June 2026 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

BIZ BRIEFS:

What’s New?

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Black Rock Coffee Bar

8481 Hwy. 29, Leander Black Rock Coffee Bar is now open on the Leander-Liberty Hill border. The coffee bar serves a variety of coffees, teas, energy drinks, breakfast items and more.

RETAIL

Parker's Mercantile

1017 Main St., Liberty Hill

The City of Liberty Hill has announced plans for the former Parker’s Corner Market property, which will serve as a temporary downtown activation space while long-term redevelopment plans move forward. Through a lease agreement, the city has partnered with Wish Kitchen & Bar owner Mike Farr to create Parker’s Mercantile, a destination featuring live music, shopping, food and opportunities for entrepreneurs to test new business ideas. The city purchased the property for $1.6 million in January and approved $150,000 in repairs in March to address safety concerns. Parker’s Mercantile is expected to open on weekends later this summer.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Foodies

1487 Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill

• The Market at Avilla Vista

Ranch

9977 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• Liberty Hill Express

14745 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• 5K Escape

CR 243 & Highway 29, Bertram

• Trinity Pharmaceutical 295 CR 214, Liberty Hill

SERVICES

Black Helmet Junk Removal

Mobile, Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill resident Zach Ingram recently launched his company, Black Helmet Junk Removal. He works as a local firefighter and started the business on the side to provide junk removal services to the community.

JP Academy

987 Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill

JP Academy has announced the launch of its new accredited, NCAA-approved academic and basketball development program for student-athletes seeking to compete at the collegiate level. The nine-month program will run from Aug. 11, 2026, through May 1, 2027, and combines elite basketball skill development, strength and performance training, academic accountability and national-level competition. Academy leaders say the program is designed to help athletes develop on and off the court while preparing for college basketball opportunities and future success.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Coolspot Event Center

7030 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• L&B Drywall

51 Dews Rd., Liberty Hill

• Eternal Legacy Builds

Liberty Hill

• Broken Walls Cross Fit

Liberty Hill

• Georgetown Daycare

2021 Kauffman Loop, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE

Pure Remedy Massage Therapy

100 Church St., Liberty Hill

Pure Remedy Massage Therapy is celebrating eight years in business in Liberty Hill. The wellness spa, which opened in 2018 with one therapist and a single treatment room, has grown into a team of eight professionals offering massage and facial services to the community. Owners credited the business’s growth to the support of local clients through appointments, referrals and reviews. In a social media post marking the milestone, the team thanked the Liberty Hill community for its continued support and loyalty over the past eight years.

Florence Marketplace

101 Story Ave., Florence Florence Marketplace has announced it will be closing its doors after years of serving the community. In a message to customers, the business said the decision came after much thought and was not made lightly. Owners expressed gratitude for the support, encouragement and kindness shown by customers over the years, crediting the community for helping the business succeed. Florence Marketplace will begin a closing sale in June as it prepares to cease operations.

Rebecca Harness, City of Liberty Hill

926 Main St., Liberty Hill

Rebecca Harness, who served as the executive administrative assistant for the City of Liberty Hill, retired at the end of May after 20 years of working in public service.

Oak & Steel Barbershop

2036 Hwy. 183, Leander

The GHOAT Barbershop

Leander location is transitioning to Oak & Steel Barbershop. The shop will be headed up by Lauren Ayerbe and will provide men's haircuts, fades, beard work, pedicures, facials and more.

Dairy Queen

13266 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Dairy Queen celebrated eight years in business in Liberty Hill on May 30.

LHHS Parking Addition

16500 Hwy 29, Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill ISD is moving forward with a $2.03 million overflow parking project north of the existing Liberty Hill

High School campus. The new construction will add approximately 304,920 square feet of parking and include water quality and detention ponds sized to support future development of the tract. The project is expected to be completed by Dec. 31.

The Yogurt Experience

14241 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

The Yogurt Experience celebrated its first year in business in Liberty Hill in May.

Kayla Longino, Sound Mind

Integrative Psychotherapy 14001 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Kayla Longino, LPC, has joined the team at Sound Mind. She specializes in addition recovery, eating disorders and treatment placement.

Mrs. Amy's Adventures Preschool

12340 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Mrs. Amy's Adventures recently announced it will be adding a kindergarten program to its offerings beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The program will be project based, TEKS aligned and focus on solidifying foundations for math and reading.

Taqueria Mi Ranchito Jaimes

14751 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (behind Thirsty Penguin)

Taqueria Mi Ranchito Jaimes celebrated its third year business anniversary in May.

Lone Star Dance Co.

12870 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Lone Star Performance Academy recently rebranded to Lone Star Dance Co. Studio ownership remains the same, but additions to services offered have been created, including a competitive dance team and more opportunities for student dancers.

Liberty Hill High School graduates class of 2026

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

On the field at Panther Stadium, Liberty Hill High School’s Class of 2026 made the official transition from school days to the real world as 587 Purple-and-Gold-clad seniors made the long-awaited walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and begin writing the next chapter of their respective life stories.

According to salutatorian Rita Gerten, the fact she was standing before her classmates on this night was proof positive there was always a method to her academic madness.

“I’m living proof the human body can function on just a few hours sleep,” said Gerten, who graduated with a 106.871 grade-point-average and will study chemical engineering at Texas A&M University. “Also, procrastinating and turning in assignments at the last minute does pay off.”

Gerten said after initially not knowing what to make of her new Lone Star home after moving here, she eventually assimilated and thrived.

“I remember the first time a ‘y’all’ came out of my mouth and was scared I was getting into a huge Texas cult,” she said. “But, over the years, I grew to have plenty of barbecue and enjoy stops at Buc-ee’s on road trips, all of which has helped change me into the person I am today.”

Later in her speech – on a more serious note – Gerten stressed the need to continue

matriculating despite moving on from high school, regardless of one’s life path.

“Learning doesn’t have to end with formal education,” she said. “I encourage all of you to keep learning.”

Pranav Nichenametla – who was Class of 2026 valedictorian and will move on to the University of Texas, where he will double-major in physics and electrical engineering – was melancholic his time as a high-school student was at an end, despite admitting to often wishing it was.

“All four years of high school, I wanted to be done so bad,” said Nichenametla, who graduated with a 107.170 GPA. “But, recently when I was looking through my yearbook, it brought tears to my eyes to realize how great high school was and made me think back to when we were freshmen and didn’t know how everything was going to be. But, as time went on, we became used to it all and even though we couldn’t always enjoy it in the moment, we can now look back stress-free and enjoy the life-changing experience we had.”

Before concluding, though, Nichenametla also pointed out just how much of a crossroads he and his classmates stood at.

“My heart feels bittersweet,” he said. “This could be the last time a lot of us see each other before going away.”

Finally, some advice was offered.

“No matter how much we think we control things,” said Nichenametla. “All we can really do is the best we can with life’s unpredictability.”

Butler Farms caught between city, developer as problems mount

‘It’s like being in a nasty game of monkey in the middle’

BY JACE BRAZIEL STAFF WRITER

In December 2025, during the first Liberty Hill City Council meeting of the month, residents of the Butler Farms subdivision took to the podium to express concerns about issues within the neighborhood.

Problems with water pressure, road safety, and a lack of communication were all noted by the speakers; however, this is not the first time such matters have been raised.

“We live out in Butler Farms, and we’ve lived out there for three years now,” one resident told the council. “The water problem has not changed since we’ve been out there. They’ve made temporary fixes and changes, but none of them seem to be doing anything to solve the problems that we’re having out there.”

Members of the community formed a Facebook group to share updates, organize conversations with the city and developer, and advocate for improvements to the neighborhood, with membership swelling from 90 in January to nearly 160 by April.

Lacy Scott, a prominent member of the Butler Farms Community Action Committee, shared the group’s problem statements with The Independent. Water infrastructure was listed as the top priority.

“Low and unreliable water pressure continues to impact daily household use and raises fire safety concerns, while wastewater infrastructure remains constrained by an incomplete lift station,” read part of the statement. “Although the city has cited planned upgrades… and a future elevated storage tank, these actions have not been accompanied by clear, enforceable timelines or completion deadlines.”

In April 2025, the city council approved the preliminary engineering and design for an elevated storage tank – a water tower – to serve Butler Farms, alleviating water pressure issues.

Former Deputy City Manager Mike Ettiene explained at the meeting that the project was critical for meeting water demand on the west side of Liberty Hill, but that it would take about 18 to 24 months to build.

Since that meeting, the city has not presented any clear updates about the project

to the public.

However, the capital improvement plan has been updated, showing that about $21.5 million is projected to be allocated toward the tank’s construction in fiscal year 2026.

A significant frustration expressed within the problem statements shared by the Butler Farms Community Action Committee is the lack of transparency and communication by both the city and the developer.

“It’s like being in a nasty game of monkey in the middle,” said Scott. “The city says they have a solution, but the developer won’t give them a point of entry, [and] the developer says it’s the city not providing them with what they need.”

Director of Public Works Jacob Parsons said within the coming weeks or months, another design contract will be coming before the council for the elevated storage tank project. Timelines for the project are contingent upon receiving a right of entry from the developer, which, as noted in the capital improvement plan, has yet to happen.

The Independent attempted to reach the

community’s master developer, MA Partners, via several means of communication. The emails associated with MA Partners either have a full mailbox or simply do not exist.

A phone number on the Butler Farms website allows communication with the two home builders, but does not give any further means to reach the developer.

A trip to the address listed as the developer’s office in Hutto revealed only a shuttered office space, with the leasing agent able to provide no further information about their whereabouts.

One of the Butler Farms Community Action Committee’s problem statements touched on the difficulty of reaching the developer.

It reads: “The developer has been extremely difficult to engage and has provided no clear, consistent updates regarding development status [or] infrastructure delivery. This absence of communication has left residents to rely on speculation and fragmented information as opposed to verified plans.”

Furthermore, marketing materials about Butler Farms prominently feature

amenities, such as a resort-style pool and amenities center, a stocked catch-and-release fishing pond, and several parks and playgrounds.

To date, no such amenities have been constructed, and the given timelines have continued to be amended and pushed back.

On April 15, though, an announcement was sent out to Butler Farm residents that site preparations for the Butler Farms Amenity Center had officially begun. Project highlights include a pavilion, a large playscape area, and the promised resort-style swimming pool. No timeline for the project was given.

While the solutions to all of the issues that Butler Farms residents have had to deal with slowly make their way down the pipeline, members of the action committee said they remain hopeful change is on the horizon.

“I think we get nowhere if we point fingers and corner folks,” Scott told The Independent. “[Everyone] just needs a reminder that the people out here are really, really good people, and they’re worth coming together and advocating for.”

Meet Karen Trahan, the heart of Liberty Hill’s Dairy Queen

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

If you ask people what makes Liberty Hill’s Dairy Queen special, they might mention the steak finger basket or the famous Blizzards. But if you ask the regulars, many will give a different answer: Ms. Karen.

For countless customers, a trip through the Dairy Queen drive-thru isn’t just about grabbing lunch or satisfying a sweet tooth. It’s about hearing Karen Trahan’s familiar voice greet them with an enthusiastic “Hey baby!” and knowing someone genuinely cares how their day is going.

In less than a year, Trahan, known by most in the community as Ms. Karen, has become one of the most beloved faces – and voices – in Liberty Hill.

The 59-year-old assistant manager has built a reputation for spreading positivity, encouraging coworkers, li ing up customers and creating connections that extend far beyond the restaurant’s walls. What started as a job has become a ministry of sorts – one built on kindness, faith and a simple belief that every person deserves to feel seen.

“I simply love people,” Trahan said. “First I love God and myself and then I simply love people and I love DQ.”

Those who know her agree that statement perfectly captures who she is.

Trahan is the kind of person who can’t walk through a room without striking up a conversation. She remembers names. She asks about grandchildren, surgeries, graduations and job interviews. She notices when someone seems down. She celebrates victories, big and small.

And perhaps most importantly, she makes people feel like they ma er.

That gi for connecting with others has shaped nearly every chapter of her life.

A lifetime of serving others

Long before she arrived in Liberty Hill, Trahan spent decades working in the restaurant industry. She worked for major fast-food companies, including Yum! Brands, gaining experience at restaurants such as Taco Bell and Wendy’s. Along the way, she earned recognition for her work

ethic and customer service skills.

But despite years of success, she says nothing compares to where she is today.

“This has been the best,” she said. “God knows exactly what He’s doing.”

Trahan moved to Liberty Hill from North Carolina in August 2025. The decision came a er a season of challenges, including health concerns and the realization that she wanted to be closer to family.

For Trahan, the move wasn’t simply practical – it was spiritual.

“I didn’t have anyone up there,” she said. “God said, ‘Go home.’ He was leading me right here.”

So she packed her belongings into her car and made the journey to Texas.

Within weeks, two of her grandchildren, who worked at Dairy Queen, convinced her to apply for a job there too.

“That’s when everything started,” she said.

The voice everyone knows

Walk into Dairy Queen during the lunch rush and it doesn’t take long to spot Trahan.

She’s moving from customer to customer, greeting employees, checking on orders and making sure everyone feels welcome.

Her coworkers describe her as a source of energy that never seems to run out.

Even a er long shi s, she remains upbeat, encouraging and engaged.

General Manager Sierra Ray said Trahan’s impact on the restaurant’s culture is impossible to overstate.

“We thank her so much for not only showing up every day but everything she does for us,” Ray said. “Even on days she’s not feeling well, she wants to be here. What makes her feel be er is being around people.”

That desire to be around people stems from a deep belief that everyone is carrying something.

A difficult diagnosis.

A family struggle.

Financial stress.

Loneliness.

Trahan knows that a smile, a kind word or a brief conversation can sometimes make a bigger difference than people realize.

“Things happen,” she said. “But I smile

“I see their stress and I want them to laugh and calm down.”

That nurturing personality has made her a mentor to many younger employees.

She constantly encourages them to pursue their goals and believe in themselves.

“Make something out of yourself,” she tells them. “This is just the beginning.”

Several of the teenagers she has worked alongside graduated high school this year, something she talks about with the pride of a grandmother watching her own grandchildren succeed.

In many ways, she has become exactly that – a grandmother figure to many of the young people around her. Not because she has to be, but because she chooses to be.

and ask people how they’re doing. My goal is to change that person’s day.”

Her coworkers have watched her do exactly that countless times.

When employees are stressed, she steps in with humor and encouragement.

When customers are upset, she listens patiently.

When someone needs a hug, she gives one.

“If my customers come in and they want a hug, I’m going to stop what I’m doing and hug them,” she said.

Building a work family

Ask Trahan about her success and she quickly redirects the credit. She doesn’t see herself as the reason customers return. She sees herself as part of a team.

“We’re family,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without them.”

She frequently refers to her coworkers as her Dairy Queen family and takes pride in helping build a workplace culture where people feel supported.

“I want my coworkers to relax,” she said.

Faith at the center

Spend more than a few minutes talking with Trahan and one theme quickly emerges: faith.

She openly credits God for nearly every blessing in her life and says her relationship with Him shapes how she approaches each day.

Years ago, she said, she struggled and lost her way. Then she prayed.

“I took one li le step,” she said. “And He took a thousand.”

More than a decade later, she still starts every morning with scripture. Ten verses a day, every day.

“It charges my ba ery,” she said.

She also practices positive affirmations, something she frequently shares with employees and customers alike.

“I say things like, ‘I love myself today. I deserve to be happy. I’m God’s child,’” she said. “You can always start your day over. You can make the negative into a positive.”

For Trahan, positivity isn’t about ignoring difficulties, it’s about choosing joy despite them.

A lasting impact

The stories about Trahan extend far beyond Dairy Queen. Customers have become friends, neighbors have become family and locals stop by the restaurant simply to see her.

Neighbor and best friend Darlene Mathis first met Trahan through the drive-thru, but what started as friendly conversations at the window quickly grew into a meaningful friendship. Today, the two women are inseparable, often checking in on one another and sharing life’s ups and downs. Mathis says Trahan’s warm personality and genuine interest in people make it impossible not to connect with her. Their friendship is a testament to Trahan’s unique ability to turn everyday interactions into lasting relation-

ships.

Co-area Manager Laura Thomson, Assistant Managers Chayton Hopkins and Maricela Hernandez, and Co-area Manager Jovito “Junior” Leon all praised Trahan’s ability to connect with customers while supporting her fellow employees. Leon, who has spent nearly 40 years in the restaurant industry, recalled a customer returning through the drive-thru just to compliment Trahan, saying he had only encountered a handful of employees with her level of customer service and dedication.

At a time when many customer interactions feel rushed and transactional, Trahan offers something increasingly rare – genuine human connection.

In doing so, she has transformed a

Hope has found a home in Liberty Hill

Local

non-profit celebrating 60th anniversary this year

BY JACE BRAZIEL STAFF WRITER

If you take a drive down the winding county roads around Liberty Hill, you may notice a small complex tucked into the idyllic creekside landscape. Blanketed in the shade of old-growth trees, stepping onto the grounds of Hope House feels like sitting down after a lifetime of standing – it feels like home.

Since 1976, Hope House has served as a forever home for children with profound disabilities in that very location. But the story of Hope House actually began 10 years prior in 1966, when Rose McGarrigle, an immigrant from pre-war Berlin, turned her own home into a haven for children with special needs.

“Rose was in Germany before the war, and she took care of disabled patients at a hospital,” said Adam Stone, Hope House’s director of community engagement.

After witnessing firsthand the horrific treatment of the disabled community in Germany before the war broke out, McGarrigle made the decision to flee to the United States.

“She fell in love with an American soldier and when they came to America, she would get to know families that had special needs kids and do a daycare program,” said Stone. “Eventually, she took one of those kids in and then another and another. She took a very painful part of her past and came here and really laid the roots and the foundation of this place.”

McGarrigle, an Austin resident, received a land donation near Liberty Hill in 1976. With local support, the site would be where the

fast-food restaurant into something more – a gathering place, a source of encouragement, a bright spot in someone’s day.

“I just love people,” she said. “And until God tells me it’s time to stop, I’m going to keep loving people.”

For the countless Liberty Hill residents who have heard her cheerful voice through a drive-thru speaker, that’s very good news indeed.

Trahan typically works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and Sunday evenings.

first official Hope House was built, allowing McGarrigle to continue her dedication to providing care and love to her growing family.

“That’s the roots of Hope House,” Stone said. “But over the last 15 years, it’s really expanded. We used to just have the kids’ program, but what would happen is the kids would age out, and then they’d have to start all over and find a new home; caregivers would have to learn their needs and their wants. We said, ‘Hey, that’s not good enough’ and our executive director made the call that we need to build a home that lets our kids stay with us for life, if that’s what’s right for them.”

Another change that the organization has made since its inception is its housing model. In McGarrigle’s time, the original building operated on a group-home model, housing dozens of residents. Now, each duplex-style home houses four children, each with their own private bedroom.

“I mean, for everyone, we all need our own personal space, so we’re really proud of that,” said Stone about the change. “The newest houses our kids live in are the fourth iteration. This is a good model that we can scale, which is important because we have a 10-year waiting list. We need more houses. That’s really our number one problem.”

Throughout its 60 years, Hope House has gone through many challenges and hardships. During the July 2025 flood, HR Coordinator Sherry Richardson was swept away and emergency services had to evacuate all 16 children living on the premises.

“It’s really 60 years of a story that has every type of chapter you can have. Tragedy – we had a lot of that recently, through the

floods and losing one of our staff members,” said Stone. “But mixed in all of those chapters of grief and loss and difficulties, there’s this incredible story of miracles. We’ve had times where Hope House was hanging on by a thread and, right at the right time, resources showed up, the community showed up. Something shifted to where, more than ever, our community is finding out about us.”

Recently, a benefactor donated a 54-acre plot of land to the organization. Hope House plans to use the land to build 10 new homes and a community center housing a vocational program. The project – Renewed Hope, as it has come to be known – is a response to the aforementioned 10-year wait list.

Funding for the project, as well as for continuing current operations, will be supported by proceeds generated through the organization’s 60th anniversary fundraising event, Hope-opoly.

The event is described as a “one-of-a-kind, gamified fundraising experience where the

community comes together to play, give, and help build a forever home for kids and adults with profound disabilities.” More information about the event can be found on Hope House’s website at hopehouseaustin. org.

Writing a check isn’t the only way to help the cause, though.

“The best thing you could do for our mission is to come out and see it,” Stone said. “You can get on our website and book a tour. My favorite thing to do is walk somebody around here and let them really feel the place, let them meet some of the residents, because once you experience Hope House, you’ll know what you’re supposed to do. Whether that’s volunteer, write a check, tell friends about it – all those things.”

After 60 years of love and care – and despite facing innumerable challenges –Liberty Hill’s Hope House continues to stand as a paragon of compassion, patience, and hope.

Kasie Kline helps students find their voice

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

For Liberty Hill ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Kasie Kline, theater is about much more than performances and applause. It is about helping students build confidence, discover their voice and find a place where they belong.

As the theater teacher at Liberty Hill Middle School, Kline has spent the last seven years creating a program where students learn far more than acting techniques. Through performances, collaboration and creative expression, she helps young people develop skills that will serve them long after they leave her classroom.

“Theater teaches self-discipline, courage and teamwork,” Kline said. “You have to stand on a stage and open yourself up to critique and criticism. You learn how to support one another, communicate and solve problems. Those are skills that carry into careers, friendships and every aspect of life.”

Kline’s passion for education began with an experience of her own. A Liberty Hill native, she attended junior high and part of high school locally before her family moved to California. As a teenager struggling to find her place, everything changed when she joined her new school’s choir program.

“When I walked into that school, the choir director auditioned me immediately and I made the choir,” Kline recalled. “For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged to something. I found my people.”

The impact of that teacher never left her.

“It’s been 35 years since I graduated high school, and I’ve never forgotten how he made us feel,” she said. “I wanted other kids to feel that way.”

That inspiration launched a career that has now spanned 31 years. Although Kline began as a music educator, teaching choir, keyboard classes and Afro-Cuban drumming, her journey eventually led her to theater education. Today, she oversees a thriving program that serves nearly 200 students across multiple theater levels.

“I swore I would never teach middle school,” Kline said with a laugh. “I didn’t know what I was missing. I love it.”

She believes middle school students are at one of the most fascinating stages of life.

“You get to watch them grow from fearless imagination into young people who are beginning to think about who they want to become,” she said. “Just when I think I can’t be shocked again, I’m shocked. They’re hilarious.”

Under Kline’s leadership, Liberty Hill Middle School’s theater program has experienced tremendous growth. Students produced seven plays during the 2024-25 school year, earned first place at the UIL zone competition and finished third overall in UIL competition. The program also hosts annual events such as Café du Monologue, where students perform original monologues for family and friends.

“Some of them are hearing their voice on stage for the first time,” Kline said. “It’s really a wonderful night.”

For Kline, the greatest reward comes from

watching students grow over time. Many begin theater as sixth graders and continue through high school, developing not only as performers but as people. Several former students have gone on to earn national recognition in theater, something Kline says reflects the efforts of many educators working together to nurture students’ talents.

“We were put on this planet to make human connections, and the arts open that up,” she said. “The trust families place in me with their children is not something I take lightly.”

Receiving Secondary Teacher of the Year has been especially meaningful because the recognition came from her peers. The honor has also advanced her to the Region 13

Teacher of the Year competition, where she will represent Liberty Hill ISD this summer.

As she prepares to complete her doctorate in music education, Kline hopes to use that platform to advocate for fine arts education and strengthen connections between school districts and universities to better support future educators entering the profession.

“Teaching in the fine arts is a passion,” she said. “People don’t do this because it’s just a job. They do it because they love what they do.”

While Kline may eventually transition into higher education, her heart remains firmly rooted in the middle school classroom.

“This is my 31st year as an educator, and it’s the first time this has happened,” she said. “I love what I do. It doesn’t feel like a job. To be recognized by my peers is something that has settled in my heart in a way I never expected.”

Still, one moment stands above the rest.

“When my students stood and applauded, that meant everything,” Kline said. “That’s something I’ll never forget.”

Tara Currywood champions inclusion, student success

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

For Tara Currywood, teaching has never been just about academics. It’s about helping students build confidence, develop meaningful relationships and discover they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

That passion for supporting students with unique needs recently earned Currywood, a BEST teacher at Tierra Rosa Elementary School, the honor of being named Liberty Hill ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“I felt honored, honestly,” Currywood said. “This is an incredible school district

to work for. We have phenomenal leaders and incredible teachers. It’s an honor that I was the one chosen to represent our district.”

Currywood teaches in the district’s BEST program, which serves students with disabilities, including autism, by focusing on social communication, social-emotional learning and essential life skills alongside academic instruction.

“We focus on building essential skills together,” she said. “Making and keeping friends, social communication and social-emotional learning are really the primary goals. Through the program,

CURRYWOOD CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Sweet Heat Jam builds purpose, opportunity for local young adults

BY LESHELLE VALLEJO STAFF WRITER

Sometimes the best things don’t start as a business plan – they start as a mom simply trying to create an opportunity for her child.

That’s exactly how Sweet Heat Jam came to be.

For Christine Stilwell and her son Nolan, what started as a workaround to a “no” has turned into something much bigger –something that’s now impacting families across Liberty Hill and Williamson County in a way that goes far beyond what’s inside the jar.

“Our tie to Liberty Hill is really through the 18-plus programs,” Stilwell said. “We work with students who are interested in learning the culinary side of things and give them a place to come in, work alongside our team and gain real experience.”

When she says “real experience,” she means it.

Fifteen years ago, the Stilwells were living in Katy, Texas, when Nolan, who was in an 18-plus program, wanted to join his high school’s culinary class.

They were told no.

At the time, there were concerns – staffing, safety, logistics. Things that, as Stilwell points out, have come a long way since then. But in that moment, it left a gap.

“So we thought, if we can’t get him into a program, we’ll just create one,” she said. “We didn’t want this to be just about him. We knew there were other students out there who needed the same opportunity.”

That decision is what eventually became Sweet Heat Jam.

Today, Sweet Heat operates out of a church kitchen in nearby Leander, but its heart is deeply connected to Liberty Hill.

Students from local 18-plus programs come in and learn every part of the process – from prepping ingredients to cooking, labeling, and even seeing their product on shelves in stores like H-E-B.

“They do everything,” Stilwell said. “And I’m really just there to guide them, keep things on track, and make sure they feel confident in what they’re doing.”

And that confidence shows up in a big way.

“They’ll go into H-E-B, walk down the aisle and see their jam sitting there and say, ‘I made that,’” she said. “You can’t even put into words what that does for them.”

That moment – seeing their work on the shelf – actually traces back to one of the biggest turning points in Sweet Heat’s journey.

It started with a simple suggestion at their local H-E-B in Katy, where someone encouraged Nolan to apply for the Quest for Texas Best competition. At the time, Christine admits she wasn’t sure they needed to take that leap.

“We were comfortable where we were,” she said. “But we also knew if we didn’t try, we’d never know.”

What followed was something they never could have planned. Nolan became a finalist and while the team made the intentional decision not to scale in a way that would take the hands-on work away from the students, H-E-B found a way to support their mission – giving Sweet Heat

the opportunity to place their products in select stores while keeping production exactly where it belonged: with the students themselves.

Today, their jams are stocked in stores across Williamson County and North Austin. But for the Stilwells, the impact has never been about shelf space alone.

From being invited back for special H-E-B recognition moments to seeing their story shared on a national stage, there have been plenty of milestones along the way.

Still, some of the most meaningful moments happen in the quiet, everyday ways –like watching a student light up when they spot their jam in the aisle or seeing the friendships formed in the kitchen carry far

beyond it.

What makes Sweet Heat different is simple – but powerful. There’s no one-sizefits-all role.

“We don’t expect them to fit into a job – we build the job around them,” Stilwell said.

Some students work in the kitchen. Others help with labeling, inventory, or packaging. Everyone has a role, and more importantly, everyone has value.

She shared one moment that stuck with her – a student in a wheelchair who couldn’t physically participate in the same way others could. With a little creativity and support, they found a way.

“We set him up with a button that controlled the food processor,” she said. “And when he pushed that button and saw it working, the smile on his face said everything. He knew he was part of it.”

After Hurricane Harvey flooded their home in Katy, the Stilwell family made the move to the Liberty Hill area in 2017 – not knowing if Sweet Heat would continue.

“We honestly didn’t know if it would start back up,” she said.

But as it turns out, this community had other plans.

“The first church we met with basically said, ‘What can we do for you?’” she said. “And that’s how it all started again.”

Since then, the business has grown into a steady operation, with products now sold in around 15 H-E-B locations throughout the Williamson County and North Austin area, along with local retailers like The Blue Door Gift Store.

Ask Stilwell what the most rewarding part has been and it’s not awards or recognition – it’s the people.

“These kids don’t want to quit. They love being there. They want to work,” she said.

For Nolan, now 36, that passion hasn’t faded.

“Every morning he says, ‘I just love my jam business,’” she said.

And maybe that’s the simplest way to explain it. It’s not about ownership or credit – it’s about being part of something that matters.

Sweet Heat continues to grow, with new flavors added each year as part of a handson learning process for the team. From recipe development to product testing, the students are involved every step of the way.

“They look forward to it every year,” Stilwell said. “It’s their chance to create something new.”

To learn more about Sweet Heat Jam, visit sweetheatjam.com.

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

BY JACE BRAZIEL STAFF WRITER

End of school year brings pay increase, new staff, more state mandate discussions for LHISD

The Liberty Hill Independent School District is already looking ahead to the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.

From changes to staff compensation to the possible retrofitting of bus seatbelts, the LHISD Board of Trustees took action on key items during its regular monthly meeting in May.

Before the passage of Proposition A in November 2025, the district had proposed a plan outlining the programs that would receive additional funding should the proposition pass. One of the three key pillars of that plan was the recruitment and retention of quality teachers and staff.

Phase One of that plan was implemented in April with the board’s passage of a classroom teacher pay scale adjustment. Phase Two was approved during the board’s May meeting, which included a pay bump for support staff, administrative staff and other supporting district staff.

“We really wanted to make sure, looking at all pay groups, that we remain competitive,” said Executive Director of HR Rebecca Owen. “I know I keep saying ‘recruitment and retention,’ but it’s really important because if we have the best for our students, then our students will be more apt to succeed.”

The new pay scale will bring the salary of certain positions into market alignment, update pay grade structures, increase starting pay, and provide a general 3% increase at the midpoint.

With the passage of Phase Two, the total estimated Prop A investment in employee compensation comes to about $3.18 million, with the lion’s share allocated to classroom teachers – just over $1.9 million.

Chief Financial Officer Rossanna Guerrero joined Owen during the presentation

to discuss possible increases to employee health insurance, which will be discussed in further detail during the June meeting.

Guerrero will be leaving the district at the end of June to begin her new role as CFO of Hutto ISD. The district announced the hiring of a new CFO during the May meeting: Vallery “Denise” Stone. Stone touts over 20 years of public school finance experience, including her most recent role as CFO of Ennis ISD.

Two other administrative-level staff hirings were announced, as well. Jonathan Gardner was named chief of police for the LHISD Police Department.

Gardner has worked as a school district police officer for eight years, and previously served as a sergeant. Before he was officially granted the title, Gardner took on the role of interim chief of police following former Chief Chris Rybarski’s departure in April.

Stratton Brown was brought into the district as the new principal of Liberty Hill Middle School. Brown has served as the associate principal at Rouse High School in Leander for seven years.

In 2025, the Texas 89th Legislature passed Senate Bill 546, which requires all school buses be equipped with threepoint seatbelts for each passenger. Enforcement does not go into effect until September 2029, however.

Additionally, the bill allows a school board to vote against complying with the bill should the board determine that budgetary constraints preclude them from doing so.

Deputy Superintendent Alex Salazar outlined the costs associated with retrofitting the buses in the district’s fleet that were not already in compliance with the bill.

Of the district’s 86 buses, 63 are already in compliance, seven are equipped with two-point seatbelts, and 16 are not equipped with seatbelts of any kind. All buses on daily pick-up and drop-off routes are currently equipped with three-point seatbelts.

The cost of bringing those 23 buses into compliance would be around $830,000. As Salazar pointed out in his presentation,

however, there is another way to bring the fleet into compliance.

“The average lifecycle of a bus is 12 to 15 years… of the 23 buses [without threepoint seatbelts], 17 are already classified as being aged out,” he told the board. “We have the remaining six that are very close to being aged out. Within one to three years, those six buses will also be classified as being aged out and not in our best interest to retrofit or maintain.”

Salazar’s proposed plan is to have the district replace buses that are aging out or have already aged out, as opposed to putting money toward retrofitting buses that are already verging on the brink of retirement.

Given that the board must word any action around this particular item carefully to remain compliant with SB 546, approval of the plan was not granted by the board. Rather, the board voted to determine that the district could not comply with SB 546 at that time, as the district’s budget did not allow for the installation of three-point seatbelts.

The outlined plan, however, will be sent to TEA, which has been tasked with compiling such plans from across the state to determine how best to bring all districts into compliance.

City of Liberty Hill spends May dialing in on key issues

While Liberty Hill has many major projects underway – think the Advanced Water Purification Facility, to name just one – the City Council also has to spend time taking action on the minutiae of city management. During May, they did exactly that.

Ever the pertinent topics, water and wastewater took center stage at the first council meeting.

A public hearing was held to solicit community input regarding a proposed increase to water and wastewater utility rates.

Originally, the hearing was to be held during the council’s second April meeting; However, a request for corrections to the plan’s documentation necessitated a postponement. No residents took to the podium during the public hearing, and the measure was passed.

The new rates for each utility will go into effect in June. Water rates will rise by an average of 10.5%, while wastewater rates will rise by about 6.5%. For the average household, this amounts to a $12.20 per month increase in utility expenses. As part of a five-year rate adjustment plan approved in April 2025, rates are expected to continue to rise annually.

Different fees were discussed during the second monthly meeting, when a proposed updated master fee schedule was brought before council.

As City Finance Director Josh Armstrong pointed out, a full, comprehensive review of all city fees had not been completed in recent memory.

As part of the updates to the master fee schedule, each department reviewed its fees, removed outdated ones, and set a plan to have council review the document annually, or more often if needed.

City Manager Thomas Hunter spoke to the council during the first meeting of May regarding the importance of outlining a legislative agenda for the city.

“It does two things that are critically important… First, it gives us a roadmap. Number two, it allows us to make plans and allocate resources specifically toward what we want to lobby for,” he told the council.

The agenda was approved, and it can be read in its entirety by navigating to the agenda center on the city’s website at libertyhilltx.gov.

At a glance, though, the city plans to support legislation that protects city independence from state interference, supports infrastructure and utilities projects, and strengthens economic development tools for cities.

The city plans to oppose any legislation that imposes mandates without full state funding, restricts local authority, or limits local flexibility to invest in public spaces.

Discussion about the city’s dark sky ordinance continued in May, following a series of public comments in both March and April during which supporters and opponents of the ordinance voiced their opinions before the council.

Mayor Crystal Mancilla spoke to clarify that “the intent behind [this agenda item] is really to direct staff to come back with some information so we can begin to truly educate… this was an opportunity to come together, have an open discussion, and bring up the ordinance so that people understand. Although, yes [the agenda] says ‘possible action,’ there was no intent for action.”

Staff was directed to compile a report of how the ordinance applies to the average resident and the average business within city limits.

Lastly, as part of the city’s annual community support funding program, $45,000 in grants were approved for disbursement across the following five local organizations: L4 Cares, CASA of Williamson County, Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties, Yesterday’s Gone and Care First Foundation.

McDonald wins Precinct 2 Commissioner runoff

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

Liberty Hill’s sports landscape changed draDavid McDonald will be the next Williamson County Precinct 2 commissioner after defeating Jeff Mayes in May 26’s Republican runoff election.

According to unofficial final results, McDonald received 5,384 votes, or 63.11%, while Mayes earned 3,147 votes, or 36.89%. Countywide voter turnout reached 10.1%, with 46,468 ballots cast across Williamson County.

With no Democratic challenger on the ballot, McDonald will run unopposed in November and is expected to take office in January, succeeding longtime Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long, who is retiring after 20 years in office.

McDonald entered the runoff as the frontrunner after leading a three-candidate Republican primary field in March. He received 5,819 votes, or 46.13%, in the initial election, while Mayes finished second with 3,716 votes, or 29.46%, advancing both candidates to a runoff after no candidate

secured a majority of the vote.

Following Tuesday’s victory, McDonald thanked supporters, volunteers and his family for helping carry the campaign through more than 10 months of outreach across Precinct 2.

“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this incredible victory,” McDonald said in a statement. “I’m humbled and honored that the people of Precinct 2 have spoken and chosen me as their next county commissioner, and I look forward to working each and every day on their behalf to ensure that we build an even stronger future for Williamson County.”

McDonald also thanked campaign volunteers and gave special recognition to his wife, Kate McDonald, who served as campaign manager.

“A special thank you goes out to my wife Kate, who is also my campaign manager and who sacrificed so much of her time and never quit believing in me and is my biggest cheerleader,” he said.

Speaking with The Independent after the election, McDonald said he was ready for a

brief break after months on the campaign trail.

“I’m just looking forward to not campaigning and getting some rest,” he said. “It’s been a long process. It’s been over 10 months of campaigning.”

McDonald said he hopes to work closely with Long during the transition process.

“She’s served for 20 years and is still very invested in Precinct 2,” McDonald said. “I do believe that will happen.”

Throughout the campaign, McDonald emphasized managing growth, improving infrastructure and preserving quality of life in one of the fastest-growing areas of Williamson County.

He will officially take office in January 2027.

we’re also teaching academics like math and reading, but building those social skills is a huge part of what we do.”

Her classroom serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade, requiring her to balance multiple grade levels and individualized learning plans at the same time.

“I have students who spend their entire day with me, and everything is done through BEST,” Currywood said. “I develop their lesson plans and academics. Then I have students who come in during certain parts of the day for social skills instruction while remaining in their general education classrooms. You have to be strategic. Some days I’m teaching three different grade levels at once.”

On any given day, Currywood works with as many as 40 students, each with unique strengths, challenges and goals.

Her path to education wasn’t a traditional one. Currywood originally planned to become a registered nurse but found it difficult to balance nursing school clinicals with raising her young children.

“At the time, I already had two sons and I had a hard time being away from them,” she said. “Part of why I wanted to go into nurs-

ing was because I wanted to care for people in vulnerable situations. I realized I could still do that through education.”

Now a mother of four sons, ages 20, 18, 9 and 7, Currywood says special education allows her to combine her passion for helping others with her commitment to family.

“Special education felt like the perfect fit,” she said. “Our students can be vulnerable, and we get to help them navigate those delicate moments while also helping them access their education and reach their goals.”

Currywood has been in education for six years and has spent the past four years in Liberty Hill ISD, serving at Louine Noble Elementary and Santa Rita Elementary before joining Tierra Rosa. Next year, she will continue her work at Bill Burden Elementary.

She recalls one of her earliest experiences in special education as the moment she knew she had found her calling. A student who entered her classroom unable to identify letters or sounds was reading within six months.

“It was incredible,” Currywood said. “It showed me what students are capable of when they have the right support. Disability is a hurdle, not a roadblock. My job is to help them get over that hurdle so they can be successful.”

That belief has made Currywood a passionate advocate for inclusion. She was recognized by the Down Syndrome Association and named Educator of the Year twice for her work supporting students with Down syndrome.

“I want people to understand that inclusion is important,” she said. “Students with disabilities are capable of great things. They want friends, they want to play, they want relationships and people who care about them. They’re just like everyone else.”

For Currywood, the greatest reward comes from watching students achieve

goals they once thought were out of reach.

“My favorite part is seeing kids be successful,” she said. “Whatever that success looks like for each child, it’s rewarding to watch them accomplish hard things. I want my students to know they can do hard things.”

As she prepares to represent Liberty Hill ISD at the regional Teacher of the Year competition this summer, Currywood remains focused on the same mission that has guided her career from the beginning: helping every child feel valued, included and capable of success.

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Lady Panthers advance to state semifi nals with regional win

Liberty Hill defeated McCollum, 12-4

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

For the past three seasons, the Lady Panthers had advanced to the regional finals of the Class 5A state playoffs only for their dreams of a title to be dashed by defeat.

However, the fourth time proved to finally be the charm for the Purple-and-Gold, as Liberty Hill defeated McCollum, 12-4.

For Lady Panthers head coach Kristen Brewer, the opportunity to play for a chance to win a championship is something that has been a long time coming for the entire program a er so many near misses.

“It’s a big breather for us,” she said. “We talked about that last week – we need to lock in even more because this has been our Achilles heel the past couple of years – not just be happy with ge ing to this point.”

The Lady Panthers jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning, highlighted by a two-run triple by Haley Fredrickson and a home run off the bat of Aly Tuley before the Cowboys even came to bat.

But, when they finally did against Liberty Hill starter Hadley Gray, the San Antonio squad took advantage of some poor fielding to plate a pair in halving the deficit to 4-2. Gray would go on to allow only one more run in five innings of work and while the senior right-handed hurler was keeping

McCollum at bay, her teammates began to add insurance markers.

Macee Walters tripled and scored on a Makayla Mendoza grounder that was misplayed at second base for an error in the fourth before Fredrickson sent a homer over the center-field fence to make it 6-2 in the fi h.

Following their own early miscues in the field, the Lady Panthers flashed some leather in the ensuing innings, including center fielder Kyrinn Vaughn gunning down a runner at the plate in the second and a textbook double play in the third when Bella Nicholson fielded a shot to third, then started a 5-4-3 twin killing to snuff out another Cowboys threat.

A er McCollum had clawed back to within 6-3 in the fi h, Avery Demars blasted a three-run homer and Hadley McBeath added an RBI double to increase the advantage to 10-3 in the sixth, then Walters and Nicholson each added RBI singles in the seventh to make it 12-3.

Brehna Havelka had relieved Gray to start the sixth and put up a scoreless inning before taking the field with a chance to close out the contest in the seventh, but got into some trouble by loading the bases on a pair of singles sandwiched around a walk leading to an RBI single and a 12-4 score with still only one out.

But, with the bases loaded, Demars came

to the rescue with the shiniest defensive gem of the evening, making a diving catch along the right-field line with a quick relay to Walters to double the runner off first and it was game over as the Lady Panthers poured out of the dugout and onto the field in celebration.

Brewer and her players can at last bask in the glow of having finally walked through the door that had been shut on them previously.

“So proud of our girls and the no-quit a itude and confidence they carry themselves with,” she said. “They’re going to do anything for each other.”

Wranglers run, jump, throw to track success

Legacy Ranch enjoyed a stellar season

BY PHOEBE JOHNSON-QUAIFE EDITORIAL INTERN

In track and field, athletes compete in various events that require many different skills.

It’s not all the same concept, which makes the sport special. The greatness of Legacy Ranch High School’s track and field progression showcases true young talent. Proving every student’s uniqueness, and a message that it doesn’t take an army to conquer.

Legacy Ranch competed at area, winning the district and even had athletes advance to regionals.

Sophomore Jace Ware, who competed in discus, explains how he used his former year competing on junior varsity to improve on varsity.

“Last year at JV districts, I didn’t place how I wanted to, and that really stuck with me,” he said. “Instead of just being upset

about it, I used it as motivation. I looked at what I needed to get better at, worked harder in practice and tried to be more consistent – that mindset helped me come back stronger this year and end up going to regionals and showed me if I keep pushing myself and trying to improve, good things will happen.”

Creating a strong base ensures that athletes will come back every year, even if they’re doing other sports. Luckily for the Wranglers, its unique situation enables it to create the perfect blueprint, said Ware.

“Legacy Ranch track and field is special because the team always pushes me to do better,” he said. “The coaches and my teammates challenge me every day and it makes me want to work harder and hit bigger numbers. I like being around people who are all trying to improve and compete – that competitive environment and knowing everyone is pushing each other is what makes me want to keep coming back every year.”

Sophomore Kyla Green credited the Wranglers’ program with teaching her some valuable lessons.

“Being part of the track and field team has taught me perseverance and how to push through mental and physical challenges,” she said. “After getting injured my freshman year and missing almost the entire season, I stayed determined, returned for districts and placed well, which showed me the importance of resilience and self-belief.”

According to Green, the fire for the sport has been reignited after having been

extinguished by adversity.

“Later, as my passion faded during club track, I came into what I thought would be my final school season just wanting to give it everything,” she said. “Despite ongoing injuries and mental battles, I kept competing in hurdles and high jump and ended up performing better than ever – the season reignited my love for track, reminded me why I value the sport and shaped me into someone more persistent and mentally strong.”

Of course, everything is easier said than done. Going from JV to varsity, or just straight to varsity, has many challenges, said Green.

“This season had many challenges, but overcoming my fear of getting better is what helped me the most,” she said. “In my past seasons, I found comfort in doing what I knew instead of stepping outside my comfort zone. I played it safe and never pushed myself to see what more I could accomplish.”

Green said positivity was the way to go for her.

“This past season, I changed my mindset and developed a more positive way of thinking instead of telling myself, ‘I’ll just do what I know,’” she said. “Because of this, I achieved much better PRs (personal records), reaching new heights and times I

couldn’t have had the year before.”

Freshman Sadie McIver admitted her challenges walking onto a varsity level competition coming straight from middle school.

“I struggled with realizing that competition was a lot different, and that the people I was competing with had years more experience,” she said. “But I overcame that by training harder and improving my mental preparation.”

In the end, the Wranglers’ track and field season reflected exactly what Coach Gretchen Peterson believes makes the sport so powerful.

She reminds her athletes that “track is hard, it’s not easy, but that is why it’s so rewarding.”

She added that it’s “the ultimate experience for athletes who want to compete mainly against themselves, finding the little wins, the little improvements, the little victories.”

Peterson said she’s inspired by how the athletes persevered through everything.

“[I’m] just so incredibly proud of the way our boys’ and girls’ programs competed and the way they stuck together through it all,” she said. “Early mornings, hot afternoons, long cold rainy meets, tough competition, never quitting, and finding ways to win and to get better.”

Annual barbecue provided funding for volunteer fi re department

BY JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

It’s one of those things that much of the Liberty Hill community looked forward to in the past, and quietly slipped away as, well, depending on how one looks at it, “progress” eliminated the need for it.

“It” was the annual June barbecue held by the Liberty Hill Volunteer Fire Department and the barbecue, held the first Saturday of every June for many years, was the key fundraiser for the organization.

A few weeks before the event was held, the department would finance a mass mailout that included a le er from the department’s leadership outlining the previous 12 months activities and goals that volunteers hoped to reach in the next year.

Donations would soon pour in, although many people preferred to withhold their donation until the day of the barbecue and write a healthy check as they made their way through the serving line.

Many firefighters had sat up until the wee hours of the morning tending to the pits, located just outside the fire station.

The feast included beef, chicken and

sausage along with potato salad and beans.

Many folks purchased plates to go, while others sat at the tables brought into the station and set up in the truck bays and awaited the auction.

The auction featured many items donated by area merchants and citizens and it wasn’t unusual for those items to go for many, many dollars above their retail value.

I recall the late Troy Joseph serving as auctioneer for several years, as well as Independent founder Jim Linzy, with his voice sharpened by the many years he had spent in the radio business before returning to print media.

The late Faye Canady could be counted on providing the beans, while I recall the late Glen Hays being considered the master chef when it came to preparing the sausage.

Ken Cousins pre y much oversaw preparing the chicken. Fixing the beef brisket were James Pogue, George Sybert, Roy Floyd, Oscar Kinnibrugh, Tracy Wiggers, John Cascio, Joey Canady and Danny Goodson…there are others, of course, whose names are slipping my mind at the moment.

Most of the barbecues were held when

Michael Forbes Harlow

March 13, 1949 - May 5, 2026

Michael Forbes Harlow of Liberty Hill passed away peacefully at home on May 5, 2026.

Mike was born in Houston on March 13, 1949 where he grew up surrounded by family on the same city block. His family moved during his middle school years to the Austin/Georgetown area where he remained. He graduated from University of Texas at Austin and received his Master’s Degree at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. He taught for 35 years, with most of those years spent at Spicewood Elementary in Round Rock ISD.

He was an avid gardener, conservationist, and guitarist. He loved the family farm at Liberty Hill more than anything. He loved planting trees and has le a legacy of cypress trees that started as saplings and now stand close to 50 feet tall. He had a big heart for those less fortunate and volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many years until he was unable to do so.

His family was always at the front of his mind, and he cared for them deeply. Michael is survived by his spouse of 53 years, Linda; son Jeremiah Harlow and spouse,

Crystal; and daughter Kelly Mora and spouse, Christian. He had 3 grandchildren: Kylie Harlow, Madilynn Harlow, and Zenna Mora. He leaves behind 2 brothers: Patrick Harlow and spouse, Lisa; and Timothy Harlow and spouse, Kathleen. He is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Pierce and Iris Harlow of Liberty Hill. Services will be held privately.

fire station was downtown in a metal building located at the corner of East Myrtle and Main Street that was later sold by the department and converted into commercial spaces…and yes, it was a much smaller building that didn’t have air conditioning.

The department held its final barbecue and auction in the early 2000s at the present station that was built largely by volunteers on the two-acre site that was donated by the Liberty Hill Development Foundation.

LIBERTY HILL COLLECTIVE

EVENTS CALENDAR

June 1-24

MONEY SMARTS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Every Monday/Wednesday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. www.santaritaranchapp.com

June 6

ALEX HENSLEY

Liberty Hill Beer Market

13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 7-10 p.m. facebook.com/ events/2431250754019443

June 9

GREEN THUMBS UP - NATIVE PLANTS & TEXAS SUPERSTARS

Williamson County Master Gardener 425 S. Parkwest Dr. (Cedar Park Public Library)

7- 8p.m. txmg.org/williamson

June 10

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA

Liberty Hill Beer Market

13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m.

facebook.com/even ts/1593572278508198/159357230184 1529/

June 12

CHRISTIAN FAMILY BARN DANCE

Williamson County Cowboy Church 8111 RM 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30-10 p.m.

facebook.com/even ts/967862855922150/967862875922 148/

June 13

MAX STALLING

Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8-10 p.m., $30-$233

globetheatretx.com

June 15

LIBERTY HILL REPUBLICAN

WOMEN MONTHLY MEETING

Jardin Corona

15395 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

5:30-7 p.m. facebook.com/ events/1973866780161859

June 19

JERRY LYNN PHILLIPS

Liberty Hill Beer Market

13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

7-10 p.m. facebook.com/ events/1878135709516334

June 26

BAYLOR, SCOTT & WHITE

ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE

KARMM Dental Group

201 St. Joseph Ct., Liberty Hill

9:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. karmmdental.com

June 27

THE MARKET LHTX

Noble Elementary School

101 Main St., Liberty Hill

9 a.m.-1 p.m. themarketlhtx.com

Liberty Hill Beer Market 13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 7-10 p.m. facebook.com/ events/985188610661134