August 2026 | LHIndependent.com
One Step Changed Everything 10-year-old's resilience inspires Liberty Hill community
LHISD discusses Bible curriculum implementation p.7
City of Liberty Hill moves forward with downtown district p.8
Salt & Light Women's Network grows to 900 strong p.10
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CONTENTS FEATURES 7 | READING LIST LHISD talks state mandates regarding literature 8 | DOWNTOWN DISTRICT City unveils initial plan for Main Street revitalization 9 | PARKER’S MERCANTILE Plan for former Parker’s Corner Market to kick off downtown efforts
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10 | SALT & LIGHT Women’ Christian network provides connections ONE WRONG STEP Liberty Hill boy suffers fall, shows resilience through trial 12 |
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13 | DONKEY GENE Local woman adopts animal in need, writes book series 14 | LOCAL LANDMARK Oak Grove Church in Andice receives state designation 16 | SOUTH PADRE ISLAND Texas destination provides wide variety of activities 17 | LIBERTY HILL COLLECTIVE New business to bring nature school, community theater to town 18 | NEWS ROUND UP City Council decisions made in July 19 | GEARING UP Wranglers train for inaugural varsity football season 20 | NEW AGE DAWNS Panthers, Wranglers to play each other in athletics this school year
DEPARTMENTS 5 | BIZ BRIEFS Local business news for Liberty Hill 21 | COLUMN Brother’s notations in work log revealed thoughts on education 22 | LOCAL EVENTS Entertainment on tap for August
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Ten-year-old Liberty Hill resident Jay Salazar is recovering after an accident on some wooden stairs gave him extreme laryngeal trauma. He has since had a tracheostomy. PHOTO BY TAYLOR SALAZAR
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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©2026 Liberty Hill Independent News & Media/Liberty Hill Independent. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher. Contact Us: (512) 778-5577 | news@LHIndependent.com | Liberty Hill Independent, PO Box 204, Liberty Hill, TX 78642
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BIZ BRIEFS: What’s New?
Latest business news and what’s coming soon to Liberty Hill
SERVICES
ON THE MOVE
U.S. Dermatology Partners 14001 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill U.S. Dermatology Partners has opened its new Liberty Hill clinic. The practice offers medical dermatology and skin cancer treatment, with care provided by Brandi R. Egizio, PA-C.
Michelle's Patisserie 1908 Main St., Liberty Hill Michelle's Patisserie has received approval for its Liberty Hill kitchen to operate as a Central Preparation Facility. The commissary kitchen is available for food trucks, caterers, mobile food vendors and farmers market vendors, with limited kitchen space now available for lease.
FOOD & BEVERAGE Bunzito's Snack Factory 14751 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (behind Thirsty Penguin) Bunzito's Snack Factory has opened behind Thirsty Penguin, adding a new food option for customers. The business offers a variety of street dogs, such as chili cheese dogs and slaw dogs, among other snack foods. Major's Burgers & Bar 15399 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Major's Burgers & Bar is preparing to reopen in Liberty Hill after the former Major's Burger Company closed in 2024. The restaurant will operate in Jardin Plaza after the rights to the Major's name were acquired by the owners of Jardin Corona. Crazy Falafels 136 CR 214, Liberty Hill (Liberty Hill Food Truck Park) Crazy Falafels has opened in Liberty Hill, serving authentic Lebanese and Armenian cuisine. The food truck offers madeto-order menu items including falafel, wraps, kebabs, hummus and traditional plates. Crazy Falafels is open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and is closed Sunday through Tuesday.
OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS
• Espuela Mobile Beverage Co., Mobile, Liberty Hill
Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • ATI Physical Therapy, 19389 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander • Forged In Ink, 12780 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • Isle Acre Farms School, 330 N. Bear Creek, Liberty Hill
Achieve Learning Center 133 Bennington Dr., Liberty Hill Achieve Learning Center has opened a Liberty Hill location. The center provides educational services for neurodiverse learners and serves families throughout Liberty Hill and the surrounding area. Freedom Builds ATX Mobile, Liberty Hill Freedom Builds ATX has launched its general contracting business serving Liberty Hill and the surrounding area. The company offers home renovations, custom homes, kitchen and bathroom remodels, outdoor living projects and other residential construction services. PNC Bank 1351 U.S. Hwy. 183, Leander PNC Bank is expanding its presence in the area with a new branch under construction along U.S. Highway 183 in Leander.
OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS
• Bach to Rock, 2025 Kauffmann Loop, Georgetown • Liberty Hill Massage, 14370
Sweet Retreat TX Ice Cream 15399 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Sweet Retreat TX Ice Cream recently celebrated its first anniversary in Liberty Hill. The business marked the milestone with a community celebration featuring raffles, face painting, crafts and free ice cream for the first 100 customers. Kitfox's Fun Center 350 CR 277, Liberty Hill Kitfox's Fun Center has permanently closed. In a social media announcement, the owners cited a lack of business and rising operating expenses as the reason for closing and thanked customers for their support throughout the business's time in Liberty Hill. Liberty Mail Center 2082 U.S. Hwy. 183, Leander Liberty Mail Center is celebrating five years of serving the Liberty Hill community. The
locally owned business opened in 2021 and provides mailing, shipping, printing and other business services. Paws Landing 1673 U.S. Hwy. 183, Leander Paws Landing recently celebrated three years in business. The pet care facility offers boarding, daycare, grooming and other services for dogs and cats.
Vista Family Eye Care 14125 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Vista Family Eye Care has welcomed Dr. Nicole Esler to its Liberty Hill practice. Esler joins Dr. Erica O'Brien as the clinic continues expanding eye care services for patients in Liberty Hill and the surrounding communities. Liberty Hill School of Music 3608 RM 1869, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill School of Music has welcomed Megan Berson as a violin instructor. Berson will teach lessons on Mondays. Radiant Salon & Spa / Soirée 2921 RR 1869, Liberty Hill Radiant Salon & Spa has ex-
panded its Liberty Hill business with new additions to Soirée, the event venue adjacent to the salon. The expansion includes an extended parking lot and greenhouse, creating additional space for weddings, private events and community gatherings.
Dave Porter, Williamson County Economic Development Partnership Williamson County Dave Porter has announced his retirement as executive director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, effective December 2026. Porter has led the organization since 2022, helping market Williamson County for business investment and economic development while working with partner cities, including Liberty Hill, to attract new employers and industry. OPENING A BUSINESS? JUST PROMOTED? MOVING LOCATIONS? SHARE YOUR BUSINESS NEWS WITH US! Email news@LHIndependent.com
Information gathered from the City of Liberty Hill, Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, TDLR, LoopNet and Williamson County ESD No. 4.
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EDUCATION
State of Texas classroom crusade continues State Board of Education moves forward with literary works list that has some Liberty Hill parents concerned BY JACE BRAZIEL
STAFF WRITER
In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1605, which, among other things, provided new requirements for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Specifically, it directed the Texas State Board of Education to establish a list of literary works required to be read at each grade level. In April, the State Board of Education (SBOE) approved its Literary Works List – containing numerous Biblical passages and stories – to mixed reception. The list will be phased in, according to the SBOE, beginning with elementary schools in the 2030-2031 school year. As early as second grade, following this change, students will be read David and Goliath by their teachers. In fourth grade, students will comb through verses from the Book of Luke. In recent years, the Texas Legislature has passed bills that have pushed the boundaries of what is and isn’t allowed in public schools. In 2025, Senate Bill 10 was passed, requiring all public school classrooms to display copies of the Ten Commandments. Schools without dedicated funding to purchase said displays were instead required to post any displays that were privately donated. Senate Bill 10 faced legal scrutiny as critics of the bill argued that it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Similarly, critics at the state level have spoken out against the Literary Works List, claiming that the only religious texts represented within the list include the New Testament and the Old Testament. Supporters of the list argue that those texts are fundamental to understanding the history and culture of Texas and the United States writ large. When the TEA brought the initial draft of the list before the SBOE in January 2025, it contained over 300 titles spread across grades K-12. Citing a study published by the Association of Literary Scholars, Critics and Writers, TEA noted “an academic need to
ensure students read a common literary canon that increases in difficulty over time… the content of the literature and reading curriculum for students in standard or honor courses is no longer traditional or uniform in any consistent way.” Following numerous amendments made in the year that followed, over 100 titles were trimmed from the list. Despite the changes, many stories from the Bible remain, leaving many parents of students within LHISD, like Sarah Morrill, asking the same question. “Obviously [Liberty Hill ISD] has requirements that they have to follow,” Morrill told The Independent. “But I just want to know what implementation looks like for my children and for everybody else in the community. I’m not anti-Christian or anti-faith of any kind. My concern is about what the role of public schools is.” The question of implementation is still years away, with the earliest expected change in the classroom not set to begin until 2030. LHISD leadership is watching the SBOE closely. “A lot can change in four years,” said Superintendent Travis Motal. “We’ve got a few more legislative sessions that could potentially amend this process. So when it gets here, we’ll cross that bridge and implement as best we can at the time.” In fact, even since its passage in April, the SBOE has made several additional amendments to the list. Some titles were added, like “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, while others, such as Noah’s Ark, were stricken entirely. Setting aside the question of which specific literary works will or will not be on the list, the creation of such a comprehensive curriculum also signifies a shift away from local curriculum control. “School districts in general would love
to have as much local control in interpreting the things that we need to from the state, and how we implement them for our communities. Any amount that we can continue to do that would be best,” said Motal. Another controversial change stemming from House Bill 1605 is a major overhaul to the social studies curriculum for grades kindergarten through eighth, shifting from a topic-focused framework to a more
chronological one. A greater focus will be placed on Texas and U.S. history, while much of the global history and culture TEKS will be trimmed to accommodate the change. Julia Brookins of the American Historical Association spoke before the state board during its April meeting, cautioning against approving the change. “What’s been happening here is part of a trend in states around the nation…” she said. “Texas, like those other states, is shifting funding away from social studies fundamentals like textbooks, teacher [professional development], and field trips toward unproven approaches that concentrate power in the hands of a few officials… creating astronomical costs for school districts and calling it innovation.” The recent upward, state-focused consolidation of authority over city infrastructure and economic policies has been met with heavy scrutiny from the City of Liberty Hill. Now, similarly, LHISD may have cause for concern about the direction that curriculum-making power is headed.
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A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly
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CITY
Liberty Hill takes $1.47 million step toward downtown redevelopment BY RACHEL MADISON
OWNER/PUBLISHER
Liberty Hill’s plans for a new downtown district are moving from vision to implementation after the City Council approved a $1.47 million agreement to begin determining what can actually be built, what the market will support and how private investment could help pay for it. The City Council approved a professional services agreement July 8 with Griffin-Swinerton for $1,470,425 to serve as the city’s owner’s representative for the first phase of the Downtown District project. The firm will act as an extension of city staff, coordinating the planning, engineering, market analysis, financing, community engagement and other work needed to turn the city’s conceptual downtown vision into an implementation plan. City Manager Thomas Hunter said the city is not starting over with a new vision for downtown. Instead, it is beginning the much more detailed work of determining how to make that vision happen. “We had a roadmap that included a lot of public input at a very critical time for Liberty Hill,” Hunter said. That roadmap is the Downtown Master Plan adopted by the City Council in July 2024, which envisions downtown as a mixed-use destination incorporating public facilities, outdoor recreation, retail, restaurants, public art and other uses intended to increase activity downtown and generate additional sales tax revenue. The city began taking a closer look at implementing the plan internally last November, Hunter said, including evaluating city-owned property and identifying opportunities for redevelopment. Now, he said, the project is “very much in an implementation stage.” And the questions are much more specific: Where do roads go? How much parking is needed? What infrastructure is already there? What types of businesses, housing or entertainment can the market support? What should a future municipal complex include? And how much public and private investment would be needed to make it happen?
What $1.47 million buys
Griffin-Swinerton’s initial work is expected to take about six months and goes well beyond creating another set of renderings. The firm and its consultants will refine the existing master plan, analyze the real estate market, study financing options, assess infrastructure and utilities, conduct traffic
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and environmental studies, evaluate parking needs and develop preliminary concepts for a new municipal complex. The scope also includes a retail and placemaking strategy, community outreach, cost estimates and a strategy for attracting investors and developers. The project team includes specialists in master planning, market analysis, public finance, civil and traffic engineering, parking, historic preservation, community outreach, recreation planning, surveying and geotechnical engineering. Hunter said bringing that expertise in from outside the city is important because Liberty Hill is already simultaneously working on water, wastewater, mobility and other major projects. “You’re not paying for somebody to learn,” Hunter said. “You’re bringing an expert in who already knows how to do it.” The agreement calls for Griffin-Swinerton to serve as the city’s lead project manager and coordinate the larger consultant team, with project meetings and updates required at least every two weeks.
The first phase
At the end of the six-month phase, Griffin-Swinerton is expected to deliver a Downtown District Report. That report will be significantly more detailed than the conceptual plans residents have seen so far. It is expected to include a market demand analysis; an implementation and phasing plan; proposed incentives to attract private development; preliminary concepts for a municipal complex; transportation, traffic, geotechnical, environmental and utility studies; and a new Concept Master Plan. The Concept Master Plan could depict supported uses including housing, retail, entertainment, commercial development, city facilities, parks and parking. The report will also include preliminary estimates for public infrastructure such as utilities, drainage, roads, sidewalks and bike lanes, along with a financing plan identifying which portions could be city-funded and which could be developer-funded. That distinction is important because city officials repeatedly stressed that the renderings currently being discussed are conceptual. Nothing shown today guarantees a particular hotel, restaurant, park, building or other use will ultimately be constructed. The purpose of the next six months is, in part, to determine which ideas actually make sense.
Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 6
Parker’s Mercantile will provide Liberty Hill residents with a first glimpse of what’s to come in the downtown district. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON
A three-year process
If the City Council accepts the Downtown District Report, the project will move into another approximately 12-month predevelopment phase. That phase could include construction drawings for site infrastructure, additional permitting and technical work, more detailed design of the municipal complex and a definitive financing plan. After another city review and decision, the project could then enter an approximately 20-month development and construction phase. The preliminary schedule shows the process stretching through 2029, although the agreement specifically cautions that the timeline is preliminary and subject to change. “There’s a lot of things that can happen between start and finish,” Pritchett said. Hunter pointed to one obvious variable: “Changes in the economy.” What could downtown be? The final mix of uses has not been determined. Among the possibilities discussed by city officials are retail, outdoor recreation and gathering spaces, a performance area, children’s play areas, parking and a boutique hotel. The agreement goes somewhat further in identifying what Griffin-Swinerton will study, including housing, hospitality, retail, entertainment, commercial uses, parks, open spaces and city facilities. It also specifically calls for studying temporary activation concepts such as street markets, pop-ups, parklets and performances. Hunter said the goal is to create something
cohesive. “You’ve left a community before, a downtown, and thought to yourself, man, that was really cool, like somebody thought through that,” Hunter said. “Everything had a feel to it. That’s exactly what we’re envisioning here.”
Municipal complex could anchor district
One significant piece of the concept is a new municipal complex. City departments are currently spread among multiple buildings, requiring the city to maintain separate HVAC systems, electrical systems and other facilities, Hunter said. Consolidating those operations could create a one-stop location for residents doing business with the city while allowing some existing city-owned properties to return to private commercial use. “It creates a one-stop shop,” Hunter said. But Hunter said the vision goes beyond constructing government offices. The city is considering ground-floor retail in the municipal complex that could potentially be used to help locally owned businesses establish themselves or grow. “We need to make sure that what we’re doing is really thinking about those that have been in Liberty Hill, done business in Liberty Hill and are going to be a part of this community for a long time,” Hunter said. Whatever is ultimately built, he said, shouldn’t feel like a copy of another Central Texas development. “We want this redevelopment to be uniquely Liberty Hill,” Hunter said. “We don’t want to be The Domain.”
CITY Keeping dollars in Liberty Hill
The city’s interest in downtown isn’t limited to creating a gathering place. It’s also economic. “On a Friday afternoon, what are you doing?” Hunter said. “You’re going to other cities to spend your sales tax dollars. The future solvency of communities really has to be focused on keeping our sales tax dollars. That’s our community pouring back into itself.” Hunter said Liberty Hill’s residential growth is already happening. The challenge is ensuring the city also creates places where residents can gather and spend time. “If we don’t ensure that we have places for people to do that, it’ll go away,” he said. The idea is to combine gathering spaces with retail, entertainment, mixed-use development and municipal operations, creating consistent activity downtown. “It’s very strategic that if you collocate a gathering space with retail, entertainment, mixed-use and municipal complex, you’ve now got a space that has constant traffic,” Hunter said.
Who is paying for the project?
The $1.47 million agreement is expected to be split between the city and the Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation (EDC). According to City Council agenda documents, $1 million would come from city general fund reserves and $470,425 from the EDC. The agreement could require a future fiscal year 2026 budget amendment depending on final spending and is expected to be included in the city’s fiscal year 2027-31 Capital Improvement Plan. Hunter emphasized that those are not water or wastewater dollars. The detailed contract budget shows the $1.47 million is a not-to-exceed amount, with unspent budget savings returned to the city. Among the larger expenditures are $210,000 for the Concept Master Plan, $200,000 for civil engineering and infrastructure design, $120,000 for a PUD ordinance and design book, $100,000 for preconstruction and cost estimating, $75,000 each for a traffic impact analysis and special district financing work, and $50,000 each for the municipal complex assessment, placemaking and retail strategy, surveying and community engagement. The contract also includes $100,000 in contingency and $250,000 in fixed developer overhead.
Private investment is key
The $1.47 million does not represent the cost of actually redeveloping downtown. One of Griffin-Swinerton’s primary assignments is determining what that larger
project could cost and how much of it could be supported by private development. The city already owns a significant amount of downtown property and hopes to leverage that land to establish a public-private partnership, commonly referred to as a P3. City staff selected Griffin-Swinerton through a request for qualifications process in part because of the firm’s experience working on similar municipal projects as both an owner’s representative and master developer. “One of the most important pieces is that we have an opportunity right now to bring a private-sector partner for them to invest their capital alongside the city,” Hunter said. The current agreement does not automatically make Griffin-Swinerton the developer of the project. After the first phase, the City Council would have to accept the work and choose whether to move forward. The agreement allows the city to consider Griffin-Swinerton for later development, public-private partnership or master developer services, but those steps require additional city approval and negotiated agreements.
Preserving Liberty Hill’s culture
Even as the city considers significant redevelopment, Hunter said preserving downtown’s history will be part of the process. The project team includes historic preservation expertise, and officials have already begun talking with downtown stakeholders about incorporating pieces of Liberty Hill’s past into future development. “We’ll want to continue to incorporate those historical preservation elements,” Hunter said. The goal, he said, is to “really tell the whole story.” “There’s a lot of communities that don’t have their Main Street anymore,” Hunter said. Liberty Hill still does. The challenge now is determining how to add the restaurants, businesses, gathering spaces and amenities residents have asked for without losing what made downtown Liberty Hill distinctive in the first place. Communications Manager Katie Amsler said the city’s direction comes from years of public input. “This vision of what we’re doing came directly from the community, from our community surveys, and when we did our Downtown Day,” Amsler said. “What we’re doing now is a result of that feedback.” And public involvement isn’t finished. Griffin-Swinerton’s scope includes community surveys and outreach, including additional workshops.
Parker’s Mercantile offers first glimpse of downtown plans BY RACHEL MADISON
OWNER/PUBLISHER
Residents won’t have to wait until 2029 to see activity tied to Liberty Hill’s downtown plans. Parker’s Mercantile is expected to open in late August as an interim gathering and small-business space featuring food, drinks and rotating local vendors. The City of Liberty Hill purchased the Parker’s property as part of its larger downtown strategy, but City Manager Thomas Hunter said the original reason for acquiring it was more practical. “The Parker’s purchase was very strategic because we knew that in order for us to revitalize downtown, we were going to have to make improvements to that intersection, which would require us purchasing that property,” Hunter said. Hunter said the city faced a choice when the property became available. “Now when it went for sale, we knew that we could either buy that property now, for $1.6 million, or we could wait two years and pay $3 million for it,” he said. Owning Parker’s gave the city control of property it expects to need as downtown changes. But it also gave the city something else: a chance to start drawing people downtown now. Hunter said the city hopes activity at Parker’s will spread to existing downtown businesses. “We’re already starting to create activation,” he said. “And that activation starts to bleed into all the other businesses surrounding it, because it’s just the way commerce works.” Deputy City Manager Brandon Pritchett said some operational details were still being finalized at the time of the interview, but the basic concept is established. The project is being headed up by Mike Farr, who also owns Wish Kitchen + Bar, just across the street from Parker’s. “There will be food. There will be drinks,” Pritchett said. Parker’s will also include rotating vendor spaces for local entrepreneurs. “There will be different revolving vendor spaces for people in the community who have business products they sell, where they want to have a space, just kind of try out their business,” Pritchett
said. The focus, he said, will be local. Parker’s could give small businesses that aren’t ready to take on the expense of their own storefront a way to test a brick-and-mortar operation. “It’s a great place for these small mom-and-pops that just don’t quite have the resources for their own,” Pritchett said. That concept fits into the city’s larger downtown strategy, which calls for studying activation ideas such as street markets, pop-ups, parklets and performances. In that sense, Parker’s gives the city a chance to try some of those ideas before the permanent downtown district is built. The current Parker’s building is expected to operate for at least two years, but it is not expected to remain permanently as the downtown redevelopment progresses. Hunter said the building will eventually be demolished during a later stage of the project. However, the Parker’s name and concept could survive. “We anticipate in the new construction there being a new Parker’s, so that we can continue historical nod to downtown,” Hunter said. Officials have already discussed photographing the current building and displaying the images in a future Parker’s as one way of maintaining that connection. “We’ll want to continue to incorporate those historical preservation elements,” Hunter said. For now, Parker’s will serve as something of a test case for a much larger idea: whether creating a place to gather, eat, drink and shop from local businesses can begin drawing people back downtown before the city’s larger redevelopment ever breaks ground. directly from the community, from our community surveys, and when we did our Downtown Day,” Amsler said. “What we’re doing now is a result of that feedback.” And public involvement isn’t finished. Griffin-Swinerton’s scope includes community surveys and outreach, including additional workshops.
A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly
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COMMUNITY
Women’s Christian network builds community through faith BY LESHELLE VALLEJO
STAFF WRITER
What started as one woman’s search for a faith-centered business community has grown into one of Liberty Hill’s fastest-growing women’s networks. In just over a year, Salt & Light Women’s Christian Network has welcomed more than 900 women into its online community while creating a space where faith, entrepreneurship and authentic relationships intersect. For co-founder and Liberty Hill Realtor Jen Helmig, the organization’s beginnings weren’t the result of a strategic business plan. Instead, she describes it as a series of God-ordained encounters. “Over a year ago, I was personally looking for a Christian environment – a sisterhood centered on Biblical learning while also supporting women in business,” Helmig said. “One by one, God placed these incredible women in my path. Every conversation became another confirmation that we were being called to create something bigger than ourselves.” That calling eventually brought together six women from different professional backgrounds: Helmig, Brooke Kimberlin, Mirella Meza, Marley Ketchum, Wendy Easterling and Monica Drew. Together, they founded the Salt & Light Women’s Christian Network with one purpose in mind: to help women pursue their God-given calling while building meaningful relationships within the Liberty Hill community. While many people initially assume Salt & Light functions like a traditional business networking group, the founders say its mission goes much deeper. “Our foundation is Jesus Christ,” Helmig said. “We’re not trying to create another networking organization. We’re creating an ecosystem where women can support one another, grow their businesses, strengthen their faith and walk confidently in the calling God has placed on their lives.” The organization’s name comes from Matthew 5, where believers are called to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” “As Christians, we’re called to be the salt and light everywhere we go,” Drew said. “Whether that’s in our businesses, our homes, our neighborhoods or our families, we want women to shine that light and carry it into everything they do.” Although entrepreneurship is a major focus of the organization, the founders emphasize that not every event is designed exclusively for business owners. Each month, Salt & Light hosts Coffee &
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From left, Mirella Meza, Jen Helmig, Wendy Easterling, Brooke Kimberlin, Marley Ketchum and Monica Drew
are the founders of the Salt & Light Women’s Christian Network. COURTESY PHOTO
Connection, a free networking gathering open to any woman looking to build relationships within the community. “We always say, ‘There’s a place for you here,’” Ketchum said. “Whether you’re a stayat-home mom, a business owner, a teacher or simply looking for community, everyone is welcome.” For women in business, the organization also offers six-month “Circles,” small groups that combine Biblical study with practical business mentorship. Rather than simply exchanging referrals, members work together to solve real challenges. “We don’t just tell someone, ‘Here’s an idea,’” Helmig said. “We lock arms with them. We pray with them. We brainstorm together. We connect them with people who can help. We actually walk alongside them.” In one recent example, a member struggling to grow her business met with fellow Circle participants outside their scheduled meetings. “We didn’t just offer advice,” Helmig said. “We helped her implement marketing ideas, connected her with opportunities and supported her every step of the way. Watching her business begin to grow was incredible.” For many entrepreneurs, running a business can feel isolating. Kimberlin, owner of Liberty Mail Center, believes that sense of belonging may be one of Salt & Light’s greatest strengths. “Being a business owner can be lonely,” Kimberlin said. “We wanted to create a place where women truly understand what each other is going through—someone who celebrates your wins but also walks with you through the difficult seasons.”
Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 6
The founders say some of the most meaningful moments haven’t come from business growth alone but from hearing the stories that follow each gathering. “We’ll receive messages from women saying they showed up because they desperately needed encouragement,” Drew said. “Sometimes we’re busy coordinating the logistics behind an event, and afterward we hear these incredible testimonies about friendships that formed, prayers that were answered or simply how seen someone felt.” Those stories continue to affirm the mission they felt called to pursue. “What has surprised us the most is how many women have been searching for exactly this,” Helmig said. “We thought it might be a small group, but there are so many women longing for community, sisterhood and a deeper relationship with Jesus.” While the organization has impacted hundreds of women, the founders say it has transformed them personally as well. For Meza, owner of Papa Chilo’s Healing Hands, stepping into leadership meant stepping far outside her comfort zone. “I’ve never been someone who likes being in the spotlight,” Meza said. “But God has called me higher. It’s taught me that even when you’re afraid, you simply take one step at a time because you know He’s leading you.” Ketchum experienced a different kind of growth. “As soon as we started Salt & Light, my business actually slowed down,” she said. “At first, that scared me. But now I realize God was pruning things that weren’t meant for me so He could prepare me for something even bigger.” Helmig shared that surrounding herself
with strong Christian women also strengthened her own personal walk. “Being around women who genuinely pursue Christ made it impossible for me to ignore the things God was asking me to surrender,” she said. For the founders, success isn’t measured by attendance numbers or the amount of business generated through the network. It’s measured by how women feel when they leave. “I would define success as someone walking out feeling seen, loved and carrying a whole new confidence,” Drew said. “I want every woman to leave standing a little taller than when she walked in.” Drew said a message she once heard from political activist Charlie Kirk continues to resonate with the leadership team. “He talked about how salt changes the flavor of everything it touches and how light helps things grow,” she said. “That’s exactly what we hope happens. We want women to leave feeling a little lighter, a little stronger and ready to go back into their homes, businesses and community knowing they can make a difference.” That desire to encourage women extends far beyond entrepreneurship. “It’s never just about growing a business,” Helmig said. “It’s about helping women discover who God created them to be and giving them a community that reminds them they don’t have to walk that journey alone.” As Liberty Hill continues to experience rapid growth, the founders believe organizations like Salt & Light play an important role in preserving the community’s welcoming spirit. “Growth can feel intimidating, especially for small business owners,” Ketchum said. “But once you meet someone, they’re no longer competition—they’re your partner. We truly believe we build each other up.” That philosophy has become one of the group’s defining messages. “Our tagline is simple,” Ketchum said. “’There’s a place for you here.’” For Helmig, that invitation extends far beyond business. “I want every woman to know she was never meant to do life alone,” she said. “God created us for fellowship, community and sisterhood.” Salt & Light Women’s Christian Network hosts its free Coffee & Connection gathering on the second Thursday of each month at rotating local businesses throughout Liberty Hill. Women interested in joining the community can also connect through the group’s Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/ saltandlightwomensnetwork.
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COVER STORY
Liberty Hill boy’s courage inspires community
BY LESHELLE VALLEJO
STAFF WRITER
What began as an exciting week at his first overnight summer camp quickly became a life-changing journey for 10-yearold Liberty Hill resident Jay Salazar and his family. In late May, Jay was climbing the wooden stairs to a pool slide when one misstep changed everything. “He was just walking up the stairs to the slide and took a wrong step,” his mother, Taylor Salazar, said. “He ended up hitting his throat on the edge of one of the wooden steps. There was no bruising, no bleeding – he looked completely normal – but immediately he couldn’t really talk and started coughing up blood.” Camp staff called 911, and Jay was taken to a nearby emergency room where x-rays showed no obvious injuries. Doctors believed he could even return to camp. But Taylor knew something wasn’t right. “He couldn’t eat, couldn’t drink and couldn’t talk,” she said. “We decided to bring him home.” That decision marked the beginning of nearly three months filled with emergency room visits, surgeries, specialist appointments and unanswered questions. After follow-up imaging at Texas Children’s Hospital revealed severe swelling and irritation, Jay’s condition continued to worsen. While awake, he appeared relatively normal. But when he slept, his breathing became dangerously labored. “It was really hard because every time we went to the ER he was awake, so they
couldn’t always see what was happening,” Taylor said. Doctors tried rounds of steroids and antibiotics, offering temporary relief, but each time the medication ended, the swelling returned – often worse than before. Multiple exploratory procedures in Austin revealed something alarming. “At one point, you couldn’t even see his airway during surgery,” Taylor said. “There was so much swelling.” Eventually, specialists referred the family to Houston, where a surgeon specializing in laryngeal trauma discovered extensive inflammation and scar tissue had altered Jay’s airway. The treatment ultimately required a tracheostomy – a surgical procedure creating an opening in the neck to help him breathe. Although the thought was overwhelming, Taylor said the surgery has dramatically improved Jay’s quality of life. “Before the tracheostomy, he would get winded just walking from the grocery store to the parking lot,” she said. “Now he’s running, walking the dog, playing with friends and pretty much living like a normal 10-year-old again.” Jay spent two weeks in Houston recovering while Taylor completed extensive handson training to learn how to care for his tracheostomy before bringing him home. Today, doctors remain optimistic the tracheostomy will be temporary, though there is no timeline. “They’re confident this isn’t forever,” Taylor said. “It could be a month, it could be a year. We just don’t know.” Jay will continue returning to Houston every few weeks for additional surgeries that
Jay Salazar spent two weeks in a Houston hospital recovering from surgery. COURTESY PHOTO
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Jay Salazar needed a tracheostomy to aid his breathing after suffering an injury from a fall. COURTESY PHOTO
include laser treatments, balloon dilations and steroid injections in hopes of reducing scar tissue and restoring his airway. While his breathing has improved, his voice remains soft and raspy due to ongoing vocal cord damage. “His vocal cords aren’t working properly right now,” Taylor said. “That’s something we’re hoping improves over time.” Throughout the ordeal, Taylor experienced firsthand the kind of community she has spent years trying to build. As founder of the Facebook group Liberty Hill Moms Network, she originally created the group to help local mothers find support and friendship. She never imagined one day her own family would become the recipient of that same kindness. “I created the group because I wanted moms to know they weren’t alone,” Taylor said. “Getting to experience the other side of it completely blew me away.” Neighbors prepared meals, cared for pets, checked on the family and offered countless prayers while Taylor and Jay spent weeks away from home. “It really showed me that there’s an even larger community than I realized,” she said. “People genuinely want to help. Sometimes they just need to know how.” Despite the unknowns that still lie ahead, Taylor said her family’s faith has remained their greatest source of strength.
“We’re Jesus followers,” she said. “We believe there’s a purpose behind all of this. Of course, selfishly, we want it to be over now, but we trust there’s a reason. We’re praying that we see that purpose sooner rather than later.” As Jay prepares for another round of surgeries, the Salazar family continues asking for prayers – for healing, confidence and peace during the journey ahead. “The prayers are the biggest thing,” Taylor said. “The meals and donations absolutely help, especially with traveling back and forth to Houston, but prayer is what’s going to carry us long-term.” Those wishing to support Jay and the Salazar family can do so through their Meal Train, which also accepts financial donations to help offset ongoing travel expenses, or by purchasing items from Jay’s Amazon wish list filled with activities like LEGO sets to help keep him occupied during hospital stays. For now, Jay is doing what every 10-yearold wants to do – playing, laughing and enjoying life one day at a time, a resilient young boy whose story has inspired an entire community to rally behind him. To view the Salazar family’s Meal Train, visit mealtrain.com/wngokq. To view Jay’s Amazon wish list, visit amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1D2XB4OJNJOMK?ref_=wl_share.
COMMUNITY
Keeping a promise How one Liberty Hill woman helped ‘Donkey Gene’ find his second chance BY LESHELLE VALLEJO
STAFF WRITER
Some stories don’t begin with a grand plan. Sometimes they begin with a passing glance, a tug on the heart and a promise quietly made through a fence line. For Liberty Hill resident Angie Cservak, Donkey Gene’s story started with a donkey she couldn’t stop thinking about – one she passed again and again until simply noticing him no longer felt like enough. What followed was years of showing up, learning, advocating and loving a stubborn old donkey through every stage of his transformation. Today, Donkey Gene is living a very different life at Blue Moon Sanctuary in Bertram, where he has regular care, a safe place to call home, and most importantly, companionship. It’s a far cry from the life he once knew, and for Cservak, that transformation is exactly why his story matters. “Donkey Gene’s story is really a story about second chances,” Cservak said. “Every animal has a past, and while Gene’s past wasn’t always ideal for him, I’d rather focus on where he is today and how far he’s come.” That is where Cservak keeps the heart of the story – not on what Gene lacked, but on what he has now – stability, friendship and a life where he can simply be a donkey. Cservak first noticed Gene while driving past a property in Liberty Hill. Over time, she began to realize he was slowing down and not thriving the way he should have been. “I would pass him for probably half a year, and every morning I’d see him walking the fence line,” she said. “After about a year, I thought, ‘Gosh, look at that poor donkey. He’s slowing down. He’s looking tired.’” She eventually asked permission to begin feeding him and started doing the research needed to understand what an elderly donkey like Gene required. At 31 years old, Gene has worn-down teeth and needs soft food and a strict feeding routine to stay healthy. What began as one meal quickly became a commitment. “I made him a promise,” Cservak said. “I would sit there and cry and tell him, ‘I’m
going to help you one day. You’re going to be safe.’” That promise became the foundation of a bond that has now lasted nearly four years. Cservak is the first to say Gene was not exactly easy in the beginning. “He was a mean donkey,” she said with a laugh. “You had to be careful feeding him because he would bite. He was scary.” But beneath that rough exterior, she saw an animal who was acting out of isolation, fear and unmet needs – not meanness for the sake of being mean. “I knew it wasn’t his fault,” she said. “He needed to be shown love and compassion, and he needed stability.” That stability came when Gene was eventually moved to Blue Moon Sanctuary, where Cservak continues to care for him daily and where he is surrounded by people who understand donkeys and the specific care they need. The biggest shift, she said, came when Gene was no longer alone. “Donkeys are very social animals,” Cservak said. “That was the biggest problem. He didn’t have companionship, and I think that’s all he really needed.” At the sanctuary, Gene was introduced to other donkeys, including his now constant companion, Moby. “Wherever Gene is, Moby is right behind him,” she said. “If they’re separated, they pace the fence and get stressed. They’re best friends.” That friendship helped unlock something in Gene. The donkey who once guarded himself so fiercely began to soften. He learned his feeding routine. He learned he no longer had to compete for food. He learned to live among other animals. And little by little, he learned to trust. “He has done a complete 180,” Cservak said. “He’s become more relaxed, more trusting and full of personality. He meets me at the gate. He puts his head on me. He leans into scratches. He just enjoys life now.” These days, Gene loves visitors, his donkey friends and his favorite thing in the world — getting his hiney scratched. “He was at a meet-and-greet and just ran right up to everyone,” Cservak said. “He never left the crowd. He loves attention.” As Gene’s story unfolded, Cservak found herself wanting to share it with others – especially children. “I just love this donkey so much,” she said. “I thought, I’m going to write a story
Liberty Hill resident Angie Cservak, pictured above with ‘Donkey Gene’, cares for her donkey friend at Blue Moon Sanctuary in Bertram. At right, Cservak has launched a series of children’s books based on Donkey Gene. They are sold locally at The Blue Door Gift Store & Boutique, owned by Kami Pogue. COURTESY PHOTOS
about him and how I feel about him.” That idea turned into “The Adventures of Donkey Gene,” a children’s book series inspired by Gene, his personality and his life at the sanctuary. What started as a way to tell Gene’s story has since grown into multiple books, including a coloring book and a counting book featuring his farm friends. The books have struck a chord with readers. “I had an event recently and sold out of everything,” Cservak said. “People were coming in saying, ‘I’m here for my Donkey Gene book.’” Three of the books have also been accepted into the Library of Congress – something Cservak still speaks about with excitement and disbelief. “I know Gene will go down in history because his books are in the government library in Washington,” she said. Her books are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart, and Gene’s story continues to reach people well beyond Liberty Hill. For Cservak, Gene’s story has also become a way to help people see donkeys differently. “I wanted people to see donkeys differently,” she said. “They’re intelligent, affectionate, funny, and each one has their own personality.” Through social media, community events and her books, she has built a following of people who check in on Gene, support the sanctuary and celebrate every milestone
right alongside her. “I have people who text and ask, ‘Does Gene need anything?’” she said. “People bring food and supplies. They donate to the sanctuary in his honor. They know me as the donkey girl.” That support has meant a great deal, not just for Gene, but for the many animals at Blue Moon Sanctuary. Cservak said she’s deeply grateful for the people who have helped make his care possible and for the sanctuary that gave him a safe place to land. And while Gene’s story may have started with one donkey on the other side of a fence, it has grown into something much larger — a story about compassion, perseverance and what can happen when someone refuses to look away. Every evening, Cservak still heads to the sanctuary to feed Gene, tend to his needs and spend time with him. It’s a routine that has become part of her life — and part of Gene’s. When it’s time to leave, she says goodbye and watches him in the rearview mirror. “It breaks my heart when I leave,” she said. “He just watches me drive off.” Still, she knows he is exactly where he needs to be. “He’s safe, he’s happy, and he has everything he needs,” she said. And if there’s one thing she hopes people take from Donkey Gene’s story, it’s this: “A little love and understanding can completely change a life,” Cservak said. For one old donkey named Gene, it already has.
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COMMUNITY
Standing the test of time Local church becomes Texas’ newest historical landmark BY BRAD MARTIN
STAFF WRITER
It’s becoming harder and harder to imagine what Liberty Hill and its surrounding areas looked like only five or 10 years ago. In that short span of time, this small, cherished little community that seldom saw an unfamiliar face has transformed into a bustling suburb that has gained national attention as the poster child for truly exponential growth. Though the breakneck pace is almost equally unimaginable, there are many pockets throughout the area that remain untouched, just as they were before this sleepy little town was jolted awake. For well over a century, these properties and the structures contained within have watched the landscape change around them, yet their stoic personification has seemingly kept that slower pace of yesteryear at hand, almost as if time slows down as you walk across the grounds and through the doors of history. One such treasured place is Oak Grove Presbyterian Church and Tabernacle, located just outside of town near neighboring Andice, a place that has joined the ranks of The Texas Historical Commission and is now one of the newest pins on the map of historical marker sites. Originally built in 1899 and then rebuilt in 1922 due to storm damage, this quaint little white chapel sits atop a hill and is nestled amongst many mighty oak trees. A few hundred feet from the chapel sits the Tabernacle, which was the first structure built on the site well over a century ago. It is there where monthly retreats were held as faithful congregants from all over the Texas Hill Country came by horse and buggy for a weekend of worship and fellowship. Fast forward to present day, the Tabernacle still serves as a coveted place to gather during the church’s annual October revivals, where people from even farther and wider come to give God the glory. “This is home,” said Mayre Tucker Drennan, great-granddaughter of L.G. Tucker, one of the founding elders of the church. “My parents lived here, and my grandparents had a farm here. This church is where I was christened. After I moved away, when I would come visit my grandparents in the summer, I was always in church here. It’s always been a hub of communication for the community – within the fellowship as well as with God.” Drennan, who now resides in Longview,
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came to witness the unveiling of the historical marker, a ceremony complete with cherished stories of the past and singing of many traditional hymns. For her, it offered the chance to relive many fond memories and to meet many of the present-day congregants. “I’m proud of this,” she said. “And I’m proud of what the people who continue to live in this area have done. It’s worth bragging about.” The Trail Life Troop, a ministry of Andice Baptist Church, was in attendance to present the colors and lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Williamson County Sheriff Matt Lindemann also attended the ceremony along with several on-duty area firefighters. Refreshments were offered post-ceremony as the community continued to celebrate the church and its newfound designation as a Texas Historic Landmark, all of which could not have been possible without the efforts of Lue Wilhite, an elder of Oak Grove Church. “You get a feeling when you walk into this church,” said Don Graski, also an elder. “When you come in here, you don’t see entertainment. There are no big screens. There’s no bouncing ball on the words of the songs that we’re singing. There are old hymnals, and we sing a lot of old-fashioned songs. This is a real church. It’s about Jesus and bringing people closer to Jesus.” Graski went on in detail about the central focus of the small but mighty church, as well as what its future looks like as it peers ahead at the next century. “This church is all about community,” he said. “This church gives and gives. We’re small, but we’re a very giving church. It’s a special place, and our vision is to keep this building here as long as we can. The ‘now’ is to keep helping the community, and we want to keep it that way as we head into the future. We will serve the community, whether it’s 10 people or 80 people. We just want to serve the community and to be a sanctuary for Christians to pray, share fellowship and give the glory to God.” What was once a one-lane dirt road at the southernmost outskirts of Andice is quickly becoming a wider and busier road then ever imagined, yet as travelers crest the hill and are introduced to the picturesque landscape that only Central Texas can pull off so well, it serves as a lasting reminder that time doesn’t change everything it touches. Thanks to The Texas Historical Commission, Oak Grove Church will stand for generations to come as it continues to invite anyone who will sit for a spell and hear its story.
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Above, originally built in 1899, Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, now an official historic landmark, has a long history of serving members of the Texas Hill Country. At right, Oak Grove Church in Andice has been recognized as a landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. Below, despite the area’s exponential growth in recent years, the Oak Grove Church in Andice is a reminder of the past. PHOTOS BY BRAD MARTIN
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A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly
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TRAVEL
Beyond the beach
Located along the Laguna Madre, Viva offers beautiful water views and is an especially nice place to be around sunset. After a full day of activities, sitting down for dinner while watching the sky change over the bay was a reminder that not every memorable vacation experience has to involve an attraction or admission ticket.
A Liberty Hill family guide to South Padre Island
BY RACHEL MADISON
OWNER/PUBLISHER
When most Texans think about South Padre Island, the beach is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And while miles of sand and Gulf water are certainly reason enough to make the drive, our recent family trip proved there is a lot more to South Padre than spending the day with your toes in the sand. For Liberty Hill families looking for a getaway that offers a little bit of everything, South Padre Island has enough to fill several days – from sea turtles and a massive alligator to water slides, zip lines, pirate adventures and plenty of good food along the way.
the organization’s rescue, rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Nearby, the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary gives families another look at the wildlife that calls the area home. Elevated boardwalks take visitors through the wetlands, where there are opportunities to see birds and other native wildlife. Then there’s Big Padre. At more than 12 feet long, over 850 pounds and nearly 60 years old, the enormous alligator is one of those things you really have to see in person to appreciate. If you’re traveling with animal-loving kids – or adults – make sure he’s on your list.
Where to stay
We made Margaritaville Beach Resort our home base for the trip, putting us right on the beach and close to many of the island’s attractions. For families, staying somewhere with easy beach access makes a difference. There were plenty of days when we wanted to explore the island, but it was also nice to be able to spend a few hours on the sand without making it an entire production. And if you have kids who really love the beach, be prepared – getting them to leave may be the hardest part of the trip.
Meet some of South Padre’s wild residents
One stop families shouldn’t miss is Sea Turtle Inc., where visitors can see rescued sea turtles up close while learning about
Big Padre is an impressive sight to see at the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON
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One of the best ways to view the Laguna Madre is via a pirate ship, complete with activities for the whole family. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON
Become a pirate for an afternoon
Another way to see the island is from the water, and Black Dragon Cruises turns a trip across the Laguna Madre into an experience of its own. The pirate-themed cruise combines sightseeing with family-friendly entertainment, making it particularly fun for kids while still giving adults a chance to enjoy being out on the water. It’s a nice change of pace from spending another afternoon on land and gives visitors a different view of South Padre Island and the Laguna Madre.
Cool off at Beach Waterpark
Gravity Park is an exciting place for kids and adults who enjoy thrills, such as the Skycoaster. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON Bring the thrill seekers
If you have older kids or teenagers who need a little more excitement than building sandcastles, head to Gravity Park. The amusement park offers a variety of attractions and is especially fun for older kids, teens and parents who apparently forget they’re responsible adults while on vacation. It’s also a good evening option after spending the day at the beach or exploring elsewhere on the island. For an entirely different adventure, head to South Padre Island Adventure Park. We tried zip lining, which was one of the more adventurous experiences of our trip and offered a chance to see another side of the area. The park also offers horseback riding, giving families several ways to experience South Padre beyond the traditional beach vacation.
Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | A U G U S T 2 0 2 6
South Texas is hot, so dedicating part of a day to Beach Waterpark isn’t a hard sell. The park has attractions for a range of ages and comfort levels. Families can relax on the lazy river, which connects to slides you can ride without ever leaving your tube, or head for some of the more thrilling slides if simply floating around isn’t exciting enough. It’s an easy place to spend several hours and gives families something completely different to do while still enjoying the water.
Eat your way around the island
Vacation also means finding somewhere good to eat, and one of our breakfast stops was Yummies Bistro. The popular island restaurant is a good place to fuel up before a busy day of exploring, particularly if your itinerary includes bouncing from one attraction to another. For dinner, we headed to Viva, where the waterfront setting is as much a part of the experience as the meal.
Leave room for the beach
With so much to do, it’s tempting to schedule every hour of a South Padre trip. Don’t. Leave room for the reason most families came in the first place. Spend a morning or afternoon at the beach. Get in the water. Look for shells. Let the kids play in the sand. Stay longer than you planned. Some of our favorite moments came from simply being on the beach together — including the end of the day when our responsible firstborn found himself physically dragging his younger, considerably less willing brother across the sand because it was finally time to leave. That’s family vacation.
Worth the drive from Liberty Hill
South Padre Island is a haul from Liberty Hill, but once you arrive, it feels like you’ve traveled much farther from home without ever leaving Texas. What surprised us most was just how much there was to do beyond the beach. In a single family vacation, you can meet rescued sea turtles, walk through coastal wetlands, stand feet away from an 850-pound alligator, race down water slides, zip line, take a pirate cruise, find a little adrenaline at Gravity Park, eat breakfast at a popular local spot and end the day over dinner while watching the sun set across the Laguna Madre. And somewhere in between, you can do absolutely nothing except sit on the beach and take in the scenery. For Liberty Hill families considering the drive south, that’s probably South Padre Island’s biggest selling point: You can pack your days with adventures or slow everything down. Our recommendation? Do a little of both.
BUSINESS
Liberty Hill Collective prepares to open its doors BY LESHELLE VALLEJO
STAFF WRITER
What if there was one place in Liberty Hill where children could learn, families could gather, neighbors could connect and new ideas could take root? That’s the vision behind Liberty Hill Collective, a new community-centered space opening in September in the heart of downtown Liberty Hill. Founded by longtime educator Rachael Dunn, the Collective is designed to be much more than a business – it’s a place where education, creativity and community come together under one roof. For Dunn, the dream has been years in the making. “I was born in the ‘80s,” Dunn said. “Back then we had community centers and rec centers where families naturally gathered. I wanted to create that kind of community house – a welcoming place where people of all ages can come together.” That vision became even more meaningful after the unexpected loss of her mother last year. “My mom really planted the seed for this concept,” Dunn said. “She was my best friend. Years ago, she talked about creating one space where busy families could gather instead of running all over town. That idea never left me.” Rather than operating as several sepa-
rate businesses, Liberty Hill Collective will offer multiple programs and community opportunities under one umbrella. “Our goal is to grow alongside the community,” Dunn said. “I don’t want to guess what families need. I want people to have a voice in what gets created here.” Launching Sept. 8, the Collective’s Nature School will serve children ages 3 through 10 through part-time, nature-based educational programming. Drawing on more than two decades in education, Dunn has designed the curriculum to blend academics with outdoor exploration, social-emotional learning and hands-on experiences. “I started thinking about what I would want for my own daughter,” Dunn said. “What would be the highest-quality, most well-rounded environment? That’s really where the Nature School was born.” The program will operate Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with dedicated days for preschool-aged children and homeschool students ages 6 to 10. Families can choose one- or two-day enrollment options while following Liberty Hill Independent School District’s extended holiday calendar. The Collective’s second signature program is an after-school children’s theater, another passion project rooted in Dunn’s own background. Before becoming an educator, Dunn
At Liberty Hill Collective’s first open house in June, members of the community and future students joined together for an outdoor yoga session. COURTESY PHOTO
The outdoor area at Liberty Hill Collective boasts a variety of unique ways for students to play, like this wooden playscape tractor. COURTESY PHOTO
studied theater in New York and has long hoped to bring those experiences back to children. “I really miss working with kids through the arts,” she said. “It’s something we don’t have a lot of right here in Liberty Hill.” The theater program will meet Monday and Wednesday afternoons, culminating each semester in outdoor performances on the property’s half-acre grounds. This winter, students will perform “Frozen,” followed by “The Lion King” in spring 2027. “No experience is necessary,” Dunn said. “I want this to be a welcoming place where every child feels like they belong.” Beyond its educational programs, Liberty Hill Collective is designed to become a flexible gathering place for the community. Future plans include workshops, family events, senior programming, parent classes, homeschool resources, birthday parties, nonprofit meetings, seasonal festivals and event rentals. Ideas have already begun pouring in from residents. “We put a post on Facebook asking what people wanted to see,” Dunn said. “We’ve heard everything from Mahjong and craft nights to Girl Scout activities, single-parent playgroups and senior coffee gatherings. I want this place to grow in real time with the people who live here.” Inclusivity also remains at the heart of Dunn’s long-term vision.
“I want every family to feel like there’s something here for them,” she said. “I’d love to create more opportunities for children with diverse needs and partner with our schools, so every child sees themselves reflected here.” That community-first philosophy was evident during Liberty Hill Collective’s inaugural open house in June. Families were invited to write wishes for Liberty Hill and hang them on a community wishing tree, plant flowers in the property’s garden and leave colorful thumbprints on a commemorative display that will remain part of the Collective’s history. The event also showcased local partnerships, with area businesses hosting activities for families and helping introduce residents to the Collective’s vision. For Dunn, those moments perfectly captured what she hopes Liberty Hill Collective becomes. “I want this to be a place where people can press pause,” she said. “A place where they can be with the people who matter most, connect with their neighbors and truly be part of the community.” As Liberty Hill continues to grow, Dunn hopes the Collective grows with it – creating opportunities that reflect the voices, passions and needs of the families who call the city home. For more information on Liberty Hill Collective, visit libertyhillcollective.com.
A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly
17
NEWS
Read our round up to learn more about the biggest news stories affecting our community BY JACE BRAZIEL
STAFF WRITER
City of Liberty Hill approves downtown plan, city park parking expansion, talks data centers Despite only holding a single meeting in July, the Liberty Hill City Council took action on several key items, ranging from infrastructure projects to committee appointments. The council also discussed the city’s stance on data centers. In July 2024, the Downtown Master Plan was approved. The nearly 100-page document outlines the city’s vision for
the downtown district. As a line from the introductory portion of the document reads, “[This plan] identifies key opportunities to improve and enhance land use, transportation, urban design, economic development, housing, public spaces, historic preservation, and sustainability.” Since its passage, improvements to downtown have been made in accordance with the tenets of that plan. With recent real estate acquisition, though, the city finds itself with a unique opportunity to move forward in shaping the downtown district. By partnering with Griffin-Swinerton, a firm specializing in public-private partnerships, the city is entering the early stages of developing the Downtown District. The firm will be evaluating the market for financing options, providing a
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concept for placemaking opportunities, and developing an implementation plan, among other things. “We know that [the area along U.S. Highway 183] is going to develop,” said City Manager Thomas Hunter. “But what are we doing to ensure that our downtown remains a special place for people to gather?” According to the presented timeline, next steps will be discussed in February 2027, and the new district will have its grand opening in October 2029. Learn more about the city’s downtown plans on page 8 of this issue of The Independent. Park infrastructure was also discussed during the July meeting, with Richard Fibish, parks, recreation and facilities director, taking to the podium to present the council with a plan to expand the Liberty Hill City Park parking lot. The expansion will add 230 new parking spaces by replacing the existing gravel lot, and the inclusion of curbs, sidewalks and lighting fixtures will ease current safety concerns. Improvements to landscaping, irrigation and stormwater runoff will also make the park more resilient to potential flooding events. Funding for the nearly $2.5 million project comes largely from dollars generated through the parkland-in-lieu policy (a process by which developers can opt out of setting land aside for public parks by paying a fee toward the development of other public parks). The remainder will come from the city’s tree mitigation fund
and general fund reserves. Following the signing of the contract with the builder, the project is required to reach substantial completion within 180 days. A vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission was filled during the meeting. Steve Messana, who has served as the commission’s chair in years past, rejoins the ranks of P&Z with a term ending in October 2028. The remaining vacancy on P&Z remains unfilled, as does one on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. City Council ended its July meeting by discussing data centers. Specifically, discussion centered around what the city’s stance is – or ought to be – when it comes to limiting or allowing the construction of data centers. “Initially I had hoped we could allow the Unified Development Code to go through its process to address data centers,” said Council member Diane Williams. “However, what we’re seeing is if we don’t stopgap our ordinances now to address data centers, we could be preempted at either the national level or the state level from being able to represent the views of our citizens.” Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla voiced her opinion about the issue as well. “ I’m not for data centers here in Liberty Hill,” she said. “I would like to ask staff to give some sort of presentation or information to the council regarding data centers and how that’s going to impact a community, or a city, or its water supply.”
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Wranglers working toward new season with big goals
SPORTS
Legacy Ranch debuts as varsity program this year BY PHOEBE JOHNSON-QUAIFE
EDITORIAL INTERN
As the new school year begins, Legacy Ranch High School is settling into its forever home. While welcoming a new class of students, the school now officially holds three grade levels. With its population continuing to grow, Legacy Ranch has also moved up to Class 5A Division II, raising the level of competition across every sport. But one program is drawing the most attention — the football team, which is taking a major step forward by launching a varsity program. For the past two years, football has only had freshman and junior varsity teams, and now Legacy Ranch and Liberty Hill share a district and are set to meet on Oct. 2 at Panther Stadium in what has become known as the “King of the Hill” game. How has Legacy Ranch prepared for such a significant leap? The Wranglers have been training hard before and during WPC, the school’s athletic performance camp, to get a step ahead before the season begins. Each morning, players arrive early to focus on individual skills before moving into high-intensity workouts designed to build strength. Backed by strong coaching and community support, the team has stayed focused on trust, communication and a shared drive to improve. That commitment has helped create a tightknit culture, and with the district’s motto of “growing leaders,” players have naturally stepped into those roles, said junior quarterback Will Cunningham. “The player-only workouts have been going on ever since we found out we were going to a spread offense in high school, and it is always the same kids that come every single time. Those are the ones that the coaches and everyone on the team recognize as the leaders,” he said. “These workouts are always locked in and consist of a bunch of different things like running and throwing routes, speed work and lifting. Being consistent with these workouts will lead to most of our success this season. The amount of trust that has been built, and is still being built, at these workouts is the key to being successful in what we have to do.” Wranglers head coach Tim Knicky said when it comes to jumping up to varsity at a
higher level, his team will be ready. “We’re not worried about ‘faster, stronger’ opponents,” he said. “We’ve been working to get our kids as fast and strong as we can be. We want to put the best possible team on the field starting Aug. 28, and to do that, we’re focused on the Legacy Ranch Wranglers and how we can continue to improve.” Junior Andrew Langford enters the season with a similar mindset. “The physical jump is gonna be tough, but I don’t think it will be a huge issue,” he said. “For me, my role will change in how I split snaps on offense and defense because I’m gonna need to be more fresh and not as worn down to play a full game and contribute to the team.” Even with that bigger focus on preparation, one game still stands out above the rest this season, said Langford. “I’m most looking forward to playing against Liberty Hill this year, as we’ve waited two years to get a shot to beat them,” he said. “Summer training has been a grind, making me faster and stronger and better in my game. It’s given me a lot more confidence and helped a lot with my mindset, which is essential to stay locked in on the big upcoming season. I’ve used the Liberty Hill game as fuel in all my workouts, as my main goal is to beat them.” That competitive edge also comes from the message the team hears every day from its coaches, said Cunningham. “The mindset of our coaches has motivated us farther than we could ever have imagined going,” he said. “They’ve helped us hit new weight room numbers, speed numbers and just grow an insane amount in everything to do with football this offseason. The coaches always tell us, ‘We haven’t proved anything yet as a varsity program,’ and they’ve told us that all summer. Them doing this makes us have so much more intensity in our workouts because it motivates us to work harder and prove people who are doubting us wrong.” Together, those reminders have helped reinforce the belief that the Wranglers are training to the best of their ability, said Knicky. “Our kids have performed at a high level at every stage — they’re champions in all they do,” he said. “We’ve grown a lot this offseason and summer in terms of how we talk to each other, how our leaders are growing in those roles, and they are more than ready to attack this year.”
Wranglers junior Reid Robertson goes through summer drills in anticipation of Legacy Ranch’s inaugural season of varsity football. PHOTO BY CHAD SJOLANDER
Legacy Ranch quarterback Will Cunningham throws during summer drills as the Wranglers will make their varsity debut this season. PHOTO BY CHAD SJOLANDER
A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly
19
SPORTS
New age dawns for high school sports in Liberty Hill Local schools will compete against each other for first time BY SCOTT AKANEWICH
OWNER/PUBLISHER
On Aug. 3, something happened in Liberty Hill that never had before, when not one, but two, varsity football teams took to the gridiron to begin the first day of practice under sunny skies featuring 100-degree heat. Legacy Ranch will join Liberty Hill as a second Class 5A Division II program this season after having competed at the junior varsity level the past pair of campaigns since the school’s opening two years ago and is now making the jump to varsity across-theboard after the Wranglers’ other teams all competed last year in Class 4A despite the fact the school still only had freshmen and sophomores. But, it’s not only football in the fall, but volleyball, cross country and team tennis, as the Columbia-and-Navy will join the Purpleand-Gold in the local sports spectrum on the
fields and courts. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this entire situation, though, is for the first time, Liberty Hill will be a town divided, with U.S. Highway 183 serving as the de-facto line in the sand between the two schools. In addition, the Panthers and Wranglers will both inhabit the same district, which will result in head-to-head competition in the various sports over the course of the school year and the first example of this will be on Aug. 14 when the schools’ cross-country teams host a “Friday Night Lights” meet, as opposed to the early-morning race times on Saturday mornings, providing us a glimpse of what it will actually be like for neighbors to be rooting against each other. Both football teams begin their respective seasons on Aug. 28, with Liberty Hill hosting Killeen and Legacy Ranch welcoming Manor New Tech to its brand-new stadium. But, of course, all eyes will be on Oct. 2 when the squads will face each other for the first time at Panther Stadium in what’s being billed as the “King of the Hill” game. We much prefer “Hill Country Classic,”
but weren’t consulted on the matter. Either way, it will certainly be a historic evening under the lights and perhaps the most-anticipated contest in local sports history. Another fascinating dynamic of this new world of Liberty Hill sports is how the talent pool will be divided up between the schools. After all, we’re not all Panthers, anymore, which can work one of two ways. Either both schools will field competitive teams (which is what we believe) or maybe one has an advantage over the other due to the dividing lines. Only time will tell on that one. As many locals would like to hold onto the small-town atmosphere that still existed just a few years ago, unfortunately those days are done and this is the latest example of the shift that has taken place recently. If indeed sports are a microcosm of life, look no further than out your front door these days for a stark reminder of that when you see various vehicles rolling around town with stickers of different colors pledging allegiance to different schools – a direct reflection of the massive growth the area has
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Benefiting
For the first time this fall, Liberty Hill’s sports landscape will feature two schools competing against each other in varsity sports. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO
experienced. In another couple years, we’ll be talking about a third high school, but let’s not go there just yet. For now, let’s buckle up and enjoy this new, exciting sports environment we have on the local level, as half of Liberty Hill pulls for the Panthers, while the other half roots for the Wranglers. Let the games begin.
COLUMN
Brother’s notations in work log revealed thoughts on education BY JAMES WEAR
COLUMNIST
Over the years I’ve found myself often saving little scraps of paper on which I’ve written notes, some to myself as I pondered the meaning of life, others the beginnings of letters to friends or relatives that I never mailed. All of these, I believe, will someday (after I’ve passed on) give my grandchildren and others a glimpse into my mind. What they take from my writings, well, I suppose that’s anyone’s guess. Perhaps it’s that habit of mine that made it even more fascinating to me when I came across a stack of notebooks that had belonged to my late brother, a carpenter by trade. Richard Wear kept a daily log in these notebooks, some of which dated back to 1977. In each, he listed his daily schedule: which builder or subcontractor he had to meet, what he had to accomplish at each job each day to stay ahead, etc. Some of the lists staggered me. I found it somewhat amazing how much he could pack into a single day. Most of those days stretched from dawn to 8 or 9 o’clock at night. It was what else he penciled in those notebooks that perhaps captured most of my attention: thoughts about the school district. As many will recall, Richard served on the Liberty Hill ISD’s school board for a number of years back in the 1980s when the district was beginning to struggle with growth and had few dollars to spend to address that growth, and many of you will remember when the board, after receiving a report from the Texas Education Agency that found Liberty Hill coming up short in a number of areas at the high school level, decided it was time to call a bond election for a new high school. This was only a few years after Liberty
Hill, after losing its accreditation, had rebounded and once again had its own school. In one notebook he appeared to be drafting a speech or statement, as he wrote: “I am not a good public speaker. I am not a regular church goer. I am sometimes a mixed-up husband as my good wife will attest to. “I am 100 percent committed to the education of our children. I am concerned that we cannot offer a quality secondary education program. We do not have the facilities for...” At that point, he inserted a blank. He continued. “We do have an excellent elementary school thanks to our principal and her staff. We do have excellent junior high and high school faculty. We do not have necessary space and facilities to support their achievements. “We do have an athletic program that I’m proud of, one that puts sportsmanship ahead of winning at any cost. “But we are lacking. Our students leave an excellent elementary school and hit roadblocks. They cannot achieve their total (illegible). “We have a staff that does wonders but we cannot reach all of our students. We need more space for VOE and shops for wood and metal. We need space for involved lab experiments and ongoing projects. We need to offer fine arts, drama, dance and art. We need a dropout prevention program. We need an office and a well-stocked library. We need more parking and everyone knows about it.” He went on to write that another board member believed the solution to the problems at the high school could be solved by building a new elementary and criticized that board member’s performance and motivations. He closed by noting, “I am 110 percent in
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The late Richard Wear, here pictured taking a second look at a construction site, was among a group of Liberty Hill school board members who were credited with reestablishing the school district after the district had lost its accreditation in the late 1960s. COURTESY PHOTO
favor of this bond proposal to build a new high school.” The bond proposal would pass and on Aug. 24, 1986, dedication ceremonies were held for the new high school on Loop 332 (now Main Street). It later served as a junior high campus following another high school being built and is now known as Louine Noble Elementary. My brother wrote those words in 1985, and while at first glance it might appear that he wasn’t hesitant about spending taxpayers’ money, it’s worth mentioning that he and other board members rejected initial bids on the high school building project, telling contractors they would have to come back with lower prices. In later years, he once told me about the board’s budget workshops.
“We’d drive Bill (Burden, the late former superintendent that Burden Elementary was named after) crazy, going over his proposed budget line by line,” he said. And he once remarked, in his later years after leaving the school board, that he always voted against bond proposals, believing that if voters rejected the initial bond proposal trustees would be forced to find ways to trim any fat from a building package. My favorite story was told by a close friend at Richard’s funeral. Richard once was opposing spending money on some project, and stood up during the board meeting, turned around and raised his jacket. Carved in his belt was the name “Bill.” He reportedly told other board members, “I can’t even afford to buy a belt with my own name on it.”
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EVENTS CALENDAR
August 8
ABDUCTION PREVENTION WORKSHOPS Shin Gan Dojo 141 Jonathan Dr., Liberty Hill 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., $30 shingandojo.com/abduction-prevention-for-kids-teens
August 9
FAMILY SHILOH BAND Dahlia Cafe 2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 12 p.m. dahliacafe.com
August 11
GREEN THUMBS UP: FROM GARDEN TO TABLE Williamson County Master Gardener (Cedar Park Public Library) 425 Parkwest Dr., Cedar Park 7-8 p.m. txmg.org/williamson
August 14
CHRISTIAN FAMILY BARN DANCE
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Williamson County Cowboy Church 8111 RM 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30-10 p.m. facebook.com/even ts/967862855922150/967862869255482/ KARAOKE NIGHT Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30-9 p.m. agapebbq.com
August 15
SATURDAY UNDER THE OAKS WITH THE DECADES BAND Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. agapebbq.com
August 19
GREEN THUMBS UP: FROM GARDEN TO TABLE Williamson County Master Gardener (Hutto Library) 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto 2-3 p.m. txmg.org/williamson
August 21
TASMIN AND TIM Liberty Hill Beer Market 13851 SH 29, Liberty Hill 7 p.m. facebook.com/LHBM512 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE WITH CHRISTINE RENNER Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. agapebbq.com
August 22
THE MARKET LHTX Location TBD 6-9 p.m. themarketlhtx.com
August 29
FAMILY SHILOH BAND Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. agapebbq.com
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