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2021
Volume 34, Issue 9
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Sales tax election on tap for ESD #4
Gleason brings immediate change to Sheriff’s Office
By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor The May local elections are not limited to school board and city council candidates and issues as Williamson County ESD #4 will also have a measure on the ballot seeking to claim an additional three-quarters of a cent in sales tax revenues. The election has been called by ESD Commissioners, and will be decided by voters May 1. The Emergency Services District currently receives one cent of sales tax revenue within the district. If the proposition passes, then all of the maximum 8.25 percent in sales tax would be sewn up in the area, with a quarter cent going to the Library District and 6.25 percent to the state. Inside the Liberty Hill city limits, the 1.75 above the library’s share and the state’s portion goes to the City, not the ESD. “We don’t get anything in the city limits,” said ESD Chief Anthony Lincoln. “We don’t get that because it was already in place for them.” The three quarters of a cent available outside the City limits is what will be voted on, and in some areas outside the Library District the ESD
See WCESD, Page A6
Four file for local office
Four incumbents – two City Council members and two LHISD Board members – have submitted their applications for a place on the May 1 ballot seeking reelection. Incumbent Kathy Major has filed for Place 4 and incumbent Anthony Buck has filed for Place 5 on the school board. Incumbent David Nix has not indicated his intention in Place 3. A fourth place will be added to the Board total on the ballot after Place 6 Trustee Vickie Peterson announced last week that she was resigning due to work obligations. Place 3 Council member Gram Lankford and Place 5 Council member Liz Rundzieher have filed seeking another term. Place 1 Council member Steve McIntosh has not indicated whether or not he will seek
See ELECTION, Page A3 ©2021 The Liberty Hill Independent
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January 21, 2021 | 50 Cents
By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Two weeks into his term, newly-elected Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason is wasting little time making changes in the Sheriff’s Office. Gleason’s first move as sheriff was the evaluation of command staff in the office. With the exception of one individual, Gleason released 19 officers from the previous administration. “It was a matter of the community losing trust in any leadership. There was no leadership,” Gleason said. “That was apparent in the lawsuits, and the staff was doing what it wanted to do. Live PD was a priority, being on TV, and things of that nature. It wasn’t serving the community or having an adequate number of officers in the neighborhoods working calls. CID wasn’t
working cases; nobody was working; they were all riding around collecting a check. So, I made the decision I was not going to be inviting back the entire command staff, which was everybody from the rank of lieutenant and up in law enforcement and corrections.” Following a history of offenses and issues, immediate removal of command staff at the jail was Gleason’s top priority. “Your jail was shut down numerous times by the state regulatory commission, and the training facility was shut down. We had two in-custody deaths. We had a young man who was held in a jail cell for six months and never got to see the light of day or fresh air,” said Gleason. “We had people who were just inhumanely treated in the jail because there was no leadership with any experience at all
and didn’t know how to run a jail. It was the adage that if you don’t like it, don’t come to jail. Some people might believe in that. We have a big fat book and an oversight committee called Texas Jail Standards that tell us we have to treat people humanely, and they weren’t doing that.” After filling out his command staff with handpicked individuals, Gleason is moving forward with his goals. He is in talks with the commissioners court, the sheriff’s association, and the Texas Municipal Police Officers Association. The meeting is to modify or bypass the mandated civil service sets in April to allow entities to come together and discuss employee discipline, promotion process, and employee Newly elected Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason is wastcontracts for pay. ing little time bringing change to the Sheriff’s Office. Gleason is working on carrying out several promises made during his 2020 See GLEASON, Page A4 campaign. (Courtesy Photo)
By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Inspiration comes at random moments in life. Opportunity comes in the same fashion. To stand at the crossroads where they meet is rare. Fueled by inspiration, Liberty Hill High School graduate Samantha Carter is at that intersection and taking full advantage of it. “My short story was one of the first short stories I ever wrote that was my own style of writing. I was still trying to figure out how I wanted to write, what I wanted to do. It was the first thing I ever wrote that felt completely like my own,” said Carter. “When I was approached to write a novel by New Degree Press and a program called the Creator Institute, I knew I wanted to make this a book. I wanted to lengthen my story.” To Carter’s surprise, the small ember that grew into a full fire was sparked when she least expected it.
“My novel is called Searching for the Sun. I originally wrote it as a short story about two years ago,” she said. “In my class, we were reading John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, and while I actually don’t like that book or his writing, I did love this emphasis on these two friends Lenny and George. I really connected with their friendship and how much they genuinely loved each other. I latched on to that, and in a few days, I had this 20-page short story.” Inspired by the idea of friendship, Carter’s story revolved around the journey of two friends. “The premise of the story is in the title. It’s about these two friends named Happy and Book who go on this journey to find where the sun lives,” said Carter. “They’re bonded by this isolation that they feel, so they come together and want to go on an adventure. They see this yellow thing in
the sky and decide to find out where it is.” Carter began writing at a young age and views her writing as a safe haven. For the young author, this is also a chance at introspection. It’s a way to ask and explore existential questions. “The question I wanted to answer when I started expanding it into a novel was general mortality and what happens when we die. Where do we go?” said Carter. “I feel like there’s always an answer for something except for that. Through these two characters, I wanted to explore that question. It was my own self-assurance.” Transforming Carter’s short story into a novel started with revisiting her original work. “It was super fun. When I was approached to write the novel, I hadn’t touched the short story for a year at that point,” she said. “The first thing I did was read through the entire thing
By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor State Rep. John Bucy began his second session representing District 136 in the Texas House of Representatives last week after winning reelection in November. This session promises to be very different from the first when the COVID pandemic and a tighter revenue projection are thrown into the mix. “I think initially the major focus is going to be the COVID pandemic recovery and the budget,” Bucy said. “It’s going to be a challenge. It’s not going to be like my freshman session two years ago where we had an abundance of money that we were able to spend on things like public education and lowering property taxes. This one’s going to be a bigger challenge than the previous
cycle.” Williamson County representation in the Legislature includes Republican Senator Charles Schwertner, Republican Representative Terry Wilson, and Democrat Representatives Bucy and James Talarico. Bucy said the four work closely together on many issues. “Between the four of us we’re two Dems and two Republicans, and our parties matter to us, and there are times we’re not on the same page but those are few and far between,” he said. “Most of the time the four of us work really well together on local county issues, just trying to help out the people of Williamson County.” With what looks like a tighter budget this time around there is not much expectation that there will be additional prop-
erty tax relief, even though it’s a popular topic. Bucy said if it were to happen it would have to come in the form of the state increasing its portion of public education funding. “Ultimately what the state can do to help lower property taxes is to lift some of that burden, which happens by us putting more into public education,” Bucy said. “If the state would pay more of that, as we did last session, that’s ultimately how you lower property taxes. Will there be any major legislation? I don’t think so. With the budget challenge I’d like to see us increase our funding but t a minimum we need to hold our gains from last time.” At the top of Bucy’s personal list of legislative priorities is Medicaid expansion. “It’s a big part of why I ran for office in 2014 and I lost
LHHS grad plans release of first novel
Liberty Hill’s Samantha Carter is preparing for the release of her first novel. Carter took a short story written in high school and began the process of expanding it into a novel. The book is set for an April release. (Courtesy Photo) and made an outline of the story so I could go through it and figure out where I could expand and what I needed to add. A big thing I needed was the main antagonist. In the
short story, there isn’t a set evil they’re up against. In the novel, I needed something more tangible that readers could
See CARTER, Page A4
Bucy set for second legislative session pretty badly, but the fight for Medicaid expansion is what has really driven me to public service,” Bucy said. “It is something we need to get done.” Texas may not participate, but Bucy said it doesn’t save Texans any money. “Medicaid expansion is a federal law and in Texas, even we don’t participate in Medicaid expansion, we still get taxed on it,” he said. “We’re still paying into it, so all we’re trying to do in the Legislature is bring those dollars back to Texas to take care of Texans. We’re talking about $110 billion over a decade that would come home to Texas. It would equal healthcare coverage for about 2.2 million Texans and these are working Texans who make too much money to get coverage under the current
JOHN BUCY State Representative D-District 136
plan.” Not only will it provide additional coverage for those who need it, Bucy said there is a benefit for everyone. “When more Texans have
See BUCY, Page A6
Page A2
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Thursday, January 21, 2021
OBITUARY Elisabeth Derer Harris
Elisabeth Derer Harris (Lisa/ Liesel) was born in Ober-Stuben, Czechoslovakia, on April 10, 1939 to Johann and Maria Derer. She passed away on January 15, 2021 in Liberty Hill, Texas. During World War II her family had to immigrate to Germany, settling in Klein-Umstadt, Germany. Lisa was introduced to her husband, Robert Harris (Bob), an American soldier, on a blind date, and they were soon married. Over the years the US Army deployed them to US bases in several states and in Germany. On their first tour to Texas Lisa did not yet speak English, and she learned English in part by watching game shows like “The Price is Right”, a show she continued to enjoy until the end of her life. Lisa’s endearing German accent in her spoken English was always good for a warm smile by those who knew her. Once when she was out driving, looking for a new Bingo spot, she was pulled over by a policeman for swerving on
the feeder road. She immediately said, “Offizíer, I em not dRunk, I em chest looking for a new Bingo Schpaht, unt venn you are olt like me - venn you look ovah hier, your cár goes ovah hier”. He just smiled and let her go. Everyone she knew loved her delicious German cooking, and in the 70s she realized her dream of having a German restaurant in America. She started the “Lisa’s Schnitzel Haus” in Lampasas, TX. The restaurant was later owned by her brother, Helmut Derer and his wife Marianne, who meanwhile had also immigrated to America. People came from far and near to taste her excellent German cooking. Although the Schnitzel Haus was small, her regular guests included not only local diners but also soldiers and military officers including Generals from Fort Hood and beyond. Lisa told everyone that she had four of the best daughters, who were her angels. Even in the final days of her life she was overheard telling a care-
giver that she had such wonderful daughters. She said that after her death she would be watching them to make sure they stayed that way. Another passion besides her family was playing Bingo. She enjoyed playing Bingo and spending time with her Bingo buddies. That was her happy place. Lisa was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, Robert Edward Harris, her parents Johann and Maria Derer (Germany), deceased siblings and spouses, Hilde and Sepp Bohm (Germany), Maria and Manfred Hiemenz (Germany), Frieda Grimm (Australia), and Anna and Henry Hohendorf (Florida, USA), nephew Richie Hohendorf (Florida, USA). Survivors include her daughters and their spouses Marita Lloyd of Liberty Hill, Texas, Chris and Jim Copeland of Bellaire, TX, Linda Harris and Reggie Leuty of Cedar Park, TX, Jill and Nathan Cearley of Liberty Hill, TX. Her siblings and spouses Josef and Helga
Derer, Resie Derer, Siegfried Grimm, Helmut and Marianne Derer; grandchildren Victoria Knam, Stephanie and Jeffrey Brown, Nick Copeland, Carson Cearley, Kinley Cearley; great grandchildren Samantha Lloyd, Perry Brown, and Celine Copeland and numerous nieces and nephews. Thank you to Kindred Hospice (Debbie and Martha) and Visiting Angels for your loving care.
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Week of Jan. 11-17, 2021 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 527 incidents resulting in 11 cases, 26 citations, 83 warnings and no arrests. Weekly Highlights: - On Jan. 11 at approximately 11:13 AM, officers responded to Proclamation Rd for a mental health issue. - On Jan. 11 at approximately 3:52 PM, officers responded to Rolling Hills Dr. to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Jan. 11 at approximately 4:40 PM, officers responded to the 100 block of US 183 for an accident. - On Jan. 12 at approximately 12:51 AM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29, for suspicious activity. - On Jan. 12 at approximately 7-8:00 AM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Loop 332 for school zone enforcement.
- On Jan. 12, at approximately 6:57 PM, officers responded to the 17000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Jan. 12 at approximately 10:35 PM, officers responded to Green Egret Way for suspicious activity. - On Jan. 13 at approximately 4:02 AM, officers responded to the 6000 Block of W. SH 29 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Jan. 13, at approximately 10:36 AM, officers responded to the 11000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On Jan. 13 at approximately 5:22 PM, officers responded to the intersection of US 183 and W. SH 29 for a welfare concern. - On Jan. 13 at approximately 6:03 PM, officers responded to the intersection of US 183 and W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On Jan. 14 at approximately 7:47 AM, officers responded to the intersection of US 183 and
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W. SH 29 for an accident. - On Jan. 14 at approximately 11:28 AM, officers responded to Ancellotta Way for an alarm call. - On Jan. 14 at approximately 3:49 PM, officers responded to Agave Azul Way for a harassment complaint. - On Jan. 14 at approximately 11:25 PM, officers responded to the 16000 block of W. SH 29, to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Jan. 15 at approximately 11:31 AM, officers responded to Stubblefield Lane for a dangerous animal complaint. - On Jan. 15 at approximately 1:38 PM, officers responded to Carl Shipp Dr. for a criminal mischief complaint. - On Jan. 15 at approximately 9:57 PM, officers responded to Holmes Rd for a suspicious incident. - On Jan. 15 at approximately 10:42 PM, officers responded to W. SH 29 and Ronald Reagan, to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Jan. 16 at approximately 2:15 AM, officers responded to Matthews Circle for a welfare concern. - On Jan. 16 at approximately
10:24 AM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On Jan. 16 at approximately 7:18 PM, officers responded to CR276, to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Jan. 16 at approximately 10:27 PM, officers responded to the 2000 block of Loop 332 for suspicious activity. - On Jan. 17 at approximately 3:09 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity. - On Jan. 17 at approximately 10:49 AM, officers responded to Agave Azul Way for a family issue. - On Jan. 17 at approximately 2:36 PM, officers responded to Floyds Run, Bertram for a suspicious incident. - On Jan. 17 at approximately 7:59 PM, officers responded to the 2000 block of RM 1869 for an accident. - On Jan. 17 at approximately 9:49 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious incident. - On Jan. 17 at approximately 11:19 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a trespassing complaint.
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OPINION
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, January 21, 2021 Section A Page 3
EDITORIAL: It’s time to Textbook warns of dangers of smoking, offers steps on saving drowning victims expect more Throwback Thursday
By JAMES WEAR Columnist In another couple of months it will have been a year since that morning I found myself in a hospital bed following a heart attack‌and that day coincides with the morning I lit my ďŹ nal cigarette. After nearly 40 years of the nicotine habit I gave it up. I’ll admit it, I am a coward, I don’t ever want to go through the pain and discomfort I experienced that day again‌not that the craving to light one up comes up often. Sunday afternoon, while glancing through the pages of an old textbook my maternal grandfather’s sister had while a student at Mt. Prospect, I found several passages throughout the book warning against the use of tobacco. This, in a book published in 1908, decades before the United States surgeon general would speak out and issue a warning about smoking. Up until the 1970s, television and magazines generated much of their advertising revenue from tobacco companies before such ads were banned. The textbook, entitled Graded Lessons in Physiology and Hygiene, was written by Dr. William O. Krohn. In making his argument against smoking he quotes other doctors, judges and school superintendents throughout his narrative. Among those individuals quoted is one Judge Stubbs of the Indianapolis Juvenile Court, who apparently had before him in court 600 boys who were users of cigarettes over an 18-month period. “I have found in nearly every case where a boy was arrested for a serious offense he was a user of the cigarette. I am convinced that the cigarette is at the bottom of most of the crim-
ELECTION
inality among boys,â€? he wrote. Dr. Krohn also cited an opinion expressed by Dr. H.F. Hewes of Harvard University, who said, “Any boy who smokes before the age of 21 runs the risk of growing up with a poor brain and nervous system.â€? Professor S.B. McCracken, who oversaw a high school in Indiana, was quoted as saying, “In my experience here of 11 years, no cigarette smoker has graduated at the head of any class, and I have signed over 300 diplomas since coming. Cigarette smokers are ďŹ tful and uneven in their work. Most of them have stunted growth and show it in lack of muscle, lack of staying power, bad skin color, and lack of intellectual grip.â€? Dr. Krohn does not limit his health warnings to cigarettes, and devotes several pages denouncing the use of alcohol. He quotes Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes at one point. “We cannot disguise the fact, however, that men drink because they like it, much more than because of any good which it does them, beyond pleasure as it may temporarily afford; and this is precisely the point that all arguments fail to reach,â€? said Dr. Holmes. “Pleasure is a bird in the hand which foolish persons will always chose before the two birds in the bush which are to be the rewards of virtue.â€? But Dr. Krohn did not devote his entire book to the hazards of smoking and drinking. Chapters also included recommended physical exercises, healthy eating and ďŹ rst aid to the injured. The chapter regarding emergency health care included three illustrations involving resuscitation from drowning. He noted: “Every child should be taught to swim and oat. Besides being an excellent exercise in and of itself, swimming is an accomplishment that may be of service in saving the lives of others. A
These three drawings illustrate the proper steps (in 1908) as to how to revive a drowning victim. cool-headed, expert swimmer at this moment are nothing— may save a boat-load of peo- ARTIFICIAL BREATHING ple.� IS EVERYTHING—is the Dr. Krohn writes that timing ONE REMEDY—all others is everything when tending to are secondary.� a victim of drowning. “A MOHe included three illustrations MENT may turn the scale for depicting the steps to save a life and death. Dry ground, drowning victim. shelter, warmth, or stimulants,
Continued from Page A1
reelection. Area resident Melita Harden ďŹ led an application to run for Place 5 on the Council, but she was informed by a letter from the City that she was ineligible because she did not reside within the City limits. Candidates can ďŹ le to run until 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12. To ďŹ le for city council, candidates can download the ap-
plication packet from the City website or pick one up from City Secretary Nancy Sawyer by appointment. Completed packets must also be dropped off by appointment due to current COVID-19 precautions. City Hall is located at 926 Loop 332 and the phone number is (512) 778-5449. In addition to the four School Board seats that will be on the
ballot, district ofďŹ cials also plan to call a bond election for May, but the ďŹ nal decision rests with the Board and there has been no bond amount or speciďŹ c projects settled on at this time. To pick up applications to ďŹ le for any of those three seats, candidates should go to the district administration ofďŹ ce between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to
pick one up or one can be requested by mail. The LHISD District OfďŹ ce is located at 301 Forrest Street and the phone number is (512) 260-5580. The Independent will hold a virtual candidate forum for all contested places for both Council and School Board in April.
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We are once again counting down to another election. We’re tired, we’re weary and we often wonder, “Can’t the government just go on without us for a little while?â€? No, it can’t. Effective elections need two things – voters and candidates. For the ďŹ rst time, more than 1,000 residents in the city of Liberty Hill voiced their preference when they voted for Mayor in November 2020. Every Council place that shows up on the ballot going forward should have that much interest. There is too much power in a council position now, and too much at stake at this juncture in Liberty Hill, to not take the election seriously. A look back at the 2019 election demonstrates how important participation has become. Three Liberty Hill City Council seats are on the May 1 ballot. The Council has ďŹ ve voting members, so essentially three members can hold a majority on the Council and make every decision for everyone in our town. That’s what happened in 2019 when the three individuals – Steve McIntosh, Gram Lankford and Liz Rundzieher – with expiring terms this May, were elected and chose to throw their absolute unquestioning support behind then-Mayor Rick Hall. They were joined in 2019, when Council members Kathy Canady and Tony DeYoung were appointed. They both continue to serve having never received a single vote for the ofďŹ ce. McIntosh, Lankford and Rundzieher received a combined total of 223 votes that May. That Council – with its 223 votes in all – approved the budget in September 2019 and September 2020. That Council added more than $700,000 to the General Fund budget its ďŹ rst year, and another $1.4 million the second. Beyond a budget increase, the 2019-2020 ďŹ scal year the City spent $440,000 more than budgeted in the General Fund. That increase came on the heels of a year when – under Hall’s leadership – the City spent $1.7 million above the $3.5 million General Fund budget in 2018-2019. What it spends this year remains to be seen. Looking back three years, to the ďŹ scal year that ended in September 2018, the City spent $4.45 million from the General Fund, only $70,000 over the budget. The impact went well beyond ever-increasing expenditures, though, as management has also raised questions in the last two years. The City – under the leadership of this Council – dealt with one messy termination after another, was sued by one former employee, and could still be sued over issues with its wastewater plant. The capital improvements plan has been haphazard at best, and until the summer of 2020, it appears Council members didn’t know how much was being spent and on what projects in some cases. If voters in Liberty Hill sift through all that and say “these are the representatives we want,â€? then there’s no need for change. But it is important that the six people who sit at that dais two Mondays every month have been chosen, and hopefully vetted, by the voters. They should receive the endorsement of a majority of the voting age population in Liberty Hill, not the 223 who handed the keys to the City to the current ďŹ ve voting members. Council members need to monitor the budget and monitor projects. They should know the platting process and understand how ordinances work. They should have a ďŹ rm grasp of motions and amendments and know when action needs to be taken and when it doesn’t. Remember, for better or worse, this Council decided its members should get paid. Whoever is elected in May will draw a paycheck. It’s not a living, but it’s taxpayer money and comes with our right to expect more. In election season, The Independent says the more the merrier. More candidates inspire more voters. More of both inspire better ideas, stronger leadership and greater transparency and accountability. Some current Council members regularly lament the lack of participation or use that lack of public involvement as a stamp of approval for their work. If what we’ve seen is what voters in our city want more of, then they can make that decision at the polls, but it has never been more important to have a choice and send a message with that choice, no matter what the result is. Beginning now, the message should be we expect more.
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Page A4
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Texas Comptroller revenue estimate signals nearly at budget
State Senators and Representatives kicked off Texas’ 87th Legislative Session last week with only slightly more funds to work with than when they last met in 2019. Since that time, COVID-19 has clouded the economic future of Texas, but according to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, the virus has not had a crippling effect on revenues to date. “The forecast, however, remains clouded with uncertainty,â€? Hegar said when he released his biennial revenue estimate Jan. 11. “The ultimate path of the pandemic and the behavior of consumers and businesses during a resurgence are difďŹ cult to gauge. It’s also unclear how they’ll
GLEASON
respond once the pandemic is fully under control. As a result, there is a wide range of possible outcomes for state revenue through the end of ďŹ scal 2023, with the possibility of revenue falling short of this forecast but also a chance revenue could exceed it, perhaps substantially.â€? The estimate projects the general revenue-related funds for the state will be approximately $118.63 billion. This total is only $1.35 billion more than the ďŹ nal balance following the last biennium. In the 2020-2021 biennium, revenues were $112.44 billion, but the state began with an additional $4.84 beginning balance. That positive beginning balance has turned into a
Continued from Page A1
“It’s my opinion that John Q Public or Jane Q Public that come to work each day are rock stars and perfect employees. Civil service never helps them through their career. They move right along through their department; they retire and then go away,â€? said Gleason. “Then you have the ones that are cancers, come to work late and complain. Civil service beneďŹ ts them and doesn’t let you get rid of them promptly. We want to keep the good parts and discard the bad. We can come to a contract and set the renewal dates bi-annually. You can renegotiate or not. We’re in talks right now,
CARTER
and it’s something we’ve been chasing for years.â€? After the previous administration ďŹ red many individuals, Sheriff Gleason said he wants to give employees a fair chance to defend themselves before any action. “We have revamped our entire internal affairs process, so we guarantee due process for all of our employees,â€? he said. “It won’t just be ‘hey you’re suspended, or hey you’re ďŹ red’ without getting a formal charge of what you’ve done wrong or get to say your piece. We saw that happening several hundred times throughout the last administration’s tenure.
Continued from Page A1
experience.â€? Understanding the need for an antagonist is one thing, but creating that character proved to be a real test. “I had this character called the man; he was a godlike ďŹ gure. When I was rereading and doing my outline, I saw that, and I realized he could be my bad guy,â€? said Carter. “I had to ďŹ gure out how to create an antagonist. I needed to create another character, so I went from creating an outline to ďŹ guring out these new characters, who
they are, and how they ďŹ t in.â€? With her characters developed, the next move was to build up and create the world they inhabit. “After all that, I had to do research. I spent a month and a half researching general things for the relationships in my characters,â€? said Carter. “One of the relationships I akin it to Stockholm Syndrome, so I had to do a bunch of research on that. I had to research the type of environment my characters live in and the terrain they
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Schwertner to chair Senate Committee on Administration
negative in the recent estimate, with a negative $946 million according to Hegar. The nearly $6 billion swing in opening balance negates most of the projected $6.52 billion increase in incoming revenues over the coming biennium. A large portion of the anticipated increase in incoming funds is due to a projected 5.1 percent increase in sales tax revenues. “As is always the case, this estimate is based on the most recent and precise information we have available,� Hegar said in his statement. “It represents our efforts to provide lawmakers with the most accurate forecast possible as they craft the budget for the 2022-23 biennium and the supplemental spending bill to address the
remainder of the current biennium.â€? Once required funds are set aside for transfer, the Legislature is expected to have $112.53 available for general purpose spending as it crafts a new budget, which is $440 million less than the last session. “In any case, the Legislature will again face some difďŹ cult choices to balance the budget,â€? Hegar said. “While savings from agency spending cuts and federal funding could help erase the projected shortfall for this biennium, a substantial supplemental appropriations bill could increase it, thereby reducing revenue available for the next biennium.â€?
People were just ďŹ red willy nilly for anything.â€? One thing Gleason focused on during his campaign was bringing back individuals who were ďŹ red or left the sheriff’s ofďŹ ce under Robert Chody’s administration. “We’ve done that. We had a lot of detectives that self-demoted because they felt that they were on the chopping block. They went and hid on patrol or as the school resource ofďŹ cer, all while Chody turned around and promoted,â€? said Gleason. “Robert promoted a lot of young people that were not ready for those positions. We, unfortunately, had to
move them back to their positions and give the people who were let go their jobs back. We put them back on the street to get a little more seasoning, and they’re eligible to test for the positions again.� Another part of Gleason’s campaign was the promise to get the Williamson County Sheriff’s Training Center reopened. The facility closed after several controversies during the previous administration. “We are up and running as we speak, and I’ve already had initial conversations with Kim Vickers, the Executive Director of the Texas Commission
on Law Enforcement,â€? he said. “We have dismissed all of the people that were accused of cheating and using racial epithets against cadets. The ones mistreating them. They’ve all been dismissed or left on their own.â€? With accusations against the previous administration of police brutality and the in-custody death of Javier Ambler, community trust has been tested. Part of Gleason’s mission moving forward is rebuilding the ofďŹ ce’s relationship with the community. “A lot of what we want to do is returning some normalcy and continue with the commu-
nity meetings we’re having. We’ve already met with the NAACP and met with a lot of groups out there asking the same questions,â€? said Gleason. “A lot of it is baby steps right now. It getting ofďŹ cers back into the community and rebuilding trust. Not just by driving down the street and letting them see the car, the ofďŹ cer has to make a concerted effort during the day to get out and talk to people. The best eyes and ears you can have is a friend you’ve made. We’ve got to rebuild trust because it’s just not there. People have to know you as a human being.â€?
travel through. There’s a huge research phase.â€? Carter is learning more and more about writing styles through the process, ďŹ nding her own unique style in the end. “Instead of writing in order, I wrote completely nonlinearly,â€? said Carter. “I wrote the last chapter, then the second chapter, then the middle, and then the beginning. This style allowed me to not get exhausted with it, and it kept it fun and exciting for me. It almost
feels like I have an obligation to write this novel well not only for my readers but for the characters I created.� Writing a novel requires an extensive editing process. Carter is working with multiple editors and taking their advice to reach her goal. “While I was writing, I had a developmental editor. He went through and edited my chapters kind of broadly. After that, I had another editor, and she really hammered it down and told me chapter by chap-
ter what was up,� she said. “Following that, I had another editor. It’s editors galore. It’s a big thing I’m learning, the number of editors that are involved in the process.� As the release of her novel in April approaches, Carter is preparing for several major upcoming events in her life. Along with her anticipated release, the 2020 LHHS alum is attending the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. “I was accepted into their writing program, and I’ll con-
tinue my writing in a college setting. In February, I’ll move up to New York with some family that lives there,� said Carter. “I’ll live with them and start saving some money. I’m excited to get there and start meeting people that share my creative interests. I’m ready to expand and learn from other people.�
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently appointed District 6 State Senator Charles Schwertner to serve as Chair of the Senate Committee on Administration. “I am honored by Lt. Governor Patrick’s trust in my ability to lead this important committee,� said Schwertner, R-Georgetown, in a statement. “The Senate Committee on Administration handles a broad range of issues that impact the people of Texas and I will work hard to ensure that all Texans have the opportunity to be heard.� In addition to the chair position, Schwertner will serve
on the Senate Committees on Finance, Business and Commerce, Education, and State Affairs. “Passing a balanced and responsible budget that meets the needs of our citizens is the most important priority of the Texas Legislature,â€? Schwertner said. “As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Texas remains a beacon of prosperity and economic success. I look forward to helping craft our state budget and ďŹ nding solutions to the issues facing the people of Texas.â€?
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
No signs of decline in COVID infections
Whether looking at reported national numbers, or those in Texas, Williamson County or even Liberty Hill ISD, there is no sign that COVID-19 infection rates are headed for a decline. Williamson County, which has reported just under 28,000 total confirmed cases since March, saw 2,811 new cases in the last week, representing nearly 10 percent of the total over the last 10 months. Williamson County has altered its reporting dashboard and is no longer reporting the total number of county residents hospitalized. But in the 11-county Texas Trauma Service Area O – which includes Williamson and Travis Counties – and includes a population of 2.38 million, there are 55 ICU beds and 746 total beds available. There are 727 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the TSA, and 13,928 in the state. In Texas, 119,555 cases were added to the total that has surpassed 1.87 million. January is on pace again to eclipse the single-month high for the state with 336,349 in 19 days. December marked the previous high with 368,154 total cases. Half of all Texas cases have been reported in the last 80 days. The last week added 2,175 additional deaths in Texas,
with 24 in Williamson County. Liberty Hill ISD has seen cases rise dramatically as well, though the numbers don’t reflect cases that necessarily came from the schools, but are impacting students, staffing and district operations. Last week, LHISD was reporting 49 active cases, but this week there are 82. The High School has 35 student and nine staff cases, followed by the Intermediate School with seven student and three staff and the Junior High with eight student and one staff case. Bill Burden Elementary has five student and three staff cases, followed by Rancho Sienna with four student and two staff, and Liberty Hill Elementary with two student and one staff case. There are two cases among district auxiliary staff. Both the High School and Intermediate campuses were closed Jan. 19, with a plan to reopen Jan. 25, as all students moved to remote learning. In a letter to parents, the district said the decision was based on staffing needs across the district due to increased cases and the number of staff members needing to quarantine. The City of Liberty Hill continues to decline to report cases in the city limits.
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Page A5
WilCo develops vaccination plan
In an effort to be prepared for the eventual arrival of more COVID-19 vaccines, Williamson County Commissioners heard a presentation on a County coordinated COVID-19 vaccination plan which was submitted to the Texas Department of State Health Services for approval. The DSHS receives and distributes vaccines to counties in the state. “We’ve been working on trying to get the vaccine to Williamson County. It’s important, especially in the Georgetown area,” said Kathy Pierce, Executive Assistant to Pct. 4 Commissioner Cynthia Long. “If you look at census data, it has a lot higher rate of 65 or older. With that, we applied to the state. The state has decided to have mass vaccination hubs.” In recent months, Williamson County has coordinated 45,488 COVID-19 tests, with results coming in 48 hours or less. Pierce used this and other
successes the county has had over the COVID-19 pandemic to show the county can administer the vaccine if its plan is approved. “Of the vaccines that the county has received so far, some to the Williamson Counties and Cities Health District and some to Family Emergency Room, there were 1,900 vaccine doses distributed to us, and all of those were in arms,” said Pierce. “They’ve all been administered, and our first responders, the ones that chose to, have been vaccinated. We’ve been very successful, and so with that success, we ask that we’d like to branch out and have a plan to be successful in mass vaccination of our county.” A part of the county’s plan includes working with Curative Medical Associates Inc. and Family Hospital Systems to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Williamson County already has a partnership with Family Hospital systems to
distribute the vaccine to first responders. The vaccination plan would aim at those who fall into Phase 1b, people 65 and older or at higher risk. Williamson County has approximately 120,000 residents who qualify for the vaccine in Phase 1b. “The Family Emergency Room has been very successful in our partnership with testing. Curative has also been successful with their testing site by the Georgetown Library,” said Pierce. “We are not limited, which is a good thing. Some people in the allocations were limited to Moderna and not able to receive the Pfizer vaccine because of the ultra-cold freezer that is required. Family Emergency Room prepared and purchased one. They have it in stock so they can handle the Pfizer vaccine safely. In Williamson County, we have it ready and available, so we aren’t limiting ourselves.” The vaccination plan includes
the set-up of five large-scale locations around the county. The county plans Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, North Austin, and Taylor. The plan also includes the use of a mobile vaccination van to reach rural areas. “We have been proactive in creating a plan, and we are ready. We are working diligently to get the vaccine as soon as possible to our residents. However, we are relying on the State of Texas to provide us with the vaccine,” said Pct. 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey. “Williamson County excels at working in partnerships and collaborating with others to bring needed services to our residents. With this plan, we think we have a great way to reach all areas of the county.” Once the plan goes into action and the county receives its vaccines, residents can find more information and register for the vaccine at Wilco.org/ coronavirus.
Jail takes COVID safety recommendations after infection assessment
By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer During the summer months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Williamson County Jail suffered more than one outbreak of COVID-19. New Sheriff Mike Gleason – sworn in Jan. 1 – decided one of his first tasks was to evaluate the situation in the jail entering 2021. “We had an infection control assessment done on the 15th by the health district, and they came in, and we gave them carte blanche to run of everything and do what they needed,” said Gleason. “They gave us a whole list of common-sense things that we were already doing that they noted and just gave us some extra protocols to follow.” At one point, in August 2020,
the jail had 19 inmates and 16 jail staff who tested positive for COVID-19. “Williamson County currently houses 516 inmates and has a staff of 323. There are currently five confirmed positive inmates all in quarantine, and that is one percent of the total inmate population,” said Gleason. “There are five symptomatic inmates in isolation awaiting results, representing one percent of the population. There are currently 17 staff members who have not met return to work criteria. That’s five percent of the total staff. That means, whenever we have an exposure, we send everybody home for the 10-day quarantine until they meet the criteria to come back to work. That doesn’t mean we have 17 infected. It means we have 17
in the immediate area of someone exposed.” Any employee exposed and required to quarantine at home is taken care of through the CARES Act. “It’s not fair to the employee to say you’ve gotten exposed to COVID-19 because Joe Blow over there has it so, I need you to go home for 10 days. Then they go to their doctor, and it turns out to be nothing and they lose 120 hours of sick leave,” said Gleason. “We can supplant the employee’s time and cover it under the CARES Act, so that every time we have a scare, so to speak, we’re not burning through an employee’s sick time. What if they do have a catastrophic event and have no hours to take off?” Under the recommendations
of the jail’s contracted physician, Dr. Adam Barta, Gleason’s jail staff is creating as safe an environment for both inmates and staff as they can. “Some of the recommendations made were better fitment on gowns and fit testing for masks and how to wear goggles properly,” said Gleason. “We’re doing an excellent job trying to follow all the guidelines. We’re like everybody else and become a little lackadaisical and need a reminder of the proper ways to do that stuff. We are completely open to transparency, and I have no problem with oversight committees. I’d rather have an oversight committee come in and tell me how to correct something at minimal effort than wait till an ‘oh my God happens’.”
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BUCY
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Continued from Page A1
coverage it lowers the cost of emergency coverage, which comes out of our taxes at the county and city level, and it lowers all of our premiums,” Bucy said. “It would be a win across the board.” As time has passed, there appears to be increased bipartisan support for Medicaid expansion in Texas. “Will we have enough to get it done? I don’t know,” Bucy said. “But I’m encouraged we can continue to make progress there. I think there is confusion about it. I think a lot of people don’t realize that we’re already paying these taxes even though we’re not seeing the benefit of it. “Unfortunately, there was also a long-time trend to make the Affordable Care Act a litmus test in the Republican Party and I think it became so political that some are so scared of the political primary that comes with being associated with something tied to the Obama Administration. I think as we get further from it that is fading a little bit,” he said. One area Bucy sees potential contention between the two parties is voting access issues. “I’m very worried about, from (President Trump) on down, how we’ve just seen a narrative on voting access and voting rights that is not based in fact and I am worried there are going to be contentious fights around election law,” he said. “I have served on the elections committee – I hope to stay there – because fighting for access to the ballot is vital in my opinion.” With a long history of mailin voting, the arguments don’t hold water for Bucy. “We’ve been voting by mail in Texas for 100 years. It is safe and secure,” he said. “I would hope we can extend that to more people, but I’m afraid there will be attempts to go backward regarding ballot access because of the narrative
WCESD
(Trump) made up.” During his time on the election committee, Bucy said he has seen very little evidence of the regular claims of voter fraud. “There’s almost never any evidence brought forward, but there are a lot of broad statements about it, but when we ask for evidence they can’t back it up,” he said. “I think these are things that are said but rarely based on any facts. It’s a boogie man that’s used to fire up a base in a political season.” Bucy laments the narrative about voter fraud because while he has enjoyed seeing the gains in Texas voter turnout, the state continues to rank low in overall turnout. “It’s a shame that we see these bills filed to make it harder for people to have access,” he said. Among Bucy’s bill priorities on ballot access are his no excuse ballot by mail bill. “It extends the right to vote by mail to everybody in Texas who is eligible to vote,” he said. “Right now it is 65 and up, those with a disability or you are out of the county. I think everyone should be able to vote by mail. It would help increase participation in our democracy. Democracy is fragile and we have to all be active and engaged and this is a way to get all Texans participating at the ballot box.” He is also advocating same day voter registration which would allow people to register the same day they cast their ballot. “A lot of states do this,” Bucy said. “Some people, especially first-time voters let the deadlines of voter registration slip by because they’ve never voted before. This law would allow them to register and vote on the same day.” Bucy also has a bill that would extend what identification is acceptable for voter
Continued from Page A1
could gain an entire cent. The department is knee-deep in the planning for Station 3, which will be on the western end of the coverage area. That land has been purchased, and Lincoln estimates it will cost about $1.4 million per year in additional funds to operate the new station once it is open. That estimate includes debt service on land and construction, staffing and operating expenses. The ESD brings in a majority of its revenues in property and sales tax. In 2020, with the one-cent allocation the ESD generated $1.28 million in sales tax revenues. In the first full year – 2016 – the revenue was $193,195 for the District. It more than doubled in 2017, grew by $175,000 in 2018, and topped $800,000 in 2019. Lincoln said the outcome of the proposition vote will play a role in how fast the ESD moves forward with Station 3. If it passes he anticipates construction to be on a one to three-year plan, and if not likely more like a three to fiveyear plan. Call volume Lincoln said he hasn’t finalized the report for the 2020
call volume but he knows the department surpassed 2,000 annual calls for the first time. It is roughly a 10 percent increase over the 1,800 calls responded to the previous year. “We’ve been on a pretty good growth pattern,” Lincoln said. “This was a strange year, too. I think had (the pandemic) not come along it might have been higher. Much of the time there was less traffic on the road so our motor vehicle accidents slowed down. Our call volume may have been even higher.”
Vaccinations Firefighters and staff at ESD #4, like those in other departments throughout the county, were among the first authorized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when the first doses arrived in Williamson County. “We all got to go in the first round for Williamson County,” Lincoln said. “We are coming up on the second round next week.” The vaccine is not required, and Lincoln said he doesn’t know exactly who did or didn’t get the vaccine due to health privacy laws. “I encouraged them to get it because it hasn’t gone away whatsoever for us,” he said. “We’re running into it as much
identification requirements. Though the challenge of redistricting is ahead, the Legislature has to wait on census numbers it won’t be until later in the session. “Redistricting will be a major focus as well,” Bucy said. “It is delayed and we don’t know when we’re going to get it so it won’t be consuming us from day one. We’re hearing maybe April, so if we take it up in session or if the Governor calls a special session to work on it, maybe that’s what our summer will be. We just don’t know the answer to that yet.” The always-anticipated challenges of working out an agreement are not as much of a concern for Bucy because of the solid working relationships he said he shares with other local representatives. “You hear war stories about redistricting and I have never gone through it,” Bucy said. “I will say Rep. Wilson and Talarico and myself – the three reps in Williamson County – all have a strong working relationship. We’ve had some early talks about this. We’re committed to just doing this as fair and equitably as possible and making sure we protect cities and boundaries. It is not all up to us but a lot of times they ask county delegations to go work on early drafts for their area and the three of us as a bipartisan group work well together.” Regardless, he is thankful it will not cloud the early part of the session. “The good point of that is redistricting won’t take over when we need to be focused on the pandemic and recovery at the start,” he said. District 136 includes Leander, Cedar Park and portions of Northwest Austin.
now as ever. It is still prevalent out there and still scary, too. Every day we have something like somebody was working and was exposed to somebody else and ultimately end up here.” At one point in the fall the ESD had six people out quarantined at one time, forcing a lot of schedule shuffling. “It is a constant ongoing monitoring situation for us,” Lincoln said. “That’s half a shift for us. We were able to back fill with other guys stepping up through overtime. We didn’t have to reach out to any outside agencies.” Lincoln believes there is a concerted effort by firefighters to be more cautious under the current situation. “I’m more secluded,” he said of his own situation. “Not that I’m a homebody, but I kind of watch where I go. I would like to think (our firefighters) pay attention to stuff like that, and maybe they’re not as outgoing as they normally would be.” What he repeats to his own firefighters is that the pandemic is far from over. “It isn’t over by any means,” Lincoln said. “It’s going to take a lot more shots before this gets better.”
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SPORTS
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, January 21, 2021 Section B Page 1
Madelyn Edwards is one of many Liberty Hill swimmers who continue to improve and lower their times in the program’s third season.
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Panthers showing continued growth in pool
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor One thing remains from when Liberty Hill’s swim program began three years ago until now. The Panthers still don’t have a pool to call their own to practice and hold home meets in. However, despite the fact they must still hit the road for all of their competitions, the team has continued to grow, said head coach Michaila Spradlin. “Being our third year as a swim team and our second with a boys’ team, I think the team has developed tremendously,” she said. “Obviously, this year has had its struggles,
but we’ve grown more this year and the community has been more involved. We’ve also added a diversity of talent to the team this year, making this group of kids pretty well-rounded.” Among the Purple-and-Gold ranks are a pair of underclassmen who have proven to be a force in the pool, said Spradlin. “Some swimmers that have stood out this year would be Victoria Phegley and Cooper Hardy,” she said. “Cooper is one of our newcomers this year as a freshman and this is Victoria’s second year on the varsity swim team as a sophomore. Both of these swimmers
Gearing up for games
work hard in and out of the pool and it shows in their races. In addition, several of our swimmers have improved this year, such as Austin Moore and Madelyn Edwards – both have dropped time this season and continue to improve their skills.” While the overall progress of the program remains on the upswing, Spradlin said the pandemic and the logistical challenges it has presented haven’t made it any easier. “I think overall this season could’ve been better. It was very different the way the meets were set up this year,” she said. “Instead of invitationals with 10-plus teams, all
the swim meets this year were tri-meets because of COVID. With that being said, our swimmers came out to every meet and swam their hearts out. I’m very proud of the way my swimmers handled this season and the curve balls that were thrown at them.” As far as what she’s learned as a coach this season, Spradlin said the additional obstacles created by the pandemic has forced her to be more open-minded in her approach. “I’ve learned to be more flexible this year,” she said. “It’s hard growing a team and trying to get more swimmers involved when you don’t have a pool to practice in as a team.
It’s also hard growing a team during a pandemic with multiple changes throughout this season from UIL. I think moving forward our main goals are to gain more swimmers and hopefully find pools or more opportunities for us to practice as a team.” Concerning a place for the Panthers to call home, she said the ability for the entire team to gather and work out together every day would be a massive boon to a program that is still in its infancy. “Honestly, I’m not sure what needs to happen to get a home pool. I think it would have to be a pool built by the city with lanes for competi-
tions and practices that was nearby. It would make a huge difference for the team,” said Spradlin. “Right now, our swimmers are practicing with their club teams. If we had a home pool, we would be able to have practices consistently, as coaches we would be able to work more with the swimmers and it would also help to increase team bonding. Right now, our swimmers only get together as a team for meets. If we had a pool, our swimmers would see each other every day and would be able to work on things like relays.”
Warm-ups critical to being ready
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Liberty Hill’s boys’ basketball squad is warming up before a game, it might seem like a rather casual exercise to the uninitiated. However, there is certainly much more happening during this period than the untrained eye observes, said Panthers head coach Barry Boren. “The warmup before a game is exactly that – a warm-up,” he said. “It should be a time when players can go through similar movements to those they will experience once the game begins. The pace should be brisk – not full-blown, but not casual. A perfect blend will lead to a light sweat without players being gassed or out of breath. It requires pace, spacing, good cuts, sharp passes, accurate shots, precise footwork, cohesion and communication. These are also elements that will be apparent once the game begins. The point is with a good warm-up, players will be ready to play when the ball is tipped.” While some opposing teams often take this time period lightly, Boren said his side is always all business. “What the warm-up isn’t is a time to show off,” he said. “It’s not a time to experiment with a new or unfamiliar pass or shot. It’s not a time to look into the crowd to see who’s watching. It’s not a time to visit with your teammates or others. It’s not a time to be lackadaisical. It’s game time, not play time.” As a result of this mindset,
Boren makes sure he has all his players simulate what will happen during the game – even when it comes down to individual movement on the court and getting accustomed to game speed. “Our pre-game warm-up is a ritual we have performed often. We not only do it in games, we do it in practice. It’s not new – it’s the same one I have employed for many, many years. It incorporates the various shots we will be taking within the game and it moves from one side of the floor to the other – that creates a sense of familiarity with both sides of the floor. In doing that, it also requires players have to use the appropriate hand to pass or shoot – dictated by the type of shot and location on the floor. There should be flow – as there should be when you run an offense – so no one is waiting an undue amount of time to receive or deliver the ball.” Of course, moving around the court requires players to use both hands – which is a task Boren said is necessary in order to give players the confidence to use either one as game situations call for it. “Most kids have a dominant hand and are sometimes reluctant to use their weak hand,” he said. “When we go through warm-ups, I insist they use it. I know in a game, they’ll do whatever it takes to be successful and I’m okay with it, but they’ll never improve the weak hand if not forced to work on it. When kids can go either way and use either hand, it only makes them more di-
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Before senior guard Bobby Mundy (#11) and his Panthers teammates stand for the national anthem, they go through a detailed warm-up to ready them for the game. verse as players.” One thing a Boren team will never be seen doing as it readies itself for battle is the one basketball act that is perhaps the most lauded of all, he said. “In our current society, a big deal is made out of being able to dunk,” said Boren. “My theory on dunking is if you can do it without disrupting the timing of the warm-up, then go for it. But, if we have to wait for someone to retrieve your ball because you tried to dunk and it bounced to half court, then I’m not for it. Again, the warm-up isn’t a time for you to see if you can dunk it. In a game, a dunk counts for two points, which is the same as a layup. People argue a dunk can be a huge momentum swing, but I counter a missed dunk
can be, too. The point is players should shoot the shots they will get in a game. If you’re a player that will get multiple dunks in a game, dunk away. If not, don’t dunk.” Players will sometimes tire of the usual, which means Boren must remain vigilant his players always stick to the script. “One of the biggest obstacles I deal with on a regular basis is to instill and insist we stick to the routine,” he said. “Kids become bored, so they want to ad lib, which drives me crazy. My desire is for them to go through these routine paths, movements, passes and shots so many times it becomes second nature and they do it instinctively.” When the Panthers hit the road and visit an away ven-
ue, the warm-up is even more critical due to an unfamiliar environment – despite the fact the game is still the same, with the pace also vital in creating a certain comfort level in enemy territory, said Boren. “The thing that’s so relevant about the warm-up is the shots taken will be the same no matter where you play – that makes the pace and shot selection even more vital when playing in an unfamiliar gym,” he said. “This routine allows the players a brief time to acclimate to new surroundings. By taking game shots at game speed, the hope is the group and each individual will be game ready. Even if you’re not one who shoots the ball often in your offensive attack, you dribble, pass and move –
which are the things you’ll do in a game.” Although the game has changed considerably during his four decades on the sidelines, Boren has kept a relatively similar approach to how he has had his teams warm up, he said. “Over the years, I’ve added to and/or taken away from the drills we do, but there has been a level of consistency,” said Boren. “The proof there is I’ve had players from teams 20 years ago from other schools witness what we do and recall the similarities. It has served me well, so I won’t be coming up with any drastic changes. In the words of one old coach, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’”
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Fond memories of title games past Former Panther coach recalls emotions of state victories
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor A football flew through the crisp, winter central Texas air until it split a goalpost Dec. 23, 2006 at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco -- a moment that delivered the first state football championship in the history of Liberty Hill High School in the form of a 22-19 victory over Celina. Former Panthers head coach Jerry Vance remembers it well. “Thinking back on that cold December day in 2006 as I stood on the field as Gio’s (Magellon) field goal passed through the uprights, I still can’t find the words to describe the raw emotions I felt at that exact moment,” said Vance. “Our team had just defeated a talented Celina team for the Class 3A Division II state championship. I remember the excitement – seeing coaches I had coached with in the previous 31 years and remembering the challenges we had faced together – and then holding the trophy as I watched the celebration among that great team and the Liberty Hill coaches unfold before me. It’s such a special time. Many teams never get to play for that trophy, but to win one is indescribable.” Along with the euphoria of victory, Vance said he was also overcome with a keen sense of gratitude for having had the chance. “I do remember thinking how thankful I was that (former Liberty Hill ISD superintendent) Dr. (Dean) Andrews had given me the opportunity to be
ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO
Former Liberty Hill head football coach Jerry Vance fondly remembers the Panthers back-to-back state championships in 2006 and 2007 and the emotions they created for all those involved. the athletic director and head football coach at Liberty Hill, that I had been able to put together the best staff in the state of Texas and most importantly, the young men celebrating on that field were dedicated, hard-working, ‘love-to-playfootball’ players,” he said. “They were special. I’m not sure I believe in destiny, but I do know God blessed me in a very special way with special opportunities, special coaches and their families and very exceptional young men – young men who played way above their abilities with discipline and heart to become the champions they are.” In fact, Vance said the entire experience was so surreal, he
could hardly believe in the aftermath that it had actually happened. “I remember the jubilation of the coaches and the players at the meal after the game, the very quiet (tired) bus ride home and waking up the next morning to see that state trophy still sitting on the breakfast bar the next morning,” he said. “It wasn’t a dream – it was real. What an incredible reminder of the long journey from a novice junior high coach in Amarillo, Texas to the halls of Liberty Hill High School. Words just can’t describe that moment – you just have to live it.” Liberty Hill followed up the triumphant 2006 campaign –
one that saw the Panthers post a 13-2 record – with a return trip to the state title game the following year after compiling a perfect 14-0 mark, which resulted in another trophy – only this one representing Class 3A Division I. According to Vance, it was simply a replay of what had transpired the previous year. “Talk about deja vu – the only differences between 2006 and 2007 was a different division, a different opponent, some new names on the roster and a cold, wet rain,” said Vance, of the 38-13 victory over Gilmer. “We were back at Floyd Casey Stadium playing for a second straight state championship. The elation of winning the
Division I 3A championship was just as real as in 2006. The same weary, but happy smile crossed my face and there was the 2007 trophy sitting on the breakfast bar.” However, despite the similar occurrences, Vance said his recollection of the events varies in relation to the trials and tribulations he faced earlier in his career. “I remember the 2007 game somewhat differently,” he said. “The first one was so special and words to describe the elation still escape me, but 2007 had a different meaning – a different set of emotions. I do remember when I was presented the 2007 trophy, I felt the 1-9 and 0-10 seasons I had
experienced with other staffs and other places, the moves to those schools that hadn’t been successful and helping build winning programs had all been leading up to this moment.” Vance added he was once again filled with thankfulness for all those who had helped him along every step of his coaching journey. “How appreciative I was and still am of those coaches and mentors who had taken a chance on me, taught me and encouraged me to become the best coach I could be,” he said. “At that moment, I knew our coaching staff and our athletes had made it clear our program was as good as any other in the state of Texas and being able to say that in Texas says more than a lot.” Indeed, the town where Purple-and-Gold reign supreme was now certainly on the Lone Star State gridiron map, said Vance. “People no longer asked me where Liberty Hill was because we had just proved for the second time the young men from Liberty Hill could and would play for you – contrary to what I had been told prior to coming here,” he said. “I remembered that first bunch of kids in 2001 and just smiled. What a great beginning they were for my years at Liberty Hill High School.” In closing, Vance said any goals can be made a reality under the right conditions and with the right people. “Dreams do come true with hard work, remarkable coaches and truly coachable, dedicated, disciplined young men who would always ‘Hold the Rope,’” he said. “It will always be a great day to be a Liberty Hill Panther.”
Mother Nature and sports
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor The wonderful winter storm we experienced a week ago Sunday got us to thinking and reminded us of two things. First, how glad we are to not be living in Wyoming anymore where what we had here would be considered a light dusting. Secondly, the profound impact weather can have on our business of sports. Anyone who was at Liberty Hill’s home playoff football game against Glenn can attest to that, as a dense blanket of fog rolled in just before kickoff and enveloped Panther Stadium in a pea soup that was more suited for a football match in London as opposed to a gridiron battle in central Texas. Alas, the fog rolled away as quickly as it had arrived, and by the second quarter it was once again clear sailing. Just playing football in December and January is something that never happens in Wyoming due to the harshness of the winters in the Cowboy State. Everything there is done and dusted by mid-November before the entire place becomes a frozen tundra that is more agreeable to penguins and polar bears than humans. Yes, the snow would begin falling in October and last until
Registration open now for Youth League baseball, softball
The Liberty Hill Youth League is currently holding Spring 2021 registration for baseball and softball, ranging in age groups from 4-and-under to 14-and-under. Regular registration closes on Jan. 31, while late registration is from Feb. 1-4, with assessments on those days and Opening Day scheduled for March 6. Additional information can be found on the league’s website at LYHL.org.
5 NUMBERS 7
Goals for sophomore striker Kaylie Fowler in Lady Panthers’ first seven games of the season
25
Points in third quarter for Liberty Hill’s girls’ basketball in 45-40 win over Rouse
2
Second-half goals in Panthers boys’ 2-1 away soccer victory against McCallum
20
Points each for Anthony Sierras and Kadin Knight in 75-67 win over East View
1
Place for Liberty Hill girls’ swim team in victory at meet in Georgetown on Jan. 9
May with no respite. Of course, it never got warm enough during those months to melt it all and more would be dumped on a regular basis. In fact, there was once a stretch when the temperature never rose above freezing for six straight weeks. We’re not talking about daily low temperatures, either. The mercury literally didn’t rise above 32 degrees at any time of the day or night for a solid month-and-a-half. For the record, a Ford Mustang doesn’t make a proper snowmobile. Anyway, we felt a bit gypped upon our departure due to the fact while we were there we never experienced a single snowy football game. Freezing rain blowing sideways by the ever-present gusty winds was the closest we ever got. So, the images we had conjured up of frozen, snow-covered yard lines reminiscent of the Ice Bowl never quite materialized. We did wonder what would’ve happened if the Panthers’ game in Bryan had coincided with the storm as far as if the game still would’ve been played or simply postponed. As we sat on the frozen metal bleachers of Merrill Green Stadium, it was still in the 30s, with a brisk wind blowing, so another reminder – be careful what you wish for. We have to admit – it’s a lot colder here than we expected it
to be. Glad to still have the hockeystick-sized combination snow brush-ice scraper in the car to combat the elements. There’s something to be said for never throwing anything away. On the flip side – speaking of winter sports – basketball represents one thing from a weather perspective. Warmth. Regardless of how chilly it might be outdoors, escape can always be found in the form of a nice, heated gym for some roundball action. At our last stop, walking into a hoops game after trudging through snow and ice to get there was like a nice, inviting fireplace on a cold night. We sure wish what we had a few weeks ago would happen here more often, but we know from asking around, it’s not a possibility. It was sure nice while it lasted. State champs For those of you keeping score, Crosby – the team that defeated Liberty Hill in the state football semifinals was defeated by Aledo in the championship game by a score of 56-21. Would’ve been nice to say the Panthers’ only loss of the season was against the eventual state champs, but, not to be. Onward and upward for the Purple-and-Gold.
SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO
Senior Jesse Anaya (#9) scored the game-winning goal in Liberty Hill’s 2-1 away win over McCallum on Jan. 15.
Panthers confident as district play nears
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Liberty Hill’s boys’ soccer squad is accustomed to not only defeating opponents, but doing so by wide margins. However, this season has presented an altogether new challenge for the Panthers, as they ready to open their first-ever district campaign in Class 5A. Gone are the days of double-digit scoring and here are those of low-scoring, tightly-contested affairs – such as the recent road victory over McCallum on Jan. 15 – a game which saw the Panthers fall behind and trail 1-0 at the half, only to storm back with a pair of second-half strikes, including the game-winner by senior Jesse Anaya in a 2-1 win. Matches such as this are more like what the Panthers will face against the likes of Cedar Park and Georgetown, so a nice, tidy dress rehearsal was necessary to test his team early on, said Liberty Hill head coach Wayne Munger. “The second half we switched tactics, which helped us win the ball in better areas,” he said. “Once we got footing in the game, we went to work and started testing their back line, the confidence of the
team grew and we were able to work our way back in and get the win.” Exactly the kind of blueprint for victory which might be needed time and again this season, given the expectation of lower-scoring games than in previous seasons – all the more so due to the fact his side will be the one no longer putting big numbers on the score sheet, said Munger. “Since we were usually the team scoring the most, no, it doesn’t benefit us,” he said. “With closer games, tactics and coaching change to manage the game. The effort and skill needed to control the game is tough for 80 minutes and that means what worked in years past no longer works at this level. The guys are adapting and getting better.” Adaptation and improvement are indeed two of the biggest themes for the Panthers at the moment and are elements which need to be applied in the attack to ensure scoring chances will end up in the back of the opposition net as opposed to going wanting, which has been an issue early on. “We’ve been training urgency and timing of runs in practice,” said Munger. “Other than that, it really depends
on who’s willing to put in the effort and have the confidence to be in the right place at the right time – that instinct can’t be trained. We have the players that see it and can contribute – it’s just about the chemistry and final touch.” As of now, the No. 1 goalkeeper gloves are still up in the air with seniors Taylor Simons and Jacob Oshel competing for the top spot, but Munger said the unfamiliarity of someone new in goal shouldn’t be an issue due to the veteran back line in front of whichever one wins the job outright. “Our defense has worked together for years minus the new freshman,” he said. “The cohesion is there as long as we stay healthy.” As the district season grows closer, Munger is confident he has the players to win games – not only now, but down the road, as well. “The depth of the team is great,” he said. “We have players that can come off the bench and can keep us going. They’re intelligent players and see the game at a high level freshman through senior. We’re in a good spot for the future.”
Thursday, January 21, 2021
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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SOCCER BRIEFS Girls
The Liberty Hill girls’ soccer squad played in the Governor’s Elite Cup Jan. 14-16 in Georgetown and were winless in three games. On Thursday, the Lady Panthers played a 0-0 draw against Belton, which was followed by a 1-1 draw against Hutto on Friday, as senior Mykenna Russo scored in the first half for Liberty Hill. Saturday saw the Lady Panthers defeated by Wylie East, 1-0. The three-game winless streak is Liberty Hill’s first since a four-match losing streak to open the 2016-17 season. Sophomore striker Kaylie Fowler currently leads Liberty Hill with seven goals
SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO
on the season, while Ellie Thompson and Kassidy Contreras each have three on the campaign. Liberty Hill (3-2-2) will next play at a tournament in Georgetown on Jan. 21-23 in which they will face Elgin, Austin and Weiss before opening the district schedule at home against East View on Jan. 26.
Boys
On Jan. 15, Liberty Hill’s boys faced an away match against McCallum and emerged with a 2-1 victory on the strength of a pair of second-half goals. Liberty Hill (3-3) will open the district schedule at East View on Jan. 26.
(LEFT) Senior Mykenna Russo (#3) scored the only Liberty Hill goal in the Lady Panthers’ 1-1 draw against Hutto at the Governor’s Elite Cup in Georgetown on Jan. 15.
SWIMMING BRIEFS
Lady Panthers triumph in pool
Liberty Hill’s girls’ swim team posted a victory Jan. 9, during a meet against East View and Weiss in Georgetown. The Lady Panthers’ 405 points was enough to defeat the Patriots, who scored 336. Individual winners included Olivia Fetterly 100 Yard Butterfly (1:35.40), Victoria Phegley in the 100 Yard Freestyle (58.48) and 100 Yard Backstroke (1:07.19), Madelyn Edwards in the 200 Yard Individual Medley (2:44.67) and 4th in the 100 Yard Freestyle and Brooke Becker in the 100 Yard Breaststroke (1:18.94). Other top-six finishers included Bailey Becker (fourth, 100 Yard Breaststroke, 1:28.69), Cassidy Sudekum (second, 100 Yard Backstroke, 1:15.11 and fourth, 50 Freestyle, 29.71), Rylee Frank (fifth, 100 Yard Breaststroke, 1:34.22), Julia Fetterly (sixth, 100 Yard Breaststroke, 1:42.84) and Brooke Becker (sixth, 50 Yard Freestyle, 29.81). In the relays, the 200 Yard Medley team of Sudekum, Brooke Becker, Phegley and Edwards won in a time of 2:06.41), while the same quartet was second in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay in 4:21.11, which was a new school record. Bailey Becker, Racheal Koble, Fetterly and Frank finished third in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay in 2:05.75 and also were third in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay in 5:15.30.
On the boys’ side, Cooper Hardy was first in both 200 Individual Medley (2:22.63, school record) and 50 Yard Freestyle (25.59), while Nicholas Adrian won the 100 Yard Butterfly (1:07.47, school record). Other Liberty Hill top-six finishes included Austin Moore (sixth, 100 Yard Freestyle, 1:10.92 and fifth, 100 Yard Breaststroke, 1:35.03), Adrian third, 200 Individual Medley, 2:39.05), Alexander Zapien (fourth, 100 Yard Breaststroke, 1:22.70) and Zachary Harbour fifth, 200 Yard Freestyle, 2:58.82). The 200 Yard Medley Relay team of Moore, Zapien, Adrian and Hardy finished second in 2:04.72 and was third in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay in 1:53.36. Overall, the boys finished second, with 218 points to East View, who won with 362. In the combined team scores, Liberty Hill was second, with 623 points to winners East View, who scored 698. Burnet At the Burnet meet on Jan. 15, Liberty Hill finished third in the overall standings with 72 points behind winners Rouse (1,293), as the girls were third (48) and the boys fourth (24). Edwards was fifth in the girls’ 50 Yard Freestyle (29.36) and sixth in the 100 Yard Backstroke (1:17.93), while Fetterly was fifth in the 100 Yard Breaststroke (1:40.72).
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Liberty Hill senior Nicholas Adrian won the 100 Yard Butterfly in a school-record time of 1:07.47 at the Panthers’ meet in Georgetown on Jan. 9. Moore finished sixth in the boys’ 100 Yard Breaststroke in 1:26.56). Panther Prowl On Jan. 16, Liberty Hill hosted the Panther Prowl, a meet against East View and defeated the Patriots by a combined score of 558-498. The girls won by a 330-225 margin, while the boys were defeated, 272-228. On the individual side, Phegley won the 200 Yard Freestyle in 2:13.86, with Edwards in third (2:25.46). In the 50 Yard Freestyle, Cassidy Sudekum was second (30.03), Fetterly third (32.16) and Madison Sudekum fourth
(38.38). Phegley won the 100 Yard Butterfly in 1:06.06 and in the 100 Yard Freestyle, Fetterly was second (1:16.89) and Madison Sudekum third (1:27.25). The 200 Yard Freestyle Relay team of Olivia Fetterly, Julia Fetterly, Madison Sudekum and Edwards won in a time of 2:16.37, while Phegley, Madison Sudekum, Cassidy Sudekum and Olivia Feterly won the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay in 4:59.63. Cassidy Sudekum won the 100 Yard Backstroke in 1:17.06, while Julia Fetterly was second (1:34.36).]
Edwards was victorious in the 100 Yard Breaststroke in 1:29.45, with Olivia Fetterly in third (1:48.56). On the boys’ side, the 200 Yard Medley Relay team of Moore, Zapien, Adrian and Hardy won in 2:07.85. Hardy won the 200 Yard Individual Medley in 2:26.03, with Adrian in second (2:38.13), while Harbour was second in the 50 Yard Freestyle in 30.43 and Zapien third (33.96). Adrian won the 100 Yard Butterfly in 1:04.48, with Hardy in second (1:08.06), Harbour was fifth in the 100 Yard Freestyle (1:15.22). Moore, Zapien, Hardy and
Adrian were second in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay in 1:54.49, Moore was third in the 100 Yard Backstroke (1:23.94) and Zapien second in the 100 Yard Backstroke (1:24.23). Liberty Hill will next compete at the district meet in Georgetown on Jan. 29, at which the top four swimmers in each event will qualify for the regional meet in Friendswood on Feb. 5-6, where event winners will advance to the state championships in San Antonio on Feb. 20 and Feb. 27.
PANTHER OF THE WEEK
Bouncing back between the sticks
By SCOTT AKANEWICH
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Emma Hubbard (#25) led Liberty Hill with 14 points in the Lady Panthers’ 45-40 road win over Rouse on Jan. 15.
GIRLS BASKETBALL BRIEFS
Lady Panthers defeat Rouse in must-win game
The first time Liberty Hill played Rouse this season, the result was a heartbreaking, 4745 home overtime loss after having led by as much as 10 points in the fourth quarter. So, in order to keep its playoff hopes alive, a victory against the Raiders on the road in the rematch would go a long way in doing just that and the Purple-and-Gold came through with a gutty, 45-40 win on Jan. 15.
Emma Hubbard led Liberty Hill with 14 points, while Jessica Holliday added 10 and Baylee Laird and Morgan Jackson each had eight. Liberty Hill trailed 8-6 after one and 19-14 at halftime before exploding for 25 points in the third period and a 39-29 lead entering the fourth. Cedar Park 71 Liberty Hill 33 Liberty Hill hosted No. 1
Cedar Park Jan. 19 and came away with a 71-33 defeat to the Timberwolves. The Lady Panthers trailed 25-6 after one quarter and 4615 at halftime, as Laird and Holliday led the way with 10 points each. Liberty Hill (8-10, 4-6) will next play at Marble Falls on Jan. 22 before hosting Leander on Jan. 26.
Sports Editor These days when Kylee Bush takes the field for the Lady Panthers soccer team, there are a few notable additions to her wardrobe compared to the last time she played for the Purpleand-Gold. Along with a bulky brace on her left knee, the Liberty Hill senior has accessorized nicely with a brand-new pair of gloves and a bright orange shirt, but not for fashion reasons. After being a defender her first three years of high school, Bush now finds herself between the sticks as the Lady Panthers No. 1 goalkeeper. However, she’s not completely unfamiliar with her new position, she said. “The last time I played goal was back when I was 10,” said Bush. “At first, I wasn’t sure about it, but I just want to do what’s best for the team.” Liberty Hill head coach Darren Bauer knew Bush was the solution after senior keeper Samantha Carter graduated early this year. “Kylee’s not afraid to be in goal,” he said. “I have confidence in her.” Bauer said before he even approached Bush with the idea of her stepping in as the Lady Panthers’ new
SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO
Senior goalkeeper Kylee Bush (0) has adjusted quite well to her new position after returning from a severe knee injury before last season. goalkeeper, he had the feeling it would be well-received. “I could tell she had already thought about it,” he said. Ever since, there’s certainly been no shortage of shot-stopping opportunities for Bush, as the competition has been tougher this season with Liberty Hill’s move up to Class 5A, which means the quality of the opponents and the offense they generate has increased dramatically compared to last season. But, that’s perfectly alright, said Bush. “I’d rather be busy and have a lot of shots,” she said.
So, that takes care of the gloves and different color shirt, but as far as the knee brace is concerned, that’s an entirely different story altogether. While playing as a defender for her club team at a tournament in Colorado in August of 2019, Bush went in for a tackle, only to end up in a heap on the ground and in a tremendous amount of pain. “It was a 50-50 ball,” she said. “I was trying to defend against a goal and just planted my leg wrong – there was no contact
See BUSH, Page B5
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, January 21, 2021
LIBERTY HILL JUNIOR HIGH BRIEFS
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Girls’ basketball
On Jan. 14, Liberty Hill Junior High School’s girls’ basketball teams played Forbes Middle School and swept all four games. 8th-Grade A won 46-34 Evie Bruce - 14, Gabby Mundy - 13, Mehlayla Mulski - 6, Elayna Hubbard - 4, Annie Witt - 2, Brooke Richardson 2, Addison Lee - 2, Clara Justice - 2, Taylor Gaines - 1
8th-Grade B won, 41-24 Avery Daugherty - 10, Shelby Broderick - 7, Jessa McGhie - 6, Kate Bednarz - 4, Hailee Roberts - 4, Aubri Ettinger 4, Jolynn Whiteley - 2, Hailie Levy - 2, Haley Maderia - 2 7th-Grade A won, 42-27 Madelyn Kingslien - 8, Reagan Robbins - 5, Rita Gerten - 4, Falon Stroup - 4, Renee Stemmons - 4, Emily Sterling - 4, Perry Amthor - 4, Abigail Himmer - 2, Josephine Perkins
- 2, Keira Lindquist - 2, Keaton Owen - 2, Brooke Schneider - 1 7th-Grade B won, 40-10 Sophie Chavez - 12, Mehkenzie Mulski - 6, Emma Janicek - 5, Kennedy Keyton - 5, Ivy Michener - 4, Kelsie Leary - 4, Reagan Huddleston - 2, Maelynn Rongey – 2
Boys’ basketball
On Jan. 14, Liberty Hill Junior High school’s boys’ bas-
ketball teams played Hutto and won all four games. 8th-Grade A won, 48-43, as Erik Richardson led all scorers with 15 points, while Jaxson Scott and Johnathan Allaire each scored eight. 8th-Grade B won, 35-24, as Tyler Delagarza scored 14 points, while Adam Solis, Hayden McBeath, and Anthony Esters each added four. 7th-Grade A won, 34-27. 7th-Grade B won, 45-5.
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PUBLIC NOTICES MISSING PROPERTY If you believe the police department may have a found item that belongs to you, you can call the Property Division directly at 512-548-5530 or email at ekrause@libertyhilltx.gov. When contacting the Property Division, describe the item(s) you are looking for, in detail, and we will let you know if we have it. If we do, we will make arrangements to get it back to you. (1/28)
LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bid proposals addressed to Clayton Properties Group, Inc. dba Brohn Homes on behalf of Williamson County Municipal Utility District No. 23 (the “District”), c/o LandDev Consulting, LLC, Attn: Caylea Pogue, will be received from qualified bidders until 2:00 pm CST on February 11th, 2021 at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735, for furnishing all labor, supplies, and supervision necessary for construction of Morningstar Phase 4, Section 3 Subdivision (the “Project”). The Project involves construction of subdivisions and associated infrastructure including grading, roadway, water quality ponds, waterline, gravity wastewater line, storm sewers, erosion controls, and associated appurtenances. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud at 2:00 pm CST at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735, on February 11th, 2021. No faxed bids will be accepted. Any proposal received after the closing time will be filed unopened. Bids must be submitted on the form included in the bid documents, in sealed envelopes marked “Bid for Morningstar Phase 4, Section 3 Subdivision Project”. Plans and Specifications for the Project may be examined without charge at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735. Bidders must contact Caylea Pogue at LandDev Consulting, LLC in order to view and/ or obtain electronic access to proposal forms, plans, specifications, and contract documents without charge (telephone: 512-872-6696 or email: caylea.pogue@landdevconsulting.com). A bid must include Bid Security in the form of a certified or cashier’s check or a bid bond issued by a surety legally authorized to do business in Texas, payable to the District, in an amount of at least 5% of the total amount of the bid, in accor-
dance with Texas Water Code Section 49.271(c), as a guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will promptly enter into a contract with Clayton Properties Group, Inc. dba Brohn Homes on behalf of the District and furnish bonds on the forms provided. If a Bid is Accepted, the contractor will be required to furnish, at the contractor’s expense, (i) payment and performance bonds in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 2253; (ii) a one year maintenance bond in the amount of 10% of the contract price, in a form and substance, and with a surety satisfactory to the District, upon final payment and acceptance under the contract; (iii) worker’s compensation insurance coverage in accordance with Texas Labor Code Section 406.096; and (iv) general liability insurance insuring against liability for bodily injury, personal injury, death, or property damage. No Bid may be withdrawn for at least 90 days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Award will be made on the basis of the lowest responsible bidder that is considered the most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project in accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.273(c). The right is reserved to waive any informality in the bidding and to reject any or all bids. The Project is being constructed by Clayton Properties Group, Inc. dba Brohn Homes on behalf of and in the name of the District. The contract will provide that the contractor will look solely to Clayton Properties Group, Inc. dba Brohn Homes for payment of all sums coming due thereunder. Minimum Wage Scale: The contract will require compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2258, Subchapter B, pertaining to prevailing wage rates. In accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.279, the District specifies the prevailing wage rates for public works established by Williamson County, Texas as the District’s prevailing wage rates. The contractor for the Project must pay not less than the specified prevailing wage rates to workers employed by it in execution of the contract. (1/28p) COPYRIGHT NOTICE Copyright Notice: All rights reserved re common-law copyright of trade-name/trademark, ANTHONY RENE VANCE© --- as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of said trade-name/trade-mark--Common Law Copyright © 2008 by Anthony Rene Vance©. Said common-law trade-name/trade-mark, ANTHONY RENE VANCE©, may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor in part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Anthony Rene Vance© as signified by the red-ink signature of Anthony Rene Vance©, hereinafter “Secured Party.” With the intent of being contractually bound, any juristic person, as well as the agent of said juristic person, consents and agrees by this Copyright Notice that neither said juristic person, nor the agent of said juristic person, shall display, nor otherwise use in any manner, the common-law trade-name/ trade-mark ANTHONY RENE VANCE©, nor the common-law copyright described herein, nor any derivative of,
nor any variation in the spelling of, ANTHONY RENE VANCE© without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Secured Party, as signified by Secured Party signature in red ink. Secured Party neither grants, nor implies, nor otherwise gives consent for any unauthorized use of ANTHONY RENE VANCE©, and all such unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Secured Party is not now nor has Secured Party ever been, an accommodation party, nor a surety, for the purported debtor, i.e. “ANTHONY RENE VANCE,” nor for any derivative of, nor for any variation in the spelling of, said name, nor for any other juristic person, and is so-indemnified and held harmless by Debtor, i.e. “ANTHONY RENE VANCE,” in Hold-harmless and Indemnity Agreement No. ARV-042608-HHIA dated the Twenty-Sixth Day of the Fourth Month in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight against any and all claims, legal actions, orders, warrants, judgments, demands, liabilities, losses, depositions, summonses, lawsuits, costs, fines, liens, levies, penalties, damages, interests, and expenses whatsoever, both absolute and contingent, as are due and as might become due, now existing and as might hereafter arise, and as might be suffered by, imposed on, and incurred by Debtor for any and every reason, purpose, and cause whatsoever. Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: By this Copyright Notice, both the juristic person and the agent of said juristic person hereinafter jointly and severally “User,” consent agree that any use of ANTHONY RENE VANCE© other than authorized use as set forth above constitutes unauthorized use, counterfeiting, of Secured Party’s common-law copyrighted property, contractually binds User, renders this Copyright Notice a Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Anthony Rene Vance© is Secured Party, and signifies that User: (1) grants Secured Party a security interest in all of User’s assets, land, and personal property, and all of User’s interest in assets, land, and personal property, in the sum certain amount of $500,000.00 per each occurrence of use of
the common-law-copyrighted trade-name/trade-mark ANTHONY RENE VANCE©, as well as for each and every occurrence of use of any and all derivatives of, and variations in the spelling of, ANTHONY RENE VANCE©, plus costs, plus triple damages; (2) authenticates this Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Anthony Rene Vance© is Secured Party, and wherein User pledges all of User’s assets, land, consumer goods, farm products, inventory, equipment, money, investment property, commercial tort claims, letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, chattel paper, instruments, deposit accounts, accounts, documents, and general intangibles, and all User’s interest in all such foregoing property, now owned and hereafter acquired, now existing and hereafter arising, and wherever located, as collateral for securing User’s contractual obligation in favor of Secured Party for User’s unauthorized use of Secured Party’s common-law-copyrighted property; (3) consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of UCC Financing Statement in the UCC filing office, as well as in any country recorder’s office, wherein User is debtor and Anthony Rene Vance© is Secured Party; (4) consents and agrees that said UCC Financing Statement described above in paragraph “(3)” is a continuing financing statement, and further consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of any continuation statement necessary for maintaining Secured Party’s perfected security interest in all of User’s property and interest in property, pledged as collateral in this Security Agreement and described above in paragraph, “(2),” until User’s contractual obligation therefore incurred has been fully satisfied; (5) consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of any UCC Financing Statements, as described above in paragraph “(3)” and “(4),” as well as the filing of any Security Agreements, as described above in paragraph “(2),” in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder’s office; (6) consents and agrees that any and all such filings described in paragraphs “(4)” and “(5)” above are not, and may not be considered, bogus, and that User will not claim that any
such filing is bogus; (7) waives all defenses; and (8) appoints Secured Party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon User’s default re User’s contractual obligations in favor of Secured Party as set forth below under “Payment Terms” and “Default Terms,” granting Secured Party sole discretion, deems appropriate, and User further consents and agrees that this appointment of Secured Party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon User’s default, is irrevocable and coupled with a security interest. User further consents and agrees with all of the following additional terms of Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: Payment Terms: In accordance with fees for unauthorized use of ANTHONY RENE VANCE© as set forth above, User hereby consents and agrees that User shall pay Secured Party all unauthorized-use fees in full within ten (10) days of the date User is sent Secured Party invoice, hereinafter “Invoice,” itemizing said fees. Default Terms: In event of non-payment in full of all unauthorized-use fees by User within ten (10) days of date Invoice is sent, User shall be deemed in default and: (a) all of User’s property and property pledged as collateral by User as set forth in above paragraph “(2),” immediately becomes, i.e. is, property of Secured Party; (b) Secured Party is appointed User’s Authorized Representative as set forth above in paragraph “(8)”; and (c) User consents and agrees that Secured Party may take possession of, as well as otherwise dispose of in any manner that Secured Party, in Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate, including, but not limited by, sale at auction, at any time following User’s default, and without further notice, any and all of User’s property and interest, described above in paragraph “(2),” formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, in respect of this “Self-executing Contract/ Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use,” that Secured party , again in Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate. Terms of Curing Default: Upon event of default, as set forth above under “Default Terms,” irrespective of any and all of User’s default
only re the remainder of User’s said former property and interest property, formerly pledged as collateral that is neither in the possession of, nor otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party within twenty (20) days of date of User’s default only by payment in full. Terms of Strict Foreclosure: User’s non-payment in Full of all unauthorized-use fees itemized in Invoice within said twenty(20) day period for curing default as set forth above under “Terms for Curing Default” authorizes Secured Party immediate non-judicial strict foreclosure on any and all remaining former property and interest in property, formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, which is not in the possession of, nor otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party upon expiration of said twenty- (20) day default-curing period. Ownership subject to common-law copyright and UCC Financing Statement and Security Agreement filed with the UCC filing office. Record owner: Anthony Rene Vance©, Autograph Common Law Copyright © 2008. Unauthorized use of “Anthony Rene Vance” incurs same unauthorized-use fees as those associated with ANTHONY RENE VANCE©, as set forth above in paragraph “(1)” under “Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use.” (1/21p)
LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a BG and BP (Beer & Wine Retailer permit and Brewpub permit) by Whitestone Brewery, LLC, to be located at 15390 Hwy 29, Suites 201-203, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are Ryan Anglen, Managing Member and Ryan Van Steenis, Managing Member. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission 11
More Liberty Hill Living to Love in 2021 Six years after the launch of the first annual issue of Liberty Hill Living, we’re excited to announce the community magazine will be delivered to Liberty Hill area homes five times in 2021! Packed with more indepth articles, professional photography and regular features on local business, cooking, home and garden, travel, history and entertainment – each issue holds something for everyone without the long wait!
CONTACT US TODAY FOR SALES OPPORTUNITIES! (512) 778-5577 or Stacy@LHIndependent.com www.LibertyHillLiving.com • 921 Loop 332, Liberty Hill TX 78642
Thursday, January 21, 2021
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Page B5
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Ashlyn Calhoun (#10) brings the ball up court during the Lady Panthers’ 71-33 home loss to No. 1 Cedar Park on Jan. 19.
SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO
Emma Stephens (#8) – last season’s leading scorer for the Lady Panthers – is a player who will be looked for to provide goals once the district schedule begins.
Still working on winning formula Lady Panthers begin district play next week
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor With only three games left before the district season begins, the Lady Panthers of Liberty Hill find themselves in a very unfamiliar place with the new league campaign looming. Stuck in a winless streak. Liberty Hill played three games at the Governor’s Elite Cup in Georgetown and failed to record a victory in any of them. The current three-game slide isn’t quite uncharted territory for the program, but the waters the Lady Panthers are navigating at the moment certainly haven’t been visited for quite some time. One must go all the way back to the opening four games of the 2016-17 season for the last time Liberty Hill failed to pick up a win for that long a stretch, when they were shut out in all four matches to boot. However, the ship was eventually righted, with the team going on to finish with an overall record of 15-8, including an 11-1 district record, which was good enough for a league title.
So, despite the current run – which includes a pair of draws against Class 6A opponents in a 0-0 draw against Belton and a 1-1 stalemate with Hutto and a 1-0 loss to Wylie East, an elite Class 5A team from the Dallas area, no alarm bells need to be yet sounded concerning so-called struggles against a trio of sides who have combined for a 15-3-4 record, said Liberty Hill head coach Darren Bauer. “Struggle is an interesting word,” he said. “I think it’s more like comfort for us. In the past, we didn’t have to be very creative to get a lot of scoring chances and we were used to being able to get away with things. We’ve also been relying on certain people too much this season.” New this season is No. 1 goalkeeper Kylee Bush, a defender who has been installed in the Liberty Hill net after returning from a knee injury which kept the senior out of the lineup nearly all last season, but the rest of the team remains largely the same as last year in the fact there were no seniors on last season’s club, meaning everyone returned, with the only
other changes being freshmen who have integrated into the squad. Ironically, Bauer said he feared more for the defense heading into this season than the attack. “Defensively, we’ve been fine so far,” he said. “Up front, we’re creating chances, but just not being clinical enough in finishing, I think we’ve been out-of-sync as far as all being on the same page, but we’re already looking better.” Bauer added the recent run is serving as a perhaps much-needed wake-up call for his squad as they approach the district season. “I think we needed these games to make us see,” he said. “We need to get out of our comfort zone.” The Lady Panthers haven’t necessarily played poorly to this point – in fact, quite the opposite, said Bauer. “We’ve done a great job of staying in these tough games we’ve been in and haven’t allowed more than one goal in a game,” he said. “But, at the same time, nobody feels like we’re playing well.”
LHHS fights through tough game against No. 1 Cedar Park
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor After the opening moments of Liberty Hill’s home hoops matchup with No. 1 Cedar Park on Jan. 19, the score was even at 3-3, giving Lady Panthers supporters hope of a tight game against the top-ranked Timberwolves. Alas, a nail-biting battle it was not to be, as the scoreboard read 71-33 in favor of the black-and-green-clad visitors at contest’s end. However, after Cedar Park had led 25-6 following the first quarter and 46-15 at halftime, Liberty Hill was only outscored by 14-8 and 11-10 margins in the third and fourth periods, respectively, for a 2518 second-half difference. Despite the fact there are no moral victories for a team which is currently fighting for its playoff lives, Lady Panthers head coach Chris Lange said there are still positives which can be gleaned under such conditions. “We weren’t just rolling over,” he said. “We just needed to keep plugging and concentrate on the good things we were doing.” But, with the Timberwolves featuring six players of 5-foot10 or taller in its lineup, there’s only so much one can do when up against bigger opposition, said Lange. “Size is size,” he said. “You try to work with it, but basket-
ball’s the one sport where it really matters. When you’re 5-11 and you’re being guarded by 5-7, all you have to do is wait and shoot up and over them.” However, Lange wasn’t putting it all down to simply more height as far as the Timberwolves were concerned. “Cedar Park is just a quality team with great players and is well-coached,” he said. “With them, it’s pretty much pick your poison as far as who you’re going to defend, which makes it tough. You just have to give it to them.” With only four games left in the district schedule in order to secure a playoff spot, Lange said his club needs to win at least two – although three would be better. “We need to beat Marble Falls and Leander,” he said, of a stretch which sees the Lady Panthers also face Georgetown and Glenn. “If we can win three of of four, we’ll be in good shape.” Currently, Liberty Hill is in fifth place and on the outside looking in as far as a postseason berth is concerned, but fourth-place Rouse still has games at hand to make up after a team quarantine earlier in the season – including a pair of contests against No. 5 Georgetown and a meeting with No. 1 Cedar Park. Adding to the intrigue is the fact the Lady Panthers have already split the season series
between the squads, losing at home to the Raiders, 47-45 in overtime on Dec. 11 before defeating them on the road by a score of 45-40 on Jan. 15. Particularly rueful for Lange was the loss against Rouse – a game in which the Lady Panthers led, 35-24 after three quarters and by as much as 10 points in the fourth before falling in the extra period by a single basket. “I said it right then – that was a game we needed to win or it would come back and bite us,” he said. “If we had won that one and the first East View game (a 51-49 away loss), we’d be in fourth place, no problem.” Instead now, the Lady Panthers must win critical contests down the stretch and hope for some help from Rouse – a prospect which is a very realistic possibility with the ruggedness of the Raiders’ schedule down the final stretch, said Lange. “They haven’t played the tough teams yet,” he said. “They still have a lot of work to do.” Back to the game against Cedar Park, though, there’s only so much one can do when up against the quality of a team like the Timberwolves, said Lange. “Anytime you get beat like that, it’s tough,” he said. “But, we still fought to the end.”
Intermediate Cross Country race
On Dec. 15, Liberty Hill Intermediate students lined up for the last time at the start line of their two-mile cross country course. Students trained for three weeks in teams of seven to compete in the annual cross country race. Student teams created their own uniforms and were very creative. Due to COVID, the students had to race during their PE class time instead of
everyone in their grade level coming together at the start. The PTO supported the annual race by donating the money for team ribbons 1st - 6th place and top 25 medals for boys and girls in each grade level. The school could not have awarded this to students without their help and support. In 6th grade, the boys’ overall winner was Cade Park with a time of 13:02. The 6th grade
girl overall winner was Caroline Pahl with a time of 14:02. In 5th grade, the boys’ overall winner was Simon Elliston with a time of 13:01. The 5th grade girl overall winner was Berkley Pacheco with a time of 14:55. Also pictured - but not in order of finish are the top 25 finishers for boys and girls in 5th grade. Look for 6th grade finishers in the Jan. 28 edition.
5th grade boys, back row from left, are Kyler Hicks, Colton Baty, Braden Richter, Lachlan Graves, Simon Elliston, Rexton Stroup, Caden Games, Dylan Richards, James DeCosmo. In front, are Landon Johnson, John Cornelson, Max Tiemann, Trace Veil, Stetson Dunavant, Brock Peterson, Stratton Bates, Jake Allaire, Colt Robertson. Not Pictured are Bryce Byrn, Ian Garza, Chad Sjolander, Ryker Anderson, Landon Richter, Conner Voth, Micha Kendig. (Courtesy Photo)
Bush
Continued from Page B3
with the other girl.” After the damage was done, Bush had suffered tears to both her ACL and MCL, as well as a partially-torn meniscus – although at first all she could think about was continuing on in the game. “I knew it was bad right away,” said Bush. “But, I was in shock and thought I just wanted to keep playing.” Despite the fact the recovery period for an injury so extensive is usually nine to 12
months, Bush was back and good as new in only seven months, a fact she attributed to the intensive rehab she went through with Liberty Hill head athletic trainer Melissa Harrington, as well as at an outside clinic – a process she said certainly wasn’t very enjoyable, but one which served its purpose and then some. “Every day, when I left rehab, I was crying,” said Bush. “But, I guess that’s how I knew I was pushing myself enough.”
In fact, Bush credited Harrington with not only helping get her back in top physical shape, but with providing her with a new perspective and shedding light on a career path. “Because of everything I went through and how Mrs. H. helped me so much, I decided I want to be a physical therapist,” she said. “Before that, I wanted to be a teacher.” Away from the field, when she’s not spending time with family and friends, Bush has
Champions from the cross country race were 6th Grade Boys Cade Park 13:02 (not pictured), 6th Grade Girls Caroline Pahl 14:02, 5th Grade Boys Simon Elliston 13:01, and 5th Grade Girls Berkley Pacheco 14:55. (Courtesy Photo)
5th grade girls, back row from left, are Amanda Cosper, Haven Huckabee, Lilly Rich, Alyanna Tuley, Ashley Burnett, Hannah Griffin, Bryanna Tuley, Jenna Beck, Addison Garner, Adalyn Eaton, Rachel Elliston, Abbi Bruce, Kyleigh Goodall. In front, are Allie Yarbrough, Chloe Jefferson, Dazee Hamilton, Ava Boydston, Jozephine Barfield, Scarlett Rathert, Mayson Montes, Autumn Etzkorn, Olive Williams, Eisley Moore, Berkeley Pacheco. (Courtesy Photo)
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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