and started coaching to earn some money,” he said. “I quickly fell in love with the game even more as I realized I can be

The Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Association has continued to grow in recent years as the city has experienced an influx of young families with children who need a place to play without having to commute to soccer clubs in Austin.

LHYSA’s program includes an academy for players with serious aspirations of competing at higher levels and recreational leagues that are geared for those who simply want to enjoy the game. COURTESY PHOTOS

the type of coach I’ve always wanted to have, so I quickly shifted my focus at the age of 21 to coaching full-time. I traveled to Brazil and Mexico to gain more perspective on what the game is about and how other countries interact with the game.”

But, aside from the technical side of his responsibilities, Duarte gains much gratification from seeing the seeds he sows flower to fruition in the form of polished players.

“The aspect I enjoy the most is how much fun it is being on the field with the young kids and watching the players grow into bigger and better players,” said Duarte.

“It’s all I’ve ever done in life and it’s also my end goal to become a professional coach in the long run.”

CREATING A YEAR-ROUND EXPERIENCE

LHYSA’s schedule features two different seasons with the fall campaign running from late August to November and the spring season beginning in late February and extending into late May. There is also a summer skills camps in June and July, for academy and recreational players, respectively.

While that lays a solid foundation, though, the only way to truly build on it properly is to extend operations to 12 months of the year, said Duarte.

“I would like to create a year-round program for Liberty United and I want to create more programs and opportunities for our

academy and select players to be able to play year-round,” he said. “I want to add programs that allow players to continue to touch the ball and grow more confidence in playing the game by giving them more playing opportunities in the winter and summer.”

A potential roadblock exists, however, with some young athletes not ready yet to completely dedicate themselves to a singular athletic cause.

“One of the challenges we face is a lot of players are currently playing multiple sports,” said Duarte. “So a year-round program for some families might be great, but for some it might be difficult to fulfill all the training since their child is playing multiple sports.”

LOOKING AHEAD, MOVING FORWARD

Jacobi said as the league moves forward, a synergy between all the local organizations that have a local sports stake is all-important.

“Long-term, we need more space.

Growth is coming and we need additional space for practices and games,” he said.

“We’re working closely with the city and school districts today, but we need to do a better job of aligning and we will do that.”

In the here-and-now, Jacobi hopes to begin building brand recognition for not only his league, but the community in general so each can help the other.

“Short-term we would like to host a tournament or festival,” said Jacobi. “It’s

important to let other communities see our amazing fields and coaches and realize Liberty Hill is a destination. Additionally, our travel teams have to travel for nearly every game and tournament, so hosting one would be a great help to our families and bring additional commerce to Liberty Hill as we welcome other communities.”

In closing, Jacobi said he is well aware of the critical role his league plays in creating a more well-balanced living environment, with athletics as the vehicle.

“I think people are aware of the proven links between youth sports and a stronger community,” he said. “It gives kids an outlet for exercise, teamwork, competition and play, teaches so many life lessons and can be vital in child development. Our children are our future. As cliche as that phrase has become, it’s still very true and as a community, we have to invest in our

future – in our children.”

Jacobi acknowledged although LHYSA has a geographical advantage over the big-city clubs to the south, his entire organization must strive to also provide the goods that for so long have only been available for Liberty Hill residents by hitting the road.

“I do hope families will see a local club as an advantage over the time commitment involved in an Austin-based club,” he said.

“But, we do have to actually compete and provide an enjoyable experience for our kids and families.”

Registration for the LHYSA Spring 2022 season is closed. Fall season updates can be found at facebook.com/liberty hillsoccer or visit libertyhillsoccer.org

M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

27

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BUSINESS

SPORTS

Senior center Emma Hubbard (#25) appreciates the difference between this year’s Lady Panthers team and last season. PHOTO BY BRIEN AHO

Lady Panthers hoops squad revels in renaissance

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

SPORTS EDITOR

Last season was one to forget for Liberty Hill’s girls’ basketball team.

The Lady Panthers missed the playoffs in posting an 8-14 overall record that included a 4-10 district mark and were a team lacking an identity.

However, this season is an altogether different story.

The Purple-and-Gold has already clinched a postseason berth -- the result of an infusion of young players to go with seasoned upperclassmen -- and entered the final week of the regular season boasting a 23-12 record and a solid 8-5 mark in district play, good for third place.

So, what’s been the difference between 2021 and 2022?

According to senior center Emma Hubbard, it’s largely been due to a desire that was missing last year.

“Last year, we had so many people who didn’t want to be here,” said Hubbard. “If people had actually wanted to, we could’ve made the playoffs.”

Alas, there was no postseason dance invitation and after the season, head coach Chris Lange held a summit with his five returning seniors -- Hubbard, Regan Walker, Kenzy Wise, Madison Walker and Ashlyn Calhoun -- and the purpose of the gathering was clear, said Hubbard.

“It was about us five seniors wanting to do better and get further than last year,” she said. “We knew we needed to be together and not individuals.”

Lange said the meeting set the tone for the offseason, as well as the following campaign.

“We just sat down and tried to figure out what we needed to do,” he said. “We needed to do things the right way and hold each other accountable.”

The first item on the drawing board was devising a playing style that suited the strengths of his players in order to maximize their individual talents -- one that would translate into team success.

Gone were the prolific three-point shooters from the previous year’s team, which meant a renewed emphasis at the defensive end of the court was needed to compensate for reduced offensive firepower. What resulted has been remarkable.

Liberty Hill has averaged allowing only 32.3 points per game overall and 32.6 during the district schedule while employing a smothering, suffocating defensive scheme that slows down even the highest-flying offenses.

For example, defending state champion Cedar Park averages 67.1 points per district game, but could muster only 58 and 50, respectively, in its two meetings with the Lady Panthers.

But, aside from the Xs and Os, Lange said LADY HOOPS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Liberty Hill’s Aaron Hurst (#20) has been a defensive race for the Panthers this season, while also being an offensive threat. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

First off the bench, sixth man provides spark

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

SPORTS EDITOR

Every basketball team needs a player who is always the first off the bench in augmenting the starting five.

One who can be counted on to provided quality minutes for his team whether it be to give someone a rest, create a spark offensively or defensively – or both.

He is the sixth man.

For the Panthers of Liberty Hill, that player is Aaron Hurst.

So far this season, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound junior swingman has been that catalyst in giving head coach Barry Boren a dependable option off the bench when his team needs an injection of energy.

This season, Hurst’s biggest contributions have come at the defensive end of the floor, where he’s been a shutdown defender with dogged determination in entering the fray midstream and having an impact on the proceedings.

According to Hurst, it’s a role he takes a great deal of pride in.

“I think I’m a very good defender and can keep the ball out of the other team’s hands,” said Hurst, who made his varsity debut this season. “I also get a lot of steals and try to keep our momentum up by focusing on bringing energy to the court.”

Interestingly enough, Hurst was the leading scorer on Liberty Hill’s junior varsity squad last season, but this year has reinvented his game to also be a defensive pillar of strength, while remaining an offensive threat.

Boren said Hurst has accepted and embraced his new job description since moving up to play against the big boys.

“As our sixth man, he’s played every position on the court and done an outstanding job in doing so,” said Boren.

A perfect example of Hurst’s versatility was earlier this season when starting center Walker Weems was in early foul trouble and Hurst came off the bench to spell the SIXTH MAN, CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

29

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PANTHER OF THE MONTH

State swimmer splashing splendidly Junior qualifies for end-of-season event

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

SPORTS EDITOR

If Victoria Phegley was a football player, the Liberty Hill junior would walk the halls of her high school like a rock star.

Everybody would know who she was and she would need no introduction.

However, Phegley plies her trade not on a patch of green grass, but a pool filled with clear, sparkling water as a member of the Panthers’ swim team, which means she exists largely on the fringes of the Purple-and-Gold sports landscape.

But, that certainly doesn’t mean her accomplishments aren’t as worthy of recognition as the Panther athletes who participate in higher-profile sports.

In fact, Phegley was one of only two non-football Liberty Hill athletes to compete at a state championship event so far this year after qualifying for the Class 5A state championships, which were held at the University of Texas on Feb. 18-19.

Although Liberty Hill’s swim team is in only its fourth year of existence, the program has already grown exponentially to the point where the Panthers can boast a state championship participant and Phegley is that person.

“I was driving home from practice when I got a call from (Liberty Hill head swim) Coach (Dimitra Becker) and she told me I made it,” said Phegley. “I was so excited I started to cry.”

Phegley qualified in the 100-yard butterfly and was added to the program as a call-up in addition to the 16 swimmers who qualified

at the regional meets with one of the eight fastest times of the swimmers who didn’t automatically qualify.

Being part of the Panthers’ swim program during this period has definitely been rewarding for Phegley, she said.

“It’s been really fun and cool,” said Phegley.

“I’ve gotten to see a lot of growth.”

Speaking of growth, Phegley has undergone plenty on an individual level and for athletes whose success is measured in hundredths of seconds, she can track her progress through the numbers she now sees after touching the wall to finish a race.

“I remember as a freshman, I’d look up at the scoreboard and see some of the times of the winners,” she said. “I’d think to myself ‘That’s insane! I could never swim that fast!’

But, now I am and it makes me feel good because of all the hard work I’ve put in.”

Phegley said situations like that are what initially drew her to the sport in which she now excels.

“For me, the thing I like most about swimming is the whole personal improvement thing,” she said. “Earlier on, I played soccer and was in percussion, but it wasn’t the same.”

Out of the water, Phegley listed math as her favorite subject in the classroom, with a nod to English and also history, with the latter especially capturing her interest of late, she said.

“We were studying the American Revolution,” said Phegley. “The entire cultural narrative was interesting as far as how the Founding Fathers set up our country compared to how it is now.”

FEBRUARY PANTHERS OF THE WEEK

Victoria Phegley became the first Liberty Hill swimmer to qualify for the Class 5A state championships at the University of Texas on Feb. 18-19. COURTESY PHOTO

Once Phegley got to the state meet in Austin, she made some history of her own in becoming the first Liberty Hill swimmer to compete at the event.

On the first day of the competition, Phegley had the preliminary round to tackle and swam the 100-yard butterfly in a time of 59.27 seconds, which was good for 14th in the field of 24 competitors.

As a result, Phegley competed in the consolation final the next day and finished in sixth in 59.77, which was 14th overall,

scoring three points for Liberty Hill in the team standings.

When it was all said and done, Phegley had words of gratitude for all those who have helped her along the way in her aquatic journey.

“I just want to thank everyone for all the support they’ve given me over the years – my parents, coaches, everyone,” she said. “They taught me to take pride in everything I do and raised me to be the person I am today.”

FIND THE FULL STORIES ON LHINDEPENDENT.COM

KEGAN TAGGART

ALYSSA LEE

ANTHONY SIERRAS

MADISON (left) AND REGAN (right) WALKER

Obsessed with fitness, he traded football for soccer to stay healthy.

A top defender, with her strength, speed and leadership abilities.

Plays on the wing and the high post where he is more of a threat.

The twins play tough, tenacious, unyielding, relentless -- the Walker way -with Madison attacking the basket and Regan a determined defender.

M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

31

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

SPORTS

Covering the corners Freshman keeper establishes net presence

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

SPORTS EDITOR

Freshman goalkeeper Luke Phillips (#25) has already shown he’s capable of making acrobatic saves in keeping the ball out of the Liberty Hill net and has posted three shutouts this season.

When Luke Phillips was 12 and struggling to find an identity on his youth soccer team as an outfield player, his coach at the time had an idea that would forever alter the course of his career.

“I was the worst player on the team,” said Phillips. “So, my coach told me to go play goal.”

Phillips hasn’t scored a single goal since that fateful day, but he’s certainly prevented countless opposing shots from billowing the back of his own net since first donning the gloves and has burst onto the Purpleand-Gold scene this season in establishing himself as the Panthers No. 1 goalkeeper despite his status as a freshman.

Phillips said as a netminder, he feels more engaged and involved as the action unfolds before him with the entire field constantly in his field of vision.

“Ever since I’ve played goal, I’ve felt a lot more useful,” he said. “Especially making big plays like blocking wide-open shots. I like it a lot because I get a lot more action.”

Modern-day goalkeepers are expected to do much more than just use their hands to keep the ball out of the net, though, as many between the sticks have become quite adept at playing the ball with their feet in making hockey-style kick saves and distributing the ball out of the back, acting like an extra defender or “sweeper keeper,” as they’re known.

Phillips embraces this as a part of his job description.

“You see the goalkeepers who are playing at the higher levels and they can all play the ball with their feet,” he said. “You can have a lot bigger impact on the game by playing that way.”

As he’s only been playing the position for a couple years now, Phillips is still a relative neophyte in learning the nuances and myriad intricacies of the place on the pitch he calls home.

However, head coach Felix Esparza said he’s constantly working to further hone his craft. “It’s good to have somebody like Luke who really wants it and is so willing to work hard,” said Esparza, who is in his first season as Panthers bench boss. “He’s physical KEEPER, CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Speed, toughness define striker

BY SPORTS AKANEWICH

SPORTS EDITOR

Liberty Hill’s Kailey Fowler (#9) has a deadly combination of speed and power at the striker position for the Lady Panthers. PHOTO BY SHANNON HOFMANN

When Kailey Fowler has a soccer ball at her feet, she can do one of two things to any defender that dares try to stop her.

She can sprint past them with the blinding speed and quickness of a cheetah or run them over with the sheer power of a rhino.

Or, perhaps a little bit of both.

Liberty Hill’s junior striker burst onto the scene as a freshman two years ago and promptly scored 26 goals, second on the team, to go with 15 assists, which was good for third on the Lady Panthers’ scoring charts and hasn’t looked back since.

Following a sophomore campaign that saw Fowler net 23 goals, she’s already scored 12 this season and in all has posted 61 goals in 61 career varsity games.

Considering a half-goal per game is viewed as an excellent strike rate for a forward and Fowler can boast of numbers many strikers can only dream of.

With the rest of this season left and her entire senior year remaining, there’s no telling how many she’ll have on her resume

when her Lady Panthers career is over.

However, Fowler is now focused on a different aspect of her offensive game – the ability to create goals for her teammates, as well as for herself.

“At the end of this season, I want to lead the team in goals,” said Fowler. “But, I also want to have as many assists or more. I want to be able to contribute to goals for others.”

So far, so good in that category also, as Fowler already has seven helpers, which is half of her season’s haul of 14 from last year.

Head coach Darren Bauer said Fowler’s progression is part and parcel for his program.

“I think that all stems from the mentality of how our program is built,” he said. “We want our entire team to be able to create dangerous chances for one another.”

According to Fowler, her ability to make a more dramatic, all-around offensive impact on games is the result of an organic process.

“I’ve improved a lot since I was a freshman,” said Fowler. “I can see the entire field a lot better now and I just play smarter soccer overall – I think that comes with time.”

Due to the fact the Lady Panther lost 61

STRIKER, CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

33

SPORTS

Striker

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

goals off last season’s senior-heavy roster, there has been more expected from Fowler this year in picking up the slack and she’s delivered to this point, with 12 in the first 12 contests of the campaign.

“There’s a lot more pressure on me this year,” said Fowler. “At the beginning of the season, I didn’t have a lot of confidence.”

Ever since, though, the goals have been flying in and in no small part due to the presence of midfielder Emma Stephens, who Fowler has been teammates with for three years and as a result has developed a certain kind of chemistry with the senior playmaker, she said.

“It’s very convenient to have someone like Emma to play with because as a striker, you need somebody to get you the ball,” said Fowler.

Bauer said the connection between the

Keeper

GAMES TO WATCH IN MARCH duo is of the utmost importance for both to fire on all cylinders.

“Chemistry is critical,” he said. “How players interact with one another off the field carries over onto the field.”

Fowler said her most valuable attribute is her blazing speed, but Bauer had a different take on his star striker’s strongest suit.

“Her tenacity on the ball,” he said. “Kailey’s the kind of player that isn’t happy when she doesn’t beat you and she’ll keep coming at you until she does, so as a defender when you come up against her, it can be scary.”

Fowler said she has definite designs on playing Division I college soccer and already has a dream destination in mind, if she could have her choice, she said.

“I’d like to play at Michigan,” said Fowler.

“Because they’re in a big conference and I like cold weather.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

intelligent and a big kid and it really matters to him to be the best he can be – he’s definitely ready to play varsity soccer.”

Many times goalkeepers find themselves on an island of inactivity when the run of play is mainly in the attacking end of the pitch, but in the blink of an eye can be called upon to make a save on a quick counterattack by the opposition.

“As a goalkeeper in situations like that, you just have to stay focused and make sure you don’t zone out,” Phillips said. “Part of that is constantly communicating with my defenders.”

Weather also plays a role in his ability to perform at an optimum level with cold causing a conundrum when it comes to keeping the juices flowing when the wind is blowing.

“When the ball is on the other side of

the field, I’ll shuffle back and forth to stay warm,” he said.

One of the biggest decisions a goalkeeper can be faced with is the split-second choice of whether or not to come off his line when an attacking player breaks in on goal alone, as hesitation for even a millisecond can result in being marooned in the no-man’s land of being caught in two minds.

“There was one time when I went up for a shot and someone hit me low and spun me around,” said Phillips. “I hit my head on the ground and had a concussion.”

He said the decision he makes depends “on the speed of the ball and how fast the forward is,” he said.

Phillips has already posted three shutouts in goal for the Panthers this season, including a clean sheet in a 3-0 away victory over Steele in which he made five saves.

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This game will have a massive bearing on how the playoff picture plays out, as both the Lady Panthers and Eagles will be fighting for postseason position and perhaps a district championship.

Boys Soccer, March 11 Liberty Hill vs. Glenn @LHHS When these teams meet on Senior Night, the home side could very well be fighting for its playoff lives. So far, it’s been a rebuilding season for the Panthers with a new head coach and many young, relatively inexperienced players who are getting on-the-job training against rugged competition.

Baseball, March 16 Liberty Hill vs. East View @LHHS In the district opener, LHHS will look to launch itself on a playoff trajectory after missing out on the postseason last year by a single game in the standings.

Softball, March 22 Liberty Hill vs. Georgetown @LHHS The Eagles are ranked and will be calling on the Lady Panthers for the first time this season. Liberty Hill finds itself in a difficult district, with both Georgetown and Leander ranked and expected to battle it out for the league title while the remaining six teams fight for the other two playoff berths.

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the biggest difference for this year’s team is a clear line of communication between coach and players that is a two-way street.

“Everybody on our team has a voice, if they choose to use it,” said Lange. “I have a group of girls I really trust.”

As far as the group of five returning seniors goes, Hubbard said this season’s results are the coming to fruition of seeds that were planted long ago.

“All of us have played together since we were in eighth grade,” she said. “We’ve also all been friends, which makes it much easier and we know how each other plays, so the chemistry is better – but most of all, we play for each other.”

Lange, who last summer wasn’t so sure how his team would fare once the season started, arrived at a better conclusion a few months later.

“I think once we started fall league, I saw we were getting better,” he said. “But, I still wondered if it would carry over into real games.”

Safe to say, it’s all transferred over quite nicely, but more importantly, the intangibles are what’s really making the difference.

“This season, it’s 1000 percent better,” said Lange. “Our team is all about being together – about ‘we’ not ‘me’.”

Sixth man CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

6-foot-5 senior pivot and hit a pair of 3-pointers in his stead.

“When he’s open, we want him to shoot,” said Boren. “We know he’s capable of it – Aaron’s just a good basketball player.”

Hurst prefers to play a physical brand of basketball, but knows in order to be effective he needs to channel his aggression properly, he said.

“I can’t be too aggressive,” said Hurst.

“So, I just try to stay in front of my man and keep my feet moving.”

But, make no mistake, despite Hurst’s defensive prowess, he still makes sure his offensive game stays sharp and to do that, he spends countless hours alone in gyms – just him and a ball.

“Especially during the summer,” said Hurst. “I’ll take about 500 shots per day.”

All that time hoisting up one shot after another can get quite tedious, but when complacency begins to set in, Hurst said he nips it in the bud for his own good.

“Some days, you’re just not feeling it,” he said. “But, you somehow have to pull through, so you don’t lose your shooting touch – you want to perfect it.”

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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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TRAVEL | TAYLOR, TX

A Town Unlike Any Other A day trip to Taylor promises a unique blend of sights and opportunities

STORY BY RACHEL MADISON

I

f you head east to the other side of Williamson County, you will end up in Taylor and you will want to stay awhile.

About a 45-minute drive from Liberty Hill, Taylor is truly a town unlike any other.

It has something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast or an arts and entertainment fiend, and the historical downtown buildings are enough to impress even the most cultured visitor.

A BIT OF TEXAS HISTORY

Taylor has been around since the 1870s, starting out as a small railroad community for the Great Northern Railroad. In fact, the city was named after railroad official Edward Moses Taylor under the name Taylorsville. In 1892, it was officially incorporated as Taylor.

As Taylor grew throughout the late 1800s, it became a popular inland ship-

36

ABOVE, at Black Sparrow Music Parlor you can enjoy drinks, live music and a couple of unique shops including a record store. RIGHT, a variety of perfectly barbecued meats are available at Louis Mueller BBQ, the oldest barbecue restaurant in Taylor.

ping point for cattle, grain and cotton. Immigrants from Czechoslovakia, Germany and Austria helped to further establish the town. Fast forward to today, and while Taylor is as modern as they come—in fact, Samsung just chose the town for the future buildout of its new factory—it’s easy to get a glimpse into what life might have been like back in its early days.

Every downtown building—most built when the town was just getting started—has a story. If you want to learn more about the origins of each building, the Taylor Chamber of Commerce offers a self-guided architectural walking tour.

More than 25 buildings, from banks to churches, are featured in the tour and tell the history of the community.

Even if you’re not a history buff, you will

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

PHOTOS BY STACY COALE

ECLECTIC DOWNTOWN FINDS

It’s not a trip to downtown without shopping, and Taylor doesn’t disappoint. More than 20 shops are sprinkled throughout downtown, and each one is more unique than the last. A few standouts include the Taylor Soap Bar, The Flower Note and Curio Mrvosa (302 N. Main Street), which is a vintage book and novelty store where you can even find old VHS and cassette tapes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FLOWER NOTE

When you’re in Taylor, it’s almost a requirement to have barbecue. The town touts itself as being on the “Texas BBQ Trail,” and for good reason. Four different barbecue restaurants are located throughout town, and according to locals, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Buckalew’s BBQ, Davis Grocery & BBQ, Taylor Café and Louie Mueller BBQ round out the town’s offerings, but the longest running restaurant is Louie Mueller (206 W. 2nd Street).

Open since the 1940s, it’s clearly a popular choice among visitors and residents.

Don’t be swayed by the line out the door because it’s worth the wait. And luckily, once you’re inside, the barbecue-smoke-filled restaurant’s smell is enough to keep you waiting in line. You’ll want to get some of everything, including the melt-in-yourmouth brisket, hand-made sausage and savory beef ribs, and make sure to try the variety of house-made barbecue sauces.

If barbecue isn’t your thing, there are several other local restaurants that serve up delicious meals. Try Plowman’s Kitchen (305 W. 9th Street) for traditional homecooked style meals or Monarcas (121 E. 3rd Street) for flavorful Mexican dishes, including beef fajitas well known around town.

For dessert, check out the Cookies, Cupcakes and More (211 N. Main Street) to satisfy your sweet tooth. Some of the best cupcake flavors include red velvet, strawberry, and cookies and cream.

And to wash it all down, visit the taproom at Texas Beer Co. (201 N. Main Street) to try beer brewed on site with local grains.

Two good options, depending on your palate, are the Bill Pickett Porter or the Pace Bend Pale Ale.

PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

BARBECUE, BEER AND MORE

PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

still enjoy the unique architecture of many of the downtown buildings. A personal favorite is the Taylor Post Office, which was built in 1929 in the style of renaissance revival. The building has many unique details, like beautiful marble stairs.

Pick up the walking tour map at the Taylor Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center at 1519 N. Main Street.

TOP LEFT, try a beer from Texas Beer Co., like the Bill Pickett porter, brewed locally in Taylor. BELOW LEFT, at Taylor Soap Bar, owned by husband and wife team Channing Kingery-Boles and Clint Morgan, check out a variety of locally-made bath and body products. ABOVE, the flower note, owned by Danielle Casseus, is just one of many eclectic shops in Taylor. Stop by her shop to create a custom bouquet.

Taylor Soap Bar (321 N. Main Street) owners Channing Kingery-Boles and Clint Morgan are a husband-wife duo who just opened their doors in recent months to showcase locals’ talents when it comes to soaps, bath bombs, lotions, scrubs and more. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, step inside for an intoxicating sniff and check out what types of classes they have on the docket to make your own bath and body products.

The Flower Note (112 W. 2nd Street) is another new boutique in Taylor. Owner Danielle Casseus creates custom floral bouquets with fresh and dried flowers, and sells curated finds from women-owned businesses. Customers can’t just walk in and buy a bouquet from her; instead, they will work with her to have their florals tailored to their specific taste, whether it’s for a wedding or home décor. Casseus also hosts workshops where she teaches customers how to make their own bouquets.

As you’re walking between the shops along the downtown streets, make sure to take some time to check out the art and music offerings nearly everywhere you look.

Keep an eye out for four different painted pianos, which were set up in downtown Taylor in early 2021 as part of a public art project

between Public Sketch and the Taylor Public Arts Advisory Board. Not only are the pianos painted beautifully, but if you’re so inclined, you’re also invited to sit down and play a tune or two. Sheet music is even included with each piano.

For even more music, check out Black Sparrow Music Parlor (113 W. 2nd Street), which offers live music every weekend, but also a couple of vintage shops, including a record and skateboard shop, and a bar.

The parlor is also home to KBSR, which is Taylor’s own free and independent digital radio station.

If you’re looking for more art, that’s not hard to find in Taylor. Check out 120ART (120 W. 2nd Street), where exhibits from both local and national artists in a wide range of styles can be viewed on two floors.

The building, another one of Taylor’s historic landmarks, is a piece of art itself. Grab a coffee or tea from the shop inside, Good Strangers, to sip on while you browse.

TAYLOR MADE ACTIVITIES

A short 10-minute drive from Taylor will bring you to Granger Lake, where you can

swim, fish, camp and boat. Four different parks are situated around the lake, which offer campsites for both tent and RV camping. If you don’t want to stay overnight, purchase a day pass for $5 and enjoy the day swimming at the various beaches or try your hand at catching white bass, crappie and catfish.

Adrenaline junkies will appreciate the Pierce Park Skate Park (326 Porter Street), located adjacent to downtown Taylor. It’s not often that you see a city with a fully-equipped skate park, but it’s one of the newest additions to the downtown area.

The park looks like a concrete ocean with waves and offers skateboarders and bikers alike the opportunity to catch major air.

If museums are more your style, check out The Dan Moody Museum (114 W. 9th Street), though be aware it is only open for tours on Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. The Moody Museum shares the story of former Gov. Dan Moody, as well as the Taylor community that helped shape his legacy as Texas’ youngest governor. The museum is housed in a historic home that’s impressive enough on its own, but exhibits showing the history of Taylor and Moody’s career make the visit that much more interesting.

M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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LOCAL EVENTS

March

CHRIS HOFF AND THE HILL COUNTRY HALF TIMERS Hometown Watering Hole 3317 E. SH 29, Bertram 9PM-12AM; Adults (age 21+) 8PM- 1AM; $10 cover at door 512-355-7377 hometownwateringhole.net

March 5

PREACHERS ON THE RADIO Agape BBQ 3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill 7PM-9PM 512-548-6230 / agapebbq.com

March 11

SECOND HAND ROSE BAND Hometown Watering Hole 3317 E. SH 29, Bertram 8PM-12AM; Adults (age 21+) $10 cover at door 512-355-7377 hometownwateringhole.net

March 12

COSMIC CONVOY Agape BBQ 3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill 7PM-9PM 512-548-6230 / agapebbq.com

Indian Mound Market

9AM-1PM weather permitting 512-413-0151, Kris Stevens indianmoundranchtx.com ST PATRICK’S DAY BEER FESTIVAL San Gabriel River Brewery 500 Chaparral Dr Liberty Hill Live music all day, vendors, 3 breweries on site and Corned Beef and Cabbage! Special VIP and package tickets may be purchased online only but are not required. VIP tickets/ packages not sold at the event.

Noon-5PM 512-778-4100 sangabrielriverbrewery.com/ event-tickets THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE STAGE SHOW HEB Center at Cedar Park 2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park 7:30PM; All ages Tickets $29.50 - $59.50 HEBcenter.com

STEVE VALENTINE Agape BBQ 3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill 7PM-9PM 512-548-6230 / agapebbq.com

March 19

38

Marsha Ball

PATRIOT ROAD Hometown Watering Hole 3317 E. SH 29, Bertram 9PM-12AM; Adults (age 21+) $10 cover at door 512-355-7377 hometownwateringhole.net

The Price is Right

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | M A R C H 2 0 2 2

The Quebe Sisters

March 26

CHASE GASSAWAY Fire Oak Distillery 4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill 3:30-6:30PM Free admission 512-515-6611 fireoakdistillery.com

TINTED VISION Agape BBQ 3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill 7PM 9PM 512-548-6230 agapebbq.com Tinted Vision

THE STEEL BELTS Agape BBQ 3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill 7PM-9PM 512-548-6230 / agapebbq.com

THE QUEBE SISTERS The Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan, Bertram Doors 7PM ; show 8PM Tickets $25-$35; All ages globetheatretx.com

March 31

March 25

SIMS STRONG BBQ COOKOFF AND BENEFIT (MARCH 25 + 26) Indian Mound Ranch 12805 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill BBQ Cookoff, Raffles, Games, Music, Auctions benefitting the Coldiron Family March 25: 8PM, March 26: 10AM 512-635-0100, Kim Daniels facebook.com/Simsstrong

March 18

FARMERS AND CRAFT ARTISAN MARKET The Market at Indian Mound Ranch 12805 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill

MARSHA BALL The Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan Street, Bertram Doors 7PM; show 8PM Tickets $20 globetheatretx.com

Patriot Road

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD W/ ANDREW DUHON Haute Spot 1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park 6-11PM; 18+ Only Tickets $30 - $85 512-986-7411 hautespotvenue.com

March 24

STEVE WARINER The Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan, Bertram Doors 7PM ; show 8PM $75 GA; $85 Mezz; +$10 day of show globetheatretx.com

JESS LOPEZ Y LOS FUNKY MONKEYS Hometown Watering Hole 3317 E. SH 29, Bertram 9PM-1AM $10 cover at door 512-355-7377 hometownwateringhole.net

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