February 2025 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly by The Liberty Hill Independent

PHOTO BY RACHEL N. MADISON

BIZ BRIEFS:

What’s New?

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Whataburger

19378 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander

Whataburger opened its newest location in Williamson County in January. Operating Partner Jesus Layton Jr. will lead the Whataburger team of 74 local employees. Liberty Hill is slated to get a second Whataburger location in the Heritage Ridge development on State Highway 29, but a timeline for the project has not been set.

Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen 13101 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

A site permit for Popeye's was approved in late January. The restaurant will be built at the Heritage Ridge development between Wendy's and the entrance to Liberty Hill Middle School, and will be approximately 2,200 square feet in size.

Marle’s Cakes Online, Liberty Hill

Marle’s Cakes is a home-based bakery that offers 12 years of experience, bringing joy to customer by creating custom cakes. Follow Marle's Cakes on Instagram @marlescakes.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Jardin Breakfast Inc.

15399 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• The Bebop Coffee Shop

112 CR 214, Liberty Hill

• Sweet Leaf Lunch Club Online, Liberty Hill

RETAIL

Liberty Hill Jewelry

1201 Main. St, Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill Jewelry opened Feb. 1 in downtown Liberty Hill, in the previous location of Freedom Bikes. The store offers custom jewelry design, jewelry repair, gold buying, watch repair, appraisals and more.

Latika

295 CR 214, Liberty Hill

Latika, a family-owned brand of natural skincare and bath products, will be moving its operations from Austin to Liberty Hill in 2025. The new location will be in the District 29 development. The company offers bath bombs, shower steamers, scrubs, soaps and more.

Roosters Vape & Smoke Shop

12701 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Roosters Vape & Smoke Shop opened its third location in the Liberty Hill Meadows strip center, next to Donut Palace. Roosters offers customers pipes, CBD and THC products, and more.

Bonbon Badminton

126 Holmes Rd., Liberty Hill

Bonbon Badminton, the first dedicated badminton shop in the Austin area, recently opened in Liberty Hill. The business offers players of all levels the gear, services and expertise they need to excel in the sport.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Discount Tire

19410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander

• Foodie's Corner

1487 N. Hwy. 183, Liberty Hill

• Kyrr SkinOnline, Liberty Hill SERVICES

Tune Up and Jam ATX

21 CR 200, Liberty Hill

New music school Tune Up and

Jam ATX recently opened in Liberty Hill. Owned by Deanna and Andrew Wilson, the school offers lessons in piano, fiddle, guitar, ukulele, mandolin and more.

Tree Scouts Tree Service

2408 Corriente Path, Leander Tree Scouts Tree Service recently announced its grand opening in Liberty Hill. The business has partnered with conservation group EarthShare Texas to give back to tree conservation efforts through a portion of profits each job generates. Tree Scouts also has an arborist on staff who does tree trimming, removals, planting, treatment plans and more. Learn more at treescouts.com.

Texas Dumpsters and Services

Mobile, Liberty Hill

Texas Dumpsters and Services (TXDAS) is a locally owned and operated business that offers roll-off dumpster rentals in a range of sizes. The company can handle projects large and small, and offers pickup and delivery with its services.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• M1 Detailing & Ceramic Solutions

140 Jonathan Dr., Liberty Hill

• Dark Horse Metals

U.S. Highway 183, Briggs

• Grace Chiropractic

2921 RR 1869, Liberty Hill (inside Radiant Salon & Spa)

• Dr. Carol Ministries

675 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

• Rapid Window Cleaning Mobile, Liberty Hill

• Content Recovery Specialists

110 Holmes Rd., Liberty Hill

• Take 5 Oil Change

12102 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE

Urban Defense Academy

141 Jonathan Dr., Liberty Hill

On Feb. 1, Urban Defense Academy (Shin Gan Dojo) celebrated four years open in Liberty Hill.

Mike Lugo, Williamson County

710 Main St., Georgetown

Mike Lugo was sworn in as the Williamson County fire marshal

in January. His two-year term began Jan. 28. Lugo arrives in Williamson County with 22 years of experience leading high-impacting fire and EMS program initiatives. He most recently served the League City Fire Department in League City, Texas as its executive director and fire chief for three years.

Winkley's General Store

21 CR 200, Liberty Hill

Winkley's owners Chris and Maria Winkley announced in early 2025 they are retiring and selling their business to the Patel family. Winkley's opened in Liberty Hill 21 years ago.

Ked Jackson, Optima Pools

109 Hannah Trl., Georgetown (by appointment only)

Ked Jackson is the newest addition to the Optima Pools team.

Jackson is an experienced CAD drafter, has worked seven years in the pool industry, and brings a can-do attitude. He will assist Optima's outdoor oasis designer to bring drawings to life for client proposals. For more information, visit optimapools. com.

An Thihn Asian Cuisine

2082 Hwy. 183, Leander

An Thihn Asian Cuisine closed permanently in late 2024. The restaurant is being converted to a Tex-Mex style cantina called Conejos and will open in early 2025.

Fratelli Pizza

101 E. Jackson St., Burnet

Fratelli Pizza, which already has locations in Liberty Hill and Bertram, recently announced it has opened a third location in downtown Burnet.

Beth Guillory, Yesterday's Gone County Road 256, Liberty Hill

Beth Guillory recently joined Yesterday’s Gone as the on-site counselor. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University and has a background in supporting high-risk populations.

Ashley Bubb, Care First Clinic

12635 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Ashley Bubb is the newest member of the primary care team at Care First Clinic. Bubb is a nurse practitioner who cares for patients 2 years of age and older.

John's Gym

101 Jonathan Dr., Liberty Hill

John's Gym recently announced it will be moving to a new, larger location in the District 29 development in mid-2025.

Texas Classic Insurance

14251 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill-based Texas Classic Insurance was recently acquired by California-based brokerage Inszone Insurance Services. The Liberty Hill office of Texas Classic Insurance is run by Stacy Long.

Betsy Lambeth, Williamson County

710 Main St., Georgetown

The district judges serving Williamson County have re-elected the Honorable Betsy Lambeth, judge of the 425th Judicial District Court, as their local administrative district judge for a term of two years. She has served in this role since 2016.

Ked Jackson

2024 Year Review in

3,054 New Library Cards $2,788,884 Amount Saved by Using the Library 6.7 Acres of Land

Spice Kits & 2GoKits

3,125 Board, Card, & Dice Game Check Outs

2,774 Wonderbook Check Outs

2,036 Playaway Audiobook Check Outs

2,507 New Items for Children Added Outs 2,717

792 Technology & App Questions Answered 1,272 Volunteer Hours

14,620 Staff Hours

734 Free Notaries

Books Read by Teens & Adults 2024 Summer Reading Program

Registered Participants Children’s Summer Reading Program 2,270,750 Minutes Read 9,083 Reading Logs Turned In

Jeff Ringstaff

Liberty Hill’s Chief of Police, Jeff Ringstaff, started his new term with the department in September 2024. His history with the city’s force, however, spans back nearly two decades. He began serving as a Liberty Hill police officer in 2006 and steadily worked his way up to become a sergeant, lieutenant and most recently, chief. Ringstaff’s impressive career history extends beyond his service with the city, as he holds a Master Peace Officer certification and multiple awards for his work and accomplishments. As he prepares to enter his fifth month as the head of the department, Ringstaff sat down with The Independent to share department updates, goals for the new year, and his perspective on the changes he’s seen in law enforcement over the past 20 years.

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

LHI MONTHLY: You are about to enter your fifth month as Liberty Hill’s Chief of Police. How has the experience been so far?

RINGSTAFF: It has been a lot of learning, We’ve been mostly focused on getting positions filled so that we can get back to normal day-to-day operations. We had several position vacancies from promotions within the department, so we’ve been working on getting those spots hired.

LHI MONTHLY: What new positions have been filled?

RINGSTAFF: We had two sergeant positions open because once I moved up the ranks, someone was promoted into my prior position. We already had one vacancy before that. Now we’re hiring patrol officers.

LHI MONTHLY: What has been your primary focus and priority since you began

your role as police chief?

RINGSTAFF: My focus was the new hires and getting everybody comfortable in their new positions. Everybody transitioned out of their old responsibilities and into their new responsibilities, which is a balance. It was a lot of everyone wearing multiple hats. As far as the department’s focus, that has never changed: It’s serving the community and preventing crime.

LHI MONTHLY: You’ve been with Liberty Hill Police Department since you started as an officer in 2006. How does it feel to now be chief of the department?

RINGSTAFF: It’s amazing. When I started here, there were only three of us, and we were the only full-time employees in the city. The changes that I’ve seen from 2006 to now is amazing. The department has grown to 19 positions. The relations we’ve built with the community and rest of city staff have grown so much. We barely had an office in the beginning. We’re now hoping to build a public safety facility in the next few years. It’s

been like starting at the ground floor and watching it all build up.

LHI MONTHLY: What crime trends are you currently seeing in the city? Do you have any advice for citizens on how to stay safe?

RINGSTAFF: My main safety advice is to be vigilant. Always watch your surroundings and be aware of what’s around you at all times. We’ve seen several car and garage burglaries. The best way to prevent them is to not leave things inside your car and to keep your stuff locked up.

As far as our trends, we’ve seen a shift from theft and fraud cases to more residential calls. As a city, we used to be focused on business along [State Highway] 29 and there were not as many residents in the city limits. Now we’re getting more neighborhoods so we’re seeing more types of family calls. It’s not that crime is trending up, it’s just more of our responsibility in proportion.

LHI MONTHLY: What initially inspired you to become a police officer?

RINGSTAFF: A lot of my family was in law enforcement, and I’ve always been interested. There was just a time in my life that I thought I could do it. That way, I could get a job that meant a little more to society than what I was currently doing.

LHI MONTHLY: What is your favorite part of the job?

RINGSTAFF: Overall, just seeing that we have a safe community and that people feel safe in their own homes and in their own community. Specifically, when our department helps a victim with their situation. That’s the most rewarding thing you could do.

LHI MONTHLY: What are the goals of the Liberty Hill Police Department for 2025?

RINGSTAFF: Day-to-day relations is always going to be a high priority we’re always working on. I want the officers to enjoy coming to work and I want the community to feel comfortable talking to them. I just want that relationship to keep growing stronger.

New Liberty Hill Police Chief Jeff Ringstaff has been a member of the department in a variety of positions for the past 20 years. PHOTO BY RACHEL N. MADISON

Ending one chapter, beginning another

Local institution changes ownership after over two decades

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

After 21 years at the helm of Winkley’s General Store, Chris and Maria Winkley have decided to pass the torch, ushering in a new era of leadership as new owners assume command of what has become a household name in the Liberty Hill community.

From hardware and building supplies to feed and agricultural implements, one would be hard-pressed to name even one thing that Winkley’s doesn’t stock and sell. It’s likely one could build a house or even keep a small business fully-stocked with Winkley’s as its sole vendor.

Born from the mind of serial entrepreneur Chris Winkley, the general store has evolved exponentially over the years with a faithful adherence to its core attribute –its people, regardless of which side of the counter they frequent.

For some, Winkley’s is the occasional choice when searching for that obscure, hard-to-find piece of hardware. For others, it has become a second family as they report to work each day, knowing they’re part of a winning and supportive team.

Regardless of why they pass through the door, Winkley’s thrives at the sight of each and every one and they have built their reputation on the foundation of friendly customer service and dedication to their team members.

“This is a ‘people’ store,” said Chris’s wife, Maria Winkley, who has also played an integral role in the general store’s success over the years. “The business would be nothing like it is without the people.”

“There’s no way this happens without them,” Chris Winkley added. “I see it more as a bunch of friends than I do as a business.”

They say behind every successful man is a woman and nothing could be more accurate in the Winkley’s story. Maria Winkley has been the key component behind the scenes at the general store for many years. A former high school teacher, she has also been a source of guidance and wisdom for their beloved employees, whom she and her husband hold in the highest regard. At every opportunity, the Winkleys em-

phatically expressed how grateful they are for their employees, past and present. In their words, they are family.

“The Winkley’s story really is the employees – all of them,” Maria Winkley said. “Overall, as a group, they carry the load.”

With a broad reach both within and beyond the Liberty Hill city limits, the Winkley’s brand has touched many lives and organizations.

From passion-driven contributions to a wide array of local institutions to helping families flourish as one, there has been a longstanding mutual dedication to give back to the community as they’ve continued to show up in return.

“The business has been a noble business,” said Maria Winkley. “It’s been a beautiful gift to have, so we are always grateful.”

Although the Winkleys have closed the chapter on their ownership of the general store, chances are you’ll still see their faces at the cash register or throughout the store and grounds.

As to what comes next, the horizon looks bright and for the first time in a very long while, time is on their side. Time to travel, time with their grandchildren and time for those in need through advocacy and charitable efforts will soon be on the agenda, with many other opportunities waiting in the queue.

Now that Winkley’s has officially changed hands, the new owners, Dipali and Dinesh Patel – another husband and wife team –aim to bring the same level of customer service to each and every individual that walks through the door while protecting the long honored tradition of being a family-centric business.

“We are excited to bring our 30 years of experience in the hardware and steel business to the community,” the duo expressed in a joint statement provided to The Independent. “Our mission is to contribute to the growth and expansion of Liberty Hill’s economy by providing high-quality products and services. We’re here to serve the city with dedication and to build strong, lasting relationships with the wonderful people of Liberty Hill. Together, we look forward to creating a thriving partnership that benefits everyone.”

For the Winkleys, this isn’t the end of the

story.

A new chapter may be emerging, but the ink has dried on its predecessor – a decades-long legacy that still stands and welcomes another look from all who wish to revisit.

For the Patels, they are picking up where the Winkleys left off as they write the opening words of a story all their own. Though it has admittedly come with its

share of emotions, there is an overwhelming sense of gratitude that the Winkleys can’t stress enough.

After reflecting on the chapter that has kept so many engaged and coming back for more, a new one awaits, and the page has been turned.

“It’s been a blast,” said Chris Winkley. “It’s been a fun ride – and it still is.”

After 21 years of ownership, Chris and Maria Winkley have sold their longtime local business to new owners.

PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

LHISD’s 18+ special ed facility expands services through renovation

Multi-faceted building will serve students in ACCESS program

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

In October, the Liberty Hill Independent School District celebrated the ribbon cutting for its renovated 18+ special education facility, located directly behind the ISD’s administration building at 301 Forrest Street. The new space will host special education students in Liberty Hill’s 18+ Accessing Community through Career Environments for Student Success (ACCESS) program.

The ACCESS program has been serving members of the local community for over a decade. Its curriculum is designed to equip students with career-readiness and lifestyle skills to assist them and their families in their transition into the workplace and away from school-based support services.

ACCESS classes range in topic from employment and career readiness to social recreation, leisure, and independent living skills. All are designed to help the young adults become comfortable with independent living tasks and successfully integrate into the workplace in a safe and enjoyable environment where they can thrive.

Any special education student aged 18 to 22 that has met their high school credit and assessment requirements is eligible for the program. ACCESS strives to support its young adults across disciplines and at whatever pace is right for them.

“We are a part of the district, but our programs and curriculum are completely customized to our students,” said Teri

Guyette, LHISD’s student support services coordinator.

Many individuals enter the program with specific goals for attaining the skills for a certain job. ACCESS’s community partnerships help get students connected to the Texas workforce and develop the hands-on skills they’ll need for a given industry.

The flexibility of programming is largely thanks to ACCESS teacher Grace Walton, who helps develop instructional plans based on the needs of each student. If a student comes in with a certain career field in mind, she seeks to stimulate program activities that will help them toward that goal in an age-appropriate way.

“During the week, we take the young adults out into the community. We work with several companies to help them build job skills,” Guyette said. “We’ll work to get them the connections and [develop] the skills for interviewing and filling out applications [for those opportunities].”

Examples of partnerships include largescale retail outlets like H-E-B and Tractor Supply and other local businesses and organizations including Forrest Coffee House and Operation Liberty Hill. Two students are also currently working with an area Ascension Seton hospital.

While equipping students with the skills and practice for the workforce is a hallmark of the program, services extend beyond workplace readiness. It also serves those wishing to gain greater independence and daily living skills through classes focused on hygiene, laundry, shopping, and other household chores and tasks.

“The goal is to promote independence beyond school,” said Superintendent Steve Snell. “They will eventually age out of our

programs, and then what? We aim to connect them with the community to get placed in an appropriate job and improve functional skills so they can be productive at home.”

“Everything is targeted to benefit them as they move out from our services into the community,” added Guyette.

While many students may stay for the four-year learning window, others exit the program early because they’ve already met their goals.

“Our services start to start to taper off as [students] become successful and get into paid employment,” Guyette said.

The tiered learning approach allows each student to meet their goals on their own individual timelines. Students graduate the program either through attaining their desired employable or independence skills or turning 22. All will earn their high school diploma as a marker of program completion.

Liberty Hill’s ACCESS currently serves over 25 students. Its growth and programs were, until recently, limited due to a lack of space.

Funded by 2023 bond funds, the 13,300-square-foot renovated school will help accommodate growing enrollment and allow for expanded programs, learning environments, and opportunities into the future.

The facility, which welcomed its first students in November, features full kitchens, a technology learning center, residential laundry and home labs, an art studio, instructional classroom spaces, a dining area and an outdoor garden with games and recreational activities.

The technology lab and print shop allows students to practice creating, printing, laminating, organizing and delivering educational materials for special ed programs across

the district.

Expanded residential and commercial kitchens allow program participants to practice food handling, preparation and safety. Many are currently in the process of obtaining their food handler licenses to equip them to enter the food industry workforce.

Students who wish to live independently can work on residential living skills in the laundry and community living rooms, which are made to resemble dorm rooms and include a bed, couches, closets and even a hospital bed. The “stepping stone” room, designed for those needing extra support, is designed to look like an actual house.

In the art lab, students can explore creativity through painting, craft projects and even pottery and planting. The leisure room, a crowd favorite, allows students to relax while enhancing social skills like turn-taking, conversation and social etiquette.

The multi-purpose community simulation room helps expose students to a variety of social settings, said Guyette.

“For example, if learning about appropriate behaviors in a movie theater, we teach them all our phones are on silent and that we lower our voice level,” said Guyette. “Then, they get to watch a movie while they practice as if they were in the real environment.”

The outdoor space that wraps around the building will soon feature sensory-friendly plant beds and a full greenhouse to grow herbs and produce that can be used in the kitchen and find its way onto dining plates. Hands-on skills training isn’t limited to the lab spaces. Classrooms, too, are packed with industrial equipment including stocking shelves, checkout counters, cash registers and other materials to familiarize students with the appliances, instruments and hardware they will use into their future lives and careers.

All of ACCESS’s courses are holistic and immersive in nature, aiming to instruct students through learned experience and practice. It is, as Snell described it, extremely well-rounded.

“The new space is something to be proud of,” he said.

“I think we’re going to see growth in the number of students this building is going to allow us to accommodate,” added Guyette. “It’s going to allow us to better serve the community and a larger capacity as we grow. It’s fantastic.”

To learn more about the ACCESS program or other special education programs LHISD offers, visit libertyhill.txed.net/4345_4.

At left, a recreational lounge in the renovated ACCESS program’s facility is where students can relax and practice social skills. At right, the ACCESS program’s kitchen lab features a refrigerator, two ovens, prep area, dishwashers and sinks for students to practice future career and life skills. PHOTOS BY RACHEL N. MADISON

An homage to dressage

Liberty Hill teen takes 11th in nation for first level at 2024

U.S. Dressage Finals

BY RACHEL N. MADISON STAFF WRITER

At 14, Brooklyn Loff’s dad thought it was time for his daughter to commit to a hobby. Knitting or horses, he joked. She chose horses. Two years later, Brooklyn, 16, and her horse, Capri, have taken the word of dressage by storm.

“When I first started I, like every horse girl, wanted to do barrel racing,” Brooklyn Loff said, alongside mother, Holly, at her barn. “I rode a horse for the first time and did my first trot circle, and I was like, absolutely not.”

Her first jump, which she described as about the height of a water bottle, terrified her.

After watching her friend compete at a regional dressage competition later that year, she realized, “this is what I want to do.”

Dressage is unique from equestrian rodeo sports or other showcases, as it combines a variety of skills into a well-rehearsed, music-themed routine, known as a test. Test difficulty falls under a sequence of levels, ranging from Introductory to Grand Prix. Competitions span from regional to Olympic in scope and contestants are scored by a panel of judges on factors like movement, gait, horse responsiveness and overall rider-equine harmony.

“It’s kind of like dancing on a horse,” Loff said. “It’s all about learning how to ride the horse through its body. A lot of people view it as putting your horses head down and making it look pretty, but there’s lots of pieces to it.”

Dressage involves learning how to focus on upwards of a dozen movements at one time. The rider must remember to kick to guide the horse while using the seat to tell the horse the speed and tempo. At the same

time, they must drive with their leg and use their hands to direct. They also must remember to tell the horse when to go or stop or back up, and where.

Intro level tests are simple, Loff explained.

“You walk a straight line, do a trot circle, and you’re done,” she said.

Lateral work starts becoming increasingly prevalent starting in first level, which includes sideways movements, or, as Loff described it, “crip walking.”

In the second level, counter canter is introduced, which is designed to test the horse’s balance, said Loff.

“A lot of sports are mechanical,” said Holly Loff. “It’s a soccer ball or a bicycle or other piece of equipment. Dressage is not one of those sports.”

“I have to understand [my horse’s] brain and she has to understand mine,” added Brooklyn Loff. “At the end of the day, you don’t get that with a bike. It’s one of those special things that only certain people get. When you do get it, you feel very lucky.”

One year into riding, Loff decided it was time to find her horse. At the time, she wasn’t competitive, nor did she have any goals to be, but wanted to find a safe horse to grow with.

Capoeira “Capri” Interagro was bred in Brazil and imported to the U.S. Her and Brooklyn did a test ride, and the rest is history.

“I had no clue what to do, but [Capri] was

perfect,” Brooklyn Loff said. “She was a safe horse that was super safe, super patient and super cute.”

Like any relationship, it took a while for Brooklyn Loff and Capri to learn each other.

“She’s very particular with how you ride her, and at the time I was a wet noodle,” she said.

Upon her arrival to the states, Capri also faced a series of medical issues requiring endless vet visits and advice from other riders. Slowly but surely, Capri began to heal and grow stronger and the pair improved.

Committing to a sport like this is far from a weekend hobby – it’s a full-time job, the Loffs exlained.

Brooklyn Loff attends a virtual schooling program to allow her to adhere to her rigorous training and competition schedule.

“I can’t imagine doing a regular school schedule – there’s absolutely no way I could do it,” she said.

Brooklyn Loff is at the barn five days a week for lessons and practice. She started training two years ago near Liberty Hill with a trainer from Sundance Ranch. Last year, she moved with several of her friends to Cadence Ranch outside of Georgetown.

Cadence Ranch provides her with the opportunity to train more competitively, as it is designed for people who want to pursue professional and competitive dressage careers.

In addition to five-day weekly lesson programming, the ranch regularly hosts

clinicians to come speak with and instruct young riders. This allows them to constantly interact with experienced riders and coaches to learn from their insight and improve. With a sport as detailed and specific as dressage, any professional advice is welcome.

Thanks to her strict training and bond with Capri, Brooklyn Loff now regularly attends competitions throughout the year, both solo and with the rest of her Cadence Ranch team. She currently tests in first and second level categories, which has won her countless awards across the region, state and nation.

Brooklyn Loff took home an array of first and second place awards from regional competitions last year, along with several high point distinctions. Her latest award is a “High Point Junior” ribbon, won at the Houston Dressage Winter Show in Katy last month.

In November, Brooklyn Loff and Capri placed 11th in the nation for first level, earning them a personal best score, at the U.S. Dressage Finals in Lexington, Ky. – an accomplishment Brooklyn Loff said was something she never imagined possible.

On the second day of her regionals competition to qualify for the U.S. Finals, Brooklyn Loff ended up not qualifying for the training class she usually competed in. Instead, she qualified sixth in the region for first level in her second-ever test in this tier. Although encouraged by her level up, she was still

Liberty Hill teen Brooklyn Loff and horse Capri have had success in the world of dressage despite the duo’s relative inexperience in the sport.

PHOTO BY RACHEL N. MADISON

hesitant as there were several others with higher marks who could take her place in the national competition if they decided to declare – or register.

One day, she got an email le ing her know she had qualiﬁed for nationals.

“We found out that none of those people declared,” said Brooklyn Loﬀ. “It was one of those things where everything kind of aligned. All of our group was already going because they qualiﬁed with their horses. So, we thought – why not? We went knowing there was no shot of winning.”

Needless to say, her 11th-place medal was a shock.

What ultimately convinced Brooklyn Loﬀ to take the chance on this opportunity? She said she did it for Capri.

“Capri is older, so I thought, I need to bring her because this might be her last opportunity to compete at this level,” she said.

Brooklyn Loﬀ ’s commitment to her dressage partner exempliﬁes the strong bond o en forged between horse and rider.

Dressage is unlike like any other sport, because it’s centered around a partnership, Brooklyn Loﬀ said. As the rider and horse learn and grow as one and as skills improve, they level up together.

One year and a showcase of awards in,

Thank you!

Brooklyn Loﬀ has set her sights on new horizons.

“I really want to get my bronze medal on her,” she said, which is achieved by scoring above 60 in ﬁrst, second and third levels. Only one more mark, that of third level, stands in their way.

She also hopes to compete in FEI Juniors, the highest level of competitions for juniors, before she ages out of the category upon turning 18.

Currently, Capri is only trained through second-level tests, but Loﬀ hopes to get her to third within the year.

Brooklyn Loﬀ could, theoretically, go on to obtain her goals with another horse, perhaps a warmblood breed preferred in shows for their ‘showstopping’ nature. While this may be the case one day, for now,

THE LIBERTY HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LIBERTY HILL EDUCATION FOUNDATION AND SANTA RITA RANCH RECENTLY CELEBRATED THE SUCCESS OF BRINGING BACK THE JINGLE BELL 5K AND 1K KIDS FUN RUN, HELD DEC. 14, 2024. MORE THAN 435 RUNNERS GATHERED AT SANTA RITA MIDDLE SCHOOL AND THE EVENT RAISED OVER $17,000! THE GOAL FOR THIS EVENT WAS TO BRING ALL LHISD SCHOOLS AND LIBERTY HILL RESIDENTS TOGETHER FOR A FUN MORNING. WE LOOK FORWARD TO GROWING THIS EVENT. SEE YOU DEC. 13, 2025!

the pair are a team.

For Brooklyn Loﬀ, dressage represents so much more than a passion. It’s a rider-equine bond with enough love to last a lifetime.

As for Capri, she may be a long way from home, but she certainly found her person in Liberty Hill.

WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.

VENDORS: BREATHE THERAPEUTIC SERVICES, PLLC, CLASS 101 COLLEGE PLANNING, YOGASIX LEANDER, FAMILY ROOM EMERGENCY, IMPACT FAMILY WELLNESS, KARMM DENTAL, CHESMAR HOMES, WORC FITNESS STUDIO, GD BEAUTY & MASSAGE

SHIRTS: TWO BRAND IT MEDALS: D&M METAL WORKS

Above, Capri shows o a medal won at the Houston Dressage Winter Show. At right, Brooklyn Lo and Capri recently competed at the U.S. Dressage Finals in Lexington, Ky. PHOTO ABOVE BY RACHEL N. MADISON / COURTESY PHOTO AT RIGHT

Hatching a business plan

Local quail rancher fills void with quality product

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

Ah, the incredible, edible egg. A longtime staple of the American breakfast table, these rich, nutrient-dense wonders still beckon the answer to the age old question: Which came first? Whether you answered the chicken or the egg, there’s another box to check in this multiple choice quiz – the quail.

Quail Guy, LLC is the brainchild of Robert Brite, a man who knows a thing or two about quail. Brite and his wife, Linda, run a local quail farm whose offerings span the spectrum of the commercial quail market. With their offerings of quail eggs and meat to local consumers, they have carved out quite a niche of their own in Liberty Hill’s thriving farm-to-market scene.

Although Brite fails to remember exactly what spawned his initial interest in quail, the concept of Quail Guy has long occupied his mind. In the beginning, it was merely a path to a healthier plate at the dining room table.

his excess product.

“I sold 400 to 500 eggs the first day without even trying,” he said.

Suddenly, Brite was in business and saw a golden opportunity in a market that was completely void of such a sought-after product.

“I thought to myself, ‘Hey, this is a thing,’” said Brite. “I started ramping up production massively – building cages and hatching thousands and thousands of chicks a month.”

The Brites put their heads together and went all in on developing the proper infrastructure needed to run an efficient quail operation. Theybegan to diversify on many levels soon after.

Their point of sale took many new avenues such as additional online platforms, word of mouth and eventually, their steady presence at Liberty Hill’s local farmer’s markets.

“I just wanted to have healthier meat and eggs,” said Brite, whose birds are kept outdoors in the sun and fresh air and are fed with organic, non-GMO feeds.

What started out as a personal project of sorts quickly grew into something much more.

“We had 20, then 30, 40 and 50 – the next thing you know we had 100 birds,” he said. With a growing population of Japanese Coturnix quail, Brite soon found himself with a surplus of eggs and began giving them to anyone and everyone who would take them.

“Quail math is worse than chicken math because you can have so many in a much smaller space,” he said. “The next thing you know, you have a thousand quail.”

As healthy and delicious as quail eggs and meat might be, one can only eat so much. With a bird count that was increasing exponentially, Brite turned to Facebook Marketplace in his maiden attempts to sell

Their products began to diversify beyond eggs as they were soon offering hatching eggs, live chicks and adult birds for sale. They even started selling to pet owners who were looking at a healthier and more reliable source of food for their beloved animals and reptiles.

A one-man operation on most days with the help of his wife when she’s not busy with her day job, their operation is quickly headed towards maximum capacity, at least for a one-to-two person team.

Brite spoke to this problem – albeit a good problem to have – of not only having to juggle the responsibilities of the farm itself, but also having to find time to step away and man the booth at a farmer’s market.

His goal of establishing relationships with new distributors will help ease the ever present demand for their own time, giving the couple growth opportunities outside of hiring and managing employees.

“I need more distributors,” said Brite. “Otherwise, you either have to hire employees or just kind of go crazy due to the amount of work.”

For more information on Quail Guy LLC, visit quailguy.net.

Robert Brite and his wife, Linda, founded Quail Guy after discovering a significant market for eggs from the birds existed. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

The Brites have a large population of Japanese Coturnix quail on their local farm. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Read our round up to learn more about the biggest news stories affecting our community

COMPILED BY LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT STAFF

Filing window for city, school board positions open through Feb. 14

The filing windows for three City Council seats, two Liberty Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees seats, and Liberty Hill Mayor for 2025 elections is open for applications through Feb. 14.

The city’s general election, to be held on May 3, 2025, is accepting candidates for the place of Mayor (currently held by Crystal Mancilla) and City Council places 2 (currently held by Michael Helbing) and 4 (currently held by Amanda Young).

Applications will also be accepted for newly created council seat 6, established by the Home Rule Charter. Elected candidates will join council members Jacquetta Thayer, Diane Williams and Wade Ashley, whose terms run through May 2027. All seats will be for three-year council terms.

Any interested candidates should file their applications with City Secretary Elaine Simpson at City Hall, 926 Main St., before 5 p.m. on Feb. 14. The deadline for declaration of candidacy for write-in candidates is Feb. 18. The new Home Rule Charter guidelines also state that any candidates interested in running for election must now pay a $50 filing fee or provide a petition signed by at least 50 registered Liberty Hill voters as part of their application.

Further information and resources on how to apply for a place on the ballot are available on the city’s Elections page. Paper copies of the candidate packet are also available to pick up at City Hall provided notice is given to Simpson, who can be reached at 512-9629549. Prospective candidates must be a United States citizen and have been a registered Liberty Hill voter for at least one year prior to the date of filing. LHISD also has two Board of Trustees places up for the May 3 election Places 6 and 7, currently held by Kristi Hargrove and Megan Parsons, are accepting applications through 5 p.m. on Feb. 14. Applicants for board seats must be a registered voter, resident of the school district for

at least six months, and at least 18 years old upon the start of their term. Applications are for three-year place terms.

Candidates can pick up application packets from the ISD Administration Building at 301 Forrest St., or request that one be mailed to them.

For more information, visit the Election Information page on the LHISD website.

The last day for citizens to register to vote or update their mailing address will be April 3. In-person early voting for this election will run from April 21-29.

School board celebrates 2024 Liberty Hill Education Foundation success

At their Jan. 22 board meeting, the Liberty Hill Education Foundation (LHEF) presented its 2024 updates to the LHISD board.

The LHEF, founded in 2019, is dedicated to supporting students, staff and teachers through community partnerships that increase opportunities and resources for the district. Their initiatives include a variety of student scholarships and teacher grants.

In 2024, the foundation awarded 16 grants to graduating seniors at $2,500 each, amounting to $40,000 in student awards. Fifty-six teacher grants were also awarded, at least one for each LHISD campus, amounting to a total of $102,110. The Foundation also awarded $187,985 in donations to other ISD programs.

LHEF’s “Grant Patrol” officers, consisting of members of the Board of Trustees, Education Foundation and district admininstration, got the opportunity to travel to each school, classroom by classroom, awarding checks to the grant recipients, bringing smiles to teachers and students alike.

The Foundation has two upcoming fundraisers for 2025. The Make the Difference Gala on March 6 will feature food, live music and entertainment. LHEF’s Derby on the Hill afternoon event on Sept. 28 will include a marketplace, silent auction, raffles and more. Funds raised from both events will go back toward supporting the organization’s initiatives.

To learn more about LHEF or their upcoming fundraisers, visit lhisdeducationfoundation.org.

School board reviews 2025-26 calendar feedback, continues refining

Late last year, LHISD sent out two proposed 2025-26 calendar options to teachers, staff and parents for feedback.

Calendar A, with 168 student days, represented a traditional model, while Calendar B, with 165 student days, was described as more innovative. Chief of Schools Travis Motal returned to the board in January to update them on revised options and continuing considerations.

One concern was that Calendar B featured staff days on Mondays. Motal explained that a majority of staff and parents prefer Friday staff days as they present easier options for childcare or work-from-home options. Motal reminded the board these training days will not replace any teacher holidays.

Given this feedback, the district has created two new calendar options for consideration before a final selection is made. Calendar B+ is the same as existing Calendar B but moves all of the Monday staff training days to Fridays. Newly created Calendar C features a four-day week throughout the year by adding an extra five minutes to each day. This calendar amounts to 160 student days.

Considerations are still underway for recommended school start times within this new calendar. LHISD staff is also looking into childcare options for both staff and parents, addressing concerns raised in the feedback process.

The district will bring a final calendar proposal back to the board for approval at their board meeting Feb. 18. The district is also hosting a town hall meeting Feb. 10 at Tierra Rosa Elementary at 6 p.m. to hear public questions, comments and feedback about the calendar options.

School board approves Elementary #8, operations and maintenance facility renovation funds

At their January meeting, the school board approved a guaranteed maximum price (No. 2) of $38,019,507 for Elementary #8, contracted with American Constructors. This second round of funds will go toward construction, electric, plumbing and other utility costs for the new school.

These funds will be added to the guaranteed maximum price (No. 1) of $5,875,493, approved by the board in December 2024, bringing the total cost to $43,895,000. This falls under the anticipated constructional budget of $45 million. All funds come from allocated 2023 bond funds.

Subsequently, the board also approved a design services contract of $160,000 with VLK Architects for LHISD operation and maintenance facility renovations.

VLK will be responsible for exterior and interior designs as well as electrical, roofing and technology design services. Renovations to the facility will include added warehouse storage and shop space, a service area, offices, conference rooms, professional development areas and a break room.

The contract will be funded by 2021 bonds. VLK will return to the board to present schematic designs for approval in coming months.

City prepares for water connection expansions

At the Jan. 8 City Council meeting, council discussed plans for improved water connections for the 2025 year.

As water remains a top priority, the city has been exploring ways to bolster Liberty Hill’s

During the Jan. 8 city council meeting, the council discussed plans for improved water connections for the 2025 year. PHOTO BY RACHEL N. MADISON

water access.

The city is currently working on both short-term and long-term water sharing agreements with the cities of Georgetown and Round Rock. Short-term sharing agreement with Georgetown will allow connection to the water system through June 30. Water will be available through this connection as soon as an agreement is made, which will provide Liberty Hill with short-term relief while system connections and improvements necessary for long-term sharing are completed.

At the meeting, council approved a task order for a water system improvements study and report with city engineers Pape-Dawson for an amount not to exceed $25,000. The report will include preliminary designs for new connection points needed for water sharing with the other cities. The deadline for the report is April 15.

City announces hire of patrol officer Erick Sooter

At the Jan. 8 City Council meeting, the city celebrated the hire of patrol officer Eric Sooter, who officially started his term with the Liberty Hill Police Department on Dec. 16.

Sooter comes to Liberty Hill with several years of experience with the City of Lakeway where he served as a police officer, patrol officer and K9 officer. In addition to his law enforcement career, he served for six years in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman.

Sooter holds an Advanced TCOLE License and is also a certified K9 Handler, Field Training Officer and Mental Health Officer. He shared his gratitude and excitement for joining the Liberty Hill force with council.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this team,” he said. “Everything I’ve seen from the city and from our administration has been really good. I’m very happy to be here. Thank you for having me.”

Council approves water, wastewater master plans, impact fee studies

At their Jan. 22 meeting, representatives from CDM Smith and HDR Consulting presented updated water and wastewater impact fee study findings to City Council, which was followed by a public hearing.

In December, council accepted the 2025 wastewater master plan and impact fee reports, and CDM Smith recommended a maximum rate of $11,329 per LUE (living unit equivalent) to council.

CDM Smith began working with the City of Liberty Hill’s public works department in 2023 on wastewater systems to develop the masterplan, with the objective of “making sure the city is establishing necessary capacity to continue supporting development within the city limits and wastewater service area,” CDM Smith representative Alexandra Doody told council.

Following the public hearing, council motioned to approve the new maximum wastewater fee rate.

Representatives from HDR Engineering also updated council on the recommended maximum water impact fee of $9,065 per LUE. This fee was approved by the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee in 2024. The update followed a review of growth projections within the water service area.

This item will be brought back to council on the Feb. 12 meeting for formal adoption of the new rate and take effect when published.

City hires Freese & Nichols Consulting to revise Unified Development Code

As Liberty Hill adjusts to its new home rule status, the city has been preparing for necessary revisions to city documents to ensure they align with the adopted Home Rule Charter and city’s Comprehensive Plan. The latest among these is the city’s Unified Development Code.

This document is “one of the most important documents the city has,” said Deputy

to as “Project Whale.”

The 154,000-square-foot store will be located at the center of Seward Junction on U.S. Highway 183 and Gracie Lane. Costco has purchased the entire 35-acre site and will sell surrounding lots to other businesses to foster a retail hub.

The new development is anticipated to create at least 200 new jobs, with average starting rates for cashiers set at $20.50 an hour.

Site plan details are already underway. Construction is estimated to take around six months, with the store opening before the end of 2025.

Earlier in January, council also approved the site plan for another much-anticipated new retail development: Target. The site, known as the Henrietta retail site plan, consists of 35.5 acres at 351 U.S. Hwy. 183 in Liberty Hill.

The 147,000 square-foot store will be located between U.S. Highway 183 and State Highway 29 and will soon start construction. Liberty Hill plans to provide wastewater services for the outlet. Water services will be provided by the City of Georgetown.

City Manager Mike Etienne during a January city council meeting. “It outlines rules and regulations for development-related projects within the city.”

Liberty Hill’s UDC was adopted in 2005. Its recent Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2023.

“Our UDC is fairly old and outdated,” Etienne told council.

Etienne said the intention of the re-write is ensuring the UDC better “aligns with the Comprehensive Plan’s goals and objectives, streamlines the development process, and becomes more business friendly and user friendly.”

The city went out for consultant proposals in November and has selected consulting and engineering firm Freese & Nichols to re-write the document. Their selection came after a thorough review and recommendation by a committee consisting of Etienne, Planning Manager McKenzi Hicks, Planning & Zoning Chair Chad Cormack, Council woman Diane Williams and the assistant city attorney.

The document will take approximately 18 months to complete and will be funded by UDC-dedicated funds.

Liberty Hill to welcome Target, Costco this year

At their Jan. 22, meeting, city council welcomed a public presentation from Costco site selection manager Brian Whalen about the new Liberty Hill store, formerly referred

City approves investigation ordinance with edits, awaits finalization

At their Jan. 22 meeting, city council unanimously voted to adopt a new investigation ordinance for the city, which will establish procedures for the conduct of investigation of city staff, board and commission members, and elected officials.

This ordinance is authorized by City Charter Section 3.11, which states that “the city council shall have the power to adopt ordinances permitting council to inquire into the official conduct of any department, office, agency, or employee of the city.”

The item was initially introduced for council’s consideration at the Jan. 8 city council meeting by Council members Wade Ashley and Amanda Young, who drafted and submitted the first version of the document.

At the latest meeting, council discussed wording, decisions about the role of council and presiding officers, and the need for third-party investigators within the ordinance. They received advice from City Attorney Marianne Banks throughout the redlining process.

Council approved the ordinance following discussion and now await the formal version, which the mayor is expected to sign in coming weeks.

Follow The Independent for more on this developing story.

The 154,000-square-foot Costco site is located at Seward Junction and the newly-opened Gracie Lane. Costco has purchased the entire 35-acre site and will sell surrounding lots to other businesses to foster a retail hub. COURTESY GRAPHIC

Buddy’s Muﬄers customizes with class

Liberty Hill business o ers state-of-the-art exhaust systems

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

Buddy’s Muﬄers has been providing a wide range of muﬄer services to the Liberty Hill community since 2021 and business, just like the surrounding area, is booming.

Owned and operated by Jamison Casey, this one-man operation rarely sees a dull moment during any given day.

As the endless variety of cars and trucks enter its bays, Casey spends every waking minute ensuring the job is done right and the customer drives away with that perfect sound and optimum performance.

“I do a li le bit of everything,” said Casey in regard to the services that he oﬀers, including catalytic converters, rust repair and a wide range of exhaust accessories. “But, it’s more custom work than repairs.”

Armed with a state-of-the-art pipe bending machine, the sky’s the limit in terms of a custom exhaust system, made to order and a perfect ﬁt for one’s car or truck.

In addition to the custom pipe-bending, Buddy’s carries a long list of performance muﬄers and exhaust tips, making it a onestop-shop for all things exhaust related.

Originally from out of state, Casey has se led into and found great reward in the Liberty Hill community. Along with its core a ributes that make it an ideal place to raise a family, the community continues to show up in waves to support his business.

“The people in Liberty Hill, speciﬁcally,

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are very warm and welcoming to small businesses,” Casey said. “They would much rather come here and come to a one-man shop than go to some chain.”

With the growth Liberty Hill is currently experiencing, Casey hasn’t rule out an

expansion of his business in the future, but for now, he remains commi ed to quality over sheer volume.

The former owner of a large precision sheet metal company, Casey has ﬁrst-hand knowledge of what comes along with the

Stop in and

growth of a business. Though the bo om line may look healthier, other key components such as quality and eﬃciency can o en be overlooked.

“I’ve considered it, but nobody’s going to work the way I work,” said Casey. “Nobody’s going to care enough to do it the way I do it. I’ll probably just stay ‘one man’ and take on as much work as I can – and that’ll be what I can do.”

Casey’s no stranger to auto mechanics and entrepreneurship alike.

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From his early days of turning wrenches with his father to eventually purchasing his father’s sheet metal company, Casey’s commitment to quality has strong family ties and, as the continued success of Buddy’s Muﬄers has proven, it’s the driving factor in each and every job.

Buddy’s Muﬄers is located at 15390 State Hwy. 29, Unit 1001.

For more information, visit buddysmufﬂers.com.

At left, Jamison Casey owns and operates Buddy’s Mu ers, which o ers custom exhaust systems for vehicles with a personal touch. At right, Buddy’s Mu ers specializes in custom exhaust systems for cars and trucks of all varieties. PHOTOS BY BRAD MARTIN

Building on a winning foundation

Panthers look to maintain momentum moving forward

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Last season, Liberty Hill boys’ soccer team qualified for the playoffs as a Class 5A program for the first time since the move up in classification after missing out on the postseason the previous three campaigns.

They had an overall record of 11-8-4, including a 7-4-3 district mark, good enough for a third-place finish in the league standings.

Certainly, it was a watershed moment for the Panthers and a building block for the future as head coach Stefano Salerno established a no-nonsense, businesslike approach to training and games in cultivating a winning environment in his first season.

Consistency was the name of the Purpleand-Gold game, as Liberty Hill went the entire season never losing even back-toback contests, with all of its defeats by only a single goal.

However, this season the core of last year’s squad is gone and with as many as eight starters needing to be replaced, Salerno said the task before him this time around is even more daunting than reviving a program that had fallen short of expectations in recent years.

“Yes, I think it’s more challenging this year,” he said. “We’ve had a huge change in the team. Last season, we had a se-

nior-heavy group that was tired of losing, so as soon as I got here, the buy-in was immediate – they were motivated and hungry to win.”

Alas, Liberty Hill’s top four goal scorers from last term were lost to graduation – 31 of the 41 goals the Panthers scored – or 75 percent of the squad’s offensive production, as this year’s leading returning scorer, sophomore Alonso Aguayo, who netted four goals last season, ranked fifth on the team.

But, Salerno embraces the opportunity to rebuild his roster as part and parcel of the prep game.

“Only once before in my career have I had this kind of situation,” said Salerno, of a particular year during his time at Texas A&M Consolidated. “But, that’s the fun of high school sports.”

As a result, many players who were substitutes last season have now been pressed into duty as starters, including senior midfielder Zayd Rasheed, who said he and his fellow upperclassmen must now pick up the mantle left behind.

“We had guys to look up to, but now we’re the ones who have to lead by example and sometimes get on people to get out their full potential,” he said. “The pressure to make the playoffs is always going to be there, but our main goal is to win district.”

According to Rasheed, despite the fact the Panthers arrived back on the playoff

scene last season, opponents have perhaps taken them lightly this year after the mass exodus of seniors.

“If anything, I think it’s the opposite,” he said. “Because we lost so many people, teams are looking at us as underdogs.”

Alex Anaya is another of those expected to shoulder more of the responsibility and said an example of this played out in a game earlier this season.

“We played Salado, who was undefeated at the time, and beat them 2-0,” said the junior midfielder. “For us, it’s about setting the tone and the speed of how we play.”

One of the few remaining elements from last season, though, is junior goalkeeper Angel Cardenas, who posted nine shutouts last year – a feat that didn’t go unnoticed by Salerno, he said.

“Before I had three seasons with eight clean sheets,” said Salerno, of Cardenas, who was named District Newcomer of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year in his freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively. “So, nine was a record for me as a coach.”

In front of Cardenas, a trio of defenders will largely be depended on in the form of senior Evan Harris and sophomores Cooper Barrett and Dalton Svatek, with a midfield primarily composed of Rasheed, Anaya, Aguayo, Melvin Tellez and Ezequiel Gracia used in a rotation.

Salerno said with the enormous turnover his roster has seen, composing lineups can be quite challenging compared to last year.

“We had eight or nine guys who were

clearly starters and were going to start 90 percent of the games,” he said. “But, now it’s more like whoever is playing better in practice will get to play, so that’s created a competition with guys battling for spots and has made our practices and games more intense, which is good.”

In addition to a revolving roster, Salerno also doesn’t hesitate to switch tactics midgame if a particular strategy will be more effective against a particular opponent.

“We have six or seven different systems we play, but they’re more subtle changes than different formations,” he said. “The guys do a great job of switching up.”

Salerno said the eventual goal is to cement a solid style of play in which the Panthers can dictate to opponents how they’re going to play and let them react – instead of the other way around – which is what faces them now.

“Sure, I would like to play free-flowing, attacking soccer all the time, but right now we don’t have the experience to do that,” he said. “With the exception of about five guys, we basically have last year’s JV on varsity where the speed of practices is a huge jump up from what they’re used to.”

Despite the drastic turnover in his squad, though, Salerno said he’s not just writing this season off as a stepping stone.

“One thing I’m making sure of is for this to not be a transitional year,” he said. “I want our seniors to have a great final season and make the playoffs for the second year in a row.”

Liberty Hill’s Zayd Rasheed (6) is one of the Panthers’ captains this season, as the team looks to qualify for the playoffs for the second straight season. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Panthers midfielder Alex Anaya (20) will be depended on to help control the middle of the field for Liberty Hill this season. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

SPORTS Legacy Ranch High School’s soccer program gains steam

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

With each new season, no matter the sport, comes the opportunity for a fresh start.

From lessons learned and improving processes to building upon the collective victories of the past season, these opportunities are the building blocks of a high caliber team.

But, what happens when there are no lessons yet to be learned? What happens when the film vault lies empty and victory, be it big or small, is nothing more than a hopeful daydream? In the case of Legacy Ranch, you build it yourself.

Armed with nothing more than a common goal, the Wranglers’ soccer program is doing just that – building – one block at a time.

Russ Girard, head coach of the boys’ team, watches in awe as the daydreams become reality each day, right before his eyes.

“We are molding the soccer program according to a collective vision and it has been very rewarding,” said Girard. “Watching things build in real time is fun.”

At the helm of the girls’ team is head coach Kaitlyn Lopez, who echoes Girard’s amazement as she and her team contribute to the building process.

“It’s a very unique and very special opportunity,” Lopez said, adding that, in addition to everything else about Legacy Ranch being new, this is also her first year teaching. “This is extra special. It’s been really fun, and everyone here has been superb. There are top-notch human beings everywhere you turn, so that’s been super helpful.”

Lopez and Girard are building the soccer program from scratch, an opportunity that isn’t taken lightly by either one.

Aligned in their vision, the overarching theme of teamwork speaks to the momentous progress of these teams, each in their infancy.

“Everyone that is involved is an integral piece to what we have at the moment,” said Lopez. “They truly are the foundation and the building blocks of what we’ll build upon next year, the year after that and so on and so forth.”

Girard didn’t mince words while speaking of his team’s efforts, as well as their ownership of everything they do, including the newfound tradition of rewarding the “Golden Lasso” to standout players in practices and matches.

“From our goals as a program, to how we break out of a team talk, to how we end our games – everything has been a group effort

and we have some great stuff that we do,” said Girard. “The excitement around the possibilities of this program is vast.”

Building a team is one thing, but performing as one is another. Strategies can be developed, playbooks can be written and players and coaches chosen but, without commitment, success becomes an uphill battle.

From the players to the community, the chips have been enthusiastically moved to the center of the table.

“They are all in on what it means to be a Wrangler,” said Girard. “The support from the Liberty Hill community is second to none – the passion this community has for its youth is incredible.”

Lopez agreed wholeheartedly.

“It’s been really fun having the whole community wrap around and share in the excitement of all of the newness and getting everything up and running,” said Lopez.

As time has its way of flying by, Girard and Lopez will soon find themselves at day one of Legacy Ranch’s inaugural varsity season.

By then, the building blocks will be in

place and, with lessons of loss and victory alike under their belt, a new opportunity will stand before them - the opportunity to put all they’ve built to the test.

“Imagining day one of being a varsity program and the success that’s all to come there – being able to look back on what this season was and to know we did that together and we’ve come all this way together, I think it’s

going to be awesome,” said Lopez.

“Our team has a list of goals that we strive to accomplish every day,” added Girard, as he shined the spotlight on steps one and two, which are playing with passion and improving every day. “I think the first two goals are key building blocks for this program. You can’t go wrong doing those two things.”

Legacy Ranch’s girls’ soccer program’s inaugural season is underway and eager to live up to the vision of its founding members. COURTESY PHOTO

The Wranglers boys’ soccer team is off to a strong start as their inaugural season continues to stack one win after another. COURTESY PHOTO

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Lady Panthers drop district home opener to Rouse, 2-0

Liberty Hill fell to 1-1 in league standings with defeat

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

On a night when dense fog enveloped Panther Stadium, Liberty Hill found the opposition’s defense just as stubborn in a 2-0 loss to Rouse.

In what was a physical aﬀair throughout, the Raiders scored a goal on either side of halftime, as the Lady Panthers struggled to break through the visitors’ midﬁeld.

Liberty Hill senior goalkeeper Brooklyn Escobar was called upon to make her first save of the evening in only the second minute, then was forced into another in the seventh, as Rouse quickly established inroads at the offensive end of the field.

Olivia Bernard ﬁnally registered the Lady Panthers’ opening salvo on goal in the 12th minute when the junior wing back launched an eﬀort from the le corner that found its way on net only to be saved.

Only moments later, the ﬁrst physical marker of the contest was laid down as Maelynn Rongey produced a crunching challenge on a Rouse player in cleanly winning the ball. However, fellow midﬁelder Jadyn Jones was shown a yellow card seconds a er, as the game took a rugged turn in what would be a continuing theme as the night wore on.

would’ve shi ed momentum in our favor,” said Huﬀman. “We could’ve started to hopefully relax a li le bit and play more of our game at our pace and get Rouse on their heels – it would’ve been a whole diﬀerent game for us.”

Instead, the game remained scoreless until the Raiders were rewarded for their continued pressure in the ﬁnal third with a goal in the 39th minute and a 1-0 advantage at hal ime.

Once the second half began, Rouse continued to dominate the middle of the park, which made it extremely diﬃcult for the Lady Panthers to generate chances and at times were pinned in their own end as the Raiders controlled much of the ball.

Finally, Liberty Hill produced a pair of opportunities when sophomore striker Faith Romney sent a shot goalward in the 56th minute that was headed away by a defender. Next, Romney had another free kick from distance saved by the Rouse goalkeeper 10 minutes later.

“I think anyone on the team will tell you we’re more conﬁdent than we’ve ever been in ourselves.”

Lady Panthers head coach Rebecca Hu man

In the 67th minute, the Raiders doubled their lead when a shot from in close eluded Escobar and it was 2-0.

Jones had the Lady Panthers’ last eﬀort on goal in the 72nd minute, but it was successfully dealt with to preserve the shutout.

Liberty Hill head coach Rebecca Huﬀman said the proceedings were part and parcel for what the Raiders were going to bring to the ﬁght.

“We knew exactly what was coming – we watched ﬁlm on them and knew they were physical,” she said. “I just told the girls to be ready to ba le.”

A er Escobar was forced to rush oﬀ her line for a sliding stop of a chance at one end of the ﬁeld in the 16th minute, it was Rongey who came closest to scoring for the Lady Panthers at the other when she sent a free kick from 30 yards out crashing against the crossbar in the 19th minute.

According to Huﬀman, if the junior’s shot had dipped under the bar and in, the complexion of the contest would’ve changed. “If that would’ve gone in, it deﬁnitely

Huﬀman said the Raiders’ resolve in the midﬁeld was the critical element of the evening.

“It can be very difficult, especially when they have five in midfield who are are very fast and technical and able to control the pace of the game,” she said. “So, it can be hard to get your game going if you don’t early.”

Liberty Hill (8-2-1, 1-1) entered the game following a 3-0 away victory against Leander in the district opener.

Despite the defeat on this night, though, Huﬀman feels good about where the Lady Panthers ﬁnd themselves at this early part of the campaign.

“We’re happy with the progress we’ve made,” she said. “I think anyone on the team will tell you we’re more conﬁdent than we’ve ever been in ourselves. So, starting district 1-1, we’re happy and we get to play them again, so we’re looking forward to the rematch.”

Lady Panthers senior goalkeeper Brooklyn Escobar (00) makes a diving stop during Liberty Hill’s 2-0 home district defeat to Rouse earlier this season. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Providing an instant spark

Panthers’ sixth man contributes at both ends of the court

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Usually, a player that begins the game on the bench as opposed to having a place in the starting lineup is viewed a particular way.

Perhaps said player isn’t critical enough to the team’s prospects at victory or maybe simply isn’t good enough to warrant such a spot in the squad.

All of that is definitely not the case for Panthers senior Colin Schulze.

In fact, the 6-foot-6-inch senior forward has been one of Liberty Hill’s most valuable assets this season functioning as the Purple-and-Gold’s sixth man in providing energy at both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

But, it wasn’t always like that for Schulze – at least four years and inches ago.

“Back when Colin was a freshman, he was on our ‘B’ team,” said Liberty Hill head coach Blake Boren. “He was 6-2, but not very strong physically.”

At the time, Barry Boren was still sideline boss and Schulze said it was the now-retired, former Panthers coach that played an instrumental role in his decision to give up his first athletic love to pursue a new one full time.

“Really, it was Coach (Barry) Boren who really got me into basketball – he believed in me when nobody else did,” he said. “So, after freshman year, I decided to give up baseball because I had fallen in love with basketball.”

So, what exactly was it that appealed to him enough to trade the diamond for the court?

“I just liked the quickness of basketball,” said the former shortstop and pitcher. “Baseball is a lot slower moving.”

Of course, a four-inch growth spurt certainly helped validate the switch and now Schulze is on the radar of college coaches as he continues to expand his game – although he said the choice wasn’t necessarily welcomed with open arms – at least, initially.

“At first, my parents were mad at me for giving up baseball,” said Schulze. “But, looking back now, it was the right move.”

After playing at the subvarsity levels his first two seasons, Schulze made the Panthers’ varsity roster last season as a junior and even broke into the starting

lineup midway through the campaign.

However, when this year rolled around, he would find a different role awaiting him.

“Colin was second-team all-district as a starter last season,” said Boren. “But, to his credit, he’s handled coming off the bench really well.”

According to Boren, his current role will bode well for Schulze’s immediate future.

“Usually, freshmen in college don’t start,” said Boren. “So, I think this will help prepare him for the next level.”

Look no further than the Panthers’ back-to-back district victories over Cedar Park and Leander earlier this season for the starkly-contrasted impact Schulze can have on proceedings.

In the 66-44 win over the Timberwolves, Schulze scored 16 points in helping turn a close contest into a blowout, then a few days later against the Lions, only scored four points, but his pair of late buckets included the game-winning points in a 37-35 win.

In all, Schulze is averaging 12 points per game this season, but mere numbers only begin to tell the story of what he means to his team, said Boren.

“Colin plays at the front of our defense,” he said. “He has the length to make it hard for other teams to pass the ball over or around him – he’s the epitome of a post player. But, along with that, Colin is a really hard worker and a good kid – nice to a fault – somebody who everybody likes.”

Boren said he believes Schulze is still only scratching the surface of his ceiling.

“Colin is like having another starter coming off the bench,” he said. “I really think his best basketball is still ahead of him.”

Not bad for a formerly-scrawny freshman who has steadily worked his way up the depth chart, said Boren.

“If you look at a player like Colin, it’s really a testament to having a freshman ‘B’ team,” he said. “He’s gotten stronger over the years and now there’s no telling what he can do.”

For now, though, Schulze is just enjoying the ride he’s currently on – regardless of where it starts when the ball goes up at the outset of a contest.

“At first, I was disappointed about not starting,” he said. “But, now it doesn’t really matter as much.”

Panthers senior forward Colin Schulze (25) has a knack for supplying instant offense off the bench as Liberty Hill’s sixth man. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Liberty Hill’s Colin Schulze (25) has gone from the Panthers’ freshman ‘B’ team to the varsity squad over the course of his career. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Balancing act of athleticism

Commitment across the board from Wranglers’ multi-sport star

BY BRAD MARTIN STAFF WRITER

From a record producer’s standpoint, a studio musician, whether behind the drum kit, on the guitar or at the microphone, holds great value and can be the difference between a one-hit wonder or a timeless, multi-platinum album.

On the rare occasion that in walks a musician proficient with all three instruments, the producer now holds a bar of solid gold. All of a sudden, a star is born. In the wide world of sports, when an athlete finds their stride on many a court, field or otherwise, their value transcends that of monetary benefit and instead settles into a new form of currency known as character.

Legacy Ranch’s own rock star, freshman Addie Eaton, exudes such characteristic traits, with leadership and commitment being at the forefront.

Wranglers head basketball coach

Kaitlyn Lopez knows the value of these traits amongst her players – especially the infectious nature of them.

“Everything that she’s done so far, she’s done superbly,” said Lopez. “I’ve been really impressed with her mindset towards it all and the way she’s helped some of the kids.”

As she balances multiple sports, including basketball, volleyball and now soccer, her commitment to each team, as well as her academics, is the common denominator in her formula for continued success and recognition, whether in uniform or in the halls.

“Addie has given 100 percent with everything that she does,” said Lopez. “And I think that’s infectious.”

Unanimously named captain of the team, Eaton’s motivation is found in the very teammates that called on her to lead, a testament to her level of commitment.

“My teammates, for sure,” Eaton said without hesitation when asked what drives her to perform at her highest level.

“And my coach - Coach ‘KLo.’ She’s a great coach and I know she’s there. I know she’ll give me the feedback that I need to hear.”

Off of the field, Eaton’s interests and passions don’t let her stray too far as they soon come calling for her, bringing her right back onto the basketball or volleyball court and soon to the track and field arena. Finding inspiration in her parents

and siblings, Eaton never has to look far for her support system, always anchored nearby.

“They’re just always there for me.” said Eaton. “They support me, they come to my games, they drive there – they show that they care.”

Though Eaton’s athleticism spans multiple sports, a line was drawn during her younger years as a brief stint in a much different discipline proved to be a cup of tea she’d prefer not to drink, a fact that even those that are close to her may not know.

“When I was younger, I did ballet for like two weeks and nobody knows about that,” Eaton said with a grin. “My hair –the bun? No.”

Eaton is fully aware she and her teammates are a part of something very special. As the building continues on both the literal and figurative levels, her story will likely be a part of a lasting legacy.

“It is special,” Eaton said. “A new year here, new teachers, new everything – it’s special to be here and have these firstyear experiences.”

Year one or not, an unwritten story waits patiently in each season ahead, each with a chance to recall the past and cast a new vision for the next in line.

The cast of characters will be expansive, but leadership and commitment, just as they’ve been discovered in Eaton, will steal the show.

Legacy Ranch’s Addie Eaton (42) balances both court sports, playing volleyball and basketball for the Lady Wranglers. PHOTO BY BRAD MARTIN

Lady Wranglers multi-sport athlete Addie Eaton (24) also plays soccer for Legacy Ranch, which makes three sports for the freshman. COURTESY PHOTO

Let’s hear it for Panthers hoops: Girls, boys flying high entering playoffs

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

For the past four seasons, the Lady Panthers hoops squad has pieced together a quite remarkable run.

In fact, the Purple-and-Gold female ballers have posted records of 35-3, 31-10 and 28-13 the previous three campaigns and as of this writing are boasting a 31-3 mark this year, as well as having risen to as high as No. 1 in Class 5A.

Do the math and that all adds up to an overall record of 125-29 – a phenomenal .791 winning percentage.

Any team in any sport that wins nearly 80 percent of its games is doing some serious work.

Liberty Hill head girls’ basketball coach Chris Lange deserves much of the credit for this historic run, which has produced back-to-back trips to the Class 5A regional finals – but any coach will also tell you he or she is only as good as the players they have at their disposal and their willingness to buy into what the bench boss is selling.

Another hallmark of solid coaching at the high school level is to have the ability to successfully navigate the revolving ros-

ter door with players entering and leaving the program on an annual basis.

Check that one, too.

One player that has been a constant for the past four seasons, of course, is point guard Gabby Mundy, who burst onto the scene as a freshman and hasn’t looked back since, showing poise and composure from the day she first stepped on a varsity court until now when she will play her trade at the NCAA Division I level next season.

For a point guard to be successful, though, he or she needs running mates to distribute the ball to, and center Evie Bruce has been there every step of the way after making the varsity squad as a freshman also.

Initially, Bruce played behind former Lady Panthers center Emma Hubbard – who went on to play in college herself –but for the past three years after taking over the job full-time, has steadily grown into a dominant force down low with the ability to step back and drain long-distance darts from behind the arc – the sign of a truly multi-dimensional player who will also play at the highest college level.

With all due respect to all the other current and former Lady Panthers that

have contributed to the cause over the past four years, Mundy and Bruce are the dynamic duo that has been the constant.

However, with the girls owning much of the spotlight in recent years, the Panthers’ boys’ squad has experienced a renaissance this season following a down period for the program during which it missed out on the postseason dance in back-to-back seasons despite posting 20 wins on both occasions.

This year has been a starkly-different story, as head boys’ basketball coach Blake Boren has settled into his own in his third season of leading the team after taking over for father and longtime Liberty Hill boss Barry Boren, not only constructing a more-than-competitive team, but creating a culture of togetherness that has come to fruition in the form of a side that will pose a serious threat come playoff time.

Like their counterparts on the girls’ side of the court, the boys also have a backcourt maestro running the show in senior point guard Marchel Timmons, who transferred in last season as a junior after having played on Georgetown’s varsity for the previous pair of seasons. The slick distributor also has sidekicks such

as fellow seniors Jaxson Scott and Colin Schulze to dish the rock to in a variety of ways.

Perhaps the most validating sign the club has arrived as a contender is the fact after struggling to close out contests in which they had late leads the past two years, the Panthers have now shown the steely resolve to put the hammer down on opponents. As of the calendar flipping to February, they are riding a winning streak of a lucky 13 with a district championship in their sights as the regular season heads down the final stretch.

Both Liberty Hill’s girls and boys have made trips to the state tournament during the past decade when the Panthers were still a Class 4A program, so this kind of success certainly isn’t something new. But, this season marks the first occasion since moving up to Class 5A that both teams are legitimate state title contenders simultaneously.

All of this means we could have our own version of hoops madness right here in Liberty Hill in a few weeks, but for now, let’s shine the spotlight on a pair of Panthers programs that deserve an enormous amount of credit for what they’ve already accomplished.

At left, Panthers head basketball coach Blake Boren has his team on the rise this season in his third year of running the program after having served as an assistant and player. At right, Lady Panthers head basketball coach Chris Lange has guided Liberty Hill to a 125-29 record and a pair of Class 5A regional final appearances over the past four seasons. PHOTOS BY ALEX RUBIO

Being at the right place at the right time: Remembering Robin Bledsoe

BY JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

Some time back I came across a photo I had taken the afternoon Robin Bledsoe was present for a Leander City Council meeting and it was announced the name of the new park in Leander would carry the name of the longtime manager of Cashway Lumber.

It was a somber, yet beautiful event to witness as Leander’s city leaders paid their respect to a man who had contributed so much to not only Leander but also Liberty Hill. Robin donated countless dollars to the Liberty Hill community back when there was little money to be found locally for civic projects.

I had known Robin for several years before he began his battle with cancer, and had joined the staff a few months before his death. I was fortunate enough one Saturday to witness an event that defined Robin’s dedication to his family and would inspire me to string together the few sentences that follow.

“Being at the right place at the right time is not always about money and success.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to believe it’s more about being lucky enough to witness those magic moments in life. I’ve been fortunate in my first 47 years to have observed a number of events that, in the words of my brother-in-law James, would ‘jerk a tear,’ and make us pause and reassess what’s truly important in life.

Many years ago, on a weekend excursion, I looked on as group of people gathered around my friend Ronnie Mack as he played the piano late into the night. Ronnie, who has since passed on, was playing a variety of songs – many of which he had written, some

Aug. 14, 1956 - Jan. 14, 2025

Susan Lynn Wise, 68, of Richmond, TX, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

She was born on August 14, 1956, in San Antonio, TX, the beloved daughter of Philip “Bert” Wise and Dorothy (Cox) Wise. Her parents preceded her in death, with Philip passing on April 8, 2004, and Dorothy on September 12, 2015. Susan is survived by her brother, David Wise of Leander, TX; nephews, Scott Wise of Moraga, California and Matthew

that had been penned by others. He took a deep drink from a bottle of whiskey and said, ‘I’m gonna play you all a song I wrote about my late wife.’

I stepped away from the old wood porch we were gathered upon, and as the soft notes from his piano and his voice melted into the night, everyone grew quiet. The single light bulb on the porch dimmed and for a few moments, there appeared to be a halo around Ronnie and his listeners.

I didn’t tear up on this occasion, but I could feel the curtain that separates the living from the dead parting, if only for a few moments.

Another experience that comes to mind occurred a few years ago when Paula and I drove down to Austin to pick my mother up at St. David’s. She had suffered a stroke back around Thanksgiving and spent the next few weeks in rehab. On this Christmas Day, we were bringing her home to spend a few hours with Dad.

As we made the final turn to pull up to their house, she spoke for the first time since we’d left the hospital. Her speech had been severely impaired by the stroke, but she uttered a single word – ‘Home’ – and I found myself fighting back tears and trying to swallow a lump the size of a golf ball in my throat.

To this day, I cherish the memory of that Christmas morning.

My latest encounter with being at the right place at the right time occurred last Saturday morning down in Leander, where I spend four days a week working at Cashway Lumber. The last year or so has been difficult for the employees at Cashway, as our manager, Robin Bledsoe, has been battling

Susan Lynn Wise

(Megan) Wise of Lebanon, IN; niece, Ashley Wise (Josh Paree) of Fort Worth, TX; as well as two great-nieces and three great-nephews; and cousin, Judith Webster of San Marcos.

Susan graduated from Edison High School in 1974 and went on to attend Texas A&M University, where she graduated in 1978. She later earned her master’s degree from Webster University in 1988.

cancer. Just a few weeks ago, hospice joined his family as his primary caregiver and now, with the writing on the wall, the occasional visits Robin makes to the store are all the more special.

But on this morning Robin wasn’t there to lend his son, Mitch, a hand in the office. On this day he was there to sit out in front of the business he had built and help his granddaughter as she sought donations to a diabetes foundation. I watched as Robin and his wife, Barbara, helped Mattie greet customers and accept their donations to help others in need.

A little bit later, it was my lunch hour, and I walked through the break room to visit the men’s room and wash my hands. Robin was backing out of the restroom, and I offered to help him back his wheelchair through the narrow room.

“If you don’t mind,” he said in accepting my offer. “I can make it once we get to the door.” We got to the door and I said, “You’re on your own now, boss.” I watched as he

Susan built a remarkable career in telecommunications and, after retiring, pursued her passion for real estate and ranching.

She was a dedicated advocate for animal welfare and found great happiness in caring for animals and supporting their well-being.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held this summer, where her family and friends will gather to honor her memory. Memorial contributions in Susan’s name may be made to Fort Bend PAWS (www.fortbendpaws.org), reflecting her lifelong love and advocacy for animals. Condolences may be offered at www. millerfuneral.com.

headed back to the front of the store to rejoin his granddaughter and thought of how one can receive accolades and honors throughout his life, but the simple act of assisting another person who you respect is perhaps one of the greatest honors of all. The cool of the morning was giving way to the afternoon heat, and Robin, Barbara and Mattie packed up and headed back home. Later in the day, I grabbed a mop and began the weekly task of mopping the store’s floor. It’s a job that, although tedious, I enjoy as it marks that end of another workweek and gives me time to reflect.

Mattie is too young to understand now the challenges her grandparents and parents are facing. She’s too young to understand the impact her grandfather has made in Leander and neighboring communities.

But when she’s older and folks tell her about him and how he gave and cared for so many, chances are she’ll remember that September day when she and her grandpa sold candy in the parking lot at his store.”

City of Leander officials greet Robin Bledsoe after announcing the new city park would be named in his honor. Robin passed away a few weeks later. PHOTO BY JAMES WEAR

EVENTS CALENDAR

February 8

TASMIN AND TIM

Liberty Hill Beer Market

13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

6-8 p.m. facebook.com/ events/625630783169674

THE TEXAS TRIO Globe Theatre

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

February 10

LHISD TOWN HALL MEETING

Tierra Rosa Elementary School

6-8 p.m. libertyhill.txed.net

WILLIAMSON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER – HONEY BEES AND ME

Georgetown Annex 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown (Room

226)

6:45-8 p.m. txmg.org/williamson

SIMPLY HOME’S GALENTINES GATHERING

Simply Home Boutique 15280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

5-8:30 p.m. simplyhometx.com

February 11

2ND TUESDAYS ENTREPRENEUR NETWORKING

Forrest Coﬀee House 103 Forrest St., Liberty Hill

8:30-11 a.m. facebook.com/event ts/1192143531844194/119214356184 4191/

February 13

THE PERFECT PAIR EVENT

Royal Bliss Day Spa 12701 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

6-8 p.m.

facebook.com/ events/803995408561783

February 14

NERF NIGHT – KIDS NIGHT OUT, PARENTS NIGHT OFF

Urban Defense Academy

141 Jonathan Drive, Liberty Hill 5:30 p.m. urbandefenseacademy.com

CHRISTIAN FAMILY BARN DANCE

Wiiliamson County Cowboy Church 8111 FM 1869, Liberty Hill 6:30-10 p.m. facebook.com/ events/1493902764631017

February 15

GUIDED REFUGE HIKING TOUR AT WARBLER VISTA

Balcones Canyonlands

8-11 a.m. facebook.com/ events/9350125381719120

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND

Fire Oak Distillery

4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill

1-8 p.m. facebook.com/ events/794639239536104

The Texas Trio

February 17

MOTHER & DAUGHTER

SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP

Urban Defense Academy

141 Jonathan Drive, Liberty Hill 12-2 p.m. urbandefenseacademy.com

February 22

PRINCESS CHARACTER TEA PARTY

Michelle’s Patisserie

1908 Main St., Liberty Hill

Religious Rights Violated?

If a governmental entity has imposed another religion’s practice on you, kindly contact the Austin Area Freedom From Religion Foundation Chapter at austinffrf@austinffrf.org or 978-5775916. More info: h ps://austinffrf.org.

12:30-2 p.m. facebook.com/ events/1715945272547659

February 23

SPRING FASHION SHOW

The Blue Door Gi Store 1908 Main St., Liberty Hill (Michelle’s Patisserie) 3:30-5:30 p.m. facebook.com/ events/539966722538585

Small business condo near Highway 29 and Ronald Reagan. $2100 per month, no utilities, 3 ofc, 1 conference room, small foyer, kitchen & bathroom. Call Tom, 512-750-1468.

Tasmin and Tim