Issuu

, l l a F y p p a H ! ! l l a ’ Y

MU CH • GRAVEL MULCH GR OPSOIL • SAND TOPSOIL COMPOST ROCK • TURF COMPO OMPO T • RO GREEN WASTE W STE DUMP DUMPSTERS CURBSIDE DELIVERY

2021

Volume 34, Issue 49

Long conﬁrms River Ranch Park delays

By KRISTEN MERIWETHER Staff Writer Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long delivered her State of the County update to residents of Liberty Hill last week. The event, held at Dahlia Cafe, was part of the Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation’s new Business Leadership Series. Long, who has been living in Williamson County since 1988 and serving as a commissioner since 2007, talked about the amount of growth the county has recently seen. Census records show Williamson County grew from 260,000 residents when she was elected, to 609,000 residents in 2020. Precinct 2, which Long represents, has seen the most growth in the county for the third census in a row. Precinct 2 includes Liberty Hill. The change in population across the state required the Legislature to redraw the maps for the State House and Senate, State Board of Education, and Congress. With those finally passed last week, the County will begin redrawing the county precinct maps in an attempt to keep each precinct at roughly 152,000 residents. “Precinct 1 and 4 need to gain folks,” Long said. “As we are redistricting, we are going to have to move neighborhoods and parks in Precinct 2 into other precincts.” Long said a draft of the county redistricting maps are expected to be presented next week. Long also addressed the still-unopened River Ranch County Park. The county broke ground on the 1,354acre park in 2018 with expectations to open this year. Long called it a, “jewel for Liberty Hill,” but it will be a little longer until it’s unveiled. “Unfortunately, we ran into challenges with our contractor,” Long said. “We are in the process of going through the surety bond.” She added that the County has tried working with the contractor to bring the project to completion, but was unsuccessful. The surety bond will attempt to get the contractor to finish. If they are unsuccessful, the unfinished work will have to go out for bid again. “Sadly, it’s a little bit left to

www.LHIndependent.com

News@LHIndependent.com

October 28, 2021 | 50 Cents

Students, school district honor ofﬁcers’ efforts in Ponderosa ﬁre

By KRISTEN MERIWETHER Staff Writer When Liberty Hill Independent School District Police Officers Patricia Champion and Jason Wolf were heading back from the Williamson County Expo Center on Sept. 18, they thought their work was done. The pair had provided security for a private event and were heading back to Liberty Hill just before 11 p.m. As they sat at a traffic light at Northeast Inner Loop and Interstate 35 in Georgetown, they saw smoke and what appeared to be a structure fire. The officers were no longer on duty and far out of their jurisdiction. It was late. They could have easily called it in and continued their drive home. Instead, they choose to stop and render aid. “We didn’t know if there’s a human being in there,” Champion said. “I don’t know if somebody is in there overnight

KRISTEN MERIWETHER PHOTO

LHISD PD Ofﬁcers Jason Wolf and Patricia Champion stand outside a trophy case ﬁlled with condolence cards at Liberty Hill High School. or somebody is taking care of pets. So whether it is an animal or a human, we still have to go in.” It was dark and neither of-

ﬁcer knew what the building was when they pulled into the parking lot. But as they exited their vehicle, they could hear the sounds of dogs inside the

building and began to realize where they were at—the Ponderosa Pet Resort. “You could hear the dogs barking and howling so

we went to the front door,” Wolf told The Independent. He said he smashed the glass

See OFFICERS, Page 4

BUSINESS

Volcon sets eyes on Liberty Hill in 2022

By KRISTEN MERIWETHER Staff Writer Liberty Hill will be the home of a publicly traded company in 2022. Volcon Inc., the ﬁrst all-electric, off-road powersports company, has plans to open a manufacturing facility on a 53acre site in Liberty Hill in the third quarter of 2022. The facility was originally slated to open this year, but a backlog of construction material delays—particularly steel—and general construction supply chain woes have delayed the opening until next year. But once open, the company will have a manufacturing facility and a trail network through cedar and oak trees that will become the company’s proving grounds. Plans for a customer experience cen-

ter that would include a campsite, off-road demo testing track and a zipline are also in the works. “We’ve been on the property a few times. It’s got some really gnarly off-road courses, and it’s got some basic dirt roads,” recently appointed CEO Jordan Davis told The Independent. “We see a huge opportunity to bring people out and teach them how to ride a motorcycle off-road properly.” What the ﬁnished facility will look like is still being determined. But the versatility of what it could be, along with the built-in trails and proximity to Austin-based EV talent made Liberty Hill attractive to the company. The production plan for the Liberty Hill facility is still being developed, but initial estimates say the new plant is expected to bring hundreds of

Volcon Inc. plans to open a motorcycle manufacturing facility in Liberty Hill next year. (Courtesy Photo) jobs, according to Davis. “We’re not yet far enough along to say if this is a two

shift or three shift operation, or if it’s 24/7,” Davis said. Part of that will depend on

what products the company is

See VOLCON, Page 9

Blinded by the Light offers more than mainstream décor

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Deb Lohman has always had an eye for detail, especially when it comes to home décor. She once considered becoming an interior designer, but eventually made a career out of working with manufacturers who sold to Target stores in Minnesota. “I was the liaison between Target buyers and the manufacturers,” she said. “Most of the products I was representing were home goods and décor, and I learned a lot.” She’s been in Texas for 10 years, where she worked for

a similar company in Austin until deciding it was time to follow her real dream: owning and curating her own home décor store. That’s when she decided to open Blinded by the Light in Liberty Hill. “I decided I was running out of time to do it, so I decided I better do it while I can and still have the energy,” she said. “It’s always been my lifelong dream. When I was very young and starting to go into college, I wanted to be an interior designer, but I was young and scared about taking the risks,

See BLINDED, Page 8

RACHEL MADISON PHOTO

Deb Lohman, owner of Blinded by the Light, opened her Liberty Hill store almost a year ago. She loves ﬁnding unique, one-of-a-kind items for customers to decorate their homes.

Page 2

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Shin Oak Ridge Bulletin Board Send news to: News@LHIndependent.com

Chisholm Trail Quilt Guild meets Nov. 2

The next meeting of the Chisholm Trail Quilt Guild will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 2 via Zoom. Julie Luoma of Off the Wall Quilt will present a lecture and trunk show called “Dancing on the Border”. Contact president@ctquiltguild.org if you would like to be a visitor. The associated workshop on Nov. 3 is ”Build A Border”, a creative and fun exercise in using simple components to build an interesting border. For more information, visit our website.

Liberty Hill Garden Club meets Nov. 9

Saturday Nov. 6 | 10am-4pm

The Liberty Hill Garden Club welcomes Gail Eltgroth, Texas Master Gardener Association, to its meeting Nov. 9.

She will present “Function and structures for keyhole gardens using a small space to grow a large variety of garden plants.” Club meetings are in-person at the Williamson County Cowboy Church. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. and meeting at 10 a.m. Visit our website for more information or write to gardenclublibertyhill@gmail.com.

Williamson-Bell County Pecan Show & Food Show

The Williamson-Bell County Pecan Show is an opportunity for any county resident with a pecan tree to learn more about pecans and compete for “braggin’ rights” for the best pecans in the county! Pecans must be from the 2021 crop and grown in Williamson County. Judging will begin

at 10 a.m. on Dec. 17 after the nuts have been cracked, weighed, and classified. The Pecan Food Show has junior and adult divisions with seven categories, including pies, bread and rolls, candy, cakes, cookies, bars, and fancy nuts. The cost is $5 per entry. Drop your pecans off by 5 pm on Dec. 15 at the Extension Office, 100 Wilco Way, Ste AG201, Georgetown, TX 78626. Drop your Food Show entries off at the Extension Office between 8 am and noon on Friday Dec 17. Please visit our website, williamson.agrilife.org for a complete listing of the rules and requirements for entries for both shows. For more information contact Kate Whitney at klwhitney@ ag.tamu.edu or the Extension Office at 512-943-3300.

Liberty Hill Police Blotter Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department

Week of Oct. 18-24, 2021 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 572 incidents resulting in eight cases, 49 citations, 77 warnings and two arrests.

www.SimplyHomeTX.com 15280 W Hwy 29 | Liberty Hill, TX

We Love Giving Back And Caring For Our Community!

Thanks Operation Liberty Hill! Georgetown • Round Rock • Cedar Park • Pflugerville • Liberty Hill

FirstTexasBank.bank

Weekly Highlights: - On Oct. 18 at approximately 6:02 AM, officers responded to the 13000 W. SH 29 for a vehicle/ deer accident. - On Oct. 18 at approximately 12:25 PM, officers responded to Freedom Park Ave for a follow up. - On Oct. 18 at approximately 4:43 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a mental health issue. - On Oct. 18 at approximately 4:47 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity. - On Oct. 18, at approximately 6:57PM, officers responded to the 2000 block of RM 1869 for a disturbance. - On Oct. 18 at approximately 7:57 PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On Oct. 19 at approximately 12:31 AM, officers responded to Bar W Ranch Rd. to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Oct. 19 at approximately 11:40 AM, officers responded to Mallard Ln for a public service call. - On Oct. 19 at approximately 6:29 PM, officers responded to the 300 block of Loop 332 for a 9-1-1 silent call. - On Oct. 19 at approximately 7:16 PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for a 9-1-1 silent call. - On Oct. 19 at approximately 8:30 PM, officers responded to Deserti Rd. for a suspicious vehicle complaint. - On Oct. 20 at approximately

10:54 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a disturbance. - On Oct. 20 at approximately 3:49 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity. - On Oct. 20 at approximately 7:07 PM, officers responded to US 183 and Whitewing to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Oct. 20 at approximately 11:41 PM, officers responded to Mustang Circle to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Oct. 21 at approximately 1:34 AM, officers responded to Plum Sassy to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Oct. 21 at approximately 301 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a disturbance. - On Oct. 21 at approximately 10:51 AM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On Oct. 21 at approximately 7:25 PM, officers responded to 16000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Oct. 21 at approximately 8:03 PM, officers responded to 10000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On Oct. 21 at approximately 10:30 PM, officers arrested a female adult for possession of controlled substance, as the result of a traffic stop. - On Oct. 22 at approximately 11:26 AM, officers responded to the 3000 block of RM 1869 for loose livestock. - On Oct. 22 at approximately 12:45 PM, officers responded to the 5000 block of CR 200 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Oct. 22 at approximately 3:53 PM, officers responded

to the 11000 block of W. SH 29 for an animal cruelty complaint. - On Oct. 22 at approximately 7:45 PM, officers responded to 14000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On Oct. 22 at approximately 9:15 PM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On Oct. 23 at approximately 12:20 AM, officers responded to Concho Creek Loop to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Oct. 23 at approximately 2:05 AM, officers arrested a female adult for driving while intoxicated, as the result of a traffic stop. - On Oct. 23 at approximately 9:49AM, officers responded to Forrest St. for a welfare concern. - On Oct. 23 at approximately 3:03 PM, officers responded to Horseshoe Loop for a missing person. - On Oct. 23 at approximately 5:38 PM, officers responded to the 2000 block of RM 1869 for a disturbance. - On Oct. 23 at approximately 11:15 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an alarm call. - On Oct. 23 at approximately 11:27 PM, officers responded to Liberty Place for a welfare concern. - On Oct. 24 at approximately 10:57 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On Oct. 24 at approximately 4:53 PM, officers responded to the 300 block of Loop 332 for a traffic hazard. - On Oct. 24 at approximately 6:21 PM, officers responded to Ancellotta Way for suspicious activity.

The Liberty Hill Independent YOUR AWARD-WINNING HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

~~ A Publication of Texas Independent News Corp. ~~

(512) 778-5577

Send Email: news@lhindependent.com www.LHIndependent.com www.LibertyHillLiving.com PO Box 1235 | 921 Loop 332 Liberty Hill, TX 78642

The Liberty Hill Independent is published every Thursday at 921 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. Periodical Postage Paid at Liberty Hill, Texas. Publication #018932 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Liberty Hill Independent PO Box 1235, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 Shelly Wilkison - Publisher/Managing Editor Stacy Coale - Creative Director, Media Specialist Scott Akanewich - Sports Editor Rachel Madison - Staff Writer Kristen Meriwether - Staff Writer

DEADLINE Noon Monday prior to Thursday publication

2021

SUBSCRIPTIONS

$25 per year in Williamson County, $29 per year in Texas outside of Williamson County, and $32 per year outside Texas.

ADVERTISING

DISPLAY RATES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Liberty Hill Independent welcomes letters to the editor, but requests that letters be limited to 300 words or less and address issues rather than personalities. Unsigned letters or those deemed unacceptable by the publisher will not be published. Children under the age of 17 must have signed parental permission. Phone numbers and addresses must be included for verification purposes. Opinions expressed in the articles, letters and columns do not reflect the views of The Liberty Hill Independent or its owners.

The entire contents of each issue of The Liberty Hill Independent, including editorial and advertising copy, is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any portion of any issue will not be permitted without the express written permission of The Liberty Hill Independent.

Follow The Independent on Social Media!

Facebook.com/LibertyHillIndependent

@LHIndependent

Thursday, October 28, 2021

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 3

Throwback Thursday

Former Liberty Hill resident Beth (Wear) Palmer, a graduate of Liberty Hill High School who has called Kerrville home for many years, encourages her oldest son, Ty, to smile for the cam- Former Liberty Hill resident Ina Berry chaired one of the most era during the 1987 Liberty Hill Halloween Carnival. Ty is now successful Halloween carnivals the Liberty Hill community has ever enjoyed back in 1987. a member of the faculty at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Armed with eggs, this group of Florence kids were ready to rumble back in 1987.

By JAMES WEAR Columnist I guess it was several weeks ago that my wife and I spied the ﬁrst signs of Halloween being just around the corner… the Dollar General in Florence was running specials on candy and decorations. And while we don’t get very many visitors on Halloween (trick-or-treat-

at least two students sported during the costume contest would be banned. Halloween has a way of triggering controversy. I recall one year a celebration was held at the Andice Community Center that resulted in a few eyebrows being raised over a spook house that included a mad doctor “removing” the leg of a victim with a chainsaw. It was a bit bloody as those who put the scene together spared no expense on ketchup. And the chainsaw’s roar, even with the chain removed, was fearsome. This, only a few years

JAMES WEAR PHOTOS

Looking back at community Halloween celebrations

LONG

ers) out here in the country, we do typically stock up on our favorite candies to snack on while watching television. Now, the big question…is it just me, or is Halloween just not the same major event it was years ago? In grade school, we always looked forward to the Halloween carnival at the school gym. But it seems as time goes by I’m seeing more and more “fall festivals” as opposed to Halloween celebrations. Somewhere along the way, did Halloween begin offending folks?

I do recall, more than 30 years ago, when a concerned parent spoke to the Liberty Hill PTA about acts of satanism that seemed to be on the rise in Williamson County and sure enough, that particular year the PTA opted to hold a “Harvest Festival” rather than the usual Halloween bash…even though, just one year earlier, former Liberty Hill resident Ina Berry had spearheaded a Halloween festival that many still remember to this day. Mrs. Berry, by the way, wrote the ﬁrst front page story to appear in The Independent when

the newspaper made its debut back in 1987. It was a short piece promoting the festival, which not only included the usual games for children of all ages, but also a costume contest and a “Miss Halloween” pageant that starred various members of the coaching staff and at least one principal. The late Larry Fulcher won the pageant easily with his charming demeanor. I do wonder, given today’s concern about being politically correct, if such a pageant would even be considered? Certainly the “blackface” that

after the cult movie classic “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” made its debut, proved to be a topic of discussion for weeks to come. Of course, many folks today recall the water balloon and egg ﬁghts that erupted in most small towns after the little ones had been put to bed. In both Liberty Hill and Florence, it was a brave soul who ventured through the downtown business districts after 10 p.m.

Continued from Page 1

ﬁnish on everything,” Long said. “There is not one thing so we could open a section.” Long said she would update residents when it’s ready to open, but did not expect that this year. During the question and answer part of her presentation Long was asked by three residents about the Corridor I-2 project, which consists of a

corridor study for a new expressway between U.S. Highway 183 and State Highway 29 in Burnet County. “We live seven miles north of this town to not hear trafﬁc, to not see trafﬁc, to run our livestock and live our country life. Now the county wants to come in and put this gigantic loop miles to the north,” one resident said. “To us, it looks like

Letters to the Editor Send Letters to the Editor by email to news@LHIndependent.com

Dear Editor: Congratulations to the School Board and City Council agreeing to hold quarterly joint meetings. When I was on the Council, we tried several years to conduct joint discussions. However, at that time, the current

school administration refused to allow it to happen. Now, with Steve Snell as Superintendent, the meetings will be a major step forward for joint projects that will improve recreational and educational opportunities for all citizens. ~ Jack Harkrider

a land grab to try and make this town bigger.” Long offered to speak with the concerned residents individually to discuss the project and how it impacts their land. Williamson County sent letters to landowners in the area earlier this month requesting meetings about potential rightof-way preservation. The residents at the meeting on Oct. 21 expressed concerns about how the purchase would affect property values, if they would be able to maintain agriculture exemptions and brought up concerns of imminent domain being used to take the right-ofway if needed. (RIGHT) Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long (standing at right) delivers her State of the County update to residents of Liberty Hill at Dahlia Cafe on Oct. 21. KRISTEN MERIWETHER PHOTO

Clawson Disposal, inC. Residential * Commercial * Roll off

(512) 746-2000 301 County Road 307 PO Box 416 Jarrell, Texas 76537

Jarrell (512) 746-2000 Leander (512) 259-1709 FAX (512) 746-5807

An Overall Inspection is your Best Protection! KEN COFER Professional Real Estate Inspector Certified Infrared Thermographer Insured & Bonded - TREC #20262

DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL Request Refills Online

NOW OFFERING CURBSIDE PICKUP! Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-1pm 512-548-6838 | 13740 W. Hwy 29, #4 | Liberty Hill, TX 78642 Libertyhillpharmacy@gmail.com | LibertyHillPharmacy.com

R.V. Fuel | Bottle Filling | Gas Piping in Home Propane Tanks | Grills & Replacement Parts | Gas Logs

ACTION PROPANE, INC. We Provide Keepfull Routing Service

512-259-1196

Murray Hoggarth • Wanda Hoggarth 2601 S. Hwy 183 | Leander, TX 78641

Your Official Texas Sticker Shop Locally Owned & Operated GO PANTHERS GO!

Overall Inspection Services, LLC

512-548-6773

123 Holmes Rd, #3, Liberty Hill (behind Wag-A-Bag)

www.overallinspectionservices.com

Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 / Sat 7:30-3:30 License# 6P054793

You provide a service. We provide a voice. Make sure your customers can ﬁnd you when they need you. P.O. Box 953, Bertram TX • TECL#32830

Support Local Journalism. 512.778.5577

lhindependent.com/subscriptions

Call 512-778-5577

Page 4

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 28, 2021

EDC incentive programs still waiting on City Council approval

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer The Economic Development Corporation’s incentive programs continue to be a hot topic between the City Council and EDC, but more work needs to be done before the programs will be ready for businesses to utilize. Early in September, the Council voted to nullify known or unknown ordinances that pertained to the EDC’s incentive programs, excluding the sign and façade programs already in place. Later that month, the Council voted 4-1, with Angela Jones opposed, to approve a WaterMatch incentive program as well, which offers businesses incentives for implementing water-saving equipment and practices. Two other programs Executive Director Matt Powell has been trying to get approved since June, called INVEST (Investment, Exterior, Signage, and Targeted Growth) and Booster incentive program, were shot down by Council during a meeting in early October, which took Powell back to the drawing board to simplify the incentive programs’ language. “The message from Coun-

cil is to simplify,” he told the EDC Board during its meeting. “These incentive programs need to be simple and easy to follow, so I tried to strip them down. I used short paragraphs and took the subjectivity out. If you think we’re on the right track with the simplification, let’s visit with Council. I don’t want this to be a tennis match; I want us to move in the same direction.” Director Jamie Etzkorn said because the two programs have been simplified so much, it might be better to combine them into one all-encompassing program. She also suggested that while she agreed with the application being simple, it also needed to cover all the legal bases so that business owners understand the terms of the program. Vice Chair John Clark said he felt subjectivity was still found in the simplified version, and he thought the language should be different. “I feel for the first time we are moving in a better direction with a higher level of confidence,” Powell added. “These programs will be a recurring agenda item for us and Council until it’s done. Council, like us, just wants programs that are

as beneﬁcial to the community as possible. I would like to see them all in place by Jan. 1, 2022.” Powell added that Council also asked him to make the WaterMatch program more wide ranging, which he said will be another major topic in the weeks to come. “This is just the beginning of a program that will advance into a more comprehensive program,” he said. City Administrator Lacie Hale said the Council wants to host a joint meeting with the EDC to continue the discussion on the incentive programs. That meeting will take place on Nov. 17. In other news, Powell brought coasters and stickers to the Board for the City’s new Shop Local campaign. The Board unanimously approved the creation of a Shop Local campaign at its September meeting, and the program will be rolled out to local shoppers by Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27. Any business, including shops and restaurants, in Liberty Hill that collects local sales tax is eligible for the program, and will receive signage, stickers, coasters and table tents from the EDC to help promote the Shop Local initiative. The campaign’s slogan, “What you spend here, stays here,” will be on all the materials. The EDC also plans to partner with the Chamber of the Commerce on the campaign. During the meeting, Jake Thomas, president of the Liberty Hill Youth League, gave a presentation on the growth of the league. He spoke about the need for more ﬁelds, or by 2023, they will have to cap

the number of players who can participate. He said the league’s biggest problems are the ability to build additional fields to provide more game space and acquiring the funds to do so. He estimates an individual field would cost around $175,000 for fencing, irrigation, turf and lighting. His hope is that four more fields, including parking, restrooms, stands and a concession stand can eventually be built to accommodate the growing player base, as well as give Liberty Hill the opportunity to host baseball and softball tournaments. That cost is estimated to be between $2.5 and $3.2 million, he said. Also at the meeting: • The newest EDC Board member, Tiffany Stillwell, was sworn in. Clark was appointed to chair; Etzkorn to vice chair; Eric Bailey to treasurer; and Demetrice Gonzalez to secretary. These terms will run through Sept. 30, 2022. • Powell said October’s sales tax collection was $256,896, which represents a 41.54 percent increase over October 2020’s collection. The collection was the second highest amount ever and was a more than 100 percent increase over two years ago, Powell said. • A resolution to add Powell to the EDC’s bank account at Classic Bank was unanimously approved. • The Board scheduled a daylong retreat for team building and future planning on Nov. 30. The next meeting of the EDC, joint with the City Council, will take place Nov. 17 at 5 p.m.

Parks Board not sold on proposed design for Central Park

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Butler Farms subdivision developer MA Partners submitted a proposal and subsequent design plans for Central Park after causing major damages to the area from the installation of a water connection box, but the Parks Board wasn’t sold on the developer’s design ideas presented during their October meeting. In September, the Parks Board unanimously approved the proposal to be presented to the Council. The proposal was also approved unanimously by the City Council earlier this month. Now that the design has been set, MA Partners has once again approached the Parks Board for ﬁnal approval on the layout, which includes full development, such as an irrigation system, grass, mulch, shrubbery, and a seating wall. In the approved proposal, MA Partners agreed to pay $59,000 for tree care, oak wilt prevention, root fertilization and aeration, and more for the next three years, to get the damaged trees back to a healthy state and to make sure they remain that way. The developer also agreed to pay for the additional aesthetics at the park to be repaired and improved. According to the landscape company MA Partners has hired, Utz Environmental Services, the cost of those aesthetics will be approximately $49,000. “We were asked to bring our layout to you guys to give us guidance on what you want,” said David Howell, of MA

Partners, during the meeting. “The types of grasses and shrubs can be changed; other things can be changed.” Mary Lyn Jones, chair of the Parks Board, said she was mostly concerned with the idea of a mulch trail and several mulch beds in the design. “I don’t think it should just be mulch,” she said. “What about children playing? They don’t want to be playing in mulch.” City arborist Denny Schenck said so much mulch is proposed because of the number of trees in the park. “Usually, you have nice grass or you have nice trees, but we don’t want to get into a situation where we are ﬁghting the grass under the trees, because it won’t be very good grass,” he said. “We also have to look at the bigger picture of the care and preservation of the trees’ lower limbs. If we have somebody on a mower, then we have to raise the canopy, which is why most of the areas under the trees are completely mulch beds. Paths in the grass can also end up being compacted with mud, and mulch helps to protect that. We can discuss it more, but 80 percent of that area is better for the trees if it’s mulched.” Jones asked how often the mulch would need to be replaced, and if it was a cost-effective option for the City. Schenck said mulch is typically replaced annually, and costs approximately $5,000. The Parks Board unanimously decided to go on a “ﬁeld

See PARKS, Page 8

P&Z appoints new leaders, approves several subdivision plats

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer The Planning & Zoning commission appointed new leaders to its board during a recent meeting, but not without a word of advice from Wes Grifﬁn as he stepped down as chair. “We are not doing a very good job of saying Liberty Hill is open for business, and I think we need to do better,” he said. “Let’s let it ﬂow. If you play the game wrong, we will end up being another Round Rock or Leander, and businesses will decide to go to Bertram or Burnet. Let Liberty Hill grow the way it should with low regulation. Let people come out here and do business—that’s the American way. That’s my closing comment as chair.” Steve Messana was appointed the new chair and Chad

SUBSCRIBE 512.778.5577

Cormack was appointed vice chair. Their terms expire Sept. 30, 2022. The Planning & Zoning Commission also unanimously approved sending recommendations to the city council regarding Butler Farms’ final platting for phases one and nine, which will be completed first and second in the construction process, City Planner Jerry Millard said. The Phase 1 plat is 112 acres located along the north rightof-way of Highway 29 approximately one mile west of Liberty Hill High School and two and a half miles east of Old Highway 29. That plat yields a total of 26 lots over 97.2 acres, including 20 residential lots, five open space and drainage lots, and one wastewater lift station lot. The plat also includes a dedicated 6,482 linear

OFFICERS

feet of new public streets over 14.816 acres, Millard said. The Phase 9 plat is 28 acres located in the same subdivision. It consists of 151 residential lots and ﬁve open space and drainage lots. Millard said the plat also includes a dedicated 5,032 linear feet of new public streets over approximately 6.068 acres. Upon completion, Butler Farms will span over 261 acres with a total of approximately 800 single-family residential lots. The commission also voted to send recommendations to council to approve the Omega Ranch subdivision’s ﬁnal platting for phases one and four. The subdivision is located along the east right-of-way of Kaufman Loop, north of Highway 29, and south of the Morningstar subdivision.

Continued from Page 1

to enter the building where he found a small lobby with two more locked doors. Each officer took a door in an attempt to get further in the building, but the flames became too intense. “When I opened that door it was flames and smoke, so we had to get out,” Wolf said.” We knew through experience that when you get that much smoke, at some point you’re just going to pass out. Neither one of us wanted to be a victim in there as well.” Both officers ran out and tried to gain access to the back of the building to save the animals. By the time they got through the privacy fence the flames were coming out of the top of the roll up door. “It was silent at that point, you couldn’t hear the dogs anymore,” Wolf said. He went to grab a door handle to try and make one final attempt to enter the building, but the door was too hot to touch. Without proper fire protection, the officers could do nothing more than wait for Georgetown Fire Department to arrive. Twenty-five firefighters responded to the blaze, but all 75 dogs died at the facility as a result of the fire. A cause of the fire has not been released, but it was discovered that a fire sprinkler system was not installed. Due to the size of the building, it was not against

code. On Oct. 21, the City of Georgetown Building Standards Commission amended the ﬁre code to require ﬁre suppression equipment for both existing and new animal housing centers.

Finding support For Wolf, who is a self-professed animal lover and the handler for LHISD PD’s K-9, Nosek, the loss of the animals hit particularly hard. Champion said her partner’s demeanor was noticeably different once the fire department arrived on scene. She said Wolf was anxious to leave, knowing the scene inside would be bad. Wolf said after decades of horrible car crashes, he has reached a place where working a crash doesn’t affect him as much anymore. But this incident was traumatic because it involved animals. “To me, they’re innocent, they rely on us,” Wolf said. “They have so much trust in us to take care of them and keep them safe. It’s almost like a failure when stuff like that happens, a human failure.” He made two Facebook posts on his page about the incident and the response was overwhelming. The officers received a digital greeting card with thanks from area residents, as well as owners who lost their pets in the fire.

The ﬁnal plat for Phase 1 includes 184 residential lots and eight open space, drainage and reserve lots over 58.8 acres. The plat also includes a dedicated 6,400 linear feet of new public streets over approximately 7.428 acres, Millard said. The ﬁnal plat for Phase 4 includes two lift station reserve lots and four open space, drainage and recreational lots over approximately 16 acres. Millard said the plat also includes a dedicated 2,388 linear feet of new public streets over approximately 3.857 acres. Upon completion, Omega Ranch will cover approximately 147 acres and include 581 single-family homes. The next Planning & Zoning meeting will take place Nov. 16.

Reading the card was gut-wrenching for both officers. Champion said she began reading the card at a stop light and broke down in her vehicle. “I still feel bad that we didn’t get to help any of the families,” Champion said. “But it felt good to know that people saw it as a good effort.” In the weeks following the fire dozens of students at Liberty Hill High School drew condolence cards for Officer Wolf, who is a permanent fixture on the campus. The cards filled two trophy cases outside of the LHISD PD office at the high school. Honoring effort At the Oct. 18 school board meeting, Officers Wolf and Champion were both honored as Support Staff Champions of the Month for going above and beyond at the Ponderosa fire. “This is the kind of officers we have. When danger exists, we go around the door to the danger,” LHISD Police Chief Sharif Mezayek said. “I pray that we can hire more officers like these two because they are rock stars.” Superintendent Steven Snell presented the award and shook the hands of the officers. “Thank you for going above and beyond every day,” Snell said. “Liberty Hill is better because of y’all.”

SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, October 28, 2021 Page 5

Swim team riding wave of momentum

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Four years ago when Dimitra Becker formed Liberty Hill’s first swim team, it was more like a small gathering than a squad. “The first year we had four swimmers,” said Becker, who has taken on the role of head coach this season following three as an assistant. “The second, we had 12, then 17 the third and now we’re up to 23.” So, the participation numbers are up and now Becker has moved from teaching at the intermediate school to the high school, which adds the next layer of growth to the program, she said. “I knew I needed to be up here so I could be with my swim team,” said Becker. “I can see them during the day and that makes a big difference.” Victoria Phegley is a junior who is currently in her third year as a Panthers swimmer and has witnessed firsthand the

Liberty Hill swim team members Jessa McGhie, Victoria Phegley, Zaria Avestruz, Rylee Frank, Madelyn Edwards, Avery Frank, Nebraska Patnaude and Brooke

See SWIM, Page 8 Becker opened the new season with a meet in Leander. (Courtesy Photo)

Lady hoopsters wiser after tumultuous season

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Last season was a troubled campaign for Liberty Hill’s girls’ basketball team. From players out of the lineup due to quarantines, to the difficulties of moving up to Class 5A competition for the first time, to a potential playoff bid that went up in smoke when a four-game losing streak to close the season dropped the curtain on their aspirations, last year had just about everything – of the wrong variety. The Lady Panthers finished with an overall record of 8-14, including a 4-10 district mark that was only good for a sixthplace showing in missing the fourth and final postseason spot by three games in the standings. According to head coach Chris Lange, a new influx of seniors on this year’s squad should help in washing away the sour taste of last season. “We have five girls back who were on last season’s team and are seniors this year,” said Lange. “They all went through that tough run we had and have come back and done all the little things in the offseason like going to PAC (Panther Athletic Conditioning) over the summer and have come in here with a positive attitude every day, understand their roles and do whatever the team needs.” Lange is speaking of a core group that includes seniors

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Emma Hubbard (#25) is one of a quartet of returning seniors the Lady Panthers will depend on this season in their quest to make the playoffs. Emma Hubbard, Madison guard Gabby Mundy, Taylor working on her game in her shown she knows what to do in Walker, Kenzy Wise, Regan Gaines and Evie Bruce could own time and doesn’t let a given situation on the court Walker and Ashlyn Calhoun have an immediate impact on herself get swallowed up by and how to do it.” – a quartet the veteran bench a roster that lost eight seniors some of the girls she’s playing One player who can relate boss hopes to build around to graduation, with Mundy in against,” he said. “It’s really to Mundy’s situation is Hubwith an influx of players new particular standing out at this up to her how far she wants to bard, who herself made the to the squad. early stage, said Lange. go and how much she wants varsity squad as a freshman A trio of freshmen in point “Gabby spends a lot of time to get done this year. She’s three years ago, remembers

how she was embraced by the upperclassmen and is now determined to pass that kind of hospitality on to her younger teammate. “I just want Gabby to feel welcome on our team,” said Hubbard, a 5-foot-10 center. “When I was a freshman, the seniors made sure I was included.” One of the Lady Panthers’ elder stateswomen herself now, Hubbard said she realized the additional responsibility that comes along with her role and despite her soft-spoken nature, isn’t afraid to speak up when something or someone is out of order. “I try to lead mostly by example,” she said. “I’m not loud or as vocal as some of the other seniors, but if somebody keeps doing something wrong, I let them know.” In addition, Lange has added senior guard Hannah Bardwell – who transferred in from Cedar Park – along with seniors Alexa Solis and Emma McAndrews and juniors Abigail Billingsley, Payton Hanson and Kelsey Bullock to his roster. Despite the fact Hubbard is certainly no shrinking violet as the team’s tallest player, she acknowledges the ruggedness of the opposing centers she finds herself up against in district play. “It won’t be easy,” said

See HOOPS, Page 8

Good hands a given Freshman volleyballer makes saves in 2 sports

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Brooklyn Escobar never has trouble getting her hands on the ball. Whether the Liberty Hill freshman is receiving serves on a volleyball court or making saves in goal on a soccer field, she certainly has a knack for getting a grip on whatever globe-shaped object is hurtling her way. Escobar began playing volleyball in the fifth grade, but her exploits on the pitch began well before that, she said. “I’ve been playing soccer my whole life,” said Escobar. “My plan is to keep playing both all the way through high school.” Although her freshman season of soccer for the Purpleand-Gold is yet to begin, Escobar is already completely ensconced as a critical member of the Lady Panthers’ volleyball squad – not unprecedented for a first-year player – but also not the norm, said head coach Gretchen Peterson. “Brooklyn has a high volleyball IQ, is quick, a great athlete and not afraid to go after the ball,” she said. “She also reads the play very well and with the way she carries herself with

confidence on the court, if you didn’t know she was a freshman, you wouldn’t think she was.” Escobar moved to Liberty Hill from Leander, along with older brother and junior Brandon, mother Kim and father Anthony, who happens to be an assistant principal at the high school, and said she had an idea of what life at her new school would be like and those impressions have turned out to be true. “I knew Liberty Hill was a great school to be at,” said Escobar. “It was going to be a good opportunity for me because they have good volleyball and soccer programs.” Escobar quickly endeared herself to her new varsity teammates despite having been in the pipeline to play at Rouse up until this season, which meant the familiarity with an entirely new and different culture needed to be absorbed and adapted to in short order – something she was able to do, said Peterson. “It’s a lot to ask when you’re coming into a team like ours with eight seniors,” she said.

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Brooklyn Escobar (#15) isn’t afraid to throw herself all over the court in pursuit of loose balls from her back-row position – a trait See ESCOBAR, Page 8 which has quickly endeared the freshman to her Lady Panthers teammates.

Page 6

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 28, 2021

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

Panthers senior to attend West Point

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Next season when Andon Thomas emerges from a tunnel onto a football ﬁeld, he will set foot on the hallowed gridiron at Michie Stadium on the banks of the Hudson River in West Point, N.Y. at the U.S. Military Academy. No longer will he wear the Purple-and-Gold of the Panthers, but rather the Blackand-Gold of the Army football team – not to mention the uniform of his country as a cadet. Thomas won’t be the ﬁrst member of his family to attend the prestigious academy, as his father Casey – now a retired Lieutenant Colonel – also walked the halls of the historic institution. However, initially upon being presented with an opportunity to play for the Black Knights, Thomas was a bit apprehensive. “My dad went to West Point, but I didn’t think it was for me,” he said. “I could never see myself in the Army.” But, once he paid a visit to the

academy, everything changed. “From my very first visit there, I felt like I belonged,” said Thomas. “It really felt like home.” Academy life for cadets certainly isn’t easy, as freshmen are subjected to various initiations administered by upperclassmen to test their mettle in addition to the initial adjustment not only to college life, but of military life in general. Such was the case for Thomas’ father, he said. “He’s told me a lot of crazy stories from when he was there,” said Thomas. “One time, some seniors made him and another freshman steal a cart which was fixed up to look like a tank – the military police were chasing them, but they did it.” Of course, Thomas plans on making a name for himself on the football field as part of a Division I program after being the lynch pin of the Liberty Hill defense for the past three seasons from his middle linebacker spot – even though being a defender was never his

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Next season, Andon Thomas (#10) will lead his Army teammates onto the ﬁeld as a member of the Black Knights at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. intent, he said. and now I don’t miss playing different – it just comes to me person. “I always played quarterback quarterback.” easy,” said Thomas, who is “Andon is not only a great growing up,” said Thomas, Instead, Thomas now harasses leading the Panthers in tack- player, but a great young who was the starting sig- those under opposing centers les this season with 134 stops man,” he said. “I haven’t nal-caller for Liberty Hill’s and any other ballcarriers who after also topping the tackling coached many like him – his freshman squad before mov- have the courage to test his charts as a junior (161) and parents have done a great job ing up to varsity and moving tackling abilities – and backs sophomore (121). “Some- and he’ll be successful in life.” over to the other side of the his physical skills up with a times, it’s like the game is in Walker added Thomas’ cereline of scrimmage. “When I comprehensive understanding slow motion.” bral approach to his game only got switched, at ﬁrst it was of the game from a mental Head coach Kent Walker said augments his physical skills. iffy, but after my sophomore standpoint. Thomas is truly one of a kind year, there was change for me “I feel like I can see the game – not only as a player, but a See THOMAS, Page 7

Vikings present different kind of test as Panthers remain focused against Navarro

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Joe Pitchford (#6) stretches for extra yardage during the Panthers’ 21-14 home district win over Marble Falls.

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Liberty Hill visits House Park Thursday in the shadow of Austin’s skyline for the second time this month, their opponents will feel as if they’re attempting to scale one of the skyscrapers that provides a backdrop for the venerable venue located downtown. To properly put into perspective what the Navarro Vikings are up against when they host the Panthers, simply consider this. Navarro has scored 54 points thus far in ﬁve district games.

Liberty Hill has already scored more in two separate contests in district victories over Crockett (62-0) and Travis (63-0), in addition to a 62-6 shellacking of Del Valle earlier in the campaign. When one also considers the fact the Vikings were defeated by Marble Falls – a team the Panthers defeated – by a score of 76-0 last week, it certainly doesn’t bode well for the home team. As far as the Purple-and-Gold is concerned, it’s coming off a hard-fought 21-14 home win over Marble Falls, which was

PANTHER R GAMES FOR OCT. 28

followed by a bye week. According to Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker, he and his players will concentrate on what they can control. “We’re going to remain focused on us,” said Walker. “We have to tackle better and do all the little things and that starts in practice.” With no game last Friday, Panthers players had a rare Saturday off, then returned to work as usual on Monday morning in anticipation of their matchup this week

See NAVARRO, Page 7

PICKS

Bret Smith

DJ Keegan

Jamie Etzkorn

JD Davis

David Sabino

Seth Slye

Scott Akanewich

Owner Goosehead Insurance

Owner Tetris Cleaning Services

Owner Jamie Etzkorn Law

Owner Davis Tire & Automotive

Chef / Pizza Guy Sabino’s Pizza Pub

Graphic Designer Two Brand It

Sports Editor Liberty Hill Independent

1. Liberty Hill at Navarro

Liberty Hill

2. Weiss at Cedar Park

Cedar Park

Weiss

Cedar Park

Weiss

3. Pflugerville at Georgetown

Georgetown

East View

Connally

East View

4. East View at Connally 5. Texas at Baylor

Baylor

Texas

Baylor

Texas

Baylor

Texas

6. Michigan at Michigan State

Michigan

Michigan State

Michigan

Michigan State

7. Georgia at Florida

Georgia

8. Mississippi at Auburn

Auburn

Mississippi

Pittsburgh

Cleveland

Pittsburgh

Cleveland

Pittsburgh

9. Pittsburgh at Cleveland 10. Philadelphia at Detroit

Philadelphia

Detroit

Philadelphia

Detroit

Philadelphia

Detroit

11. New England at L.A. Chargers

New England

L.A. Chargers

Minnesota

Dallas

10-2 57-25

6-6 51-29

7-5 56-26

7-5 50-32

7-5 49-33

7-5 53-29

7-5 46-35

12. Dallas at Minnesota LAST WEEK’S RECORD OVERALL RECORD

POLLS OPEN EVERY TUESDAY

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

at www.lhindependent.com/panther-picks

Congratulations to last week’s winner: JAMES MARTIN!

WEEKLY WINNER RECEIVES A TEE FROM TWO BRAND IT (up to $20 value)

A PERFECT BALLOT WINS $50 CASH!

THE POWER OF CHOICE

YOUR LIBERTY HILL TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR EXPERTS

FULL SERVICE AUTOMOTIVE SHOP GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES HEATING & A/C REPAIR ELECTRICAL SERVICES TRANSMISSION & ENGINE REPAIR TIRE SALES, ROTATION & BALANCING

1. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5PM THURSDAY BEFORE THE WEEKEND GAMES. 2. The entry with the most games correct will be the winner. Weekly winner receives their choice of tee from Two Brand It (value up to $20). A perfect ballot with the correct tiebreaker wins $50. 3. In case of a tie, the tie-breaker will be used. The tiebreaker is a combined score of the two teams in the final game. A tie will be considered a loss unless it is chosen as a tie. 4. Any incorrectly listed game will not be considered. 5. One entry per contestant.

Carpet Cleaning • Water Damage Restoration Tile & Grout Cleaning • Disinfection Services FREE ESTIMATES - CALL TODAY!

512-825-4005

815 Loop 332 Liberty Hill | TetrisCleaningServices.com

PANTHER 14 big screens Drive-thru or dine-in Craft brews on tap Order online: SabinosPizzaPub.com 2082 US Hwy 183 • (512) 548-6963

GEAR Custom Apparel • Embroidery Screen Printing Vinyl Printing & Decals

14262 W State Hwy 29 • Liberty Hill • Mon-Sat 10-6

BRET SMITH | 512-548-6900 bret.smith@goosehead.com

The Caring Downtown Attorney

Thursday, October 28, 2021

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 7

Lady Panthers lose in four to Cedar Park

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor The first time the Lady Panthers met rivals Cedar Park on a volleyball court during district play this season, they emerged with a four-set victory on the road in a hostile environment. So, when the Purple-andGold hosted the Timberwolves in the reverse fixture, they seemed to have an advantage over the visitors in what was a showdown for second place in the standings. But, Cedar Park had different designs and the home side was defeated in the rematch by a score of 3-1 (25-16, 20-25, 1925, 22-25). Liberty Hill head coach Gretchen Peterson was disappointed with the result, but not the effort of her players in defeat. “I don’t want to dwell on the loss, although it’s a factor,” said Peterson. “We did a lot of good things to put ourselves in a position to win and our girls played hard, so they have no reason to hang their heads.” In the early going, though, it seemed as if Liberty Hill would sweep the season series against its rivals in winning the opening set. Senior Ailie Hair quickly

established momentum for herself and her teammates by providing a block and a kill on back-to-back points, then serving an ace before stonewalling the Timberwolves with blocks on consecutive points. In fact, the Lady Panthers built as much as a nine-point advantage at 17-8 before going on to prevail with the help of a block and kill on two straight winners by Gigi Mason in closing out the set. However, what worked so well in the first set failed to carry over into the second, as Cedar Park gradually pulled away for the set win despite the Lady Panthers leading, 9-6, midway through the stanza on kills by Kealy Dirner and Bailey Becker. The third set proved pivotal in the match, as the Timberwolves took the lead at 10-9 and never relinquished it the rest of the way despite a pair of aces by Emma Parsons and another pair of Hair blocks. In the fourth set, Cedar Park went on an early 5-0 run to take a 7-3 lead and were able to maintain a safe cushion until the Lady Panthers fought back and closed to 22-21 on a Mason block, but the Timberwolves were able to weather the late storm and hold on for

CROSS COUNTRY BRIEFS Frank qualifies for state meet

Avery Frank qualified for the Class 5A state cross country championships with a 21stplace finish at the Region IV meet in Corpus Christi. Frank crossed the finish line in a time of 20:18.95 and was the second-highest freshman in a field of 182 runners who

had all qualified for the race in their respective district meets. Georgetown’s McKenzie Bailey won the race in 18:22.65. Frank was the only Liberty Hill runner on both the girls’ and boys’ teams who qualified to compete at regionals and will next run at the state event at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on Nov. 5.

SWIMMING BRIEFS Liberty Hill competed for the second time this season at the Round Rock Invitational, an event featuring 20 teams. Finishing in the top 10 in their respective individual events were junior Victoria Phegley, who was eighth in the girls’ 200-yard freestyle in 2:05.58 and freshman Zaria Avestruz, who placed ninth in the girls’ 100-yard backstroke in 1:05.23. The Panthers also set three team records with Avestruz (girls’ 100-yard freestyle, 58.48), Phegley (girls’ 200yard freestyle, 2:05.58) and freshman Addison Gonzales (girls’ 200-yard freestyle,

2:12.10) and sophomore Priyan Senthil (boys’ 100-yard backstroke, 1:08.86). “This was the largest regular season meet the Liberty Hill swim team has ever competed at, so I knew going into this meet we’d have stiff competition,” said Panthers head coach Dimitra Becker. “But, it’s this type of competition that makes us train and work harder in the water. We came away from this meet with 97 percent time improvements over our first meet of the season and two additional records mere hundreds of a second away from being broken. I’m proud of these kids.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL BRIEFS Football

Liberty Hill Middle School hosted Marble Falls and defeated the Mustangs by a 20-0 score as the Panthers’ 7thgrade Purple and Gold teams combined into a single squad. Waylon Baty (50-yard run), Garrett Thibodeau (8-yard run) and Vincent Ventresca (20-yard run) each scored a

touchdown for Liberty Hill, while Brady Jones connected with Tristan Ealy for a successful 2-point conversion. On the defensive side for the Panthers, Cody Monk recorded three sacks and had a pair of fumble recoveries, with Jones and Trent Hunter also covering fumbles in the game.

the win. Hair and Maddi Rowley lead Liberty Hill with nine kills each, while Parsons supplied 26 assists to go with 20 digs by Haley Kuhlmann and seven blocks by Mason in the match. Peterson said the reverse in momentum after the opening set was due to a couple different factors. “I think Cedar Park really found a rhythm after the first set,” she said. “Also, we were letting too many balls hit the floor.” On several occasions late in the third and fourth sets, the Lady Panthers closed to within three points of the visitors, only for the Timberwolves to time and again restore a larger lead in holding off their hungry hosts. “We traded points with them,” said Peterson. “But, we just needed to get out of our own way.” LHHS 3, Marble Falls 0 The Lady Panthers prevailed in their final district match of the season with a comprehensive 3-0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-9) road victory over Marble Falls. Hair led Liberty Hill with nine kills in a match in which the visitors were in compete control of from the outset. Peterson was able to empty

Navarro

her entire bench in the process, while senior Kuhlmann finished the match wearing the dark jersey of an outside hitter after switching out of her customary white libero colors in getting some action in a once-familiar spot on the court. “It was different and I was definitely nervous,” said Kuhlmann, who collected four kills in the final set despite not having played the position since her frehman season. “I didn’t want to mess up.” Kuhlmann added despite the

fact she still enjoys hammering home kills as opposed to being on the opposite end of the supply line in her usual role, she no longer has regrets as far as the path she has taken for the past three years. “At first, I regretted it,” she said. “But, not anymore – libero is an important job and a fun position to play.” Peterson said the match – sandwiched between a pair of contests against Cedar Park – was a welcome respite from the high-pressure environments her team has become ac-

customed to down the stretch of the current campaign while pushing for a playoff spot. “I think this was their last chance to just go out, have fun and enjoy playing,” she said. “I’m happy for them because they’ll moments and memories from tonight.” Liberty Hill (37-10, 11-3) finished tied in the district standings with Cedar Park and will host a playoff for the No. 2 seed in the bi-district round of the postseason on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Continued from Page 6

against Navarro. Against the Mustangs last time out, sophomore running back Noah Long did damage in the air as well as his usual ground assault by catching two passes for 44 yards – including an eightyard scoring pass from Reese Vickers – along with 11 carries for 132 yards and a 74-yard touchdown run. Liberty Hill completed 3-of-4 passes for 88 yards in the game, including one from former backup quarterback Joe Pitchford in addition to a pair from Vickers on the evening. Senior linebacker Andon Thomas piled up an astounding 38 tackles in bringing his season haul up to 134, while five other Panthers defenders racked up double-digit stops including Reid Bynum (29), Carlton Schrank (14), Kade McMahan (12), Devin Riley (11) and Aden Burrell (10). Last season at home, the Panthers pounded Navarro, 84-0, in scoring four touchdowns in each of the first three quarters and nothing

Thomas

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Seniors Maddi Rowley (#11), Haley Kuhlmann (#22) and the Lady Panthers will host Cedar Park in a playoff for the No. 2 seed in the district entering the playoffs on Friday.

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Coming off of a bye week Oct. 22, the Panthers play Navarro Thursday at 7:30 p.m. suggests the rematch will be any more competitive, which means the visitors will need to find a different way to measure their performance as they wait for the playoffs to roll around.

Continued from Page 6

“He’s such a student of the game,” he said. “Andon has the ability to read offenses so well he almost knows what’s going to happen before they do.” Thomas and his family arrived in Liberty Hill in the summer before his eighthgrade year following his father’s retirement from the

military after finishing off his career at Fort Bliss in El Paso, providing a welcome change from the big-city environment he had lived in previously, he said. “Back then, Liberty Hill was still tiny,” said Thomas. “I also liked the greenery because I didn’t like the desert, all the people were nice and it

Without a game last week, Walker was able to drill his troops a bit more than usual on the training ground – which he likes just fine, he said. “I might be the only person

around who actually likes practice,” said Walker. “But, it’s an opportunity to teach and get better.”

had a real small-town feel.” Thomas, who was also recruited by Air Force and Texas Southern, plans to get into the medical field with the hope of becoming a doctor and also said he intends on making the military a career – like his father did. “Yeah, I’d like to do 20 years and get my retirement pay,”

he said. Although military life can be fraught with the unknown and many potential perils, Thomas is confident in the path he’s on. “I’m not afraid to die,” said Thomas. “If it happens while I’m serving my country, then I’m happy – it doesn’t scare me at all.”

of the not-too-distant past when we would expect antics like that from the likes of Burnet and Lampasas? Guess that’s a good sign, in a way, as Liberty Hill is already building heated rivalries with its new district foes, but no need to pour salt in a freshly-opened wound. Funny, in the exact reverse situation earlier this season when the Lady Panthers had gone into the Timberwolves’ home and defeated them in four sets, there was no such nonsense that played out in the aftermath. Best part of this whole thing is, with the result and both teams winning their respective district finales, they’ll meet in a playoff for the No. 2 seed in District 25 after finishing tied at 11-3, which should be a barnburner. The site of the showdown

was at the mercy of gravity when a coin flip was conducted between the coaches after the match, which the Lady Panthers won, meaning they will host the all-important event on Friday evening. No word on whether the call was heads or tails. By the way, does anybody even carry coins anymore in this day and age of paying for everything with plastic? In any event, a quarter was quickly procured and the toss took place. Once again, there will be no football this Friday – as the Panthers play on Thursday – so we’ll be there ringside when these two antagonists throw blows for the right to be runners-up. Guess we have non-football Friday plans again this week.

Football-less Friday shifts spotlight

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor So, what does a smalltown Texas sportswriter do on a rare fall Friday night when the famous football lights are out? Well, if you happen to be Mayor of Pantherville, your plate is still piled with plenty of Purple-and-Gold fare to enjoy and satisfy your never-ending hunger for all things Liberty Hill sports. How about a detour from Panther Stadium into the Purple Palace for an evening of volleyball between the home team and nearby, not-so-neighborly (we’ll get to that later) rivals Cedar Park in a showdown for second place in the district

standings? Sounds like a plan. First, though, some back history from the recent past. Entering the match, the Lady Panthers had defeated the Timberwolves on three straight occasions, dating back to their second district match of last season – which, by the way, is still the best high school match we’ve ever witnessed – when Liberty Hill prevailed in a five-set thriller in which they won the opening two sets only to allow Cedar Park to rebound in winning the second two before finally prevailing in the tiebreaker. Earlier this season, the Lady Panthers had beaten them in the Westwood Showcase tournament, as well as in their first meeting in district play. Coincidentally, both district triumphs came on the road in a place the locals seem to

be fond of calling the “Timberdome,” after dropping a straight-sets loss to Cedar Park at home last season. So, perhaps there was a bit of foreshadowing as to what could potentially unfold this time around. However, the Lady Panthers burst out of the starting gate as if they were ready to reverse that trend and won the first set in rather convincing fashion by a score of 25-16. But, after that the Timberwolves proved why they are now Liberty Hill’s primary rivals by winning three straight sets to claim the match victory. With no football game that night, the Panthers’ usual band of merrymakers from the gridiron gang was in attendance and provided its customary amount of noisy support for the home side, but it was the actions of some of the green-

clad folk who had invaded for the evening who left us with a considerable burr under our saddle before the night was out. First of all, a small set of traveling supporters who formed a student section had a Cedar Park flag they waved proudly throughout the proceedings – we’re fine with that part of it – but once winning in a road venue, don’t do a victory lap around the court flying said flag in somebody else’s gym. As if that wasn’t disrespectful enough, when the Cedar Park bus was rolling out of the parking lot after the players and coaches had boarded, somebody decided it would be a good idea to honk the vehicle’s horn multiple times as the occupants erupted in glee within. Stay classy, Cedar Park. Remenber the good, ol’ days

No one covers the Panthers better than THE INDEPENDENT! Subscribe (512) 778-5577

Page 8

Escobar

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Continued from Page 5

“But, she’s really made herself a part of the team.” Of course, it helped once new teammates witnessed Escobar’s reckless-abandon style of play from her back-row position in never shying away from contact with the court in pursuit of loose balls – although that aspect of her game isn’t necessarily something that came naturally for her, but rather a mindset that was cultivated. “When I was younger, I wasn’t the best player,” said Escobar. “So, about two years ago, I decided I really needed to go after every single ball.” Escobar has embraced this style of play and is now the heir apparent to senior Haley Kuhlmann, who has made her living as a libero in throwing her body all over the court, but for now is slotted in at the right-back spot in the Lady Panthers’ lineup after having previously been deployed at the center-back position,

Swim

which has required a fair amount of adjustment, she said. “On the right, it’s harder to read the play,” said Escobar. “In the middle, I can see the entire court – but, I’m getting better at it.” Peterson likened the position switch to that of one on the diamond. “It’s kind of like in baseball,” she said. “If you move from center field to right field, it’s the same thing, but it’s different because the ball comes off the bat different and you have to adjust accordingly. What that means at right-back is you can suddenly find the other team’s best hitter right in front of you, so your footwork, rhythm and timing have to be right on.” Escobar said being a goalkeeper in soccer helps her in volleyball due to the similar, sudden lunges she has to make in reacting to the ball in the respective sports.

Continued from Page 5

rapid growth of the program from when she had only a handful of teammates. “We’ve grown a ton,” she said. “Also, having a booster club has helped us tremendously.” According to Becker, starting the squad from scratch wasn’t easy and it was a process that required much resiliency. “It was probably about 10 years ago,” said Becker, who has lived in Liberty Hill since 2009. “I starting knocking on doors and even inquired about having a summer swim league – it took a lot of determination. My opinion was not everybody’s into football, basketball or volleyball.” Initially, Becker was met with resistance, but that all changed once the late Jeff Walker, former Liberty Hill athletic director, took over the Panthers’ program, she said. “Jeff was very open to the idea of a swim team from the very beginning,” said Becker, whose daughters, seniors Bailey and Brooke, are both members of the current squad. “The very first time we talked about it, he said to me if even only one kid wanted to swim, he would do it.” However, the elephant in the room remains the fact the team doesn’t have a pool of its own to call home, which means the Panthers’ home meets are held at the Burnet YMCA and the swimmers lack the opportunity to practice together, only

Blinded

meeting up in order to compete. Phegley said for her and her ever-growing stable of teammates to have their own aquatic oasis would make all the difference in the world – not only from a competitive standpoint, but from one of camaraderie. “I think we would definitely all perform better,” she said. “But, also as far as team culture is concerned, we would all be really unified.” Sophomore Cooper Hardy has been swimming since age six and said he initially wasn’t too fond of the wet stuff. “Actually, I used to hate the water,” he said. “But, my sister joined a swim team, so I learned how.” Hardy and Phegley both also compete for club swim teams in addition to swimming for the Panthers, which means they’re in the pool year-round without respite. “I have 11 practices per week,” said Hardy, of his training schedule. “I compete in all the freestyle events from the 50 all the way up to the 5,000.” Hardy said his primary aspiration is to be able to continue competing after his high school days are complete. “My main goal is to get a college scholarship,” he said. “As a swimmer, it’s easier to go to a Division I school compared to other sports because there aren’t as many people who swim.”

Continued from Page 1

so I played it safe and went into health occupations instead. Now that I’ve opened my own store, though, I wish I would have done it years ago.” In November, Blinded by the Light will have been in business one year. Lohman said the response she’s received from the Liberty Hill community has been positive. “I felt a strong need to have a shop like this to serve our community,” she said. “People like to shop local, and this is one less thing they need to drive into Austin for.” Lohman said she strives to provide a unique shopping experience for every customer when they come through her door. “I don’t want my customers to see the mainstream, same old décor that so many of the big box stores have,” she said. “When a customer comes in, they are going to find all items that are limited quantity. I want them to feel special about their purchase. When they walk out, they don’t have to worry about their neighbor having the same exact piece.” Deciding on what items to bring into her store comes from a lot of conversations with customers, Lohman said, and finding out their likes and dislikes. Because she is also a Hunter Douglas window coverings dealer, she has the opportunity to go into people’s homes to measure windows for orders, so she’s also able to see what decorating trends customers are following. “That helps keep me up to speed with what is current in interior design,” she said. “My process of buying pieces for my store goes back to my days

of working with Target buyers. I learned so much from them on how they choose products and price points. It’s all about finding the right vendors to work with that will provide a good quality product, and I’m very careful. I don’t do any of my shopping online. I have to see it, touch it and feel it, and make sure the product I’m selling is good quality.” As a dealer for Hunter Douglas, Lohman can also help walk customers through the various window coverings available, measure their windows, and guide them toward what window coverings would look best in their home. Blinded by the Light offers a wide variety of home décor, such as accent furniture, lamps, throw pillows, art, floral arrangements, vases and rugs. “My wall art is very popular,” Lohman said. “People are very surprised by the wall art when they come in. People these days are building big homes, so they don’t want little pieces of furniture or wall art; they want something large to fill the space. I focus on providing that.” Lohman also sells a few gift items from her store, like candles and jewelry. She curates her items from the U.S. and Texas when possible, like the jewelry line she sells, Lula ‘n’ Lee, which is made locally in Brenham. “The name Blinded By The Light implies that I am a dealer for Hunter Douglas window treatments, but I am also a home décor store,” she said. “Customers totally expect to find just window coverings or lighting fixtures, but then

However, sometimes even her cat-like reflexes aren’t quite enough to avoid an undesirable result, but her toughness is still reflected in her rebound. “Earlier this season during one of our tournaments, I got hit right in the face with a spike,” she said. “I just bounced right back up again and everybody thought it was funny – I was okay and just kept on playing.” Even when she’s found herself in a tough spot this season, Escobar has displayed a poise beyond her years in handling whatever has been thrown at her – mentally and physically. “As girls, we’re up and down – our emotions are all over the place,” said Escobar. “So, I just take a deep breath, remind myself I’ve been doing this for a long time, then focus on my part and what I can give to the team.”

But, in order for Hardy and other future Liberty Hill swimmers to have the opportunity to move on to the college level of competition, the Panthers’ program needs to continue on its current upward trend, but that can only happen if the proper resources are made available, said Becker. “The next thing I’m working on is for us to have an athletics period like the other sports,” she said. “We also need to be able to get time in the weight room because dry land training is a huge thing in swimming.” Both Phegley and Hardy advanced to last season’s Class 5A regional meet, where the former finished 11th in the girls’ 100-yard butterfly, while the latter placed eighth in the boys’ 500-yard freestyle. At the first meet this season in Leander, Phegley won a pair of events – the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard freestyle – and Hardy won the 200-yard freestyle and Zaria Avestruz won the girls’ 100yard backstroke. Progress is definitely being made, although Phegley said she wishes more people could see the fruits of the team’s labor. “Swimming is misunderstood because you need to see it a lot to really understand it,” she said. “I think if we had more people out watching us, it would be more rewarding.”

they see it is so much more than that. I often hear, ‘Wow, we didn’t realize that you had all this home décor and wall art.’ People are pleasantly surprised when they see all the unique home décor items and beautiful statement pieces for their home.” In the future, Lohman hopes to expand her store’s offerings by giving customers custom furniture and fabric options. Up until this point, she hasn’t offered a lot of seasonal décor, but starting this year with Christmas, she plans on providing much more décor for the various seasons and holidays. “I’m all about carrying good quality products and trying to keep price points within a reasonable amount,” she said. “I’m not the cheapest, but I’m not the most expensive either.” Lohman added that being a business owner in Liberty Hill has been a wonderful experience, which is why she also looks forward to helping nonprofit organizations, like Operation Liberty Hill and L4 Cares, when she can. “It is so nice to live in a community that looks out for one another, which is why I like to give back to the community,” she said. “It is important to contribute to organizations that make the greatest impact on the greater good of the community overall.” Blinded by the Light is located at 14125 W. Hwy. 29 in the Water Tower Plaza. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit blindedbythelightdecor. com.

We’ve got the Panthers covered!

LHINDEPENDENT.com/Subscriptions

Parks

Continued from Page 4

Hoops

Continued from Page 5

trip” to look at Central Park in person and provide more input about the surface, and whether it should be mulch or grass. “Going there will give us a better idea of how much we want covered in mulch and how much we want covered in grass,” Jones said. “The rest of the design looks great.” Howell said MA Partners is happy to receive feedback throughout the project and is looking forward to the Parks

Hubbard. “Georgetown has a 6-3 girl and some good shooters, Glenn has some new players and Cedar Park’s best players are still there.” Cedar Park, by the way, is the defending Class 5A state champion, but the Timberwolves aren’t the only ones to look out for once the district schedule begins, said Lange. “You look at teams like Marble Falls, Georgetown and Glenn, who all have girls who are six feet and over,” he said. “Last year, we weren’t big enough and got pushed around, so knowing that now we need to try some new things, which are already starting to pay off, but we’re still learning.” However, preaching the physical aspect of the game to his players and getting them to buy in are two different things, said Lange. “First, you have to show them how to do it,” he said. “After that, you just hope something will click in a player’s head at some point during a game when they say to themselves ‘Okay, I can do this’ and the light bulb goes on.” Lange added that this year, he and his players know exactly what they’re in for once

SERVICES COMPUTER TUTOR At your place, at your pace, I can help you with your computer, iPhone, iPad, or tablet. Helpful tips and tricks. Reasonable rates. Call Karen, 432-553-2468. (12/23p)

PUBLIC NOTICES MISSING PROPERTY If you believe the police department may have a found item that belongs to you, you can call the Property Division directly at 512-5485530 or email at ekrause@ libertyhilltx.gov. When contacting the Property Division, describe the item(s) you are looking for, in detail, and we will let you know if we have it. If we do, we will make arrangements to get it back to you. (10/28)

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bid proposals addressed to MREC MAG Morningstar, LLC on behalf of Williamson County Municipal Utility District No. 23 (the “District”), c/o LandDev Consulting, LLC, Attn: Keith Parkan, will be received from qualified bidders until 2:00 pm CST on November 30, 2021 at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735, for furnishing all labor, supplies, and supervision necessary for construction of Omega Ranch Ph 3/3B Construction Plan (the “Project”). The Project involves construction of subdivisions and associated infrastructure including grading, roadway, water quality ponds, waterline, gravity wastewater line, force main, lift station, storm sewers, erosion controls, and associated appurtenances. Bids will be opened and read aloud via MS Teams video conference call at 2:00 pm CST at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290

Board’s input as the repairs move forward. Also during the meeting, the Board: • Approved the event permit for the Liberty Hill Christmas Festival. • Discussed asking all those who have applied for the vacant Parks & Recreation Board position to come to the November meeting to speak before the Board makes a final decision on who to recommend to Council.

the district schedule starts, as opposed to last season when they were entering the unknown. “Sure, it helps to know what to expect as far as the types of defenses they run,” he said. “But, it’s still a tough district.” Hubbard said last season was definitely one of lessons learned, the morals of which will hopefully help her and her teammates should they encounter more of the same this time around. “We knew we needed to get stronger, bigger and better and I think we are,” she said. As far as her own game is concerned, she’s braced herself for the battles under the boards, which will no doubt take place game after game. “It’s nerve-wracking knowing I’ll be up against these bigger, stronger girls who are all six feet and over,” said Hubbard. “But, I know what I need to do as far as knowing where to be and I can use my quickness.” Hubbard said it was disappointing the way last season ended after the Lady Panthers failed to live up to their potential. “If we had played how we could and should have, we

Thursday, October 28, 2021

• Discussed placement of recently ordered park features, including a playground at Central Park and harmony music features at City Park. The Board decided after taking their “field trip” to look at the City’s parks, they would be able to decide the best placement for all the new features. The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Board is Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.

would’ve made the playoffs and went a few rounds,” she said. “But, this year, we’re a lot more into the team and we want to go as far as we can – I’m just ready to get out on the court and win some games.” In addition to the Xs and Os required to win, Hubbard believes her team also has the cohesion needed to make a playoff run. “A lot of us have been playing together since eighth grade, so we know how each other plays,” said Hubbard. “Last year, I think we lacked the right chemistry to get everything done.” Liberty Hill will open the season with a home game against Killeen on Nov. 5, with the district schedule beginning at home against East View on Dec. 14. Lange said much of his team’s success this season will depend on how readily both his returning players and those new to the squad pick up on the newer aspects of how he believes they need to play in order to be successful. “We need to be able to create offense,” he said. “We’re going to make mistakes, but it’s a matter of how fast they can learn.”

CLASSIFIED ADS $15/week for Minimum 30 Words Additional Words $0.20 Deadline: Noon Mondays

NEWS@LHINDEPENDENT.COM West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735, on November 30, 2021. No faxed bids will be accepted. Any proposal received after the closing time will be filed unopened. Bids must be submitted on the form included in the bid documents, in sealed envelopes marked “Bid for Omega Ranch Ph 3/3B Construction Plans”. Plans and Specifications for the Project may be examined without charge at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735. Bidders must contact Keith Parkan at LandDev Consulting, LLC in order to view and/ or obtain electronic access to proposal forms, plans, specifications, and contract documents without charge (telephone: 512-872-6696 or email: keith.parkan@ldcteams.com). A bid must include Bid Security in the form of a certified or cashier’s check or a bid bond issued by a surety legally authorized to do business in Texas, payable to the District, in an amount of at least 5% of the total amount of the bid, in accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.271(c), as a guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will promptly enter into a contract with Meritage Homes of Texas, LLC on behalf of the District and furnish bonds on the forms provided. If a Bid is Accepted, the contractor will be required to furnish, at the contractor’s expense, (i) payment and performance bonds in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 2253; (ii) a one year maintenance bond in the amount of 10% of the contract price, in a form and substance, and with a surety satisfactory

(512) 778-5577

to the District, upon final payment and acceptance under the contract; (iii) worker’s compensation insurance coverage in accordance with Texas Labor Code Section 406.096; and (iv) general liability insurance insuring against liability for bodily injury, personal injury, death, or property damage. No Bid may be withdrawn for at least 90 days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Award will be made on the basis of the lowest responsible bidder that is considered the most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project in accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.273(c). The right is reserved to waive any informality in the bidding and to reject any or all bids. The Project is being constructed by Meritage Homes of Texas, LLC on behalf of and in the name of the District. The contract will provide that the contractor will look solely to MREC MAG Morningstar, LLC for payment of all sums coming due thereunder. Minimum Wage Scale: The contract will require compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2258, Subchapter B, pertaining to prevailing wage rates. In accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.279, the District specifies the prevailing wage rates for public works established by Williamson County, Texas as the District’s prevailing wage rates. The contractor for the Project must pay not less than the specified prevailing wage rates to workers employed by it in execution of the contract. (11/4)

Thursday, October 28, 2021

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 9

LHHS Class of 2011 enjoys 10-year reunion

The Liberty Hill High School graduating class of 2011 held a reunion Saturday. In the photo at left are (back row from left) Jennifer Rubin, Michelle Brickner and Rhett Brickner, Claire Wilkison-Tompsett and David Tompsett, Ashley Burson, Alex Krajisnik; in front row are Avery Hogan, Hannah Maedgen and Chelsea Denson. In the photo at right are Michelle Brickner and Rhett Brickner, Mykayla Lockhart, Avery Hogan, Hannah Maedgen, Shelby Stoss Pope, Jennifer Rubin and William Stephens. The reunion was organized by Avery Hogan and Hannah Maedgen and co-hosted with Eric Hester and Lance Sefcik at Sefcik’s home and event venue in Jonah. (Courtesy Photos)

LHISD participates in Red Ribbon Week

On Oct. 21, the 800 students at Santa Rita Elementary School headed out the back doors to the ﬁelds behind the school. Some parents, allowed on campus for the ﬁrst time this school year, joined their kids for the event. As the sound of a helicopter broke the quiet of the morning, everyone looked towards the sky. When Enney the Eagle emerged, students waived to greet the mascot. The event was part of Red Ribbon Week, which honors fallen Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, and aims to educate children about the dangers of drug use. Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force members, which include both Army and Air National Guard members, helped land the chopper safely behind the school. DEA Special Agent Sean Morrow gave a presentation asking students and then parents to take a pledge against abusing drugs.

VOLCON

Continued from Page 1

manufacturing once it arrives in Liberty Hill. Volcon, which was founded in October 2020, is currently headquartered in Round Rock. The company began shipping its inaugural two-wheeled offroad motorcycle, the Grunt, in September. The Runt, a kidsized version of the Grunt,

and the Stag and Beast, UTV models, are expected to roll out later. Davis said the company would need to cast a wide net for the types of employees they are looking to hire, but those with technical and mechanical proﬁciency would be ideal for the assembly work.

“If anyone’s got a background in any kind of electrical engineering or electrical work, that would be beneﬁcial,” Davis said, adding they would also have a need for general labor as well. He said Volcon isn’t looking to just be another company providing tax income to the

KRISTEN MERIWETHER PHOTOS

city and jobs to Liberty Hill residents. Davis said they want to invest in the community by helping to develop the workforce. That could be internships though the high school, retraining programs or working with area employment agencies. “I think that you can you can

expect us to be a bigger part of the community than just jobs,” Davis said. “We want to be a good a good corporate citizen, a part of what Liberty Hill is.” Does that mean discounts on all Volcon products for Liberty Hill residents? “You put me on the spot,” Davis said with a laugh. “I would

want to say yes, but I don’t want to promise something I can’t follow through with.” The company offered 3.2 million shares of stock in their initial public offering during the ﬁrst week of October. Volcon can be found on the Nasdaq Capital Market under “VLCN.”

Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities

“Just want to brag about Farmers Insurance – they have truly made the the claim experience amazing. They have taken care of us and gone above and beyond. There has been zero frustration or complaints about anything from start to ﬁnish of placing our theft claim. We are proud to be customers of Farmers. Thank you Christa McCoy Farmers Agency and David McCoy for all of their help with this awful situation we were put in.” – KERRIE MAXWELL

R A E G R E H PANT McCoy Agency

Honest, Local & Trusted David & Christa McCoy Wendy Neill

14262 W. State Hwy 29 • Mon-Sat 10-6

www.FarmersAgent.com/CMcCoy 512 900-4422 • 12780 W Hwy 29, Liberty Hill

Page 10

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

HOMES AROUND THE HILL Kempner Ranch - 40 acres 2 Homes/Guest House - 4.95 acres

820 Panther Creek 1601 CR 256

Little Gabriel River Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Florence Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Amifast Ind Park Amifast Ind Park Amifast Ind Park Amifast Ind Park Amifast Ind Park Amifast Ind Park Luciano Cabasos - .41 acres Liberty Hill - 76 acres Mesa Vista Ranch Grayson, Leander Watson Place, Bertram - 5 acres Home + In-Law House, No HOA - 10 acres Cloudwood Ranch Lot - Briggs Marble Falls Bertram - 10 acres Hidden Meadows - 2 acres Sunset Oaks - 3 acres Mesa Vista Ranch Highland Lake Estates - Lago Vista Hornsby, J - 4.6 acres Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Mesa Vista Ranch Flores Silver Creek Ranch - 2 acres Summerlyn West, Leander Liberty Hill - 17 acres Luciano Cabasos Durham Park Florence Buttercup Townhomes Durham Park Carriage Oaks - 1 acre Hillcrest Cantarra Meadows/Pﬂugerville Palmera Ridge - Leander Palmera Ridge - Leander Llano Iron Oak - 2 acres Summerlynn - Leander Near Downtown Liberty Hill University Park - Georgetown San Gabriel River - 3/4 acres Cloudwood Ranch Lot - Briggs Liberty Hill - 2.2 acres

Homes for Sale

6BR/5BA 4BR/4BA Acreage / Lots / Property for Sale 420 Iva Bell Lane Barn TBD Lobella Bloom Bend Lot 92, Block 1 Phase III TBD Yellow Senna Pl Lot 71, Block 1 Phase III TBD Yellow Senna Pl Lot 74, Block 1 Phase III TBD Yellow Senna Pl Lot 75, Block 1 Phase III TBD Red Yucca Ct Lot 83, Block 1 Phase III TBD Red Yucca Ct Lot 85, Block 1 Phase III TBD Red Yucca Ct Lot 87, Block 1 Phase III TBD Red Yucca Ct Lot 89, Block 1 Phase III Tract 3A N Hwy 195 No restrictions, Ag exempt TBD Yellow Senna Pl Lot 72, Block 1 Phase III TBD Yellow Senna Pl Lot 73, Block 1 Phase III TBD Yellow Senna Pl Lot 76, Block 1 Phase III TBD Red Yucca Ct Lot 88, Block 1 Phase III Commercial Property for Sale 100 Bevers No restrictions, water available 110 Bevers No restrictions, water available 118 Bevers No restrictions, water available 126 Bevers No restrictions, water available 129 Bevers No restrictions, water available 145 Bevers No restrictions, water available Under Contract / Pending 550 Hopewell Rd 4060 CR 201 TBD Yellow Senna Pl 144 Syrah Court 240 Floyds Run 2150 CR 282 Lot 12 Cloudwood Ranch Rd 337 Granite Row CR 321 1103 CR 204 631 CR 269 TBD Yellow Senna Pl 20701 Harrison Cv 1840 CR 226 TBD Yellow Senna Pl TBD Yellow Senna Pl TBD Yellow Senna Pl TBD Yellow Senna Pl TBD Yellow Senna Pl TBD Yellow Senna Pl TBD Red Yucca Ct TBD Red Yucca Ct 550 Stadium Dr 644 Silver Creek Dr 164 Green Egret Way 17600 W State Hwy 29 1540 W Hwy 29 500 CR 288 Tract 4B N Hwy 195 401 Buttercup Creek Blvd 550 Shin Oak Lane 105 Cavalier Lane 120 Crestview Dr 13500 Kearns Dr 2201 Bonavista Way 2200 Bonavista Way 504 E Green St 232 Oak Hill 104 Falcon Lane 3103 CR 1869 2006 E 18th St 121 River Rd Lot 22 Cloudwood Ranch Rd 140 Shin Oak Lane

3BR/2BA 3BR/2B - Barndominium & Shop Lot 79, Block 1 Phase III 3BR/2.5BA 4BR/3BA 2BR/3BA + 3BR/1BA - Pool Lots of trees 3BR/2BA River front & trees 3BR/2BA 3BR/3BA Lot 80, Block 1 Phase III Electricity & water available 4BR/2BA Lot 92, Block 1 Phase III Lot 70, Block 1 Phase III Lot 77, Block 1 Phase III Lot 78, Block 1 Phase III Lot 81, Block 1 Phase III Lot 82, Block 1 Phase III Lot 84, Block 1 Phase III Lot 90, Block 1 Phase III Cleared & level Sold! 3BR/2BA - Pool 4BR/2.5BA/Ofﬁce/2 Living 3 Homes & Barn 2BR/1BA Trees, electric, water No restrictions, Ag exempt 2BR/2.5BA Wet weather creek 4BR/4BA 3BR/2BA 4BR/2BA - Game Room 3BR/2BA - 2 car garage 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 4BR/4BA 4BR/2.5BA - 2 car garage Commercial, Mixed Use 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA Lots of oaks, backs to creek 3BR/2BA + pool

$1,200,000 4483 sq ft $ 995,000 3112 sq ft

Cheryl Stephens Cheryl Stephens

$1,200,000 $ 202,000 $ 203,000 $ 212,000 $ 275,000 $ 201,000 $ 285,000 $ 404,000 $ 202,000 $ 338,168 $ 219,000 $ 210,000 $ 418,000 $ 248,000

20 acres 2.02 acres 2.03 acres 2.12 acres 2.75 acres 2.01 acres 2.85 acres 4.04 acres 2.02 acres 11.3 acres 2.19 acres 2.10 acres 4.18 acres 2.48 acres

Amy Gandy Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Dax Oglesby Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Tammy Wise Tammy Wise

$ $ $ $ $ $

1.05 acres 1.04 acres 1.04 acres 1.05 acres 4.49 acres 3.110 acres

Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White

550,000 460,000 365,000 275,000 980,000 680,000

$ 215,000 1389 sq ft

Shane T. White

$ 229,000 2.29 acres

Tammy Wise

$1,999,000 1624 sq ft $ 375,000 1482 sq ft $ 810,000 3118 sq ft

$ 970,000 3353 total sq ft $ 255,000 7.74 acres $ 379,009 1913 sq ft $ 425,000 10 acres

$ 450,000 1641 sq ft $ 500,000 2984 sq ft

$ 201,000 2.01 acres $

60,000 .394 acres

Tammy Wise

Thursday, October 28, 2021

SUBSCRIBE 512.778.5577

Sabrina Jordan REALTOR®

512.680.0375 cell sabrinajordan.kwrealty.com RESIDENTIAL, LAND, FARM & RANCH HOMETOWN ROOTS HOMETOWN VALUES

SELLING L LIBERTY HIL FOR 40 YEARS!

BUYING OR SELLING A HOME?

Adrienne Hughes Tammy Wise

Sabrina Jordan

Cheryl Stephens Dax Oglesby

Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Tammy Wise

Dax Oglesby Shane T. White 2.07 acres Tammy Wise 2.03 acres Tammy Wise 2.37 acres Tammy Wise 2.17 acres Tammy Wise 2.01 acres Tammy Wise 2.01 acres Tammy Wise 2.01 acres Tammy Wise 2.04 acres Tammy Wise 1.337 acre Side-Pad Shane T. White

$ 379,000 2432 sq ft $ 207,000 $ 203,000 $ 237,000 $ 217,000 $ 201,000 $ 201,000 $ 201,000 $ 204,000 $ 750,000

$ 699,000 2306 sq ft

Amy Gandy

$1,600,000 1800 sq ft

Tammy Wise

$ 489,000 2709 sq ft $ 250,000 1180 sq ft

$ 225,000 2.19 acres $ 564,300 20.9 acres $ 275,000 1280 sq ft $ 175,000 2 acres

$ 560,000 2453 sq ft $ 235,000 1568 sq ft $ 420,000 2507 sq ft $ 430,000 1855 sq ft $ 510,000 2100 sq ft

$ 200,000 1671 sq ft $ 765,000 2800 sq ft $ 350,000 2044 sq ft $ 350,000 968 sq ft

$ 315,000 1404 sq ft $ 230,000 1440 sq ft

$ 197,500 4.25 acres $ 430,000 1611 sq ft

RE/MAX Town & Country 13561 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill shanetwhite@remax.net www.ShaneTWhiteTeam.com

512.515.5263

Kristen Childers Shane T. White Shane T. White Dax Oglesby

Shane T. White Amy Gandy

Amy Gandy Shane T. White Cheryl Stephens Amy Gandy Amy Gandy Sabrina Jordan Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Cheryl Stephens Cheryl Stephens Dax Oglesby

LIBERTY HILL’S REAL ESTATE GUIDE Feature your property listings weekly! (512) 778-5577

From Waco to New Braunfels, Llano to LaGrange and everywhere in between.

Amy Gandy, Broker/Owner | MCNE, CLHMS 512-589-9005 | amy@agandyandco.com www.agandyandco.com

“Our family of seasoned professional agents is what makes us unique. We’re here to help you, whether it’s selling your property or assisting in finding and purchasing the home of your dreams.”

Adrienne Hughes

Cheryl Stephens

512-810-0185

512-417-0026

Broker/Owner

Realtor ®, GRI, MRP

3106 Ranch Road 1869 | Liberty Hill, TX 78642 | www.Hughes-and-Company.com

Real Life. Real People. Real Estate.

San Gabriel Realt y Gr oup

Is NOW the time to sell your home? Call us ... We know the answer! Kristen Childers REALTOR®

Tammy Wise REALTOR®

(512) 501 501-0777 AustinAndHillCountryRealEstate.com

900 Quest Parkway Cedar Park, TX 78613

Serving Williamson, Burnet and Travis Counties Residential • Farm and Ranch Minerals • Land and Leasing

Dax Oglesby

Team Realty of Texas | REALTOR®

(512) 635-7529

www.DaxSellsTexas.com daxoglesbysgrhomes@gmail.com

Love thy neighbor.