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2020

Volume 33, Issue 51

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November 12, 2020 | 50 Cents

COVID numbers climbing again

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor New trends with the COVID-19 virus could be a sign that the late fall and winter months could be as troubling as many health experts feared. Local, state and national numbers are climbing by most every measure, particularly in the last two weeks. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in new cases reported to us, slowly over the past few weeks,” said Nicole Evert, Epidemiology and Emergency Preparedness Director with the Williamson

Liberty Hill community honors its Veterans

MIKE EDDLEMAN PHOTO

Chief Special Warfare Boat Operator Gio Magallon, a Liberty Hill High School graduate, was the guest speaker Wednesday at the Liberty Hill Veterans Day Ceremony. More than 60 gathered to honor local veterans in the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.

Hall takes parting shot at new Mayor’s authority

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor In his final City Council meeting, outgoing Mayor Rick Hall urged the Council to take action that appeared to be aimed at curtailing the authority and latitude of the incoming Mayor to engage in outside services contracts. “I am bringing this up because I’m not sure the Council is fully aware that professional services agreements, if there’s money that can be budgeted for it without Council approval, can be done without Council approval,” Hall said. “I urge the Council to want to see every one of those professional services agreements just to make sure, because again the Council is the one at the end of the day that is controlling the budget and controlling the services in the city.” When asked why the measure was important now, in his last

meeting – rather than something that would have been important at the beginning of his term – Hall said he wanted to make sure it did not happen in the future. “Prior to my administration there were some done, so I’ve always brought those to the City and want to make sure we continue on the same path we’ve been on,” Hall said. But if money is set aside in the budget for such contracts, that approval would essentially be in place, and while Hall claimed that such contracts existed without council approval prior to his time in office, there were no contracts or agreements in place that Council members were unaware of or didn’t support at that time. Hall said all professional service agreements in place during his time as Mayor were approved by the Council. These would include Sep-

tember 2019 agreements with Buie and Co. for public relations work and Powell Municipal for general consulting. The primary consulting contract the City had prior to Hall’s term was with Diversified Planning for project consulting, and the Council voted not to renew that contract in May 2019, four months prior to its expiration. He also pointed out that City staff had been added to take care of such needs, rather than using these agreements. Over his two years City staffing nearly doubled. The budget approved by the Council in early August included nine new positions above what was approved last September. That approved budget added 18 positions to a staff that previously totaled 37. The City has 63 total positions, and a general fund budget of $5.68 million -- an increase of

33 percent over the 2019 budget of $4.24 million. Hall made the suggestion for the new ordinance, but outside of Council member Kathy Canady requesting clarification on what applied under the proposal, there was no discussion before the Council approved the measure 4-0, with Tony DeYoung absent. Bond projects The Council approved a resolution to get at least one project in waiting moving forward before the bonds are sold after the beginning of the year. “This is one of the final steps before the tax bond is finalized and I think that is the second week of January,” said City Finance director Becky Wilkins. “What this resolution allows us to do is go ahead and get started on some of the

See COUNCIL, Page A6

Local charities providing help for the holidays

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer The spirit of the holidays, at its core, is the spirit of giving. More than just gifts, it’s the time to lend a hand and show compassion to those in need. Now more than ever, with a pandemic affecting families in ways they never anticipated, the need for communities to come together is crucial. Several organizations in Liberty Hill are working to spread the holiday spirit to those in need. With the ever-present COVID-19, Operation Liberty Hill is adjusting its annual Christmas dinner box. “Because of COVID, there’s some unavailability of some of those items because we need 200 of each item to go in the box,” said Executive Director Susan Baker. “We’re requesting people donate $25 gift cards from HEB or Walmart or money to purchase the cards. We’re doing pretty good on that so far, but if people want a way to donate, that’s something they can do.” ©2020 The Liberty Hill Independent

Angel Tree, the nonprofit dedicated to making sure struggling families have gifts under the tree, is making COVID-related changes just like Operation Liberty Hill. The deadline to adopt an Angel is Dec. 1. “It was made pretty clear to parents asking for help. This year, because COVID has hit everybody, we won’t have big-ticket items,” said local attorney and Angel Tree organizer Jamie Etzkorn. “So, no big electronics and no bikes. Instead of people shopping for individual clothing items this year, we took that off the form because people would be handling the clothes. We’re asking that people adopting the angels spend $75 total. That’s a $30 clothing gift card from Kohls, TJ Max, Ross, Target, or Walmart. The remaining $45 is for toys.” With the new gift budget, Etzkorn is noticing a shift in focus to more enriching gift requests but does miss the ability to provide popular requests. Etzkorn also noted that the amount of families almost matches 2019 numbers. In 2019, they had 117 families, and for 2020 they are at 116. “The people asking for help have been very receptive to

that and are asking for a lot of dolls, Barbies, small Legos, trucks, craft, and balls,” she said. “I’ve seen stuff that promotes kids’ minds and gets them thinking instead of in front of a screen. I think it’s been a good thing to take the electronics off. I hate that we won’t do bikes, but that would be the whole budget.” Partnering with Operation Liberty Hill and Angel Tree, the Liberty Hill Police Department has placed donation barrels around town for their Operation Blue Santa program. Locations of the barrels include Classic Bank, Dahlia Café, Dairy Queen, Dollar General, Jardin Corona, Liberty Hill City Hall, Liberty Hill Eye Associates, Liberty Hill High School, Margarita’s Restaurant, Mojo’s, Prosperity Bank, Subway, Tractor Supply, Verabank, Higginbotham Brothers, Texas Honey Hole, Auto Zone, Benny Boyd, Blue Door Gifts, and Agape BBQ. For Thanksgiving, the police department is also working with Operation Liberty Hill to collect non-perishable foods with their Operation Stuff a Cruiser program. Each location will have an officer present to accept donations.

Locations and times for donations are Thursday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wetzel Park; Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Higgenbotham Brothers Hardware store; and Thursday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dollar General parking lot. Like the police department, the Liberty Hill Public Library will be accepting food donations that will go to Operation Liberty Hill’s food pantry. “It’s our Food for Fines program. People bring donations of food, like peanut butter, cereal, canned goods, rice, beans, or boxed children’s snacks. Then we will remove fines and fees off of their accounts,” said Librarian Angela Palmer. “For every item, we take off $1. We will waive fees for all lost or damaged books, too.” Williamson County’s Brown Santa program helps those in need across the county, providing gifts for kids up to age 15. The program takes care of any residents living outside the city limits who aren’t served by a similar program. To participate, people can apply on the county’s website under the Brown Santa section. All

See GIVING, Page A6

ing to 4,914 in October before shooting up to 7,363 per day so far this month. While Williamson County has avoided the trend of higher hospitalizations and fatalities the state has seen, Texas has 6,170 hospitalized with COVID, up from 3,190 on Oct. 1. There have been 839 deaths in November through 10 days, bringing the state total to 18,663. In total cases, the United States has surpassed 10 million cases, with Texas just shy of one million and Williamson County topping 10,000.

“We’re still recommending limiting those social gatherings outside of your household. Obviously choosing gatherings that are outside, and in locations where you are able to social distance, these events are going to be preferred. I know there are a lot of communities talking about drive-thru lights and other unique approaches to try to get into the holiday spirit but not exposing yourself.”

~ Nicole Evert Williamson County and Cities Health District

County and Cities Health District. “In September, I think we were seeing 20 to 30 new cases per day and we’re moving toward that 60 to 70 cases per day, so it’s kind of that gradual increase.” The increase may have been gradual, but it has been easy to notice. The daily new case average in Williamson County was 24 in September after overcoming the mid-summer spike that kept much of the county under tight restrictions. But in October that number was up to 33 and through 10 days of November the daily average is 42 new cases. Statewide number are showing a similar trend, nearly doubling in early November. September averaged 4,651 cases per day in Texas, climb-

Another key indicator in how COVID is trending is the rolling seven day case average published by the Centers for Disease Control. Since Oct. 23, that number has grown steadily from 428,795 to 801,000 Tuesday. In Liberty Hill, the most recent numbers provided by City Emergency Management Director Casey Cobb showed four active cases locally with 228 recovered since March. The Liberty Hill ISD tracker shows six active cases in the school district, including three high school students, one student and one staff member at the junior high, and one student at Bill Burden Elementary.

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Just over a week after a rush attempt to push a new mixed use zoning ordinance through the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission and the City Council, the two groups came together and agreed to slow the process of establishing the new ordinance. “We’re really here because mixed use was being pushed through really quickly without our opportunity to review it,” said P&Z member Steve Messana, who brought his objections to the Council at its Oct. 26 meeting. The Nov. 5 workshop had been scheduled after the Council chose not to vote on the ordinance Oct. 26 after questions were raised about how the ordinance was written and edited and how it was ushered through P&Z. Absent from the joint meeting was Mayor Rick Hall – the driving force behind the proposed ordinance – and Council member Steve McIntosh who also serves on the P&Z Commission. While nothing was decided on the future of the proposed

ordinance, everyone agreed that the issue should get much more attention and be on a longer timeline for development. “There’s a lot of stuff and it’s really important that we take the time to do it right,” said Council member Kathy Canady. Messana shared the same perspective from the P&Z members. “I don’t think Planning and Zoning wants to rush into a mixed use zone,” Messana said. “While we did approve a mixed use zone in our prior meeting it was because we were told that it would be voted on by the Council.” Mentioning additional steps such as a comprehensive plan revision, City Attorney Tad Cleaves said this should be a lengthy process. “This does take time, I’d say at least five to six months,” said Cleaves. Community involvement was also a concern, with Cleaves and Canady both mentioning the need for input at public meetings and

See COVID, Page A5

City taps breaks on mixed use ordinance

See ORDINANCE, Page A4

Page A2

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Thursday, November 12, 2020

OBITUARIES

Betty Jo Ross Neyens

Betty Jo Ross Neyens (Betty Jo) of Austin, Texas was born in Leander Texas on 9-11-1930 to Jim & Bernice Law Ross. She was a graduate of Liberty Hill High School’s old red brick building. She worked and worshiped with Brentwood Church of Christ’s satellite congregation at the Village Christian Apartments where she and Sis lived since 2002. She got involved with the church there while visiting her aunts and uncle that lived at the complex making many additional friends. She would offer rides to residents who had no individual transportation to get to doctor’s appointments or do errands and started joining in on their day excursions to museums, centers and festivals. She retired from the Texas State Highway Department in 1993 after a 35-year career and started volunteering full time at Village Christian. She became a Volunteer Assistance Coordinator for the Events Director there at the apartments. She loved her work and friends. She worked up until the time COVID-19 caused them to quarantine and she could no long see to drive. She is survived by: Son, James A. Neyens and wife Marty; Daughters, Shirley Neyens and Patty Stephens and husband Johnny; Granddaughters, Felicia Wilson and husband Michael, Erica Stephens, Jamey Kessler and husband Bill, Tara Weeks and husband Scott, and

James Burl Curry (1934-2020) James (JB) passed peacefully, November 5, 2020, with his wife Patty by his side, at their home in Liberty Hill, Texas. James was born May 10, 1934 in Hillsboro, TX to Elmer R. and Alta L. Upchurch Curry. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles

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Natalie Neyens; Great-grandchildren, Olivia Wilson, Liam Wilson, Lillian Weeks, Heidi Kessler, Charlotte Weeks and William Kessler III; Brothers, James Duff Ross and wife Yvonne and Taylor Metcalfe; Sister, Nellie “Winky” Traynor; many dearly loved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, James E Ross and Bernice Willetta Law Ross; Sisters, Edna Faye, Carolyn Gauthier and Sue Metcalfe; and Brother, Tom Traynor. The family wishes to extend their thanks to everyone for their condolences and prayers during this time and the wonderful service at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel and Crematory. If you would like to visit with the family please join us at Johnny and Patty’s home at 4851 CR 200, Liberty Hill, TX 78642.

Wilma Lavon Dayton

Wilma Lavon Dayton, 95, of Georgetown, Texas, completed her time on this earth on November 7, 2020. Wilma was born on September 25, 1925 in Liberty Hill, Texas, to parents Frank Long and Clara Mather. She is a descendant of the Mather family, early settlers of Williamson County. She went to school in a one-room schoolhouse at Concord and walked several miles to school every day, rain or shine. Wilma was the great-granddaughter of Andy Mather, one of the first Texas Rangers. Her great-great-grandfather, Samuel Mather, settled the Gabriel Mills area and helped establish the Mohomet Masonic Lodge in Williamson County. Family was the most important thing in Wilma’s life, and she loved spending time with relatives, including her siblings L.D. Long, Dorothy Browning, and Lena Stinson and her husband Jeff; her children Winston Dayton, Randy Dayton and his wife Treva, Beverly Jackson, and Barbara Smith; her grandchildren Chris Cooper and his wife Kelly, Kayla Jackson, and Stephanie Smith; her great-grandchildren Zach Cooper, Chance Cooper, Garret Russell, and Cooper Schlabach; and innumerable cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Wilma was an amazing person who had a positive impact on everyone she met. She was known for her immeasurable kindness, warmth, generosity, and love. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and birds – especially hummingbirds. She was an avid Houston Astros fan and didn’t hesitate to write former owner Drayton McLane with feedback. She was the core and rock of the entire family, and her greatest joy was bringing the family together for holiday meals. A celebration of her life will take place at the Mather Family Cemetery (2400 CR 236) on Friday, November 13 at 1:00 p.m. Attendees are welcome to share their fond memories with those attending. Flowers can be sent to Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Dr, Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mather Family Cemetery Association, PO Box 860, Florence, TX 76527.

James Burl Curry

and his sons James R. Curry and Jason B. Curry. James was raised in Hillsboro, attended Galveston Community College and Austin Community College. James worked hard his entire life. He tried many occupations in his younger years which include picking cotton, truck driving, dairy hand, arborist, oil field worker, ironworker, transit bus driver and resident milk man. He settled for a career as a longshoreman and worked in many ports along the Texas gulf coast including Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, Houston and Galveston. He was a member of International Longshoremen’s Association Locals # 307 and #20 in Galveston for over 30 years as well as a member of the Ironworkers Local Union #135 of Galveston. He then moved to the Texas Hill Country where he ranched and farmed and operated a hay business. James married Patricia (Patty) Eileen Ganey on November

24, 1984 on a sailing ketch in Galveston Bay. After a few years in Austin they found their ranch and moved to Liberty Hill in 1988. James is survived by his devoted wife Patty, his son Gary R. Curry of Burnet, TX and daughter Casey C. Mraz, MD and her husband, John Mraz, of Midland, TX along with his three grandchildren Jameson Barrett Mraz, Lyla Jane Mraz and John Walker Mraz, born just two weeks preceding his grandfather’s parting. He is also survived by his brother Donald R. Curry of Lewiston, Idaho and many inlaws, nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends who loved him dearly. James’ family would like to extend a special thank you to family members who helped in his care and his caregivers from Kindred at Home and Heart to Heart Hospice. At his request, James’ body was donated to Texas A&M University College of Medicine to

aid in medical education and research. Arrangements were made by Callaway-Jones Funeral Home of College Station, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Texas A&M University College of Medicine in College Station, TX. Family and Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 22, 2020, 2-4 pm at the Curry Ranch - 4850 Ranch Road 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642.

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Thursday, November 12, 2020

EDC names pair of new board members

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor The Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation (EDC) heard from four applicants seeking to ďŹ ll two vacant positions, ultimately naming Adrienne Hughes and Michael Helbing to the board. The City Council made it ofďŹ cial Monday, approving both selections. They will replace outgoing members Jack Harkrider and Steve Snell who have recently stepped away from the board. The other two applicants for the vacant positions were Demetrice Gonzalez and Christy Gessler. Each of the four applicants were asked to tell the board about their background and experience, then the board had the opportunity to ask questions of each before discussing the candidates in closed session. For Helbing, who has worked for HEB for nearly 25 years and has been in Liberty Hill almost ďŹ ve years, serving on the EDC Board is one way to be involved and give back. “We’re growing and we’re growing fast and it’s just a civic duty to help grow the city the right way,â€? he said. “The housing market is booming

and booming, and one of the things I hear from everybody is wanting to slow property taxes. Bringing the right businesses will help with that property tax hike.â€? Hughes, a real estate broker who has been in Liberty Hill since 2008, was ďŹ rst introduced to the inner-workings of the EDC when she applied for a pair of EDC grants for her downtown ofďŹ ce. That experience spurred her interest in serving on the board. “I was a very lucky recipient to get a facade grant,â€? Hughes said. “I’ve seen kind of how it works and had a peek on the inside and I really like what we’re doing. We have a lot of people here in Liberty Hill that are resistant to the growth and it’s coming whether we want it to or not. We can jump on board and do it responsibly and do it with the community in mind.â€? Much of her community involvement has revolved around other pursuits, but being more involved in the business development side is a new opportunity for her. “One of the things that we focus on is community,â€? she said. “We’re huge supporters of the schools and we’re really big supporters of the library.â€?

Scouts pay tribute to fallen Veterans

The Liberty Hill Boy Scout Troop 196 was joined by Cub Scout Pack 196 in replacing worn ags on the graves of veterans in the Liberty Hill Cemetery in preparation for Veterans Day. All scouts promise to do their duty to God and country in their respective oaths of membership. They each earned an hour of service in this endeavor. Pictured above are Cub Scouts Benjamin Colclough, Corben Ring and Elliott Colclough. (Courtesy Photo)

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Throwback Thursday Williamson County men were among members of Texas Veterans Association

By JAMES WEAR Columnist Two W i l liamson County men, one of who settled near Florence, w e r e among the last surviving members of the Texas Veterans Association, which was a group of individuals who served in the military in Texas prior to its annexation into the United States. According to historians, the group ďŹ rst met in 1873 in Houston, and would meet annually thereafter with the reunions always held on San Jacinto Day (April 21). A total of 75 veterans were present for the ďŹ rst meeting, and by the time a group photo was taken in 1906 in Goliad (photo at right) only six of 10 surviving members were present. The organization disbanded the following year and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas organized to continue the task of remembering those who fought for Texas in its early years. According to thumbnail sketches of text found on the website texasreader.com, those pictured in the 1906 group photo included: “William Physick Zuber (1820–1913) of Austin. He was in the rear guard, on the other side of Buffalo Bayou, during the Battle of San Jacinto, and took part in the Somervell Expedition of 1842. He also served in the Confederate cavalry, farmed and taught school in rural Grimes County. He was a charter member of the Texas State Historical Association. It was Zuber who ďŹ rst recorded the story of Travis’ line in the sand. It had ďŹ rst been told to his mother by Moses Rose, while she patched him up after his escape during the battle. Some

historians doubt the story, but it does not make sense that Rose, who told the story often, would create a tale that paints him as a coward. “John Washington Darlington (1821–1915) of Taylor. He fought in the Battle of Plum Creek, fought against Vasquez and Woll during the raids of 1842, and helped build the ďŹ rst capitol building at Austin. He also ranched and served in a ranging company during the Civil War. “Asa Collinsworth Hill (1826-1913) of Oakville. At ďŹ rst I didn’t think he belonged with this group, as I couldn’t ďŹ nd any record that he served during the republic years, though his father and brothers did. I was ďŹ nally able to track down a reference to a note he wrote about his service in the Mier Expedition. There seems to have been some historical confusion caused by the fact that his father, also called Asa, took part in the expedition as well. Sam Houston took young Mr. Hill to Washington as his personal secretary when he became senator in 1846. Hill commanded a spy company during the Mexican War. He was a Texas Ranger captain before the Civil War. “Stephen Franklin Sparks (1817-1908) of Rockport. He fought with Ben Milam in the Siege of Bexar and took part in the Battle of San Jacinto. Sparks Colony near Rockport in Aransas County was home to the old warrior and his kin. “Alfonso Parcutt Steele (1817-1911) of Mexia. While delegates met at Washington on the Brazos, Steele worked at the local hotel, grinding corn for their bread and tending to their needs. He was the last surviving participant of the Battle of San Jacinto. In one of the battle’s ďŹ rst volleys he was shot through the lung. He continued to ďŹ ght, though blood was pouring from his nose and mouth. General Houston

This photo of the six surviving members of the Texas Revolution was taken in 1906. (Courtesy Photo) road Steele’s horse through much of the battle, until it was shot from under him. Once recovered from his wound, Steele farmed and raised cattle in Montgomery County. After marrying he made his home in Robertson County and later in Limestone County.� “Levi Teague “Uncle Lee� Lawler (1826-1915) of Florence. He took part in the Somervell Expedition of 1842, for which the State of Texas paid him $67.50 some 20 years later. Uncle Lee was a carpenter and a farmer. He served in the Williamson County militia as 1st sergeant during the Civil War. According to text found on the Williamson County Historical website, Lawler “gave the land for the cemetery, school and church building and grounds. “Uncle Lee, as he was affectionately addressed by friends and his neighbors, moved to the Community before 1861. In 1861 he bought 256 acres of land on the Wittenburg Branch three and one half miles east of Florence, on the W. G. Lang Survey, paying $450 for it.

“It is on this survey that the Lawler Cemetery, School and Church are located. “On ďŹ rst moving to this survey he gave an acre of land for burying purposes. “In 1902 he deeded this acre to J. W. Shafer, the Lawler Cemetery trustee, for $10. In 1878 he bought additional land on the Edward Lang Survey by paying the taxes against it. “Uncle Lee was a community minded man loved by those knew who him, especially the children as he always kept candy for them and told them interesting pioneer stories. He was interested in community projects, loved his church and lodge. “The Lawler Cemetery was ďŹ rst used as such by travelers passing through the community and the graves were marked by rectangular grave stones made of native stone. The oldest visible marking on one is 1850. Several were marked before 1870. Uncle Lee Lawler and wife along with the forefathers of the community are buried there.â€?

Williamson County EMS opens training classes to public

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Armed with new COVID-19 safety guidelines, Williamson County EMS is offering several in-person classes – American Heart Association CPR and First Aid, Take-10 CPR, and Stop the Bleed. “If they take the ďŹ rst aid, CPR and AED class, they will learn basic ďŹ rst aid and adult, child, and infant chest compressions. We do teach breathing, but with COVID, we’re not doing the breathing portion of

the class. We do have COVID guidelines in place for all of our classes,� said Williamson County EMS Outreach Education Coordinator Assistant Stacee Henrichs. “This is to teach people how to stop the bleeding in a life-threatening event. Whether they have a gunshot wound, an amputation, or something of that sort where they can die quickly from a loss of blood.� Class sizes will be limited to around eight to allow for proper social distancing. In some

cases, depending on the class, a maximum of 12 can be allowed. CPR classes last three to four hours. The full ďŹ rst aid and CPR is eight hours. The combo class of Stop the Bleed and the Take-10 CPR lasts about three hours. OfďŹ cial certiďŹ cation upon completion is available for certain classes. Classes are open to everyone, with few exceptions. “We also teach the Take 10 CPR class, which is only about 15 minutes, where we show

you how to do hands-only CPR. It’s quick, and you learn how to do chest compressions. You don’t get a certiďŹ cate for the Take 10 class or the stop the bleed class. You do get a form that says you completed the class. With the AHS CPR classes, you leave ofďŹ cially certiďŹ ed in CPR,â€? said Henrichs. “Most of the classes are open to everyone. The only class that isn’t is our BLS Provider CPR class. That is for healthcare providers or students going into the healthcare

ďŹ eld and need it for a college class or their EMT class. The regular classes are all open to the public.â€? Early on during the pandemic, Henrichs and Williamson County EMS Education Outreach Coordinator, Jim Persons developed guidelines to begin classes again. “We have people who are afraid to come into class because of COVID. People will need to wear a mask when here. We’re maintaining six feet distance,â€? said Henrichs.

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“We’re making sure everything is clean. So we’re spraying a cleaning solution on the day of the class, before class starts. Everyone will have their equipment, so they don’t have to worry about touching someone else’s equipment and pass on germs. That’s been the hardest thing, to encourage people to come back to the class knowing that there is COVID is out there.� EMS is receiving a strong

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hearings that are often very lightly attended. Everyone agreed that anything proposed for community input should be less technical and more focused on examples of what development could or might look like. During the workshop, City Director of Planning David Stallworth – who did not participate in the discussion at the Oct. 26 Council meeting – spent time explaining the basic purpose and principles in a mixed use zoning category. Currently the City only has the option of meeting the goals of developers looking at a project like mixed use – which typically includes high-density residential and retail combined – through a planned use development. Stallworth also pointed out that development of mixed use zoning should be connected to a land use map and comprehensive plan, two things that need developing or updating in Liberty Hill.

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Continued from Page A1 For Liberty Hill, the most commonly discussed location for mixed use is Seward Junction -- the intersection of SH 29 and US 183. “You got 400 acres, you want to get the most bang for your buck and improve the ad valorem capture and create an urban village right at the corner of two major arterials,” Stallworth said. “I think true mixed use, in order for it to get the real meaning is you have to have the multi-family component because that way the people who live there can work right there or within walking distance.” The initial push The P&Z Commission first received a copy of the original proposed ordinance on Oct. 16 prior to its Oct. 20 meeting. But at the meeting, according to Messana, Commissioners were given a revised and “highly redacted” version that the City recommended for approval. Messana said the original

version was primarily written by Stallworth, and the altered version was changed prior to the meeting by Hall and new City Administrator Lacie Hale. A request was made at that meeting to table the issue, but Messana said they were told the Council would be considering it Oct. 26. The P&Z Commission voted to approve the originally proposed ordinance according to Messana, but that version was not in the Council packet for consideration or discussion at the Oct. 26 meeting. At that meeting, Council member Gram Lankford asked for clarification on what the P&Z Commission received regarding the proposed ordinance. “Both the original and the changed version were presented to the P&Z Commission at the last meeting?” asked Lankford. Hale said yes, that both were presented, but Messana clarified when Commissioners re-

ceived the two documents. “They were both presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission,” Messana said. “We were given advanced notice of the original document, the redacted document was presented at the time of the meeting and we were asked to vote on the redacted document.” Stallworth was not involved at any point in the discussion Monday, but was present at the meeting when the item came up for consideration. He did not respond to questions regarding his role in the process. Had the ordinance been approved Oct. 26, there would have been only eight days from the first time either draft was considered by any additional staff, the P&Z or Council to the date it was passed. The initial discussion of what the ordinance should look like originally included five people. “The initial discussion about

See MIXED, Page A6

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PUBLIC NOTICES INVITATION FOR BIDS Property maintenance including mowing for Liberty Hill Cemetery Association (LHCA) properties. Sealed bids for the contract term of two calendar years for the performance of general maintenance including mowing of the properties of the LHCA must be received on the attached LHCA bid proposal form. Sealed bids may be hand

delivered to the General Manager at 1100 Loop 332 Liberty Hill. Bids may be delivered to this address between 9am and 4:30pm Monday thru Thursday until November 18, 2020. Bids may be delivered to the LHCA office at 107 Brown Bridge Road on November 19, 2020 between the hours of 9am and 2pm. No bid will be accepted after 2pm on November 19, 2020. Bids may also be mailed to the Liberty Hill Cemetery Association at P. O. Box 73, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642 and must be postmarked no later than November 17, 2020. Scope of Work describes the required maintenance at the LHCA properties. The scope includes insurance requirements and other specifics. A resume of prior similar work performed within the last three years must be included with each bid proposal. References are not required but are recommended and will be taken into consideration. The scope of work is available for download within the bid packet at www.libertyhillcemetery.com or a bid packet may be picked up from the General Manager Kathy Canady at her office located at 1100 Loop 332 in Liberty Hill between the hours of 9am and 4:30pm Monday thru Thursday. The LHCA reserves the right to reject any and all bids at its sole discretion. Bids must be honored for at least 60 days after the bid date. Bidders will enter into the attached contract for a term of two years for the scope of work. It is anticipated that the term of the work will begin January 1, 2021 and end December 31, 2023. Prospective bidders are encouraged to contact the General Manager Kathy Canady 512-775-7654 OR 512-7786792 to set up an appointment for a site visit and a discussion of the expected quality of work. (11/12p) 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 512-548-5530 or email at ekrause@libertyhill-

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LEGAL NOTICES REVISED LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Liberty Hill has been asked to review and approve the following application(s), to wit: A request for a Zone Map Amendment from the High Density Residential (SF3) zoning classification to the Multi-family Residential (MF2) zoning classification on the following property: 15.67 acres out of the J.M. Glasscock Survey, ABS 254, Williamson County, Texas; specifically 3607 Ranch-toMarket Road (RM) 1869, generally located along the south side of RM 1869, between Taylor Smith and Barton Drives, and identified as Assessor’s Parcels Number R-392551 (14.67 ac.) and R-022214 (1.00 ac.). ***** AND ***** A request for a Zone Map Amendment from the General Commercial / Retail (C-3) zoning classification to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) classification on the following property: A portion of Lot 1, Replat of Quiktrip No. 4156 Addition, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas; located at 14010 State Highway 29, generally located along the north side of State Highway 29, approximately 555.0 feet west of County Road 214, and identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number R-582722. In accordance with Section 211.006, Texas Local Government Code, a public hearing on this application will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission (Commission) on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 6:30 PM. Upon receiving a recommendation from the Commission, the City Council will conduct its own public hearing and take final action on this matter on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 6:30 PM. Both public hearings will take place at the Municipal Court Building, Council Chambers, 2801 RM 1869 in Liberty Hill, Texas. For more information, you may either visit the Development Services Department at 100 Forrest Street, call (512) 778-5449, or send an email to planning@libertyhilltx.gov. By order of the Development Services Director on November 9, 2020. (11/12)

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COVID

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Continued from Page A1

Increased numbers in gathering places and holiday functions are suspected to be the primary cause of higher case numbers. “We are seeing perhaps the impacts of Halloween gatherings at this point,” Evert said. “The reopening of bars and restaurants and the increased capacity at those establishments, so it’s basically the social impact of us all wanting to get back out there and live our lives normally. We have to realize there’s still a pandemic waiting for us. We believe the impact is likely because of those reasons.” Last spring, the key demographic being impacted by COVID was senior citizens, but Evert said that has changed some this fall. “At this point we’re actually

seeing about 30 percent of our new cases in the 18-30 year old range, so it is skewing a little bit toward a younger group at this point,” she said. “Over the past 60 days we have seen an increase in that 14 to 17-year old range, so that’s like high school students. Is that a result of the schools reopening and increasing their capacity? Possibly. We would expect there to be some increase in transmission as folks go back to school even with mitigation measures in place.” What health officials know and recommend about precautionary measures hasn’t changed much outside of knowing that masks have made a real impact in keeping numbers as low as they have been. “We know a lot more about

TRAINING Continued from Page A3 response from the public after starting up classes again. “Our first-class was on Oct. 24, and it was our first CPR class that we held. Our first Stop the Bleed was in October as well,” said Henrichs. “In both situations, we had the classes full. We’ve had people ask for more classes. We have classes in November and December, and I can tell you that they’re already getting pretty full.” Henrichs’ goal for the classes is to remove any fears people might have about administering CPR because it can be the deciding factor in someone’s survival.

“We want people to understand that they are our first line. They are someone that can help save a life. You can potentially save a life because you are starting the treatment before EMS gets there,” she said. “You could end up having to do CPR on a loved one. We normally do end up doing CPR on loved ones. It can be at a family dinner. Someone could have a heart attack and go into cardiac arrest, and you might be the only one who knows CPR. We want you to feel comfortable enough to help them. We want you to have confidence.”

masks and how they do limit transmission and limit spread in certain situations,” Evert said. “I know everyone is tired of wearing them, but I think they have really made a difference in bringing us back down that curve. I think we all share that same concern that trends can go back up, and do seem to be going back as a result of some of these measures not being followed.” Entering the traditional flu season, Evert said it is as important as ever to watch symptoms and seek treatment right away. “The symptoms are obviously very similar between the two,” Evert said. “You have fever, body aches, cough, runny nose in both of these, so if you do feel sick we urge you to exclude yourself from your family and try to get testing at your provider’s office as soon as possible. They can run both tests at the same time in most places, and they’re rapid at this point for both. In theory you could have an answer pretty quickly.” With all the precautions in place for COVID, there is a possibility that the regular flu season might not see such high numbers. “Right now we’re seeing pretty low levels of flu, and that’s good,” Evert said. “What we’re hoping – if there is a plus to COVID – is that a lot of these measures that we’re taking to prevent COVID will actually result in a lower activ-

ity flu season,” she said. Evert said with the holidays approaching, and so many reasons to gather or celebrate in groups, it will be as important as ever to consider those decisions carefully. “It is going to be really important as we head into the holidays that we are maintaining vigilance with COVID, continuing with those mitigation measures – the mask wearing, the social distancing of that six feet, hand washing and even getting your flu shot. It is just a continuation of the same things we’ve been preaching essentially for months now. I think it’s going to become very important that we all kind of buckle down and embrace those as we head into the holidays to keep ourselves safe as well as our families.” While not wanting to dampen the holiday, officials are promoting efforts to celebrate in ways that can honor social distancing and avoid opportunities for the virus to easily spread. “We’re still recommending limiting those social gatherings outside of your household,” Evert said. “Obviously choosing gatherings that are outside, and in locations where you are able to social distance, these events are going to be preferred. I know there are a lot of communities talking about drive-thru lights and other unique approaches to try to get into the holiday spirit but not exposing yourself.”

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Page A5

GUIDELINES FOR COVID-SAFE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control

Attending a Holiday Gathering In addition to following the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations safer, take these additional steps while attending a gathering: - Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils. - Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking. - Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen. - Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils. Hosting a Holiday Gathering If having guests to your home, be sure that people follow the steps that everyone can take to make the event safer. Other steps you can take include: - Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community. - Limit the number of guests. - Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together. - Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. - If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows. - Limit the number of people in food preparation areas. - Have guests bring their own food and drink. - If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils. Holiday Travel Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you do travel: - Check travel restrictions before you go. - Get your flu shot before you travel. - Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation. - Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your household. - Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. - Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth. - Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.

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Page A6

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Mission Liberty Hill welcomes new pastor

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church has welcomed new pastor Mike Cofer to lead their congregation into the future. Cofer, a graduate of Concordia University and Concordia Seminary, served as an associate pastor in his first position in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Houston native worked in Virginia Beach for 10 years before taking a job in San Angelo for two years. “I received a call to come to this church. The church reached out to me and asked me if I’d like to come down and be their pastor,” said Cofer. “I thought about it a little bit and gave them an answer. This was a part of the master plan. They reached out to me, I prayed about it, and

COUNCIL

Continued from Page A1

projects and pay for it from the general fund, then we can be reimbursed from the bond funds in January.” The bond funds – estimated at $2.375 million – are to cover the cost of the swim center, some renovations at City Hall and the new community center that the Council awarded the bid for in October. The swim center project budget was set at $1.8 million, with $1.3 million from the bond funds and $500,000 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife grant. The final design has not been determined to date. A bid was awarded to Jimmy

MIXED

God said yes.” With confidence in meeting the criteria of what Mission Liberty Hill was looking for, Cofer decided the fit made sense. “They were looking for a pastor who loves people, who are interested in reaching out and helping people grow in the faith,” he said. “They told me they were looking for a good preacher, and I guess that didn’t scare them away. They wanted someone motivational. I’ve got family in the area, so that kind of sealed the deal for me. They want to engage the community.” Cofer finds comfort on the stage and in front of an audience. The pastor understands the weight and influences his role carries. “It’s been a lifelong dream.

Jacobs Construction in October for the renovation of the former County barn near the intersection of RM 1869 and Loop 332. The Council heard estimates for the project ranging from $500,000 with potential grant funds to help cover costs in January, to a higher projection in July of $750,000 with no grant possibilities. The final approved bid was considerably higher at $858,643. The City received four total bids, the one from Jimmy Jacobs Construction being the lowest by more than $200,000. Visibility concerns

Continued from Page A4

mixed use happened four or five weeks ago,” Hall said Oct. 26. “That was a discussion between myself, Lacie (Hale), (city attorney) Tad (Cleaves), and David (Stallworth) and Matt Powell. It was done due to a developer that is looking to come in to Liberty Hill to do a development that would particularly fall in line with a mixed use project.” The reason for the quick edits, which Hall said he made along with Hale, was because

it was received so close to the meeting date. “It was given to us at the eleventh hour without staff review and then Lacie and myself reviewed this with changes,” Hall said. He took issue with a number of items in the originally proposed ordinance, citing references to 12-foot-wide sidewalks, bike racks and confusion over the definition of activity centers among other things.

I’ve always loved talking to people about God and sharing what God has to say in his word. I’ve done it ever since I was a kid. So, when I got to get up and do it as a grown-up for real, it felt good,” he said. “I have a history of theater and some other public speaking, so getting up in front of people isn’t hard. The scary part is that they actually listen to what you have to say. It’s important that because of the power my words have that I speak the truth. You have to do it lovingly, but you have to speak truths. It’s a pretty high bar.” With a natural flair for performance, it’s not a surprise that Cofer is a skilled musician, holding a deep love of music and the guitar. “One of the things you could

see if you come over and see us is you might see me play music with the praise team at the beginning of the service,” said Cofer. “Music is one of my passions, and since I can’t do it fully because I have other obligations during service, I like to sneak over and play a little when I can.” Taking over a vital position in the time of pandemic is a tall order, and Cofer is working out the best way to navigate the limiting situation. “It is a little bit of a challenge to meet people in our community because we aren’t in public spaces like normal right now. We’re trying to figure out how to do that right now in a safe way. We are worshiping in person and online. For in-person worship, we want people to let us know ahead

and get a seat reserved.” As the leader of his congregation, Cofer’s decisions will mold that way forward. The pastor is ready to follow whatever path God will lay before him. “I’m very new here, so there’s still a level of listening and learning to get to know the community and congregation,” he said. “The big picture is we want to show the hope we have in Jesus Christ and the love and generosity that God has shown to us to our surrounding community. Whatever that means, we still have to develop a picture of what that looks like in the real world.”

The City plans a traffic visibility study for three streets downtown – Grange, Myrtle and Hickman. Traffic concerns with vehicles turning off of those streets onto Loop 332 prompted the discussion of the issue and potentially eliminating some downtown street parking. With the new parking lot near Loop 332 and CR 279 the City could remove some street parking, but will study the issue further before making any changes. Board questions The City Council has been dealing with how best to fill vacancies and consider the

structure and make up of City boards for some time, and Council member Canady suggested Monday that they hold a workshop to discuss the issue in more detail as she shared her thoughts. Chief among her concerns was making sure that City taxpayers were the predominant voice on the various boards. “In my opinion, City residents should be the majority make up of all the boards,” Canady said. “I think there are also some discrepancies about how many people are on some of these boards and we need to work through that.”

She also said the role of Council members on the boards, which has grown under Mayor Hall, should be curtailed. “I feel like Council members should only act as liaisons and not voting members on these boards and commissions,” she said. “I think it is important for us to have a liaison but we should have as many citizens on the boards to make recommendations to come back to us as possible.” Council member Gram Lankford agreed with the need to look at the issue, but said he believes there needs to be representation for those who live

“I’ll say a couple of the items I saw in it, that Lacie and I discussed, I didn’t feel were what was best for the City,” Hall said. “One of them was all hotels must be an extended stay hotel. Why do we want to limit ourselves?” He did not speak to the process of how the ordinance made its way to the Council or the argument that it was being rushed through for approval.

GIVING

Continued from Page A1

applications are online only due to COVID. Dec. 4, is the deadline for applications. Community Blessing Outreach will provide Thanksgiving meals to local families in need in the surrounding area. The meal includes turkey, sides, rolls, and pies. Families looking to get a meal must sign up by Friday, Nov. 20. Pick up will be on Nov. 25, between 3 - 7 p.m.

The pickup location will be the Post Tavern in Cedar Park at 601 Whitestone Blvd. “We want to make sure that we can get to as many people as possible and help however we can,” said Etzkorn. “Maybe not in the same way as we did in the past, maybe the gifts aren’t so big, but to me, anything can help right now.”

Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church’s search for a new pastor is complete as they welcome Pastor Mike Cofer. The Houston native has over a decade of experience preaching the word of God. (Courtesy Photo) outside the city limits. “Anybody who wants to have a shot at being appointed to one of these boards has a right to be looked at, to be put in front of us so we can determine what we think is best to fill the position,” Lankford said. “I understand wanting people that live inside the city limits to be the majority on these boards. The people in the ETJ don’t get to vote in our elections, but they live here and also have opinions.” The first workshop on the boards is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16.

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SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, November 12, 2020 Section B Page 1

Set for success Runnin’ Panthers to face a tough road against local foes in new district

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor As the Liberty Hill boys’ basketball squad moves up to Class 5A this season, Panthers head coach Barry Boren is confident his club is equipped to handle whatever may come their way. However, gone this year are two critical cogs from last season’s 28-8 team, namely point guard and leading scorer Carson Perkins, who poured in 18.8 points per game, along with center Walker Baty, who provided a dominant low post presence once he returned to the court from the gridiron last season in averaging 13.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest. But, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare for Boren, as he still has senior Kaden Knight, who will step into the point guard role and fellow senior guard Hunter Clayton in forming the Panthers’ backcourt. Knight scored 12.5 points per outing last season as primarily a shooting guard, but this season is being asked to step up and run the Liberty Hill offense from the point – something Boren is confident he can do. “Kadin is plenty good of a player,” said Boren. “But, now he’s the one who has to set others up to score instead of only scoring himself.” As far a playing a more rugged district schedule is concerned, Boren isn’t worried about how his team will react due to the fact there is already a familiarity with many of their new opponents. “If you go off last year’s schedule, we played a lot of those teams and they were close games,” he said. “The point is I think we can compete with these teams.” Indeed the proof of this is in

the pudding, as the Panthers defeated East View (72-53), Georgetown (70-44) and Marble Falls (74-67), while nearly prevailing over Glenn, who they lost to by two and one point in a pair of contests and Cedar Park by 10 after having led at halftime. In addition to Knight and Clayton, Boren will be depending on senior Bobby Mundy to help shoulder much of the leadership load. “Bobby’s pretty much the glue which is going to hold us together as a team,” he said. “He’s probably going to be the valedictorian and there’s nobody with more integrity.” A trio of sophomores will be making their respective varsity debuts in 6-foot-1 guard Cayden Branch, 6-foot-4 forward Gunter Daniels and 6-foot-2 forward Camden Justice after all three lit up the lower levels of the program last season as freshman. But, one reservation Boren has about the group is despite the fact they were able to easily dominate at that level, it’s certainly a different story now that they’re up against the big boys, he said. “Our sophomores have never had to play as hard as they are now just to be on the varsity,” said Boren. “The speed and physicality of the varsity game are much different and you also need to be able to switch up on the fly when we run our matchup zone, for example.” A possible wild card is Anthony Sierras, a 6-foot-3 junior forward who transferred in from California – a player who Boren said is versatile enough to play any position on the court. Although the bulk of Baty will be missed down low, the Panthers still have plenty of big bodies to bang underneath

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Senior guard Kadin Knight (#12) will be asked to run the Liberty Hill offense form the point-guard position this season. the boards in 6-foot-5 junior forward Walker Weems, 6-foot-3 junior forward Kaden McMahan and 6-foot-5 junior center Aaron Brewer, although McMahan and Brewer will not join the Panthers until their football duties for the season are done. Boren rues the fact he and his team are being deprived of the usual early-season tournaments due to the condensed schedule as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the seasoning those events provide, but also concedes it’s the same situation for everyone. “When you go to tournaments, you get to play a lot of

games and you have to make adjustments and be able to size up opponents quickly,” he said. “On the other hand, with how it is now, you have more time to game plan for different teams.” In place of the tournaments, the UIL is allowing teams to play three games per week compared to the customary two, meaning there will be several occasions of back-toback contests on Friday and Saturday. According to Boren, while the coaches might not like having less practice time to work out problems, there’s no question what the players would rather

be doing. “Of course,” said Boren. “Players want to play, not practice.” Liberty Hill will play 11 games before the district schedule begins with a home game against Cedar Park on Dec. 12, with a 14-game slate schedule to determine the top four teams, who will qualify for the playoffs. Currently, the UIL preseason rankings in Class 5A have a pair of the Panthers’ district opponents in the top 25 in Leander (No. 9) and Glenn (No. 21), so the going won’t be easy, said Boren. “Cedar Park won their district

last year and has been to state twice in the past 10 years,” he said. “Glenn made the playoffs in 6A last season before moving down and Georgetown made it, too, along with East View and Marble Falls being improved.” As for Boren himself and when his long and storied career on the sidelines will finally reach the end of the road, he just keeps on keeping on and doesn’t see an end in sight. “I never really planned on retiring,” he said. “I’m going to keep doing this until I don’t feel like doing it anymore.”

Lady Panther hoops roster features 10 seniors

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Liberty Hill head girls’ basketball coach Chris Lange will have no shortage of experience at his disposal this season as the Lady Panthers embark on a Class 5A journey for the first time in school history. The Lady Panthers’ roster features 10 seniors, which means there is plenty of know-how for his club to rely on, although there could also be a downside, said Lange. “The good part of it is we have players who have already been through it,” he said. “But, on the flip side of that, sometimes seniors will start looking ahead like, ‘Hey, we’re almost done with this.’” As for competing now against teams such as Cedar Park and the Georgetown and Leander schools, Lange is keeping the same approach which has proved successful in the past. “We’ve always tried to play bigger schools leading up to district,” he said. “But, now those bigger schools are our district, which means the competition level will increase.” Leading the way for the Lady Panthers will be senior guard Jessica Holliday, along with backcourt teammates Avery Harrell and Madison Walker, a trio which provides much flexibility for Lange, especially in Holliday, he said. “Jessica can play the one, two or three,” said Lange. “So, we can get someone like (forward) Morgan Jackson on the court and have two good 3-point shooters out there at the same time.” Class 5A will be a more physical brand of basketball, but no worries, as post players such as junior center Emma Hubbard, senior Gloria Kostroun and

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Taylor Swieczkowski (#5) will be depended on to provide scoring and rebounding for the Lady Panthers this season as Liberty Hill plays in Class 5A for the first time in school history. senior Taylor Swieczkowski have that covered. Hubbard, in particular will play a major role down low, as the 5-foot-11 pivot continues to mature and use her size advantage to muscle opponents under the basket, but still needs to improve on using that physicality without being penalized by the officials, said Lange. “Sometimes Emma struggles with fouling,” he said. “She tends to get frustrated with herself and the officials in those situations, but she’s a young junior and is still learning.” Kostroun is a first-time varsity player as a senior this season and will only add to the

Lady Panthers’ physical edge under the boards and Ashton Jordan is returning to the lineup after a knee injury that kept the senior center out almost all of last season. Senior guard Baylee Laird provides plenty of added grit in the backcourt and Jackson is perhaps the most improved player from last year, said Lange. “Morgan has really come alive this season,” he said. “We’re expecting a lot of her and so far, I’ve been really pleased with her.” Liberty Hill has employed a running, pressing, uptempo style in recent years and that trend will continue moving forward, but Lange knows he

needs his team to be able to handle a slower pace – whether it be the opposition or the officiating, which adds a fly to the ointment. “If we can run, we’re going to try to push the ball,” he said. “But, if you’re up against a really athletic team, they can slow down the game and so can the officials if they’re calling everything, so we need to be able to play more than one way.” According to Lange, one player who will make a significant impact this season is Swieczkowski, who provided energy off the bench last season, but will do even more this year. “Going into this season, I told

Taylor I needed more from her,” said Lange. “She needs to be more of a scorer again like when she was on the JV and so far, she’s come in and practiced as hard as anyone, which should translate into positive minutes on the court during games.” Lange added Swieczkowski’s enthusiasm and work ethic has a positive influence on her teammates. “When they see what she’s doing, they follow along,” he said. “Taylor will provide a nice contribution to the team this year.” Junior forward Kenzy Wise will give the Lady Panthers added toughness and rebounding, along with center Olivia

Shelton, while players such as forward Sophia Stafford and guards Olivia House and Ashlyn Calhoun provide added depth off the bench, which gives Lange up to 10 players he can use even in close games. Madison Walker and twin sister and Regan will be expected to do a lot of the dirty work for the Lady Panthers – something Lange lauds the duo for. “Both of them have motors which are running all the time,” he said. “They play great defense and can do a lot of things other people can’t, like getting steals and putting a lot of pressure on the other team. Also, they’re not afraid to shoot the ball.” Liberty Hill will only play nine games before launching into the district schedule with a road game at East View on Dec. 8, as opposed to the usual tournaments, which have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that shouldn’t have any kind of profound effect on his team, said Lange. “We just play a lot of games in a short amount of time,” he said. “UIL is allowing us to play three games or more per week if we need to.” Last season, Liberty Hill finished with an overall record of 23-15, including a 9-1 mark in district play before losing in the third round of the playoffs. But, this season will prove to be much more rugged due to the Lady Panthers’ move up in class, although not as much has changed as might seem on the surface, said Lange. “For the last four or five years, we’ve been playing bigger schools,” he said. “But, there’s still work to be done.”

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Thursday, November 12, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Boys basketball squad teams with local firefighters to remember 9/11

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Athletes run stairs all the time for conditioning purposes and the Liberty Hill boys’ basketball team is no different. However, on the morning of Oct. 31, the Purple-and-Gold hoopsters could be found climbing and descending the steel bleachers at Panther Stadium – only with some unusual company in the Liberty Hill Fire Department. The occasion was in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Association’s annual stair climb to commemorate the 343 firefighters who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. According to Liberty Hill Boys’ Basketball Booster Club President Bob Mundy, the event was held simply for the sake of establishing an understanding and appreciation of what firefighters do in their respective communities. “This was chosen as a means of understanding the value of first responders and what they do unselfishly to protect and save lives daily,” said Mundy. “We were trying to show the boys what a grind firefighters have to go through physically by this one example of staying in shape.” Head boys’ basketball coach Barry Boren said Mundy originally approached him about staging the event. “Several weeks ago, Bob asked me if I would be interested in doing something like this,” he said. “He informed me it was an annual event firefighters around the country do to commemorate fallen firefighters from 9/11. So, last Saturday, we gathered at our football stadium to do ‘the climb.’” Players, coaches, parents and family members alike participated, with 37 trips up and down the bleachers by the civilians and 28 for the firefighters, who were in full gear. Boren said the decision was made to host the event on a couple of different fronts – something he made clear during his comments delivered to the crowd. “First, we were doing it as a sign of respect to those who serve now and for those whose service years ago paid a price for many of the freedoms we now enjoy,” he said. “I talked about how sometimes it’s a good thing to do something for others without worrying about getting paid or getting a pat on the back. I talked about how our United States wasn’t very

Liberty Hill head boys’ basketball coach Barry Boren, center, along with players, coaches, family and members of the Liberty Hill Fire Department participated in a stair climb to honor the National Fallen Firefighters Association’s annual 9/11 event. (Courtesy Photo) ‘united’ and this was something which we could do that was cohesive. I told the crowd I remembered exactly where I was on 9/11 and how horrific it was. I closed by saying ‘If you ever get a chance to visit the museum in New York City, you need to go’ because it will make you better understand that devastating day.” Boren then described a moment that perfectly illustrated the purpose behind it all. “Towards the end, one of our managers who isn’t in as good of shape as his fellow players was really struggling to finish,” he said. “Some of his senior classmates and a parent went and walked those last few ‘climbs’ with him. For me, that picture captured the ‘why’ of this event. ‘No man left behind,’ and ‘Next man up’ are thoughts and philosophies you try to embed in your players as you’re building your team. To me, those are components of the unity our country used to be known for and I saw a piece of that – it made me glad we were there.” However, Boren added the most inspiring visual was the manner in which the firefighters methodically moved up and down the bleachers time and again. “The most striking sight and sound of the event was those of the firefighters,” he said. “While the others would pass a slower-moving individ-

ual in the movement up and down the stairs, the firefighters never broke formation. They literally started, stayed and finished together. How impactful the sight of this crew walking up and down in unison was. How inspiring were the sounds of encouragement to one another as they began to feel the effects of the heavy sweat-soaked equipment that hung on their bodies -- wow.” Mundy added the event served as an example of the kind of values the Booster Club hopes to convey to the players. “Our primary mission statement is to provide support to the boys’ basketball program at the high school by collecting donations to further along the basketball program in a positive manner by means of working together with the coaches to portray a family atmosphere to the boys,” he said. Mundy was confident the mission had been accomplished by event’s end. “The biggest thing for the players to take away from this event is to understand the unselfish behavior of being a firefighter and the value behind being a first responder,” he said. “The firefighters on 9/11 entered the burning towers not knowing they wouldn’t come out alive, but understanding

See CLIMB, Page B4

A tale of two matches for Lady Panthers

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Last Wednesday in Cedar P a r k , we witnessed w h a t Liberty Hill volleyball supporters have been waiting for. A watershed moment. Indeed, that’s exactly what we got with the Lady Panthers’ thrilling 3-2 (25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 18-25, 15-11 ) victory over the host Timberwolves. Cedar Park has been ranked all season and entered the contest at No. 9 in all of Class 5A across the entire state of Texas – which is a whole lot of teams. Meanwhile, Liberty Hill had been in the top 25 at the beginning of the campaign, only to drop out after a few early-season defeats. But, no worries for head coach Gretchen Peterson’s club, as they have soldiered on through all kinds of adversity in the way of injuries and quarantines in rising to the occasion more times than not as they have navigated the uncharted waters of Class 5A for the first time in school history. However, the victory against Cedar Park was taking the grit and determination to an entirely new level. The first meeting between the sides resulted in a straight-sets victory for the Lady Timberwolves on Liberty Hill’s home court back on Oct. 16. Now, in volleyball, there are straight-sets wins and then there are straight-sets wins. Despite defeat, the Lady Panthers lost the first two sets by as close as one can in volleyball – that is, two points – before dropping the third by a wider margin. But, what that opening pair of stanzas told them was they could indeed play and hold their with the big girls from the big town down the road and all they needed to do moving forward was have the ability to close out opponents for set victories when they have them down. One of Peterson’s favorite mantras is “Volleyball is a game of momentum.” Nothing could be more true, so when you have it on your

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5 NUMBERS 14

Kills by Lady Panthers’ Kaileigh Truslow during Liberty Hill’s district road victory over Cedar Park

20:06.26

Time for Liberty Hill’s Ayanna Donwerth at regional cross country in qualifying for state

34

Winning margin in Lady Panthers’ 79-45 home victory over Killeen in basketball opener

21

Days in between games for Liberty Hill football during consecutive bye weeks in the schedule

5

Consecutive volleyball victories for Lady Panthers, including four straight-sets wins

side, you have to close the deal without giving the opposition even a glimmer of hope. What the Lady Panthers failed to do in that first meeting, they certainly did in the rematch and the results were remarkable. Look no further than sophomore outside hitter Kaileigh Truslow for proof of the maturity and growth – both individually and collectively – the Purple-and-Gold have experienced in the two-anda-half weeks between the two matches. In the first meeting, Truslow – who, by the way is in her first season of varsity volleyball – had a decent match, to be sure, with seven kills and 10 digs, showing her versatility in being able to hammer home kills at the net, while also having the ability to serve-receive and take the sting out of missiles which come back over and head her way. Against the Timberwolves at the second time of asking, the blonde bomber displayed all the poise of a seasoned veteran, with a 14-kill performance, which included six – count ‘em, six – in the pressure-packed fifth set when there was all to play for. Just for good measure, Truslow threw in a pair of her patented beach-serve aces, which drop over the net with the bite and velocity of a split-fingered fastball and add-

ed 15 digs on the day. But, Peterson will also tell you volleyball is a team game, which means Truslow wasn’t alone in propelling the Lady Panthers to such a famous victory. Emma Becker shared the spotlight with Truslow, contributing 14 kills of her own to the cause, not to mention a squad-best 22 assists – level with fellow junior setter Emma Parsons – with her customary combination of setting up kills and finishing them off herself. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of the entire situation was the fact Liberty Hill won the first two sets, before dropping the next two, which forced the tiebreaker. If they had gone on to sweep Cedar Park in straight sets, the scoreline would’ve been more impressive. Instead, what Peterson’s team got was a first-hand lesson in throwing away a commanding lead when it seemed as if they would cruise to victory, only to regain the ever-important momentum and having the resolve to come through in the clutch – and all in the chaos of a hostile road environment. One can look back to the district opener on Sept. 29 at Rouse to see how the Lady Panthers reacted in a similar situation earlier on in the campaign.

See NUMBERS, Page B4

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

Rolling to the oldies while racking up yards

Senior prefers classic country when not running past opponents

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When the Liberty Hill football team is lifting weights on a Saturday morning after a game the previous night, head coach Jeff Walker is the DJ and the veteran sideline boss prefers to pipe classic country, which permeates every corner of the room as his players are put through their paces. Although most of the Panthers would rather groove to tunes a bit more contemporary, Trey Seward is one player who certainly doesn’t mind the musical selection of his coach. In fact, when the senior running back is rolling down the road in his classic Chevrolet truck, old-school country is always his music of choice. “Oh, yeah,” said Seward. “Willie Nelson or Waylon Jennings – that kind of stuff.” When Seward isn’t indulging in his favorite musical accompaniment, he’s running past defenders on the gridiron with blinding speed and cat-like quickness. After leading Liberty Hill in rushing last season with 2,046 yards and 22 touchdowns, Seward is again atop the charts this year, with 91 carries for 856 yards and 11 TDs in six games. Running with a football tucked under his arm is nothing new for Seward, who began playing the position all the way back in fifth grade after first picking up a football in kindergarten. Despite the fact

he also played baseball and basketball earlier on in his sports life, once he reached high school, the choice was clear as far as which one he was going to singularly pursue, he said. “Football has everything I want,” said Seward. “All the hitting and everything and besides, like Coach Walker says, with other sports, just about anybody can go out and play, but with football, it’s different.” According to Seward, there’s no feeling like having nothing but open field between him and the end zone. “Just scoring a touchdown when you have all your blockers out in front of you,” said Seward. Walker said Seward has an uncanny ability to see holes open up before they even do, which helps him bamboozle defenses all the more. “Trey runs hard and he can break through arm tackles,” he said. “But, he’s as quick as a cat and has great vision, which means the game slows down in front of him and he’s able to react to the defenders faster.” However, in addition to his running ability, Seward also possesses a prowess as far as catching the ball, as well. Witness earlier in the season when he ran down a pass and laid out perfectly before successfully cradling the ball and landing in the end zone for a touchdown in a home victory over Crockett.

Seward has a pair of touchdown receptions this season and said he actually prefers to score through the air than on the ground. “With all the running I do, it’s always cool to catch the ball,” said Seward. “Especially when you have a quarterback like Charlie (Calabretta) who can get the ball down the field.” Walker said the ability to haul in aerial strikes makes Seward that much more versatile and valuable. “Trey is quick and runs good routes,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of guys who can catch the football and he’s had two or three fantastic catches this season.” Seward said his favorite subject in school is a statistics class, but doesn’t know as of now exactly what kind of career path he’ll take after graduation. “I really have no idea,” he said. “But, my dad builds swimming pools for a living and my brother has talked about us someday taking over the family business.” Seward is a country boy of the highest order, which includes much hunting and fishing, particularly on a swath of family land located in Goldthwaite, where he primarily hunts deer – although it takes a great deal of patience to bag a buck, he said. “Sometimes, we’ll just sit in a stand for about four hours,” said Seward. “I’ve been doing it as long as I can remember.”

Seward equated the time and effort of a successful hunt to the resolve required to thrive in the Panthers’ Slot-T offense. “I think it’s just like that,” he said. “You just have to keep doing it over and over.” Although the offense is geared for players such as himself to gain yards as if they’re going out of style, Seward bristles at the suggestion any back can simply be plugged in and have success. “A lot of it has to do with the player in the system,” he said. “I don’t think you can just put any random running back in there with what we do.” As for if he would rather feature in a more traditional offense, Seward quickly dismissed the notion. “No way,” he said. “I’d much rather play in our offense than a spread offense because with the brotherhood we have on our football team, we all have to come together to make it work.” Seward said the closeness and camaraderie he and his teammates share is something special the likes of which are unique to his hometown. “Most of us have been playing together since the sixth or seventh grade,” he said. “We have a really strong bond, which is something I like about Liberty Hill.” Seward knows time is quickly running out on his Purpleand-Gold days, which seems a

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Trey Seward (#20) strikes a pose in the end zone which is a

See SEWARD, Page B4 familiar place to visit for the Liberty Hill senior running back.

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 12, 2020

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Kaileigh Truslow (#18) had 14 kills in the Lady Panthers’ 3-2 (25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 18-25, 1511) road victory against Cedar Park on Nov. 4.

Liberty Hill defeats previously-unbeaten district leaders

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor CEDAR PARK -- Kaileigh Truslow might only be a sophomore in her first season of varsity volleyball, but the Liberty Hill outside hitter showed the poise of a veteran late in the Lady Panthers’ 3-2 (25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 18-25, 15-11) road victory over Cedar Park on Nov. 4. The Lady Timberwolves’ 12-match winning streak? History. Their previously-perfect district record? Gone. All at the hands of a resilient Liberty Hill squad that refused to fold after letting Cedar Park force a fifth set after winning the first two of the match. However, it was Truslow who put the Lady Panthers over the top, collecting 14 kills – six of them in the decisive fifth set. Truslow attributed the victory to the aggressive approach she and her teammates took entering the proceedings. “We knew we had nothing to lose,” she said. “This was a great opportunity for us.” At the outset, it looked as if the visitors would run away with the match in a first set which saw the Lady Panthers quickly jump out to leads of 4-1 and 11-3, with the help of a pair of Truslow kills. Senior Lilli Wilkins contributed two kills, while Emma Becker and Ailie Hair also got in on the act in helping Liberty Hill close out the set in relatively easy fashion, 25-16. But, from that point forward, the two sides were never more than two points apart all the way through the second and third sets. After only getting a single kill in the first set, Becker came alive in the second stanza, hammering home four kills, but the Lady Panthers’ enthusiasm was somewhat muted when Wilkins went down with an injury with the score 5-5 after having just blocked a shot on the previous point and was forced to the sidelines for the rest of the match. In came junior middle blocker Bailey Becker, who more-than-capably filled in for Wilkins on the front line the rest of the way, although Liberty Hill head coach Gretchen Peterson acknowledged the wind may have come out of her team’s sails after they held on the win the set, 25-21. “I think after Lilli got hurt, our adrenaline kicked in,” she said. “But, after that, we kind of came back down again.” Suddenly, all the momentum and composure the Lady Panthers had shown in winning the first two sets was gone and in its place was a re-energized Cedar Park squad who wasn’t about to go quietly into the night on its home court.

Emma Becker began the third with a string of four kills, along with a Bailey Becker ace for a quick 4-1 advantage, but the Lady Timberwolves fought right back in not allowing Liberty Hill to get any further than one point ahead. Right after Emma Becker bombed her 10th kill of the evening, Maddi Rowley served an ace for a 12-11 lead, but Cedar Park once again rebounded until building a 1614 lead of their own. After the score was tied one final time at 19-19, the hosts finally gained the lead for good and went on to win, 2521. The fourth set saw the same kind of dogged determination by both sides which had fueled the entire match up to that point, until Cedar Park built as much as 14-8 advantage before going on to win, 25-18 and force the decisive fifth set. Hair stepped up in the fifth with four kills and a block, but it seemed as if the oncesafe lead and the match itself was slowly slipping away, as the Lady Timberwolves led 9-6 when Peterson called a timeout. On the first point after the break, Hair claimed a kill and that’s when Truslow kicked her game into high gear, winning five of the Lady Panthers’ last seven points as she and her teammates went on a 9-2 run to end it and secure victory after it seemed as if all had been lost. According to Peterson, the difference between this match and the straight-sets home loss to Cedar Park her squad suffered on Oct. 16 was the mentality her team brought into the match. “We stayed aggressive and weren’t afraid to win,” said Peterson. “We felt like we had everything to gain tonight and nothing to lose.” Peterson added it was that precise approach which allowed her players to play loose and easy, as opposed to the first meeting with the Lady Timberwolves. “We were a totally different team the first time we played them,” she said. “We we psyched out by them and weren’t mentally tough. Tonight, we came in with a different mindset.” Truslow added a pair of aces and 23 digs to her 14 kills, while Emma Becker collected 10 kills and 25 assists on the match. Emma Parsons picked up 25 assists, while Hair had five blocks, Haley Kuhlmann 16 digs and Bailey Becker two aces. Liberty Hill (15-4, 9-3) will next host winless Marble Falls on Nov. 6, then will wrap up the regular season with a home date against Rouse on Nov. 13. As it currently stands, the

third-place Lady Panthers will match up with District 26 second-place Alamo Heights in the opening round of the playoffs, unless Liberty Hill were to chase down Rouse for second in District 25. Either way, Peterson was glad to have the opportunity to see how her team would react in a pressure-packed atmosphere – something they didn’t have last season before entering the postseason. “Tonight was a great learning moment for us,” she said. “We treated this like a trial at a playoff match and Cedar Park is a really good team.” For Truslow, the high-intensity environment is exactly what she thrives in. “I love the competition – it’s awesome,” she said. “We were looking for payback tonight.”

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Senior Ayanna Donwerth finished 17th at the Region 4 cross country meet on Nov. 9 in Corpus Christi and will be the only Liberty Hill runner to compete at the state championships in Round Rock on Nov. 23.

CROSS COUNTRY BRIEFS

Donwerth qualifies for State Meet

Ayanna Donwerth was the only member of the Liberty Hill girls’ cross country squad who competed at the Region 4 championships in Corpus Christi on Nov. 9 and now the speedy senior will carry on her solo quest to the state championships after a 17th-place finish in a time of 20:06.26. Cedar Park’s Isabel Conde De Frankenberg, who had

won the district meet on Oct. 30, crossed the line first in 17:51.84. Liberty Hill’s boys’ squad qualified as a team and finished 10th in the 16-team field, as senior Isaiah De La Garza was the highest-placed Panthers runner with a 43rd-place showing in a time of 17:34.74. Fellow senior Cade Johnson was right behind his team-

mate in 44th place in 17:36.00, while Cayden Branch (59th, 17:49.10), Jacob Russell (67th, 18:01.12), Brandon Colicher (77th, 18:13.53), Caden Glenn (85th, 18:23.16) and Ryan McCarn (120th, 19:36.92) also finished for the Panthers. Donwerth will next compete at the state championships on Nov. 23 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

Liberty Hill 3, Marble Falls 0 On Nov. 6, the Lady Panthers hosted Marble Falls and swept aside the winless Mustangs in straight sets by a score of 3-0 (25-6, 25-13, 255), as Escamilla and Hair led Liberty Hill with eight kills each on the evening. Rowley served six aces and Truslow four, while Emma Becker led with 16 assists and Parsons collected 11, with Kuhlmann and Parsons getting eight and six digs, respectively. Junior varsity Liberty Hill’s junior varsity squad lost to Cedar Park, 2-1 (21-25, 25-14, 22-25), as Bailey Lundy had five kills and Payton Hanson four, while Dara Hawkins had three aces and eight assists, Morgan Poulain blocked three shots and Mackenzie Bamsch added four digs on the match. The Lady Panthers defeated Marble Falls, 2-0 (25-14, 25-7), as Poulain had six kills and Lundy five to go with 16 assists and a pair of aces from Hawkins. Freshmen The Lady Panthers’ freshman squad beat Marble Falls, 2-0 (25-8, 25-12), with Kealy Dirner collecting six kills and Gigi Mason four, while Carson Glenn racked up four aces, 11 assists and six digs and Kylie Hutchinson added four aces in the win. Flex Liberty Hill’s flex squad defeated Marble Falls, 2-0 (2514, 25-17) as Sydney Ballew had three aces and Alexzia Lomas and Callie Pogue each picked up a pair. Brooke Constantino served four aces, while Hannah Kerr had six assists.

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Jessica Holliday (#2) scored a game-high 20 points in the Lady Panthers’ 79-45 season-opening home victory over Killeen on Nov. 7.

Lady Panthers pound Killeen in basketball season opener

Holliday leads with 20 points in a 79-45 home win

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Much has been made about Liberty Hill’s move up to Class 5A across the sports spectrum this school year and the added competition level it will provide. Jessica Holliday must not have gotten the memo. The senior shooting guard scored a game-high 20 points in the Lady Panthers’ 79-45 season-opening home victory against Class 6A Killeen on Nov. 7. But, Holliday wasn’t the only one who had her scoring shoes on, as Liberty Hill head coach Chris Lange got balanced scoring down his entire roster, including Morgan Jackson, who had eight points, along with Madison Walker (8), Emma Hubbard (7), Taylor Swieczkowski (7), Gloria Kostroun (7) and Baylee Laird (6). According to Holliday, the fact she and her teammates were running on all cylinders right out of the gate of a new season was a bit of a surprise. “Our chemistry was better than I expected,” said Holliday. “Especially for our first

game. We had really good cohesiveness.” Killeen jumped out to an early lead, but once the Lady Panthers went ahead, 11-10 midway through the first quarter, they never trailed for the rest of the game. Hubbard was on point in the paint early, with six points in the opening period, along with five from Jackson, including a three and Liberty Hill led, 2013 after one. The home side was on from the free-throw line, as well, as Madison Walker, Avery Harrell and Holliday scored the first five Liberty Hill points of the second quarter all from the line. Immediately after that stretch, the home side went on a 17-0 run, which left them with a commanding 39-14 advantage after Kostroun scored late in the period before Regan Walker hit a bucket and a free throw to give the Lady Panthers a 4422 lead at halftime. “Today was a very physical game,” said Lange. “But, we were able to expand our lead in the second quarter.” The gap between the clubs

only widened as the second half began, with Holliday hitting from beyond the arc to start the third quarter, followed by a nifty basket-and-one when Holliday found Kenzy Wise on a drive to the hoop which drew a foul. Laird put her usual gritty stamp on the proceedings with a free throw followed by a basket before Holliday – who had eight points in the period – drained another 3-pointer and Liberty Hill led, 66-32 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter, the game got a bit sloppy as the outcome had already been decided, but Jackson hit another three and senior Sophia Stafford sealed the victory with a free throw in the waning moments. Lange was pleased he was able to use his entire squad due to the one-sided nature of the contest. “We were able to go all the way through our bench,” he said. “Which won’t always happen in close games, but the girls are mature enough to understand.”

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

NUMBERS

Liberty Hill Panthers 8U place in Blue Santa championship

The Liberty Hill 8U Panthers fell short in the Blue Santa Tournament championship game against Georgetown, but received 2nd Place rings. Players include (not in photo order) Brilynn Fults, Braelynn Cottingham, Brooke DiFiore, Caleigh Newberg, Felicia Kurczewski, Julianna Willis, Jocelyn Willis, Kelsey Etheridge, Sammie Lain, Sophia Brooks and Taylor DiFiore. Coaches are Michael Etheridge (head coach), Mandy Fults, Jacob Willis and Jen Willis. (Courtesy Photo)

SEWARD

Continued from Page B2

bit unfathomable. “This season’s gone by so fast,” he said. “But, looking back, I didn’t think we were going to get to play at all this year.” Having said that, Seward has embraced the role he has within the team and would like to think he’s leaving a mark on the program. “I hope people remember me as a leader, a role model, someone who always gave it their all and never com-

plained,” he said. But, back to the ride. Seward drives a 1984 white Chevy with gold accents, which is smartly-lowered, rumbles with a 350-cubic inch small block engine under the hood and features a decal with “20” on the back window that matches the number on his jersey. The vehicle was the result of an online search, which unearthed the truck in Smithville. “It was one of the only ones

I found in that color,” said Seward. “All we had to do was put new rims and tires on, along with a stereo and new dashboard.” The fact teammates Calabretta and Brady Hewlett drive newer Chevy trucks gives Seward all the ammunition he needs to declare his the best, he said. “All of the other trucks look the same,” said Seward. “But, mine has that square shape and is a classic.”

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In that match, they lost the first two sets, battled back in winning the second two and lost the fifth. So, it was the exact opposite script with the sad ending instead of the happy one, although Truslow collected an otherworldly 25 kills on the evening. Fast-forward about six weeks and the Lady Panthers left the court and boarded their bus for the short ride back home with utter glee and giddiness instead of despair. In fact, an impromptu celebration broke out after the players had boarded, which resulted in the big, yellow vehicle bouncing up and down as they danced and sang their way into the night. Amazing what a monthand-a-half will do. But, maybe not considering the high standards Peterson holds her players to – not only in matches, but perhaps more importantly, during practice. Anyone who knows anything about central Texas high-school volleyball knows what a plethora of talent there is in the Austin area and its outlying towns and Peterson was well aware of what she and her team were getting themselves into with such a rugged district schedule – especially compared to seasons past where all they basically had to do to win was show up. But, now after the gauntlet they’ve already passed through – primarily with flying colors, mind you – the Lady Panthers are setting themselves up to vanquish the playoff disappointment

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of the past two years, when they were ill-prepared for the fierce competition the postseason provides following a soft district schedule. Certainly there aren’t many teams across the entire state at the Class 5A level who are better than Cedar Park and the

DISTRICT STANDINGS Football - District 14 5A LIBERTY HILL NORTHEAST EARLY COLLEGE MCCALLUM MARBLE FALLS CROCKETT TRAVIS NAVARRO

W 4 2 2 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 1 2 2 3 3

Volleyball - District 25 5A W 10 12 10 8 6 5 2 0

ROUSE CEDAR PARK LIBERTY HILL LEANDER GEORGETOWN EAST VIEW GLENN MARBLE FALLS

CLIMB

L 1 2 3 6 8 8 11 14

Continued from Page B2

the risk. They still went in to do the job they were trained to do.” After photos were taken to commemorate the event, Boren came away with a feeling of fulfillment. “It didn’t last long and it was tiring, but not completely exhausting,” he said. “Everyone was able to walk away. Cer-

PANTHER R GAMES FOR NOV. 12

fact Liberty Hill was able to defeat them under said conditions may prove to be the exact bellwether the program needs to propel itself into state-championship contention. We’ll know soon enough.

tainly, it doesn’t compare to what those first responders met at the Twin Towers in New York on 9/11. But, in a small way, it was a chance to say ‘thanks’ and ‘I remember.’ My guess is for those who came and were a part will remember the event. Hopefully, we’ll all remember why.”

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Thursday, November 12, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page B5

New business offers dog agility training for kids

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Upon arrival at Letty McNulty’s house on the outskirts of Liberty Hill, expect to be greeted at the front door by a pack of small, excited dogs – Papillons. Exiting through the back door is like being transported to dog fun heaven. McNulty, a retired P.E. instructor of over four decades, is an agility instructor. The longtime educator trains her papillons in the art of running obstacle courses. “I was not planning on working after retiring, but if I have to work, this is what I want to do. I think this is going to be cool,” said McNulty. “I was taught nuts and bolts, and that method is to form the best relationship with your dog, and they’ll start reading you and basic cues.” Early on, it was clear to McNulty what career she wanted and, despite initial pushback from her parents she achieved that goal. “My parents wouldn’t let me be a P.E. teacher. They were very upper crust. I had to fight for it. I spent two years at a liberal arts school, and I couldn’t do it. I knew what I wanted to do, and they said no child of ours is going to a state university,” she said. “The University of Maryland had four tracks, and one of them was pre-med. They said if I go pre-med, I could do it. So, I went premed, graduated, and I went for the first P.E. interview two weeks after I graduated.” A determined and driven individual, McNulty enjoys the

thrill of the outdoors and the rush of physical activities. She used physical education as a way to enrich the students she instructed. “I was so lucky to be a P.E. teacher. It was the best job. You can model for kids and show them things,” said McNulty. “P.E. is not just exercising. There’s so much more to developing a whole person. I knew that from very early on. It’s teamwork, emotions, winning and losing, and how to handle all of that.” Not yet at the point of retirement, McNulty discovered her second passion, diving headfirst into her new sport. “I had a friend in Louisiana, and she had papillons. I helped her find her first confirmation dog. I was going to nationals in San Antonio, and she called me and asked me to come early and watch her run agility. I asked her what it was, and she said it was fun and I’d love to do it. So, I went and when I got home it was all I could do, I was in a class in two weeks. I was hooked.” Taking her love of running agility and her 41 years of experience as an educator, McNulty decided to combine her passions and create the Liberty Oaks Agility Academy. “I had to think about what I could do just to cover my agility habit. I thought, well, I’m a pretty good teacher and a pretty good coach and good at agility,” she said. “With eight dogs, I started to mess around with showing my grandkids, and they would bring their

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friends over. I figured that nobody else had thought to teach kids agility, and I could do that.” McNulty boils it down to a few simple essentials when it comes to running a dog through a course. “What I do is tell the kids there are three major necessities in agility. When you run a dog, you always have to keep your eye on the dog. You have to pre-queue the dog because you can’t just run up and expect them to jump. You have to tell them to jump,” said McNulty. “My dogs are trained on verbal, so they know what a tire is and a tunnel, and so on. The children will learn to use those words. They like to run with you, so you need to give them the verbal queue, or they may not jump. The last thing is to reward your dog.” With the COVID pandemic, McNulty is enforcing COVID guidelines including, social distancing and sanitation. Masks are not required because lessons are outdoors. Parents can bring up to four kids for a single price of $50. Through her new business venture, McNulty hopes to help encourage the new generation of agility trainers. “I wanted to do my private lessons, but I didn’t want to compete with others or try and take their business. Most are my friends. I figured I could teach lessons and feed into their businesses. That’s my hope. That kids come here, they can try it, and then stick with it. Classes will be six weeks for an hour-long.”

ANTHONY FLORES PHOTOS

Letty McNulty is bringing the sport of dog agility to kids in Liberty Hill, offering a six week course where kids can work with her trained dogs.

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Page B6

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 12, 2020

BUSINESS

Furniture Market aims to bring unique pieces to customers

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer After more than two decades in the furniture selling business, Dwain Schuh knows a thing or two about what customers are looking for when it comes to furnishing their homes. When he opened his second Furniture Market location in North Leander in late 2018, he was ready to bring his furniture knowledge to the surrounding areas. Schuh, who owns Furniture Market, is also the developer of The Shops at San Gabriel Ridge, where his store is located. He knew when he developed the shopping center, he wanted to open a second location of his furniture store. His original store has been in Austin since 1999. “I started a wholesale furniture distribution company in 1996, and when I opened my retail store in 1999, I brought my wholesale pricing to the retail store,� Schuh said. “Oak and Pine Superstore was our name back then, and that model was phenomenally successful.� Schuh chose to locate his second Furniture Market store at The Shops at San Gabriel Ridge because he had been looking for a location that he could develop, and he knew he wanted to include a Furniture Market store in the center. Besides the obvious growth of the Leander and Liberty Hill areas, he also knew that US Highway

183 is a funnel for all the towns that are north, east and west of Leander. “The risk has paid off,� he said. “Our business has gone up multiple fold in some of the other towns around here.� Schuh changed the original store’s name to Furniture Market in 2004, which was a great move for his business, he said. “We didn’t have the word ‘furniture’ in the old name, and the industry was quickly evolving so we changed the name,� he said. “The Furniture Market is actually the place we go to buy all the furniture we sell, so in a way, we bring the Furniture Market to the people here in Texas.� While it’s not the only style they sell, Schuh said his store is known for being the biggest rustic dealer in Texas. In addition to his stores, he also still has a wholesale company that wholesales rustic furniture all over the Southern United States, which gives him tremendous buying power for his stores. “Just like in the old days, we pass those savings on to the customer,� he added. Furniture Market also sells unique rocks, minerals and fossils, many of which are large enough to use as accent pieces in the home. “We go to a show once a year and have a lot of fun buying the stuff, and then bringing it back and putting it in the stores,� Schuh said. “We have

RACHEL MADISON PHOTO

Dwain Schuh, owner of The Furniture Market in north Leander, takes pride in offering unique items to area residents, from decorative geodes and crystals to custom-made leather furniture pieces. Schuh opened The Furniture Market in late 2018 at the Shops at San Gabriel Ridge. people who keep in touch with us, wanting to know the ďŹ rst day we’ll be back. We have these pieces from the size of 8 inches all the way up to 3 feet. We call it art by God.â€? Schuh said his stores are also known as the headquarters for cow hides, because they’re a great price and they are imported directly from Brazil. “There’s not a series of people in between us and the manufacturer,â€? he said. “Brazil is known for providing the very best quality of cowhides out there. Other countries of-

fer cowhides, but the quality doesn’t hold a candle to Brazil.â€? Schuh said his company has also become an expert in leather furniture over the years. He added that Furniture Market offers leather sofas and chairs that would be considered a great value without sacriďŹ cing the quality of the furniture. His stores also offer special orders for customers to design leather furniture in any way they can imagine. Next door to The Furniture Market is Olivia’s Sleep Shop,

named after Schuh’s daughter. Because he had some extra space in the center after developing it, he decided to add the sleep shop to complement his furniture store. “We’re not your average furniture story by any stretch of the imagination,� Schuh said. “That comes from the furniture that we select for our stores, which is selected very carefully to be well built, good quality, and really designed to last longer than people want it to. My employees are all experts with all the types of fur-

niture we carry. They are paid a commission, but we are very low pressure. We pay a commission so that the customer has somebody to come back to. In the end the customer gets tremendously better service because of that.� Shopping in store is an option, as is shopping online on Furniture Market’s website at www. myfurnituremarket.com. Furniture Market is located at 2082 Hwy. 183 in Leander and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

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