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September 2026 | LHIndependent.com

KING OF THE HILL New age of Liberty Hill sports dawns

Liberty Hill Public Library takes steps toward new building p. 7

Parker's Mercantile opens this month with variety of local vendors p.8

Sunnyside Scholars brings new early learning option to Liberty Hill p.13

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CONTENTS FEATURES 7 | FINDING A NEW HOME Liberty Hill Public Library’s future plans in motion 8 | KEEPING A NAME Parker’s Mercantile will feature local products 10 | CITY COUNCIL DECISIONS New city council member appointed, Flock camera decision postponed 13 |

A DIFFERENT WAY Sunnyside Scholars offers alternative early learning

NEWS ROUND UP Biggest news stories affecting the Liberty Hill community 14 |

16 | FULL SPEED AHEAD Panthers open new season with weather-affected win 17 | HISTORIC CONTEST Wranglers play first-ever varsity football game 18 | COURT CULTURE Legacy Ranch volleyball gears up for Class 5A campaign 19 | DIFFERENT WORLD Liberty Hill sports landscape has changed dramatically

Independent

Together

10 ABOUT OUR COVER

For the first time in history, Liberty Hill is home to two high school varsity football programs: Liberty Hill High School and Legacy Ranch High School. PHOTOS BY ALEX RUBIO

LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT MONTHLY

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www.LHIndependent.com The information in this publication was compiled with great care to assure the accuracy of editorial content and advertising copy. Liberty Hill Independent Monthly and its parent company assume no liability for the accuracy of the information reported to us herein, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. For advertising rates and information, or to obtain additional copies, call (512) 778-5577 or send email to news@LHIndependent.com. This publication is truly a collaborative effort of experienced journalists, a professional design team, advertising specialists and many others passionate about sharing the story of Liberty Hill, Texas. Copyright©2026 Liberty Hill Independent News & Media/Liberty Hill Independent. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher. Contact Us: (512) 778-5577 | news@LHIndependent.com | Liberty Hill Independent, PO Box 204, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

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BIZ BRIEFS: What’s New?

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE Quesa Lab 13900 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Quesa Lab, a new modern quesadilla restaurant, is coming to Liberty Hill in early 2027. According to a state construction filing, plans call for a service counter, dining area, restrooms, commercial kitchen and drive-thru lane. Construction on the privately funded, $400,000 project is scheduled to begin Oct. 1 and be completed April 1, 2027. Hopdoddy Burger Bar 19389 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander Hopdoddy Burger Bar opened a new Leander location Sept. 1. The restaurant is known for its burgers, fries and shakes.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Dhanvika Foods LLC, 4701 FM 3405, Liberty Hill

RETAIL Foodie’s Corner 1487 Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill Foodie’s Corner is bringing its new flagship concept to Liberty Hill. The family-owned gas station and convenience store is introducing an upscale format that will serve as the blueprint for future locations and eventually be incorporated into its existing stores. The Liberty Hill

location also features Picante Tex-Mex Grill, an in-house kitchen offering fresh, madeto-order breakfast and lunch options. Discount Tire 8201 Hwy. 29, Georgetown Discount Tire opened its second Georgetown location Aug. 7 near Liberty Hill. The store sells tires and wheels and is one of nearly 300 Discount Tire locations across Texas. Shop Love & Rose 2921 RR 1869, Liberty Hill (inside Radiant Salon & Spa) Shop Love & Rose is a Texas-based boutique offering clothing and accessories with a romantic, feminine and Western-inspired style. Hey Lovely, which previously operated from Radiant Salon, announced it would be leaving the salon. Shop Love & Rose took over that same boutique space.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Parker's Mercantile, 1017 Main St., Liberty Hill

SERVICES Burn Boot Camp 293 CR 214, Liberty Hill Burn Boot Camp is coming to Liberty Hill. The fitness center offers 45-minute workouts and personalized training in a group setting, along with child watch.

An opening date has not yet been announced. Willow Salon Collective Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill Crossing Willow Salon Collective, a new stylist-owned hair salon, is expected to open in February 2027 at Liberty Hill Crossing, where Target and Costco are located. The business describes itself as a luxury independent stylist salon.

ics and adds locations in several Central Texas communities, including Liberty Hill. Impact Family Wellness 135 Mourning Dove Lane, Leander Impact Family Wellness has relocated its former Liberty Hill clinic to a larger space in Leander. The direct primary care practice offers membership-based primary care services and also operates locations in Cedar Park and Thorndale.

expanded into tennis while continuing to offer badminton equipment, racket stringing and products for badminton and tennis players. Sweet Pop Boba Cafe 9073 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Sweet Pop Boba Cafe is celebrating two years in Liberty Hill. The business marked its second anniversary throughout August with specials, a coloring contest and plans for new flavors.

Casey’s 717 Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill The former CEFCO convenience store and gas station has been converted into Casey's. Casey’s is a convenience store chain offering fuel, groceries, snacks and prepared foods, including pizza. Liberty Bells 401 Chitalpa St., Leander Liberty Bells, a boutique strength and conditioning facility specializing in functional kettlebell training, offers semi-private group instruction incorporating kettlebells, gymnastic rings and calisthenics. Liberty Bells will host an Anti-Aging Strength Lab Oct. 10-11 featuring guest speakers Karen Smith and Geoff Neupert.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Whittick’s Design Collective, 126 Holmes Rd., Liberty Hill • LHX Health, 9025 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • United Heritage Credit Union, 135 U.S. 183, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE St. David’s CareNow 13140 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill The Texas MedClinic location serving Liberty Hill is being rebranded as St. David’s CareNow Urgent Care following St. David’s HealthCare’s acquisition of 14 Texas MedClinic urgent care centers. The acquisition expands St. David’s CareNow footprint to 39 clin-

Munch Munch Waffles & More 9073 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Munch Munch Waffles is celebrating four years in business Sept. 3 with the launch of its new Munch After Dark Supper Club. The anniversary event will feature two seatings, at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., for Chef Crystal Casey’s Cajun Supper Club. The event will kick off what the business says will be a seasonal supper club series. Bonbon Badminton & Tennis 200 E. Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park Bonbon Badminton & Tennis has relocated from Liberty Hill to a larger location in Cedar Park. Formerly Bonbon Badminton, the business has

Jaira Carter, Yesterday’s Gone Liberty Hill Yesterday’s Gone has named Jaira Carter its new development director. Carter, who joined the nonprofit in November 2025, has eight years of nonprofit experience, with a background in marketing, communications, public relations, fundraising, sponsorships and community partnerships. She began volunteering with nonprofit organizations at age 15. OPENING A BUSINESS? JUST PROMOTED? MOVING LOCATIONS? SHARE YOUR BUSINESS NEWS WITH US! Email news@LHIndependent.com

Information gathered from the City of Liberty Hill, Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, TDLR, LoopNet and Williamson County ESD No. 4.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

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A bigger heart for Liberty Hill

COMMUNITY

Public library continues journey toward new home BY CHARLOTTE KOVALCHUK

STAFF WRITER

Known fondly by many residents as the “Heart of the Hill,” the Liberty Hill Public Library has become a beloved gathering place. Now, as the city continues to grow, the library’s dedicated team hopes a larger home will allow that heart to grow with it. “I think the library can serve as a space to bring people together and get to know one another,” Library Board President Laurie Nord said. “When you realize someone else likes to knit or is a chess master or enjoys classic literature or graphic novels too you may feel more seen and needed within your community. But you need space to make that happen.” After a decade of planning, a new building project is finally moving forward with the goal of giving Liberty Hill’s growing community more room to gather, learn, and connect with their neighbors. The library recently paid off six acres of land on Main Street between Cornerstone Church and Liberty Hill Elementary, securing a permanent location for its future home. The site was chosen intentionally – the library board wanted to remain near the downtown and at the center of the community. “The board is very mindful of the growth happening in the city,” Library Director Julie Pearson said. “They saw pretty early on that we have really outgrown this space. With the amount of people we have coming in here and programming that we do, we’re ready to expand and grow, and we don’t have the space to do that.” The new facility will allow the library to expand programs for all ages, particularly teenagers and adults. “My staff really has serving the kids down to a science. They have well-developed programs for littles,” Pearson said. “But what we don’t have is room for teenagers to come and hang out.” She hopes to create a dedicated teen space where young people can read, socialize, play video games, and work on group projects. Study rooms would give students and other residents a quiet place to work and hold meetings – something she said is currently difficult to find in the city. Nord envisions the library’s new home as a building with space “to have a story time or craft happening while folks study quietly

or in a small group or peruse the stacks for their favorite book, and where teens can have space to socialize and play games.” The ultimate goal, Nord said, is to provide space for the community to meet, learn and grow together. It’s a vision that builds on the library’s history as a community-driven institution. In the 1990s and early 2000s, residents came together to establish a library when books were scattered throughout the community and there was no dedicated facility. Volunteers held bake sales, gathered book donations, and worked to secure funding to keep the fledgling library operating. Pearson remembers hearing about the excitement of founding members receiving the library’s first check from the state comptroller – enough to pay the light bill. “It was very much a bare-bones process to bring this to the community.” To see how far it’s grown, she said, has been remarkable. The new building will be another chapter in that community story. The library is preparing to finalize a contract with Hidell and Associates Architects, a Carrollton, Texas-based firm that has designed hundreds of libraries across Texas and other states. There is not yet a construction timeline or project cost, but Pearson estimates the new building is at least two years away from opening its doors. Once the architectural contract is finalized, the library plans to begin additional community outreach, eventually seeking outside funding, and launching fundraising efforts. While the library team is excited to watch the library grow, Pearson emphasized that it is equally important to preserve the homey, small-town atmosphere that made the space special in the first place. “That’s the center of everything,” she said. “As we move into a bigger space we want to keep the ‘Everyone is welcome here’ feel.”

The Liberty Hill Public Library has been housed in this 2,000-square-foot building since it first opened in 2002. COURTESY PHOTO

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

CITY

Parker’s Mercantile brings local shopping, music to downtown Local makers and small businesses will be featured

BY CHARLOTTE KOVALCHUK

STAFF WRITER

A new gathering place will bring local makers, small businesses, food, drinks and live music together under one roof. Parker’s Mercantile, located in the former Parker’s Corner Market property on Main Street in downtown Liberty Hill, will celebrate its grand opening at 3 p.m. Sept. 4. Owner Mike Farr – who also operates Wish Kitchen + Bar across the street from the mercantile as well as Georgie’s restaurant in Georgetown and Round Rock Amp – had long been interested in the former Parker’s Corner Market property. When he learned the city had purchased the building, he reached out about the possibility of leasing it. The city agreed, with one condition – the Parker’s name had to stay. Dave and Majda Parker had operated the grocery store for years and the city wanted to preserve the name and history behind the building, while envisioning a community gathering place that would support local makers and entrepreneurs. That vision will come to life inside the newly transformed space that is designed to feel like an indoor farmers market with

an eclectic mix of Texas-made goods, from clothing and jewelry to food, soaps, stained glass and other handcrafted goods. The space will also feature a stage for local musicians, with live music planned from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Sundays. For now, the mercantile will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Farr said the project is intended not only to give local entrepreneurs a place to sell their products, but also to help strengthen the downtown district as Liberty Hill continues to grow. “Hopefully this can be a springboard for many of them to have their own brick-andmortar operations,” he said. The city views the project as a way to put a major downtown property to use while longer-term plans for the area take shape. “The Parker’s property has an important role in both the present and future of downtown,” City Communications Director Katie Amsler said. The city purchased the property because it will eventually be needed for street and infrastructure improvements identified in the Downtown Master Plan. Rather than leave the property vacant in the meantime, the city saw an opportunity to give it a new purpose. “Parker’s allows the property to continue

serving the community today while the city plans thoughtfully for downtown’s longterm future,” Amsler said. She added the mercantile fits into the city’s broader vision of encouraging downtown growth without losing Liberty Hill’s distinct character. “As Liberty Hill grows, we want downtown to grow intentionally while still feeling like Liberty Hill,” said Amsler. “Parker’s is a good example of making use of an existing property in a way that brings people downtown, supports local businesses and creates opportunities for entrepreneurs. Our hope is that successful concepts like this can contribute to a vibrant downtown today and potentially become part of the downtown district’s long-term future as the larger vision takes shape.” The mercantile’s retail side will initially feature a pilot group of local makers, bakers, growers, young entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Market LHTX helped assemble the initial group, which will offer everything from original artwork and home décor to baked goods, honey, flowers, jewelry, candles and wellness products. Among the participating organizations is The Market LHTX and XXL Hope’s Mustard Seed Project, a community garden initiative that gives local youth hands-on experience with gardening, business and life skills.

Planned products include natural loofah sponges grown in the gardens, cowboy candy, hot pepper mustard, vanilla extract, herb and spice blends and garden produce. “These products are especially meaningful to us because they represent and reflect hands-on learning, creativity, responsibility and the hard work of our young entrepreneurs,” shared The Market LHTX. The initial vendor lineup could rotate depending on inventory, customer response, available space and community needs. The Market LHTX will maintain an interest list for future vendors. “This is all happening very organically,” the organization added. For Farr, that organic growth is part of the vision of Parker’s Mercantile. He hopes Parker’s will help create the kind of pedestrian activity that can turn downtown Liberty Hill into a destination of its own. “There’s an enormous opportunity for [Main Street] to grow into a hub for pedestrian traffic,” he said. “Georgetown has their square, Fredericksburg has their Main Street. There’s no reason why Liberty Hill can’t have their own thing.” Liberty Hill is one of many small towns, he added, that would love for their residents to spend their money within the city limits instead of traveling elsewhere. “Hopefully we can give people a good reason to spend their money here,” he said.

Parker’s Mercantile will open in September in downtown Liberty Hill in the former Parker’s Corner Market building. A variety of local vendors and makers will feature their products in the mercantile. Live music, food and drinks will round out the mercantile’s offerings. COURTESY PHOTOS

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

CITY

A little bit of everything, made close to home

Liberty Hill-made products available at Parker’s Mercantile • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

AJ Artisans Etchworks: Woodworks, cutting boards and signs Anderson Knives: Custom knives and sheaths Bĳou’s Blooms: Locally grown flowers and herbs Caroline’s Creations: Handmade plushies Country Nights 3D: 3D-printed creations Donkey Gene: Children’s book series by Texas author Angie Cservak Felted Crown Hats: Women’s and men’s hats Jackass Honey Farms: Local honey and bee pollen Joyfully Cut Jewelry: Custom wing jewelry Kendra Cofer Photography: Photography Leander Lavender: Lavender-based products Liberty Gypsy: Handcrafted jewelry and suncatchers Made By Mama Co. Bakery: Sourdough specialties The Market LHTX & XXL Hope: Mustard Seed Project garden-grown and youth-made products OCB Squared LLC: Trucker hats and custom-embroidered tea towels OTTO Art: Ceramics Pam and The Pickle Lady: Pickled goods and jams Papa Chilos Healing Hands: Healing salves and herbal apothecary products Sacred Grove: Elderberry products and tonics Soft Sage & Co.: Candles Stone & Stem Creations: Goat’s milk soap and soap dishes The Glass Dreamer: Stained-glass creations The 75 Oaks: Eggs, meats, vegetables and more The Treat Box TX: Bakery treats The Vinew Shoppe: Local boutique clothing and leatherworks TP Lip Gloss: Lip balms and glosses Veteran’s Liberty Ranch: Local meats including beef, chicken and pork

Several of the goods and products available to the public at Parker’s Mercantile include meats, eggs, breads and other food items. COURTESY PHOTO

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

CITY

Lacy Scott appointed to fill vacant City Council seat BY CHARLOTTE KOVALCHUK

STAFF WRITER

Lacy Scott, a Liberty Hill real estate agent and community advocate, has been appointed to fill the vacant City Council Place 5 seat. The council approved Scott’s appointment in early August following the resignation of former Council member Wade Ashley, who stepped down in July after relocating outside the city’s corporate limits. With her education background as a teacher and coach, and current role as a real estate agent, Scott called her council appointment “the greatest plot twist of my life.” “I’m a teacher and coach by nature,” she told council members during the Aug. 12 meeting. “My priorities are very simple: God, family, and community. I love this community, so thank you.” That commitment to Liberty Hill has already been evident in Scott’s work as a community advocate who has helped strengthen communication between residents, city officials and developers. As a member of the Butler Farms Community Action Committee, Scott served as a liaison between the groups as the neighborhood faced concerns over water pressure, road safety, infrastructure and communication. Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla highlighted that work while explaining her support for Scott’s appointment. “I know a few of us, or all of us, know her name, for the sole reason that she became a liaison between her community, Butler Farms, and the city, which is a beautiful representation of what I believe Liberty Hill

is,” she said, adding that Scott’s involvement exemplifies the importance of residents communicating with city leadership about issues affecting their community. Council member Diane Williams, who recommended Scott for the appointment, cited the new council member’s “proven grassroots engagement and strong community leadership.” Council member Tim Hennessy said Scott’s connection to the Butler Farms community was also an important consideration for him. “When Wade resigned, I thought it was important to get somebody from Butler Farms myself,” Hennessy said. “I like her qualifications, I like her energy, and because she’s from Butler Farms, that was important to me as well.” Scott will serve the rest of the Place 5 term, which ends May 1, 2027. Because less than a year remains in the term, the city’s home rule charter allows the council to fill the vacancy through appointment rather than holding a special election. The charter does not establish specific criteria or a formal nomination process for filling a vacant council seat. Instead, the council may appoint a candidate who meets the charter’s basic eligibility requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, a registered voter and resident of Liberty Hill for at least 12 months, a U.S. citizen, and not having an unpardoned felony conviction or a court judgment declaring the individual mentally incompetent. When asked whether any public information requests had been made regarding discussions of the appointment, given the lack of a formal nomination process

Lacy Scott (far right) is sworn in as the newest Liberty Hill City Council member by Mayor Crystal Mancilla (at left) following the resignation of Council member Wade Ashley in July. PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE KOVALCHUK

outlined in the charter, City Communications Director Katie Amsler said the city had not received any requests related to communications or discussions about Scott’s appointment. The Independent filed an open records request for documents related to the Place 5 appointment in mid-August, but had not received a response by press time. Ashley, in his final remarks to the council, said he was proud of his two years serving the city and planned to continue finding ways to contribute to the community. “I really, truly enjoyed helping the city

of Liberty Hill,” he said. “I feel like in my two years, I was able to get some things done to help a lot of people, and that’s really why I did it. And it felt good.” Though he said he was sad to leave the team, he added, “I think the city is moving in the right direction, and seeing their plans for where we’re going, it makes me smile. I will find other ways to serve, because I’m not leaving Liberty Hill until I’m in a casket.” The Independent also reached out to Scott for additional comments after her appointment, but she did not respond by press time.

Liberty Hill City Council postpones decision on Flock camera contract BY CHARLOTTE KOVALCHUK

STAFF WRITER

After much discussion in front of a full house during the Aug. 26 regular meeting, City Council members voted to postpone a decision to renew or end the city’s contract with Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company that provides security cameras that record license plates and other identifying characteristics of passing vehicles. Flock cameras are currently installed across Liberty Hill and used by the Liberty Hill Police Department to collect data that can aid criminal investigations. The city’s

contract with Flock is set to automatically renew in October. During the public comment period, residents raised concerns about privacy, potential misuse of collected data and government transparency and accountability. Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla encouraged residents to submit comments about their concerns for the council to consider as they review the information presented during the meeting.Comments can be emailed to citysecretary@libertyhilltx.gov. The next council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at Council Chambers, located at 2801 RR 1869.

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Several residents shared their thoughts on Flock cameras during the Aug. 26 city council meeting. PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE KOVALCHUK

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CHAMBER CORNER

Liberty Hill Chamber builds momentum toward busy fall, holiday season

BY STEVE SCHIFF CHAMBER PRESIDENT

The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce is looking toward to an exciting lineup of events as the organization continues its commitment to strengthening business, community and civic relationships throughout Liberty Hill. Behind the scenes, the Chamber’s Board of Directors continues to work diligently to build and maintain strong partnerships with the City of Liberty Hill, Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, Liberty Hill Education Foundation, and numerous other community partners. Those relationships are an important part of creating a connected business community where organizations can work together, celebrate accomplishments and look for new opportunities to move Liberty Hill forward. That collaborative spirit will be on full display in the months ahead, beginning with a major milestone for one of Liberty Hill’s most recognizable traditions. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the com-

munity will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Liberty Hill Sculpture Festival at Lions Foundation Park, 355 Main Street. To launch this special anniversary celebration, the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce is introducing the first-ever Sculpture Festival Fun Run. Families, runners and community members are invited to lace up their sneakers and join the Chamber for a morning of high-energy fun as the festivities get underway. The new event is designed to bring people together while kicking off a landmark year for the Sculpture Festival. Following the Sculpture Festival, the Chamber will host its Third Annual Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce Gala on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Reunion Ranch. The annual gala provides an opportunity for Chamber members, business leaders and community supporters to gather, celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and look ahead to the future. Additional details about the evening will be announced soon.

Then, as the holiday season approaches, the Chamber will once again bring the community together for the Third Annual Jingle Bell 5K and 1K Kids Fun Run on Saturday, December 12, 2026. The event will take place at Santa Rita Middle School, located across the street from Santa Rita Ranch Camp. More information about registration and event activities will be released soon. While these signature events highlight the Chamber’s calendar, its work continues throughout the year. The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce keeps members connected through quarterly Breakfast Networking events, monthly Networking Luncheons and other activities designed to bring the membership together, celebrate success and encourage continued growth. As Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce Vice President Bob Calvisi explains, “With our highly engaged Board of Directors, we are constantly doing things to enhance our membership experience while bringing new members in every month.” That focus on engagement, collabora-

tion and growth remains at the heart of the Chamber’s mission. With a committed Board of Directors and strong community partnerships, the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce is helping create opportunities for local businesses and residents to connect, celebrate, and build a stronger future together. For Chamber members and the Liberty Hill community, the months ahead promise plenty of opportunities to get involved along with plenty of reasons to celebrate what makes Liberty Hill a special place to live, work, and do business.

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CHAMBER CORNER

The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome the f lowing businesses this month:

2nd Tuesday: Women in Business 4th WEDNESDAY: Networking Luncheon Check our events calendar for details libertyhillchamber.org (512) 548-5533

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BUSINESS

Sunnyside Scholars brings educator-led approach to early learning BY LESHELLE VALLEJO

STAFF WRITER

When Ethan and Laura Amir began envisioning Sunnyside Scholars Early Learning Center, they weren’t simply looking to open another childcare business – they wanted to create a place where children could receive an exceptional educational foundation in a safe, nurturing environment while becoming a true part of the Liberty Hill community. For the couple, Liberty Hill was the perfect fit. “We chose Liberty Hill because it still has that small-town feeling,” Ethan said. “It’s a close-knit community where people genuinely know and support one another and local businesses are part of everyday life. That’s exactly the kind of environment where we wanted to build a school – one that becomes a trusted part of the community and grows alongside the families it serves.” That commitment to community started long before the center opened its doors. The Amirs have sponsored local organizations, supported parent-teacher organization events, donated to Dell Children’s Hospital and intentionally made connections with neighboring businesses because they wanted Sunnyside Scholars to become more than a childcare center, they wanted it to become part of Liberty Hill’s story. Located on State Highway 29 next to Kumon, Sunnyside Scholars has been serving families since April 8. In just four months, the center has already reached approximately 42 percent of its licensed enrollment capacity. Laura, however, said she isn’t surprised. “I believed from the beginning that if you build a school on a strong educational philosophy and combine it with solid management, the results will follow,” she said. “Opening a school certainly comes with daily challenges, but if you stay true to your vision, support your team and constantly execute your plan, everything falls into place.” Built by educators, not investors While many childcare centers are founded by business owners who later move into education, Sunnyside Scholars was created from the opposite perspective. Laura brings more than a decade of experience teaching kindergarten through second grade, along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, bilingual and ESL certifications, special education coursework and certification as a school administrator. After years in the classroom, she recognized an opportunity to make an impact

before children ever entered elementary school. “Because I was on the other side as a kindergarten teacher, I know what children lack when they come to school,” she said. “Now I’m on this side, helping build those skills before they even get to kindergarten so they’re not behind; they’re above their level.” Rather than relying on a purchased curriculum, Laura personally developed Sunnyside Scholars’ educational program. The center follows a STEAM-based curriculum, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics into hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Laura intentionally chose STEAM over STEM because she believes artistic expression is just as important as academic development. “Our goal is to foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning from an early age,” she said. The curriculum also includes daily language enrichment in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, exposing children to multiple languages through natural conversation and age-appropriate learning activities. “Because I was a bilingual teacher, language development has always been one of my strengths,” Laura said. Preparing children for kindergarten and beyond The Amirs’ vision extends well beyond helping children simply meet developmental milestones. One of Sunnyside Scholars’ biggest differentiators is its partnership with neighboring Kumon, allowing preschool-aged children to receive individualized math and reading instruction without parents making an additional stop after work. Children enrolled in both programs remain at Sunnyside Scholars throughout the day while staff escort them to Kumon for tutoring before returning them to their classroom. “We wanted one place where families could receive everything in terms of education,” Ethan said. Laura said the partnership is designed to complement – not replace – the center’s own curriculum. Because of her classroom experience, she knows exactly which foundational skills children often lack when entering kindergarten. “We’re getting children ready before they ever walk into a kindergarten classroom,” she said. “Once they develop those learning habits, they’re ready to run and fly.”

Sunnyside Scholars opened in April 2026 and serves families with early education services. COURTESY PHOTO

Unlike many preschool programs that focus primarily on sight words, Sunnyside Scholars also emphasizes phonics instruction, helping children understand the sounds behind letters and words while developing stronger reading skills. Together, the STEAM curriculum, language enrichment and Kumon partnership create what the Amirs hope will give children a meaningful academic advantage before entering public school.

Technology meets peace of mind While Laura focuses on education, Ethan has spent his career in technology. After working internationally as a network engineer, project manager and telecommunications leader and now with Google, he wanted to apply those same skills to protecting children. “I wanted to bring the most advanced technology available into childcare,” Ethan said. That includes AI-assisted monitoring capable of alerting staff if a baby is crying, facial recognition entry instead of transferable PIN codes, license plate recognition, local data storage rather than cloud-based storage and 4K cameras throughout every classroom. “I wanted to make sure everything exceeded my expectations,” Ethan said. “When it comes to children, no detail is too small.” The technology isn’t designed to replace staff, it’s another layer of support that allows administrators to respond immediately whenever assistance is needed.

A different approach to childcare Laura is careful not to describe Sunnyside Scholars as simply a daycare. “I consider this more than a daycare center,” she said. “We’re partners in a child’s early years.” That philosophy influences everything from curriculum to nutrition. Understanding many families’ concerns about processed foods, Laura designed the center’s meal program around natural ingredients, incorporating organic options whenever possible and preparing as much food from scratch as they can. “As a mom myself, I know parents worry about what their children are eating,” she said. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve had parents tell us their children eat better here than they do at home,” Laura said. Investing in teachers Center Director Ashlyn Edwards Johnson believes one of the biggest challenges facing the childcare industry is teacher turnover. Rather than accepting that as unavoidable, Sunnyside Scholars has made supporting teachers a priority. “The number one issue in childcare is the lack of support,” Johnson said. “When teachers need help, we’re in the classroom

SUNNYSIDE CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

NEWS

Read our round up to learn more about the biggest news stories affecting our community BY LIBERT Y HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF

LHISD Board of Trustees approve tax rate, budget for 2026-2027 school year Even ignoring the obvious fact of students and teachers returning to the classroom after a long summer break, August tends to be a busy time for school districts. For the Liberty Hill Independent School District, August was filled with important tax and budget decisions, recognition of student achievements and more. LHISD’s Board of Trustees met on Aug. 17. During their meeting, Trustees heard a proposal for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year budget and tax rate. The new budget has to account for several factors that differ from the previous year: salary adjustments approved earlier in the year, new hires to staff the recently opened campuses, and the restoration of various student programs lost during the 20252026 budget cuts. A proposed tax rate of $1.2298 per $100 of home valuation was approved by the board – a decrease from the 2025-2026 rate. The Williamson County Central Appraisal District set a 5.5% value increase on homes within the county for the coming tax year, meaning the district will generate more revenue than it did last year, even with the lower rate. For the median homeowner (a home valued at $320,779), the tax burden will average out to about $185 per month – up from about $168 in tax year 2025. With all inputs and outputs taken into account, the district projects an overall budgetary surplus of about $7 million. However, Chief Financial Officer Denise Stone noted the surplus may rise even higher if the district is able to refinance its debt during the next bond sale as planned. “We’ve been working with our district

financial advisor, and the plan is for this [expentiture] to go down,” Stone said during the meeting. “We fully expect to be able to do that within this next budget year.” Both the proposed tax rate and the proposed budget were approved by the board. The board also approved the purchase of a 14.4-acre tract near the intersection of County Road 202 and the North Fork San Gabriel River. In other district news, Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla recognized a group of students from Liberty Hill High School’s entrepreneur program with a proclamation during the Liberty Hill City Council’s second August meeting. Steve Schiff, Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce President and LHHS entrepreneurship teacher, Superintendent Travis Motal, and LHHS Principal Bryon Ellison joined Mancilla and Team Bundl’s mentor, Jennifer Cooper, to celebrate the group for their advancement to the National Student Showcase in Chicago. “Tonight was a proud moment for Liberty Hill and the LHHS entrepreneur program,” Schiff wrote in a post shared on various social media platforms. “TEAM BUNDL received a prestigious proclamation from the City of Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla, recognizing their hard work, resilience and historic achievement as the first LHHS entrepreneur team to advance to Chicago for the INCubator/Uncharted Learning Nation Student Showcase in the program’s five-year history.”

LHISD maintains B rating in 2026 accountability scores Liberty Hill Independent School District maintained a B rating in the Texas Education Agency’s 2026 A-F accountability ratings, earning an overall score of 85 out of 100 for the second consecutive year. Of the district’s 11 rated campuses, three earned A ratings, seven received B ratings and one received a C. No LHISD campus received a D or F. Bar W Elementary, Legacy Ranch High

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

School and Rancho Sienna Elementary each earned a 91/A. Legacy Ranch saw one of the district’s largest improvements, climbing from an 86/B in 2025, while Louine Noble Elementary posted the largest numerical gain, increasing eight points from an 80/B to an 88/B. Liberty Hill Elementary experienced the largest decline, falling from an 86/B last year to a 74/C. Liberty Hill Middle School remained a B but dropped six points from 86 to 80. Superintendent Travis Motal said the district maintained its overall score during a year in which LHISD made approximately $8 million in budget reductions and eliminated positions and support structures. “Sustaining our overall rating during a year of significant challenges speaks to the dedication of our staff and parents working together for our students,” Motal said. The district earned an 87/B in Student Achievement, a 78/C in School Progress and an 81/B in Closing the Gaps. LHISD officials said accountability results identified student groups at Liberty Hill Elementary and Liberty Hill Middle School for additional targeted support. The district is conducting a root-cause analysis and implementing additional resources, including an academic interventionist at Liberty Hill Elementary, instructional coaching, a new state-approved math curriculum, teacher training and increased collaboration and data analysis. The district’s 85/B matches its ratings in 2025 and 2023. LHISD received an 83/B in 2024.

Council approves $1.16 million engineering agreement for Butler Farms water tank City Council unanimously approved a $1.16 million engineering agreement Aug. 12 for a proposed water storage tank intended to improve water issues and support future growth in the Butler Farms subdivision. Fort Worth-based engineering firm Freese and Nichols, Inc. will design the new storage tank—a proposed solution to long-standing concerns about low and unreliable water pressure raised by Butler Farms residents. In April 2025, council approved preliminary engineering and design for the project, which was described as critical

to meeting growing water demand on the west side of Liberty Hill. The project was approved as part of the city’s 2025 Water Master Plan and will provide additional elevated water storage for Liberty Hill’s upper pressure zone, which serves areas at higher elevations where maintaining consistent water pressure can be more challenging. The proposed tank is expected to hold up to 2 million gallons, although its final size will be determined through the engineering process based on existing and projected water demands and water quality requirements. “In the long-term, it takes the upper pressure plane off a direct pressure system and makes the system more robust and reliable,” said Katie Amsler, communications director for the City of Liberty Hill. “This allows equipment to fill the tank during off-peak hours to still provide pressure regardless of whether the pump station filling the tank is running or not.” The city’s existing water storage tank has limited capacity, while the pumps can experience short-cycling, which increases equipment wear and reduces efficiency. The proposed tank would provide additional storage and allow the pumps to operate for longer, more efficient periods while supporting continued development in the area. The tank is expected to be located north of State Highway 29 and west of Butler Farms Boulevard, though the city has not yet secured the site. City staff have begun preliminary discussions with Liberty Hill Independent School District regarding a potential ground lease for the property. The preliminary engineering work will help determine the amount of land needed and other requirements before the city moves forward with securing the site. The location is being considered in part because of its proximity to existing city right of way and a water transmission main, which would make connecting the tank to the existing system more efficient. Construction of the new water storage tank is anticipated to begin in October 2027, with completion expected in January 2029. In the meantime, the city has made adjustments to improve the reliability of its water pump station, Amsler said, and is installing pressure monitoring stations and smart controllers that will provide real-time information to the station. The equipment will allow the system to detect changes in water demand from multiple points in the distribution system and respond more quickly, helping reduce temporary drops in water pressure while the new tank is being built.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

SPORTS

Panthers open season with weather-shortened win Liberty Hill defeated Killeen, 34-30, when game was called midway through third quarter BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Usually when a kicker makes a big play to ultimately win a game, it’s at the end of a close contest by sending a ball through the uprights as time expires. However, at Panther Stadium, Luke Barto made an impact much earlier on. After Liberty Hill had just scored on a 40-yard touchdown run by senior Dylan Belinga to close the gap against Killeen to 30-27 on the opening drive of the second half, Barto executed a perfect onside kick he actually recovered himself to set up an 18-yard scoring run by Grant Gibson that provided the winning points in a 34-30 win over the Kangaroos that was called due to weather with 6:17 left in the third quarter

following a lengthy lightning delay. The Panthers had trailed at halftime by a 30-20 margin at the end of a wild second period that saw the teams combine for 44 points after the home side led, 6-0, after one quarter on a Gibson 36-yard run. However, the early advantage was quickly canceled out by a pair of Killeen touchdowns sandwiched around a safety for a 16-6 lead with 9:18 remaining until halftime. At that point in the proceedings, the offensive floodgates opened as the teams traded touchdowns on four separate series, including a pair of Panthers touchdowns by Bryce Byrn on scoring runs of 39 and one yard. Once the second half began, Belinga and Gibson bookended their touchdown runs on either side of Barto’s onside effort. Gibson led the Panthers with 185 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns, while Belinga added 108 yards on eight attempts and a score and Bryn had 91 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns.

Liberty Hill’s Grant Gibson (8) led the Panthers with 185 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns in a 34-30 home win over Killeen. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Above left, Liberty Hill’s Luke Barto (1) executes a successful onside kick during the Panthers’ 34-30 home win over Killeen. Above right, Panthers linebacker Spencer Ballew (11) celebrates a stop during Liberty Hill’s 34-30 home win over Killeen. PHOTOS BY ALEX RUBIO

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

SPORTS

Wranglers open new home with resounding win Legacy Ranch defeated Manor New Tech, 59-0 BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

When Legacy Ranch walked out onto the field at Wrangler Stadium for its first-ever varsity game, it represented a culmination of two years of hard work and determination in building a football program from the ground up. So, the 59-0 victory over Manor New Tech that would follow on the evening was almost a historical footnote for the Columbia-and-Blue as the Wranglers christened their brand-new home in style, with the game itself and the result simply representing the next step in what has already been a remarkable rise. According to Legacy Ranch head coach Tim Knicky, the occasion was certainly much more that a typical season-opener. “Tonight was huge – there was just so much buildup,” said Knicky. “We had Aug. 28 circled on our calendars for a long time – it’s been two years getting here and this week we talked about the pressure, how we have a young team and how are we going to handle and push through so we can do the things we need to do – that was really the mantra this week – it’s about us – not one guy, one play or anything and I though they came out and bought into that and I’m so proud of how we started, played and finished and I’m excited to win a lot of games with them.” The first points scored in the cathedral-like stadium was a 26-yard field goal from Cody Hawkins on the home side’s opening offensive series of the contest and that was quickly added to with the first touchdown in program history when Troy Ramos rumbled in from five yards out and a 9-0 advantage. After that, junior quarterback Will Cunningham went to work in the air, hitting on a pair of scoring passes from three yards to Ritvik Kasireddy and 29 yards to Will Langford and it was 24-0 at the end of the first quarter against a Class 4A Titans team that was clearly outmatched. Four more touchdowns in the second period increased the Legacy Ranch lead to 52-0 at halftime, including three and 10-yard runs by Jake Bruner and Ramos, respectively, sandwiched around a 10-yard run by Cunningham and a 46-yard strike to Reid Robertson, essentially putting the game away. With a running clock the entire second half, the only further scoring was a 10-yard run by backup quarterback Blake Deshazo to provide the final margin. Cunningham was 9-of-10 for 152 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions,

while Robertson caught three passes for 69 yards and a touchdown and Ramos rushed for 31 yards on four carries and a pair of scores. Knicky said despite everything the coaches have done to build them up, there was never going to be a substitution for how his players would react in the big moment they had been waiting so long for. “We kept making sure we were telling them they’re good football players,” he said. “But, they had to go out and prove to themselves they belong here.” All in all, the occasion was a microcosm of the entire experience the program has gone through over the past two years on the road to this night, said Knicky. “All of it’s really surreal,” he said. “The community support we’ve had from the start has been phenomenal and to walk out here tonight in this stadium and see our student section, our band, our cheer, our drill and all the people it takes to put on a night like this successfully, I think it really showcased Legacy Ranch High School and what we’re about – a culture of togetherness and community and it was awesome.”

Legacy Ranch’s Brock Peterson (5) picks up yardage during the Wranglers’ 59-0 home win over Manor New Tech. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Wranglers quarterback Will Cunningham threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in Legacy Ranch’s 59-0 home win over Manor New Tech. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

SPORTS

Building on a solid foundation

Lady Wranglers utilize set of core values in growing program BY PHOEBE JOHNSON-QUAIFE

EDITORIAL INTERN

At Legacy Ranch, volleyball is quickly becoming one of the most exciting sports to watch, bringing together energy, determination and a strong sense of team pride. As the season gets underway, the players are focused on building chemistry, sharpening their skills and making every match count. This year is unlike any other for the Lady Wranglers, as the team has added upperclassmen to its roster, which has provided an additional challenge, said head coach Taylor Bryant. “Since we don’t have seniors, our juniors have really had to dive in and learn to lead,” she said. “It hasn’t always been pretty, but it’s been something that will shape the culture for years to come. We really focus on a coach-fed, player-led culture, and by teaching them to be leaders and handle adversity, we’re creating a strong foundation that will last longer than anything else. Our younger classes are buying in, and every grade we have added takes it a little more to heart.” In volleyball, the game is all about heart, but also about trusting your teammates. The girls knew the program was new, but they accepted the challenge. With growth and improvement in mind, Bryant shared

the team’s secret to staying in the game. “We have this saying — no emotion,” she said. “There are emotions that get in the way and make us easy targets for people. Then there is grind and grit, and those are actual actions tied to emotions that we try to tether ourselves to. Getting off the roller coaster and demanding the ball be served at us when we just got aced, demanding the ball back when we made an error, things like that take a mental shift that we’re focusing on. Our district last year did us no favors prepping us for Class 5A this year, so we’re having to learn and grow at a very quick rate to be prepared for district.” With Legacy Ranch advancing in district placement, jumping from Class 4A to 5A means faster gameplay and more developed teams, but don’t count the Lady Wranglers out. Instead, look forward to seeing a rapid jump in growth in every individual program. “Something I’ve noticed coming into this season as a veteran player is how much our team has grown,” said sophomore Hannah Evans. “Since we’re still a pretty new program, it’s cool to see how much more confident and connected we are compared to last season.” The volleyball veterans already have one varsity year under their belts and are coming back to claim their ranks. However, it’s not only second- and third-year players

Legacy Ranch embarks on its first season of Class 5A varsity volleyball under the leadership of head coach Taylor Bryant and assistant Mollee Henicke (pictured). PHOTO BY REX PRYOR

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Legacy Ranch’s Camille Moynahan (3) is one of the veteran players the Lady Wranglers will depend on to help lead them in their first Class 5A season. PHOTO BY REX PRYOR

— in addition to the varsity team, they welcomed freshmen. The veterans swiftly took charge by taking the freshmen under their wings and welcoming them into the team’s culture, said Camille Moynahan. “I feel like I help the team by trying to celebrate my teammates and encourage others,” she said. “I love to be loud about the little things any of my teammates do.” When adding or removing players from a team, it can be difficult to embrace a change in play. This is why volleyball uses its preseason so effectively. Getting to know your teammates’ weaknesses and strengths helps build the team and the program. It also gives coaches new information to take back and apply in practices, said Bryant. “Right now, still being in preseason, we’re finding our flow, our footing and learning about each other daily,” she said. “We haven’t maximized yet and honestly, that’s what this time is for. My system has taken a beating, and I’ve altered it more and more to grow with these girls and work on giving each of them what they need while still keeping my standards for them and this program high. Rise to the occasion, even when it’s scary.” Lady Wranglers volleyball is creating traditions that will be cherished and passed down as the years go by. Although the virtues may change, the values they instill in players will always stay the same. When faced with a tougher pool of

teams, the girls didn’t falter — instead, they became more flexible, said junior Klaire Murphy. “Something we’ve had to adjust to is playing much more advanced teams,” she said. “We’re going up against schools that have had years to build and grow their programs, whereas we’re just starting. However, I love that we’re challenging ourselves and putting ourselves in situations where our first instinct is to work together. We’ve had to adapt by pushing ourselves in conditioning and working toward proving others wrong who doubt us based on our size and development.” This reaction wasn’t influenced by any coach — instead, it was instilled by the team’s values. As the Lady Wranglers look forward to the season, Bryant said she wants the team to learn that failure is an option. “When females can get past the fear of making mistakes and dive into the grind of figuring things out, they become unstoppable,” she said. “We aren’t there yet, because we still take failures personally or make mental errors instead of calculated moves. Once we get a handle on that, I really think we’ll see our game change. We’ll see our girls change, and we’ll see our program change in a way that will shatter every doubt these girls have about themselves and that moment — the shattering — will open up a whole new level of confidence in them and in their game.”

SPORTS

Wranglers’ new stadium is absolute gem of Hill Country

Season opener reminder of how far Liberty Hill has progressed BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

OWNER/PUBLISHER

On Aug. 3, 2019, Liberty Hill was a very different place. When I arrived in my new home fresh from California on State Highway 29 at around 11 p.m. and saw the old city limits sign that read “Pop. 968,” I was shocked until I realized that was just within the city and not including the outlying unincorporated areas. Not long after, I observed a well-lit group of pristine-white buildings off to the left right before I saw another sign that read “Liberty Hill High School” and was once again blown away by the impressive nature of the school that would soon become my stomping grounds in covering local sports – and that was before I even took in the grandeur of Panther Stadium for the first time a few days later. Why is all this relevant now? Well, after beginning my time here during the final season of Class 4A when rivalries against the likes of Burnet and Lampasas still shown brightly before burning out forever, fast-forward to Aug. 28, 2026, and my arrival on the campus of Legacy Ranch High

School for the first time for the Wranglers’ first-ever varsity football game. Despite the fact I’m not some local “back-in-my-day” old timer comparing the present landscape to one of 35 years ago, I’m still flabbergasted by the rapid changes that have occurred in such a relatively short period of time. Forget about 4A. How about Class 5A and not just one school at that level, but two? People like to call all this “progress” and despite the fact I’m not from here, I feel like I’ve been hit as hard as anyone by the exponential growth of the local area in recent years as far as what has been lost in the process. After all, Liberty Hill bills itself with the motto of “Small Town, Big Heart.” Well, at least that’s still half-true. Back in the halcyon, long-ago days of 2019, one could stand out on State Highway 29 at high noon and still experience a genuine sleepy feeling about the place, which for me being from San Diego was an enormous breath of fresh air after having known only large, congested urban areas for most of my life. Try that now and hopefully you don’t

Forget about 4A. How about Class 5A and not just one school at that level, but two? PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Sitting in the press box at cathedral-like Wrangler Stadium and looking down on a gridiron with a huge “LR” painted at midfield was a watershed moment after knowing nothing but “LH” for the past seven years. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH choke on all the car exhaust from the seemingly never-ending Southern California-style traffic. But, perhaps now is the time to jump down off my soapbox in hoping and wishing for days and times that have long since faded into the fabric history and begin to embrace the present. Which brings us back to the Wranglers’ game against Manor New Tech (a 59-0 win that was over as soon as the teams stepped onto the field, by the way). Sitting in the press box at cathedral-like Wrangler Stadium and looking down on a gridiron with a huge “LR” painted at midfield was a watershed moment after knowing nothing but “LH” for the past seven years. Sure, Legacy Ranch is already in its third year of existence, but this school year marks the first time in which all Wranglers sports will be competing at the Class 5A varsity level – just like their Purple-and-Gold neighbors to the west. Part of the experience for me was seeing familiar faces in different places. For example, former Liberty Hill Independent School District superintendent and current Williamson County judge Steve Snell was on hand for the festivities, participating in the ceremonial coin toss before the game. Snell was the spearhead for the splendor that surrounded everyone in attendance

on the evening, as the process for making Wranglerville a reality began under his stewardship and deserves an enormous amount of credit. Well done, Steve. Someone else who deserves plaudits is Wranglers head coach Tim Knicky, who stood on the sidelines on this historic night just like all the proud mothers and fathers in the stands, finally seeing the seeds he sewed for the past two years down the road at what was the school’s campus (now Legacy Ranch Middle School) come to fruition in the form of a varsity program. Nobody has more outward passion for the game and his job than Knicky, who routinely fires up the crowd during games, jumping up and down, waving his arms like a madman to exhort the home fans as the world’s biggest cheerleader. Speaking of cheerleaders, we would be remiss if we also didn’t add Legacy Ranch principal Mark Koller to the equation, as the school’s boss has done a fine job of representing his institution from Day One (mostly as a social-media star, we might add). Anyway, as I begin my eighth school year of Liberty Hill sports coverage, is it possible to be nostalgic about the not-so-recent past without melancholy slipping in and preventing proper enthusiasm for the present and what the future holds? Guess we’ll find out. Here’s hoping it’s a “yes.”

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

COLUMN

Fowler, many others, brought attention to Liberty Hill with symposium BY JAMES WEAR

COLUMNIST

It was quite a year in the United States as the nation observed the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In Texas, a tiny, unincorporated community and its visitors were carving out a special place in the nation’s art history. That tiny community was Liberty Hill and much of the year had been spent on preparation for the International Sculpture Symposium, an event put together by Mel Fowler and several Liberty Hill residents. The Oct. 7 issue of The Libertarian’s banner headline announced the symposium would begin the following Monday, with 25 artists from around the world expected to attend. In that same issue, the paper included a special 12-page section profiling all the artists attending the symposium. According to a flyer prepared by the Liberty Hill Cultural Affairs Council that was printed for distribution prior to and during the event, “The public’s most unusual opportunity to observe art-in-creation will be held during the

SUNNYSIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 immediately.” Every teacher is carefully vetted, and many are mothers themselves. “They understand the responsibility of caring for someone else’s child,” Johnson said. “You can’t replace someone’s child. Our teachers genuinely love what they do, and that shows every day.” That supportive culture benefits families as much as employees. Johnson said children quickly feel comfortable in the environment.

South’s first International Sculpture Symposium from October 11 through November 30 in Liberty Hill, Texas.” The flyer also noted, “The symposium not only benefits the sculptor and the community but also is a great educational process for surrounding schools from the elementary level and including universities.” Among those who were instrumental in bringing the symposium to Liberty Hill were the late Ozzie and Dorothy Klein, a couple who lived out in Durham Park; as well Ellis Posey, who was editor of The Libertarian; Helen Chesley; and the late James Vaughan, who captured many of Liberty Hill’s historical moments on film. Vaughan is credited with convincing Fowler to locate the syposium in Liberty Hill rather than Austin as had been originally planned. The Kleins were among those invited by Fowler to attend an “informal gathering” back on Nov. 9, 1975, in local realtor John Chesley’s office in downtown Liberty Hill. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a proposal by Fowler to hold an international sculpture symposium in Liberty Hill – and what such an event could mean to Liberty Hill

“both economically and culturally.” Fowler, who had attended a similar event in Europe in 1975, returned from that gathering believing such an event could be held in Texas. The symposium would prove to be one of the most successful ventures ever undertaken in Liberty Hill, with media from around the state and country descending upon the downtown area where the artists worked. Local citizens provided lodging and meals and even clothing for the artists as they worked away on blocks of limestone, marble and granite that were donated by local quarries. When the dust had settled and the jackhammers and chisels grew silent, Veterans Park in downtown Liberty Hill had virtually become an outdoor art gallery. The pieces would remain there for the next several years until being moved to their present location.

“We’ve had children refuse to leave after tours,” she said. “Parents have had to drag them out because they already wanted to stay.”

“She tells us, ‘You guys have it. I trust you,’” Laura said. For the Amirs, moments like that are the greatest reward. “The trust from parents has been incredible,” Laura said. Ethan agreed. “When I hear parents tell us they couldn’t find another place that offers everything we do, that’s what makes all of this worth it.” Building Sunnyside Scholars required more than a year of planning, curriculum development, construction, hiring and preparation.

Earning parents’ trust Perhaps the greatest compliment the staff receives isn’t reflected in enrollment numbers or reviews. It’s the trust they earn. Laura recalls one first-time mother who called or messaged every few minutes during her child’s first days at the center. Four months later, that same parent rarely checks in.

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Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Don Cunningham, who served as administrative assistant in the superintendent’s office at Liberty Hill ISD during the 1980s, shares a laugh with Mel Fowler during the sculpture park dedication ceremony held in May 1987 at what was then the grounds of the high school. PHOTO BY JAMES WEAR

“It takes longer than you expect,” Ethan said. “You’re investing your time, your energy, your heart, everything.” When asked what advice they would give aspiring entrepreneurs, both emphasized the importance of building something authentic. “You need a strong vision, solid management and enough financial stability to stay focused on your mission,” Ethan said. “But most importantly, build something you’re passionate about because it becomes more than a business. It’s your footprint in the community.” Laura echoed that advice. “Do something you’re good at and passionate about,” she said. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. You’re constantly thinking about how to make it better.” Serving children from six weeks through six years old, Sunnyside Scholars combines educational leadership, innovative technology, multilingual learning, advanced academic partnerships and a family-centered approach designed to help children thrive from infancy through kindergarten. For more information or to schedule a tour, families are encouraged to contact Sunnyside Scholars Early Learning Center or visit sunnysidescholars.com.

Valeri Michelle Whitt Aug. 3, 1985 – Aug. 1, 2026

Valeri Michelle Whitt was born on August 3, 1985, in Fort Worth and raised in Austin. She passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 40. Valeri lived with a bright, untamed spirit—funny, full of life, and impossible to forget. She loved basketball, arts and crafts, life’s small pleasures, and the simple joy of being surrounded by the people she loved. At her core, Valeri was selfless, often going without so that someone else wouldn’t have to. She had a generous heart and a way of making the people around her feel loved. More than anything in this world, Valeri loved her children—fiercely and endlessly. That love was the heartbeat of her life. Her children were her greatest joy, and the love she gave them will remain a part of them forever. Valeri also had a deep tenderness for animals, loving her pets as family and giving them the same gentle loyalty and affection she gave to those she loved. She leaves behind her three children, who carry with them her laugh, her fire, her tenderness, and the memory of a mother whose love never wavered.

Judith “Judy” Louise DaMetz Dec. 18, 1942-Aug. 2, 2026

Survived by husband, Russell; children, Kathleen Jennings (Pastor Kevin), Corpus Christi; Douglas C. Romig (Jamey), Knoxville, Tn.; Dr. Jennifer King (Brett), Liberty Hill; Warren Romig (Tracy), Round Rock; Russell S. DaMetz (Susan), Round Rock; William DaMetz (Tara), Bastrop; Nicole Harris (Stephen), Katy; Noel DaMetz, Liberty Hill; Mary Kristi DaMetz, Leander; 22 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. at Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran, 81 CR 213, Liberty Hill. Interment was held at Liberty Hill Cemetery.

Though her life was far too short, the love she gave and the lives she touched will continue through her children and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the laughter, love, and moments they carry with them forever. Visitation was held on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704. Funeral services began at 2:00 p.m.

LuAnn Howland Jan. 14, 1953 – Aug. 16, 2026

LuAnn Howland passed away on August 16, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the daughter of Howard Grady Howland and Helen Beatrice Stark Howland. LuAnn grew up in the Andice Baptist Church in Texas under the close guidance of her mother, who taught Sunday school there for more than 50 years. She attended Georgetown High School, where she made lifelong friends, as she did in her community. She was a loyal friend and adored by those fortunate to know her. LuAnn was creative, curious, and deeply caring. A talented writer and artist, she loved drawing, creating handmade gifts, collecting antiques, learning about history and other cultures, and caring for animals. LuAnn is survived by her son, Samuel Howland and his wife Amber, and her grandchildren: Caiden Simpson, Chloe Howland, and Carson Howland. She was preceded in death by her par-

OBITUARIES

ents and sister, Connie Howland Kanetzky. Family and friends are invited to gather in LuAnn’s memory at the Andice Community Center, 6600 FM970 in Andice, on September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a casual, come-and-go celebration of her life.

David Leonard Kerr Nov. 30, 1946-Aug. 14, 2026

David Leonard Kerr of Kingsland and Liberty Hill, Texas, passed away on August 14, 2026. He was born in Odessa, Texas on November 30, 1946, and the life he built from there was one filled with devotion, laughter, hard work and love for the people around him. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1965 and married Deborah (Debbie) Ann McCann in 1967. David lived a life defined by dedication and love for family. He proudly served his country in the US Army and was stationed in Alaska from 1969 -1971. He went on to work for Southwestern Bell and AT&T and then worked at Research Pest Control with his sons-in-law until he fully retired. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mae Kerr, his brother Roger Kerr, and his son Jeffery Wayne Kerr. David is lovingly survived by his wife, Debbie Kerr, and daughters, along with their husbands: Tracy and Chet Harrell and Jennifer and Bobby Miller. He is also survived by granddaughters: Avery Harrell, Hailey (and Caleb) McMahan, Riley (and Ryley) Rosenbusch, Lindsay (and Kenny) Warr and Kylie (and Robbie) Chapman along with great grandchildren Logan, Landon, Bailey, Aubrey and Easton and his brother, Doug Kerr and wife, Shanda of Amarillo. David loved being outdoors whether he was at the coast, at the lake, or simply tinkering in his shop. He found joy in gardening, traveling, playing 42, and going to the casinos. He was a lifelong enthusiast of looking for that rare find at a garage sale or by metal detecting. He loved spending time with friends and family. He never knew a stranger, and those who knew him will

remember his infectious personality, his big smile, and his sense of humor. The family would like to thank Blue Water Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our dad in his final days. A celebration of life will be held at the Kingsland Community Center, 3451 Rose Hill Drive, Kingsland, TX, on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of David to DAV (help.dav.org) or Highland Lakes Senior Center (please mail checks to Highland Lakes Senior Center, PO Box 1353, Kingsland, TX 78639 w/ David Kerr in the memo line). Dad will be deeply missed but we find comfort in knowing that his love lives on in each of us. He taught us the value of family, hard work, kindness, and finding joy in simple things. He will be forever remembered as a beloved husband, dad, brother, friend and Papa, and his memory will be cherished forever.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

EVENTS CALENDAR 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. agapebbq.com September 18 FAMILY SHILOH Dahlia Cafe 2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6 p.m. dahliacafe.com

September 4 GRAND OPENING Parker’s Mercantile 1017 Main St., Liberty Hill 3 p.m. instagram.com/parkersmercantilelhtx

September 9 TERRIFIC TRIVIA NIGHT Liberty Hill Beer Market 13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 7 p.m. beermarket512.com

September 5 SATURDAY UNDER THE OAKS WITH THE STONE ROLLERS Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. agapebbq.com

September 11 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE WITH CAM DOZIER Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. agapebbq.com

September 8 GREEN DREAMS: CULTIVATING THE ULTIMATE LAWN Williamson County Master Gardener 425 S. Parkwest Dr. (Cedar Park Public Library) 7 p.m. txmg.org/williamson

September 12 HARVEST FEST Tractor Supply 1919 Main St. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. tractorsupply.com SATURDAY UNDER THE OAKS WITH LOVECHILD Agape BBQ

Liberty Hill Independent Monthly | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

TASMIN AND TIM Liberty Hill Beer Market 13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 7 p.m. beermarket512.com SUNNY SWEENEY Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8-10 p.m., $30-$348 globetheatretx.com Sept. 19 JOEL TUCKER BAND Agape BBQ 3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. agapebbq.com KIMMIE RHODES WITH GABRIEL RHODES Globe Theatre 132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8-10 p.m., $30-$233 globetheatretx.com

Sept. 21 LIBERTY HILL REPUBLICAN WOMEN MONTHLY MEETING Jardin Corona 15395 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 6 p.m. lhrepublicanwomen.org Sept. 25 FRIDAYZ WITH KEN AND RENEE Dahlia Cafe 2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30 p.m. dahliacafe.com Sept. 26 THE MARKET LHTX Liberty Hill Middle School 13125 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 9 a.m.-1 p.m. themarketlhtx.com BOOTS & BLING L4 Cares 101 Church St., Liberty Hill 7-11 p.m., $50-$400 l4cares.com OATMEAL FESTIVAL Downtown Bertram Begins at 8 a.m. oatmealfestival.org

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