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2020

Volume 33, Issue 45

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October 1, 2020 | 50 Cents

Council votes not to consider ethics complaint

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor For the second time in six months, the Liberty Hill City Council has decided against considering and investigating a complaint against one of its own. Unlike the grievance ﬁled by former police chief Maverick Campbell in April alleging misconduct by Mayor Rick Hall, the City Council did not have the option Monday to ignore an ethics complaint ﬁled against Council member Kathy Canady. Even though the Council was forced to hear the complaint because it met all the requirements for consideration under the City’s Ethics Ordinance, explained City Attorney Tad Cleaves. “What the Council needs to determine this evening comes from Section 1.02.076 of the Ethics Ordinance,” he said. “At this point, (Sally) McFeron has made a written complaint that does comply with the ordinance, that’s why we have it on here tonight. It’s the Council’s job, and let me just read this from the ordinance, ‘Once placed on the City

Council agenda, the scope of the Council review shall be limited to a determination of whether the complaint on its face presents a violation of this code of ethics and conduct

mittee, Sally McFeron following revelations that Canady falsiﬁed a loan document on which she declared a homestead in Burnet County in May of 2019, and she had been re-

“You are going to be opening the door to people who have businesses in the community that do not live in the city limits. If you’re allowing one, you’re going to end up allowing others. There’s no reason why someone else -- good people that run businesses and make money, and do things great in this city -- would not be able to just set up to live in their place of business so they can run for City Council.”

Sally McFeron Better Together Project PAC

for which sanctions such as reprimand, formal censure or loss of appointment would be appropriate in order to serve the legitimate goal of orderly governance, integrity and public conﬁdence in the government.’” The complaint was ﬁled by former City Planner, and founder of the Better Together Project political action com-

siding in her auto repair garage downtown Liberty Hill in violation of zoning restrictions. After about 20 minutes of explanation from Cleaves and a handful of questions by Council members, Mayor Pro Tem Liz Rundzieher made a motion to not consider the complaint further.

See ETHICS, Page A5

Senior Night in times of COVID

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Liberty Hill High School celebrated Senior Night on Sept 25 -- the ﬁrst home game of the season for the Panthers. Socially distanced, the marching band kept spirits high in the stands. LHHS travels to Del Valle tomorrow. See more Sports, Section B.

$1.3 million is magic number on swim center

ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO

Sheriff Robert Chody (left) and his attorney, Gerry Morris (right), say the indictment by a Williamson County Grand Jury is an attempt to scapegoat him for failure to investigate the death of Javier Ambler.

Grand jury indicts Chody on felony charges

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer GEORGETOWN -- A grand jury has indicted Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody on a felony tampering charge. The charge stems from the alleged destruction of video evidence related to the 2019 in-custody death of 40-yearold former postal worker Javier Ambler. The charge carries a punishment range of two to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or probation and a ﬁne up to $10,000. Along with Chody, Assistant Williamson County Attorney Jason Nassour, who was also at the scene of the incident, is facing the same charge. Both were arrested and released on $10,000 bond Monday afternoon. Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick and Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore opened a joint investigation in June after Austin media outlets uncovered ©2020 The Liberty Hill Independent

details surrounding Ambler’s death. “Pursuant to Article 2.03 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, prosecutors must bring notice to the grand jury of violations of the law and failure of duty on the part of any officer,” said Dick during a press conference on the eastern steps of the County Courthouse in Georgetown. “Together with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and the Austin Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit, we’ve brought this information to a Williamson County Grand Jury. On June 19 of 2020, Ms. Moore and I released a joint statement informing the community of our shared purpose of obtaining long-deserved answers for the family of Javier Ambler.” Ambler died following a 22-minute pursuit by Williamson County Deputies J.J. Johnson and Zach Camden. The pursuit started because Ambler did not dim his headlights and continued into Travis County before ending in a North Austin neighborhood. Body camera video shows officers using Tasers on

See CHODY, Page A4

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor After another workshop Monday where Brian Binkowski with Halff Associates was peppered with questions on splash pads, pool houses, gate locations and restroom access, the Liberty Hill Council got down to the business of deciding what the City could afford to spend on a swim center. The answer is $1.3 million. The funding would come from a seven-year bond, that would actually be for $1.4 million, with annual payments that begin at about $220,000 and increase to $260,000 over the life of the note. The other option considered was a $1 million bond that would give the City $920,000 in funds for the project, and would include annual payments between $125,000 and $220,000 over the life of the note. “We could bond more or less, depending on what all is included,” said Finance Director Becky Wilkins, conﬁrming that the City could sustain payments on the bond. “Anything below $1.5 (million) would be a palatable

payment. If you go above that it starts eating into some other project money you may want to use for something else.” The Council ultimately unanimously adopted the ﬁrst option as the budget. That $1.3 million, in conjunction with the $500,000 Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant gives the City $1.8 million to make the project happen. No ﬁnal design was settled on and timetable was established for completion, but Mayor Rick Hall said it would not be a project that could be completed for summer 2021. Binkowski said the new plan would come with additional engineering and permitting costs, some of which had been already covered under the original plan. The original plan was approved and the process set in motion by the Council in spring 2019, with a groundbreaking that June, but a delay in the awarding of a $500,000 grant. The approved project – which never went out for bid – had an estimated price tag of $1.35 million after factoring in a $500,000 grant from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Hall said

that project now has a price tag of $2.19 million, an estimate also provided by Halff Associates which designed the project. With the grant, that would mean the City would be funding about $1.7 million of the new projected cost. No explanation was given on how the estimate increased more than $300,000. The Council has also implied there was never funding ofﬁcially allocated for the project, but those involved in the original planning say that’s not true, and funds were earmarked for the swim center. During the Aug. 20 joint workshop, Tim Dean, Recreation Manager for the City of Cedar Park, who has more than two decades of experience in municipal aquatics, spent more than 20 minutes talking about the pros and cons of both proposed pool plans. When evaluating the more recent proposal, shared with the Council in July by Hall, Dean said it was problematic in a number of ways. The square pool, with a kiddie pool, proposal has limitations on accessibility and practical

use for younger swimmers and those with disabilities. Because it would have a minimum depth of four feet, Dean said it would make teaching swim lessons more difﬁcult and would require a chair lift to give those with disabilities access -- an expense not included in the proposal. Dean also said that while the shape of the pool might accommodate swim lanes for lap swimmers or swim team practices, the plan did not call for a heated pool, which makes it impractical for swim team use. He also pointed out that lap lanes take up a lot of space, and is not usually where most swimmers are, referring to Cedar Park’s Milburn Pool. The kiddie pool concept is one Dean said primarily serves as a cleaning challenge, collecting lots of sediment, and it only works for toddlers. While the price tag is higher, Dean said there are advantages to the original design with the popularity of a splash pad with a greater age range of

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor LEANDER -- Soon, shoppers in the Liberty Hill area will have another grocery and shopping option, this one to the east, as construction has begun on Bar W Ranch, a development with a new H-E-B grocery store as its hub. The 50-acre development is on the southeast corner of SH 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard, and was permitted for construction by the City of Leander Aug. 26. “This project will bring more than 200,000 square feet of grocery, restaurant, and retail oriented uses to a fast growing area of Leander,” said Leander Economic Development Managing Partner Cameron Goodman. “This not only creates new job opportu-

nities for our residents, but will also help to expand the number of shopping options and improve the overall quality of life for our residents – especially those located on the eastern side of Leander’s city limits. This project also signals to the business community and other retailers that the State Highway 29 and Ronald Reagan intersection and its adjacent area is an increasingly desirable location to operate a business.” The long-anticipated new grocery store will not be an H-E-B Plus, but is expected to be about 100,000 square feet, according to Goodman. “H-E-B has a long record of local community involvement and has earned its reputation as one of the very best grocers in the country,” he said.

“We are excited to welcome a second H-E-B location to Leander.” The development includes more than a dozen other retail buildings and pad sites for other businesses, and will include an H-E-B gas station. No other ofﬁcial tenant announcements have been made to date. “The developer of this project has very recently started construction and their leasing efforts, so there are not any additional tenants that can be announced at this time,” Goodman said. “In addition to the approximately 100,000 square feet H-E-B store, the site is planned to include more than 100,000 square feet of additional commercial space including retail and restaurant pads.”

No projected opening date has been shared publicly, but Goodman said opening the second H-E-B in Leander is an important sign regarding area growth. “Leander’s record setting growth has helped to make new high quality economic development opportunities possible for our community,” he said. “Companies that are of the size and sophistication of H-E-B have very deﬁned site location requirements that must be met before they select a location and make the investment of building a new store. H-E-B’s decision to open a second location in Leander is a testament to the strong business environment and the quality of site options that exist for new businesses seeking to locate in our area.”

See COUNCIL, Page A3

Long-awaited H-E-B under construction

Page A2

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 1, 2020

CTRMA awards contract on 183A Phase III to Liberty Hill

AUSTIN —The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s Board of Directors on Wednesday unanimously vot-

ed to award a $175.7 million design-bid-build contract for the 183A Phase III Project to The Lane Construction Cor-

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poration. A U.S. subsidiary of the global construction leader Webuild, The Lane Construction Corporation specializes in highway and bridge construction. The 183A Phase III Project consists of a 6.6-mile extension of the 183A Toll Road from Hero Way to just north of SH 29 in southwestern Williamson County. The project will include the addition of two tolled lanes in each direction and signiﬁcant non-tolled improvements, including a shared use path from Hero Way to the proposed Seward Junction Loop project. The project will also feature landscaping and other aesthetic enhancements along the corridor – a vision devel-

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oped through an extensive 16-month public input process led by the Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Cleared last year by TxDOT’s Environmental Division to move into the ﬁnal design and construction phase, the project will help improve mobility throughout the congested US 183 corridor. “What we’re seeing is increased trafﬁc and unimpeded growth throughout Williamson County,” said Mike Heiligenstein, Executive Director for the Mobility Authority. “This project is a huge opportunity to not only relieve roadway congestion but to enhance safety along the corridor at key

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bonds. Contract award and execution is conditioned upon receiving ﬁnal concurrence from TxDOT. The project will be constructed in phases and in coordination with construction north of TxDOT’s US 183 general purpose lane extension. Total project cost is $277.3 million. Roadway construction is expected to begin April 2021. “This project will have positive far-reaching beneﬁts for this fast-growing area of Williamson County,” said Heiligenstein. “Making for a safer, more mobile Central Texas.” For more information, visit www.183A.com.

Liberty Hill Police Blotter Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department

Week of Sept. 21-27, 2020 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 404 incidents resulting in eight cases, 10 citations, 46 warnings and no arrests. Weekly Highlights: - On Sept. 21 at approximately 8:53 AM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for trespassing. - On Sept. 21 at approximately 2:14 PM, officers responded to the 300 block of Loop 332 for trespassing. - On Sept. 21 at approximately 4:08 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a fraud complaint. - On Sept. 21 at approximately 4:53 PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On Sept. 22 at approximately 7:23 AM, officers responded to the 1000 block of US 183 for an accident. - On Sept. 22 at approximately 7:54 AM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for a mental health issue. - On Sept. 22 at approximately

3:56 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a theft complaint. - On Sept. 23 at approximately 11:44 AM, officers responded to Spotted Rail Ridge for an alarm call. - On Sept. 23 at approximately 6:42 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On Sept. 24 at approximately 6:52 AM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious accident. - On Sept. 24 at approximately 3:14 PM, officers responded to the 1000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Liberty Hill Fire/ EMS. - On Sept. 24 at approximately 5:18 PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity. - On Sept. 24 at approximately 9:55PM, officers responded to the 1000 block of RM 1869 for suspicious activity. - On Sept. 25 at approximately 3:31 AM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious incident. - On Sept. 25 at approximately 7:40 AM, officers responded

to Deserti Drive for a burglary complaint. - On Sept. 25 at approximately 3:10 PM, officers respond to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a fraud complaint. - On Sept. 25 at approximately 8:59PM, officers responded to the 1000 block of RM Loop 332 for an assault complaint. - On Sept. 26 at approximately 1:43 AM, officers responded to Championship Drive for a suspicious incident. - On Sept. 26 at approximately 8:21 AM, officers responded to CR 279 for a suspicious incident. - On Sept. 26 at approximately 6:07 PM, officers responded to Liberty Way for a family issue. - On Sept. 27 at approximately 3:04 PM, officers responded to Bronco Blvd for a suspicious incident. - On Sept. 27 at approximately 5:40 PM, officers responded to W. SH 29 and CR 200 for a traffic hazard. - On Sept. 27 at approximately 8:08 PM, officers responded to Continental Ave to assist the Liberty Hill Fire /EMS.

Shin Oak Ridge Bulletin Board Send news to: News@LHIndependent.com

Liberty Hill Garden Club meets Oct. 13

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interchanges like SH 29, by separating high-speed through traffic from local traffic.” The Mobility Authority received four responsible and responsive bids from prequalified bidders, which were evaluated based on their price proposals against the Engineer’s Estimate of $174.6 million. The Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder— The Lane Construction Corporation, for $175.7 million. The project will not use state funds but rather will be financed by the Mobility Authority using available and flexible funding mechanisms such as the sale of toll revenue

The Liberty Hill Garden Club meets via Zoom at 9:45 a.m. Oct. 13. We will reconvene at Veterans Park at 11 a.m. in downtown Liberty Hill to hear our speaker, Denny Schey, who will talk about the 20 best native plants for the garden. Bring a lawn chair and plan to wear a mask and social distance. For Zoom information, write to gardenclublibertyhill@gmail.com.

Judge Fisk Chapter meets Oct. 10

The Judge Greenleaf Fisk Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas will meet Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Cross Tracks Methodist

Church, 101 Church Street. The Church will be sanitized, and we will be wearing masks. Social distancing will be observed. The program will feature a Genealogy Workshop headed by our Chapter Registrar, Joyce Parsons. Ladies may work on supplementals, as well as ﬁrst-time genealogy applications. A supplemental is a DRT member’s genealogical connection to an ancestor who was not the original ancestor that she presented as proof when she joined DRT, but who was also living in the Republic and is therefore eligible to be entered as an ancestor. Bring laptops and any documents that you may have. You may log on to drtinfo.org and then click on Forms at the top of the page. Scroll down to

Membership Forms then click on DRT Membership Application and DRT Membership Application Instructions. These two forms will guide you through the process. Membership in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is open to any woman of lineal descent from an ancestor who lived during the period of the Republic (1836-1846). Associate memberships are also available to women who are interested in Texas history of this period. Associate dues are $25 per year. For more information, please contact Chapter Registrar, Joyce Parsons at jnparsons1112@gmail.com, or president, Mariann Laughlin at truetexaswomen@gmail.com.

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OPINION Throwback Thursday Remembering good times at the Hobo Depot

By JAMES WEAR Columnist My wife and I were driving through downtown Liberty Hill last week when we noticed the Hobo Junction, which has been closed for several months, was getting a new roof and, much to our delight, it appeared the contractor was able to save the outer wall on which a mural had been painted on the interior side many years ago. The mural, which depicted former owner Alice Cowan and her family and friends on the outside of the building, also featured the likeness of the late James Vaughan, who was perhaps Liberty Hill’s best-known storyteller of days gone by. The painting was done by Frances Walthers, who worked for Alice for a time. Alice had opened the café, originally known as the Hobo Depot, back in the mid-90s after my wife closed the Liberty Hill Café a year or so after Paula’s mother, Wanda Lane, had passed on. Alice had once worked for Wanda and her goal with the Hobo was to establish a café that, like Wanda’s, featured home cooking. She succeeded as the “little shack by the railroad track” as she dubbed her business would be recognized by Texas Highways magazine as having the best chicken fried steak in the state of Texas. After that issue of Texas Highways came out, Alice and her staff saw a sharp increase in business for the next year or so as visitors from all over made the drive to Liberty Hill to sample Alice’s chicken fry and while us regulars were proud

COUNCIL

The Hobo Depot, known as Hobo Junction over the past few years, has proven to be a favorite Liberty Hill dining spot since opening in the mid 1990s. The building is currently undergoing a renovation by its new owners. (Courtesy Photo) of the success Alice was en- itol building in Austin. Nearly ble experience involving the joying, we also learned if we 16,000 car loads of granite Hobo and the railroad track were to find a table on Friday were transported over the line. came one evening more than The railroad enjoyed a few 20 years ago, while I was still or Saturday night we’d best arprofitable years in the late a member of the Liberty Hill rive early. Alice declined our money 1800s and early 1900s. Over Volunteer Fire Department. We received a call involving a when we would break for the years ownership has lunch while building the fire swapped hands several times vehicle, that while backing out station on Loop 332, telling us and in the 1980s, after voters of the parking lot of the Hobo if we could volunteer our time approved the creation of Cap- Depot, had gotten stuck on the to work on such a community itol Metro, the City of Austin tracks. We were able to free it project she could do her part and the transit authority would within a few minutes and upon returning home, I was joking gain ownership of the rail. by helping keep us fed. Over the last several years, with my wife about how that The railroad running alongside the Hobo dates back to the railroad continues to be could have been a bad situathe 1880s. According to in- used to transport materials as tion had a train been approachformation found on the Texas well as providing a means for ing. About that time we heard State Historical Association’s the Austin Steam Train Asso- the train whistle blow and a website, the first 106 miles of ciation to run its Hill Country minute later the train came track connected Austin and Flyer from Cedar Park to Bur- hurtling through the night and Burnet. The track was perhaps net, giving people the opportu- passed through the intersection best known as it provided the nity to experience a train ride of the track and RR 1869… about five minutes after we means to transport granite that in historically restored cars. Perhaps my most memora- had cleared the track. was used to build the state cap-

Continued from Page A1

kids, and the zero entry that not only makes it easier for lessons and younger swimmers to enter the pool, but also accommodates swimmers with disabilities and eliminates the need for a lift chair. Bailey Lane progress The Council approved spending $198,786 with Steger Bizzell Engineering for services related to the widening and rehabilitation of Bailey Lane, which runs north from SH 29 just west of Golden Chick. The increase comes as the

Council has expanded the scope of planning to include the potential realignment of Loop 332 at SH 29 to the east to create an intersection with Bailey Lane, with the hope of eventually having a traffic signal at the intersection. Bailey is currently a twolane road that goes to Liberty Manor Apartments, but a new business park planned for the property between the apartments and restaurants is expected to increase traffic flow, and the Council is looking for

ways to improve the road and its capacity. The proposal ﬁrst brought to the Council regarding Bailey Lane was for widening only, and improving the entry from SH 29, with an estimated price tag provided by Steger Bizzell of $440,695. The new estimate proposed Monday with the addition of the possible realignment and signalization was for about $1.65 million including construction and soft costs. The property needs for shift-

ing Loop 332 would involve coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation and Liberty Hill ISD. “The majority of that is TXDoT right of way, but there is a small sliver of that that is owned by the school district,” Hall said. “And now that we have this task order to move forward then Curtis (Steger) and I will set up a meeting with the school district to discuss this and how that portion of the right of way from the school can be obtained.”

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, October 1, 2020 Section A Page 3

EDITORIAL:

Council shows us again that what is ‘legal’ is more important than what is ‘right’

The discussion Monday of an ethics complaint filed against Council member Kathy Canady felt more like a lesson in locating loopholes and interpreting fine print than a real effort to consider what’s right and wrong. There was little real consideration given to the complaint, as the few questions asked focused on whether it was really wrong to declare a homestead in one place and live in another, whether it was truly against City Code for Canady to live in her business, and ultimately what real responsibility the Council had in the matter. Apparently there was no responsibility to bother with ethics. The big crescendo came when Mayor Pro Tem Liz Rundzieher announced she had heard nothing of importance. “So I’ll make a motion that we do nothing with this,” she said. The Council had two choices. One was to do nothing. Check. The other was to vote to hold a hearing and hear the evidence on both sides of the issue to determine if something unethical had been done. That option would have taken a little more effort, transparency, and a willingness to promote accountability to the public. Credit might have been due for the Council hearing the complaint at all, but they had no choice according to the local ethics ordinance. So they suffered through it and asked questions focused on poking holes in the complaint rather than considering its validity. What is legal, or not quite illegal – those things that bend the rules but don’t break them – continue to cast a long shadow over what is truly the right or wrong thing to do. That’s this Council’s Achille’s Heal. It wants to do what it wants to do and it doesn’t want to be questioned. At one point the implication was it all didn’t really matter because, well, Canady had been here forever. She even snapped at complainant Sally McFeron that she doesn’t know because “She’s not from here.” By all means, lifetime passes should be granted to bend the rules based on how long someone’s been in the community, right? Did we forget that all this was in defense of an appointed Council member, that is about to get a monthly $1,000 salary and may get an extended three-year term – both things she voted in favor of – while not living in a residence according to City code? Should the community reward people who don’t play by the same rules they expect us to abide by? One question Monday focused on how any of the complaint impacted Canady’s duties as a Council member. That was strictly interpreted as though the question was “did it keep her from attending a meeting?” One could also argue it impacts her duties as a Council member because she is not following the same rules she is charged with making judgments on for others. But maybe not. It is not as though ethics and breaking or bending rules has never mattered to this Council. As recently as March, the Council used a clause from former police chief Maverick Campbell’s contract as sufficient reason to terminate him, specifically Section 13, which said: “willful misconduct, gross negligence, dishonest or fraudulent conduct, or such other acts in bad faith which result in injury to employer.” This came even though no laws were broken in the incident cited as cause for termination. He just did something he shouldn’t have done, that reflected badly on the City. But surely this is different, right?

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Oct. 5 is voter registration deadline

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor With a two-page ballot featuring more than 30 decisions for voters in federal, state, county and local elections, the November 2020 ballot is full of critical measures on all levels. But to participate, potential voters have only days remaining to register, with a Monday, Oct. 5 deadline. Williamson County Elections Administrator Chris Davis said the County has 370,000 registered voters and counting, with more pouring in every day. “That number is constantly increasing,” he said. “A lot of folks are mailing in their applications, walking them in, we’re quite busy with that increase. We expect to see folks continue to register up to the deadline. We will be staying

CHODY

open until midnight Oct. 5 at our ofﬁce to accept those who walk in their voter registration.” Voters wanting to verify their registration can do so online on the Williamson County Elections Department page at wilco.org. He said the longer ballots, higher anticipated turnout, a longer voting window and the COVID-19 virus are all expected to have an impact on both voters and election workers when early voting begins Oct. 13. He believes there is a simple thing every voter can do to help ease the process for everyone. “They should take care of their business early, whether that business is voting by mail, absentee or voting in person,” Davis said. “They’re in control. They can determine how much time they allot them-

Continued from Page 1

Ambler four times while Ambler screamed repeatedly that he suffered from a heart condition and could not breathe. Ambler died shortly after. The A&E reality show “Live PD”, who were at the time in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, had crews at the scene and filmed the incident. Investigators said they believed that Sheriff Chody and Live PD worked to prevent the release of the footage. Williamson County and Live PD’s contract allowed the show to destroy unused footage after 30 days unless a court order or federal or state law required it to be preserved. Live PD host Dan Abrams said on his website that the Sheriff’s Office initially asked for the video to be preserved but destroyed it two months later after Chody told them their investigation was completed. The video footage in question was requested by the Austin

Police Department Special Investigations Unit as part of their investigation into Ambler’s death. Chody failed to produce the footage. District Attorney Moore announced at the joint press conference that in October, a Grand Jury in Travis County is expected to hear evidence surrounding conduct related to the use of force in the death of Ambler. “A Travis County district court will call and panel a special grand jury in the third week of October,” said Moore. “When they are seated, the ﬁrst order of business will be the continued presentation of evidence regarding the tampering case that has been indicted here in Williamson County. That grand jury will then be in a position to hear evidence as to the death of Javier Ambler after the ﬁrst of the year.” Chody’s attorney, Gerry Morris, defended his client during a press conference held after

VOTE NOV 3 JUDGE 26TH DISTRICT

ty for the November election with a 62.25 percent turnout. In the last presidential election in 2016, there were 306,811 registered voters and a 67.1 percent turnout. Straight ticket voting had been eliminated in Texas effective with this election, but last-minute legal struggles have muddied that issue. “A federal judge in Laredo, ordered in a lawsuit, to reinstate straight-ticket voting on ballots in Texas,” Davis said. “(Monday) the ﬁfth appeals court granted a stay to that order, so we’re kind of in limbo right now waiting to see whether the temporary stay becomes a more permanent stay. We’ve got our machines with programming set and ready to go. We’ve already had public logic and accuracy tests. If this were to change it would probably necessitate a new public

logic and accuracy test, and the window is closing for us. We have to have machines ready to go and deployed well before that ﬁrst day of early voting

Oct. 13.” Davis said they hope to have a resolution before the end of

Chody’s release on bond Monday. “First of all, let me say that this indictment is 100 percent baloney. He is not guilty,” said Morris. “Sheriff Chody gave no order, no direction, instituted no policy, and had nothing to do with the destruction of any Live PD videos. There is not a single shred of evidence to say otherwise.” Morris said that the indictment is a result of the Ambler case being overlooked until the death of George Floyd. Morris says Chody is serving as the scapegoat. “What has happened here is the Javier Ambler case laid on somebody’s desk for months and didn’t become topical until George Floyd’s death,” Morris said. “Then through press reporting, it became an issue and a political campaign,” he said. “Somebody had to explain why nothing had been done. The reason nothing had been done is that it was determined that the deputies acted appropriately. When the heat was on, they had to blame somebody, so Sheriff Chody is the scapegoat. That’s what this case is about.” Morris also argued that the video evidence from Live PD

was not critical because of the body cam footage already in the hands of investigators. “To say that this is critical evidence is again baloney. There were body cameras, car dash-mounted cameras, there was an APD chopper in the air that followed Mr. Ambler’s ﬂeeing from the deputies. Those videos show what happened,” said Morris. “There is nothing on those Live PD videos that could alter the outcome of this case. The indictment says Sheriff Chody destroyed this evidence with the intent to keep it from being involved in the investigation. Why in the world would he do that? The video showed that his deputies did nothing wrong. I look forward to trying this case. I’m sorry that Sheriff Chody has to go through it. I’m sorry for Mr. Nassour also.” When Chody took the podium, he stated he was going to add perspective to the situation and shared a story of earlier run-ins with District Attorney Shawn Dick. “Early this year, one of my campaign volunteers was placing yard signs during the March primary that had been requested by my campaign

supporters. The volunteer placed the sign at the wrong home,” Chody said. “The homeowner was unhappy about this, and instead of complaining, a known supporter of my opponent who lived nearby ﬁled a complaint claiming intimidation. Since it was an honest mistake by a volunteer, I expected it handled quickly, but the D.A. dragged out the complaint. When I asked him for an update, he said he was considering referring the matter to the Texas Rangers or Attorney General’s ofﬁce. I couldn’t believe it and have no update on whether or not an investigation continues.” Chody said he believes this indictment is rooted in political issues and meant to derail his current campaign for a second term as Williamson County Sheriff. “As you can see, this is how petty our District Attorney Shawn Dick has been in the past,” he said. “So, it’s no surprise that he’s continued to act in a vindictive and politically motivated manner by seeking an indictment in this case. We are now about one month from the election, and the D.A. is just now acting on a case that is nearly two years old. The

facts are very clear, and let me be very clear. I did not tamper with evidence.” During District Attorney Dick’s press conference, he emphasized that the timing of the arrest and charges are not about the upcoming Nov. 3 election. “I’ve thought long and hard about timing. First of all, let’s make this very clear, we didn’t choose this timing,” Dick said. “This incident happened a long time ago. The Williamson County District Attorney’s office was just notified in May of 2020 of the death of Javier Ambler. At that time, we started to work with the Travis County D.A.’s office, and we found some information in June of 2020 that led us to start the investigation. We’ve done it diligently and as rapidly as we could. There is no right answer because do we hold onto this information through an election, or do you do it before? You can’t let that dictate your time table. You have to do what’s right according to the law.” Despite charges, under Texas Law, Chody can remain in office if charged with a crime but may be removed if convicted.

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selves to vote.” Davis wants to see early voting numbers increase to make coping with the higher numbers and challenges that brings more manageable. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott added an additional week to early voting to help ease the strain on polling locations due to COVID-19. “Voters need to take advantage of the 18 days of early voting starting on Oct. 13,” he said. “While we normally see a good 60 percent to two-thirds of in-person voters voting early, I want to see that number be higher. I’d love to see it be 80 percent of all voting in-person to be early voters.” During early voting and on Election Day, voters can check online on wait times at polling locations, which are expected to be updated regularly. In 2018, there were 336,148 registered voters in the coun-

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Thursday, October 1, 2020

ETHICS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Continued from Page A1

“I do not believe she has violated any Code of Ethics or anything else that I’ve read tonight,” she said. “So I’ll make a motion that we do nothing with this.” The motion passed by a 2-1 margin, with Council members Steve McIntosh and Rundzieher in favor and Tony DeYoung against. Canady abstained and Gram Lankford was absent. The decision Monday would have been the first step in the process of considering the complaint. Had the Council voted that the complaint merited an investigation, a hearing would have been scheduled to consider evidence on both sides of the issue. “If the allegations are sufficient to hear the complaint, at the next Council meeting there would be a hearing on the facts, whether or not any of it is true, and then a potential censure or other ramification.” The complaint Cleaves said the complaint alleged a violation of two sections of the Ethics Code and Rules of Conduct. The first reads: “Comply with

the law: City Officials shall comply with the laws of the nation, the State of Texas, and the City of Liberty Hill in the performance of their public duties. These laws include, but are not limited to: The United States and Texas Constitutions; laws pertaining to conflicts of interest, election campaigns, financial disclosures, employer responsibilities, and open processes of government, and city ordinances, resolutions and policies.” Expounding on the wording of the section, Cleaves emphasized the point about the performance of public duties. “Take that how you believe it should be interpreted, that City officials shall comply with the laws of the nation in the performance of their public duties,” Cleaves said. The second section dealt with Conduct of City Officials: “The professional and personal conduct of City Officials must be above reproach and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. City officials shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attack upon the character

or other motives of other City officials or employees, boards, commissions, committee, and citizen advisory committees.” He then spelled out more specifically the allegations in the complaint. “The action leading to these allegations leading to the filing of this complaint are two-fold as I understand them,” Cleaves said. “One is an alleged code violation, a violation of the UDC based on Ms. Canady’s current residence as declared on her City Council application and application for place 2 on the City Council ballot as 1000 Loop 332.” Curious questions At no time during the discussion did anyone make the case that Canady did not falsify a loan document or reside in her business downtown, choosing instead to ask questions focused more on justifying or marginalizing the issues raised in the complaint as irrelevant or not applicable. “Is there anything in the law forbidding a person from claiming a homestead in one location and living somewhere else?” Hall asked.

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Page A5

Cleaves responded that he did not have a good answer but said he “would not recommend that you claim a homestead in one location (and reside in another).” Canady spoke up, questioning whether it made a difference that the homestead declaration was made prior to her being appointed to the Council. “Does it matter is a question that y’all have to answer,” Cleaves responded. “Canady was not on City Council when she executed the document being referred to in this written complaint. She’s not under the Code of Ethics when she’s not on the Council.” The other issue was one of dissecting the zoning rules regarding downtown commercial zoning where the garage is located. McIntosh asked if the C2 downtown Commercial Zoning is for residential use, and Cleaves responded that “whatever zoning it has currently does allow for residential uses.” According to the UDC that zoning category does allow for residential use, but the proper-

ty must be designated a business or residence and is not eligible to serve as both. Neither Canady or the City of Liberty Hill said that a conditional use permit – needed to reside in the garage – had been applied for in the 14 months since her Council appointment. Canady’s business is an auto repair garage, and the UDC also speciﬁes under section 4.12.02 that home occupations are prohibited in garages -one of nine business type prohibitions listed. In addition, the argument was also made that because the garage had been in operation before the City was incorporated, possibly opening the door for Canady to reside on the property. “There is potential for nonconforming use being allowed to do whatever was there,” Cleaves said. “There’s no zoning violation I am aware of. It could be a building code problem, but there also could be nonconforming use protection.” But Canady has never claimed she lived there before

2019, meaning the property had not served historically as a residence. Canady said she has recently been forced out of the garage, alleging a complaint filed with the City. City officials said they had received no complaint. But Canady did receive a notice of code violation from the City for residing in the garage, which implies she was in violation of City Code. McIntosh asked what the impact was to Canady’s public duties, referencing that as part of what was cited in the Ethics Ordinance. “Has there been some kind of adverse action to her public duty that we’re not aware of, because that’s a requirement?” he asked. Cleaves said all they could consider was what was in the complaint. “I don’t see anything in it that there was any public duty effected by where she lives or by the execution of the financing document,” Cleaves said. McIntosh also asked why the complaint wasn’t brought

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Page A6

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 1, 2020

BUSINESS

Welcome Liberty Hill’s newest slice of the pie

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Tucked away in a shopping center across from Liberty Hill Elementary, Fratelli Pizza is taking the community by storm with their New York-style pizza. An extension of its sibling restaurant in Bertram, Fratelli is run by 27-year-old Nuki Pjetrovic, with the help of his father Nisko and his chef Agron Hoti. Just a month after opening their doors, the young business owner is stunned at the response from the community. “My uncle has the one in Bertram and Mambo Italiano. So, he brought us here to check the area, and we loved the community out here,” Nuki said. “We didn’t expect the business to boom right away. The people out here are like one big family. The community reminds me of back home where my dad comes from. It’s a small town, and everybody knows each other. It’s beautiful here.” Nuki’s father is a veteran of the pizza business and the perfect guide to help his son achieve his goals of growing his new restaurant. “I’ve made pizza for 40 years. My brother used to work for Italians back in New Jersey, and he came to Dallas and opened his business in 1978,” Nuki’s father Nisko said. “It’s hard work, long hours, but I mean, I don’t know anything else to do.” Hoti, an experienced chef for many years, started from humble beginnings in the kitchen as a dishwasher for Nuki’s father. Hoti believes the experience of rising through the ranks serves him far more than any kind of formal education. “I’m a chef, so I started in the kitchen, washing dishes, and worked my way up. I don’t have any diplomas, but I’ve been to culinary institutes where the instructors invited me to give lessons to kids up north,” he said. “I went and demonstrated how to make cheese, how to make pasta from scratch, how to make pizza dough from scratch.” Facing the uphill climb of owning and cultivating a young business, Nuki makes no qualms when admitting that

COMPLAINT

forward a year ago, and McFeron responded that the issue was brought forward, but that the Council should have acted on it when the story was ﬁrst published in The Independent. “It should have been brought forward to the Council by the Mayor when it came out in the paper,” she said. “ I mean, it’s your responsibility by your Code of Ethics.” Canady sat quietly through most of the discussion, only chiming in twice, once to comment on the Ethics Ordinance itself. “The Code of Ethics is a policy constructed by cutting and pasting things that aren’t necessarily even legal,” Canady said as McFeron made the argument that it was the Coun-

he needs Hoti and his father as pillars of support. “Agron, he’s from Brooklyn, he’s my solution to every problem I have. My dad is my backbone. He works his butt off. He preps the dough, he comes in 13, maybe 14 hours a day,” he said. “It’s nothing without family. I appreciate the work they do so much. For me to be a business owner and have these two guys beside me and guiding me is everything.” As a young business owner, Nuki is learning to manage all the growing pains and stresses that come with his venture. As time passes, the burden is becoming lighter. “At first, it was hard and very stressful. I was grabbing my forehead and thinking about how insane it was and how I didn’t know it was like this,” Nuki said. “After one month, the weight just came off my shoulders. We learned how to rearrange things so it could benefit all the workers. Every day it’s less stress and more weight off my shoulders.” Nuki admits that as a child, he was spoiled and would take his father’s lessons for granted. With life experience under his belt, Nuki understands the value of what his father was doing. “I was the only son. My dad would try and teach me things as a kid, and I used to not want to listen to him. As I grew older, I admired everything he told me and all the lessons he would try and teach me. I love him for that.” Thrown into the deep end of the pool, Nuki appreciates having to sink or swim. The young business owner believes his father and uncle are doing what’s best to help him grow on his own and forge his own path. “With this as my first business, my uncle and my dad are teaching me the hard way,” he said. “They aren’t giving me everything. I’m using what we make here to upgrade. They’re teaching me the right way and not the easy way, like when I was a kid and spoiled.” The artist While Nuki focuses on the business aspect of things, the kitchen serves as Hoti’s playground. His studio where he can craft different works of art,

like one of their signature pies, the Monte Cristo. The Monte Cristo is a stuffed pizza with ham, turkey, swiss, mozzarella, egg-washed and sprinkled with powdered sugar with grape jelly on the side. “When somebody lets you take the handcuff off as far as somebody that does this with a passion, when somebody sits down and says do what you want, I’m going crazy back there,” he said. “Once we get where we want to be, you’re not going to see the pizzas that we’re pumping out in big cities. I came down here, and we’re going to make it happen. This will be the spot where you go if you’re open-minded and you want to try different things. I like fusing the kitchen aspect of it into pizza, something you would normally get on a plate, and try and create that on a pizza where you can grab and go.” For Hoti, freshness is one of the most critical parts of providing customers with genuine experience. Patience is key to creating a pizza that goes beyond what can be found at a chain restaurant. “If I wouldn’t feed it to my family, I wouldn’t sell it to you. Everything is made to order, and that’s a big difference,” he said. “Some people don’t want to wait or have patience and want everything instantly. At a gas station, you can get a pizza, but it’ll be sitting there for a while. Here you come in and order it, and we make it how you want it here.” Hoti believes the edge they have over grab-and-go pie places is their ingredients are fresh or homemade. Pizza dough is made from scratch, toppings are chopped and prepped fresh, and eventually, mozzarella will be made in house once a week. “What a difference when you make your own homemade dough like we are. Anybody can get pizza anywhere. If you go to any corner store or gas station, you can get a pizza nowadays anywhere,” he said. “The difference between a mom and pop shop like this is that we actually make the dough in house. You have to take everything into consideration, like humidity. You have

Continued from Page A5 “The Code of Ethics is a policy constructed by cutting and pasting things that aren’t necessarily even legal. You (Sally McFeron, former Liberty Hill City Planner) don’t know. You’re not from here and you don’t know.”

Kathy Canady Liberty Hill City Council

cil’s responsibility to ensure it was enforced. What’s good for the Council? McFeron presented the argument that allowing Canady to be an exception to the zoning rules for residency would open the door for others to do the same. “You are going to be opening the door to people who

have businesses in the community that do not live in the city limits,” McFeron said. “This is a Pandora’s Box. If you’re allowing one, you’re going to end up allowing others. There’s no reason why someone else -- good people that run businesses and make money, and do things great in this city -- would not be able to just set up to live in their place

ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO

Father and son, Nuki and Nisko Pjetrovic, with chef Agron Hoti, are bringing New York-style pizza to the Liberty Hill community. to know how much yeast to put Even after working for hours “I used to do transportation in the dough, so you’re always on end multiple days of the and logistics, I was an operaconsistent with it. When you week, the bond between Nuki, tions manager, and I worked make things fresh, it’s hard to Nisko, and Hoti is tighter than young in my dad’s restaurant in keep up with. You have to have ever. Fort Worth. I wanted to do my everything on point.” “What’s cool is after work- own thing,” he said. “Our first The future ing all day, sometimes 13 or week was so hectic, and there As Nuki looks at the future of 14 hours a day together, you was so much support out here, his business and the first weeks would think we would hate it was unbelievable. There’s since opening, two things are each other’s guts, but we ac- more support here than we’ve apparent. Upgrades to equip- tually go out for a beer after seen in bigger cities. Doing ment like the pizza oven are work. Even after work, we still this with my family means evneeded to meet the unexpected hang out,” Hoti said. erything to me. They’re right demand and the need for new To Nuki, working alongside in front of me and right behind employees that are knowledge- his relatives and someone he me, supporting me. They’re able and prepared to get into sees as family is more than he there for me at all times. It the kitchen. could ask for as he makes his means the world to me.” “The most difficult thing I way forward with his dream. would say is the startup because there’s still a couple of things we have to upgrade in here so Continued from Page A4 we can handle faster service the week. website so they can get their for more orders,” he said. “It So far, the Department has own answers,” Davis said. takes time to find a couple of received 27,000 requests for There are 19 early voting employees that you can see ballot by mail, more than twice locations across the county, want to learn and be loyal and the previous high of about including the Liberty Hill Muwork hard. Right now, it’s just 12,000. nicipal Court building at 2801 us three and my mother and my “For the lion’s share of the RR 1869. There will also be sister. I’ve been trying to find a couple of workers. I’ve had folks who have applied so far, about 60 Election Day polling some walk-ins, but they didn’t our first mail drop is sched- locations. But due to space restraints know how to even dice onions uled for October 1, when we or took almost 30 minutes to will be mailing the first batch and the need to keep people soof domestic ballots by mail,” cially distanced, there could be wash one dish.” Davis said. “They can check, fewer machines at locations. after they have completed Some locations that are tradiand returned them, the status tionally used for voting are no of whether we have received longer options. of business so they can run for them or not, and they will also “We’ve dropped some, being City Council.” ultimately be able to see if nursing homes, assisted living Cleaves called that inaccu- their mail ballot has been ac- facilities, that are just off the rate. cepted or rejected by the early table now given that we’re “We’re not talking about voting ballot board.” operating in a pandemic situasomeone who moved here, For voters who plan to cast tion,” Davis said. you’re talking about the fu- their ballot by mail, Davis’ While Davis hopes everyone ture,” Cleaves said. “I under- suggestion is the same – do chooses to wear a mask when stand what you’re trying to so early. The elections depart- they go to vote, he reminds evsay, but the reality is if some- ment website has information eryone they can’t require it. one were to move into town, on how to request a mail ballot, “One of the unfortunate things set up a business, move into and the deadline to request one is we can’t require voters to their business, (we wouldn’t is Oct. 23. The department has have masks when they come let them).” already received more requests to vote,” Davis said. “We enMcFeron disagreed with the for ballot by mail than in any courage them to, we’ve put out claim Canady’s business had previous election. a really good video about what been used as a residence previ“We’re getting a lot of calls a voter can expect at a pollously, with Canady responding from folks interested in voting ing place. We want to reduce sharply. by mail and clearly they’re the points of contact, going as “You don’t know,” she said. doing it for the first time, so much contactless as we can at “You’re not from here and you they’re asking a lot of ques- the polling places, reducing the don’t know.” tions that we’re trying to an- places a succession of voters swer on the phone, but also have to touch.” provide an FAQ list on our

VOTING

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SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, October 1, 2020 Section B Page 1

Looking forward to ‘challenge’ Liberty Hill’s football squad will be tested by Del Valle

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor DEL VALLE -- When the Panthers secondary lines up against Del Valle on Friday night, across the line of scrimmage will be the top-rated wide receiver recruit in the entire country in Cardinals senior Caleb Burton – a player who has already received 37 scholarship offers from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Texas, USC and Stanford – just to name a few. So, when Liberty Hill head coach Jeff Walker speaks of his team being challenged by stepping up to play Class 6A opponents in this, their first season of being a Class 5A program, this is exactly what he’s talking about. “They also have a Division I running back,” said Walker. “We’re talking about a school system which has 11,000 students – they’re very athletic and it should be a real test for us.” However, the Panthers faced a similar test in the opener last week against another Class 6A squad in Killeen Ellison and emerged with a dominant 4425 home victory.

Still, Walker wasn’t completely happy with how his team played, he said. “We obviously need to cut down on our mistakes – we were just sloppy,” said Walker. “Stuff like snapping the ball right, not being where we’re supposed to be, committing turnovers and taking nine penalties.” One need look no further than a brief glance at some game film to discern this conclusion, he said. “Watch about 10 seconds of film and you’ll see it,” said Walker. “Careless mistakes we shouldn’t make after so many practice reps, like going the wrong way. But, all of it’s correctable.” Despite the harsh criticism of his club, Walker had to have been happy with his offense, which rolled up an impressive 520 rushing yards led by senior Trey Seward, who carried 27 times for 238 yards and three touchdowns on the evening. But, Seward wasn’t alone in the ground attack as fellow seniors Blake Simpson (19 carries, 135 yards, one touchdown) and Eric De La Cruz (17, 126, one TD) formed an

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Trey Seward (#20) had 27 carries for 238 yards and three touchdowns in Liberty Hill’s 44-25 season-opening home victory against Killeen Ellison on Sept. 25. unstoppable trio for senior defense staged a remarkable Walker added being up visits Panther Stadium, Walker quarterback Charlie Calabret- turnaround after being burned against so-called superior is hoping to find out a lot more ta, who also had an efficient for three long touchdowns sides with more athleticism about his team against Del Valperformance, including a 35- and 18 points in the opening doesn’t necessarily doom a le – but the most important asyard scoring pass to Seward in quarter against Ellison, not al- team to defeat, as his squad pect to him remains the same. the contest. lowing another point until the proved against Ellison. “We want to be challenged In all, the Panthers racked up Eagles scored a touchdown “Fundamentals, execution and and we want to get better,” he 555 yards of total offense and with 25 seconds remaining in doing things right does help to said. “I’ve never been a coach 638 all-purpose yards on the the game. a certain extent,” he said. “But, to worry about the scoreboard Junior linebacker Andon then again, we train year- – I’m happy no matter what night, something that is encouraging to Calabretta. Thomas led the charge with 10 round, so we get a lot stronger. happens as long as we go out “We’re really rolling offen- tackles and a sack, while se- We want every game to be a and play hard and play well.” sively,” he said. niors Canyon Schirpik, Luke toughman contest.” With the district opener alOn the other side of the line Huddleston and Bryce Rampy ready on Oct. 9 when Crockett of scrimmage, the Panthers’ each added five tackles.

LHHS defensive specialist plays with reckless abandon

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Haley Kuhlmann proudly shows off the bruises on her elbows as if the contusions are badges of honor earned during hard-fought battles on the volleyball court. “My duty is to make sure no balls hit the floor,” said Kuhlmann, a Liberty Hill junior defensive specialist. “But, I’m the worst diver.” During the Lady Panthers home match against Killeen Ellison on Sept. 22, Kuhlmann walked to the bench during a play stoppage displaying the latest rip in the right sleeve of her purple jersey – to go with the holes that were already there – after a particularly harrowing passage of play, which once again found her face down on the floor. But, no worries – all part of the job description, she said. “I love being a libero – I’m always on the court,” said Kuhlmann, who is in her second season of playing the position after being converted from being an outside hitter during her freshman campaign. “I just throw my body at the ball.” However, it requires much more than just grit and no regard for one’s physical well-being to be a good defensive specialist, said Liberty Hill head coach Gretchen Peterson. “Physically, you have to be able to feel the position,” she

Haley Kuhlmann (#21) isn’t afraid to throw herself to the floor with reckless abandon in pursuit of loose balls – and has the bruises to prove it. said. “But, you’re also the one “Also, playing against (Class) cially in one very important my reads are better than beplayer who is on the court for 4A competition was pretty aspect. fore,” she said. “Also, I al“More than anything, Ha- ways know where my block is every play of a match, so you boring because most of the need to be that steady constant balls were easy to play.” ley’s a lot more confident this – the brain sees it and the body Not so this year as the Lady season because it’s not brand- goes.” out there because you work A defensive specialist is akin in every rotation, can see the Panthers have moved up to new anymore,” said Peterson. entire court on every ball and Class 5A competition, said “She’s also continued to ma- to a quarterback in football in you really set the tone for the Kuhlmann. ture along with the fact last that one must maintain propentire team.” “This year, we’re playing year she was also moving up er control over proceedings Setting the tone is something teams who actually know how from JV to varsity, which was regardless of whatever chaos Kuhlmann has absolutely no to hit,” she said. “So, they’re another adjustment.” breaks out all around, said problem with – in fact it’s good at placing balls where As a result, Kuhlmann is able Kuhlmann. something she soaks up – now you’re not.” to be more efficient on the “You always have to be under According to Peterson, the court, she said. control and keep your teammore than ever due to her inyear of experience Kuhlmann “I always know where I need mates cool if they get upset,” creased experience. “Last season, I had to adjust now has under her belt has to be on defense and I’m get- she said. “You have to be able to a new position,” she said. done a world of good – espe- ting to the ball faster because to get them back in the right

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor As a distance runner, one must learn when to step firmly on the accelerator and when to apply the brakes a bit. Over the course of a threemile cross country race, there are many moments when an athlete must make split-second decisions. Should I stay with this opponent on my shoulder or let them go? Is it more important to stick with my strategy or do I need to push the pace? If I run harder now, will I still have enough left in the tank for a kick down the final stretch on the way to the finish line? All legitimate concerns, said Liberty Hill junior Emma Hiebner. “Things definitely do change when you’re out there during a race,” she said. To say the least. According to Hiebner, she has a plan to properly pace herself from beginning to end of a race.

“Usually, I’ll go a little slower for the first mile because most people tend to sprint out from the start, but that can affect you later,” said Hiebner. “During the second mile, I’ll go a little faster, then I’ll start pushing harder around the first 800 meters of the stretch at a comfortable fast pace.” Of course, that doesn’t mean it always goes that way. Another factor to consider is how the terrain forces a runner to alter his or her stride to properly absorb the sudden elevation changes transitioning from up to down, she said. “Sometimes, if a course is more hilly or if it’s flatter, that also makes a difference,” said Hiebner. “When you’re running downhill, you always want to extend your stride and run slower because usually when you hit the bottom, it takes about five seconds on the straightaway to speed back up again.” Considering race results are calculated down to the hundredth-of-a-second, a passage

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mindset.” Kuhlmann said she sometimes misses being a hitter, but the excitement she used to get from hammering home a winner at the net has now been replaced with the thrill of being at the other end of the offensive supply line. “Honestly, when I make a really good save, it gets my adrenaline going,” she said. “Now, my job is to be low and fast I feel like a good save is a lot more rare.” Peterson added Kuhlmann’s selfless nature means she’s never one to seek the spotlight herself. “Haley really values the team,” she said. “She loves celebrating for her teammates – in fact, she celebrates more for them than she does for herself.” For Kuhlmann, making the transition from the front line to the backcourt a year ago was made much smoother due to the fact she knew Peterson would never put her in a position to fail, she said. “She’s a very smart coach who knows and believes you can do something,” said Kuhlmann. “Which made me want to fight and work hard because she had faith in me and I didn’t want to let her down.” But, that’s just the thing about Kuhlmann, said Peterson. “Haley’s very selfless and is

See VOLLEYBALL, Page B4

Runners must know how to ease off the gas during races

of time, which might seem like a blink of an eye, can go a long way toward moving up or down the finishing order, she said. “Definitely,” said Hiebner. “It can make a big difference at the finish line. At district last year, I finished one-tenth of a second ahead of someone.” Liberty Hill head coach Kim Holt said the ability to know how to gauge one’s pace is something that runners can ultimately only learn through going through it first-hand. “I think the runners with experience have an easier time with it,” she said. “So, the younger runners tend to struggle a bit more – sometimes they’re scared to leave their comfort zone.” In that case, steps must be taken in training to promote an atmosphere that makes it more comfortable to be uncomfortable, said Holt. “In practice, we give them goal times to see if they can hit them,” she said. “Mostly, it’s a mental thing – they have to get

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Emma Hiebner (#707) has adjusted her race pace at the longer distance she and her Lady Panthers teammates are competing at in Class 5A.

to the point where they know they can do it, so we keep increasing what we expect of them.” Of course, the best way to reinforce this method is for young runners to see lower numbers on the clock when they cross the finish line, said

Holt. “Certainly, it helps to see their times go down,” she said. “Also, we ran some 5-kilometer races last season, so they have to figure out how each race goes.” Hiebner said she and her teammates take on the respon-

sibility of helping to build up the squad’s younger runners – even during races. “For example, with (freshman) Avery Holland,” she said. “She seems to have a mental block and thinks she

See RUNNERS, Page B4

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 1, 2020

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

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Liberty Hill’s defense – including Carter Hudson (#24), Preston Shepherd (#27), Bryce Rampy (#34) and Blake Wilson (#56) – shut down the Ellison offense after a shaky opening quarter in the Panthers’ 44-25 home victory to open the season on Sept. 25.

Panthers pounce on Eagles in opener, 44-25

LHHS scored 38 unanswered points after falling behind early

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Welcome to Class 5A. Or, at least that’s probably what many in attendance were thinking at the outset of proceedings on Friday night at Panther Stadium, as the home side found itself behind after only 17 seconds had elapsed off the game clock in the season-opener against Killeen Ellison in Liberty Hill’s debut in the higher classification. After the Panthers had won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, the Eagles quickly struck for a 59-yard scoring pass on the game’s first play from scrimmage for a 6-0 lead after the extra point was missed. Approximately eight-and-ahalf minutes later, the visitors added another six points on an 81-yard touchdown run and another missed conversion for a 12-0 advantage. However, after senior Trey Seward had finally put the Purple-and-Gold on the board with 1:18 left in the opening period, the Panthers were able to right the ship and cruise to a 44-25 victory over their Class 6A opponents. According to Liberty Hill head coach Jeff Walker, his club may just have been a bit starstruck as the season finally began after both a delayed start and much anticipation. “We settled down and started playing,” said Walker. “Our eyes were a little big at the beginning.” Indeed, the score was 18-6 in favor of Ellison as the first quarter ended – but those would be the last points the Eagles would score in the contest until only 25 seconds remained in the game. What transpired in between was quite remarkable as the Panthers scored 38 unanswered points in between Ellison’s third and fourth scores of the night, as three Liberty Hill players went over 100 yards in rushing, led by Seward’s 238 on 27 carries to go with three touchdowns. After Seward had scored his second touchdown of the night

on a 14-yard run with 10:38 left in the second stanza and successfully run in a two-point conversion to close the gap to 18-14, the Panthers’ defense began to growl. Liberty Hill forced a threeand-out on Ellison after Carter Hudson and Austin Bourgeois double-teamed an Eagles receiver to break up a pass on 3rd-and-11 from the Ellison 45-yard-line, forcing a punt. Once the Panthers took over again on offense at their own 25, Seward and fellow senior Blake Simpson took turns hammering the Ellison defense until the home side faced a third-down play near the Eagles’ red zone. Senior quarterback Charlie Calabretta then dropped back into the pocket and found a wide-open Seward for a 35yard scoring pass to take a 2118 lead with only 1:17 left until halftime, which was where the score sat at the midway interval. Walker took a matter-of-fact approach to his team’s potency through the air. “It was something that was there all night because of how they were playing us and opened up the passing game,” he said. “But, I’m hard-headed – we need to work more on our blocking.” As the Liberty Hill offense gained traction, the defense followed suit, smothering Ellison’s attack time and again after allowing the trio of long scores earlier in the contest. Andon Thomas, Luke Huddleston and Canyon Schirpik were among the chief playmakers for the Panthers’ defense on the evening, which culminated with the latter recovering a fumble after Liberty Hill has pushed the Eagles back against their own goal line late in the fourth quarter to help close the deal. Perhaps the Panthers’ ferociousness on the evening was best illustrated by senior Eric De La Cruz’s bruising 18-yard gain in the third quarter when he carried a gang of Eagles’ tacklers the final 10 yards before finally being brought

down inside the Ellison 10yard line, which set up his own one-yard scoring rumble two plays later for a 28-18 lead. After the Panthers’ defense had once again backed up the Eagles to the point where the visitors were forced to punt from their own end zone, a bad snap caused a safety before De La Cruz powered another score home from a yard out and Simpson scored the final Liberty Hill points of the night on an 11-yard touchdown run with 5:20 remaining to make it a 44-18 game. Ellison’s last minute touchdown only made the score somewhat more respectable, but it was the Panthers who proudly walked off the field with the victory. Simpson ran 19 times for 135 yards and a touchdown, while De La Cruz had 17 carries for 126 yards and a pair of touchdowns. In addition, freshman Noah Long broke off a 20-yard run in the fourth quarter in his varsity debut. Liberty Hill racked up 470 yards of total offense in the game, with 435 on the ground, picking up in its new Class 5A home right where it left off in Class 4A. However, Walker was only somewhat impressed by his team’s performance, he said. “We had some kids do what we expect them to do,” said Walker. “But, Ellison’s defense wasn’t very good – it was really them more than it was us. Our effort was good, but we really need to work more on our technique and the overall physicality of our game.” Liberty Hill (1-0) will next face a tough road contest against another Class 6A side in Del Valle on Oct. 2 – a contest Walker believes will reveal much more about his own squad, he said. “I think we’ll know a lot more about us after that game,” said Walker. “We can’t start bad like we did tonight against good teams.”

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Well, now. Seems as if Liberty Hill’s gridiron gladiators acquitted themselves quite well on the field of battle during their first engagement on the Class 5A football landscape. After all the talk of how the Purple-and-Gold were moving up in class and would find themselves matched up against schools with larger enrollments featuring bigger, faster and stronger players, Friday evening at Panther Stadium provided us with a glimpse of what can happen when a welloiled machine meets a seeming juggernaut. Liberty Hill’s 44-25 victory over Class 6A Killeen Ellison was a blueprint of exactly how

the Panthers need to conduct business against these socalled “more athletic” teams. However, there was an opening punch-in-the-mouth delivered by the visiting Eagles in the form of a 59-yard touchdown pass on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Watching the ball spiral perfectly about 40 yards in the air before falling into a wide-open receiver’s hands followed by an out-sprint of the Panthers’ secondary after the catch was truly a thing of beauty. The Ellison coaches in the press box certainly thought so and were up out of their seats hooting and hollering as the ball crossed the goal line. But, more about them later. There was also the 81-yard scoring run that would soon follow and it was 12-0 (after a pair of missed extra points), which provided a “How do you do? Welcome to the big time!” moment for the home

side. Ellison would go on to add another six points (can anyone make a kick?), but not before senior Trey Seward pulled a score back for the Panthers with an 18-yard scoring run and the scoreboard read 18-6 at the end of the first quarter. But, then a funny thing happened in Pantherville. Following the opening-period hiccups, it was like the home team looked around and said, “You know what? We can play with these guys!” Indeed, play they did – to the tune of 38 unanswered points after that first quarter, before the Eagles tacked on a meaningless garbage-time score with only 25 seconds left in the game to provide a somewhat-more-respectable final margin. But, not that much more respectable. It appears the bigger, faster, stronger team had been van-

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Charlie Calabretta (#4) is certainly fired up about finally being the Panthers’ starting quarterback during his senior season.

Passes and putts par for the course Quarterback at ease on gridiron, golf course

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Whether facing a tough third-down situation on a football field or a 10-foot birdie putt on a golf course, Charlie Calabretta is equally at ease. In fact, the Liberty Hill senior quarterback is convinced being good at one makes him better at the other. “In golf, you have to be mentally stable at all times and the same thing with football,” said Calabretta, who is also the Panthers’ No. 1 golfer. “You really need to have it together in both.” Learning the responsibilities that accompany being the starting signal-caller for a varsity football squad is exactly the kind of experience Calabretta’s parents wanted him to have, which is what got him on the gridiron in the first place, he said. “Yeah, my parents wanted me to be involved in an organized team sport, so I could learn all the valuable life lessons which come along with it,” said Calabretta. “Things like having a boss – which is your coach, as well as being able to lead people yourself.” Calabretta began playing football at age six, along with baseball, basketball and many others – but there was one in particular that captivated him, he said. “I was really focusing on golf because that’s what I thought I could be best at,” said Calabretta. “So, I didn’t even play football in seventh grade.” However, all that soon changed and after returning to football in eighth grade, Calabretta found himself third on the depth chart at quarterback on the Panthers’ freshman squad after having played wide receiver all the way up that point – a change of position he still doesn’t quite know the reason for. “I don’t know, there was something about being a receiver I liked,” he said. “But, for whatever reason, I switched.” Calabretta’s progression up the ladder was accelerated

that first year of high school when the team’s starter was injured in – ironically enough – a golf cart accident. “Unbelievable, I know,” said Calabretta, of the conditions surrounding his ascendancy to all of a sudden being the starter for the rest of that season. “I hadn’t played quarterback at all and didn’t know anything about the system.” Three games into his sophomore season, Calabretta was elevated to the varsity roster, where he became starter Jacob Cearley’s backup, which he remained for that season and the next before assuming starting responsibilities this fall as a senior. According to Calabretta, filling in for an injured Cearley last year helped ready him for what he would face during his senior campaign. “Starting those games last year helped me tremendously,” said Calabretta. “Now, I’m not as naive as I was then and I’m a lot more calm.” Something else that is different this season is the number on Calabretta’s jersey, having traded in 12 and donned the number four, instead. “I always wanted a single-digit number,” he said. “Don’t really know why.” But, the numerical switch has caused somewhat of a conundrum for Calabretta, as the back window of his truck still features a “12” left over from last season. “Guess I need to get that changed,” he said. Speaking of his ride – a white full-sized Chevy Silverado, which is lifted with oversized tires, Calabretta has a bit of an old-school taste when it comes to the tunes that emanate from his speakers as he rolls down the road. “Oh, yeah, I definitely need my rock-and-roll,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I still like my rap, but give me some Van Halen – old-school with David Lee Roth and we’re good.” Back on the field, now that he finds himself on the other end of the quarterback-wide receiver connection, Calabretta certainly enjoys the

opportunity to air the ball out – as he did with a 35-yard touchdown pass to teammate Trey Seward in the Panthers’ season-opening 44-25 home victory over Killeen Ellison – but he also realizes those chances will probably be few and far between within the framework of Liberty Hill’s Slot-T offense. “Of course, we’re going to stick with the running game because that’s who we are – we want to be more physical, tire teams down and then take advantage,” he said. “But, I think being able to throw the ball at times is critical, too – especially now that we’re in Class 5A.” There’s also the hair. Calabretta features shoulder-length variety, which has become part of his persona over the past couple of years, he said. “Around the middle of 10th grade, I decided to let it grow,” he said. “I always wanted long hair.” So, what of his parents’ view on the matter? “They don’t care as long as I kept it clean,” said Calabretta. Concerning academics, Calabretta said his favorite subject in school is the health class, which is taught by one of his coaches in Panthers defensive coordinator Kent Walker. “It’s something I can learn to use outside of school, like putting the right kinds of food in my body, for example,” he said. “Also, I just like learning about human behavior.” As far as the future beyond high school goes, Calabretta is keen on making a living in the real estate industry – but only a very specific kind, he said. “I want to sell ranches,” he said. “Not houses, just land – I’m an outdoors person.” At the moment, though, the only territory Calabretta is concerned with is the 100 yards between end zones on Friday nights this fall as he realizes a longtime ambition. “All of this feels awesome,” he said. “I always wanted to be in this position.”

visitors had been completely broken by that point in the contest. By the way, Liberty Hill quarterback Charlie Calabretta apparently pulled a page out of the Ellison playbook, as the senior signal-caller perfectly lofted a 35-yard touchdown pass to a streaking Seward in the waning moments of the first half. So, there. Somewhat lost in the shuffle of the offensive display was an inspiring performance by the Panthers’ defense after rebounding from the early Ellison assault. Andon Thomas lead the charge, with 10 tackles and a sack on the contest, while seniors Canyon Schirpik, Luke Huddleston and Bryce Rampy all made life miserable for Eagles’ ballcarriers the entire game. Thomas – only a junior – also punted and played quarter-

back in the game, showing the kind of all-around athleticism which is usually only found on – dare we say? – more “athletic” teams. Ask Ellison how that one worked out as they got back on the bus after the game a thoroughly-defeated football team. Sure, it was only one game. This week’s road test against another Class 6A opponent in Del Valle will certainly tell us a lot more about the Panthers’ mettle with the district opener looming only a week after that contest. But, for one night anyway, it was all-systems-go for the Purple-and-Gold in their brave new world of Class 5A competition. Just think how good they could be if they actually had “better” athletes. Sorry, but we’ll take brains over brawn any time.

Smarter players beat ‘better’ athletes quished by the smarter side who demonstrated how fundamentals and executing a game plan still goes a very long way toward victory – even against a so-called superior opponent. In fact, as the fourth quarter wore down, those same Ellison coaches who were so beside themselves with joy early on in the proceedings had been summarily shut down – as were their players down on the field. One could sense a feeling of utter frustration and befuddlement on behalf of the Eagles’ eyes in the sky once they realized they had no answer for what their opponents had been doing to them all night. Blake Simpson rumbled in from 11 yards out for the Panthers’ final points of the night to make it 44-18 on a play during which the bruising senior back could’ve walked into the end zone, as it was clear the will and spirit of the

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Thursday, October 1, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Lady Panthers lose five-setter to Rouse to open district

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor LEANDER -- All last season during the Lady Panthers’ final year of Class 4A volleyball, they failed to lose even a single set during district play in cruising to another championship. However, that was last year. After dropping the opening set of this season’s district schedule to Rouse on Sept. 29 – and then the second, as well – Liberty Hill battled back, but ultimately fell short to the Lady Raiders by a score of 3-2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-12). Sophomore Kaileigh Truslow led the Lady Panthers with 23 kills in an inspired performance, but the Purple-andGold still suffered defeat in their first district away match of the current campaign. Despite the loss – the second straight after losing to second-ranked Brenham only three days earlier – Liberty Hill head coach Gretchen Peterson was still encouraged with her club’s courageous comeback against Rouse. “Coming back from being two sets down isn’t easy,” she said. “We responded well and made adjustments, but Rouse is a good team, so we still have plenty to work on.” Early on, it looked as if it was going to be a rough night for the visitors, as the Lady Panthers fell behind in the opening set by a 7-2 margin, prompting Peterson to call a time-out. But, despite a Maddi Rowley block and an Ailie Hair kill shortly thereafter, the Lady Raiders continued their assault on the Liberty Hill defense until Truslow recorded her first kill of the match, which seemed to spark the Lady Panthers. Truslow added another five kills, along with a pair of aces in the first stanza and the Lady Panthers got as close as 24-20, but Rouse managed to hold on for the set victory. The second set began with a more competitive tone and Liberty Hill took its first lead of the match at 3-2 after Emma Becker hammered home a winner and built the lead to as much as

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Emma Parsons (#10) collected 30 assists in a pair of road matches, including 14 in the Lady Panthers’ 3-0 (25-13, 25-10, 25-17) victory over Pflugerville on Sept. 25. 14-8 before Rouse came back to win by the slimmest of margins at 25-23. Emma Parsons opened the third set with an ace, but soon Liberty Hill once again found themselves trailing. Only until they retook the lead at 11-10 did the Lady Panthers begin to gain momentum, as Truslow had six kills in the set, to go with blocks by Hair and Bailey Becker and Liberty Hill was back in the match with a 25-23 set win. Emma Becker provided a kill and a block on back-to-back plays at the outset of the fourth set, followed by a Haley Kuhlmann ace and then it was Bailey Becker’s turn to dominate at the net, with three consecutive winners for the visitors. But, the home side remained resilient until the Lady Panthers pulled ahead once and for all at 17-16 before winning, 25-20 and forcing a fifthset tiebreaker. Liberty Hill managed to build a 7-4 advantage in the fifth, but

it was the hosts who came back this time on the way to a 15-12 set victory and the match win. In addition to Truslow’s heroics, Hair had 10 kills for the Lady Panthers, while Parsons and Emma Becker posted 24 and 23 assists, respectively. Truslow and Parsons each served three aces, while Emma Becker picked up three blocks, with Rowley and Hair each getting a pair. Parsons led with eight digs and Rowley had seven on the match. Peterson praised a pair of her players after the match for their contributions. “Bailey (Becker) did a really good job of filling in on the front line for us,” she said. “Maddi (Rowley) really stepped up on our back row.” As for Truslow’s huge night, Peterson credited her teammates, as well. “Kaileigh did a great job,” she said. “Everyone was doing good finding her.” Concerning the rough start to

this season’s district schedule, Peterson said it’s exactly what she expects to see all the way through, with tough matches every time out on the court. “I think tonight was very telling of how our district is going to be,” she said. “But, I’m glad we get to play Rouse again.” Liberty Hill (6-2, 0-1) will next open the home portion of the district schedule against Leander Friday at 6:30 p.m. Brenham After an opening stretch of the new season which saw the Lady Panthers of Liberty Hill storm to a 6-0 start to the campaign against tough competition, that success was interrupted by Brenham in a 3-0 (23-25, 23-25, 24-26) road defeat on Sept. 26. In a match which was decided by the slimmest margin possible, sophomore outside hitter Kailiegh Truslow continued her inspired early-season play in leading Liberty Hill with eight kills on the match, as Ailie Hair, Emma Becker and

Maddi Rowley all added seven. Junior setter Emma Parsons contributed a squad-best 16 assists, while Becker had 14, along with eight digs on the day. Hair also served four aces and blocked four shots, with Parsons picking up three aces and senior Ashleigh Dubbs recording an ace. Truslow also led the Lady Panthers with 13 digs on the match. Road win The previous day saw Liberty Hill visit Pflugerville and emerge with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-10, 25-17) victory over their namesakes who are also known as the Panthers. Becker hammered home 11 kills in the contest, as Hair, Dubbs and Rowley all added five. Parsons had 14 assists, three aces and three digs, while Becker added three blocks and 12 assists. Truslow had three blocks and

Haley Kuhlmann collected six digs in the victory. JV Liberty Hill’s junior varsity squad managed to pick up a straight-sets 2-0 (25-16, 2927) over Brenham, as Morgan Poulain provided fives kills and three blocks for the Lady Panthers. Lauren Fletcher added four kills, while Dara Hawkins had 12 assists. Sarah McLeod had a pair of aces to go with nine digs, with Olivia Hodges also serving two aces, with Mackenzie Bamsch and Paris Hunter each getting one. Victory also arrived in the form of a 2-0 (25-19, 25-18) win over Pflugerville, with Poulain and Jordan Stratton sharing the honors with five kills apiece. Hawkins has 13 assists, while Poulain also had three blocks and Courtney Strobel and McLeod each added four digs in the match. The Lady Panthers suffered defeat in the district opener with a 2-0 (23-25, 22-25) loss to Rouse. Poulain and Hodges each had five kills, while Hawkins picked up 12 assists. Freshmen Liberty Hill’s freshman squad picked up a 2-0 (25-22, 25-10) win over Brenham, as Gigi Mason led the Lady Panthers with 11 kills and Kealy Dirner added six. Carson Glenn had 17 assists, while Kylie Hutchinson and Glenn each had five digs in the win. Madison Hamlin led with six kills, while Merrill Madison added four in a 2-0 (25-18, 25-14) district-opening win against Rouse. Glenn had 17 assists and Dirner nine digs in the win. Flex The Lady Panthers’ flex squad lost to Rouse, 2-0 (10-25, 1625), as Lilly Kostroun had three kills, while Brooke Constantino recorded 10 assists and Hannah Smith 10 digs in the loss.

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

LAURA COLEMAN PHOTO

Sophie Sherman and No. 1 girls’ doubles partner Ellis Young did well in winning their opening district match of the season at home against Rouse on Sept. 22.

Jacob Russell (#721) was the highest finisher for the Liberty Hill boys with an eighth-place showing in a time of 17:16.2, as the Panthers won the team competition with 55 points at the McNeil Invitational on Sept. 26.

COUNTRY BRIEFS Adjusting well to life in Class 5A CROSS Boys win at McNeil

Tennis team is off to rousing start to the season

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Much has been made of Liberty Hill’s jump to Class 5A athletics this season. No longer would there be the kind of district dominance we’ve seen across the board in recent years. Only thing is nobody told the Panthers tennis team. Despite the fact it’s still early in the new season, head coach Sherry Rhoden’s squad has burst from the starting gate with a newfound enthusiasm. “This year, Coach Sherry’s thing was for us to be united as a team,” said junior Ethan Wukasch. “I can definitely tell we’re more of a team now and it makes me feel a lot more comfortable.” So comfortable, in fact, Wukasch has already moved up the ladder to the No. 4 spot in boys’ singles after beginning the season as the Panthers’ No. 6. “My goal this season is to move up as far as I can,” he

said. “But, the players still above me have more experience.” Wukasch added he has been working this fall to both improve his serve, as well as doing a better job of hitting shots deeper in the backcourt against his opponents and has already seen the fruits of his labor begin to blossom. “When I can see I’m starting to do those things, it really boosts my confidence,” he said. “From there, I want to do even better.” This kind of positive reinforcement followed by positive results is one of Rhoden’s biggest talking points as far as her overall coaching philosophy goes, she said. “Some coaches will just tell players what they want to hear,” she said. “But, I want to know what they’re actually thinking. I always tell them ‘If you trust me and let me do my job as a coach, we can do some things.’ I think we have a good enough relationship to

be able to do that.” Along those lines, following the Panthers’ district-opening 13-6 home victory over Rouse, Rhoden had a homework assignment for each of her players. “We had a team meeting after the match and I told each one of them they needed to e-mail me with what they thought two of their weaknesses they need to work on was,” she said. “All season we’ve been working on weaknesses and I think I’m a positive enough person to be able to do that without them crying about it.” Against Rouse, Liberty Hill won 10 of the 11 doubles’ matches to all but clinch the win before a ball was even hit in singles, including six of the matches going to a tiebreaker, with the Panthers winning four of them – something which was a very good sign, said Rhoden. “What that tells me is they

See TENNIS, Page B4

Following up their victory at the Waco Invitational the previous week, Liberty Hill’s boys’ cross country squad posted another win, this one at the McNeil Invitational on Sept. 26. The Panthers finished with 55 points to Mansfield Summit, who scored 56 in second place. Jacob Russell led the way for Liberty Hill with a strong eighth-place finish in 17:16.2. Despite the fact Mansfield claimed the top two spots – including winner Jackson Cichon (15:36.1), Liberty Hill’s consistency paid off dividends, as six Panthers crossed the line in the top 15 in the running order. Freshman Caden Glenn was 10th in 17:19.2, while teammates Cayden Branch (11th, 17:24.5), Greg Miller (12th, 17:37.4) and senior Cade Johnson (14th, 17:49.8) rounded out the points-paying positions for the Panthers. Ryan McCarn (15th, 17:50.5), Isaiah De La Garza (20th, 18:03.1), Brandon Colicher (24th, 18:09.5) and Toby

Rimann (32nd, 19:29.1) also finished for Liberty Hill.

Girls finish fourth

Liberty Hill girls placed fourth with 87 points, behind winners Humble Kingwood, who finished with 27. Senior Ayanna Donwerth finished second in 18:56.8, behind winner Abigail Wilson of Montgomery, who crossed the line in 18:37.9. Angela Mena cracked the top 15 with a 13th-place result in 21:23.7, while teammates Natalie Roth (21st, 21:58.8), Tyler Goode (28th, 22:34.7), Emma Hiebner (29th, 22:54.4), Amelia Clancy (32nd, 23:12.4), Olga Albarran (34th, 23:28.9), Avery Holland (35th, 23:30.6) and Ashley Price (36th, 23:35.3) also finished for the Panthers. Liberty Hill will next compete at the Georgetown Invitational on Oct. 3.

Junior Varsity

On Sept. 24, the Liberty Hill junior varsity competed at the Belton Invitational, a meet at which only individual results were recorded.

Summer Lewis was the highest-placing Lady Panthers runner on the day, with an 11thplace showing in a time of 22:18.3. Sophie Revere was 20th in 22:55.0, followed by teammates Makenzy Webb (21st, 22:59.5), Eimilie (23rd, 23:05.7), Anne Deamaral (32nd, 23:41.1), Megan Pfeiler (37th, 24:11.7) and Sofia Fernandez (39th, 24:32.0) also finished for Liberty Hill. Senior Noah Ybarra was the Panthers’ highest finisher in the boys’ race, with a 15thplace result in 17:50.80, while teammates Jack Roth (17th, 17:54.50) and Jason Hiebner (19th, 18:04.70) also finished in the top 20. Also finishing were Luke Lande (25th, 18:29.40), Christopher Higginbotham (28th, 18:34.90), Jackson Hope (36th, 18:49.00), Caden Garner (37th, 18:51.60), Jessie Anaya (45th, 19:17.90), Braden Gilbert (49th, 19:26.60) and Camden Ersham (59th, 20:14.10) also finished.

Page B4

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 1, 2020

PANDEMIC PASTIMES

Learning together cooking with Itzel

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Liberty Hill resident Itzel Rios doesn’t claim to be a chef and says she is just fueled by a passion to experiment in the kitchen. The dedicated mother of three uses her self-cultivated skills to share her recipes with the Liberty Hill community through her YouTube channel, “Aprendiendo Juntas Cocinando Con Itzel”. “My YouTube channel is in Spanish and is called ‘Aprendiendo Juntas Cocinando Con Itzel’ or Learning Together Cooking with Itzel,” said Rios. “I’m passionate about cooking, I’m not a chef whatsoever, but I love to cook for my husband and my kids, and that’s why I started the channel.” Understanding the struggles all mothers face when decid-

ing what to make for dinner and keep things fresh, Rios decided to share some of her own easy recipes. “I started the channel because I know a lot of moms that would ask themselves what they should cook each day, and I thought I should do my recipes,” said Rios. “They’re easy recipes, and anyone can do them, kids can do them, and I use budget-friendly things for them to use. That’s how my channel started.” A signiﬁcant reason for starting her channel was the desire to help those who may not see many options in their kitchen. “One of the biggest reasons I did this was to share the recipes because we were going through the pandemic,” she said. “I wanted people that didn’t have the means or a lot

of food to be able to go beyond whatever they did have and multiply it into more.” Rios began cooking at a young age, but it wasn’t until later in life that she began to try more advanced dishes for her family. “I was privileged to have my mom, I’m the youngest of 12 siblings,” she said. “I was privileged to always have my mom there to cook for me. I would cook little things when I was young, and when I got married, I started really cooking more things.” Rios’ daughter Emily and her softball team, the Texas Ruthless Futures ATX, have practice until late in the evening and often found themselves without the time to eat a proper meal. “Their practices were on Tues-

can’t physically do it when she gets to a certain point in a race, but I just keep verbally telling her she can. It’s so important to push yourself to know you can always go faster – you can’t limit yourself.” Only adding to the conundrum – at least for the girls this season – is the increase in race length from three kilometers to ﬁve, which is a result of the Panthers’ move up to Class 5A competition this season, whereas the boys had already been competing at the longer distance in Class 4A. As a result, runners like Hieb-

ner, who already had a set routine at the shorter distance, needed to reassess and adjust accordingly due to the fact this season, when a Class 4A race would be over at the two-mile mark, there’s still another entire mile to go before reaching the ﬁnish line – something that isn’t lost on Hiebner or her Lady Panthers teammates, she said. “Now, I have to pace out my stamina more,” said Hiebner. “Before, I could go out faster because it was shorter race.” In addition to all of the other adjustments, Hiebner has been

dealing with a painful elbow injury all season, which affects her overall form, making training and races even more challenging, she said. “They think it’s extreme tendinitis,” said Hiebner. “When you run, you always want to keep your arms bent and now I have to think about that during a race as opposed to relying on muscle memory and at times, the pain can be overbearing.” Along those lines, Hiebner said her body will provide signs for her concerning if she’s pushing the pace too much or not enough.

a hard worker who wants to be successful,” she said. “Not wanting to let her team down motivates her.” Almost to a fault, in fact. “Sometimes, she’s too hard on herself,” said Peterson. “But, I know it’s from the right place and this year she’s not holding onto it as long.” Still, Kuhlmann certainly isn’t going to seek shelter from the pressure – it’s just part of her nature, she said. “Haley’s just a player – she

wants to always be on the court and has done everything we’ve ever asked of her,” said Peterson. “She has great instincts, is super smart and can read tips well, which is a great recipe for a defensive specialist – it’s a great comfort to have her on our back line because she’s a perfect example of a player you can always trust.” In addition, her 5-foot-8, former front-line-sized frame makes her more formidable than your average libero, she

RUNNERS Continued from Page B1

VOLLEYBALL

Itzel Rios is using the pandemic and time at home to share her easy to make recipes through her YouTube cooking channel, “Aprendiendo Juntas Cocinando Con Itzel”. (Courtesy Photo) day from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.,” she said. “I would take my daughter to practice, and I see a lot of the girls didn’t have time to eat before the practice, or it would be really late for them to eat

Continued from Page B1

said. “She’s one of the most athletic kids we have,” said Peterson. “But, she’s harnessed it very well.” Concerning her counterparts across the net in the alternate-colored shirts, Kuhlmann said it’s always a personal mission of hers to defeat them. “If I make eye contact with the other libero, I’ll give them stink-eye,” she said. “Like ‘what you lookin’ at?’ I deﬁnitely want to outplay her.”

“For me, that’s extremely important,” she said. “Most runners don’t like it when their legs get tight, but that lets me know I’m pushing myself properly.” However, in the heat of competition, it can be difﬁcult to maintain concentration on proper form, so that’s when auto-pilot must kick in, said Hiebner. “During a race, you can deﬁnitely get caught up in what’s going on around you,” she said. “So, your legs need to be able to go on their own.” In the end, Hiebner realizes

Back to the bruises, though. Kuhlmann said her style of flinging herself to the floor has changed considerably since last season, which has resulted in a new kind of war wound -- trading cuts and scrapes for contusions. “I have no idea why,” she said. “But, this year, I’m diving and banging my elbows on the floor, whereas last year it was different – a little glide and some bleeding was better.”

PANTHER R GAMES FOR OCT. 1 1. Liberty Hill vs. Del Valle

at home when they got out of practice.” Looking to remedy the issue and provide a meal for the hard-working girls, Rios created her simple and quick Mama

Rios’ mixed meat taco recipe. “I started making this recipe for my daughter’s softball team, the girls call me Mama

she can never let anything – pain, mental blocks, or any kind of physical or psychological roadblocks – get in the way of her ultimate goal of running faster.

“You always have to keep pushing yourself to go faster than you think you can,” she said. “Your body can always do more.”

TENNIS

See PASTIMES, Page B5

Continued from Page B3

can dig deep even when they’re tired,” she said. “We have a lot of really smart kids on this team.” Rhoden singled out a few of her players with praise for their performance against the Raiders. “Joseph Sherman played out of his mind in his singles’ match,” she said. “I knew he absolutely left it all on the court. Ethan (Wukasch) played great – he was really moving his feet and hitting good touch shots -- he and Will Gray also worked really well together in doubles. I also thought (No. 1 girls’ doubles team) Sophie (Sherman) and Ellis (Young) did very well – they knew their opponent and what was coming and still won.” According to Rhoden, the communication between her and her players is always a two-way street, which only

adds to the chemistry which is constantly building stronger bonds. “I tell them all the time ‘This is your team – you have to own it,’” said Rhoden. “This is your high-school tennis experience, so make the most of it.” To that end, the players then begin to talk strategy with Rhoden, which tells her they’re completely buying into the program. “All of a sudden, they all want to know about the big picture as far as our season goes,” she said. “Sometimes, they’ll even tell me ‘Coach, we need to do this.’” Which all leads back to Rhoden’s original goal, she said. “When I see that, I know we’re truly united as a team,” said Rhoden. “I can see their growth and that’s the most rewarding thing there is.”

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page B5

LHHS nails down new construction program

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Liberty Hill High School is offering students the opportunity to learn skills they can apply to a career in the construction ďŹ eld. The program will prepare students to enter the workforce upon graduation and includes a lifelong construction certiďŹ cation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering Principles of Construction right now, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ďŹ rst class,â&#x20AC;? said Ag Science Instructor Ricky Prescott. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then they take Construction Management. The third class is when they start heading out and working on their apprenticeship in their junior year. In their senior year, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get out of school a couple of periods a day to get their hours in for apprenticeship. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting paid to work for a company.â&#x20AC;? Prescott, seeing the importance of teaching trade careers, pushed to build the program at LHHS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the one that started it,â&#x20AC;? said Prescott. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were going to offer a college class for plumbers, and I said why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we do it in high school. They can get college credit for it here. This program is so they can go into the trades. They can still go get a college degree if they want to, and this will give them a way to pay for it.â&#x20AC;? Student Grady Neal got a

PASTIMES

taste of the course in middle school and looks forward to the opportunities the program brings with it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At my old school in seventh grade, I did construction there,â&#x20AC;? said Neal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This can give me a steady job. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to becoming better at large-scale projects.â&#x20AC;? Nealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peer Bryant Amsler ended up in the program by chance but believes the skills he learns can be applied in the future to save money. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help me do my projects in the future and save me money,â&#x20AC;? said Amsler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to taking an idea and watching it come together.â&#x20AC;? Along with learning to handle the tools involved with construction and trade careers, the importance of understanding the math required in the career ďŹ eld is a critical aspect of what students will learn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn all of the hand tools and how to operate them. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll create several projects throughout the year,â&#x20AC;? said Prescott. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also incorporate a lot of math. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take the math that they learn in the classrooms and put it to work in the shop. They have to understand how it works because there is so much trig that they need to know before they can head out into the workforce.â&#x20AC;? The ability to read and understand blueprints tie together with the required math

skills. Prescott says it can be a make or break situation for those who fail to understand the connection between these skills and the physical aspect of the job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to understand blueprints, you need to be able to read them. Then you have to take those plans and put them into action,â&#x20AC;? said Prescott. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you mess it up, then you cost yourself money. If you mess up too many times, then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re either broke or not working.â&#x20AC;? Students are required to receive OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certiďŹ cation, to work in the shop on campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just now doing the OSHA certiďŹ cation,â&#x20AC;? Prescott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have to have that to be able to get into the shop,â&#x20AC;? said Prescott. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a construction certiďŹ cation, and it stays with them for the rest of their lives.â&#x20AC;? Using his connections in the construction industry, Prescott is partnering with various companies where students can work on their apprenticeships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a lot of companies that are willing to partner with us,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hometown companies, big-time companies, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still working on the list. By the second year, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be building a room of a house. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to go all the way from the foundation up. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to

Continued from Page B4

Rios. I was just there sitting for two hours, and I thought to myself that I live about ďŹ ve or six minutes away, why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I just go home and make them something to eat and then bring it to them,â&#x20AC;? said Rios. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how it started. I went home and had to ďŹ gure out what to make them. It had to be something they were going to like and who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like tacos.â&#x20AC;? Initially, Riosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; daughter was slow to embrace her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role cooking for the team. After the positive reaction from her teammates, the young athlete became her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest champion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At ďŹ rst, she was hesitant because she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be

known as the daughter of the woman that makes the tacos,â&#x20AC;? said Rios. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once she saw how the girls would get when I would get out of the truck with my big bag and how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d all be running towards me, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d start to yell, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my mom. The tacos are here.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Now she tells everybody that they need to try my momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tacos. Now she loves it.â&#x20AC;? Riosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mixed meat tacos recipe is easy to put together. It can be adjusted based on what you already have in the kitchen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ďŹ&#x201A;our tortillas I used were the 12 to 14 inches,â&#x20AC;? said Rios. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What the taco has is a bed of refried beans on the bottom. It has Muenster cheese melted on it. Now the mixed meat

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that I put on it is usually sirloin steak or fajita, any beef you like. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll put chicken, smoked sausage, ham, or bacon. Really it depends on what you have. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I call them mixed meat. I put a bit of onion and some Knorr for seasoning.â&#x20AC;? For those attempting to create Riosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tacos, a video is posted on her channel to serve as a visual guide, and is her only video in English. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of the recipes are in Spanish, but I do have the mixed meat tacos in English because I did a shoutout to my Liberty Hill moms. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the only one I have in English.â&#x20AC;? Rios doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t intend to shoot any of her future videos in English at the moment, for those

Through LHHSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new construction program, students will have the opportunity to learn the various skills necessary to work in trade careers like construction, electrical, and plumbing. (Courtesy Photo) frame it out, plumb it, put the things,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to get is totally behind us, and the electrical in, and put the sheet- these kids from education to community support has been industry. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a long hard battle, great,â&#x20AC;? Prescott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When rock in.â&#x20AC;? For Prescott, the importance but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one I think we can win. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve talked to people in Ausof this program is to create the Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got friends that are con- tin and TEA (Texas Education next wave of workers that will tractors, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re driving Agency), everybody is excited build the country. It serves as a new pickups and knocking out about it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be a good crossroads between academia six ďŹ gures every year.â&#x20AC;? thing. It takes a little while to With the strong support from get started. It has taken a little and industry that helps his students achieve success. the school and the community, bit to come together, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re â&#x20AC;&#x153;What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to do is Prescott has high hopes for the getting the kids ready to go merge education and industry. programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future. into it.â&#x20AC;? The industry is saying we need â&#x20AC;&#x153;The school support has these kids to know certain been amazing. The school who may not understand Spanish, there are options available for translation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do them in Spanish, but I always list the ingredients in English in the description,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re easy recipes, everyday recipes that you can make. I have international recipes because I make sushi, Chinese fried rice, Mexican rice, cream soups, pizzas, and other things.â&#x20AC;? Rios is conďŹ dent in her abilities in the kitchen. She is willing to attempt any type of dish, regardless of the difďŹ culty or the country of origin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When my husband is watching TV or something and sees a dish, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ask me if I can make him that,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It

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can be Japanese, Mediterranean, or whatever, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look up the recipe, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go to the store and get the things and do it. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly the same, but he loves it. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to brag, but with almost any recipe, I will try to make it.â&#x20AC;? The YouTube chef takes time to hunt down exactly what she needs at various locations around Liberty Hill to make her dishes as authentic as possible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It depends on what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m making. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mexican, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go to the Mexican stores like Adelitas or El Valle in Leander,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to cook something Japanese or Korean, then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go to H Mart

or to Central Market. Central Market has a lot of different cultural ingredients, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go there.â&#x20AC;? Discussions of opening a restaurant are always ďŹ&#x201A;oating between Rios and her husband, Manuel. For the mother of three, the time doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem right. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband and I have always talked about opening a restaurant,â&#x20AC;? said Rios. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told him I would love to, but we have the kids in sports, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out and about every weekend, and it would be hard to do that.â&#x20AC;? Rios sees her channel as an opportunity to leave memories

See TACOS, Page B6

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

TACOS Continued from Page B5 for her kids in the future. Rios believes it’s an opportunity for her kids to continue to learn from their mother and have her guide them through the kitchen. “When I’m making the videos, it’s like I’m making a memory for my kids,” said Rios. “For them to go back and watch videos and see the recipes and, say, hey today, I want to make my mom’s pasta Fagioli soup or something. They’ll be looking at the videos and be watching me doing them. I would have loved to have that from my mom. She already passed away, but I would have

loved to have videos of her cooking and showing me.”

Itzel Rios started a YouTube channel to share her recipes. While the videos are presented in Spanish, ingredients and recipes appear in English. Find her at “Aprendiendo Juntas Cocinando Con Itzel”. (Courtesy Photo)

Mama Rios Mixed Meat Tacos Ingredients

Meat (Sirloin, Fajita, Milanesa) Bacon Sausage Ham 1/4 onion chopped Jugo Maggi or Worcestershire Sauce, Knorr (Chicken bullion) Cheese (Mozzarella, Muenster, Oaxaca, Quesadilla cheese) Flour Tortillas

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Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities

Houses For Sale 4BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA Lots For Sale

James M. Long Stonewall Ranch San Gabriel River Ranch

200 Lawman Trail 309 Drystone Trail 151 River Rd

Caruthers, J Sur. Georgetown Whitewater Springs Greystone Ranch - Bertram

6985 CR 200 2462 CR 255 South Creek Circle Greystone Ranch

Peter Kerr - Burnet

127 E Jackson St

Sundance Estates Greystone Ranch - Bertram Luciano Cabasas - 2.38 acres Rio Ancho Stonewall Ranch

108 Stallion Way Greystone Ranch Rd 502 Willow St 128 Quiet Oak Cove 149 Granite Path

Berry Creek - Georgetown Sonterra - Jarrell Georgetown - 15 acres Santa Rita Ranch Woods of Brushy Creek Rolling Hills Unit 2 Lake Georgetown - 1.5 acres Stonewall Ranch - Sold in 7 days! Bertram - 2.6 acres The Ranch at Brushy Creek Bear Creek - 10.517 acres

31404 Kingsway Rd 444 Druse Lane 3040 CR 255 212 Magdalene Way 8409 Caledonia 103 Rolling Hills Rd 1755 CR 262 117 Rhinestone Cove 491 Lakeshore Rd 3613 Turkey Path Bend 1021 CR 203

24x50 storage bldg/workshop Fully fenced/wet weather creek Lot 150B Lot 14-B Commercial For Sale

1 Bldg - 2 stories Under Contract / Pending

5BR/2.5BA + guesthouse Lot 10-A 3 Bldgs - 14 units 5BR/3BA/3 car garage 3BR/2BA Sold! 3BR/2.5BA/1 ofﬁce 3BR/2BA 4BR/4BA 3BR/2BA 5BR/3BA 3BR/3.5BA 3BR/2BA 4BR/2BA 4BR/3BA/2 car garage 5BR/3BA 3BR/3BA

$ 300,000 2304 sq ft $ 240,000 1632 sq ft $ 200,000 1650 sq ft

Shane T. White Cheryl Stephens Shane T. White

$ 400,000 26.9 acres $ 499,900 10 acres $ 26,000 1.610 acres $ 119,900 10.03 acres

Shane T. White Dax Oglesby Shane T. White Shane T. White

$ 340,000 3852 sq ft

Shane T. White

$ 485,000 $ 119,000 $1,092,000 $ 579,000 $ 218,000

3516 sq ft 10.75 acres +/-10,736 sq ft 3100 sq ft 1379 sq ft

Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Amy Gandy Shane T. White

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

2,933 sq ft 1625 sq ft 3100 sq ft 1806 sq ft 3225 sq ft 2560 sq ft 2103 sq ft 2867 sq ft 1850 sq ft 3863 sq ft 3364 sq ft

Adrienne Hughes Cheryl Stephens Dax Oglesby Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Cheryl Stephens Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Shane T. White Dax Oglesby

379,000 205,000 899,000 300,000 440,000 358,000 445,000 319,000 299,000 500,000 825,000

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3106 Ranch Road 1869 | Liberty Hill, TX 78642 | www.Hughes-and-Company.com

HOMES AROUND THE HILL