December 2024 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

CONTENTS

BIZ BRIEFS:

What’s New?

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Sweet Retreat Texas

15395 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

A new ice cream shop, called Sweet Retreat Texas, is slated to open in Liberty Hill in spring 2025. The shop will be located at 15395 Hwy. 29, in the strip center next to Jardin Corona. Owner Rebecca Maxwell said the shop will serve hard ice cream from The Chocolate Shoppe, which is based in Wisconsin. Maxwell added that the ambience of the shop is “old school ice cream parlor with a modern twist,” including bar tops for customers to sit at while watching old school movies.

The Sparrow Mobile Bar Mobile, Bertram

The Sparrow Mobile Bar is a bar service business that brings the bar to its customers. Housed in a vintage-style trailer, trained bartenders head up the business that can be brought to any location for events, parties and more.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• ATX K Food Meal Prep

Online, Liberty Hill

• Bertram Country Market

148 Hunter Loop, Liberty Hill

• Starbucks 1892 Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill

• Talay Thai

112 CR 214, Liberty Hill

RETAIL

Rags to Roosters Online, Liberty Hill

Shelley Shults is the owner of Rags to Roosters, a business specializing in the farmhouse decor look. The online shop o ers decor for every room in the home that will enhance the farmhouse or vintage look for each season. Check them out at www.ragstoroosters.com.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• 7-Eleven

10740 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• Briggs Convenience Store

3583 Hwy. 183, Briggs

• Wise Mama Wipes Online, Liberty Hill

• Bo's Blades Online, Bertram

SERVICES

The Scoop Service Mobile, Liberty Hill

The Scoop Service serves Liberty Hill and the surrounding community with professional pet waste removal services. The business o ers routine poop scooping, one-time cleanups, and dog waste station maintenance for homes, businesses and HOAs. Scheduling is available at thescoopservice.com or call/text 737-843-4788 for a free quote.

Joyful Family Counseling 3106 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

Nicci Bontrager, of Joyful Family Counseling, is pleased

to announce she has remodeled into a larger o ce space. She also expanded her hours and is now accepting new counseling clients. Bontrager works with adults, couples, teenagers and families. Learn more at www.joyfulfamilycounseling.com.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Bird Creek Roofing

Mobile, Liberty Hill

• Arrow Roll O s and Recycling, Inc.

6151 FM 3405, Liberty Hill

• Valhalla Dog Online, Bertram

• Genesis Taxidermy 401 CR 268, Bertram

• Landscape & Irrigation Masters

Mobile, Liberty Hill

• It's a Sunny Day Daycare 1051 CR 201, Liberty Hill

• Pirtek Liberty Hill Mobile, Liberty Hill

• The Iron Plate Gym

295 CR 214, Liberty Hill

• Building Little Brains

Santa Rita Ranch, Liberty Hill

• Liberty Hill Equestrian Experience

208 Oak Bend Dr., Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE

The Aesthetic Edit

2921 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

The Aesthetic Edit will be transitioning to full time in Cedar Park and closing its Liberty Hill location for the time being.

Emerald Elephant Yoga

147 E. Vaughan St., Bertram

Emerald Elephant Yoga is now open in downtown Bertram, just behind Gathering Grounds Co ee. Classes o ered include flow, vinyasa and hatha, among others.

Eternity Bridal House

12701 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Faithful & True Bridal House has recently relocated to the strip center next to Royal Bliss Day Spa and rebranded under the name Eternity Bridal House.

of services, including facials, chemical peels, microneedling, B12 shots and laser services.

Blinded By The Light

2921 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

Blinded By The Light is celebrating four years in business this month.

The Nutcracker Station

435 Hwy. 29, Bertram

The Nutcracker Station in Bertram celebrated 25 years in business in November with a celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Alex Satre, Rollo Insurance

326 Hwy. 29, Bertram

Alex Satre recently joined the team at Rollo Insurance in Bertram as an agent. He has three years of experience and a degree in business finance.

Christina Oxford, Royal Bliss Day Spa

12701 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Christina Oxford is the newest employee to join the team at Royal Bliss Day Spa. Oxford is a full body waxer with a passion for helping clients to stay consistent with their waxing and aftercare.

San Gabriel River Brewery

500 Chaparral Dr., Liberty Hill

San Gabriel River Brewery is putting the finishing touches on an expansion project that o ers customers indoor seating and large screen televisions, in addition to craft beer and food.

Jordan Garza, Beleza Surgery & Med Spa

101 Jonathan Dr., Liberty Hill

Jordan Garza is a new licensed esthetician at Beleza Surgery & Med Spa. She o ers a variety

Dwell House Co ee and Tap

204 E. Main St., Florence Dwell House Co ee and Tap recently announced it is under new ownership: the Daniels family.

Nicci Bontrager

Dwell House Coffee and Tap

Mike Etienne

Dr. Mike Etienne officially began his term as Liberty Hill’s Deputy City Manager on Sept. 30. In the newly created position, Etienne will work under City Manager Paul Brandenburg and help guide the City toward its goals and objectives, lead City staff, and work closely with the mayor and council. He will also supervise and coordinate operations of planning and development, building and code enforcement, downtown and public works departments. Etienne holds a doctorate in public policy and administration and a master’s in urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University. He comes from a 25-year background in city management and local government experience across Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

LHI MONTHLY: You started your term as deputy city manager on Sept. 30. How have the first several weeks been?

ETIENNE: My first month and a half has been focused on building relationships, learning about the city, the staff, organizational culture and operations. I have also met with stakeholders and community residents. I have really enjoyed getting to know the residents, and diving into the core aspects and challenges of the city. I feel very comfortable, and I feel confident that I’ll be able to help address some of the issues that the city is currently facing. It’s been great and I’ve really enjoyed the process. Overall, I feel like I’m making good progress and am excited to continue developing my skills here.

LHI MONTHLY: You are the city’s first deputy city manager. What will be your primary roles and responsibilities in this position?

ETIENNE: My primary role as deputy city manager is to assist the city manager with the day-to-day operations of the city. I manage special projects such as water and

wastewater initiatives and the downtown revitalization plan. I also oversee multiple departments including public works and engineering, downtown revitalization, capital projects, building and code enforcement, and planning and development services.

LHI MONTHLY: How will duties be distributed between you and City Manager Paul Brandenburg?

ETIENNE: City Manager Brandenburg is focused on the overall finance and administration, and I am more focused on the operations side of the organization. I will be overseeing the functions and projects mentioned in the previous question.

LHI MONTHLY: You come to Liberty Hill with over 20 years of city management experience across Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. What are the most important skills acquired from your career that you plan to bring to this new role?

ETIENNE: I have learned a lot over the last 20-plus years, especially how to efficiently manage a city organization. I bring professional leadership founded on integrity and ensure that the goals and performance objectives established by the City Council

are met. I have a strong focus on implementation and getting things accomplished. I believe I will deliver quality and innovative city services and bring a strong customer service and public service ethic to the role, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills to build collaborative relationships and high performing teams.

LHI MONTHLY: Liberty Hill is a rapidly expanding community, and several initiatives are currently underway to enhance the city. What do you believe are key areas of focus as Liberty Hill continues to expand and grow into the future?

ETIENNE: The city is experiencing exponential growth. We are growing at a rate of about 12 percent per year. I believe the key areas of focus as Liberty Hill continues to grow into the future are one, securing a sustainable water supply or source; two, increasing our wastewater capacity; three, making sure that we grow responsibly; and four, improving quality of life of our citizens.

LHI MONTHLY: What operational or policy aspects, departments or projects are you most interested in participating in?

ETIENNE: I think we all know the most

important issue right now is water. On the top of my list of things to do is working with staff, Mayor Crystal Mancilla and City Council to come up with a solution to the water situation. In addition to finding solutions to our water and wastewater challenges and implementing our comprehensive water plan, I am most interested in rewriting our development codes to make our codes consistent and more user friendly.

LHI MONTHLY: What aspects of city management do you most enjoy? Why did you want to be Liberty Hill’s deputy city manager?

ETIENNE: I enjoy collaborating with staff and the community to accomplish priorities that will improve quality of life in our city.

LHI MONTHLY: What do you envision for the future of Liberty Hill? What goals do you have for the city over the next five to 10 years?

ETIENNE: Over the next five to 10 years, my goal is to make sure the city has a permanent source or supply of water; ensure we have ample wastewater capacity; promote thriving economic development; and creating a vibrant downtown environment.

Mike Etienne began his role as the City of Liberty Hill’s first-ever deputy city manager on Sept. 30. He has definitive goals for the future of the city. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

Painting a new vision on a local landmark

from the very community that helped bring it to fruition.

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

Thanks to the enthusiastic input from so many local residents, work is now underway on the water tower mural that will soon be unveiled for all to see. Artist Sarah Blankenship, a resident of nearby Georgetown, was chosen to complete this monumental undertaking and she recently shared with The Independent her own enthusiasm about the project as well as the impact she hopes it will have on all who pass by on a given day.

Chances are, those who have spent time in the communities that surround Liberty Hill – communities such as Leander, Georgetown and Round Rock, just to name a few – have all laid eyes on Blankenship’s work as an accomplished mural artist. From her extensive work on the exterior walls of many a main street building to the countless interior murals done in both commercial and residential spaces, Blankenship looks forward to adding yet another type of proverbial canvas to her portfolio – a water tower.

“This is my first water tower project,” said Blankenship. “Most water towers are too high for me – I do have a fear of heights beyond a couple of stories. But, I’m thankful this one is smaller in scale so I can take on this new challenge without that fear.”

Given Blankenship’s thoughtful approach to how the design will transfer from paper to the finished product, the results will likely be received with a warm welcome

“Many things in this project are similar to a typical exterior mural project – weather, ground surface, wall surface, paints etc. The main difference is the curvature of the structure. This has made the design a different challenge,” she said. “I’ve worked on the design as a flat rectangle, but have had to consider how it will wrap around the water tower and be seen from different angles. For example, cars driving by will only get a quick glimpse, so it’s important to have something that can be seen or read quickly from a distance. Pedestrians on the other hand, will be up close, so I’ve had to consider details and framing that would work for an up-close selfie. There’s always something to learn with each new mural project.”

Liberty Hill’s Downtown Revitalization Committee has had specific intentions related to commissions such as the water tower mural project – to generate interest in a public arts program that coincides with the downtown master plan and compliments new features such as the roundabout near Wetzel Park. Blankenship felt comfortable in rising to such an occasion as she herself has been a part of so many similar visions.

“I live in Georgetown, so I’m not far away at all. I work mostly in the greater Georgetown area, but have done projects in Liberty Hill, Leander, Round Rock, Hutto, Taylor, Jarrell, Cedar Park and Austin,” she said. “As far as ties to murals specifically in Liberty Hill, I worked on five murals at Main Street Social. Unfortunately, that business has closed down now, but I am open to editing the outside mural to fit the new use. I’ve

worked on a residential mural in Liberty Hill and most recently I painted the gym lettering and cafeteria lettering for the new Legacy Ranch High School.”

Blankenship’s creative approach to any new design starts with the customer, first and foremost. From the very first conversation, she goes to great lengths to see the client’s vision as her own and then executes with care to ensure that the concept carries through to the finished product, meeting –or beating – the client’s expectations.

“My art is mostly based on a client’s vision that I help them execute,” said Blankenship. “My hope is to accomplish their vision beautifully and successfully for any project. I work mainly with small businesses that want to share something that is important about their business, brand, or identity.”

Blankenship then walked through her process with a bit more detail.

“I begin inserting myself on all projects at the initial meeting. I like to meet in person, on-site, where I can hear the client’s ideas of what is important to them or what they might like to see on the wall so I can bounce off their ideas,” she said. “While they’re talking, I actually imagine what they’re saying in images on the surface in front of me and start to piece it all together in my mind. The hard part can be taking that image in my mind and transferring it into a digital or

paper format a client can respond to.”

Using this same approach to the water tower mural design, Blankenship shared her experience with the community during last month’s Sculpture Festival, where the design concept was given its first breath of life.

“A booth was set up at the Sculpture Festival that asked for input from community members on what they wanted to see on the water tower,” said Blankenship. “Some wrote their ideas down, some spoke to me directly. As I read or heard their ideas, I translated in my mind what could work visually for this project.”

Concerning the various elements of the water tower mural design concept, Blankenship offered many hints but, with respect to the city’s desire for it to be a surprise at the unveiling, those inquiring minds will just have to wait.

As far as this particular project is concerned, Blankenship is excited to put her unique touch on such a vibrant community. Looking ahead, it’s safe to say many new sets of eyes will cast their gaze upon her art as she has much more to contribute – both here at home and abroad. Until then, let the excitement and anticipation build as a new beacon will soon cast its light as it welcomes those near and far to this small town with a big heart.

Local artist Sarah Blankenship has been hired to paint the new mural on the water tower in downtown Liberty Hill. COURTESY PHOTO

Downtown water tower to be adorned by local artist

Sarah Blankenship has painted murals in Liberty Hill before, including for the Liberty Hill Independent School District. COURTESY PHOTO

The Clauses are coming to town

Meet the couple that brings the spirit of Santa and Mrs. Claus to Liberty Hill

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

One wouldn’t expect to find the North Pole hidden within a central Texas residence, but that’s exactly what lies hidden behind the door of one Leander apartment.

Upon entering, the swelt of a southern winter disappears as you become immersed in the scent of home cooked stew and year-round Christmas cheer. That’s because this home belongs to Tom and Ella Williams, or as Liberty Hill knows them: Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Tom and Ella have been married for nearly 31 years and close friends much longer than that. Longtime neighbors who o en shared holidays, it was only years that they acknowledged their special bond.

As they searched for wedding venues following their long-awaited engagement, Ella Williams’ brother-in-law offered to use the church where he preached to host. The next opening was right a er Christmas.

As the couple searched for wedding decorations at a Hallmark store, Ella Williams found a Mr. and Mrs. Claus cake

topper. Given the timing of the ceremony, she believed it would be perfect.

“I even thought they looked a li le like us,” Ella Williams joked.

The Williams were married on Dec. 26, 1993. A family Christmas dinner followed, featuring the Claus-topped cake. The Williams say that, from then on, their Santa fate was sealed.

For years, family and friends continued to gi them Claus décor as tradition in honor of the cake toppers. The rest was history.

For the Williams, the process of becoming Clauses was much like Tim Allen’s in the 1994 Christmas classic, The Santa Clause. A er pu ing on the suit one night, he falls off the roof and slowly becomes Santa. Ella Williams said their transformation happened a similar way. “You sort of grow into it,” she said.

Much like Allen, Tom Williams’ Santa evolution

was completely unplanned. He grew up a Jehovah’s Witness and never celebrated Christmas.

A er leaving the Witnesses and going to Bible College, Tom Williams joined the Methodist church.

“The church requires the pastor be absent a er Christmas to give them a break from all the preparation,” Tom Williams said. “I ended up filling in to cover the first Sunday service a er Christmas.”

Williams continues to preach post-Christmas services at Liberty Hill’s Cross Tracks Church, o en dressed as what he described as “Santa adjacent.”

His first official Santa role was for a Make-A-Wish festival of lights in Iowa, where the couple were living at the time.

“They had a hut at the end of the trail with hot cocoa and popcorn and cookies and Santa,” he said.

Tom Williams said this was where he learned to love the job.

“That was where I fell in love with special needs people,” he said. “They would come in and were dazzled by everything.”

Tom Williams said that their excitement when they saw Santa is something he will never forget.

In 2012, Tom Williams joined the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, the world’s largest organization of professional Santas, and started filling in weekend slots at local malls.

When the Williams first moved near Liberty Hill, they sought out a local church, introducing themselves as, “Tom and Ella Williams, also known as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.”

Within the first week, the pastor approached them about riding in the Christmas parade to fill in when their regular Santa couldn’t make it.

Tom Williams eagerly accepted with one question: “Do you have a suit, or can I wear my own?”

For over a decade, the Williams have served children (and adults) throughout the year at malls, hospitals, doctors offices, coffeehouses, parades and more. Even though they now live in Leander, the Williams still call Liberty Hill home. Ella Williams believes that it was their role as Clauses that helped ingrain them into the local community.

In retrospect, it may not be surprising that the Williams found this path.

They’ve had a heart for helping others long before they were Clauses. They currently serve in leadership roles with

Tom and Ella Williams bringing joy to local kids as Mr. and Mrs. Claus in 2023. COURTESY PHOTO

The Williams’ Mr. and Mrs. Claus wedding cake topper still sits in their home, marking the beginning of their Christmas-themed journey. COURTESY PHOTO

the Over the Hill Gang, a center fostering fellowship and community for local senior citizens in Liberty Hill.

In addition to their biological children, the Williams have also fostered 14 international exchange students, many of which they still have contact with to this day.

“When someone is in your family for nine months, they live in your hearts forever,” Ella Williams said, adding that those students are part of “one big extended family.”

The Williams believe the Santa spirit represents a commitment to something much greater than themselves. To them, Santa and God work together through service.

“When you look at the holiday, there’s Christmas, which is a secular holiday with trees and lights and Santa and elves and gingerbread cookies,” Tom Williams said. “There is also Christ-Mass, the celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Williams said he sees no conflict between the two.

“If you think about the origins of Santa, he was a bishop that started going around to help people,” Ella Williams added. “He was a religious man. The spirit of giving is God and Christ. Santa is God-friendly.”

Tom Williams incorporates faith into his roles when he can.

“Tom will offer to pray for people if needed,” Ella Williams said. “If someone comes with a sad story and I feel it’s appropriate with that particular person, I will let them know that Santa has mul-

tiple lists, among which is a prayer list, and ask them if they would like me to put them on it.”

“One time, they brought a young woman to me in a wagon and asked if they could put her in my lap,” Tom Williams added. “They told me it was her last Christmas, and I prayed with her.

“Another young woman came in who was sick and asking for good cancer test results at the doctors,” said Ella Williams. “The next day she got a clean bill of health.”

Bittersweet experiences like these have helped forge special bonds with members of the community, many of which come back to see them each year.

When it comes to Santa’s ultimate purpose, Tom Williams said, “Santa is an example of the best of humanity.”

Ella Williams added that “God’s light shines through him.”

Just like the real Clauses, the Williams’ service doesn’t stop after Christmas. They continue their good works year-round.

In summers, the pair drive their RV up to their Iowa campground where they preach and celebrate Christmas in July. Their “Welcome to the North Pole” door sign travels with them wherever they go.

The people they serve in the Liberty Hill community have given them special memories to last a lifetime. They hope to continue fostering those joyful connections for many years to come.

Mrs. Amy’s Adventures Preschool breaks ground on new facility

Years in the making, expanded childcare center to open in 2025

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

The owners, staff and families of Mrs. Amy’s Adventures Preschool gathered on Nov. 2 to celebrate the groundbreaking of their expanded daycare building, located at 12340 Hwy. 29, just outside the Stonewall Ranch subdivision. The new facility will add classrooms, playgrounds and other learning spaces to the center, allowing them to serve more Liberty Hill children in time for the 2025-26 school year.

Mrs. Amy’s Adventures opened its current facility, located at 14370 Hwy. 29, in 2020. Its four classrooms currently serve 88 kids aged six weeks to five years, as well as its team of dedicated staff and teachers. Children are placed in classrooms based on developmental level and curriculums are centered around play-based themes. Owner Amy Payne believes this helps promote holistic child development and foster a positive school environment.

“We offer play-based learning by giving the kids the opportunity and freedom to explore and run around, which builds social and emotional awareness,” Payne said. “We want the kids to associate the idea of school with a positive atmosphere. People are here that love you. You are safe. You can be yourself and grow.”

wall Ranch. However, the road to realization was rocky.

City water and wastewater utility restrictions caused holdups and threatened Payne’s dream of expansion. Still, she never gave up. She attended endless City Council meetings and spoke during public comment periods, urging council to approve her site plan and utilities.

Thanks to the continual support of her team and dedication to making her dream a reality, utility services were eventually secured, and site plans were approved on Oct. 23.

“We have put so many months and months of effort into this,” Payne told The Independent after final approval was announced.

She described the moment as exciting, a relief, and something that “doesn’t quite feel real.” With the struggles of the past year behind her, Payne now turns her attention to the future.

The new facility will be able to accommodate 200 kids and numerous new teachers, more than doubling their current capacity. The space features new classrooms, a library, indoor and exterior playground spaces and a cafeteria. The additional room will also allow Mrs. Amy’s to offer expanded programs including summer camps and after school care for school-age kids.

increased opportunities, Payne assures commitment to the kids will remain at the forefront.

“To me, what’s important is individual connections with kids and families,” she said. “Kids won’t commit and learn and grow without the connection. We go for the ‘at home’ feel even though we’re growing. That’s my goal: to keep that same feel at our new, bigger center.”

Payne believes this special “home” feel is thanks to her teaching staff.

them everything they need to support their families.”

Spirits ran high with a sense of gratitude and pride as Mrs. Amy’s community gathered around coffee and donuts at the groundbreaking. Teachers, families and staff expressed excitement at all the new facility will offer, and Amy Payne took the opportunity to thank her civil team at Sandlin Services and contractors at Turning Point Construction for the difference they made in bringing the project to life.

Payne’s unique focus on holistic development and her stellar team of committed teachers has made Mrs. Amy’s Adventures a standout in the local community.

“We moved into our current facility right after Covid hit. Everything immediately shut down,” said Payne. “It was crazy timing, but the challenge was actually a blessing in disguise.”

Payne and her supportive community worked days and nights to set up the space and began enrolling kids that summer.

“We had a waiting list early on, after only about six months, even with the challenges of Covid,” she said. “It demonstrated a huge need in the area.”

By 2022, she was already thinking about expansion and purchased the land at Stone-

It will allow for the school to serve more local families and work toward its goal of accessibility.

“We work hard to make our program accessible for anyone in the community,” said Payne. “Affordable tuition is always on our priority list, as well as developing programs to help kiddos with developmental differences and help them transition into the school district.”

Mrs. Amy’s currently has teachers undergoing training to become certified Registered Behavior Technicians to enhance the school’s support system and foster this bridge program. Payne is currently seeking licensed RBTs interested in joining their staff.

While the expansion will allow for

“We have such an amazing team of dedicated teachers. They’re welcoming and helpful and take time to get to know families and kids. It’s an amazing atmosphere to see. I think that’s part of the culture we create here,” she said. “Our school would absolutely not be what it is without their love, patience and commitment to our students and families.”

Just as her teachers have continuously supported her throughout the expansion process, Payne is committed to ensuring Mrs. Amy’s provides them with a sustainable long-term career.

“She pays three dollars per hour more than most places,” Payne’s father, Lonnie Payne, said. “If a member of staff misses work, Amy will compensate others for their extra hours and she regularly gives quarterly bonuses – that’s unusual to see for this kind of business.”

For Amy Payne, the choice is obvious.

“They deserve all I can possibly give with wages and benefits. I want to be able to continue to offer that,” she said. “They are passionate, I want to make sure I can give

For Amy Payne and others, the new preschool represents a dream nearly five years in the making.

“She’s worked extremely hard to get here,” Lonnie Payne said. “They’ve stuck to it and have the community is behind them. It’s really good to see.”

At the end of the day, teachers, families and kids all agree – Mrs. Amy’s is different –and that’s because of Amy Payne.

“I know Amy personally and I know how hard she has worked on this,” said parent Sydney Collins. “My biggest motivation is the work she and the teachers have put into this. The kids really deserve it.”

“She is such a wonderful person and an amazing boss. I admire her a lot and look up to her,” added Mrs. Amy’s teacher Brieda Diaz Nigo. “I’m so proud of her. She’s been wanting to build this new building for the past two years. It’s amazing how much she’s grown.”

Amy Payne and her team plan to move into the facility for the 2025-26 school year.

For more information on Mrs. Amy’s Adventures, visit mrsamysadventures.com.

Amy Payne, along with her staff of teachers, posed together for a photo during the groundbreaking of the new Mrs. Amy’s Adventures Preschool. COURTESY PHOTO

Mrs. Amy’s Adventures Preschool expanded facility site plan. COURTESY PHOTO

Bridging generations of honor

Eagle Scout event unites those who have achieved scouting’s highest rank

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

On a sprawling Texas ranch on a close to perfect fall day, a gathering took place. From near and far, a diverse group of people came together to celebrate a common bond through a very unique and coveted achievement – the rank of Eagle Scout.

Held at the Smilin’ V Scout Ranch located in Liberty Hill, this inaugural event had the specific intent of connecting Eagle Scouts from multiple generations that now call Central Texas their home.

Charles Mead – director of marketing and public relations for the Capitol Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America – shared the organization’s long standing desire to find new opportunities to reconnect with the highest ranking Scout alumni.

“The parts we missed are so many people are moving to this area all the time – a significant number of people who did their scouting in other parts of the country have moved here for a job or family relocation or whatever the case may be,”said Mead. “If they had a good experience in scouting, we want them to stay connected.”

Mead went on to explain the need within the scouting organization for those with experience – such as the Eagle Scouts – to help manage the influx of families that are new to the area and are considering enrolling their children in the program.

“It’s a whole lot easier when we can have folks who already have a rich history and understanding of the way things go and are understandably excited because of the

experience they had when they were a youth,” he said. “We want as many of those folks involved as we possibly can. This is a very easy, no-pressure way to have them come back and re-engage if they haven’t been involved in a while.”

Another opportunity Mead hoped to capture were the young men and women who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, gone off to college and might be looking for a leadership opportunity in a local Cub Scout or Boy Scout program. Though they might not have children of their own yet, events such as this can pave the way for those connections and help bring an array of opportunities to fruition.

“Sometimes you have to give people permission to feel welcome and come on in,” he said. “That’s what we hope this activity and whatever iterations it takes in the future accomplishes.”

This gathering was the first of its kind for the Capitol Area Council, but Mead hopes to see it become an annual event that can be held at various locations throughout its fifteen county footprint.

When asked what the rank of Eagle Scout meant to him, whether in his personal experience or in witnessing others achieve it, Mead explained just how much the achievement spans far beyond the walls of the Boy Scouts of America.

“What encourages me is when I see boys and girls now who are sticking with it and making it all the way to the rank of Eagle, it’s a demonstration that – no matter how difficult things are – young people are still out there succeeding in a way that will help them later in life,” said Mead. “That, to me, is one of the greatest gifts that our program provides.”

After the opening ceremony, complete with the presentation of colors and the recitals of The Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Scout

Oath, the events of the day were underway. Under a grand pavilion that looked as if it were built by hand using old-fashioned tools and techniques, the crowd of Eagle Scouts were soon mingling as if they’d known each other for years. As the smell of a slow smoked prime rib wafted through the semi-humid air, connections were made that transcended age, background or otherwise. Throughout the property were staged activities such as a shooting range and knot tying that welcomed one and all. As if they were riding a bike, the participants soon fell right back into routines that were once so familiar.

On display in the pavilion was a wonderfully-preserved archive of historic Scout memorabilia, including an Eagle Scout Medal that dated back to the year 1916 and a uniform from the 1920s. Curated by volunteer historian to the council T.E. Starr, there were countless items and literature that focused on the rich history of the Capitol Area Council. As one could probably guess, Starr himself is an Eagle Scout.

Throughout the event, a common theme of “opportunity” emerged amongst those who had gathered to connect with others and celebrate their crowning achievements. Ethan Russel, a young man who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2015, offered his take on the theme.

“I would say it opened doors that wouldn’t necessarily have been opened otherwise,” said Russel. “Many of my peers I knew didn’t have those same doors opened for them. There’s a list of things I could go on and on about that it’s helped me do. From moral standing, to the decisions I make and giving back to the community and how much that matters – I’m

thankful for it.”

Young Eagle Scouts Emily Hale and Brigham Palmer added to the theme and what it meant for them to achieve the program’s highest honor. Being fairly recent recipients of their medals, they also looked towards the future and how this achievement might shape what’s to come.

“It was probably the greatest moment of my life,” said Hale as she then continued to talk of the opportunities that are now available to her in terms of life skills in general. “I can be a bit more creative with problems and, at work, there are solutions I come up with where people are like ‘I never would have thought of that.’”

Palmer echoed the sentiment with insight to his newfound problem solving skills.

“It gave me a much better way to dissect a problem and break it down and go at it in different ways,” he said. “That has helped me in many ways and has definitely made an impact.”

The bond between such a diverse group of people was visible at every encounter. Whether spoken or unspoken, the network the Scouting program has created and now expands upon will continue to enrich the lives of so many, especially those within the communities they contribute to. This inaugural event has proven itself of value to those looking to stay involved with the very program that made them who they are as people today.

It’s said that when eagles roost in nature, they do so at familiar sites and in groups in order to strengthen their bonding and communication. As if this metaphor were a classic painting, it provides validity to Oscar Wilde’s famous words – life imitates art.

Two young Eagle Scouts emcee the opening ceremony at the Gathering of Eagles event at Smilin’ V Scout Ranch. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

A group of Eagle Scouts participate in the pellet shooting range competition, one of the day’s many activities. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Paradise found

Port Aransas is an off-season Gulf Coast gem during the holidays

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

I’ll never forget the moment I fell in love – with the beach. I was 19 years old and my brothers and I decided to meet our parents down at the Gulf Coast for a long weekend. Each of us had our girlfriends in tow and it became one of those trips that helps define you as a young adult emerging into a life that can truly be called your own. There was just something about the warm, salty air and the pure roaring majesty of the gulf waters that has been calling me back ever since.

Fast forward to the present day. My family and I make it a point to get down to the Coast at least once a year and Port Aransas is the destination each and every time. Although we love the summertime vibes that call the masses to its shoreline year after year, we’ve become accustomed to an entirely different side of this treasure of an island town – the offseason.

On a given summer day in Port Aransas, the beaches are packed, the streets are congested and every souvenir shop in town grins ear-to-ear as the cash registers sing the sweet songs of the busy season. But once those bags are packed and the tourists head back to life as they know it, a sleepy little island town kicks off its shoes and takes a deep breath.

We arrived at our home for the week – The Seagull Condominiums – just in time to chase the sunset to the edges of the sea. Within

minutes of checking in, we stood on our very own private beach – or at least it seemed to be. We walked the beach for half an hour and never saw another living being outside of the sea gulls and sandpipers. If you’ve never had the chance to stand on a seemingly abandoned beach with the sand at your feet as the salty air kisses your skin, I’d put it on your bucket list – it will rebuild your soul. If the leaders of every warring nation on this planet were to do so, there would be peace at last – and then they’d have time to join us for dinner back at the condo!

Speaking of dinner, we have one of many traditions that takes place on the first night of each visit to this place – Port A Pizzeria. I’d bet good money if I had you all in a room and asked how many of you thought Double Dave’s had the best pepperoni rolls, every hand would raise. Well, put those hands down because we’re crowning a new champion. I’ll put it like this – If Port A Pizzeria ever closes its doors, this grown man will cry – and it’ll be an ugly cry. Do me a favor and put this on your list of must-eat places. Plus, they deliver – so it’s perfect for night one as you’re most likely tuckered out from the drive anyway.

The rest of the evening was spent on our condo balcony that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. If I were traveling here alone, that is about the only thing I’d get accomplished. In my book, there just isn’t much that can beat it.

Day two started before sunrise. To miss the sun peek over the edge of the gulf waters is to rob yourself of one of the most picturesque moments imaginable. Trust me, I’m a sunrise addict and I assure you you’ll never see a sunrise quite like this anywhere else in the world. It’s the opening scene of the day and you’ve got front row seats – don’t be that person who shows up late.

After another picture-perfect sunrise, we cooked up a tasty breakfast and it was straight to the beach soon after. It turns out these beaches are indeed public use areas as we saw three – count them – three people on our morning walk, which was miles long. Mornings on the beach are unique in their own right. As the kids would say, they “hit different” (I’m a cool dad, right?). The morning seaside air is electric. There is such an immense energy about it – almost as if you’re connecting yourself to a charger. This morning was no different and we left that beach with our batteries at 100 percent.

After a few lazy hours around the condo, our youngest started to get antsy. Although I feared what was to come, it was inevitable. That’s right, she said those seven dreadful words – “Take me to a souvenir shop, daddy!” In preparation for this monumental undertaking, I applied multiple types of adhesives to my wallet. I then proceeded to sew it shut with steel-reinforced threading, yet she still took me for a crisp 100 dollar bill – it must be the eyes. Although they will wreak havoc on your wallet, there are many unique souvenir and boutique shops all over town. If you like hand-made candy and want to learn more about the history of Port Aransas, stop by Winton’s Island Candy and satisfy your sweet tooth while you walk down memory lane. Another great spot is Fire It Ceramics, where you pick from a wide array of ceramic pieces such as coffee mugs or picture frames, paint

them however you desire and they’ll fire them in the kiln for you overnight. It’s a fun getaway for those not so perfect winter days.

After a stop at a local seafood market and the island grocery store, it was back to the condo for more breathtaking views and an afternoon cocktail or two. On the menu was fresh Strawberry Grouper and Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, and it was divine. The evening hours were spent – you guessed it – out on the balcony as the waves danced with the starry night sky. It was the sweetest lullaby that sent us peacefully on our way to dreamland.

The next morning was like a scene from the movie Groundhog Day, only this time it was a day you’d actually want to live over and over again. After cashing in our front row tickets for yet another spectacular sunrise, our mission became clear – it was time to hit the water. Remember, this is South Texas and these waters welcome one and all – even a week before Thanksgiving. Granted, it’s always a gamble being down here during the fall and winter months but this time, we hit the jackpot. I can’t remember a more perfect day with temps in the low eighties, a perfect sea breeze and not a cloud in the sky. We hit the waters and soaked up every bit of fun in the sun that we could.

We worked up quite the appetite that morning and decided that there was no better way to eat lunch on a day like this than on an outdoor patio down at the local marina. One of the many bayside restaurants that line this marina is Trout Street Bar and Grill. We were seated at the water’s edge right away and we spent the next two hours eating and drinking with friends as we all enjoyed such a perfect day at such a perfect spot for it. Each dish was wonderfully prepared and our server took great care of us. Here’s a pro tip for those of you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and trade it for some down-

View of the Gulf of Mexico from the balcony at The Seagull Condominiums. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Port Aransas during the off season is like being on your very own private beach. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

time by the sea: Things move slower down here. As the locals say, you’re on “island time,” so if you’re expecting a fast-paced environment where you get in and out in a hurry, you might want to reconsider your travel plans. Just sit back, relax and take it all in. There will be plenty of opportunities for chaos waiting for you when you get back home.

A er lunch, I screamed, the kids screamed, we all screamed for ice cream at Port A Creamery. A wonderful li le island

ice cream shop, they make some impressive sundaes and shakes that are unmatched anywhere else on the island. They also make some incredible gourmet coffee and espresso, so don’t pass this one up on your next visit.

Back at the condo, it was back to the water – this time, at the heated pool and hot tub. Complete with plenty of cabanas and other seating and grilling areas, the poolside amenities are abundant and welcoming. The pool itself is massive and a bridge crosses over its center. No, you can’t jump off of it, as tempting as it may be. The hot tub is somewhat secluded and has its own waterfall feature built right in. It’s a perfect spot to spend the cool autumn evenings that come marching in once the sun’s had its fun for the day. Given the late lunch and overindulgence on ice cream and cookies, it was snack foods and le over pizza for dinner followed by another night on the balcony under the stars.

Forgive me if I sound like a broken record at this point, but you have got to come see these sunrises. This particular morning sun had me in a tractor beam where all I could think about was what it would be like to walk out onto the edge of the world and embrace such a glorious sight. Pictures and

words will never give it the justice that is due, so you’re just going to have to come find out for yourself. I imagine it was a scene such as this that inspired the late great Nat King Cole to pen the song “Unforge able.” Just like the song, the moment will live on forever in your mind.

I had to pull myself away from the beach a bit later that morning. The reason? Irie’s Island Bakery. They were opening soon and I had to be first in line for their fresh baked cinnamon rolls that are to die for. So warm, so so and so big! They simply can’t be passed up while you’re on the island. You’ll thank me as soon as you take your very first bite, just save one for me. Since I was already in town, I decided to cruise by Donut Palace as well and grab some donuts and kolaches for everyone. I was quite popular with the family and friends upon my return. We let the most important meal of the day take us to the brink of a bellyache, but it was well worth the risk.

With breakfast out of the way and another peaceful morning staring at the Gulf of Mexico behind us, it was back to town. Apparently, my baby girl had another souvenir in mind that she just had to have. I had my suspicions and I can now confirm – it’s the eyes. A er arm-wrestling a 7-year-old

for what was le of my wallet, it was time to enjoy our final evening by the sea. And that is exactly what we did.

Much like Liberty Hill, Port Aransas has experienced its fair share of rapid growth during the past few years. My family and I have been frequenting this town for two decades now and I can say – again, much like Liberty Hill – they have done a tremendous job of keeping the small town feel alive and well. Whether it’s a local passerby on the city streets or a tourist like myself, there’s a common thread of appreciation of the serene natural landscapes and rich amenities that this town has to offer. It’s such an intoxicating experience that will leave you wanting more, no ma er how many times you find yourself under its spell.

For those of you looking to put a new twist on an old tradition, there are many Christmas events happening throughout the month of December. There’s a lighted boat parade and drone show down at the local marina, Christmas by the bay at the Civic Center, holiday shopping with a coastal twist and many more events put on by local businesses that even The Grinch himself couldn’t resist.

So pack those bags and go have yourself a merry li le Christmas – island style.

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Sunrise on Mustang Island in Port Aransas.

PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Baking with heart

Local woman answers calling to provide for needy

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

There’s something to be said about those who can withstand seemingly endless hardship while simultaneously dedicating their lives to helping others.

As they forge ahead through fire after fire without question or self pity, they emerge as leaders who stand ready for what’s next. As hindsight then shows so clearly, the very hardships they faced were by design, almost as if they’d unknowingly enrolled in the infamous school of hard knocks.

One such individual is Rachael Landers, founder of the nonprofit organization Growing Heart.

After a tumultuous year or so, Landers found herself in a seemingly endless state of recovery. Whether it was the multiple invasive surgeries, a horrific car accident or the sudden and unexpected layoff from her longtime employer, she never took even one minute to sit idle. Through all of it, Landers felt a constant call to help those in need.

“I asked God – What do I do now? – and His answer was ‘Bake bread and feed people.’”

The motto of the organization – “Not your average food pantry” – rings true in more ways than one. First and foremost, it offers fresh baked goods that are made with only whole ingredients and contain no bio-engineered ingredients whatsoever. Another unique feature is the online shopping format that gives those in need – regardless of their financial status – a more convenient and dignified way to receive the products Growing Heart offers.

“It takes away the guilt and the shame of standing in a food pantry line,” said Landers said of the online shopping experience.

Growing Heart’s commitment to providing healthy foods to the community was prevalent throughout the conversation and it remains the primary mission of the operation.

“We put a heavy focus on whole foods and healthy foods – there’s no preservatives, no color dyes and no bio-engineered ingredients,” she said. “Also, 95 percentof what we hand out every week is made by hand, by us.”

From wheat and white breads to breadsticks and English muffins, Growing Heart aims to offer a wide variety of sustenance as well as fresh baked sweet treats along with the occasional fruits and vegetables as they

become available.

“We’re growing exponentially,” said Landers.

Being a very young organization that is rapidly growing alongside the equally pacing Liberty Hill community, Landers spoke about how they not only plan to grow their core operation of healthy baked goods, but they also see additional opportunities to expand the variety of their offerings – and they aren’t wasting any time in seizing them.

To start, Growing Heart is actively seeking access to a commercial kitchen space and would love to hear from those within the community that might be able to help bring this to fruition. In addition to the commercial space, they are seeking individuals to donate the use of their yard spaces so gardens can be planted to allow them to offer fresh produce on a consistent basis. They plan to sow their first seeds in early spring.

Another first for this nonprofit is just around the corner – The Growing Heart “Grains & Gratitude Party.”

Being their very first event, there’s an optimistic excitement among the team as they look to raise awareness of their organization while also expanding their reach across the community. Scheduled for Dec. 8 from 4-7 p.m. at Rockpointe Church in Liberty Hill, there will be bingo games with prizes, food trucks, kid and adult activities and local vendors as well. Growing Heart is still actively accepting donations such as gift cards and other giveaway items for bingo prizes.

In addition to the fun and games, a Blessing Tree will be on site so those who wish to adopt a family to provide them with a Christmas dinner of their very own can do so while at the event.

They welcome one and all to come discover more about what they do and how to get involved in what seems to be a momentous movement.

“I genuinely love being able to help people,” said Landers, but she gave credit where credit is due as she truly believes that she is merely a vessel – here to perform the will of the divine.

Whether through her faith or on her own, the Growing Heart story is one of strength and resilience. Communities such as this are lucky to have those that champion the health and well-being of those who need it most, even if it comes at the cost of their own.

For more information on Growing Heart and the services they provide, visit Facebook, email growingheart2024@gmail.com or call (737) 318-9712.

Rachael Landers founded Growing Heart after answering a calling from God following a difficult time in her life.

PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Growing Heart provides various baked goods with all-natural ingredients for community members that are in need. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

The state of the youth leagues

Growing Liberty Hill youth leagues request fields, infrastructure, sponsors

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

At their Oct. 24 meeting, the Parks & Recreation Board of Directors invited Liberty Hill’s youth league associations to share updates about their organizational status and needs.

Over the past five years, Liberty Hill Independent School District enrollment has increased exponentially, from nearly 5,000 to nearly 9,000, according to according to a demographic update by Superintendent Steve Snell at the July 15 ISD Board of Trustees meeting. As the city and its surrounding ETJ continues to expand, local leagues are beginning to outgrow existing city field spaces. The combination of increasing demand and limited resources has put a strain on the sports, and growth is only expected to continue over the next decade.

“Our goal is to understand your status, growth, and needs for greater community awareness,” City Communications Director Katie Amsler said to sports reps at the meeting. “Our relationships with you are very important, and your needs are important.” Amsler acknowledged the city isn’t currently in the financial position to meet all requests, but insisted insight on sports-specific needs will help the city “plan for the future so we can support [them] in any way we can.”

Exponential growth, limited space

Liberty Hill currently has over 2,000 young athletes enrolled across its four youth league associations. The leagues share limited field space at LHISD fields and city parks. However, the complex nature of field sharing, scheduling constraints, and increasing maintenance and leasing costs have limited access for all sports as numbers continue to grow.

“With both [recreational and competitive programs] combined we hit up to 750 kids right now and we’re only using the fields at City Park,” Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Director of Coaching Alec Bellamy told the Independent. “The select side has grown over the past five years and these teams take up the most field space. Every year, our competitive program increases by two to four teams.”

Liberty Hill Youth League Vice President Jacob Bowen described baseball and softball teams as “bursting at the seams” due to exponential growth over the past five years. In 2023, their numbers exceeded 700 players. They currently lease out ballparks through LHISD and two fields at Foundation Park. “We’ll be losing one of those fields next year,” Bowen revealed, which will only

further stretch baseball and softball’s limited resources.

Liberty Hill Youth Football and Cheer Association Vice President Crystal Califano says they must “scramble to find adequate practice locations” to train their 250 athletes zoned to Liberty Hill High School. “There really aren’t cheer facilities in Liberty Hill,” Califano said.

“Surrounding towns like Leander and Georgetown have plenty of field space and huge parks,” she added. “I don’t know if Liberty Hill just never anticipated the growth that we’re seeing, but it’s going to significantly going to hurt these kids and their ability to train where they will eventually play.”

Limited field space means less practice opportunities for athletes. Recently, many leagues have seen select teams split from leagues to be able to rent fields outside of city limits.

“When we lose teams, we lose quality coaches,” Bellamy explained. He said this has a “compounding detrimental effect” on the leagues.

With little to no access to more in-city field locations, more and more teams have been forced to collaborate to share resources.

Challenges and impacts

League representatives said improved field-sharing opportunities could help alleviate the current strain. However, the existing field booking system isn’t conducive to multisport booking.

“The current booking schedule only allows for booking a full day,” Liberty Hill Lacrosse Program Director Adam Bokmeyer explained. “This reduces the number of renters. There are so many programs in the community and a definite need to maximize available time at City Park.”

He asked the city for scheduling clarity, emphasizing this “is the best option for accessible field use now.”

Liberty Hill Youth Soccer currently leases and covers maintenance costs for these fields, giving them first access to scheduling. Bellamy assured other league representatives they “are not against people using the fields,” and have tried to coordinate field-sharing schedules.

However, scheduling and rental complications and field maintenance costs pose challenges.

“We are currently working to push schedules and add more practice blocks to accommodate for growth,” he said. Bellamy also hopes the leagues can work out “maintenance cost sharing,” so that soccer won’t

have to front the increasing costs associated with greater field use. “We’re looking to work out a partnership. We have a system where this can work for all involved, if we continue to work together.”

Resource limitations have already impacted league participation and will continue limit the leagues’ ability to grow into the future. In addition to select team splitting, increasing operational costs have forced some leagues to raise registration fees.

“Our goal has been to put a jersey on every single kid that registers,” Bowen told the board. This mission “has been difficult to maintain” due to lack of appropriate field space, infrastructure and funding. Bowen admitted Liberty Hill Youth League already had to raise registration by $20 to cover increasing field rental and equipment costs.

“That decision was not taken lightly,” he said.

Liberty Hill Youth Soccer recently had to cap their recreational program due to limited field space.

While the set capacity hasn’t yet been reached, Bellamy is confident it will in the next five to 10 years. This will eventually put the league in the difficult position of prioritizing “quality over quantity,” he explained.

Top requests: lights, maintenance support, sponsors

The youth leagues will need help to keep costs low and continue serving kids. In addition to improved scheduling systems, several teams requested sport-specific infrastructure including more batting cages for baseball and softball and a throwing wall for lacrosse.

The leagues using city parks are also in need of field lights and diesel generators to sustain evening practices. They ask anyone with this infrastructure to consider donating in support.

Above all, the leagues are seeking community sponsors as a source of sustainable funding to support their growing programs.

“It’s expensive to run a youth league. I don’t think most people understand the cost,” Bowen told The Independent. “We spent $28,000 replacing lights at City Park last year and another $8,000 at Lions Foundation Park.” All of this is coming out of a budget the youth

leagues do not have. “Getting what we need is 100% out of reach for the leagues, it’s not a debt that a nonprofit youth league can take on,” he said.

Bokmeyer agreed that the leagues need help to front these costs. “The more money we pay, the less we can help kids because we have to charge them more. Every dollar we spend on fields, the kids have to pay for,” he said.

“Us organizations are in the middle and we can’t permit ourselves - we’re a nonprofit and don’t make money year-to-year. Our goal is to put every penny we have back into the organization to benefit the community and the kids,” Bellamy said.

“We still need fields, but even if they were approved today, that could take years before they are ready. That doesn’t help us today. Funding is immediate help,” said Bowen.

To review sponsor and partner details or sponsor a league, visit the “sponsors” page on league websites or reach out to them via email.

The big ask

All leagues agree – a multi-use sports complex would be the best-case scenario for sustaining the youth leagues into the future.

Coaches acknowledged this is a big ask and are aware the city will not be able to accomplish this without partnerships. “What all of us sports organizations are hoping is that whether it be a private entity or a community sponsorship, something comes in and helps make this a little more possible,” said Bellamy, who hopes it can be a “park that has space for all.”

“Everyone wants the same goal and that’s what’s best for these kids at the end of the day,” said Califano. “Ultimately, that’s somewhere that they can train and grow that doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars.”

Panthers playoff run ends with 30-27 loss to Brenham

Liberty Hill failed to advance past the second round for the first time in over a decade

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

On Nov. 22 at The Pfield in Pflugerville, Liberty Hill’s football team experienced an occurrence it hadn’t for over a decade.

With their 30-27 second-round Class 5A Division II playoff loss to Brenham, the Panthers failed to advance past that point in the postseason for the first time since 2013.

How long ago was that exactly?

Consider the fact Liberty Hill was still only a Class 3A program when it lost to Vernon by a 34-7 score on that night.

In each of the seasons since, the Purple-and-Gold had reached at least the regional quarterfinals and entered this year on a streak of having advanced to the state semifinals four years in a row, including an appearance in the state championship game in 2021.

All this while moving up the classification ladder to the program’s current status, which made Friday’s defeat all the more tough to take – although he pointed the finger squarely at himself, said Panthers head coach Kent Walker.

“To be out in the second round is disappointing,” he said. “Especially for all our seniors and the hard work they’ve put in, so I’ve got to do a much better job.”

the gridiron, as the teams traded touchdowns within the opening 2:04.

After that, though, the pace slowed precipitously and the opening period ended with the same 7-7 score.

But, before things from an offensive standpoint ground further to a still, Harvey found Brown again – this time from 22 yards out – on the first play of the second quarter and after the Panthers were called for a penalty on the ensuing extra point, the Cubs decided to take it off the board and go for two from closer in,

Most notable about the epic drive was the fact it left Brenham only 45 seconds left to work with and with no timeouts left, all the Cubs could do was move the ball to the Liberty Hill 24-yard-line before time ran out.

According to Walker, the sudden slowdown on the scoreboard was due to quick adjustments by both sides.

“I think both teams settled in and played a little better defensively,” said Walker. “Then we came out after halftime, went down and made it 15-14 (on a Karson Bye 20-yard field goal), blocked a punt, but only got three and three and that was the difference in the game.”

Indeed, following Bye’s first placement, the Panthers’ defense forced a three-and-out on which the Cubs netted zero yards, then Justin Bordelon blocked the punt, setting up Bye’s 23-

play from the Cubs’ 44 that extended the drive which ended with what were ultimately the game-winning points.

Walker certainly wasn’t happy with the decision, he said.

“We had a third-down call that didn’t go our way and it’s one that’s going to stick with me for awhile – it was a bad call, bottom line,” said Walker. “But, you don’t make excuses because we still should’ve stopped them and that’s on me.”

May carried for 22 yards on what turned out to be the senior’s final carry of the night on the Panthers’ first play on the next drive, which was bookended by a Preston Benefield threeyard run to close out a nine-play, 90-yard drive and Liberty Hill pulled within 30-27 with 2:28 left.

After the Panthers had deferred after winning the coin flip to begin proceedings, it took Brenham only two plays to get on the scoreboard when Cubs quarterback Jordan Harvey hooked up with running back Cartelle Brown on a 74-yard catch-and-run and a 7-0 lead after only 49 seconds had elapsed off the clock.

However, when Panthers signal-caller Jack Pitchford sprinted down the left sideline on a keeper for a 70-yard gain on Liberty Hill’s opening play from scrimmage all the way down to the Brenham 5-yard line and Dylan Belinga scored from three yards out two plays later to equalize at 7-7, it looked as if the contest would follow in the footsteps of games earlier this season whose final scores resembled those of the basketball rather than

which they converted for a 15-7 advantage.

After the teams traded punts on the next two series, Liberty Hill embarked on the kind of drive its famed Slot-T offense has become synonymous with over the years.

With 8:09 remaining until halftime, the Panthers set up shop at their own 8-yardline and began a methodical, workmanlike sequence of plays as Bryce Muchaw, Kyle May, Pitchford, Belinga and DJ Seaborn all carried the ball as the offense completed a 16-play, 92yard drive that ended with Muchaw plunging in from a yard out to bring the Panthers within a single point at 15-14.

yard effort to give the Panthers a 20-15 lead.

After Brenham’s 2,000-yard sophomore rusher JaKoby Dixon had been sidelined early in the first quarter with an injury, junior Xyran Upshaw proved to be a more-than-capable understudy for the Cubs’ star by scoring touchdowns on back-to-back Brenham drives in the fourth quarter on runs of 20 and two yards, respectively, to give them the lead back at 30-20 with 5:12 left in regulation.

Upshaw’s second score wasn’t without controversy, though, as earlier on the drive Liberty Hill cornerback Eyan Jones was called for pass interference on a critical 3rd-and-11

However, after taking over at the 50-yard-line, Brenham was able to convert a 3rd-and-6 at the Panthers 24 that allowed them to run out the clock and end Liberty Hill’s season.

Pitchford led the Panthers with 86 yards on three carries, while May added 56 on 10 attempts as Liberty Hill failed to have at least one 100-yard rusher for the first time all year and rushed for its second-lowest amount of the campaign with 298 yards, following the 292 it put up in a 49-35 win against Eastlake in the season’s third game.

May finished off his Panthers career with a team-high 1,282 yards to go with 21 touchdowns on the season and was the player Walker spoke most highly of in the aftermath, getting emotional in the process.

“Kyle May is just a Liberty Hill kid,” said Walker, after May was finally forced to the sidelines for good in the fourth quarter due to an injury that had kept him out of the lineup for the past two games and still wasn’t completely recovered from this week. “I’m super-proud of his effort because he left it all on the field and tried to come back, so I wanted to single him out because he was special, stepped up and stayed in the game as long as he could.”

Liberty Hill finished the season with an overall record of 9-3, including a 6-1 district record good for a second-place finish behind winner Bastrop.

Walker then credited the evening’s opposition before paying tribute to his own squad one last time – particularly those players who walked off the field wearing Purple-and-Gold for the final time.

“Brenham’s a good football team – they had a good game plan and executed a little better than we did,” he said. “But, I’m proud of all our kids and it’s tough anytime you have the last game, especially for this group of seniors.”

Liberty Hill’s season ended with an overall record of 9-3 after a 30-27 loss to Brenham in the second round of the Class 5A Division II state playoffs. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

LEAGUES

Califano further emphasized the benefit a complex would provide the leagues.

“An athletic complex can house tournaments and bring in money to the town,” she said. “Without this, we’re failing these kids by not giving them somewhere they can be proud of to call their home field.”

“We think it is foundational for kids to have this youth team experience,” said Bowen. “Even if they don’t continue [with the sport] into the future, we’re set on having a place for all kids to learn the game and play because they want to play.”

City-league collaboration

Board members expressed understanding and sincere desires to help accommodate the league’s requests but reminded the audience that they are limited by their own financial and jurisdictional limitations.

“There’s a disparity between the large (and growing) size of the broader Liberty Hill community and the limitations of Parks and Recreation’s resources, as they come from within our relatively much smaller city limits,” Board Chairman Nicole Bauer told the Independent a er the meeting. “With so many new developments being built within LHISD’s boundaries and not in the city

limits, we find ourselves supporting a large community with very limited resources.”

Still, Bauer expressed the city’s determination to help the leagues in any way it can.

“The answer is going to have to be a combined effort between the Parks & Rec Board, City Council and the youth leagues, as well as our local businesses and individuals in Liberty Hill,” she said. “We’re really going to have to gather together and unite to try to find a solution.”

She urged “big donors” to come forward in the interim to provide land spaces, sponsorships, or other donations to keep the leagues afloat.

Bauer said the next steps are working to reinstate the 501c3 created several years ago to help get voices heard and collaborate with the EDC and City for resources and funding. She hopes this will help all parties “collectively work to find long term solutions for our growing youth sport needs.”

For more information on Liberty Hill’s youth leagues, or to donate infrastructure or sponsor teams, visit the team websites, including the Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Association at libertyhillsoccer.org; the Liberty Hill Youth Football and Cheer Association at liberty-hill-youth-football-cheer.sportngin. com; the Liberty Hill Youth League at lhyl. org; and Liberty Hill Lacrosse at lhlax.org.

Playing a role to perfection

Lady Panthers senior guard contributes on, off court

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

For the past two years, Makaila Hay has found herself playing behind an all-state performer in fellow senior point guard Gabby Mundy, but despite the fact playing time has sometimes been difficult to come by, Hay has managed to maintain proper perspective on her position.

While Mundy pours in points at one end of the court, Hay provides her specialty at the other.

“Defense is fun because it’s important,” said Hay. “Offense will eventually come to you.”

Despite her 5-foot-4 frame, Hay is a force on defense due to a mindset that allows her to overcome any so-called shortcomings she may have on the physical side with toughness and resolve in the mental and psychological aspects of the game.

“It’s having that dog mentality,” she said. “Thinking to yourself, ‘You’re not going to get past me’ and that you can beat anybody.”

According to Liberty Hill head coach Chris Lange, Hay’s tangible skills more than make up for a lack of size.

“If you just look at Makaila on the court, you can see she has athletic ability, quick hands and feet and really brings it on defense,” said Lange. “She’s quick with the ball and understands how to use her speed and quickness to her advantage.”

In fact, Hay said when the intensity is cranked up a notch at the end of pressure-packed games is when she’s at her best and during the Lady Panthers’ 59-56 win over Wagner earlier this season, she was employed extensively when Mundy found herself on the bench with foul trouble early on in the contest.

“When we’re in tough situations, my adrenaline stays up and that one was our first home game, the bench was going crazy and it was more difficult.”

Lange said Hay’s ferociousness can sometimes get the better of her, though.

“Makaila’s definitely not afraid of anybody,” he said. “Sometimes we need to clam her down and reign her in a little because at times she can get a bit worked up with trash talk, being physical and getting caught up in

all that.”

In order to properly harness and channel Hay’s aggression in a positive manner, coach and player have cultivated a connection with that objective in mind, said Lange.

“I’ve been trying to have a better dialogue with her and be a better coach in that regard so we can work together to make her a better player,” he said. “But, Makaila really just needs to be herself, do her job with nothing special or extra becaue she always give me everything she has.”

When Hay isn’t on the court, she isn’t simply sitting on the sidelines observing, but still having an impact on the proceedings, she said.

basketball seriously,” said Hay. “I was just intrigued by the atmosphere – it was a lot more competitive than other sports I had played and really discovered a passion for it.”

Years later, that passion has paid dividends in the form of an opportunity to play at the next level as Hay will continue her court career at Toccoa Falls College, a private Christian university located in Georgia, where she will suit up for the Screaming Eagles, who play as a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association.

However, before Hay heads off to begin the next chapter of her hoops life, she still has unfinished business in Purple-and-Gold

“It’s having that dog mentality. Thinking to yourself, ‘You’re not going to get past me’ and that you can beat anybody.”

Makaila Hay

Liberty Hill senior guard

“As the oldest one on the team, I feel like I have the role of making sure everyone has the right attitude,” said Hay. “Also, I try to make sure there’s no drama and to take care of everybody and keep them in check.”

Hay also played football and soccer earlier on in her athletic life in her native South Florida, but upon moving to Texas, decided her future would lie strictly on the court.

“Sixth grade was when I decided to take

as the Lady Panthers will look to make a run at the state championship following last season’s disappointing playoff defeat to rival Cedar Park after a stellar start to the campaign.

“Even though we started last season 26-0, I don’t think it was a good season,” said Hay. “This year, we just have to keep working and go for it.”

Liberty Hill’s Makaila Hay (4) specializes in shutdown defense along with intensity and a passion for the game. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Makaila Hay signed a national letter of intent to play at Toccoa Falls College, along with Lady Panthers teammates Evie Bruce (University of Tennessee-Chattanooga) and Gabby Mundy (Wofford College).

PHOTO BY ABBY JENKINS

Forging an identity on the court

Lady Wranglers hoops captain embraces leadership role

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

The word “leader” is tough to hold to its simple definition in Webster’s Dictionary and has become a term used loosely in many circles and organizations. Whether the title is gained through mere hierarchical formalities or extensive preparation and training, the resulting performances can often leave much to the imagination. Although the market for “leaders” may be a saturated one indeed, there are those that stand out and shine like new money amongst a landscape of old patinated coins at the bottom of a wishing well. One such standout is December’s Wrangler of the Month – Samantha Pickett.

Lady Wranglers head coach Nicole Palmer, who made it clear why Pickett is a prime choice.

“She’s just a leader for the team – the other girls look up to her,” said Palmer. “She has a great work ethic, comes every day, works hard and is very vocal in leading and encouraging and guiding – she has good leadership characteristics – it’s natural.”

Pickett spoke to what it has been like to be a part of the foundation Legacy Ranch will be built upon.

“It’s a really healthy and great environment,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be on a dream team and I feel like this is my dream team.”

When asked what drives her to perform at her highest level on the basketball court, Pickett answered quickly about her clear intention to play basketball for The University of Miami.

“To be there, you’ve got to push yourself to your limits and being here, my teammates are some of my biggest competition, so I feel like playing against them is going to get me there,” she said. “I feel like we’re all going to go somewhere special.”

Pickett was chosen unanimously by her teammates to be captain of the “A,” or “Navy” team – a testament to her strong character and natural ability to lead. Palmer also gave insight to the person Pickett is off the basketball court.

“I encourage all my players to be good role models, not just while we’re playing on the court, but handling their business in the hallways and the community,” she said. “I feel like she does that, as well.”

First impressions, though brief moments in time, can often provide the cliff notes to the story that has built the person before you. Upon introduction to Pickett, one word summarized her presence – command. Though soft spoken in nature, Pickett spoke and moved with intention as she talked through her most recent journey from Tennessee to Liberty Hill.

“It’s been great,” she said. “I feel like my team has made it feel much more welcoming and comfortable for me.”

Being new to the area and part of a brandnew team playing for a brand-new school,

Off the court, Pickett clearly performs with the same level of intensity and determination as she does while on the court. Speaking of her faith and love for her family, she spoke with wisdom typically saved for those well beyond her years.

“Time is something you can’t waste.” said Pickett, as she shared the importance of spending time with her family.

Pickett also spoke of her biggest inspirations in life – her best friend in Tennessee.

“She’s my best friend and she’s pushed me to great things and to be the best of myself,” she said. “She’s been there through everything. I can still call her now and just talk to her and she’s there to give me advice and help me get through it all.”

As Pickett settles in, she is making new friends and has quickly developed an affinity for her new community.

“Legacy Ranch is a great program,” she said. “They’re an amazing school, the teachers here are amazing – everybody here is super-sweet and welcomed me right away when I first got here.”

It’s safe to say that Pickett’s future looks bright. Through the support of her team and her school, she has an opportunity that she clearly covets as she forges her path ahead.

On the court, she will most certainly win the hearts of Wranglers fans as they cheer for her year after year. Off the court, hearts will be won as well through her faith, her friendships and her love for her newfound community.

Lady Wranglers captain Samantha Pickett is a natural leader who is helping to forge a new identity for Legacy Ranch’s girls’ basketball program. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Legacy Ranch head coach Nicole Palmer leads the Lady Wranglers in their morning warmups before practice.

PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Following in football family footsteps

Panthers center plays same position as older brother

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Jett Harrison wasn’t necessarily looking to emulate his older sibling when it came time to play for Liberty Hill’s football program after brother Jackson had been an all-state center for a Liberty Hill team that advanced all the way to the Class 5A Division II state championship game in 2019.

In fact, despite finding himself on the offensive side of the ball like his brother, the younger Harrison was a tight end for his first two seasons in Purple-and-Gold before everything changed this year.

When the Panthers’ starting center went down to injury early in the campaign, Harrison was called upon to move from the end of the offensive line to exactly where his brother had occupied a few years earlier – right over the ball.

to tackle the following season. However, after realizing he was going to follow in his brothers’ footsteps, he decided he was going to be all-in.

“When I found out they were moving me to center, my first thought was ‘I want to be just like my brother,’” said Harrison. “He was the best center Liberty Hill ever had, so I felt like I was going to have to live up to his legacy.”

So much so, Harrison even switched from No. 88, which he had worn since moving up to the varsity squad at the end of his freshman season to Jackson’s old No. 60 and just like that, the transition was complete.

Now, the younger version would be the one to sprint from the huddle before his teammates joined him at the line for each play of the Panthers’ vaunted Slot-T offense and with it, an entirely different universe of responsibilities followed.

“The play and formation is the same, but I make line calls based on what I see.”

Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker said a Slot-T center has an enormous amount of information to process in a very short time in order to get the calls right and have the play come off successfully.

Harrison had played center before, but not since seventh grade before moving

“As the center in our offense, I have about three seconds when we break the huddle to see how the defense is lined up,” he said.

“Being a center in our offense is much more difficult because he has to diagnose the defense,” he said. “But, Jett’s very intelligent and has a high football IQ.”

In addition, Harrison carries himself with a certain amount of affability, which endears him to teammates and coaches alike.

“Jett has a certain charisma and is a fun kid to be around,” said Walker. “He has a servant’s heart and just loves not only Liberty Hill football, but our entire athletic program.”

To that end, Harrison has also played baseball and basketball, along with track and powerlifting, but his passion for all things Panthers doesn’t end there.

“I love all our teams and we’re not bad at anything,” said Harrison. “People don’t really think about our tennis team, for example, but I think it’s really cool we have good tennis players here, too and I’m friends with (Panthers No. 1 boys’ singles player) Jacob Cooper, who’s a great guy.”

According to Harrison, though, it’s not only Jackson he gets his enthusiasm from.

“Having grown up in Liberty Hill, my entire family bleeds Purple-and-Gold,” said Harrison. “Both my parents (mother Chelle and father Jamey) were all-state basketball

players. We’re all about helping any way we can.”

Harrison isn’t just about sports, though, as he enjoys hunting and fishing on family land in East Texas, he said.

“I like getting away from things,” said Harrison. “There’s a lot of politics and drama in football sometimes, so it’s good to get away.”

Harrison made his varsity debut near the end of his freshman season – although there’s a story concerning how it all came about – including a quite early Monday morning wake-up call, he said.

“It was the week of the Lockhart game and all of our tight ends got sick,” said Harrison. “So, my house got a call and my dad woke me up about three hours earlier than usual at 5 a.m. saying they needed me at practice. Same thing happened the next few days. One of the others got well in time for the game, but I ended getting called up for the playoffs anyway and even started a game.”

Two years on from that moment, Harrison has not only successfully switched positions, but even made some new friends across the line of scrimmage on Friday nights, he said.

“Sometimes when I run up to the line by myself, I’ll talk to the players on the other team,” said Harrison. “Depending on how the game is going, it might be some trash talk, but nothing too serious. I’ve found out if you show respect to your opponents, they’ll respect you and people are receptive to kindness. After all, we’re all humans.”

Liberty Hill’s Jett Harrison (60) switched to center this season, which has provided inspiration due to older brother Jackson having also played the position for the Panthers. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Panthers center Jett Harrison (60) has been known to carry on amicable conversations with opponents across the line of scrimmage. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Wranglers get the ball rolling

Legacy Ranch’s boys’ basketball program setting its own standards

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

With a handful of games under its belt and now in the midst of tournament season, the Legacy Ranch boys’ basketball squad has arrived.

Call them the new kids, call them the underdogs, but don’t count them out, because they’ve come to play and leave it all on the court.

After a hard-fought late-morning game at the Liberty Hill tournament, Wranglers head coach Rylan Gerber spoke enthusiastically about his team and where things currently stand in their inaugural season.

“You’re seeing the buy in – you’re seeing guys that start to see the little things click,” he said. “They’re trusting each other more and they’re trusting the system – they’re competitors. It’s a really good group of great kids that are coachable, that are smart, that play for each other. They’ve done a tremendous job. I’ve been so impressed with how they’ve come so far already.”

Gerber – along with the parents and fans alike – are witnessing a true team effort take place on the court.

Although there will inevitably be rising stars amongst them, the team dynamic offers depth and versatility during those critical moments of the game.

“This is a really deep group,” said Gerber. “I feel like I can sub and not have any drop off, which is really incredible and it’s a luxury that we have. On top of that, they’re great kids – they’re unselfish. They want that guy to come in for them and do great and they’re encouraging them from the bench.”

Gerber spoke to the lessons that can’t be taught anywhere else but in the moment and on the court, especially as a new head coach of a new basketball program for a new high school.

In his own words, he was “excited for the challenge” and that excitement came through in waves as he doubled down on the sentiment.

“It’s a lot – that’s the easiest way to put it. There’s just so much – especially in year one – to teach and install,” he said. “I took blame earlier in the year for our first loss. I just felt like I spread it too thin and tried to teach them every little thing, but we weren’t refined as much as we needed to be, so we’ve had opportunities to get back in the gym. It’s a gradual process and I just have to show up one day at a time – these guys have to show up one day at a time and

just try to take one more step forward.”

As common as the theme of “all things new” has become in regard to Legacy Ranch as of lately, the community continues to show up, no matter the colors that don their uniform, to welcome the newcomers in and cheer them on as they carve their own paths towards success.

Gerber is one of many faculty members that has taken notice of this and he attributes much of it to how far they’ve come in such a short period of time.

“It’s been fun to kind of be the new kid on the block,” said Gerber. “Liberty Hill is a tremendous community and has had success in every sport and that’s really helped me coming in because these kids have that expectation within the community that we’re going to be successful. We’re going to work hard and do a lot of things right and I’m excited to build a program in a community with those types of kids.”

Gerber continued on about the kids and how they are ready to make their mark and create their own legacy. Brock Peterson is one of those kids and he minced no words on the subject.

“It’s awesome,” said Peterson. “We get to build a new legacy and we’re really trying to set a new standard. It’s been awesome – it’s been great.”

Peterson is no stranger to Liberty Hill and many of his teammates have been playing right alongside him for years now, giving this team quite the head start among their newfound, albeit established rivals.

“We’ve got a lot of chemistry,” he said. “We’ve been playing together since the seventh grade – we fit well together.”

Peterson played with intensity throughout the game against Cedar Ridge that morning.

As for the source of that intensity, Peterson shared his two-fold approach to what drives him to reach new limits.

“I want to play at the collegiate level but going out there and playing with my teammates also drives me every day,” he said. “We want to be the best.”

Whether it’s a burgeoning division rivalry or a random contest in bracket-style tournament play, opposing teams would do well to take note – these young men are not going to go easy on you.

The foundation has been laid and they stand ready to wreck ‘em as they use each matchup as another building block in the walls of their new legacy.

Leagacy Ranch’s boys’ basketball squad has continued to work on setting its own standard in the program’s inaugural season. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Wranglers head coach Rylan Gerber is instilling a strong sense of fundamentals as a foundation for his brand-new hoops program. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Playoffs or bust for Panthers hoops

Liberty Hill has failed to qualify for postseason each of last two years

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

For Liberty Hill’s boys’ basketball squad, there has been good news and bad news over the course of the past pair of campaigns.

On one hand, the Panthers have posted winning seasons in each, but the flip side of the script has seen the Purple-and-Gold miss out on a postseason spot by the slimmest of margins with back-to-back fifth-place finishes in the district standings.

According to head coach Blake Boren, all that must change this time around.

“The past two seasons, we won 20 games, but didn’t make the playoffs,” said Boren, entering his third year on the Liberty Hill sidelines as head coach after 11 seasons as an assistant under now-retired father Barry Boren. “So, this year, it’s a must-win.”

Perhaps the biggest change this season to help right the wrongs of the past was to bring in one of the most experienced basketball minds in Central Texas as Boren has added

veteran coach Ben Faulkner to his staff, which has already paid dividends – particularly with how the Panthers practice, said Boren.

“Ben had already had a huge impact and been crucial to our offense,” he said, of Faulkner, who has been head coach at Westlake and an assistant at Cedar Park and Lake Travis.

“He’s especially really good on post work.

What’s good is we have an experienced coach that has come in from different teams and shown us some things we haven’t seen or done in the past.”

Adding Faulkner has also allowed Boren to divide up his squad during practice, with the backcourt and inside players working separately to focus better on each one’s individual skill sets.

In addition, Lewis Linton has also been added as an assistant after a career that saw him play at Vista Ridge High School and the University of Dallas.

Boren has also made some subtle strategic changes going into this season concerning how he wants his team to play. In the past, the Panthers have always employed an uptempo, pressing style meant to suffocate opposing offenses into committing turnovers and allowing them to capitalize on mistakes with counterattacks.

Make no mistake, that will still be a big part of the blueprint, but Boren said he intends to mix it up a bit moving forward.

“We’re still going to play transition basketball,” he said. “But, at times we’re going to slow things down if the situation calls for it.”

Senior Jaxson Scott is one of the players that has most benefit from Faulkner’s presence.

“Coach Faulkner has been a huge deal for us,” said Scott, a 6-foot-7 forward. “He knows a lot about inside play as far as when to cut and what to look for and has shown me some things I’ve never even seen before.”

Scott has risen up through the ranks of Liberty Hill hoops from a young age and now

chemistry and can trust everyone around us, so I think we just need to trust the process and we’ll get to where we want to be.”

Along with Scott, 6-foot-7 senior Erik Richardson and 6-6 senior Colin Schulze will anchor the the inside, while in the backcourt, senior point guard Marquel Timmons and shooting guard Justin Wukasch will run the show, with critical contributions expected from Christian Faulkner, DJ Seaborn, Jacob McLeod, Zane Cousins, Cole Borden and Drake Carsno, giving Boren options off the bench.

Boren said in order for his team to finally vanquish the playoff drought will be for the Panthers to be able to keep their composure during contests when the pressure is greatest.

“The past two seasons, we won 20 games, but didn’t make the playoffs. So, this year, it’s a must-win.”

Liberty Hill head coach Blake Boren

finds himself in the spotlight he once viewed others in, he said.

“It’s surreal,” said Scott. “I remember being at Panthers hoops camp and looking at the guys who were on varsity at the time and now here I am – it goes by really fast.”

Now as one of the team’s leaders himself, he plans on being part of the postseason solution before his time as a Liberty Hill player is done.

“It’s very important for me to make the playoffs in my high school career,” said Scott, who had yet to crack the varsity roster the last time the Panthers qualified for the postseason three years ago. “But, we have a lot of team

“The past two years, we just couldn’t close games when we had leads,” he said. “All the little things you have to do right at the end of games.”

At the end of the day, though, the urgency his team begins the season with must endure throughout, said Boren.

“Our motto this season is ‘TNT’ – which stands for ‘Today, not tomorrow,’” he said. “We always have high expectations here, the kids have done a really good job of conforming to our new system and I think we have the potential to not only make the playoffs, but finish first in district.”

Liberty Hill senior point guard Marchel Timmons (11) will lead the Panthers’ new offense this season.

PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Panthers senior forward Jaxson Scott (34) will provide inside presence, rebounding and defense for Liberty Hill as it attempts to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Training together in pool making all the difference

Panthers swim team at last able to hit the water

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Finally, Liberty Hill’s swim team is able to do something it never has before.

After years of only dry-land training due to a lack of access to aquatic resources, the Panthers are at long last able to actually swim together after securing a pool to use for practice.

As a result, instead on simply working in the weight room on a number of plyometric exercises, then going off to individually train with their respective club squads, the Panthers can now board a bus and head for the Burnet YMCA, whose pool they are now able to rent.

According to senior Piper Lee, the additional time she and her teammates are allowed to spend together in the water makes all the difference in the world.

“It’s like night and day – the difference is astronomical,” said Lee, who swims the freestyle sprint events, along with relays. “The biggest thing is getting to swim with the people you’re going to compete with –especially when everyone is struggling to get through reps and suffering together, which is something other teams have had all along.”

In addition, junior Jack Boyd said the new dynamic allows the team to bond much better.

“Our team here is a lot closer than at club,” he said. “As opposed to 80 people, we only have 23 on our team – we just have a lot more camaraderie.”

Also, Becker can now make on-sight adjustments when she observes the kind of subtle things she couldn’t before when only seeing her athletes perform at events, she said.

“Now, we can fix things,” said Becker. “A good high school coach needs time to be able to do this. Having a pool has already made a 100 percent difference for us.”

Lee said it’s even more critical for members of a relay team to practice together in order for there to be proper synchronicity in both the physical and psychological aspects.

“Timing has to be right when the next person dives in,” she said. “Also, we can be there to hype each other up, which creates a huge burst of energy.”

Lee is a four-year swimmer in the Panthers’ program, whose younger sister Reese is currently on the team after older sister Claire recently graduated, so she knows all about the atmosphere Becker is constantly cultivating.

“We have such a sense of unity and belonging,” said Lee. “One of the best parts is when we get back on the bus after a meet. At the end of the day, I can always talk to people and Coach Becker has done a really good job of building this environment.”

Boyd said one of the primary factors that swayed him to swim was this very environment.

“At first, I got into swimming because of my family,” he said. “But, I really found a passion of my own because you feel such a sense of accomplishment, which makes me happy – it’s a place free of judgment where I can be around like-minded people – they’re like family.”

Boyd competes primarily in the backstroke and said most swimmers eventually land in the events that suit them most naturally.

“Usually, your body tells you which stroke you’re best at,” he said. “I didn’t choose backstroke – it’s all about what’s best for your body in the water.”

Already this season, the Panthers’ results have shown drastic improvement as a result of their new practice routine, most notably a second-place overall team finish at the Killeen Turkey Trot Invitational when Liberty Hill finished behind only Class 6A powerhouse The Woodlands in a field of 12 teams.

On the individual side, Boyd won the boys’ 100-yard backstroke in a time of 55.43, which was a new team record, while senior Zaria Avestruz was first in the girls’ 100-yard backstroke in 59.82, also a school record.

In the relays, the girls’ 400-yard freestyle team of Corinna Carstens, Presli Jensen, Maddie Levy and Avestruz won in a school-record time of 4:06.69.

For Lee, these victories are proof of the Panthers’ newfound increased chemistry.

“We’re just one big group – there are no cliques or anything,” she said. “We all feel wanted and want to be here, which is part of our culture.”

Liberty Hill’s girls’ 200-yard medley relay team of Zaria Avestruz, Maddie Levy, Corinna Carstens and Elizabeth Allhands compete at an even earlier this season. PHOTO BY SOPHIA AHO

Panthers freshman Deborah Warner and her teammates are now able to practice in the pool together in addition to dry-land training. PHOTO BY SOPHIA AHO

Dorothy Absnaider

Dorothy “Dot” R. Absnaider, 90, died unexpectedly on October 12, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on March 29, 1934, in Rockdale, Texas, Dorothy was the third of six children born to Ernest and Tempie Rutherford. She grew up between her brothers, Ernest “Bud” and Bobby “Bob,” in a lively household shaped by the love and laughter of her siblings.

After Bud and Bob returned from serving in Korea, they introduced their sister to a fellow soldier they trusted, Louis Absnaider. Dot and Louis began their courtship in 1954, and a year later, they married in Cameron, Texas, on May 30, 1955, starting a life together that spanned nearly 70 years.

Dot and Louis settled in Austin, where they raised their children, Monica, Melinda, and Michael. Dot balanced her professional roles in the State Comptroller’s office, as an attendance clerk, and later at the IRS with her role as a loving mother. Saturdays at their Austin home were marked by the smell of freshly baked kolaches.

Dot and Louis built their home in Liberty Hill in 1980, where they lived for the next 40 years. It quickly became the heart of family gatherings, filled with the warmth of holiday celebrations and family reunions.

Dot’s love for gardening flourished there, and together with Louis, they nurtured a thriving garden. Her pantry was always filled with jars of her summer harvests and homemade preserves.

Dot was a woman of many talents and a steadfast presence in her community. She was active in her church, a member of the DCCW and Garden Club, and generously gave her time volunteering at Seton Hospital.

She proudly served as Commander of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary multiple times and never missed a Bingo game. Her life was full of color—from her painting and the flowers she lovingly grew to writing for the local Liberty Hill newspaper, Top of the Hill. A devoted friend, Dot was known for faithfully keeping in touch, always sending thoughtful letters and cards to her loved ones.

Family was at the heart of everything for Dot. She never missed an opportunity to bring them together for reunions, special anniversaries, and holidays.

Dot loved to travel with friends and fam-

ily, documenting all the special moments from her trips around the world and the annual beach vacations that turned into traditions with family and friends.

With a talent for always remembering the little things that made people feel loved, her legacy lives on in the traditions she helped create. She leaves behind a life filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories.

Dot is preceded in death by her son Michael, her parents Ernest & Tempie Rutherford, her sisters Mabel McGoldrick and Patricia Hatfield, and her brothers Ernest “Bud” Rutherford and Bobby “Bob” Rutherford.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 69 years, Louis Absnaider, her sister Gloria Waldrop, her daughters Monica and her husband Marc Jacobi and Melinda and her husband Rick Edwards, her grandchildren Jason & Elizabeth Jacobi, Sara Jacobi & Zachary Dunn, Joshua & Kaylynn Jacobi, Rachel & Benjamin Martinez, Jennifer & Randy Blakemore, and Mallory Motley.

Dot also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Yissel Martinez, Alexis Jacobi, Rylan Martinez, Thomas Jacobi, Juliet Jacobi, Gabriel Jacobi, Lilian Jacobi, Paysli Hicks, and Brayden Blakemore.

Dot’s legacy of strength, laughter, and kindness will live on through the family traditions she lovingly built and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Jason Pennington

Jason Allen Pennington, 16, passed away on October 15th, 2024.

Jason was a fantastic young man, and we are grateful for those of you he was privileged to know.

Jason’s personality, sense of humor, faith, empathy, and determination drove him towards his goals and shaped him as a man. Jason was proud to be an Eagle in his sophomore year at Georgetown High School. Jason loved playing for the Georgetown High School Lacrosse Team, as well as the Georgetown High School football team.

While Jason loved playing these sports, it was his teammates and coaches that he truly connected with and drove him in competition. Since Jason was 8 years old, he knew he wanted to serve others by entering the medical field.

The Pennington family is honored that Jason fully reached his goal of medically assisting others as an organ donor. Jason’s legacy will be fulfilled by the seven recipients who received his gifts. These individuals will go on living thanks to the decision Jason made to help others.

Jason is survived by his parents, Jameson and Brandi Pennington of Georgetown, TX; uncle and aunt, Paul and Mary Pennington of Rockport, TX; Grandparents, Jose “Pepe” and Deborah Perez of Round Rock, TX and Robert Royce Reynolds of Florence, TX, along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Many of Jason’s lifelong friends, including Grace and Tanner Philhower, Eli and Corina Tucker, the “Core 4”, as well as his teammates have always been family to him. Jason is preceded in death by his grandmother, Patricia Reynolds.

We would like to thank you all for your

prayers and support over these past weeks. For those of you who were close to Jason, you know he wants nothing more than for you to continue driving towards your individual goals while having fun and positively impacting others along the way.

There is no way the Pennington Family can name every individual, family or group that has supported Jason and our family. Please know that our gratitude is genuine, and we will continue to seek ways to express that appreciation.

A rosary for Jason was held Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 4:00 PM at CookWalden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628, with a visitation following until 8:00 PM.

A funeral mass occurred at 5:30 PM on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church, 6571 FM970, Florence, Texas 76527.

WORSHIP G UIDE

LIFE SPRINGS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

15611 W State Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (512) 633-6074

www.lifespringschristianchurch.org PASTOR

Dr. William Brannan

SERVICES

Sunday Worship 10am Sunday Online youtube.com/lifesprings

MISSION LIBERTY HILL LUTHERAN CHURCH

(LCMS Affiliated)

15725 W State Hwy. 29, #7, Liberty Hill (512) 778-9310

www.missionlibertyhill.com

PASTOR

Rev. Mike Cofer

SERVICES

Sunday Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 9am

Sunday Worship 10am Sunday Online missionlibertyhill.com/onlineworship

Fundraiser for Living Grace Canine Ranch & the Library Outdoor Locker Fund

Paws

All pets welcome - kids & families too! Bring your own camera! Make fleece blankets for the senior dogs of Living Grace!

We will be on the Loop, between Myrtle Lane & Grange Road Prize Drawings for Kids & Adults! Giveaways! Reindeer Antlers & Jingle Bell Necklaces! Chat with us about the land & the new library!

Pet Pictures with Liberty Hill Public Library, 355 Main Street $10 donation! Saturday, December 7, 10:00am-3:00pm Visit Us at the Christmas Festival! Saturday, December 14, 10:00am-3:00pm

Recalling the ‘grouch’ who portrayed Santa Claus for Liberty Hill’s children

BY JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

Christmas is just around the corner and with the holiday season rapidly approaching, recently I found myself thinking back to the late 1980s, when I was a newly-married man and was intent on making a good impression on my bride and my new family.

My father and I drove clear down to Bastrop to pick up a tree for downtown Liberty Hill. We erected it in a 55-gallon barrel that was painted red and stood it up in the front corner of Veterans Park. Liberty Hill Elementary students made decorations that we hung on the tree.

Other volunteers joined me as we strung lights throughout downtown Liberty Hill – this being before PEC workers took over the task - and a couple of weeks before Christmas Day, a parade was held.

If I remember correctly, we held the parade at dusk, the down-

EVENTS CALENDAR

town area glowed and the spirit of Christmas was truly in the air. I seem to recall Christmas carolers and hot chocolate being served and of course, Santa was on hand at the fire station, which at the time was located downtown.

Portraying Santa Claus was a fellow by the name of Dewey Camper, a rather gruff fellow who was among the regular coffee drinkers at my mother-in-law’s cafe. I never knew much about Camper and hadn’t really given him much thought over the past few years until a couple of weeks ago when I came across a photo of him and his dog, fully outfi ed and ready for Christmas. The dog’s name, according to friends of mine on Facebook, was Skip.

I recall that Skip wasn’t entirely enthused about being Santa’s helper and snapped at one of the children a empting to sit on Santa’s lap.

I asked my wife what ever happened to Camper and she said she thought he had moved back to Arkansas. Armed with this bit of

December 7

LIBERTY HILL CHRISTMAS STROLL

Liberty Hill Boutiques

Liberty Hill

10 a.m.-6 p.m. facebook.com/LHStroll

1ST ANNUAL GOLDEN MARKET DAYS

Legacy Ranch High School

405 CR 258, Liberty Hill

knowledge, I began surfing the net and found his obit. Camper, who was born in 1915, passed away in October of 2001 at the McClellan Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Li le Rock. He was listed as a resident of Russellville.

I never knew he was a veteran, but according to his obit, he served in World War II, as well as Korea and Vietnam. His pallbearers were the United States Army Honors Team.

I continued searching for more information about him and at findagrave.com I found, according to information posted by one of his relatives, that he first enlisted in 1945. I also found a picture of him during his younger years.

Thinking back on Camper, I found myself feeling a bit guilty about how I’d considered him to be another grouchy old man and had never taken the time to sit down with him and peel back some of the layers of a fellow who had given 33 years of his life as a member of the Army.

LIBERTY HILL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Downtown Liberty Hill Main Street

10 a.m.-3 p.m. experiencelhtx.com

LIBERTY HILL CHRISTMAS PARADE

Downtown Liberty Hill

9 a.m.-3 p.m. facebook.com/ events/909997367858809

BERTRAM COUNTRY CHRISTMAS Downtown Bertram

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. facebook.com/ events/3788636528052281

THE GRINCH’S WINTER WONDERLAND

The Independent & The Luxe

2001 Loop 332 (Main St.), Liberty Hill 3-6 p.m. facebook.com/ events/936504371728014

December 14

JINGLE BELL FUN RUN

Santa Rita Middle School

90 E. Santa Rita Blvd., Liberty Hill

8 a.m., $25-35 libertyhilljinglebell5k.itsyourrace.com

Perhaps we should all, during the days to come as we prepare to celebrate our Savior’s birth, take a bit of time to hold back on our judgments of others.

Main Street

6 p.m. experiencelhtx.com

DALE WATSON

Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram

8 p.m., $20-200 globetheatretx.com

December 15

GIFT OF LOVE

Union Hall Baptist Church

301 Seward Junction Loop, Liberty Hill

11 a.m. uh-bc.org

December 20

LEE ROY PARNELL

Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $32.50-300 globetheatretx.com

December 21

CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING CLASS

Whitestone Brewery

15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 12:20-2:20 p.m., $45 bakedbyjoyleigh.com

CHRISTMAS WALK OF LIGHTS

1415 CR 258, Liberty Hill 6-9 p.m. facebook.com/ events/550543434495670

December 22

TEA WITH SANTA Michelle’s Patisserie

1908 Main St., Liberty Hill

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., $60 michellespatisserie.com

December 23

4TH ANNUAL HONKY TONK

HOLIDAY WITH BRAZILBILLY

Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $25-200 globetheatretx.com

Liberty Hill Christmas Festival

At left, a young Dewey Camper. At right, Camper portrayed Santa for a number of years in Liberty Hill. COURTESY PHOTOS

Lee Roy Parnell