Issuu

Paddling

Liberty Hill dancer

ABOUT OUR COVER

BIZ BRIEFS:

What’s New?

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Bebop Coffee

1908 Main St., Liberty Hill

Bebop Coffee has moved to a new location outside Michelle's Patisserie in downtown Liberty Hill. The locally owned coffee shop, known for its mobile trailer and attendance at community events, will continue serving handcrafted coffee from its new home.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• V Desi Mart LLC, 1735 N. U.S. Hwy. 183, Leander

RETAIL

Four Daughters Collective

1353 Main St., Liberty Hill

Four Daughters Collective is opening soon in downtown Liberty Hill inside Southern Sugar and Brow, bringing a new locally owned retail boutique to Main Street. The shop will offer a curated selection of gifts, home décor and clothing.

Main Street Marketplace

704 Main St., Liberty Hill

Main Street Marketplace continues to grow with the addition of local artist Megan Houssian and The Feathered Fawn Co., offering handmade textile goods. Existing vendors have also expanded their offerings, with Ani's Craft Studio adding upcycled women's apparel and

J-Bird Designs introducing locally made jams and preserves.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Liberty Plant Co., Liberty Hill SERVICES

XXL Off-Road Rentals

Mobile, Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill-based XXL OffRoad Rentals is the newest division of the XXL family of businesses, joining XXL Land Services & Hauling, XXL Mowing and XXL HOPE. Founded by local brothers Dylan and Kyle Wilk, the company offers premium side-by-side rentals for Hidden Falls Adventure Park and the Texas Hill Country, along with ranch UTV rentals for real estate professionals, contractors, ranch operations and hunting excursions.

USA Ninja Challenge

1501 Leander Drive, Ste. 120, Leander

USA Ninja Challenge has opened its first area location, offering gymnastics-based ob-

stacle training for children ages 2 to 17. The facility features classes, birthday parties and summer camps designed to build confidence, strength and resilience, with an official grand opening celebration planned for August.

Monet Interior

7600 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

Monet Interior has opened a new showroom in Liberty Hill following the renovation of its property on RR 1869. The locally owned business specializes in custom closets, storage solutions and cabinetry while expanding its presence in the Liberty Hill community.

Really

Good Esthetics

2921 RR 1869, Liberty Hill (inside Radiant Salon & Spa)

Really Good Esthetics has opened inside Radiant Salon & Spa, offering aesthetic services such as waxing, brow services and facials from its new Liberty Hill location.

OTHER NOTABLE

PROJECTS

• Freedom Auto Detailing & Sales, 15390 W. State Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• My Favorite Dental, 2025 Kaufmann Loop, Liberty Hill

• Transportation Commodities, Inc., 14752 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• Deuce's & Jack's Sales & Repair, Liberty Hill

• Texas DOPS Tactical Training Facility, Florence

ON THE MOVE

Gable to Ground Home Inspections

Mobile, Liberty Hill

Gable to Ground Home Inspections is celebrating

one year in business serving homeowners, homebuyers and real estate professionals throughout the Liberty Hill area. The locally owned company provides comprehensive home inspections focused on integrity, attention to detail and personalized service.

Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce

3106 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce has relocated to a new permanent office inside Hughes & Company Real Estate, effective July 1. The Chamber has signed a twoyear lease while the City of Liberty Hill continues planning for a future shared facility that could house multiple community organizations.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative

10625 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Pedernales Electric Cooperative has named Christian Powell as its next chief executive officer, effective Aug. 4. Powell has served with the cooperative for eight years, most recently as chief compliance officer, overseeing regulatory affairs, human resources, safety, security and risk management.

Carissa Garza, Texas Physical Therapy Specialists

13740 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Texas Physical Therapy Specialists has welcomed Carissa Garza to its Liberty Hill team.

Davis Tire & Automotive

14855 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Longtime owner J.D. Davis has retired from Davis Tire & Au-

tomotive after years of serving the Liberty Hill community. The automotive repair shop has rebranded with new owners under the name Edgestone Automotive. Edgestone has another location in Austin.

Larry Gaddes, Williamson County Tax Office

Williamson County Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector Larry Gaddes has resigned to accept the role of deputy executive director for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Gaddes served as Williamson County's tax assessor-collector since 2017.

Florence Independent School District

Florence

Florence ISD is renovating its Career and Technical Education meat processing laboratory to expand hands-on workforce training opportunities for students.

Freedom Electrical Solutions Mobile, Liberty Hill

Freedom Electrical Solutions is celebrating five years in business serving Liberty Hill and the surrounding area.

Comanche Trail Veterinary Center

14370 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Comanche Trail Veterinary Center is celebrating 15 years in business this month. The clinic offers a full range of pet services for dogs, cats and other mammals.

A city in motion

Are Liberty Hill’s long-awaited plans finally becoming reality?

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

For years, many of Liberty Hill’s biggest projects have existed as concepts, studies or plans waiting for direction or momentum. But today, many of those same projects are now moving forward at once.

From the city’s first-ever strategic plan and mobility master plan to long-awaited infrastructure improvements, downtown redevelopment and organizational restructuring, Liberty Hill has entered one of the busiest periods in its history as officials work to build the systems they say will define the city’s next decade.

“We’ve moved incredibly fast,” City Manager Thomas Hunter said. “A lot of that is due to council’s support of maintaining the attitude that now is the time.”

During a recent interview with The Independent, Hunter; Deputy City Manager Brandon Pritchett; Katie Amsler, director of community engagement and communications; and Abby Morrison, executive director of management services, discussed what they describe as a pivotal moment for the city—one where years of planning are beginning to translate into visible progress while laying the foundation for future growth.

“Five years from now, people are going to look back and ask, ‘What happened?’” Hunter said. “It’s happening right in front of us.”

For Pritchett, the current pace is about much more than construction projects.

“There’s a lot of firsts happening,” he said. “A lot of things that the city’s never done before that are fairly normal and consistent with how cities should be operating.”

Those firsts include Liberty Hill’s first strategic plan, engineering design manual, mobility master plan, legislative agenda and pavement condition index—documents that may not generate the same attention as a new roadway or building but will influence nearly every major decision the city makes moving forward.

Creating a roadmap for the future

Hunter said one of the city’s biggest priorities has been creating a framework that allows Liberty Hill to plan proactively rather than react to growth.

For years, the city relied on its comprehensive plan to establish a long-term vision and annual budgets to determine what

projects could move forward. The strategic plan is intended to bridge the gap between those documents by outlining priorities over the next three to five years.

“That comprehensive plan really sets the long-term vision, and then you have an annual budget,” Hunter said. “But there’s got to be something in the middle that says, ‘Over the next three to five years, this is what success looks like.’ That’s what allows staff to move quickly because they don’t have to wonder if something is in alignment with what council wants. It’s very clear.”

employees have joined the city’s workforce as Liberty Hill has filled longtime vacancies, restructured departments and added specialized positions to better support a rapidly growing community.

Hunter said the changes are less about expanding government than building a more efficient organization.

“We actually haven’t created a bunch of new positions,” he said. “We’ve reclassed existing positions to be more efficient, or we had some longtime vacancies that we were able to fill pretty quickly.”

The additional staff has allowed the city to oversee multiple planning initiatives, infrastructure projects and public engagement efforts simultaneously while continuing day-to-day operations.

The city is currently asking residents to help shape that vision through an online survey and community think tank sessions scheduled for July 18 and 19.

Amsler said city leaders hope to receive approximately 1,000 survey responses before finalizing the strategic plan.

“They don’t realize these plans come directly from that feedback,” she said.

Hunter said having a strategic plan will also help maintain momentum as elected leadership changes over time, reducing the likelihood that projects are repeatedly redesigned or delayed.

“We’re finally getting to the point where these things are actually going to start happening,” he said.

Planning for growth before it arrives

Beyond the strategic plan, Liberty Hill is simultaneously developing several planning tools designed to guide future development.

The city’s first engineering design manual will establish standards for roads, utilities and infrastructure that developers will be required to meet.

Pritchett said those standards are intended to ensure growth pays for itself while protecting existing taxpayers from future infrastructure costs.

The city is also creating its first mobility master plan, which looks beyond vehicle traffic to include pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.

“It’s transportation, but it’s also recognizing that not everybody wants to travel by

car,” Pritchett said. “If I want to walk somewhere, if I want to bike somewhere, what are the ways people need to get around?”

Another first is Liberty Hill’s pavement condition index, which will provide city leaders with a comprehensive assessment of street conditions and help prioritize future maintenance and capital improvements.

Taken together, Hunter said the plans allow departments to work toward common goals instead of approaching projects independently.

Taking Liberty Hill’s priorities to the state

Another milestone this year was the adoption of Liberty Hill’s first legislative agenda, establishing the city’s priorities when advocating before state lawmakers.

The agenda outlines support for preserving local control, protecting cities’ ability to invest in infrastructure and public safety, expanding transportation and water funding, supporting downtown revitalization and economic development, opposing unfunded mandates and maintaining local authority over development standards, zoning and the impacts of large-scale projects such as data centers.

Hunter said the document gives Liberty Hill a unified voice as state policies increasingly affect fast-growing communities.

“If we don’t have an adopted legislative agenda, we’re not advocating at the state level for local control,” Hunter said. “The residents of Liberty Hill are really just being left to the whims of what the state wants.”

Building the organization behind the projects

Keeping pace with that workload has also required changes inside City Hall.

Since November 2025, approximately 20

From planning to progress

Many of those planning efforts are already becoming visible across the community.

Downtown water and wastewater improvements continue replacing aging infrastructure while preparing the utility system for future growth. Design work is moving forward on the Stonewall Ranch Parkway extension, the Liberty Hill City Park parking lot reconstruction is expected to begin soon and additional water infrastructure improvements are advancing throughout the city.

Hunter acknowledged the pace can feel overwhelming for residents.

“We realize that we’re asking our residents to move at the same pace,” he said. “That engagement fatigue can be a lot.”

Still, city leaders believe now is the time to put those plans into action rather than waiting for growth to outpace the city’s infrastructure.

“It’s their community,” Hunter said. “We’re highly skilled at deploying the tools and the mechanisms to get you there. We just want the community to tell us where they want to go.”

The projects may be moving quickly, but city leaders say they don’t want to shape Liberty Hill’s future alone.

Residents are encouraged to complete the city’s strategic planning survey, attend upcoming community engagement sessions and follow other planning initiatives as they roll out in the coming months.

Information on current projects, public meetings and opportunities to provide feedback can be found on the city’s community engagement portal.

Learn more at www.libertyhilltx.gov/709/ Share-Your-Input.

Construction is underway on Liberty Hill’s Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) Pilot Facility as part of the Pure Water LHTX program. COURTESY PHOTO

Paddling for a cause

Liberty Hill optometrist paddles for hope beyond the shoreline

BY LESHELLE VALLEJO STAFF WRITER

Cancer doesn’t just affect the person receiving the diagnosis.

It ripples through entire families, touching spouses, children, parents, friends and caregivers in ways that often go unseen. While doctors work to treat the disease, the emotional toll can linger long after appointments end.

That’s why Liberty Hill optometrist Dr. Erica O’Brien believes healing is about more than medicine.

This summer, the owner of Vista Family Eye Care once again traded her exam room for a paddleboard, joining hundreds of participants in Dam That Cancer, Austin-based Flatwater Foundation’s signature fundraising event supporting free mental health therapy for individuals and families affected by cancer.

For O’Brien, it wasn’t about finishing Dam That Cancer’s 21 miles on her paddleboard. It was about helping others find calmer waters.

“I’ve always loved being on the water,” O’Brien said. “I grew up fishing with my dad and paddleboarding has always been something I’ve enjoyed. When a close friend invited me to participate, it just felt like the perfect opportunity to combine something I love with giving back to a cause that’s incredibly meaningful.”

Now in her second year participating, O’Brien spent months training alongside fellow paddlers through weekly practice sessions on Lady Bird Lake in Austin. Experienced volunteers mentor newcomers, helping them prepare physically and mentally for the demanding journey across Lake Austin.

“It’s definitely more than just showing up with a paddleboard,” she said. “The people I’ve met and hearing their stories of why they come back year after year—that’s what makes it so special. Everyone is there for someone.”

Although severe weather forced organizers to safely end this year’s paddle after participants completed approximately 11 to 12 miles, the event still accomplished something extraordinary.

Together, paddlers raised a record-breaking $1.6 million, providing funding for more than 15,000 mental health therapy sessions for Central Texas families impacted by cancer.

For O’Brien, however, the most meaningful part wasn’t the fundraising total. It was the people.

“Every single person has a story,” she said. “They’re honoring someone they’ve lost,

supporting someone who’s fighting cancer or celebrating someone who survived. There’s just this incredible sense of community.”

That community is exactly what inspired the creation of Flatwater Foundation.

Founded in 2010, the nonprofit began after founder Mark Garza struggled to find affordable counseling while helping his father through a terminal cancer diagnosis. He quickly discovered that specialized therapists familiar with cancer-related trauma were difficult to find and often financially out of reach for families already burdened with mounting medical expenses.

Rather than accepting that reality, Garza created Flatwater Foundation with one mission: removing financial barriers to mental health care so families can focus on navigating cancer instead of worrying about how they’ll pay for emotional support.

Today, the organization provides up to 40 therapy sessions at no cost for eligible cancer patients, caregivers and immediate family members across 10 Central Texas counties.

“Our goal is to help families find calm waters during one of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Jessica Lombardi, director of events for Flatwater Foundation. “When someone reaches out, we want them to know we see them, we hear them and we’re here to help.”

Those services extend far beyond the individual diagnosed with cancer.

Flatwater recognizes that caregivers, spouses, parents and children often carry their own emotional burden throughout the journey.

Families are connected with licensed therapists experienced in cancer-related trauma, grief and mental health, allowing them to receive professional support without adding another financial concern during an already overwhelming season of life.

While Dam That Cancer has become Flatwater’s premier fundraising event over the past 17 years, it’s far from the only way the organization brings people together.

Lombardi said the nonprofit continues to expand its year-round calendar of events, creating multiple opportunities for the community to support its mission.

In addition to the annual paddle, Flatwater hosts the Mama Betty’s Golf Classic; partners with runners participating in the Berlin, Tokyo, New York City and Cape Town marathons,; and recently introduced Flatwater Fest, a family-friendly community celebration featuring live music, local vendors, food, drinks and activities for all ages.

“We’re so much more than a paddleboard

event,” Lombardi said. “We exist for the community, and we exist because of the community. Whether someone paddles, runs, volunteers, attends an event or simply shares our story with another family who needs our services, every person becomes part of helping someone heal.”

For O’Brien, supporting that mission feels like a natural extension of the work she already does every day.

After opening Vista Family Eye Care in May 2023, she has built her practice around serving local families and believes caring for someone’s overall well-being extends beyond vision care.

“I think mental health is important for everyone,” she said. “But when you’re facing cancer – whether it’s you, your spouse, your parents or your child – there’s so much to process. Having someone there to help you through that is invaluable.”

One moment from this year’s event continues to stay with her.

Before paddlers launched onto the water, organizers shared the story of a young mother whose family benefited from Flatwater’s services. As they reflected on her life, they shared that her final words before she passed away were simply, “Love, love, love.”

“The whole time I was paddling, those words stayed with me,” O’Brien said. “Every stroke I took, I kept thinking, ‘Love, love, love.’

We all know someone who’s been impacted by cancer. I have family members and friends who have been affected, and I think that’s true for almost everyone.”

It’s why she hopes more people learn about Flatwater – not just because of the paddle, but because of the hope the organization provides long after the finish line.

“I want people to know these resources exist,” she said. “If someone is navigating a cancer diagnosis, they don’t have to go through it alone. Flatwater can help, and that’s something more people deserve to know.”

As O’Brien looks ahead to next year’s paddle, she’s not focused on completing all 21 miles.

Instead, she’ll once again paddle with purpose.

“When you’re out there surrounded by hundreds of people who all have the same goal, you realize you’re part of something so much bigger than yourself,” she said. “It’s really about hope. It’s about healing. It’s about reminding families that even during life’s hardest moments, they don’t have to navigate them alone.”

For more information about Flatwater Foundation, available therapy services or upcoming events, visit the organization’s website at flatwater.org.

Families affected by cancer can also apply directly for support through the organization’s care program.

Dr. Erica O’Brien, owner of Vista Family Eye Care, took to the water on a paddleboard to raise money for the Flatwater Foundation, which supports free mental health support for individuals and families affected by cancer. COURTESY PHOTO

Built To Roam Rental Co.

Veteran-owned business helps families explore the outdoors

BY LESHELLE VALLEJO STAFF WRITER

For Christy Tucker and her husband, adventure has always been about more than just getting off the grid.

The veteran-owned couple behind Built to Roam Rental Co. turned a family passion for overlanding and the outdoors into a growing local business that not only helps families experience camping and outdoor adventures but also supports fellow veterans along the way.

Although the Tuckers now call the Liberty Hill area home, their roots in the community run deep. Christy taught in Liberty Hill Independent School District for years, and their son attended Liberty Hill schools.

“We’ve been in the area since 2013,” Tucker said. “I taught in Liberty Hill for many years, and our son went through Liberty Hill ISD. That’s really what ties us to this community.”

The inspiration for Built to Roam began long before the company officially launched. Prior to the pandemic, the Tucker family planned a large overlanding journey called Overland for Heroes, a mission-driven adventure designed to honor veterans through memorial and tribute trails while raising funds alongside the Boot Campaign, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and military families through personalized care and various programs

aimed at improving their quality of life.

The trip was delayed by COVID-19 restrictions, but the extra time gave the family an opportunity to think more deeply about the impact they wanted to make.

“When we finally got to do it, we realized a lot of people don’t get access to these experiences,” Tucker said. “Whether it’s financial challenges, storage, maintenance or just not knowing where to start, there are a lot of barriers. We wanted to create a way for people to experience the outdoors without those obstacles standing in their way.”

That idea evolved into Built to Roam, a delivery-based outdoor equipment rental company that allows customers to rent everything from camping gear and rooftop tents to portable power stations and Starlink satellite internet systems. Rather than requiring customers to purchase expensive equipment they’ll only use occasionally, Built to Roam delivers the gear directly to them and picks it up when they’re finished.

Today, the company’s service area stretches across Liberty Hill, Leander, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Taylor, Hutto, Austin, Spicewood and beyond.

What began as a way to support campers has also opened doors to an unexpected customer base.

“As far as we know, we’re the only company in the area doing what we’re doing,”

Tucker said. “We thought most of our customers would be campers, but we’ve rented

equipment to movie productions, podcast companies, South by Southwest vendors, ACL events and even Gov. Greg Abbott’s team.”

Portable power stations and Starlink rentals have become particularly popular among production crews, event organizers and remote workers who need reliable power and internet access in locations where traditional utilities aren’t available.

The company’s mission, however, remains firmly connected to its veteran roots.

Through Overland for Heroes, Built to Roam continues to support veteran-focused organizations, including Boot Campaign and Fox Bravo, a nonprofit that takes disabled veterans on overlanding and camping trips as part of their healing journeys. A portion of rental and product sales is donated quarterly to support those efforts.

“We wanted this business to be bigger than us,” Tucker said. “A portion of what we do helps veterans get out into nature and experience the same healing and connection that our family found outdoors.”

Like many small business owners, the Tuckers have faced their share of challenges.

With only the two of them running dayto-day operations, long delivery routes, late nights cleaning and preparing equipment, and managing a growing customer base can be demanding.

“There have definitely been some long days and nights,” Tucker said. “But whenever we’re tired, we remind ourselves, ‘This is what we prayed for. This is what we wanted. This is what we dreamed about sitting around a campfire years ago.’ That helps keep us going.”

Currently operating without a storefront, the company uses its delivery-only model

as an opportunity to learn more about its customers and identify the ideal location for a future retail presence.

“We’re kind of doing our own market research,” Tucker said. “We want to eventually be that last stop before someone heads out on their adventure. We want it to be easy, exciting and part of the experience.”

As Built to Roam celebrates its first year in business, Tucker said one of the biggest hurdles has been helping people understand the concept of renting outdoor gear and building trust as an online-only business.

“We’ve had to educate people that camping doesn’t have to look just one way,” Tucker said. “I tell people all the time, we’re campers, but we’re also a little bougie. I bring my fan, my heated chair and all the comforts. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy the outdoors.”

That personal approach has become one of the company’s biggest strengths.

When customers call Built to Roam, they’re talking directly to the Tuckers. Every delivery, pickup and customer interaction is handled personally.

“We want people to know there’s a real person behind the business,” Tucker said. “When you call us, you’re getting us. When your equipment gets delivered, it’s us. Building those relationships and earning trust is important to us.”

One year after launching, Built to Roam is proving that a love for adventure, a commitment to service and a willingness to take that leap can lead to something far bigger than a business – it can create opportunities for others to explore, connect and give back along the way.

To learn more about Built to Roam Rental Co., visit builttoroamrentalco.com.

Through Overland for Heroes, Built to Roam Rental Co. continues to support veteran-focused organizations, including Boot Campaign and Fox Bravo, a nonprofit that takes disabled veterans on overlanding and camping trips as part of their healing journeys. COURTESY PHOTO

Built to Roam Rental Co. is a delivery-based outdoor equipment rental company that allows customers to rent everything from camping gear and rooftop tents to portable power stations and Starlink satellite internet systems. COURTESY PHOTO

The Bread Shed: From friendship to fresh-baked success

BY LESHELLE VALLEJO STAFF WRITER

What started as a shared love of baking between two friends has quickly grown into one of Liberty Hill’s favorite weekend stops.

For Jessica Penny and Megan Zwolinski, owners of The Bread Shed, the idea wasn’t born from a formal business plan or years of preparation. Instead, it grew organically out of friendship, family and a passion for creating homemade baked goods people genuinely enjoy.

“We were making way too much,” Penny said. “We thought maybe we could share it with other people.”

The duo ﬁrst connected years ago through mutual friends and a local mom group. While life took many of those friendships in diﬀerent directions, their friendship remained and continued to grow.

“It wasn’t something we sat down and planned for years,” Zwolinski said. “It just happened naturally.”

That natural progression eventually led them to a simple idea a er seeing porch pop-ups and farm stands online. Armed with Penny’s sourdough creations, Zwolinski’s baked goods and a custom-built rolling stand cra ed by Zwolinski’s husband, Ma , The Bread Shed was born.

Today, what began with just original sourdough loaves and chocolate chip cookies has expanded into a rotating menu featuring more than 100 diﬀerent items introduced over the past year.

One customer favorite?

“The Pop-Tarts,” Penny said. “Those are probably one of our most requested items.” Depending on the season, customers might find lemon blueberry scones, peach-inspired pastries, sweet rolls, bagels, granola and a variety of specialty sourdough flavors. The pair also offers handmade products including dog treats, all-natural bug spray and handcra ed accessories.

The division of labor is simple.

Penny handles the sourdough side of the operation, while Zwolinski focuses on pastries, sweets and baked goods.

“Anything sourdough is Jessica,” Zwolinski said. “Everything else is mostly me.”

The Bread Shed celebrated its ﬁrst anniversary this spring, marking an impressive year of growth. While the business started with only a handful of visitors, customer support has steadily increased through word-of-mouth and social media.

For the two entrepreneurs, the biggest reward isn’t necessarily selling out. It’s seeing customers return week a er week.

“When people tell us it’s the best cookie they’ve ever had or that they look forward to coming every Saturday, that’s what keeps us going,” Zwolinski said. “We love seeing people excited about what we’re doing.”

While both women balance family responsibilities, children’s activities and other careers, they admit they’re also dreamers.

Future possibilities include a coﬀee cart, expanded catering services and perhaps one day even a mobile food truck.

“We’re big dreamers,” Penny said. “You almost have to be as an entrepreneur.”

But beyond business growth, The Bread Shed is also about se ing an example for their children.

“We want our kids to see that hard work pays oﬀ,” Zwolinski said. “We want them to be part of it and understand that the things they want in life take eﬀort.”

As they reflect on their first year, both women said flexibility, communication and perseverance have been among their biggest lessons.

“It’s okay to take a break when you need one,” Zwolinski said. “And it’s important to have trust and honesty with the people you’re building something with.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, their advice is simple – be prepared to work hard, learn from setbacks and stay willing to adapt.

“Nobody gets it perfect the ﬁrst time,” Penny said. “As long as you’re willing to learn, adjust and keep moving forward, you can ﬁnd success.”

For Penny and Zwolinski, what began as two friends sharing homemade treats has become something much bigger – a community gathering place built on friendship, creativity and the simple joy of good food.

The Bread Shed is located in the Stonewall Ranch subdivision on the porch at 185 Flexus Ln. To learn more and to see The Bread Shed’s hours, visit The Bread Shed on Facebook.

Above, The Bread Shed o ers a wide variety of sourdough items, pastries, cookies and other sweets, homemade by two Liberty Hill friends. At right, Jessica Penny and Megan Zwolinski are the owners of The Bread Shed. COURTESY PHOTOS

Don’t let pests crash your fireworks show. Keep the bugs out and the fun going this summer with professional pest control that delivers a bang.

Schedule today and enjoy a pest-free July!

Finding island time on the Texas coast

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

Every summer, thousands of Central Texans point their vehicles toward the coast in search of sunshine, seafood and a few days away from reality.

This year, we did the same.

Just over four hours from Liberty Hill, Port Aransas has long been a favorite destination for Texans, but after spending several days exploring the area, it’s easy to understand why so many families return year after year. It isn’t just the beach – it’s the feeling.

Within an hour of arriving, our shoes had been traded for flip-flops, the windows were rolled down and nobody seemed to be in much of a hurry. Golf carts outnumbered bicycles, pelicans soared overhead, and every conversation seemed to begin with a smile.

If your idea of a vacation involves packed itineraries and rushing from attraction to attraction, Port Aransas probably isn’t for you.

But if you’re looking for a place where slowing down is part of the experience, you’ll fit right in.

One of the first things I’d recommend is staying close to Old Town.

We stayed in a cottage just a few blocks from the heart of downtown, and it completely changed the experience. Instead of constantly loading back into the car, we found ourselves walking to dinner, browsing local shops and hopping in a golf cart to

explore the island. It made the trip feel less like a vacation schedule and more like temporarily becoming part of the community.

Of course, the beach is why most people come, and it doesn’t disappoint.

One thing that surprised me was just how expansive it is. Even during the busy summer season, there was plenty of room to spread out. Families spent hours building elaborate sandcastles, kids chased waves until they were completely soaked, fishermen stood quietly with lines in the surf and beachgoers like me simply settled into their chairs with a good book.

There was no pressure to do anything.

That’s the beauty of Port Aransas.

If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s my biggest beach tip – don’t feel like you have to pack every minute with activities. Some of our favorite moments were the simplest ones – watching the waves roll in, collecting shells and staying long enough to catch the colors of sunset over the Gulf.

Of course, eventually everyone gets hungry.

I’ll admit, I expected good seafood. I didn’t expect it to become one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Each restaurant offered something completely different, which meant every meal felt like its own experience.

Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill was the perfect first-night dinner. It strikes that balance between upscale and comfortable, making it equally fitting for date night or dinner with the family. If seafood is your thing, you really can’t go wrong.

actly the kind of relaxed island atmosphere you’d hope to find after a day at the beach.

And if your vacation includes at least one tropical drink – and let’s be honest, it probably should – Lelo’s Island Bar embraces the island vibe with colorful cocktails, live conversation and a patio where nobody seems to be checking the time.

One experience I’d tell every family not to skip is the Scarlet Lady dolphin cruise. I’ve seen dolphins before, but seeing them in the wild is different.

There’s something exciting about watching passengers scan the water before someone suddenly shouts, “There they are!” Moments later, dolphins surface just feet from the boat, swimming effortlessly alongside as cameras come out and everyone – kids and adults alike – turns into little kids again.

Grumbles Seafood Co. quickly became another favorite. It’s the kind of place locals recommend, and after one meal, it’s easy to understand why. Fresh Gulf seafood doesn’t need much dressing up when it’s prepared well. For a special evening, Lisabella’s at Cinnamon Shore offers a beautiful atmosphere with thoughtfully prepared coastal dishes that are worth lingering over. Don’t rush this meal. Order dessert. Stay a little longer.

If you’re looking for something more laid back, FINS Grill & Icehouse delivers ex-

Watching the historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse appear in the distance while coastal birds circle overhead made the trip feel less like a tourist attraction and more like getting a front-row seat to the island’s natural beauty.

State Park, the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center or simply wandering through downtown.

Speaking of downtown – leave room in your suitcase.

The boutiques aren’t filled with the same souvenirs you’ll find everywhere else. We found locally inspired gifts, coastal home décor and several shops that were worth browsing even if we didn’t buy a thing.

Coffee lovers will also appreciate starting the morning at one of the island’s local cafés before the beach crowds arrive. It’s a simple way to ease into the day – and after all, that’s what Port Aransas does best.

Beyond the beach, Port Aransas rewards curiosity.

One morning we traded the sand for quieter places, exploring areas where native birds outnumbered people and the breeze through the marshes replaced the sound of crashing waves. It’s easy to spend your entire vacation on the beach, but I’d encourage visitors to carve out time for Mustang Island

When people ask what surprised me most about the trip, it isn’t a specific restaurant or attraction.

It’s how quickly we slowed down.

Some vacations leave you feeling like you need another vacation afterward because you’re constantly on the move.

Port Aransas does the opposite.

It reminds you that sometimes the best days are the ones without much of a plan.

For Liberty Hill families looking for an easy road trip, Port Aransas offers everything you’d hope for in a Texas beach getaway – beautiful beaches, unforgettable seafood, wildlife encounters and plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy being together.

Just don’t be surprised if, somewhere around the ferry ride home, someone in your car asks the question we were already asking ourselves:

“When can we come back?”

The steak bites at Lelo’s Island Bar were among our favorite appetizers during our visit to Port Aransas. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

I.B. Magee Beach Park offers visitors a front-row seat to the Gulf, with beach access, fishing opportunities and panoramic views that capture the laid-back spirit of Port Aransas. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

Before a day of sun and sand, a stop at Coffee Waves offers visitors a chance to sip locally roasted coffee while embracing the relaxed pace of island life in Port Aransas. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

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

BY JACE BRAZIEL STAFF WRITER

Liberty Hill ISD board advances leadership, grants and employee benefits

School may be out of session, but the Liberty Hill Independent School District is already preparing for the 2026-27 school year.

During its June meetings, the LHISD Board of Trustees approved two new elementary school principals, held a public hearing on state and federal grants, reviewed a district safety audit and took action on the next phase of employee health care benefits.

Earlier in the month, the board met in a special session to vote on the hiring of two new principals. The vote was unanimous, appointing Shirley Dean as principal of Tierra Rosa Elementary School and Amanda Chadney as principal of Santa Rita Elementary School.

Dean has more than 17 years of experience in public education and most recently served as assistant principal at Rouse High School. Chadney has served as assistant principal at Santa Rita Elementary for the past four years and has worked in public education since 2007.

During the board’s regular monthly meeting, Deputy Superintendent Heather Stoner and Kimberly de la Houssaye, executive director of student support services, presented information on state and federal grant funding.

A public hearing, along with superintendent approval, is required before the district can accept state and federal grants.

For the 2025-26 school year, LHISD received approximately $4.35 million in grant funding. For the upcoming 202627 school year, the preliminary total is projected to increase to approximately $4.71 million.

“If you look at each of those amounts,” de la Houssaye told the board, “there is a slight decrease in all areas except for

State Comp Ed and the IDEA-B funds. Those will see a slight increase for next year.”

Ron Phillips, district safety and emergency operations coordinator, and Deputy Superintendent Alex Salazar also presented the results of a safety and security audit conducted by CRUX Technology and Security Solutions.

The audit identified several strengths within the district’s safety and security operations, including a proactive district police department and highly engaged staff committed to campus safety.

Auditors also recommended several areas for continued improvement, including expanded National Incident Management System, or NIMS, training for administrators, improved signage and emergency response kits, and standardized door numbering across district facilities.

The report concluded that “Liberty Hill ISD has a strong culture of safety and security. It is supported by engaged leadership, proactive staff, well-maintained facilities, and effective operational practices.”

The audit noted opportunities for continued improvement but found no systemic failures.

The board also took action on Phase III of the district’s employee benefits and compensation plan, which has been underway since voters approved Proposition A in November 2025.

Trustees reviewed the projected increase in premiums for TRS-ActiveCare, the statewide health insurance program for public school employees. The district’s monthly contribution per employee is expected to increase from $484 to $521. Combined with the district’s growing workforce, the increase would add nearly $1.1 million in annual costs.

After reviewing three options, the board approved a cost-sharing plan under which the district will contribute $504 per employee each month while employees will pay the remaining $17. District officials said the plan will save approximately $270,000, significantly reducing the impact of the rate increase.

In other action, trustees approved a project to replace the eroding granite surrounding Liberty Hill High School’s Panther Stadium with concrete and artificial turf. The improvements are expected to address drainage issues and enhance the facility’s long-term structural safety.

Liberty Hill council tackles Dark Sky ordinance, development issues

Development and city procedures dominated discussions during the Liberty Hill City Council’s June meetings.

The Dark Sky ordinance and Butler Farms Public Improvement District remained key topics, while council members also discussed mayoral proclamations and possible changes to the public comment process.

For several months, the city’s outdoor lighting ordinance has been a frequent topic of discussion, with residents and business owners voicing their concerns during public comment.

Following discussion at the May 13 meeting, Mayor Crystal Mancilla directed city staff to prepare a report on how the ordinance affects businesses and residents. City Attorney Laura Mueller presented that report during the June 10 meeting.

Section 6.13 of the city’s Unified Development Code, or UDC, governs outdoor lighting and includes definitions, compliance standards and penalties for violations. Mueller reviewed each section of the ordinance and explained how a typical violation would be handled.

“This is another question that we got. It would be a Class C misdemeanor, which would go to municipal court,” Mueller said. “Normally — I haven’t heard of this being deviated from — they would get a letter asking them to comply, they’re provided chances to meet with staff to bring [the lighting] into compliance, they’d be given a stop-work order. That’s true of any of our land-use ordinances. If all those things failed and someone didn’t bring all those things into compliance, then they would be brought to municipal court.”

Council member Diane Williams also provided additional background on the ordinance.

“The lighting ordinance does not go into effect until August 2027 for existing businesses and residents,” Williams said. “There’s still time to resolve this issue, and it was decided in 2024 to resolve

it during the UDC rewrite. I do recommend, and I did back then, that we separate development from residents, and that we can look at different penalties for residents.”

The council directed staff to prepare proposed revisions that would address concerns about penalties for residents. As of publication, those revisions had not yet returned to the council for consideration.

The Butler Farms Public Improvement District, or PID, also returned to the agenda with a proposed amendment to its service and assessment plan.

The council approved moving forward with a public hearing during its June 10 meeting, and that hearing was held June 24.

A PID is a financing tool that allows municipalities to reimburse developers for infrastructure such as roads and utilities installed before or during development. The city issues bonds to cover those upfront costs, which are repaid through assessments collected from property owners within the district.

As Butler Farms continues to expand, the PID must be updated to reflect the cost of infrastructure in new development areas and the additional assessments generated by future homeowners.

Existing Butler Farms residents who already pay PID assessments will see no changes.

Following the June 24 public hearing, the council approved amendments authorizing assessments for properties within Improvement Areas No. 3 and No. 4.

Council members also reviewed the city’s guidelines for mayoral proclamations.

Ultimately, no changes to the policy were recommended, but Mancilla clarified that proclamations may also be issued outside of regular council meetings when requested.

Williams also asked the council to consider clarifying procedures for public comments submitted online. She said she wanted to ensure council members have enough time to review comments before making decisions on agenda items.

“My concern is, when I’m making a decision on an agenda item, that I have anything and everything that the public wants me to see for their guaranteed participation in government — at least 24 hours prior,” Williams said.

A proposal outlining minor amendments or clarifications to the public comment process is expected to come before the council at a future meeting.

Summer soccer league sets players up for success

Girls’ teams from Liberty Hill, Legacy Ranch participated

BY PHOEBE JOHNSON-QUAIFE EDITORIAL INTERN

The Park Vista Summer League is a girls’ soccer program developed by Vista Ridge High School to provide players with additional opportunities to compete during the summer, stay active, build conﬁdence and continue improving their skills outside of the regular school season.

The league holds 8-on-8 games from June 1 to July 31 and is open only to girls while prohibiting all head soccer coaches from coaching, so teams can self-coach. For the summer of 2026, both Legacy Ranch and Liberty Hill high schools decided to participate.

Games in the summer league are quite diﬀerent from the regular style of play. Players have to adapt to self-coaching, shorter playing time and fewer players on the ﬁeld. Although it requires diligence and leader-

ship, each team has players who shine.

Wranglers player Kelsey Mueller said, “The shorter playing time and smaller field change the style of play. There is definitely less running because of the small field and less space to cover. The subbing is easy because you can take quick breaks and go back in whenever you’re ready. The ball is constantly moving back and forth between teams, which makes you need to be ready at all times.”

Aisley Curtis, who also plays for the Wranglers, said the league is more than just a summer activity.

“For me, summer league isn’t something just to do when school’s out,” she said. “It’s actually super beneficial. Summer league helps me stay in shape and keeps me ready for when the real season starts again. One of the biggest benefits of summer league is that it keeps my fitness up. Soccer requires a lot of running and endurance, and if I don’t keep practicing, it’s easy to fall behind.”

Curtis also explained how the league helps her stay motivated.

“During summer league, I’m constantly running and staying active, which makes a huge diﬀerence. It also helps me stay consistent,” she said. “Even though it’s summer and everything feels more relaxed, I still have something pushing me to work hard. Games keep me in a routine so I don’t get lazy or lose motivation. Plus, it gives me a chance to keep improving my skills, like passing, shooting and communication on the ﬁeld.”

In addition to helping players stay ﬁt, the league gives teams a chance to bond and enjoy the game together.

Wranglers player Elizabeth Hawkes added, “Summer league is beneﬁcial to me because it helps us stay connected with our teammates. It is also a great way to have fun during the summer while also keeping in shape.”

Liberty Hill players share the same drive and mentality.

7-on-7 and 8-on-8 games encourage a lot more technical skills and quick combination play.”

Panthers player Ellie Swan described self-coaching as one of the league’s biggest challenges because players must call their own substitutions and decide their own formations.

“Playing without a coach leads us to be more independent as players,” she said. “It helps us bond and grow personal connections with the team while also learning new things from each other, rather than our coach. We can learn and get be er from our teammates’ skills and mistakes.”

Overall, the Park Vista Summer League helps teams and individual players improve during summer break. It shows that, when given the opportunity, teams across the Williamson County area will spend their free time working to get be er. The league reﬂects players’ dedication and drive as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Curtis summed it up best.

Panthers player Brooke McSpadden said, “I think summer league is beneﬁcial in many ways because we get to stay in shape and keep up our touches. It also helps with team connection since we get to bond and play with each other throughout the whole summer instead of starting over every fall. I also think it’s really fun to play against schools that aren’t in our district. Plus,

“Overall, summer league helps me stay in shape, stay consistent and stay ready,” she said. “It might seem like extra games, but it makes a big diﬀerence in how my team and I perform later in the season. For me, it’s worth it because I know I’m improving and staying consistent.”

Players from Legacy Ranch and Liberty Hill girls’ soccer programs participated in the Park Vista Summer League to prepare for their upcoming respective seasons. PHOTO BY ERIN MUELLER

Steely Byars chases dance dream from Liberty Hill to world stage

BY LESHELLE VALLEJO STAFF WRITER

For Liberty Hill High School upcoming senior Steely Byars, dance isn’t just an extracurricular activity – it’s where she found her purpose.

After spending years searching for where she fit in, Byars discovered dance five years ago and immediately knew she had found her passion.

“It took me a long time to figure out my place and what I liked doing,” Byars said. “When I started dancing, I just knew that was what I was supposed to do. I train all the time, and I love it so much. It brings me so much joy every time I do it.” That passion has taken the Liberty Hill native farther than she ever imagined.

A lifelong Liberty Hill resident who has attended Liberty Hill schools since kindergarten, Byars now spends nearly 30 hours each week training while preparing to banalce her senior year responsibilities as captain of the Liberty Hill High School Belles dance team.

“It was really cool being able to see people from all over the country and all of their different styles,” she said. “You get to hear about all of their hard work and what they went through to make their routines look like that.”

Now, Byars and her team are preparing for the biggest competition of their season — the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix this month.

Unlike the competition in Los Angeles, worlds brings together elite dancers from countries across the globe.

“I’m really excited to see the whole world competing,” Byars said. “It’s amazing because you see the same dance crews, but by the time they get to worlds they’ve made their routines even crazier. It’s awesome to see all of their journeys.”

“It’s pretty awesome,” she said. “I was captain of my middle school team, so it’s really cool to carry on that leadership role and be captain of the Belles my senior year.”

In addition to her role with the Belles, Byars is also a member of the competitive company team at Move Dance Family, where her dedication has opened doors to opportunities on national and international stages.

Most recently, Byars competed at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship USA competition in Los Angeles, where dancers from across the country showcase their talent and compete for a chance to advance.

wanted to be on that floor dancing with them.”

Years later, she’s living the dream she once watched from the audience.

“When I made the team, I was overjoyed,” she said. “I couldn’t believe I was actually on that team. Looking back now, it’s really awesome to see how all the hard work paid off.”

Along the way, Byars credits one person for helping shape her journey.

“I would have to say Miss P (Kenna Priore),” she said. “She’s the director of the Belles and she’s the one who started my dance journey. She’s always pushing me to learn more, train more and keep growing.”

Dance has already given Byars experiences many young performers only dream about. She performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a freshman and has competed at some of the nation’s most prestigious dance events.

But she’s far from finished.

Competing at that level requires far more than talent.

“It takes a lot of dedication, training, rehearsals, long nights and long days,” she said. “You have to put in the work to make the routine look the best it can.”

Byars admitted the transition to elite-level competition was challenging, especially during her first year on the Move company team.

“I wasn’t expecting the amount of training that came with it,” she said. “It was definitely more demanding than what I was used to. It was honestly a lot of mental training too. It took a lot of brain power to get through it, but it was really fun.”

The hard work was worth it.

Byars remembers attending the same competition as an eighth grader and watching the older dancers perform.

“I was just jaw-dropped by how talented they were,” she said

. “I knew that’s where I wanted to be. I

After graduation, Byars plans to attend a commercial dance training program at the prestigious Center of Innovation in Massachusetts, where dancers prepare for professional careers in entertainment.

“Commercial dance is anything that makes a profit, like backup dancing, music videos and things like that,” she said. “I’d love to pursue that for a while and eventually make my way back to Texas.”

And when she returns home, she already has her eyes on another dream.

“I’d love to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader,” she said.

For younger dancers hoping to follow a similar path, Byars offers simple but powerful advice.

“Stay true to yourself,” she said. “Don’t try to dance exactly like someone else. Find your own style and don’t compare yourself to other dancers. If you’re always comparing yourself, it’s only going to hold you back.”

As she prepares for her final year at Liberty Hill High School and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete on the world stage, Byars is focused on making the most of every moment.

Whether she’s leading the Belles on Friday nights, training for worlds, or planning for her future in dance, one thing remains clear: the little girl from Liberty Hill who once watched in awe from the sidelines is now inspiring the next generation of dancers to dream just as big.

Liberty Hill senior Steely Byars has dedicated her life to dance. COURTESY PHOTO

No time to rest for Panthers, Wranglers

Summer sports conditioning camps ready athletes for season

BY PHOEBE JOHNSON-QUAIFE EDITORIAL INTERN

Over the summer break, students are sent home for three months. During this period, influence from teachers and coaches becomes difficult to maintain, often leading several athletes to neglect their cardio and training.

You may think nothing will happen to your body because you’re in shape from your athletic season, but the issue is bigger than it appears.

That is where athletic performance camps come in.

Athletic performance camps target athletes by improving their fitness levels. Over summer break, both local high schools participate in athletic performance camps.

Liberty Hill calls its athletic performance camp PAC (Panther Athletic Conditioning), while Legacy Ranch calls its camp WPC (Wrangler Performance Camp).

Regarding PAC, David Seaborn, head football coach and athletic director for Liberty Hill High School, said PAC is built around one belief: Championship seasons are earned long before the first game is played.

“Summer is not a break for athletes with big goals — it’s an opportunity,” he said. “The athletes who aspire to compete for district championships, playoff runs and personal excellence understand success requires year-round commitment. While others are taking time off, our athletes are investing in becoming stronger, faster,

more explosive and more resilient.”

This differentiates athletes in the long run. Athletic performance camps are designed to push athletes past their limits to become stronger.

While one athlete sits at home all summer, another trains throughout the weeks and improves.

Seaborn shared a staple drill of PAC that is a signature part of the camp.

“My favorite drill in our strength and conditioning program is our hurdle plyometric station because it develops multiple athletic qualities at once,” he said. “It improves hip mobility, ankle flexibility, and we incorporate a focus on upper- and lower-body running mechanics. The drill also trains fast-twitch muscle fibers, helping athletes produce force more quickly for greater explosiveness, acceleration, jumping ability and overall athletic performance. It’s a simple drill with tremendous carryover to virtually every sport.”

Tim Knicky, head football coach and athletic director for Legacy Ranch High School, said that, as Legacy Ranch’s first head coach, he sees the performance camp as more than just preparation — it’s the starting point for building the program’s identity, standards and culture.

“In building the program, the summers are critical in setting the foundation and culture of our program as a whole,” he said. “Having our kids around our coaches and around each other in a bit more laid-back environment than normal offseason work allows us to build strong relationships with each other. It showcases the com-

Camping & Overlanding Rentals

Info@builttoroamrentalco.com

Call/text 737-377-2138

@overland_4_heroes Serving the greater Austin area

mitment our athletes have to achieve high levels of success. It’s not easy to get up and work out at 7 or 8 a.m., but doing things that others are not willing to do sets us up for success during our seasons.”

At WPC, the camp’s claim is that every participating athlete will receive varsity-level coaching and training from day one. WPC also allows Legacy Ranch’s coaches to use their unique skill sets to benefit athletes in whatever sport they play.

Athletic performance camps aren’t just beneficial in the eyes of coaches — athletes believe this, too.

Incoming LHHS junior Parker Benefield believes PAC helps the most.

“In the summer, everyone likes to just stay home all day. PAC gives everyone a good reason to keep a summer wake-up routine and to start the day off the right way,” he said. “You need to continue the work you have been putting in all offseason and keep improving over the summer. PAC also helps you grow closer to your teammates.”

Additionally, incoming LRHS sophomore Zaine Lantrip said, “WPC has helped improve my skills by making me more disciplined, and it’s preparing me for the

season by making me stronger and more conditioned.”

Behind all the training and drills, coaches want athletes to go home with other developed skills.

Knicky said building relationships and leadership qualities are significant factors in the program’s summer work.

“The environment we create allows our kids the chance to step up and lead and really bond with one another,” he said.

Seaborn measures PAC’s success by the school’s athletic performance during the season — if players excel and advance during their sports seasons, it’s a success.

“The time and effort invested during the summer provide the foundation for winning seasons,” he said. “While also catering to the overall physical development, mental toughness and overall growth of the athletes who commit themselves throughout the offseason.”

After a summer of consistent participation in PAC or WPC, athletes will return stronger, more prepared and more confident in their abilities.

Those who choose progress and pain over rest and discomfort are the ones who will see their hard work pay off when the season begins.

Summer sports conditioning camps at Liberty Hill and Legacy Ranch high schools allow athletes to maintain proper fitness levels and prepare for their respective competition seasons. COURTESY PHOTO

Is it fall yet?

Another local school sports season can’t arrive soon enough

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Most people look forward to summer.

Vacations, trips to the lake with family and friends, not to mention all the activities one can pursue when the temperature is high and the days are long.

Well, I’m not most people.

You see, when your sole purpose on God’s green Earth is to cover high school sports, the period between when the last baseball or so ball game ends in the spring until the ﬁrst football is kicked oﬀ in the autumn seems like an eternity.

July is the absolute loneliest month, too. Oh, sure, at the professional levels of the sports landscape, it’s the heart of baseball season and this summer the World Cup visited North America, but I don’t specialize in those. Unless long, expensive road trips are in the budget (which they’re deﬁnitely not), we ﬁnd ourselves yearning for the opportunity to get into our car and drive a few miles to the nearest prep venue.

Alas, no Panthers or Wranglers sighted anywhere along the way.

Instead, all we can do is look forward to the fall, which sizes up to be a historic one, indeed, as both Liberty Hill and Legacy Ranch will compete against each other at the Class 5A varsity level for the ﬁrst time a er the upstart Wranglers were at Class 4A last year, the second in the school’s existence.

Upon my arrival on the local scene all of seven years ago, Liberty Hill still had the feel of a sleepy town with a single high school for everyone to get behind, a distinct change for somebody who grew up in Southern California where dozens upon dozens of high schools existed in San Diego, including the one I grad-

uated from back when Ronald Reagan was still president.

In fact, back when I got here in 2019, it was just in time to witness the Panthers’ ﬁnal season as a Class 4A school with longtime rivalries with places like Burnet and Lampasas still burning brightly.

How diﬀerent it was back then.

Jeﬀ Walker (God rest his soul) was still prowling the Panthers sidelines with his trademark intensity that belied a kinder nature hidden underneath the exterior, allowing the taskmaster to be demanding while still cultivating relationships with his players.

All the talk was about how the Purple-and-Gold would fare against tougher Class 5A competition.

Suffice to say, Liberty Hill has done just fine, including four consecutive state football semifinal appearances (including a state championship game in 2021) and a boys’ soccer state championship under the guidance of head coach Stefano Salerno, not to mention deep playoff runs for all of the Panthers’ squads, not the least of which was the Lady Panthers’ basketball, so ball and volleyball teams, as well as the baseball team, that advanced all the way to state in recent years.

But, this is the present and with a pair of high schools dividing the town – and the talent pool – it will certainly be an exciting time for local sports come August.

Just please hurry up and get here.

$25 for Minimum 30 Words (Print Edition), Additional Words $0.20 NEWS@LHINDEPENDENT.COM

HELP WANTED

PROGRAMMER ANALYSTS: Liberty Hill, TX & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S.: Prtcpt in SDLC. Dvlp app cmpnnts & prfm sys intgrtn u/techs inclu C, .NET, Java, JavaScript, Angular, HTML, CSS, JSON & XML. Prfm dbgng, test & prfmnc imprvmnts of apps. Master’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg(any) is req’d. Mail CV: HR, Inventso LLC, careers@ inventso usa.com.

As a high school sports writer su ering through the summer, we can’t wait for a scene like this to once again unfold. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Why now is the best time to join the Chamber of Commerce

BY STEVE SCHIFF CHAMBER PRESIDENT

There has never been a more exciting time to become a member of the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce.

As Liberty Hill continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, the importance of building relationships, creating partnerships, and staying connected to the community has never been greater. The Chamber has evolved far more than a networking organization. It has become a driving force behind business growth, community engagement, and economic development, making now the ideal time to join.

Over the past several years, the Chamber has experienced tremendous growth in both membership and influence. This success has been fueled by a commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and corporate representatives are coming together with a common goal of helping Liberty Hill prosper.

One of the biggest contributors to the Chamber’s growth has been the transforma-

tion of its monthly networking luncheons.

These gatherings have become signature events that deliver value far beyond a meal and a handshake. Members have the opportunity to hear from prominent real-world speakers representing business, government, education, and industry. The information shared at these events often provides practical ideas and fresh perspectives that can immediately benefit organizations.

Equally important are the relationships that are built at these events. In today’s business environment, relationships matter. Referrals, collaborations and strategic partnerships often begin with simple conversations.

The Chamber has created an environment where business leaders can connect, learn from one another, and develop relationships that frequently lead to new customers and opportunities.

Another reason for the Chamber’s recent success has been its commitment to building strong partnerships throughout the community. The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce has developed productive relationships with the City of Liberty Hill, the Liberty Hill

Economic Development Corporation, and the Liberty Hill Independent School District. These partnerships have created an unprecedented level of collaboration that benefits both businesses and residents.

Through these relationships, Chamber members have greater access to information and opportunities that directly impact the future of Liberty Hill. Members stay informed about community developments, economic initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and educational programs that can influence business decisions.

Chamber members are not simply observers of growth; they are active participants in shaping the future of the community.

The partnership with LHISD is especially important because it connects the business community with the next generation of leaders and workforce talent.

Programs that support entrepreneurship, career readiness, and student engagement help create a pipeline of future employees, business owners, and community leaders. Businesses that participate today are investing in both the community’s future and their own success.

Perhaps the greatest reason to join the Chamber today is momentum. Liberty Hill is experiencing extraordinary growth. New businesses are opening, families are moving to the area, and opportunities are emerging every day. Communities occasionally experience defining moments when growth, leadership, and collaboration align. Liberty Hill is experiencing one of those moments right now.

The businesses that engage today will help shape tomorrow. They will establish relationships, build their presence, and position themselves as leaders in one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas.

The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce is more than a membership organization. It is a catalyst for business success, a champion for community partnerships, and a driving force behind Liberty Hill’s continued prosperity. Joining today opens doors to relationships that can transform your business tomorrow.

If you have been considering joining, the answer has never been clearer. The best time to join the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce is now.

Sponsored content paid for by the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

Cricket invasion forced cancellation of classes

BY JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

Over the years it has become customary for a school district, when preparing the calendar for the upcoming school year, to set aside a few days as “bad weather days.”

And yes, there’s been more than one time when inclement weather did force the Liberty Hill Independent School District to close its doors.

But who would have ever thought an invasion of crickets could have led to students and teachers having an unexpected holiday? That’s exactly what happened 43 years ago.

According to a front-page story that appeared in a September 1983 issue of The Burnet Bulletin, a swarm of crickets led to the decision to cancel classes.

The late Louine Noble, then principal at Liberty Hill Elementary, was quoted in the story as saying, “There were crickets three inches deep at the front door and the walls were black. They were over the sidewalk like a backwards waterfall. It was the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen. Crickets were everywhere.”

The newspaper reported that Noble believed that the crickets moved onto the campus overnight following a Thursday night football game at Panther Stadium, where it is believed the bright stadium

lights first attracted them to the area. School officials first attempted to move students to the playground area and wait to see if the crickets would move on.

“But they just kept coming,” Noble said.

The newspaper reported that exterminators were called in and school employees worked over the weekend to remove the crickets from the grounds.

Former school nurse Dusti Williams recalled the incident on social media, and commented “I believe it was the first week of football games for the year. The freshman game was played on Thursday night at our field that first week and when we arrived for work on Friday morning, the crickets were everywhere, drawn by the stadium lights. They totally covered the wall and crawled in every small opening they could find into the elementary school. The students were walked/evacuated to the middle school at that time and a few of us had to stay and call parents to tell them what had happened and where their children were moved/man the phones for incoming calls. My ears were sore for a few days from so many phone calls, and yes, we found dead crickets for months... what a smell!”

The smell was perhaps the most vivid memory for some students, including Ray Cole.

“The stench was horrific,” recalled Cole.

“One year the school was closed for a day and another year I remember being evacuated because crickets had caused a small fire in the electrical system of the cafeteria refrigerator or something like that.”

As Cole noted, the 1983 invasion was not the last, although as I recall future cricket invasions never matched the intensity.

A few years later, and I believe I was

Linda Berry Peterson

Dec. 18, 1950 – June 10, 2026

Linda Berry Peterson, 75, of Round Rock, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

She was born on December 18, 1950, in Bertram, Texas, to Leonard and Laverne Berry. A gifted student, Linda graduated as valedictorian of the Liberty Hill High School Class of 1969. After completing her studies at Nixon-Clay Business College, she began her career with the Merit System and went on to serve the State of Texas for more than 30 years, retiring from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission in 2002.

Linda had a lifelong love of music and began playing the piano for her church at the age of 13. She served as pianist and organist for First Baptist Church of Liberty Hill until 1991 and continued sharing her musical talents with family and friends for many years thereafter. For 35 years, she was an active member of First Baptist

Church of Round Rock, where she devoted her time to Bible study and faithfully supported various sewing and mission ministries.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Peterson, her parents, and three siblings.

She is survived by her son, William J. Seward and wife Missy of Austin; daughters Melanie Boekee and husband Dirk-Jan of Sydney, Australia, and Holly Land and husband Jeremy of Waco; stepson Matthew Peterson of Georgetown; grandchildren Abrianna Peterson, Matthew Peterson, Robin Land, and William Land; and great-grandchildren Isaac, Lilith, and Kayson.

A memorial service celebrating Linda’s life will be held at First Baptist Church Round Rock on September 5, 2026. Memorial contributions in Linda’s name may be made to First Baptist Church Round Rock or the Texas Baptist Children’s Home.

working at The Independent at the time, the crickets were again swarming during a Thursday night contest and I believe it might have been former Liberty Hill athletic director Charlie Braun who suggested the stadium lights be left on overnight to keep the critters contained at the stadium. To the best of my recollection, the strategy worked.

Ron Lee Dykes

Sept. 29, 1962 – May 17, 2026

Ron Lee Dykes, 63, of Bertram, Texas, passed on May 17, 2026. He was born in Pittsburgh, Calif., on Sept. 29, 1962, to Gene and Gail Dykes. Ron was a wonderful father and papa, brother and friend. He will be truly missed by his loved ones. The memorial was June 13 at 3 p.m. at the Williams Buck Cemetery.

The late Louine Noble, here pictured at her desk shortly after her promotion from elementary principal to superintendent in the mid-1980s, faced many challenges during her years at Liberty Hill, but perhaps one of her most unusual days was the morning that she and other school personnel dealt with an invasion of crickets at the elementary school. PHOTO BY JAMES WEAR