July 2024 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

BIZ BRIEFS:

What’s New?

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE

El Mariachis Mexican Restaurant

14801 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

A new Mexican restaurant, called El Mariachis, is opening in the former location of Elena's Mexican Restaurant. A timeline for the opening of the restaurant has not been announced yet.

Clingy Peach

1201 Main St., Liberty Hill

Clingy Peach has signed up for a one-year peddler's permit at the former Get Dressed Marketplace location. The Clingy Peach is a vendor that sells peaches, okra, pecans and pickles.

El Gauche Taqueria

15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (Whitestone Brewery)

A new food truck, El Guache Taqueria, is now serving food at Whitestone Brewery. The food truck offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes.

RETAIL

Best Buy Auto Sales

126 Holmes Rd., Liberty Hill

Best Buy Auto Sales is a new business in Liberty Hill that specializes in used car sales.

Good to Glow Tanning

Mobile, Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill resident April Fonseca-Anderson recently

opened a spray tanning business called Good to Glow. She offers full body customized spray tans with setting powder.

Clean Slate Waxing Lounge

10 CR 279, Liberty Hill

Marilyn Landes recently opened her third location of Clean Slate Waxing Lounge in the former Viridian Rowe space in downtown Liberty Hill. Clean Slate offers a variety of services, including waxing, skin care, lashes and massage.

SERVICES

Aspire Family Medical

14875 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Family nurse practitioner

Kerstin Gillespie is opening

Aspire Family Medical, a direct primary care clinic that will offer patients personalized care through a membership-based model.

Five Star Civil Construction

1425 Main St., Liberty Hill

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Five Star Civil Construction intends to build a commercial office and retail development center in downtown Liberty Hill. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025.

Pegasus Behavior Solutions

13750 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Dr. Brenda Grafton-McCall

started offering applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy in Liberty Hill in May. Grafton-McCall is a board-certified behavior analyst. Pegasus Behavior Solutions accepts most major insurances and has no wait list.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• AAA Storage 4651 FM 3405, Liberty Hill

• O'Daniel RV Repair LLC Mobile, Liberty Hill

• ASP Storage 3269 CR 321, Bertram

ON THE MOVE

Speed Killz Period

901 Jase Reid Lane, Liberty Hill

Speed Killz Period is celebrating a grand opening of its expansion this month. The sports training facility for youth will now offer a wellness center and adult fitness center, including infrared saunas, a cold plunge and more.

Lauren Barner, Chisholm Trail

Pediatrics

9017 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Lauren Barner is a new provider at Chisholm Trail Pediatrics' Liberty Hill location. She cares for all ranges of pediatric patients and is a certified breastfeeding specialist who offers lactation consultations.

Liberty Hill Supermarket

1017 Main St., Liberty Hill

Parker's Corner Market is being rebranded as Liberty Hill Supermarket. Ownership of the store has not changed.

BTX Coffee

170 N. Gabriel St., Bertram

Coffee shop BTX Coffee in Bertram recently announced it would be closing its doors permanently due to unforeseen issues.

Indigo Salon

1013 Main St., Liberty Hill

Indigo Salon, located in downtown Liberty Hill, celebrated seven years in business in June.

Rio Gabriel Liquor

8950 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

Rio Gabriel Liquor, currently located at 13985 Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill, will be moving to a new location on RR 1869, which was previously known as the Stocktank.

Blue Sky Texas

13057 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

West Texas-based burger restaurant Blue Sky Texas is no longer coming to Liberty Hill. According to real estate developer Brad Andrews, the restaurant decided to "wait on Liberty Hill," but may look at coming to the city in the future.

Care First Clinic

12635 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Care First Clinic recently moved into a brand new standalone facility. The clinic, which offers urgent care and primary services, has also expanded its

offerings to include weight loss therapies, vitamin injections and IV hydration.

JW Smith, Prosperity Bank

101 Bronco Blvd., Liberty Hill

JW Smith is the new president at the Liberty Hill location of Prosperity Bank.

Whiskey Barrel Pub

1004 Main St., Liberty Hill

Whiskey Barrel Pub closed suddenly in June. Owners Don Puckett and Heather Hodges said the time and attention required to make the business successful was far more than they anticipated, which was one reason for closing the pub's doors.

Main Street Marketplace

704 Main St., Liberty Hill

Main Street Marketplace has new vendors on board, including wood goods like bowls, wine stoppers and pens by Beards & Sawdust, and Nature Jewelry. The marketplace also added hand-crafted baby felt mobiles, bunting and hand-crocheted baby sweaters by Little Miss Daisy.

Lauren Barner

Marilyn Landes

Liberty Hill Museum set to open soon in Foundation Park

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

Liberty Hill will soon be home to a new museum, aptly named the Liberty Hill Museum, thanks to a project taken on by the Liberty Hill Development Foundation.

The museum building, a 1,500-squarefoot-space donated to the foundation by the Liberty Hill Independent School District, stands next door to the Liberty Hill Public Library in Foundation Park and will soon house a wide variety of memorabilia and historical artificts from Liberty Hill.

hats and caps from former residents, and perhaps most importantly, oral histories from many of the town’s most well-known residents of the past.

“For example, I’ve got tapes from every meeting we had when Liberty Hill was trying to incorporate,” Spivey said. “You’d be surprised to hear which residents were opposed to incorporation and which were all for it.

Local historian Gary Spivey, who is also a member of the Liberty Hill Development Foundation board, said the museum will have a little bit of everything about Liberty Hill, including art work from local artists, memorabilia from events like Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic in the 1970s,

Oral histories and tapes will be a big part of the museum— it’ll be amazing to hear these people’s voices.”

In addition to community history, the museum will also focus heavily on the International Sculpture Park, adjacent to Noble Elementary School, its history and its importance to the community and the art world.

For more information or to donate items to the museum, visit lionsfoundationpark.org.

‘Pick your own’ veggies going strong at Isle Acre Farms

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

Pete and Becky Tamez know a good vegetable when they see one.

Not only do the Tamez’s have years of experience when it comes to vegetable farming, but they’ve also recently opened their Liberty Hill farm, Isle Acre Farms, to the public for pick-your-own veggie fun.

The Tamez’s grow everything from carrots, peppers and cucumbers to more unique vegetables like ground cherries, okra and eggplant.

Those who sign up for picking days are given a time slot to pick the veggies, and when they arrive and check in, they can gather as many vegetables as they’d like to purchase.

The Tamez’s will be on site to answer questions about the vegetables, give advice on growing, offer recipe ideas and more.

For more information on Isle Acre Farms and to book a picking time, visit linktr.ee/isleacrefarms.

Members of the Liberty Hill Development Foundation board pose together during a board meeting earlier this year.

PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

Pete and Becky Tamez, farmers and owners of Isle Acre Farms, have opened their farm up to the public for pick-your-own veggie fun. The Tamez’s grow a variety of vegetables, including squash, carrots and tomatoes. PHOTOS BY RACHEL MADISON

Wastewater woes

Incoming wastewater treatment plant near Santa Rita Ranch community raises resident concerns

BY ODALIS A. SUAREZ STAFF WRITER

The turnout at the May 8 Liberty Hill City Council meeting was overflowing with public a endance. Limited seating in the Municipal Court Building didn’t dissuade people from convening outside to listen in as the session commenced. According to a endee Keith Dorsa, he estimated that about 10 people fit inside the building while 100 people were outside.

The impetus for this influx in a endance stemmed from residents discovering the future site of the Santa Rita Upper Middlebrook Wastewater Treatment Plant (also known as the North Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant); a 1.4 million gallon per day (MGD) plant which is set to be built west of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and across the street from the homes that make up the Santa Rita Ranch community.

“We have a lot of people in three different subdivisions that were not informed, that are very concerned and I think they’re going to be very engaged going forward on every li le

piece here,” said Randy Willis, Santa Rita Ranch resident and one of the speakers at the May 8 council meeting.

Today, homeowners in Santa Rita Ranch are working to ignite a bigger conversation that involves the City of Liberty Hill, Santa Rita Ranch’s developer Ed Horne, the home builders that sold them their homes, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and State Rep. Caroline Harris-Davila.

They are seeking answers as to how the proximity to a wastewater plant will impact quality of life and why plans to build a wastewater plant were never disclosed to them at the time they purchased their homes. More importantly, they hope they can come to a new compromise that remedies resident concern while allowing the wastewater treatment plant plans to continue.

Some residents first heard of this plan via an April 15 Facebook post on the “Santa Rita Ranch Neighbors” page. Information shared with The Independent showed that the original poster published a screenshot from the Public Works Commission’s regular meeting minutes from that day which addresses the North Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant in the city’s Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan update. “Does anyone have any idea what a treatment plant looks like (I don’t)?” the post asked.

The screenshot depicted an aerial image of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and surrounding areas. A yellow marker on the west side indicated the planned site for the wastewater plant while the east side showed Santa Rita Ranch homes across the way.

“We started researching where it was going to be located, how that would impact people in Santa Rita Ranch, and then we saw it’s very close to Divine Savior Academy as well,” said Santa Rita Ranch resident Cathy Doescher.

With the wastewater treatment plant site currently at the forefront, concerned homeowners are deep diving into its timeline.

The inception of the North Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant began in 2011, before Santa Rita Ranch homes were built. Horne laid the land for the Santa Rita Ranch com-

munity as well as Municipal Utility District No. 19. On Jan. 20, 2011, TCEQ issued a wastewater permit to Williamson County MUD No. 19.

“As to why the location was selected, many factors were at play including proximity to Ronald Reagan and overall accessibility, proximity to re-irrigation lines, proximity to tributaries, and other engineering criteria as determined by the use of consultants and site visits by the TCEQ during the permi ing process,” said Horne.

The wastewater treatment plant is set to live adjacent to Sowes Branch Creek where effluent can be discharged. Sowes Branch Creek connects to the North Fork San Gabriel River, ultimately flowing into Lake Georgetown.

In 2013, residents surrounding the wastewater plant site began raising concerns to TCEQ a er receiving notice of the proposed plan. At the time, some of the questions to TCEQ included odor control, how effluent flow will affect Sowes Branch Creek, and environmental impact on ground water and wells.

Minnie Sansom has lived in her home east of Ronald Reagan Boulevard since 2001. Her property includes a portion of Sowes Branch Creek. She, along with her husband, James, were one of the property owners contesting the site back in 2013. Sansom’s husband, who passed away in 2021, was a geologist with years of experience working at the state level.

“Number one, the lack of dilution of the fluid from the plant by the normally dry creek and intermi ent stream,” said Sansom as she read an email her husband wrote stating his concerns back in 2013. “Number two,

potential for drugs in the treated water that the treatment plant will not remove. Number three, the geologic fault that the creek follows that will allow a fluid to migrate downward to the groundwater.”

In 2014, a mediated se lement agreement was executed by TCEQ with protestants, including the Sansoms. Sansom said this agreement should still apply today.

“The applicant agrees to consult with us… regarding the details of this monitoring, the location, the monitoring sites, and other relevant information,” said Sansom. “My feeling is that I don’t think the City of Liberty Hill even took into the fact that this mediated agreement still stands. We signed off on a contested hearing with this, and they were to follow it and TCEQ says it’s still an original permit… this se lement still should be supported.”

In 2017, MUD No. 19 transferred the wastewater permit to the City of Liberty Hill. During this time period, Horne also transferred the proposed site location, approximately 6.40 acres of land, via a special warranty deed. Former Liberty Hill Mayor Connie Fuller signed the deed as the grantee on behalf of the city. In 2024, Horne transferred a neighboring 0.93 acres of land to the city via another special warranty deed. There was no signature from a city official notarized.

“When the plant was first contemplated more than a decade ago, it was intended to only serve the residents of Santa Rita,” Horne said. “The city did not own its own treatment facility until it purchased its existing plant from the LCRA in 2011. As the north plant was undergoing TCEQ review and permi ing,

A view from Randy Willis’ backyard identifying the site of the proposed wastewater treatment plant. COURTESY PHOTO

A view from Cathy Doescher’s backyard identifying the site of the proposed wastewater treatment plant.  COURTESY PHOTO

as I recall, the city indicated a preference that the plant be part of a larger regional wastewater system; a system that would serve more citizens than just those in Santa Rita. This, in turn, led to the city eventually taking assignment of the permit and owning the site.”

Fast forward to today, a now well-developed Santa Rita Ranch neighborhood is garnering awareness of this wastewater permit which the city is currently going through the renewal process with TCEQ.

According to the Santa Rita Upper Middlebrook Wastewater Treatment Plant fact sheet posted on the city’s website, this will be its second renewal since the initial permit transfer. In the sheet, it states one amendment to their current renewal, “The application does include a minor amendment to go from three phases to two. The first phase will authorize a discharge up to 0.7 MGD, and the ultimate phase will remain at 1.4 MGD.”

However, from the residents’ perspectives, this whole plan hid under the radar in the midst of purchasing and moving into their homes.

“At no time did anyone say there was going to be a sewer treatment plant in that location and it was planned since 2009 and given to the city,” Willis said. “It’s not on their maps, it’s not anywhere out there. I’ve got pictures of the [maps] they have out there that says it’s ‘light commercial.’ I don’t think a water waste treatment plant is ‘light

commercial,’ you know?”

On the Santa Rita Ranch Austin website, there is a phase map PDF with a document heading of “SRR_SiteMap.1” and what appears to be a date of “5.2.24.” The marker displayed near and around the same area as the site of the proposed wastewater plant is a square that is titled as “outparcel.” On the legend on the le hand side it states that this marker is “City of Liberty Hill Potential Future [Wastewater] Facility.”

Cathy and Dennis Doescher live in Santa Rita Ranch in the Ventana subdivision with their backyard facing where the wastewater plant is set to live across from Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Willis is only a few houses down from the Doeschers with a similar view.

Dorsa lives at Regency, which is the 55 and over community north of where the Doeschers and Willis’ live. His house is in close proximity to Sowes Branch Creek.

These four are just a portion of residents that have been vocal and actively involved in opening the lines of communication regarding their concerns, which are more or less similar to those presented by residents back in 2013. The ultimate goal is to try to have the entire site moved farther away.

“We

relocate the plant site.”

In addition to the environmental concerns residents want addressed, they also believe there was a failure to disclose that a wastewater treatment plant would neighbor their homes at the time of purchase. This has le homeowners feeling misled in the supposed premium investments they made for their property.

The Doeschers purchased their home in 2019 and paid a $60,000 premium for their view.

Willis purchased his home in 2018 and paid a $60,000 premium for his view.

Dorsa purchased his home in 2023 and paid a $50,000 premium for his lot that backs into a green belt by Sowes Branch Creek.

“Had we known that this was going to happen, we would not have purchased this house,” Dorsa said. “My realtor has told me that you either sell now at a loss, or sell later at a much bigger loss. [There’s not] a good option at the moment.”

These property owners have made efforts to connect with their respective home builders now under the belief that their premium lot will not host the same pristine sell point they were once sold on. All a empts have led to no avail.

The Independent reached out to Si erle Homes, Toll Brothers, and Pulte Homes, which are all home builders featured in Santa Rita Ranch.

“We have no comment. Thank you,” wrote Brian Shields, president of Si erle Homes Austin in an email correspondence.

have a lot of people in three different subdivisions that were not informed, that are very concerned and I think they’re going to be very engaged going forward on every little piece here.”

Randy Willis, Santa Rita Ranch resident

“What’s our best solution?” said Willis. “We would like it moved. I don’t care what it costs. They can move it upstream and get the same quality.”

According to the city’s fact sheet, “The Santa Rita developer designed and constructed internal facilities to utilize gravity flow to internal li stations that are pumped downstream to the future plant. Force mains were also installed in preparation of routing these flows. Additionally, purple pipe has been installed to irrigate Santa Rita’s common areas using treated effluent. Because of the existing internal facilities, permit restrictions, and terms of the agreement, it is not possible to

In response to the current concerns, the city has utilized the assistance of third-party counsel Rudy Metayer from Austin-based law firm Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody to provide a unified voice.

While welcoming public perspective, Metayer notes they are simply following the permit renewal process.

“Best way to put it is that the city followed every appropriate process and procedure regarding any notice here and additionally went above and beyond by directly engaging concern[ed] people at Santa Rita and their leadership regarding that,” said Metayer.

Additionally, residents were able to connect with Harris-Davila, who offered assistance by communicating with TCEQ to schedule a public meeting regarding the permit renewal. According to Harris-Davila, her office received approximately 10 phone calls and 28 emails from homeowners.

“We understand the need for wastewater and so we completely understand where the city is coming from, but we also want to make sure that those homeowners voices are heard, and that their concerns are addressed to the fullest extent possible,” Harris-Davila said.

With the request for a public meeting in place, TCEQ also extended the public comment period.

“So far we’ve had over 250 public comments submi ed to TCEQ since this started a few weeks ago,” said Doescher. “That’s how many people have taken their time to submit a public comment. So, [Harris-Davila] requested a public meeting which now they cannot start construction on this plant until the public meeting occurs and that keeps our public comment period… it reopened it.”

According to TCEQ, they are working on finalizing a date.

“…no one is available to participate,” wrote Andrea Meck of Toll Brothers, also via email.

Multiple a empts were made to Timothy Chatlos, director of corporate communications of Pulte Group, but received no response.

However, since discovering the development of the wastewater treatment plant, the group has made some strides in bending the right ears.

They have already met with Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla and are in the middle of se ing up a second meeting so that questions can be answered, grievances can be heard, and solutions can be agreed on.

“The TCEQ will hold a public meeting on the application for renewal of TPDES Permit No. WQ0015000001,” said Ricky Richter, TCEQ spokesperson. “The date for the public meeting has not been determined. Once the meeting is scheduled the TCEQ will send notice to everyone on the mailing list for this application.”

The city’s fact sheet shares that they anticipate construction of the wastewater treatment plant to begin in fall 2025 with construction estimated to last 18 to 24 months.

With local residents waiting on word for official dates on current pending meetings with the city and TCEQ, there is still an air of unpredictability until everyone is heard and a subsequent official decision is confirmed.

A slide from the April 15 Public Works Commission regular meeting minutes depicting an aerial map with a marker identifying the site of the proposed wastewater treatment plant. COURTESY GRAPHIC

Securing room to build

LHISD purchases 19.98-acre land tract for future educational, agricultural use

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

The Liberty Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the purchase of a 19.98-acre tract of land directly adjacent to Liberty Hill High School at their June board meeting.

The land, previously home to the Conner Combined Training horse farm, will provide the district with the opportunity to expand its agricultural resources into the future.

“The tract is immediately west of Liberty Hill High School,” Superintendent Steve Snell told The Independent. “Having access to this land will help us as we grow as a district and need to expand our agricultural facilities.”

The only current agriculture and show barn for the district is located at Liberty Hill Middle School.

“We will quickly outgrow this with two high schools and three middle schools soon,” Snell

added.

The plot, which is already equipped with an agricultural footprint from the Conner family farm, will allow the district the opportunity to expand its existing agricultural resource base.

“It’s a ractive because of its location directly behind the CTE wing of the high school, where students in agricultural classes can easily walk to future facilities,” Snell said.

While no immediate development plans or funds are currently available for the land, the board has several ideas about its potential future use.

The development would be multi-phase, said Snell.

“A show barn and animal pens would be the next step,” he said.

Board President Megan Parsons added that when someone is eager to sell land to the district, it’s important to jump on the opportunity.

“It’s forward-thinking,” she said.

The land purchase coincides with the approval of the schematic design plans for expanding the high school. Together, they will help LHISD equip students with the necessary space and resources they need for success.

Trustees approve Liberty Hill High School renovation

Campus expansion includes core spaces to accomodate growing enrollment

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

The Liberty Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to approve multiple renovations and an expansion at Liberty Hill High School during their June meeting.

LHISD’s Chief Operations Officer Mark Willoughby and Director of Construction Dustin Akin proposed the campus design plans to the board.

Set to be completed at the start of the 2026/27 school year, the plans focus on expanding “core spaces” in the campus to accommodate the school’s growing population.

Liberty Hill High School was originally built for around 1,600 students.

“We’re well over that and growing,” said Superintendent Steve Snell. “Even though we’re opening a second high school, we need facilities that can handle more students.”

The expansion redesigns are a result of community feedback, said Board President Megan Parsons.

“The community’s ideas and opinions for what is needed at our schools and for future are important to us,” said Parsons. “The community is supportive of making sure we have proper facilities at current school when it comes to serving those kids.”

Project Architect Alex Nelson of VLK Architects, Inc. presented the schematic designs to the board and public.

The key areas of focus for improvements are the cafeteria, fine arts and athletic spaces, all of which are currently undersized and unable to accommodate necessary infrastructure and

occupancy.

“As we grow, the success of our programs has led to higher numbers of participation in band, choir, and even theater,” said Snell.

Renovations include expanding the band hall, robotics division and cafeteria, as well as renovating the choral hall, black box, wrestling area, and arts lab.

Additionally, two large classrooms will be built, and a concessions stand and bathroom will be added to the field.

Plans also include redesigning the outdoor patio space to make it accessible and useful for special education students and programs.

“What I like about the design is that we’re able to add a new band hall and repurpose existing space to support wrestling and choir programs,” Snell told The Independent. “By moving those two to new places, we’ll have the ability to expand the black box for the theater program. The cafeteria expansion will help accommodate more students while we also add a few CTE classrooms for robotics and engineering.”

The exterior of the band hall addition will also serve as a second bus drop-off location.

“We’re very excited,” said Parsons. “We worked very hard with the footprint we had available to us to be able to expand the high school and maximize square footage to get enough space for all programs.”

With the board’s approval, the district can now proceed with the next steps for actualizing the renovations.

The entire process will be a two-year phased approach.

Now that schematic designs have been approved, the project will enter design development and construction document preparations through September of this year.

Construction for Phase 1 will break ground in November, focusing on the field concessions and restrooms addition.

Phase 2, construction of the band hall addition, will begin in summer of 2025 and continue until June of the following year.

The third and final phase, fine arts renovations, will wrap up in the summer of 2026.

All renovations are set to be completed by the start of the 2026/2027 school year, alongside the opening of the second high school.

Snell said nothing will be disrupted during the build, adding that all construction will occur separate from existing classroom spaces while students are in session, with the interior refurbishing taking place the final summer before completion.

The Liberty Hill Independent School District’s Board of Trustees have approved a contruction project that includes renovation of the cafeteria, athletics and fine arts areas on the campus of Liberty Hill High School. COURTESY GRAPHICS

July Family Programming Highlights

PICTURE A

July 6, 10:00am & 11:30am - PYTHON VS. BOA SNAKE SHOW

Everyone Welcome!

July 9, 2:30-6:30pm - Dogman Day Afternoon Craft Extravaganza

July 10, 2:00pm - Capital of Texas Zoo Animal Adventures

EVERY STORY TELLS

July 11, 9:30am & 10:30am - Spubbles‘ Diggin’ the Dinos Show

July 13, 9:30am-12:30pm - Fannie’s Farm Friends Petting Zoo

July 15, 9:30am & 10:30am - Wild Things Zoofari

2024 Summer Reading Program

@Liberty Hill Public Library District

May 6-July 24

Summer Hours

Monday-Friday 10a-7p

Saturday 9a-4p

July 16, 2:30-6:30pm - Kitty-Palooza: Zombie Kittens & Other Cat Crafts

July 17, 9:30am & 10:30am - Sock Monkey Circus

July 19, 9:30am & 10:30am - Manga Drawing with Sari (Grades 2-5)

July 20 & 21 - Family Craft Weekend Shark Week Edition

July 22, 6:00pm & 7:00pm - Austin Reptile Shows

July 23, 9:30am & 10:30am - Mr. Will in Concert

July 23, 2:30-6:30pm - Make a Sharknado in a Jar!

July 24, 10:30am-6:30pm - All Day Craft Extravaganza!

July 30, 9:30am - Balcones Canyonland Ranger Program

355 Main Street (512) 788-6400 askthelibrary@lhpl.org

TURN IN ALL READING

LOGS & TICKETS BY 7:00PM ON JULY 24

Sunday 1-5p Kids’ Prize Store is Open July 27-August 10 Saturday, August 10, 10:00am-12:00pm

Summer Reading Celebration & Back to School Bash

Join us to celebrate your Summer Reading Success & the start of a new school year! Foam pit! Giant Games! Snow Cones! Giant Bubbles Popcorn! If everyone reads 2 million minutes, dunk library s taff! All are welcome!

Expanding a ‘faith-filled family’

Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran breaks ground on new building

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER 2020.

In June, Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church celebrated the groundbreaking of its new church building, which is set to open in spring 2025.

Church staff and members gathered at the site, located at 381 County Road 213, for a ceremony in gratitude and praise of the special occasion.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said church member Russell DaMetz.

While construction marks a new chapter for the congregation, Mission Liberty Hill has been a pillar of the community for over 15 years. The church first opened its doors in 2009 as a Bible study group, led by Zion Lutheran Church pastor Rev. Jim Craver. Since then, it’s been operating out of a street-front unit at Panther Storage on Highway 29.

They officially started holding worship services in 2010 under the leadership of Rev. Wilbern Michalk, an interim pastor who ended up leading the congregation for two years. In 2012, they installed their first full-time pastor. Rev. Paul Frerichs, under whom Mission Liberty Hill was officially chartered as a congregation of the Lutheran Church –Missouri Synod in 2013, served for five years until he moved to Ohio in 2017.

Interim pastor Rev. Dr. Mike Coppersmith took charge in leading the ministry for the next two and a half years, until current pastor Rev. Mike Cofer accepted the call in fall of

Originally from Houston, Cofer attended Lutheran South Academy, Concordia Texas and Concordia Seminary. He completed his four-year vicarage at King of Kings in Round Rock before serving 10 years with Virginia Beach’s Hope Lutheran Church. In 2018, he accepted the call to Trinity Lutheran San Angelo where he served for two years and focused on reaching people without a church home, before joining Mission Liberty Hill.

“I was called to be pastor in the middle of the pandemic,” Cofer told the Liberty Hill Independent before the groundbreaking ceremony. “It was a wild time and was a reset for a lot of churches. We’ve been steadily growing as long as I’ve been here. We knew we were aimed at building… it was always on the horizon. We moved forward prayerfully asking what the future of our ministry looks like.”

Cofer admitted that it has been very difficult to reach people and expand the congregation without the proper infrastructure over the last several years.

“We [operate] out of a storefront in Panther Storage – our parking is almost capped every Sunday,” said Cofer. “There’s no opportunity for growth there.”

Church member Clay Cole, who has been with Mission Liberty Hill since the first Bible study 15 years ago, said the groundbreaking was an emotional moment.

“There’s so much we’ve invested to this day,” he added.

Several capital campaigns, pledge days and the donation of the land were all essential for this community to realize their dreams of expansion.

The new church will sit on a plot of land generously donated by Richard Stayer, former beloved member of the Mission Liberty Hill community.

“We were once a small, feisty congregation with big dreams,” Mission Liberty Hill President Michael Ondrasek said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “Once Mr. Steyer heard of our dreams, he said, ‘I think I can help.’ On May 18, 2014, Mr. Steyer and his family dedicated 10 acres of his family land to Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church.”

A monument dedicated to Stayer and his family, placed the same day of the dedication over a decade ago, still stands on the plot. It will remain once the church is built.

“I truly believe God blessed this land that day,” Ondrasek concluded. “Mr. Steyer wanted to see a church on this property. Today is the beginning of the fulfillment of his wishes.”

Steyer’s daughter, Rachel Austin, and her husband, John, were present and honored at the ceremony in remembrance of Stayer’s gift. Thanks to her father’s generosity, the self-proclaimed “faith-filled family” will have the opportunity to grow into the future.

Construction on the new church building is set to be completed in spring of next year and will replace the current worship center on State Highway 29. The space will feature more classrooms for youth engagement, a larger fellowship space and full kitchen, among other attributes. After years of running services out of a storefront, Mission Liberty Hill welcomes the opportunity to grow not only their physical space, but also their community.

The expanded space will allow for Mission

Liberty Hill to “better minister to the full range of people’s lives,” Cofer said.

Conveniently located off ever-expanding U.S. Highway 183, the new church will sit adjacent to the rapidly growing Stonewall Ranch subdivision. Cofer hopes Mission Liberty Hill’s proximity to the neighborhood can help it serve the many families who are going to need a church home.

Members are equally excited about the growth the location may provide.

“We’re in one of the fastest growing areas in the United States,” Cole said.

“We hope to spread the good news to a whole lot of people, especially young people,” added DaMetz.

A key feature of the new building, Cofer said, is that it will be designed to look like a home.

“This land used to be a home, and it still is,” he said. “We are building a home for God’s family.”

His goal for the future of Mission Liberty Hill?

“When people see us, I want them to see a picture of God’s community,” he said. “A place where people are loved and welcomed, and they know that God is real and good.”

The ceremony, which featured church members and staff, architects and building planners, and former pastors Coppersmith and Michalk, concluded with meaningful words of intention.

“This is not about building buildings,” said Coppersmith. “It’s about building people.”

As shovels were pitched in the fresh dirt, Cofer offered his final reflections.

“In a year or so, we will have a building here,” he said. “That may feel like we’ve crossed a finish line, but brothers and sisters, it’s just a new starting line.”

Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church has broken ground on a new building on donated local land.

PHOTO BY RACHEL N. MADISON

Mission Liberty Hill members Bill Chapman, Rachel Austin, John Austin, Rev. Wilbern Michalk, Rev. Mike Cofer, Rev. Dr. Mike Coppersmith and Russell DaMetz break ground at the June ceremony for the new church building. COURTESY PHOTO

Bidding farewell to a friend

Local man honored by community at memorial service

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Under the roof of the Spivey Pavilion at Lions Foundation Park was gathered a small circle of relatives and friends to pay tribute to a man who originally hailed from the other side of the world, but lived out the final years of his life in Liberty Hill.

Kebede Bekele was a native of Ethiopia who immigrated to the U.S. nearly 30 years ago to seek a better life, eventually settling in the Austin area before becoming a client of Operation Liberty Hill, a nonprofit organization that serves the fundamental needs of community members.

However, after passing away from cancer recently, no family members or next-of-kin came forward to claim his remains for proper burial rites.

At that point, it became the responsibility of Williamson County to proceed with the disposition of remains, which was the beginning of a protracted process in this case, said Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Angela Williams.

“Usually, when there are unclaimed remains, we go down the list of next-of-kin until we find someone,” she said. ‘The process in finding the next-of-kin is sometimes a lengthy process, but not common in most

cases. Finding the next-of-kin involves several steps, often depending on the context and the available information. We usually receive that information from law enforcement, but if the information is not available at the time of death, then the process might take longer.”

Finally, Williams reached the point where unorthodox methods were required, she said.

“When I had exhausted all resources in locating the next-of-kin for Mr. Bekele, I reached out to Operation Liberty Hill and explained the situation,” she said. “I knew they were providing services to Mr. Bekele and one of their representatives found him the day of his death. Also, I’m familiar with the organization in our community. I’ve never had a group step in and provide the disposition of remains for an individual in our county, when no next-ofkin is available. It’s very unusual for a local organization to step up like Operation Liberty Hill did to take care of it.”

Yet, that’s exactly what transpired as Operation Liberty Hill came forward and assumed the duties, with the memorial service being the culmination of a process that included cremation of Bekele’s remains.

According to Operation Liberty Hill executive director Susan Baker, Bekele received basic sustenance items beginning in 2018 before the man known as “KB” sought out assistance with another matter entirely.

“KB was a client of ours for almost three years – he usually received food and clothing from our organization,” said Baker. “But in November of 2021, Mr. Bekele came to us for help with his Certificate of Naturalization.”

But, that’s only the beginning of the story, she said.

“When he received the original certificate in 1996, he was advised to laminate it,” said Baker. “However, when KB went to renew his driver’s license that November, the DMV rules had changed. They told him laminating his certificate is considered altering it, making it unacceptable as proof of residency. So, we assisted him in the application process for a new certificate.”

Some 15 months later, Bekele finally received his new certificate and could once again pursue the renewal of his driver’s license, only for another issue to crop up, she said.

“I was able to get him an appointment in the Lampasas [DMV] location and he got to the end of the process and took the eye exam,” she said. “This was how we discovered he couldn’t read the eye chart, not even one letter because his eyesight had gotten so bad.”

After cataracts were discovered and cleared up, it was determined Bekele had wet macular

degeneration, a condition that affects central vision and requires regular injections to treat.

But, this was just the beginning of a myriad of health problems that would ultimately lead to being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, which eventually claimed his life.

Bekele lived near Lions Foundation Park, where he would spent much of his time strolling with his beloved dog Toby, hence why the location was chosen for the June 10 service.

Baker said it was important for Operation Liberty Hill to continue to help Bekele right up until the end.

“While I took KB to most of his appointments, when he had to start daily treatments, a few of our volunteers stepped up to help with transportation,” she said. “The last day he was taken to radiation, KB said to the volunteer, ‘I know they tell me I have cancer, but I feel great!’ – that was on a Friday. KB passed away peacefully on his porch the following Monday morning, where he loved to watch his cat and the sunrise. We talked many times about his relationship with the Lord, especially before the several surgeries he had. He was at peace and knew his soul was going to Heaven – KB became a good friend and I miss him terribly, but he is healed and whole now.”

Peace in Precinct 2 of Williamson County, I will also, to the best of my ability, uphold human dignity, fulfill legal and social responsibilities and provide emotional closure for our community when performing the duties of the inquest procedure.”

Williams added handling Bekele’s case in the manner that transpired was morally and legally the right thing to do in such a situation.

“Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity in death, regardless of their status or inability to locate next-of-kin,” she said. “Communities, in my opinion, have an ethical obligation to care for all members, including those who are indigent. As the Justice of the

At the conclusion of the ceremony, those in attendance walked over to a large, grassy area in the middle of the park, where Bekele’s ashes were spread on the grounds he enjoyed spending time on in the twilight of his life.

For Baker, it was a fitting conclusion, she said.

“I feel it’s important for us to be obedient to what the Lord wants us to do,” said Baker. “KB was loved and we’re happy to be able to close the process.”

Members of the community spread the ashes of Kebede Bekele at the conclusion of a memorial ceremony in the Liberty Hill resident’s honor on June 10 at Lions Foundation Park.

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Operation Liberty Hill executive director Susan Baker assisted Kebede Bekele in getting a new certificate of naturalization in addition to other services the organization provided.

COURTESY PHOTO

A photo of Kebede Bekele with his dog, Toby, at the memorial service. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

LHISD enters data collection phase of Teacher Incentive Allotment application

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

Travis Motal, Liberty Hill Independent School District chief of schools, and Todd Washburn, and assistant superintendent of schools, presented an update on the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) initiative to Board of Trustees members at their monthly meeting on June 17.

Liberty Hill submi ed its initial application on April 13 and will now enter phase two of the approval process.

The TIA is a Texas program from House Bill 3 in the 86th Texas Legislature that provides districts with necessary funding and systems to recruit, retain, incentivize and support top educators for their schools. The goal of this initiative is to ensure schools are recruiting and sustaining the highest quality teachers for student benefit.

Districts use data analysis to identify exemplary educators and apply for teacher designations, which categorize them into one of three performance levels—recognized, exemplary or master. Once designations are finalized, the approved districts receive annual compensatory funds allo ed for each of these employed educators, tiered in value based on the performance level of the individual. These funds follow the teacher, regardless of district.

Acceptance into the program would mean an extra $3,000 to $30,000 in the hands of our designated teachers, said Motal.

TIA requires that 90 percent or more of funds must be used directly for teacher compensation. Districts may choose to use up to 10 percent on other costs, including furthering district designation systems or supporting teachers. TIA funds serve as a no cap, sustainable funding source for Texas districts to improve and grow their education systems.

“The TIA is funding from the from State of Texas that goes directly into pockets of our teachers when students make certain level of growth through year,” said Motal. “The first cohorts in the state started around 2019. We’re now in cohort G.”

There are two phases of the district approval process. First is a “system review” in which districts submit an application verifying student growth measures and teacher observation systems.

In the second “data review” phase, districts conduct teacher screening based on the data

guidelines that were approved in phase one. TIA then evaluates student growth data (70 percent) and teacher evaluation (30 percent), based on Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) rubric scoring, to determine an educator’s eligibility for the program.

“This year, we will go through the data validation process, which includes showing TEA how we collect data and how it will measure student progress from the beginning to the end of the year,” said Motal. “We are validating the procedures we demonstrated in phase one.”

Student growth is determined by measuring the percent of students in classrooms who met or exceeded expected growth levels for the year. Motal added that Liberty Hill is also providing training for principals to ensure that teacher classroom observation procedures are consistent across schools and unbiased.

Currently, only kindergarten through 8th reading and math, Algebra I, and English I/II teachers are being screened for the program. The district kept the first group of applicants conservative to ensure acceptance.

“We chose to go with a smaller group size to get validation and approval done for year one,” Motal said.

The district already has existing processes for STAAR data and yearly screeners for these classes, which district can use for the initial application data, he added.

Once final approval comes for phase one, expected on August 13, data collection for phase two will commence for the 2024-2025 school year and be submi ed in October of next year. Once processed, the first payout to designated teachers would occur in September 2026.

If all goes well, Liberty Hill plans to expand to other teaching areas over next several years, said Motal. This would include adding amendments explaining how the district would measure the growth of students in new subject areas each year to the initial application for expanded grade levels and disciplinaries, he added.

“It’s much easier to add amendments once the application is already approved,” said Motal.

Motal hopes that, eventually, every Liberty Hill teacher can be a beneficiary of this program.

“We’re very supportive that LHISD wants us to do this for our teachers,” he said. “We’re very excited for what that could mean for our educators here in Liberty Hill.”

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Pure Remedy Massage Therapy celebrates six years in business

Downtown Liberty Hill business focuses on treating stress, pain and injury

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

Amber Jackson has always had a knack for massage therapy. When she was a child, her mom would let her stay up later at night if she rubbed her shoulders or feet.

“If I slowed down or got tired, she’d say, ‘I guess it’s time for bed,’” Jackson said. “So I’d say, ‘No, I’ll stay up and rub your feet.’ And that’s how I got into massage therapy.”

Jackson, who has owned and operated Pure Remedy Massage Therapy in downtown Liberty Hill for the last six years, wanted to be a massage therapist ever since those early days. Similar to many, that dream was put on hold for a while as she got married and had children.

“I waited until my kids were in school, and then I went to massage therapy school,” Jackson said. “I learned Eastern and Western modalities, and learned about cupping, chakra, energy work and directional integration, as well as trigger point and deep tissue massage.”

The Portland, Ore., native is now coming up on 14 years of being a massage therapist, and is constantly striving to increase her knowledge of the human body and how massage therapy can be incorporated to treat her clients for everything from stress to injury.

“I’m constantly doing school—I just took a lymph drainage class,” she said. “I’ve learned that you can forever be learning about the human body.”

When Jackson moved to Texas, she decided it was the right time to open her own massage therapy business. Originally, she was located on Myrtle Street in downtown Liberty Hill, with a small space of only one room. After quickly growing her clientele, Jackson moved Pure Remedy to its current location at 100 Church St., where she has multiple treatment rooms and five employees who provide massage therapy and esthetician services.

The historical yellow house, just adjacent to Cross Tracks Church, offers clients a cozy and relaxing environment as they wait for their services.

“I was the only massage therapist for years in the downtown area,” Jackson said. “I have some clients that have been with me that whole time, but we also get new people all the time, which is really exciting. Our

work is tailored to injury prevention and post-surgery help and things like that. People often just think of massage as an avenue for relaxation, which is true, but we’re not just giving someone a relaxing massage. We’re also making change in their bodies and helping people.”

Jackson said that’s ultimately what massage therapy is all about at Pure Remedy— facilitating a positive change for her clients.

“My team is always ecstatic when clients tell them how much better they feel after having a massage,” she said. “Being able to create that change is such a beautiful work.”

During the month of June, to celebrate six years in business, Jackson celebrated some of her best clients by having them fill out a form and take a photo to tell the community who they are. One such client is her longest standing client, Dee Ann Glenn, who has been receiving massage therapy services from Jackson since she first opened Pure Remedy.

Glenn said she looks forward to her massage every month because it keeps her sane. She said it’s also been a huge help for her while she’s gone through some health issues.

“Amber is the best,” she said in her form. “When I went through radiation for cancer I had to miss a couple of months. I hated to miss because Amber is easy to talk to about health issues and she has a calming effect

on me and my body. After I returned, she would work on the scar tissue that occurred after my lumpectomy.”

Another client, Tyler Fry, is a police officer and an officer in the Texas Army National Guard. He credits Jackson for keeping his body healthy.

“[Massage allows] me to maintain a level of fitness needed to do my job,” he wrote in his form.

Jackson said for those who have never had a massage, they should try one.

“If you’ve never had a massage, it’s worth getting, because sometimes we don’t even know how our bodies feel until we’ve had one,” she said, adding that getting massages isn’t always just about “fluff” or having a luxury. “It’s body maintenance, which our bodies should always have. Even if you’re not in pain, when you get a massage, emotionally you will feel more rested.”

Jackson recently joined the American Massage Therapy Association’s Austin region as a co-coordinator and was recently sworn in as a member of the City of Liberty Hill’s Downtown Revitalization Committee. These are just two ways Jackson is staying plugged into the local community and continuing to increase her knowledge about massage therapy.

“Through the association, we have monthly events and workshops that help to educate and grow us as massage therapists,”

she said. “This way I can continue to see what the massage world is growing into. Then in turn, I am continuing to teach and do trainings with my staff. I’m also working to get my national certification so that I can offer continuing education classes to massage therapists.”

After six years in business, Jackson has no intention of slowing down. Looking forward, she aims to continue focusing on offering her clients empowering treatments that are therapeutic.

“One thing I have learned over the years is that trauma is stored in our bodies, and I want to get more into that work,” she said. “There are patterns in the body, and trauma can start affecting our physical body. I want to start integrating somatic therapy, which is also called trauma-release therapy. I haven’t started training on that yet, but it’s basically how we can focus on the body and emotions and how they appear in the body because of different unresolved emotional issues. They can become trapped, and this therapy can help facilitate a release.”

Jackson said Pure Remedy’s most popular services include the 60-minute deep tissue massage and the signature and anti-aging facials.

“All of our massages and facials are very customizable though, so we can tailor every service to you,” she added.

For more information on Pure Remedy or to make an appointment, visit pureremedy-massage.com or call (512) 456-8171. Pure Remedy Massage Therapy is also on Facebook and Instagram.

Amber Jackson, massage therapist and owner of Pure Remedy Massage Therapy, opened her business in Liberty Hill six years ago. COURTESY PHOTO

Amber Jackson, owner of Pure Remedy Massage Therapy, offers clients a wide variety of therapeutic massage treatments. COURTESY PHOTO

Sourdough starters

Family entrepreneurs bring the fresh-bread movement to Liberty Hill

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

Sourdough breadmaking is on the rise. People from all over are returning to their kitchens to learn and share this ancient skill, including many who live in Liberty Hill. Two local bakeries have taken a leap into bringing this biblical recipe back to life, and, in the process, are offering a more holistic and healthy bread option to their customers.

Bluebonnet Sourdough Bakery

Bluebonnet Sourdough Bakery founder Ruth Fokkema didn’t set out to be a small-business owner. Rather, her small business found her.

In early 2023, Fokkema decided to use her love for healthy food to help support her family during a time of financial instability. She started baking sourdough for family and friends and posting on social media. By the fall, her organic sourdough business had emerged.

“Word started spreading quickly, and it surprisingly took off,” Fokkema said. “It got to the point where I needed my husband’s full-time help – it became a family affair. The bakery saved us.”

Fokkema believes her dedication to baking with the highest quality, local ingredients is

what helped her transform her passion into a family-sustaining career.

All of Bluebonnet’s baked goods use “only organic and pasture raised ingredients and local wherever we can,” said Fokkema. “High quality ingredients are not only better for health but also make the goods taste much better. The flavor is more complex. The sourdough gives [our pastries] a three-dimensional flavor that really rounds it all out.”

Additionally, sourcing from local farms helps the community as a whole to benefit financially.

“It’s important we support small businesses,” Fokkema said.

Bluebonnet Sourdough Bakery offers four flavors of sourdough loaves, including a unique Korean sourdough sandwich loaf (the secret ingredient: local dairy) and a variety of sweet treats. All items are available for online order and either pickup or delivery through their “virtual bakery,” accessible via their Facebook page, Bluebonnet Sourdough Bakery. They also sell products at Wildfire Park Market, 209 W. Broade St. in Leander, every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Anything on our menu are things that I love to eat,” Fokkema said.

With up to 40 multi-item orders a week, the Fokkemas work hard to keep up with demand.

“We only have a conventional oven in our kitchen, so it takes a long time for us to make our weekly orders,” Fokkema said. “We try to keep it simple and balance how much we can handle as a home bakery while maintaining the quality.”

Fokkema couldn’t be happier for the way Bluebonnet has evolved over the past year. She can now grow her local business while staying home with her young daughter, Avery, and preparing for a new baby on the way.

While Fokkema admits that getting better equipment to handle the capacity of orders, and even opening a small bakery one day are among her goals, she wouldn’t change much else.

“People want our baked goods because they are homemade, and we want to keep it that way,” she said. “For now, we feel like this is what God wants us to do as a family. If ever we prayed about it and God called us to do something different, we would do that. It’s whatever glorifies Him.”

Simply Sourdough

Like Fokkema, Liberty Hill resident Kellsey Hibbs had no intentions of starting a bakery. Instead, as a mother to four young children,

she needed something that she could call her own, so in the fall of 2022, she decided to get creative.

“I should try to learn to make sourdough,” she thought. “Why not?”

Hibbs started watching YouTube and TikTok tutorials on the process. After many, often failed, attempts, she eventually mastered it. Since then, everything has grown super organically, Hibbs said.

“People heard I was learning, and friends and neighbors bought loafs,” she said. “Thank goodness I enjoy it.”

She officially filed Simply Sourdough as an LLC in October of 2023 and has been baking and selling fresh baked goods out of her home kitchen ever since.

“Now I make a full-time income with this and am still able to stay home with my kids,” she said. “Even better, my house always smells like fresh bread.”

Simply Sourdough offers several loaf flavors, available in classic or mini sizes, as well as an array of bakery items from frozen cookie dough to fresh cinnamon rolls to croutons. All items are made with the same sourdough starter and added to her website’s menu at simplysourdoughtx.com.

Averaging upwards of 70 fresh loaves a week is no easy task, but Hibbs has organization down to a science.

“To have bread for Tuesday, I need to feed the starter Sunday, make the dough Monday, and bake Tuesday,” Hibbs said. “It’s a threeday process, start to finish.”

She’s designated Mondays and Wednesdays as her “dough days,” and Tuesdays and Thursdays as bake days. Order pickups are on Tuesdays and Thursdays right from Hibbs’ front porch. The system is built for millennials and gen-Z-ers, Hibbs said.

“I love baking and that this gets to be my job,” she added. “But I’m just as much or more passionate about the art of sourdough – that

it be shared and appreciated and passed down so that it’s not a lost art. So many people say, ‘My parents or grandparents used to make sourdough and I grew up on it, but I never learned how.”

Hibbs hopes that she is doing her part to help people reconnect to this nearly lost art. To start, she is going back to the basics.

“My 4-year-old gets her own starter and ingredients and makes her dough and bread alongside me,” said Hibbs. “That’s what it used to be like. Your kids helped you and you taught them, and the knowledge was passed down.”

The sourdough difference

A passion for holistic baking unites these family bakeries and is, in large part, what inspired Fokkema and Hibbs to embark on their sourdough journeys.

After sustaining injuries from her five-year service in the U.S. Air Force, Fokkema sought natural pathways to cope with her chronic pain.

“I started eliminating artificial elements in my home and I saw huge improvement in my health,” she said. “I no longer have to visit the ER and I haven’t had a pain episode in a long

Bluebonnet Sourdough Bakery features blueberry muffins among many other baked goods. COURTESY PHOTO

Liberty Hill resident Kellsey Hibbs began Simply Sourdough in 2022. COURTESY PHOTO

time. That’s the origin of why we care so much [about quality ingredients].”

Due to lack of strict regulation, artificial and toxic ingredients are in most everything these days, from home products to food items.

“I can’t even walk down a bread aisle now – it smells of chemicals,” said Hibbs. “There shouldn’t be 38 ingredients on the back of loaf of bread. Sourdough from the grocery store isn’t real sourdough – they add commercialized yeast and sour flavoring. Companies have taken advantage of people who want health benefits of sourdough, but

they aren’t ge ing it.”

Fokkema agreed.

“Just because products are accessible doesn’t mean they are safe for us to consume,” she said.

Real sourdough should have three ingredients: flour, water and salt.

First, you must make the starter, which is made of the same ingredients as the actual bread and serves as a natural leaven to make it rise.

“You mix flour and water in a jar and let it ferment, slowly adding more flour and water for several weeks until the natural yeast starts to grow,” said Hibbs.

Even then, it will take months before the starter will be good enough to use for baking.

Hibbs, who made her own starter, aptly named Thelma (the Louise batch didn’t survive) when she began Simply Sourdough, admits that it’s not an easy process.

“It’s a living organism,” she said. “You are essentially adding a family member to your household. You have to feed it and keep it alive just like another member of your family.”

Unlike the industrialized yeast used in commercial bread, traditional sourdough starter contains beneficial enzymes and bacteria that are good for your gut and help break down glutens in the bread.

“Once you’ve go en a taste for fresh bread, and how good your body feels a er, you’ll realize how real food serves you,” said Hibbs.

Like Korean kimchi that Fokkema grew up eating, true sourdough is fermented and filled with beneficial enzymes that help your gut.

“If you’re going to eat a carb, let it be a complex carb like sourdough, and let it have the huge health benefits it does,” said Fokkema. “Your gut is linked to many things in your health including brain and mental health.”

The sourdough movement

For these bakers-turned-businesswomen, sourdough breadmaking is about so much more than making sourdough bread. It embodies a movement away from distant modern food systems and toward a simpler, more healthful way of life.

“The industrial scene changed everything,” said Hibbs. “When convenience took over, we all lost our connection to food.”

Both Hibbs and Fokkema believe that taking the time to participate in and share the art of sourdough can help re-establish this connection and foster a more meaningful way of life.

“We live in a world of disconnection,” Hibbs said. “This generation wants to go back to the old ways of life; they miss what it used to be.”

Sourdough represents ‘slowness and simplicity’ in a world of chaos and complexity. As these mothers pass down the art of sourdough to their children and community, they urge others to do what they can to be

mindful of how they, as consumers, engage with modern food systems and who they chose to give our money to.

The next time you’re in need of a loaf of bread, why not try some sourdough? As it did for Hibbs and Fokkema, it may just change your life.

Ruth Fokkema, pictured here with her husband and daughter, is the owner of Bluebonnet Sourdough Bakery. COURTESY PHOTO

Classic sourdough bread by Simply Sourdough. COURTESY PHOTO

Kellsey Hibbs’ sourdough starter is named “Thelma.” COURTESY PHOTO

Ruth Fokkema bakes Korean sandwich bread with her sourdough at Bluebonnet Sourdough Bakery. COURTESY PHOTO

Main Street Social building sale to WCESD

Fire department will convert building to admin facility

BY ODALIS A. SUAREZ STAFF WRITER

It’s been nearly two months since Main Street Social’s last day of operation. Since then, the former food hall and entertainment venue has officially closed the sale of the property located on 1651 Main St. in Liberty Hill and are working on handing the keys over to its buyer, Williamson County Emergency Service District No. 4 (WCESD #4).

“I would say to everyone in this community, we thank them over and over and over for all the support, all the love,” said James Prince who, along with his wife Tambra, were owners of Main Street Social. “We hired tons of kids and great people this [was] their first job for so many people.”

In June, Main Street Social shared on Facebook they were hosting a sale for the community to come by and purchase items

such as furniture, artwork and lighting, that once donned the inside of the facility. According to the page, the event proved successful enough that the sale was extended to a second day.

Prince says they are still in the process of emptying out the building so that it is ready for the new tenants to take over.

“Our goal is to completely wrap up the rest of the infrastructure stuff that we’re moving and equipment by Aug. 1,” he said.

“We still have plenty of time even a er that, but we’re thinking maybe Aug. 1 or so.”

Once the Princes complete their final todos, WCESD #4 will begin transitioning the building into an administrative facility.

“A lot of it was based on the fact that we had just done pricing on building a new station and new facilities and it was quite expensive to do that,” said Fire Chief Anthony Lincoln of WCESD #4. “Location was also a factor. We had to deal with two issues. One was either relocate and build a new fire administration and fire station or either locate just the fire administrative offices and leave the fire station where it is now.”

Tambra and James Prince built Main Street Social from the ground up. It operated as a popular food hall and entertainment venue in Liberty Hill for three years before selling to WCESD #4. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

Lincoln said once the building is cleaned out, they will assess what kind of renovations will need to be done to create a functional building for the future team that will reside there. It is anticipated that nine staff members will move into the new building once ready. There is no date set just yet as to when the building will be move-in ready for the team.

The idea is that this building will sustain the emergency service district’s growth for the next 20 years. Lincoln also estimated that moving into the Main Street Social building as opposed to building their own saves them approximately $2.5 million.

Right now, the administrative team works out of the fire station just down the road at 301 Main St., with everyone sharing tight quarters.

“I’ve got offices right now that [have] offices with three people in them and stuff like that,” Lincoln said. “We knew we were already cramped, and that was an area for us to do it. We needed the room to grow. We won’t have to keep piecemealing facilities for the next 20 years. That’ll give us the room to grow. And you always look back after a couple of years, three years, five years and go, ‘Man that worked out good. That was a smart decision,’ and say ‘You have saved a lot of taxpayers a lot of money in doing that.’”

In the midst of the community buzzing about how WCESD #4 will use the building moving forward, Lincoln wanted to clear the record as to the capacity of training that will be conducted at the site.

“I don’t know where it came from or who started it, but everybody’s saying it’s going to be a training facility,” he said. “I think they’re thinking of a live burn training facility. As far as training for us, we’re going to try to retain a classroom that can hold 80 to 90 people in there for a centralized training area. Then it wouldn’t be burning or anything, but we’d do some training like hose evolutions [and] driver evolutions, and all our pump testing stuff would go on in the parking lot area because it takes a large area for us to go through some of those testing evolutions.”

The ultimate goal is to focus on creating more space for a growing administration team and provide classroom facilities for a growing fire department that currently employs 48 firefighters plus nine openings they are actively trying to fill, Lincoln said.

The loss of a food venue in downtown Liberty Hill hit home for some residents. Expressed perplexities as to why the business did not transfer to another food and beverage business were raised while the community faced the loss of a prime piece of commercial real estate in downtown.

“We had it for sale for about 14 months and it’s obviously our life savings in there,” said Prince. “We had just a beautiful time – absolutely the greatest things we ever did ever architecturally and design wise – and the community just embraced it. We’re just looking to just do less service industry.”

Realtor Kim Sanders of Keller Williams Liberty Hill Group, who represented the sellers, shares a similar perspective and the work done for over a year to find the right buyer for the property.

“The sale of Main Street Social was bittersweet for both the owners and me,” she said. “We attempted to sell the property, with the current business intact, for 14 months, by aggressively marketing on all commercial IDX sites nationwide. When the opportunity presented itself for the property to be used by an organization in our community, WilCo ESD #4, we were grateful to embrace that opportunity. I am looking forward to watching the transformation of the facility, and to the positive impact having the ESD administrative presence will have on the immediate area.”

Prince added that they wanted to find another operator for the building.

“We wanted another operator, but the economy’s obviously tough with interest rates, commercial cap rates have changed dramatically,” he said. “We entertained probably up to four to six different opera-

tors and just the number they kept coming back with we just couldn’t live with. We had offers that just didn’t go the way we felt like they should. New buyers came along, and the offer was just incredible and the opportunity we had there – we couldn’t pass it up.”

After a lengthy listing period, Lincoln notes that WCESD #4’s offer came into the picture with much awareness as to the original intent of the building as an entertainment venue. He also noted that they gave a lot of opportunity for other buyers to step in and that they were last on the list for consideration.

“I said, ‘I don’t want to be a dream crusher when we look at doing this,’” said Lincoln. “I said, ‘But we’re going to change the use of this building up and set it up to do what we need it to do.’ It’s for a fire administration facility, and we visited about what we were doing, and I’m like, ‘I just want you to know we’re not going to reuse it as a restaurant type setting.’ He was OK with that.”

With Is and Ts dotted and crossed, WCESD #4 patiently waits for the building cleanout to complete so they can get to work on building a new environment for their team.

At the time of the closure announcement in May, social media back and forth ensued regarding the fate of Moonie’s Burger

House, one of the businesses that rented space in the food hall. While Main Street Social owners announced closure, Moonie’s owner Craig Cohen posted that business would continue to run normal operating hours.

Cohen shared that while Moonie’s was unable to continue operating past the May 11 closure date due to access issues, both parties were eventually able to be heard in court.

“It was really just a business decision,” he said. “Is it worth it to fight that fight or is it worth it to just find another location? The amount of money it would have cost me to fight it, I could just use the money to open another location. It all just comes down to business., I never took anything personal. From a business standpoint, it was best to just end it and figure out what the next steps are for Moonie’s.”

As a final page to the Main Street Social story, Prince shared his fondest memory of running the business these past three years.

“It’s really just the fellowship and friendship you get, especially coming out of COVID and see[ing] families getting together for the first time again, after being locked away from each other for so long,” he said. “It was just incredible. We can’t ever repeat that.”

The sale of the Main Street Social building to WCESD #4 was finalized in late June. The facility will eventually house administrative offices and a classroom for the emergency services district. COURTESY PHOTO

From the City of Liberty Hill to the LHISD, read our roundup to learn more about the biggest news stories a ecting our community

COMPILED

BY

LIBERTY HILL

INDEPENDENT STAFF

Council approves Fonseca Contractors bid for South San Gabriel force main

Council voted to award a bid for construction of the South San Gabriel Force Main to Fonseca Contractors Co., Inc. Contract proposals were received in May, ranging from $1.6 million to $2.5 million. Fonseca was the low-bidder at $1.6 million.

“We went through all the proper solicitation measures [for the project],” said project manager James Herrera. “There were eight proposals total, and Fonseca came out as the best value. That’s why we chose them a er doing research and checking their background.”

Council moved to approve contractor selection and bid at an amount not to exceed $1.7 million.

Council awards planning department extra $600k for updated Master Service Agreement

Council heard requests for 2023-2024 budget amendments from members of the planning department regarding extra funds needed for payment of Pape-Dawson Engineers and task orders.

Planner Stephan Zaparolli spoke to council, explaining outstanding fees for services and requested $1 million for the remainder of the fiscal year, reflecting the current $150,000 per month costs for the engineers. The request exceeds the initial engineering budget allotment by $800,000.

A er discussion, council approved a task order for $600,000 to pay outstanding balances for Pape-Dawson, with a 60-day evaluation of use of funds to be brought back to council.

Council discusses Dark Skies initiative for businesses

Council member Amanda Young opened discussion of an agenda item on the Dark Skies Businesses Recognition Program. The Dark Skies initiative focuses on businesses

and communities helping to reduce nighttime lighting and spread awareness about the negative financial, energy, health and environmental impacts of light pollution.

The voluntary program would “recognize businesses that were in compliance [in our community],” Young said.

Council initially approved the Dark Skies Initiative in August 2022 with a five-year window for implementation in Liberty Hill. No formal commitments were made at the meeting, but council expressed interest and agreed to explore ways to pursue this opportunity in remaining years before the 2027 deadline.

Council approves new board appointments

Council motioned to approve all those up for re-appointments on the Economic Development Corporation’s board of directors. The motion passed, re-appointing Secretary Ashley Vaughan, and members Robert Baughan and Amy Gandy.

Council also approved a motion to appoint Daniel Duckworth to fill a vacancy on the EDC, le by Vice President Demetrice Gonzales who did not apply for re-appointment. The appointment followed the favorable recommendation of Duckworth by the EDC’s board of directors in their meeting on June 20.

New Planning & Zoning Commission members Devin Vyner and Karlyn Keller were also sworn in during the

meeting. Vyner and Keller took their oaths and expressed gratitude for their appointments.

“Ms. Keller and I are both truly humbled by the trust you’ve placed in us to serve the citizens of Liberty Hill,” said Vyner.

Steve Snell named 2024 Regional Superintendent of the Year

Steve Snell, superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD, has been named the 2024 Regional Superintendent of the Year by the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 13.

The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees unanimously nominated Snell, reflecting the board’s recognition of his outstanding leadership and vision. Since he was appointed superintendent, Snell has led the district through remarkable growth and significant achievements. Under his leadership, student enrollment has doubled from 4,000 to 9,050 in just over five years.

Sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the Superintendent of the Year program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984. Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education.

LHISD Board of Trustees selected as regional nominee

for Oustanding School Board of the Year award

Fourteen Texas school district boards of trustees have been selected as regional nominees for the 2024 TASA School Board Awards, including LHISD’s Board of Trustees.

TASA’s School Board Awards Commi ee will meet virtually in late July to select up to five of the nominated boards to be recognized as Honor Boards. Those finalists will be interviewed in San Antonio at txEDCON24 TASA | TASB Convention on September 27, and the 2024 Outstanding School Board will be announced during the general session later that day.

The Liberty Hill City Council discussed several important topics during their June 26 meeting. PHOTO BY RACHEL N. MADISON

LHISD Superintendent Steve Snell was recently named the 2024 Regional Superintendent of the Year. COURTESY PHOTO

Bleeding purple from the press box

Panthers radio announcer has plenty of gridiron memories

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

On an early summer afternoon, Tim Dean stood before the pair of monuments at Panther Stadium that honor Liberty Hill’s state-champion football teams from 2006 and 2007, slowly going down the list of scores from the games of those glorious campaigns that ended with the ultimate trophy.

For a moment, he paused while pointing out “Liberty Hill 22, Celina 19” etched for eternity to commemorate the Panthers’ first-ever state title in 2006.

“Can you believe it?” he asked, of Gio Magallon’s game-winning kick that day at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco. “A Liberty Hill game actually decided by a field goal.”

But, that’s just the point.

Dean has seen it all in his time as Panthers radio announcer over the course of nearly two decades behind the microphone – although when the ball sailed through the uprights on that cold December afternoon, he wasn’t yet where he would find himself for so many more memories.

“I was actually in the stands as a fan for that game,” said Dean. “It wasn’t until the following year (2007), I started calling the games.”

Ever since, Dean has been a mainstay in the broadcast booth for Liberty Hill football games, but has now decided to hang up his headset for the final time.

“Just time to move on and do some other things,” he said. “Now, I’ll have my Fridays free.”

Dean had taken a few sabbaticals from the airwaves in the past, but always returned with the primary reason being longtime broadcast partner Greg Sariti and the camaraderie the duo had over the years, he said.

“I took a few years off, but I always came back because I enjoyed working with Greg,” said Dean, of Sariti, who is also stepping away after last season. “Our chemistry is great and we’ve always gotten along.”

Speaking of the Dean-Sariti team, there’s never any doubt who’s calling the contest when the jovial pair is on the air and to say the old media mantra of “no rooting in the press box” absolutely flies out the window

faster than the Panthers’ offense breaks the huddle is a massive understatement.

“I would say I’m rather unorthodox in how I do a game,” said Dean. “[I’m] not your average announcer because I bleed purple.”

According to Dean, his on-air exuberance has made for some awkward moments over the years – particularly at some of the more intimate work environments while visiting some of the smaller venues Liberty Hill frequented back during the days it was a Class 3A program.

“One time, we were in Gatesville back in 2008 and it’s a communal press box, so we didn’t have our own booth,” said Dean. “Well, there was always a group of local old-timers who would watch the game from the press box, so they could hear everything I was saying. Anyway, Liberty Hill is up by 60 points late in the game and we actually throw a pass. Liberty Hill never throws the ball and I could see heads go down in hands when that happened, so it was pretty uncomfortable.”

At other times, it was Mother Nature that provided more rugged competition than the opposition – including one memorable visit to the Panthers’ nearest neighbors.

“We’ve been to some real armpit press boxes,” he said. “Burnet was our biggest rival back then and they have a very small press box and I remember one year we were

there for a September game and it was so hot because they didn’t have air conditioning – a real sweat box. I weighed myself when I got home and had actually lost 10 pounds in three hours during the game – that’s the worst it’s ever been.”

Dean said he yearns for the days when Liberty Hill was still a relatively small school and trips to other small towns were standard fare for road games.

“I used to love to go to places like Fredericksburg,” he said. “Usually, I would get there hours early and go to one of the local diners for dinner before the game and make a day out of it.”

However, in recent years with the Panthers moving up to Class 5A, opponents have been much closer on the map, but not necessarily in the heart compared to when longer jaunts were required even for district matchups.

“At one point, our closest district game was 30 miles away,” said Dean. “I don’t care how close places like Georgetown, Cedar Park and Leander are now – Liberty Hill will never have the same kinds of rivalries with those schools as back in the old days.”

As late as 2019, the Panthers still faced schools like Lampasas, Fredericksburg and Taylor in league play, but there was always one opponent that was circled on the schedule.

Liberty Hill football announcers Tim Dean and Greg Sariti are known for their on-air exuberance and enthusiasm when calling Panthers games. COURTESY PHOTO

Panthers radio announcer Tim Dean has many memories and stories from his time in the broadcast booth – not the least of which was Liberty Hill’s state championship in 2007. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

“Oh, yeah,” he said. “Burnet was the ‘OG’ rival back then.”

Over the years, Dean had son Ty graduate from Liberty Hill a er playing basketball for now-retired Panthers head coach Barry Boren and himself had the privilege of working with a trio of Purple-and-Gold sideline bosses – an experience he certainly doesn’t take lightly, he said.

game and he was actually picking up trash. He was so down because they hadn’t played well despite winning – that will always stick with me.”

Dean’s days in the booth date back to when Liberty Hill still called old Panther Stadium home and has countless memories of contests at that ancient venue right on the railroad tracks of what is now the

“I would say I’m rather unorthodox in how I do a game. [I’m] not your average announcer because I bleed purple.”

Tim Dean, Liberty Hill football announcer

“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know three amazing head football coaches in Jerry Vance, Jeff Walker and Kent Walker,” said Dean. “All of them love the game so much and have been wonderful.”

Dean then recounted an occurrence that will remain emblazoned in his mind of a postgame encounter he had with one of them, he said.

“We were at Del Valle in 2020,” said Dean, of Liberty Hill’s 42-27 victory. “I remember seeing Jeff (Walker) on the field a er the

campus of Liberty Hill Elementary School. But, perhaps there is one that stands out for him of a scoring play of a different kind by a runner of a four-legged variety.

“I’ll never forget,” he said. “Right in the middle of the game, there was a black cat running across the field and it actually ran down the field and scored and I called it all the way.”

Off all the memories he’s acquired, though, Dean said the one he will cherish most was back at the beginning of his run

“I would have to say my number-one memory is the state championship game in 2007 at the old Baylor Stadium,” he said, of Liberty Hill’s 38-13 win over Gilmore for its second straight title. “I just remember walking out on the field and saying to myself ‘Wow, I’m calling a game at a major college stadium’ and I’ve got to say that 2007 team was the best one I ever saw.”

Finally, Dean had some advice for whoever his replacement will be on Aug. 30 when the Panthers and their vaunted Slot-T offense open the season.

“I’ll tell you what, it’s not easy to follow the ball with all the fakes and everything –even sometimes now I don’t know where it is,” he said. “So, for whoever takes over, until they get used to seeing that, it should be some gold-standard comedy.”

Tim Dean is stepping away from his role as Liberty Hill radio announcer after calling games for nearly two decades.

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH on the radio.

Paving the way for the next generation on the court

Wranglers girls hoops coach gratified by guiding young players

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Once upon a time, Nicole Palmer was standing in the shoes of a high-school freshman basketball player, so she knows exactly how it feels to have a world of court knowledge to be gained while growing up in the hoops hotbed of her native Kansas.

However, after having risen to the rank of an NCAA Division I player at Baylor University and then going on to coach for nearly 25 years, the new Legacy Ranch girls’ basketball head coach is ready to pass on that treasure trove of wisdom she once sought herself.

In fact, showing the next generation of players the ropes is perhaps the most gratifying aspect of coaching players during their formative years, she said.

“I just have a passion for basketball and it’s something I’m comfortable around,” said Palmer. “I’ve always enjoyed competing and helping people younger than me learn the game.”

In addition to coaching at the middle and high school levels, Palmer also coached at the University of Texas-El Paso, which means she knows what it take to properly progress through all the various rungs of the basketball ladder, but said there are two things that remain critical regardless of

where a player finds themselves on their individual journey.

“For me, the most important things are hard work and discipline – on and off the court,” said Palmer. “Those are the things that can get you where you need to go to be successful. But, they also don’t necessarily come naturally. So, the way you get them is through repetition and encouragement.”

Legacy Ranch will be a ninth-grade campus when it opens in August, which means the Wranglers will only compete at the freshman level the first season of the program’s existence. However, Palmer embraces the chance to build from the ground up.

“This is a great opportunity – to be able to start something brand new,” she said. “Also, it will allow us to provide positive leadership.”

According to Palmer, she prefers a style of play that relies on effort and athleticism.

“I want us to play up-tempo, fast-break basketball,” said Palmer. “Pressing and aggressive defense because in the past, that’s what my teams have been successful at. Once you have that system in place for all ages, you can maintain a successful program.”

Palmer said she has already done a bit of advance scouting of some of the players she will soon have at her disposal and has been encouraged by what she has seen.

“I’ve been out here and watched them and I’m impressed with the talent and disci-

pline,” she said. “I’m excited to work with them to build a good, solid program.” Palmer added it’s never been a better time to be involved with the girls’ game with the amount of popularity women’s basketball at the college and professional levels is currently enjoying.

“Back when I played, there might’ve been a handful of teams people cared about,” she said. “But, now 25-30 years later, it’s exciting to have so many young girls wanting to play basketball as a result, which is a big difference from when I was growing up.”

“I just have a passion for basketball and it’s something I’m comfortable around. I’ve always enjoyed competing and helping people younger than me learn the game.”

Nicole Palmer, Legacy Ranch head girls’ basketball coach

Legacy Ranch girls’ head basketball coach Nicole Palmer played at Baylor University before beginning her coaching career. COURTESY PHOTO

Nicole Palmer grew up in Kansas before attending Baylor University and eventually settling in Texas. COURTESY PHOTO

Putting the power in lifting

Local gym owner top-ranked competitor

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Heavy metal guitar riffs reverberate from a large speaker accompanying the strain of muscles as Liberty Hill resident Jen Andrew puts herself through the paces of another workout underneath hundreds of pounds of iron that are as intimidating as the musical notes echoing throughout the room.

Andrew is the owner of Trybe Wellness and Performance Center in Leander and also happens to be the No. 1-ranked powerlifter in her weight class in the world, so there’s no time for taking it easy as she trains for her next event on this weekday afternoon.

After all, with 13 world records and 26 state records already under her belt, Andrew is always on the hunt for the ability to hoist even more hardware in a competitive career than now spans a decade.

But, it wasn’t always that way at the beginning.

“I started training about 10 years ago,” said Andrew, who has worked as a personal trainer for 20 years. “At one point, I was asked to work a meet and once I saw how badass it was, I decided to do it about a month later.”

However, at the outset, Andrew said she had no designs on becoming a world-class lifter, by any means.

“I was doing it just for fun,” she said. “Even if I had any apprehension, I told

myself ‘Just do it’ and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

Currently, Andrew is ranked number one in the world in the 165-pound class after her most recent meet in March, which is determined by a ranking system based on what are known as the Wilks and Glossbrenner formulas designed to level the playing field by being able to determine who the strongest pound-for-pound lifters are regardless of weight class.

Andrew has current numbers of 529.1 pounds in the squat, 259 in the bench press and 358.2 in the dead lift for a score of 1,146 pounds and a Wilks score of 503.40.

Aside from being a top competitive lifter, though, Andrew also passes along her passion for the sport by training others, which provides an entirely different kind of gratification, she said.

“For me, it’s very cool to see people be able to push all kinds of weights with different body types after never having stepped foot in a gym,” said Andrew, who runs Trybe alongside husband and partner Mark Rogers. “I love seeing people doing so much more than they ever thought they could – it’s a huge part of my life.”

According to Andrew, it’s about much more than just being able to lift large amounts of weight inside the gym, but how one commits to a healthy lifestyle at all times – an approach she uses when guiding her clients.

“The biggest difference with what we do

is focus on what goes on outside the gym, so when you walk through the door, you’re ready to go,” said Andrew. “From sleep to nutrition and everything in between to be able to maximize performance and results by creating that balance.”

Sometimes the biggest thing is for clients to have patience and trust in the process that’s individually planned out for them, she said.

“A lot of people give up when they don’t see results immediately,” she said. “Once you set goals, you need to do everything else that will help you achieve them.”

Andrew competes without the benefit of performance-enhancing drugs, which are permitted in the professional ranks and takes a great deal of pride in not only being drug-free, but most times actually outperforming rivals that choose to juice up.

“I’m number one in my class for

drug-tested lifters,” she said. “I do this because I love it, not for ego or anything.”

Andrew’s lifting career hasn’t been without its difficulties along the way and she credits Rogers and longtime training partners Kelly Banner and Holly Maghan with helping her overcome barriers that perhaps couldn’t have been broken down without proper support, she said.

“All of them have helped me to be so successful,” said Andrew, who tore an anterior cruciate ligament in her knee and had disc replacement surgery in her neck in addition to needed a Cesarean section during childbirth. “I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs and had doctors tell me I couldn’t do it anymore. But, if you’re motivated, have a goal and the right people around you to help with the mental aspect, you can do anything.”

Jen Andrew credits training partners Mark Rogers, Kelly Banner and Holly Maghan with helping her overcome difficulties to become a top-ranked powerlifter. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

In addition to holding 13 world and 26 state powerlifting records, Jen Andrew owns and operates Trybe Wellness and Performance Center in Leander. COURTESY PHOTOS

Putting the ‘fun’ in fundamentals

Panthers football camp focuses on enjoyment of the game

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Kent Walker stood on the sidelines of the brand-new football field at Liberty Hill Middle School looking out over a gridiron covered with enthusiastic, young athletes and wondered aloud just who he might be observing.

“Who knows?” he said. “We could be seeing the next Andon Thomas, Ben Carter or Noah Long out here today.”

On this muggy early-summer June afternoon, Liberty Hill was hosting its annual Panther Football Camp, a three-day extravaganza of all things gridiron for the Purple-andGold gladiators of tomorrow, broken down into two groups. For now, it was incoming third through sixth-graders who were in the spotlight, with seventh through ninth grades scheduled for mid-July.

Walker – along with his entire coaching staff and a large group of Panthers players

– busily rotated the youngsters through a series of stations, each one designed to focus on a particular aspect of the game in order to indoctrinate Friday night’s footballers of the future into the Liberty Hill way.

However, one thing is focused on more than anything else, said Walker.

“We want these kids to have fun out here and fall in love with the game,” he said. “Football is such a wonderful game, but also a tough game and I think toughness is something we don’t have a lot of in society these days, so it’s fun to watch them.”

Of course, nothing is more fun than winning and in order to do that, basic building blocks of the game must be laid at this age as the foundation moving forward, said Walker.

“Blocking and tackling are the two most important things in the game we can teach them,” he said. “The biggest things are fundamentals.”

According to Walker, the most appealing

aspect of the camp is to give aspiring Panthers an opportunity to interact with players of the present.

“This allows the kids a chance to be around our football players,” said Walker. “Sometimes at our games, you’ll see kids giving fist bumps and high-fives to the players and that establishes a relationship we can further build on.”

Walker added the gratification is definitely a two-way street.

“All of our coaches really enjoy this every year,” he said. “I know I really do.”

On the second day of the camp, a punt, pass and kick competition was held with winners at each grade level receiving “LH” helmet decals like the ones their heroes’ headgear is adorned with and at the end of the session,

Walker sat on the ground with the campers in a circle around him for one final motivational talk.

“What are the two most important things out here we can control?” he asked them. “Attitude and effort and that goes for everything, not just football. So, when your mama tells you to clean your room, you do a good job with a good attitude.”

Years down the road, lessons learned here and the seeds sown might even come to fruition in the form of Liberty Hill’s next championship team, said Walker.

“You can see the improvement in some of these kids from the first day of the camp to the last,” he said. “We’re excited to have them all out here.”

Players finished off the second day of Panther Football Camp with scrimmages to test out newly-learned skills.

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Left, Liberty Hill head football coach Kent Walker delivers a motivational message to campers at the conclusion of the Panther Football Camp. Right, Panthers senior Garrett Lindgren gives pointers to players at the Panther Football Camp at Liberty Hill Middle School. PHOTOS BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Follow the bouncing ball

Tennis camp caters to different ages, skill levels

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

In a small storage room adjacent from the purple courts of the Panthers’ tennis complex sit several carts filled with a variety of different-colored balls to be bandied about on the playing surfaces under the summer sun.

Liberty Hill head coach Sherry Rhoden then begins a dissertation on the differences between the orbs that will be used during the Panthers’ annual tennis camp for players from kindergarten to ninth grade.

“For the really young kids, we use foam balls,” said Rhoden, of the larger-than-usual spongy spheres that take up one of the receptacles. “After that, we use the redand-yellow ones that are still bigger than normal and are made of felt, but are more dense, so they don’t bounce as much. From there, we move to the orange-and-yellow, then green-and-yellow that are the same size as regulation balls, but still less bouncy. Finally, once the kids are ready, we use the regular ones.”

What exactly is the method behind all this madness?

Rhoden borrowed a baseball term to illustrate the theory.

“We want to make sure we keep the ball in a player’s strike zone when they swing at it, which is around the belly button,” she said. “The more bounce a ball has, the more difficult it is for a young player to control and keep in that area. For them, it’s much easier to lift their racket to make contact than to have to swing down.”

Just one of the many lessons learned over the course of a series of sessions that stretch over the five-week period from June to July when aspiring Panthers players of all ages gather on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays to learn the finer points of the game.

Although camps in other sports are usually three-day affairs, Rhoden prefers to extend her summer instruction out for a couple different reasons, she said.

“I’ve always done it this way,” said Rhoden, who is entering her fifth season directing the Panthers’ program. “I just figured instead of doing a one-week camp, I can spread out what we’re teaching them and it also works better around parents’ schedules.”

Tuesday evening training is reserved, though, for current high-school varsity and JV squad members, as tennis is governed by different rules when it comes to offseason

workouts, which means Rhoden and her players have an opportunity to get a jump on the fall team-tennis season that begins in August once school is back in.

According to Rhoden, she uses that time to introduce her players to a list of improvements she wants to see from them based on what she has observed at the previous season’s final event.

“When we’re at the state tournament, I always walk around and take notes on what all the players on other teams are doing, as well as our own,” said Rhoden. “Once I see what those players do to get themselves to that level of competition, I take that and implement it with our team.”

At the conclusion of the recently-completed spring season, the Panthers’ mixed doubles duo of junior Ryan Delmonico and sophomore Jacob Cooper qualified for the state tournament in San Antonio and Rhoden is hoping she can use the knowledge gained from guiding them to catapult more of her players to advance in the future. However, in addition to several physical skills, there is one intangible that perhaps stood out most to her while seeing state-caliber players compete, she said.

“We need to work on things like return of serves, attacking the net, getting our first serves in and having better footwork,” said Rhoden. “But, most of all, we need to celebrate every point we win and not just expect to – that’s one thing I noticed about those other teams – they would always celebrate every point, so that’s definitely something I’m going to be more demanding of our players this season.”

Another point of emphasis Rhoden imparts to her players is to not only improve one’s own game, but also elevate that of others.

“I always stress to them to help your teammates get better,” she said. “For example, if we’re doing a drill and you’re feeding the ball over the net to a teammate to work on a particular shot, you need to do a good job of placing the ball where it needs to be so that player can accomplish what they’re trying to improve on.”

Rhoden also uses the summer training period as a way to measure another all-important intangible within her squad, she said.

“Commitment is the biggest thing for me,” said Rhoden. “Because that’s the only way to get better at this sport and that’s something that’s built in the offseason.”

Liberty Hill head coach Sherry Rhoden displays the various kinds of balls used for different age groups at the Panthers’ summer tennis camp. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Panthers tennis players use summer camp as a way to implement drills and techniques to improve their individual games as well as their teammates. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Market Days a special time for Liberty Hill

BY JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

It’s been a few years, but most folks who grew up in Liberty Hill probably remember Liberty Hill Market Days.

Launched in the mid-70s and held the first Saturday of each month at Veterans Park in downtown Liberty Hill, Market Days brought droves of folks to the community as they would browse through the various booths that lined the back of the VFW property. Vendors offered up baked goods, arts and cra s, and various other things, including goat milk ice cream. Some folks even recall a booth where “marriage licenses” could be purchased.

The booths were a series of sheds, about 10 feet deep, all connected together, facing one another. If I recall correctly, there were about 15 to 20 on either side. I recall back in late 1989, maybe early 1990, when I enlisted Burt Ludlow to help me do some repairs on the booths as we prepared downtown Liberty Hill for the

first festival. Eventually the booths were torn down as the VFW, a er several years of planning, built its post home.

My wife, Paula, once told me Market Days was very good for downtown businesses, saying that when her mother had a cafe that it took two waitresses and her mother, Wanda, cooking to keep up with the demand in her tiny diner. That was from early in the morning until late in the a ernoon.

It was on a Market Day that Paula and I held our downtown wedding, and if we didn’t have enough folks a ending as it was, many folks walked up from the VFW grounds to observe us exchanging our vows.

One of the mainstays at Market Days was local artist Grace Williams, whose talent with a paint brush has long fascinated locals. Chances are if you’re from Liberty Hill, you’ve got a Grace Williams painting hanging somewhere in your home.

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PASTOR

Kevin

Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Market Days was o en followed with a street dance that also a racted both young and old. Sometimes the street dances were sponsored by the Liberty Hill Volunteer Fire Department as a way to raise funds for the organization.

Like any good thing, Market Days had its heyday, and then slowly started to decline, perhaps because other huge flea markets began opening in nearby municipalities. The decline of the event didn’t mean that Veterans Park went unused as for several years the annual barbecue cookoff was held there until the event simply outgrew the facilities. Halloween carnivals were also held there, including one put together back in 1988 by former Liberty Hill Independent publisher Jim Linzy to mark the one-year anniversary of the newspaper as well as to raise seed money for the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce.

www.lifespringschristianchurch.org

PASTOR

Dr. William Brannan

SERVICES

Sunday Worship 10am

Sunday Online youtube.com/lifesprings

MISSION LIBERTY HILL LUTHERAN CHURCH  (LCMS A liated)

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

Liberty Hill’s Market Days were held in the back half of Veterans Park. COURTESY PHOTO

The late Grace Williams was among many artists who participated in Liberty Hill Market Days. PHOTO BY JAMIE WILLIAMSON

EVENTS CALENDAR

July 5

KARAOKE NIGHT

Hometown Watering Hole

3317 Hwy.29, Bertram 7:30-11:30 p.m. hometownwateringhole.net

July 6

PENDULUM HEARTS

Fire Oak Distillery

4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill

6:30-9 p.m.

fireoakdistillery.com

PAUL LOGAN

Hometown Watering Hole

3317 Hwy.29, Bertram 9 p.m.

hometownwateringhole.net

July 9

NAME THAT TUNE BINGO

Whitestone Brewery

15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 6-9 p.m. whitestonebrewery.com

July 10

WEDNESDAY TRIVIA

Liberty Hill Beer Market

13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 7-9 p.m. facebook.com/people/liberty-hill-beer-market

July 12

SCHOOL STAFF HAPPY HOUR

Liberty Tavern

3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 2-7 p.m. Libertytavern.com

July 13

JACK INGRAM Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $30-250 globetheatretx.com

2ND SATURDAY SUNSET MARKETS

Water Tower Parking Lot

822 Main St., Liberty Hill

5- p.m. www.themarketlhtx.com

July 16

NAME THAT TUNE BINGO

Liberty Tavern

3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7-9 p.m. Libertytavern.com

July 19

COUPLES JEOPARDY

Connection Adventures ATX

147 E. Vaughan St., Bertram (Gathering Grounds)

6:30-8:30 p.m., $59 connectionadventuresatx.com

SLIDERS, SAKE AND STEELY DAN WITH MUSIC BY HOME AT LAST

The Vineyard at Florence

111 Via Francesco, Florence 9:30 p.m, thevineyardatflorence.com

July 20

JIM MONK

Fire Oak Distillery

4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill 1-6 p.m.

fireoakdistillery.com

July 25

COUPLES CREATE YOUR OWN STEPPING STONE

Connection Adventures ATX 3547 W. Hwy. 29, Bertram (Decadent Saint Winery)

6:30-8:30 p.m., $79 connectionadventuresatx.com

July 27

DEPARTURE ATX

Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram

8 p.m., $20 globetheatretx.com

July 28

THE MARKET LHTX

McCoys Building Supply 2505 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

9 a.m.-1 p.m. facebook.com/marketlhtx

August 2

LIVE MUSIC BY THE DECADES

Fire Oak Distillery

4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill

7-10 p.m.

fireoakdistillery.com

August 3

JASON EADY WITH MIDNIGHT RIVER CHOIR

Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram

8 p.m., $20-200

Home at Last

Jack Ingram

The Decades

Pendulum Hearts

Paul Logan

Protect the Stars in Liberty Hill!

Light pollution continues to grow at an alarming rate, harming our health, damaging the environment, and diminishing our view of the stars. Liberty Hill has a plan to save the night, but we need your help.

Help reduce light pollution at your home or business by following these 5 principles:

Is it useful?

Is it targeted?

All light should have a clear purpose. Use lights only when and where they are needed.

Shield and aim your light so it only falls downward and where it is useful.

Is it low-level?

Lights should be no brighter than necessary to save money and reduce glare.

Is it controlled?

Lights should only be on when needed. Use timers and motion sensors.

Is it warm-colored?

Warm colored light causes less skyglow. Use amber-toned lights whenever possible.

Shane T. White Clyde Davis Ginger Floyd Debby Norman