LH Independent 10-8-20

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2020

Volume 33, Issue 46

Civil unrest

Campbell sues, restates allegations against Hall

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor The tug-of-war between former police chief Maverick Campbell and the Liberty Hill City Council moved to a new level Oct. 1 when Campbell filed a civil lawsuit against the City.

The suit – filed in District Court – is for breach of contract, and seeks more than $290,000 in lost wages as well as other damages.

“Maverick has a contract of employment for a specific term with the City and he could only be terminated under certain circumstances that are defined in the contract as cause for termination,” said attorney Kerry O’Brien, who is representing Campbell. “We’re contending they did not have cause to terminate him and they owe him the remainder of his salary

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October 8, 2020 | 50 Cents

Early voting begins Tuesday

Panthers celebrate Homecoming

Liberty Hill High School’s 2020 Homecoming Court

ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO

See LAWSUIT, Page 6

The 2020 Homecoming Court will be presented at Friday’s home football game, including the Queen and King. Queen nominees from the senior class (in back row, not in order) are Breeley Bodine, Jaylana Barker, Kloe Foster and Piper Tabor. King nominees, also seniors (in back, not in order) are Mitchell Floyd, Rhett Hofmann, Trey Seward and Grayson Rayburn. In the center row, not in photo order, are juniors Andrew Thompson and Cora Kosnik, and sophomores Bailey Lundy and Chase Maxwell. In front are freshman prince and princess Kaden Doyal and Jazmynn Powell.

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Serving an essential role in Liberty Hill ISD’s reopening, LHISD Health Service’s Michaella Ellis and Melissa Harrington are the dynamic duo responsible for COVID-19 contact tracing.

Contact tracing is the process of identifying people who have come into contact with someone infected and determining any other that the infected individuals may have contacted.

Contact tracers quickly locate and reach out to individuals and assist them in self-isolating and seek medical attention to slow the spread of infection to others. Tracers work with individuals to build out and determine others that might have

come into contact.

“Melissa and I make up the Health Services for the ISD, and I also help with the nurses. I am the lead district nurse, and Melissa is the head athletic trainer,” said Ellis. “Anytime that someone calls in for COVID or they’re sick, the nurses then direct the information to health services, and from there we go in, process and investigate. Whether it’s looking through film, going through the campuses, walking through classrooms, looking at seating charts, outside, inside, or during athletics, we do it all.”

Ellis relates the level of contact a person has with the Michaella Ellis and Melissa Harrington, are playing a pivotal role in LHISD’s reopening plan. The duo is responsible for contact tracing cases of COVID-19 and helping keep spread See TRACING, Page 7 to a minimum. (Photo Courtesy Kasey Faurie)

Dynamic duo tackles contact tracing

Voting time is near, and the Nov. 3 General Election will be one of the biggest ever in Williamson County.

Early voting begins Oct. 13, with 19 voting locations across the county, including the Liberty Hill Municipal Court building at 2801 RR 1869.

Early voting runs through Oct. 30 with polls open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Sundays when they are open 1-6 p.m. All early voting, as well as Election Day polling locations can be found on Page 11 of The Independent or on the Williamson County Elections Department website at wilco.org.

For those wanting to cast a ballot by mail, the deadline to apply is Oct. 23 and once early voting begins these ballots can’t be hand-delivered to the Elections Department office.

Status of mail ballots can also be tracked in the website.

The county has more than 370,000 registered voters heading into this election, more than 10 percent more than for the 2018 contest.

In 2018, there were 336,148 registered voters in the county 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.

The ballot includes federal races including the contest for the presidency, all the way down to local races for Liberty Hill Mayor and Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees. Also on the ballot is a measure to decide whether City Council terms should be extended to three years or remain at two years.

For voters in the city limits, there are 24 races or measures to be decided. The sample ballot for City of Liberty Hill residents can be found on Page 7.

LIBERTY HILL VOTES 2020

3 vie for open LHISD Trustee seat

TERRY SMITH

CLINT STEPHENSON

Smith challenges Stephenson in LHISD Place 1 race

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Liberty Hill ISD Trustee Clint Stephenson is seeking his ©2020 The Liberty Hill Independent

second term and was elected Board President in May after then-President Clay Cole had decided not to seek reelection.

He is being challenged by Terry Smith, who is running for the second time after finishing third in 2019 in a race won by Trustee Megan Parsons.

See PLACE 1, Page 5

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor With the retirement of longtime Liberty Hill ISD Board member Clay Cole, the door is open for a new face in Place 2.

Cole, first appointed in 2007, served for 13 years before deciding to step away.

Three candidates – Antonio Canasa, Kendall Carter and Dana Munguia (no photo available) – are looking for the opportunity to fill that seat.

Canas A recently retired 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Antonio Canas decided to make Liberty Hill his home, and he believes in being involved where he calls home.

“I’m doing this mainly because my kids are in school

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here, and being retired from the military I will have time to support my community,” Canas said. “I like serving people.”

After enlisting at age 18, Canas has been on a military journey of more than two decades, earning two bachelors degrees and one master’s in the process. He began as a tanker, but finished his career as a human resource officer.

“I definitely had a diverse experience in the military,” he said. “The broad view I have of the world will be good on the Board. I have additional skills the community needs. This community is growing really fast and with my diverse background in small areas and big cities I can see the impact the growth has on kids.”

He was stationed at Fort

ANTONIO CANAS

KENDALL CARTER

Hood on multiple occasions, and decided to make Central Texas his home, with his children first going to school in Round Rock before settling in the Liberty Hill area. He is now working for the State of Texas, but said his focus has always been on volunteering.

“When I was in Round Rock with my kids I was very involved in the schools,” he

said. “I volunteered for a program called PAW Patrols, and I recently started volunteering here in Liberty Hill schools. I also volunteer on Fort Hood and at my church.”

What Canas sees in Liberty Hill ISD impresses him, but he believes with fast growth comes a heightened need for

See PLACE 2, Page 6

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

TENNIS

Continued from Page 11

COACH

Continued from Page 11

“‘Don’t let the last loss get to your heart’ was the one I decided to use for today,� she said. “As a coach, I believe in warming up the mind as well as the body.�

Rhoden also believes a proper mental transition period must be allowed as players go from being students all day to that point to athletes – akin to an astronaut going through an airlock from one environment to another. “I think it helps them get readjusted from school to sports,� she said. “I always want them to look forward to practice and want to be here because if they give me 100 percent, it will translate into success.�

Senior Abigail Gates is counted among those who most deďŹ nitely want to be there, as she has wholly embraced Rhoden’s coaching methods and endorses them wholeheartedly. “Honestly, it’s my favorite part of the day,â€? said Gates. “Being able to hang out with a bunch of my friends on the team helps – I look forward to practice all day long.â€?

According to Gates – whose favorite subject in school is

Always his own harshest critic is Walker. “We’re better than this, but it starts at the top and I have to ďŹ x it,â€? he said. “We need to start playing a little closer to our potential. Luckily, we’re 2-0.â€?

It’s that last part which is quite telling of Walker and the expectations he has for his players and coaches, but most of all for himself.

Instead of being pleased as punch and inviting everyone to Dairy Queen for an ice cream celebration due to the fact the Panthers are 2-0 against so-called “more athletic� teams and heading into the district opener against Crock-

SCUFFLE

forensic science – even when she’s fully immersed in the classroom, she always knows where she would rather be and on occasions when she might not have had the best of academic days for whatever reason, she knows she has an outlet just waiting to be taken advantage of in the form of fuzzy, yellow balls. “If my day isn’t going great, I still know I’m going to be playing tennis later on,� said Gates. “I can just take it out on the ball when I’m on the court, which is exactly why I love it because I can take all my anger and frustration out through tennis and the fact we have a really good team with really good people who you can talk to things about really helps.�

In fact, the tennis courts are a place when not only players seek sanctuary from the stresses of everyday life, but coaches also, said Rhoden. “Today, I really wanted to close the door to my classroom,� she said. “But, then I remembered why I’m here. I want the kids to feel comfortable in being able to come to me and tell me what’s on their hearts.�

ett this week on a high, he’s truly concerned the ghosts of last season might appear like an apparition intent on ruining yet another season.

Something which, by God, he’s not going to let happen.

We say good for Walker and his approach.

In this day and age of so much mediocrity being not only tolerated, but rewarded, it’s like a really big breath of fresh air to come across someone – who happens to be a football coach, but could easily be in a leadership position in many other professions, be it military, politics, business or what have you – who average just isn’t good enough for.

Continued from Page 9

lost on Peterson. “We didn’t drop off because we have a lot of depth on our roster,� she said. “Ashleigh (Dubbs) has stepped up really nicely for us – players like her and Bailey (Becker) have never backed away and done a

great job – they have the experience to understand what it takes to win matches – it’s a really good feeling to know everyone can step up when we need them to.�

In close contests such as the Rouse match, even the slight-

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Rhoden added some of her players have gone as far as to express a very distinct desire. “Sometimes, one of them will say something like ‘I love how you’re just my coach and I wish my parent would just be my parents,’� she said. “When I hear something like that, it lets me know I’m doing my job the right way.�

Once it’s time for the Panthers to get down to business on a given day, Rhoden will begin putting her players through the paces, always being careful to make sure the routine never gets too – well, routine – she said. “The whole lesson plan is always the same, but I always want each drill to have a different focus even if the rest is the same,â€? said Rhoden. “For example, if I’m having them work on their serve, one day I’ll have them work on proper wrist pronation, while another day it might be hitting particular targets on the court or working on ďŹ rst serve followed by a sequence of different serves.â€?

Rhoden does this for a very speciďŹ c reason, she said. “The physical part is easy,â€?

said Rhoden. “The challenge is more to keep them mentally in it after a long day of school.�

As a result, Rhoden keeps the pace of practice going briskly, with each drill lasting only 1015 minutes before moving on to the next order of business and sometimes will tailor speciďŹ c drills for certain players based on their coaching needs at the time. “Recently, I had four players who all needed to work on something different,â€? she said. “So, I put a different theme on four different courts and had each player begin on the one marked with their particular issue, then had them rotate.â€?

Rhoden also gives her players the green light to offer advice to each other when passing through such practice drills. “Sometimes I’ll pair up someone with them who is strong in the area they need to work on,� she said. “I want them to look at it like ‘This is my family member and I want to be able to help them the best I can.’�

Gates said she also derives much pleasure from the manner in which Rhoden conducts

her warm-ups before a match. “Coach Sherry will feed each one of us four different kinds of shots – usually a groundstroke, an approach, a volley and an overhead and yell out where she wants us to hit them,� she said. “It’s very fast, so I like that because it’s all about being ready.�

Rhoden is Gates’ third head coach in four years of tennis, but she ďŹ nally feels as if she and her teammates at last have the right person to get maximum results from them, she said. “When I think about the difference between this year and last, it makes me laugh,â€? said Gates. “It’s like a whole, new positive atmosphere for us now, where we can talk things out if we have problems. We actually get coached to work on certain things and I know Coach Sherry really wants to help us all get better.â€?

Gates also said now she and her Panthers teammates are free to simply relax and enjoy the game they love. “She always tells us ‘Just love this year because we’re all a big family,’� she said. “I think that changes a lot about

how the entire team plays – it makes a big difference.�

One last item that must always been addressed at the daily team meeting is outlined by a tennis-ball sized, cardboard reminder Rhoden keeps in her clipboard which contains a list of some 50-plus things each player must have in his or her bag at all times, ranging from gear to clothing items to snacks – and the list is deďŹ nitely non-negotiable – in fact, she will randomly call out an item each day and have each of her players hold it up for inspection – all for a very good reason, she said. “I want everyone to have enough to take care of themselves,â€? said Rhoden. “But, I also want them to be able to help their tennis family members.â€?

As far as her overall ideology of practice goes from a coaching standpoint, Rhoden always incorporates the Golden Rule in everything she has her players do – for their enjoyment and hers. “If practice isn’t fun for me,� she said. “It’s not going to be fun for them.�

Someone who absolutely won’t settle for anything less than 100 percent effort from everyone involved.

Sure, the results aren’t always going to be there – it’s just the nature of sports and life, in general.

At the moment, Walker believes he’s getting the effort from his players, but there are a few critical ingredients missing from having a winning recipe. “It’s not a lack of effort on the players’ part,â€? he said. “But, there is a lack of conďŹ dence, swagger and focus.â€?

One of the most endearing character traits of Walker is his Lou Holtz-like appraisal of

that week’s opponent.

The former Notre Dame coach would talk up the Little Sisters of the Poor as if they were Lombardi’s Packers and then go out and win the game, 56-3.

Along those same lines, the Panthers’ homecoming opponent this week, Crockett, is coming off a dreadful 2-8 campaign, which saw them on the wrong end of 47-0, 50-0, 65-0, 56-6 and 40-0.

Did we mention the Cougars dropped this season’s opener by an equally-impressive 56-8 score to Buda (who sounds more like a Star Wars character than a football team, but we digress)?

In other words, Davy Crockett would probably provide more rugged opposition. “We never get ahead of ourselves,� he said. “I’m not the kind of guy to overlook anybody.�

Point here is with a district schedule featuring opposition, which went a combined 15-46 last season, means his squad can likely to continue committing transgressions without being punished for them in the form of defeat – at least until the playoffs start.

Walker had planned to have the Panthers play another two non-district contests – against Georgetown and LBJ – to provide further seasoning for his

club before the games really count, but those encounters were wiped away by YouKnow-What (which is what we’re calling it now as we get on with our lives), so the games against Killeen Ellison and Del Valle were it.

So, no.

Coach Jeff Walker isn’t happy with his team by any means despite a seemingly-shining-on-the-surface 2-0 record as they enter the district schedule.

After all, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

est of miscues can be costly, which means attention-to-detail is the order of the day when practice rolls around, said Peterson. “For example, today we worked on serve-receive and defense – these are the things

that hurt us against Rouse,â€? she said. “We needed to make fewer errors, but once our setters found their rhythm with the hitters, we played with more conďŹ dence. Defensively, we were out of position at times, so we need to make bet-

ter reads.�

All part of the unforgiving competitive landscape the Lady Panthers now ďŹ nd themselves traversing – one which is only beginning – but Peterson is conďŹ dent her team will come out better for it, she said.

“If everything was easy, you wouldn’t learn anything,â€? she said. “We’ll be ďŹ ne – we’re certainly not dreading playing Rouse again – we’re looking forward to the challenge.â€?

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Panthers play up well, beat Del Valle, 44-27

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor DEL VALLE -- For the second week running of the new season, Liberty Hill’s football squad got off to a slow start, but much like the previous, the Panthers once again rebounded and prevailed in a road contest over Class 6A Del Valle by a score of 44-27 last Friday night.

The opener seven days earlier had followed a similar script to the sequel, in that after being stunned early, the visitors gained control of the contest in the same fashion as they had against another Class 6A club in Killeen Ellison at home before cruising to a 44-25 victory.

However, Liberty Hill head coach Jeff Walker was by no means satisfied with his team’s performance.

“I’m disappointed with how we played,” he said. “We haven’t shown anyone we can play football.”

After the Cardinals had scored the first nine points of the evening on a 32-yard field goal and a 12-yard touchdown pass with a blocked extra point which was returned for a safety by the Panthers’ Preston Shepherd, it was the home side who held an early 9-2 advantage with 3:40 left in the opening quarter.

But, on the ensuing kickoff, it was freshman Noah Long who returned the kick 75 yards all the way down to the Del Valle 13-yard line.

After Trey Seward, Eric De

La Cruz and Blake Simpson took turns running the ball to no avail, senior quarterback Charlie Calabretta once again utilized the Panthers’ newfound passing game on a 3rd-and-9 from the 11, when he found Simpson open for his second scoring strike of the season and after an Ethan Minix extra point, the game was even at 9-9 entering the second quarter.

According to Walker, slow starts continue to plague the Panthers – something which he’s befuddled by.

“We started out sluggish again and I don’t know why,” said Walker.

But, after the visitors had tied the score, it was the defense who seemed inspired, forcing the Cardinals into a pair threeand-outs on their next two possessions.

After the offense had driven to the Del Valle 1-yard-line, they were stopped on 4th-andgoal by the Cardinals’ defense and turned the ball over on downs without capitalizing on the opportunity.

Liberty Hill’s defense continued to cause problems for the Del Valle offense on the next possession and after Andon Thomas had a big stop on a third-down play, Aaron Brewer broke in and partially blocked a Del Valle punt, causing the ball to shoot straight up in the air before landing and providing the Panthers the ball at their own 37-yard-line.

Six plays later, Simpson rumbled in from 18 yards out, as

the Panthers took the lead at 16-9 with only 44 seconds until halftime.

But, lightning struck again for the Purple-and-Gold 40 seconds later, as the defense stepped up again, as junior Lloyd Johnson brought the Cardinals’ quarterback down with a coverage sack, which was followed by an interception by Kaden McMahan, which he returned 30 yards for a score right before the first half ran out for a 22-9 Liberty Hill lead at the break.

After an attempted onside kick by Del Valle to open the second half failed, Simpson scored his third touchdown of the contest on a 15-yard run before Seward ran in a twopoint conversion and it was 30-9 in favor of the visitors.

The Cardinals quickly answered with a 45-yard scoring pass, closing the deficit to 3015, but then Simpson added his fourth score with a seven-yard run and it was 37-15 entering the fourth quarter.

Del Valle scored on a 72-yard pass to make it a 37-21 game, then De La Cruz ran one in from nine yards out before the Cardinals closed out the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown pass with only 30 seconds left in the game.

Walker was upset with the fact his team allowed the late score and also fumbled the ball away on four separate occasions.

“As a head coach, it’s really frustrating,” he said. “Giving up a touchdown like that with

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Freshman Noah Long (#21) ran back a kickoff 75 yards to help set up a touchdown in Liberty Hill’s 44-27 road win against Del Valle on Oct. 2.

30 seconds left and turning the ball over four times – I don’t know many teams you’re going to beat when you do that.”

Fortunately for Walker and the Panthers, Del Valle was such a team, but despite his squad picking up a pair of victories in as many games to start the season, he knows his club could pay for further such transgressions down the road.

“It’s not a lack of effort on the players’ part,” said Walker.

“But, there is a lack of confidence, swagger and focus.”

Walker then pointed the finger squarely at himself.

“We have great kids, but not a great coach right now,” he said. “I just didn’t get it done.”

In order for his team to compete at the level he knows they can, Walker knows it must begin with himself, he said.

“We’re better than this, but it starts at the top and I have to fix it,” said Walker. “We need to start playing a little closer to our potential. Luckily, we’re 2-0.”

Walker added the subpar performance by his team could be traced back to what happened during the week.

“We didn’t practice too well

all week – we were sloppy,” he said.

Liberty Hill (2-0) will next return home to host the district-opener against Crockett on Oct. 9, but despite the Cougars losing their opener to Johnson, 56-8 and the fact they’re coming off a 2-8 season last year, Walker is certainly taking nothing for granted as he and his team move forward, he said.

“We never get ahead of ourselves,” said Walker. “Also, I’m not the kind of guy to overlook anybody.”

Boys finish 3rd, girls 4th in team standings

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor As the Liberty Hill cross country squad works its way down the stretch run of the season, the Panthers continue to gear up for the business end of the campaign in the form of district, regional and state meets.

The latest stop on the Purpleand-Gold trail was the Georgetown/East View Invitational on Oct. 3.

On the girls’ side, senior Ayanna Donwerth had the highest finish for the Panthers with a fourth-place result in a time of 18:19.40, as the girls posted a fourth, racking up 109 points behind winners Georgetown, who had 26.

Angela Mena and Daisy Anaya also scored top-25 finishes for Liberty Hill in 20th at 20:03.50 and 23rd in 20:06.80, respectively.

Georgetown swept the top

three places in the finishing order, including winner Mckenzie Bailey, who crossed the line in 18:13.80.

Also finishing for the Panthers were Olga Albarran (33rd, 20:32.50), Tyler Goode (35th, 20:36.50), Natalie Roth (40th, 20:53.10), Emma Hiebner (45th, 21:07.50) and Amelia Clancy (56th, 22:13.80).

Liberty Hill’s boys finished third in the team standings, with 92 points to winners Round Rock, who won by scoring 41.

Jacob Russell finished 13th, which was the best result for the Panthers, in a time of 16:28.50, as Cade Stevens of Round Rock won the race in 15:44.40.

In addition to Russell, Liberty Hill placed four more runners in the top-25, including Caden Glenn (17th, 16:41.30), Cayden Branch (18th, 16:43.00), Ryan McCa-

rn (21st, 16:49.80) and Greg Miller (23rd, 16:50.60).

Also crossing the line for the Panthers were seniors Isaiah De La Garza (26th, 16:53.80) and Cade Johnson (30th, 16:59.80), as well as Brandon Colicher (35th, 17:14.70) and Anthony Barreras (37th, 17:29.50).

Liberty Hill will next compete at the Temple Invitational on Oct. 9.

Junior Varsity Liberty Hill’s girls’ and boys’ junior varsity also competed in Georgetown and scored some promising results, as Noah Ybarra finished fourth in the boys’ race in 17:54.50, helping them to a second-place finish in the team standings with 37 points to Round Rock’s 21.

In fact, all four of five of the Panthers’ point-scorers posted top-15 results, including Luke Lande (7th, 18:06.80), Chris-

LHINDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Angela Mena (709), Avery Holland (708) and Daisy Anaya (703) all competed for the Panthers at the Georgetown Invitational on Oct. 3. topher Higginbotham (10th, 18:12.00) and Jack Roth (13th, 18:30).

Also finishing for Liberty Hill were Jason Hiebner (17th, 18:35.10), Jackson Hope (22nd, 19:11.40), Caden Gar-

ner (24th, 19:14.40), Braden Gilbert (19:22.60) and Lane Shaw (26th, 19:24.80).

Emma Taylor was the highest-placed Panthers runner for the girls with a 16th in 23:00.50, while Anne Dea-

maral (21st, 23:45.10) and Sophia Revere (23rd, 23:51.50) also finished in the top 25.

Makenzy Webb (27th, 24:18.70) and Sofia Fernandez (37th, 25:01.40) also finished for the Panthers on the day.

LAURA COLEMAN PHOTO

Ellis Young has performed well as the Panthers’ No. 1 girls’ singles player this season.

TENNIS BRIEFS Panthers defeat Glenn, 19-0 Liberty Hill’s varsity tennis team continued its district dominance with a 19-0 home victory over Glenn on Oct. 2.

In girls’ singles, No. 1 Ellis Young won 6-0, 6-0, while No. 2 Sophie Sherman also won in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

Also winning for the girls were No. 3 Jennifer Merrill (61, 6-0), No. 4 Peyton Buckley (6-0, 6-1), No. 5 Madi Sudekum (6-0, 6-0) and No. 6 Ava Ortega (6-0, 6-0).

On the boys’ singles side, No. 1 Joseph Sherman won 6-1, 6-0, along with No. 2 Patrick Fay (6-0, 6-0).

No. 3 Colin Garner (6-1, 6-0), No. 4 Ethan Wukasch (6-0, 6-3), No. 5 Will Gray (61, 6-2), No. 6 Will Snell (6-0, 6-0) and No. 7 Tyler Williams (8-7) also won.

No. 1 Sherman/Young won in

girls’ doubles 6-1, 6-0, while No. 2 Abigail Gates/Merrill (6-1, 6-3) and No. 3 Mackenzie Coleman/ Eliza Homorodi (6-0, 6-0) also won.

In boys’ doubles, No. 1 Fay/ Sherman (6-0, 6-0), No. 2 Wukasch/Zach Kizer (6-0, 6-1) and No. 3 Williams/Snell (6-1, 6-1) all won their matches.

Mixed doubles saw Buckley/ Garner win 6-2, 6-1.

Defeat at Georgetown The Panthers’ unbeaten run to begin district play came to an abrupt end on Oct. 6 with an 18-1 away defeat to Georgetown, who is currently ranked No. 10 in the state.

In girls’ singles, No. 1 Young lost 3-6, 6-7, along with No. 2 Sherman (1-6, 0-6), No. 3 Merrill, No. 4 Buckley (1-6, 2-6), No. 5 Coleman (1-6, 1-6)

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

and No. 6 Sudekum (0-6, 0-6).

No. 2 Fay was the Panthers’ only winner on the day in boys’ singles, prevailing by a score of 2-6, 6-3, (16-14).

No. 1 Sherman (2-6, 1-6), No. 3 Garner (4-6, 2-6), No. 4 Wukasch (2-6, 2-6), No. 5 Gray and No. 6 Snell (6-2, 3-6, (911) were all defeated.

In girls’ doubles, No. 1 Young/Sherman lost 1-6, 2-6, along with No. 2 Gates/Merrill (0-6, 2-6) and No. 3 Coleman/ Ortega (1-6, 3-6).

No. 1 Fay/Sherman lost in boys’ doubles, 3-6, 4-6, as well as No. 2 Wukasch/Kizer (1-6, 4-6) and No. 3 Snell/Gray (06, 2-6).

Buckley/Garner lost in mixed doubles, 4-6, 0-6.

Liberty Hill will next host Cedar Park on Oct. 9 at 4:30 p.m.

Bailey Becker (#6) had a pair of blocks, 18 assists and an ace in Liberty Hill’s 3-2 (25-18, 1925, 25-22, 23-25, 15-13) home victory over Leander on Oct. 2.

VOLLEYBALL BRIEFS Lady Panthers bounce back from loss with five-set victory After the Liberty Hill volleyball squad dropped its district opener away to Rouse in five sets on Sept. 29, the Lady Panthers bounced right back with a five-set home victory over Leander by a score of 3-2 (25-18, 19-25, 25-22, 2325, 15-13) on Oct. 2.

Maddi Rowley led Liberty Hill with 15 kills on the match, as Emma Becker added 13 to go with five aces and 23 digs in the win.

Lilli Wilkins led with six blocks in her return to the lineup and added an ace on the evening.

Bailey Becker had a pair of blocks, 18 assists and an ace,

while Emma Parsons was the leader in assists with 27.

Haley Kuhlmann and Rowley each had 22 digs, as well.

Liberty Hill (7-2, 1-1) will next host Glenn Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Junior varsity The junior varsity defeated the Lady Lions in straight sets, 2-0 (25-21, 25-20) in moving to 5-4 overall and 1-1 in district on the season.

Lauren Fletcher, Olivia Hodges and Payton Hanson each had four kills to lead the Lady Panthers, while Dara Hawkins had 14 assists and Morgan Poulain five blocks.

Jordan Stratton served three aces and Paris Hunter one and Bailey Lundy and Hodges each had four digs in the

match.

Freshmen The Lady Panthers’ freshman squad improved its perfect record on the season to 8-0 overall and 2-0 in district with a 2-0 (25-7, 25-12) win against Leander.

Kealy Dirner led Liberty Hill with nine kills and three aces, while Gigi Mason added six kills and Carson Glenn had 24 assists.

Merrill Madison, Lilly Kostroun and Mason each blocked a shot and Glenn, Madison, Kostroun and McKenna Mayfield all served a pair of aces.

Kylie Hutchinson had two digs, while Glenn and Mayfield each picked up one.

Thursday, October 8, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 11

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO

Each day before practice, Liberty Hill head coach Sherry Rhoden gathers with her players to talk about the day’s action plan.

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Emma Becker (#5) – who has a penchant for hair colors and a certain fast-food restaurant – is leading the Lady Panthers in kills this season.

From Hippo to Panther and loving it

Liberty Hill junior setter reigning district MVP

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Emma Becker and her family relocated from Hutto to Liberty Hill two years ago, the young volleyballer traded orange for purple.

However, even after being named District Most Valuable Player in her first season in Purple-and-Gold, there is still one allegiance to her former school’s primary color that still remains.

“I’m known as the girl who wherever she is, always knows where the nearest Whataburger is,” said Becker. “Whenever my dad would pick me up from practice, we would always go there and he would get me something.”

However, a few years ago, she took her love of the Texas tradition to an entirely different level.

“On my 12th and 13th birthdays, I had Whataburger for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Becker.

But, these days, it’s a bit more difficult to indulge in her favorite burger joint, as her fast-foot fetish has become somewhat of a long-distance relationship.

“Now that we live in Liberty Hill, the closest one is all the way in Cedar Park,” she said.

“But, that’s okay because I can drive myself now.”

What does her coach think about her dietary delights?

“All of our girls work so hard, they probably burn it off pretty fast,” said Lady Panthers head coach Gretchen Peterson. “So, it’s all good.”

Indeed, it’s been all good for Becker since arriving in Liberty Hill before her sophomore campaign last season, one which saw her become an all-around force during the Lady Panthers’ final season as a Class 4A school.

The lanky setter has provided Peterson with a multi-dimensional player who is as equally adept at bombing away at the net as she is setting up teammates with pinpoint passes or digging balls off the floor in the backcourt – a versatility that results from her upbringing in the game, she said.

“Growing up, I’ve always played all over the place,” said Becker. “With hitting, you get all the glory, but when you set up a teammate with a great pass, it’s an awesome feeling.”

After having an entire season in the system, Peterson said Becker has continued to mature and grow as a player due to her undying work ethic – something which lasts all year round.

“Emma’s like most of our girls, who work extremely hard in the offseason,” she said. “She’s definitely one of those players, so it’s just a matter of her putting it all together.”

Already this season, Becker is leading the Lady Panthers in kills (72) and blocks (20) and is second behind fellow junior setter Emma Parsons (139) in assists with 98.

Although Becker played at the Class 5A level as a freshman at Hutto, she still faces a massive challenge moving forward this season as she and her teammates step up in class and have a rugged district schedule, said Peterson.

“Emma’s really going to be challenged this year,” she said.

“She’s going to have to work even harder as a setter in being able to read the block and see the play. Emma still has the same athleticism, but now she’s going to have to be able to finesse the ball a bit better and also be back on defense.”

According to Becker, she and her teammates have had plenty of time to build bonds since her arrival last year – including off-court activities which encourage the kind of cohesion which carries onto the court.

“Oh, yeah, we’ll hang out off the court – go out to eat and have study sessions together,” said Becker. “Over the summer, we would go to the lake or the pool.”

Much inspiration for her own athletic – as well as professional – aspirations are from older sister Kylee, who is currently in her sophomore season playing volleyball at the University of Texas-Tyler, where she led the Lady Patriots with 262 kills during her freshman campaign and is also studying nursing.

“She’s the one who got me into volleyball in the first place,” said Becker, who wants to be a pediatric nurse.

“I’ve always looked up to her and I see how hard she works and some of the things she has to do with her studies – it’s very interesting and I want to be around kids.”

Speaking of family, she pointed to movie night as a favorite activity in the Becker household – although there’s always one reluctant participant unless certain criteria is met regarding the viewing choice.

“It’s really hard to get my dad to watch a movie,” said Becker. “Unless it’s one with a lot of action, like ‘Bad Boys’ or something.”

Along the lines of Hollywood glitz and glamour, Becker is featuring a brand-new look on the court this season with what’s known as “balayage” hair color – a technique in which hair is painted to create a graduating effect from top to bottom – as opposed to standard highlights.

For her, the choice is quite clear as far as which color she prefers to present.

“I’ve always liked my blonde hair,” said Becker, who began getting highlights in eighth

grade before eventually moving up the beauty chain with her new, more advanced look.

But, it wasn’t always more fun to be blonde for Becker, as she at one point very early on in her existence had a very different look about her, she said.

“When I was born, I had a full head of jet-black hair,” said Becker. “Then, when I was about six or seven months old, it all fell out and I was bald until I was one – but, when it grew back, it was platinum blonde.”

From one extreme to the other, as it were.

“As I grew and got older, it started to get dark again to the point where it was pretty much dirty blond,” she said. “It got as dark it was going to by about third or fourth grade.”

However, to this day, Becker has hair envy for Kylee, she said.

“Right, she got the nice, thick hair and mine is very thin,” said Becker. “But, she never went completely blonde, either.”

Further guidance came from Kylee in the form of following her older sibling onto the softball diamond as a youth, she said.

“Oh, yeah, I was a full-on softball player thanks to my sister,” said Becker, who played shortstop and second base. “But, when I got to be about 11, I decided to stick with only volleyball.”

But, that wasn’t before she also played select basketball with father Chris as coach and was also a gymnast – a high-flying affair mother Rose wasn’t quite so thrilled with, she said.

“My mom knew I was fearless as far as trying anything and she was terrified I would get hurt,” said Becker. “I also broke my thumb playing basketball, so at that point, my dad thought it would be best to stop so it wouldn’t affect volleyball.”

Becker added ever since she and her family moved to Liberty Hill, she’s found solace in small-town life which was absent in her former home.

“For school, there’s not a whole lot of difference,” she said. “But, Hutto is a lot more city, whereas Liberty Hill is a much smaller community where everybody knows each other, which I think suits me a lot better – I’ve never felt so at home.”

As far as her future on the court is concerned, Becker wants to follow Kylee’s footsteps in the athletic sense, as well, she said.

“My goal is to be able to play four years of college volleyball,” she said. “Something I’ve always wanted.”

As long as there’s a certain burger place in the area, that is.

Keeping practice fun

Tennis team finds enjoyment, improved morale from mixing up routines

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor As the Liberty Hill tennis team was getting off the bus at a road match this season, head coach Sherry Rhoden handed each one of them a small bag.

Inside was exactly two pieces of candy, which had been donated to the program.

However, there was much more to this than providing a quick sugar rush to help propel her players in the heat of competition, she said.

“I put an Atomic Fireball and a sucker in each one,” said Rhoden. “I told them to get them out and put them on the bench where they could see them during changeovers when they were playing their matches and ask themselves ‘So, what do I want to be today? An Atomic Fireball or a sucker?’”

Just one of the many coaching strategies – physical and psychological – Rhoden has brought to the Purple-andGold this season and whatever else the veteran teaching professional is doing is certainly taking to her players quite well, as the Panthers are currently off to a flying start to the season.

Of course, much more time is spent on the practice court than in actual competition, so Rhoden makes sure she

makes the most of every second her players spend on the purple playing surfaces of their home courts and one way to do exactly that is to constantly mix things up, she said.

“Our practice routine changes every day,” said Rhoden.

“Usually, it’s based on weaknesses I see during matches.”

In order to collect the proper data to put such a plan into motion, Rhoden can be found on match day patrolling the sidelines with a clipboard in hand, taking meticulous notes of what she sees unfold before her, then producing a detailed course of action for each player moving forward.

However, some of her apprentices are more willing to be open to criticism than others, she said.

“It’s human nature, I think,” said Rhoden. “They’re at the age when some of them are too cool for their own good.

Then again, we have quiet kids who you need to make eye contact with and offer praise.”

Speaking of which, Rhoden said she will never criticize a player during a match, which is where the clipboard comes in handy.

“I’ll write down things they need to work on in practice,” she said. “Only if it’s something which needs to be ad-

dressed immediately will I make corrections during a match.”

But, back to the clipboard.

Each day, Rhoden has a preplanned routine of exactly how practice will be conducted that afternoon – which always begins with a meeting before they even take the court – a gathering designed to set the tone for the day, she said.

“We always meet over by the concession stand for about five minutes just to talk things over,” said Rhoden. “Usually, it’s the players who do most of the talking.”

Included in the meeting are both varsity and JV players – a further example of the team unity Rhoden had striven to achieve from her first day on the job, in this, her rookie season as not only Liberty Hill’s head coach – but at the high school level – and something that continues throughout warm-ups before practice gets officially underway each day.

Included among her many notes are motivational and inspirational messages meant to get the minds of her players focused and ready to work – regardless of what may or may not have happened in the last match.

See TENNIS, Page 13

Panthers 2-0, but need to be better - just ask their coach

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor God bless Jeff Walker.

Liberty Hill’s grizzled, no-nonsense veteran head football coach will always tell you exactly how it is when you ask him about his team – pulling no punches in a completely refreshing way compared to how most coaches will just fill you with the same lines of nonsense – regardless of how their squad is currently performing.

So, when Walker stood on the field in Del Valle on Friday evening after the Panthers’ 44-27 victory over the host Cardinals, the fact his body language cut the figure of a defeated man was certainly no surprise.

Four fumbles by his side – all lost.

Costly penalties at unfortunate times.

Allowing a last-minute garbage-time touchdown on defense for the second straight week.

But, somehow despite all these blunders and mistakes, they managed to cruise to an easy win for the second week running.

Just don’t tell that to Walker.

“I’m disappointed with how we played,” he said. “We haven’t shown anyone we can

play football.”

So, even after defeating a pair of Class 6A opponents handily, the ol’ Purple-andGold ball coach was left shaking his head over the fact his side had also lost four fumbles for the second week in a row and had to fight back after slow starts in both contests.

“We started out sluggish again and I don’t know why,” said Walker.

But, that’s just the thing about this man.

It’s what makes him what – and who -- he is.

Last season’s 7-6 campaign and advancement to the fourth round of the playoffs would’ve been cause for a parade for most coaches, but considering the Panthers had to rebound from a horrific 2-5 start and had to win their final two district games after losing the first three just to qualify for the postseason, Walker suffered through a season like no other he had ever endured over the course of his entire career.

So, he’s bound and determined to not let it happen ever again.

In fact, he’s made it a point to try and completely forget about last fall, as opposed to perhaps using it as inspiration after his team fought back to salvage what was left of the season when all seemed lost.

For Walker, that kind of mentality simply doesn’t fly

because in his heart of hearts, he believes his squad never should have been in that situation in the first place.

Just like he believes his team can still play a whole lot better this season despite the perfect record after two games.

Even his players know.

They came off the field to the area where they meet up after games with family and friends and there were no hoots and hollers, only subdued congratulations.

It’s as if those who watch and cheer on from the stands also know.

Thing is the bar has been set so high for this program over the years – including backto-back state championships – anything short of absolute dominance and sheer excellence -- even in victories – is viewed in a very dim light.

Walker is a harsh taskmaster when it comes to coaching his team, but he also cares tremendously for his players as not only athletes, but people.

As a result, after all the things he has no control over happen during a game – like turnovers, penalties and missed assignments, he takes the blame and puts it squarely on his own shoulders in a way not many coaches do.

“We have great kids, but not a great coach right now,” he said. “I just didn’t get it done.”

See COACH, Page 13

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Crockett not the king of the football frontier

Liberty Hill’s district-opening opponent lost its opener, 56-8

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Crockett High School in South Austin is named after the legendary frontiersman from Tennessee who fought and died at the Alamo during the Texas Revolution in 1836.

This Friday when the Cougars visit Panther Stadium for the District 14 opener for both clubs, the visitors should probably suffer the same fate as the Texans did on that fateful, historic day nearly 200 years ago.

Without all the death and destruction, of course.

But, that doesn’t mean Liberty Hill head coach Jeff Walker is at all taking Crockett lightly.

“Well, they’ve only played one game and got beat pretty good,” he said of the Cougars’ 56-8 season-opening defeat to Johnson on Oct. 1. “But, we need to get a feel for their team and what we’re going to see, so we’re not guessing defensively.”

The Cougars managed only 26 rushing yards in the loss, but junior quarterback Michael Newton threw for 242 yards on 15-of-30 passing and a touchdown to go with three interceptions, so the Liberty Hill secondary, led by juniors Aaron Brewer and Kaden McMahan will have to remain alert.

Last week against Del Valle, McMahan intercepted a Cardinals pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown, while Brewer is tied with teammate Carter Hudson with a squadbest three passes defended this season.

Walker has made no bones about the fact he wasn’t happy with the fact his defense switched off in allowing last-minute touchdowns in each of the first two contests of the season and is looking for

more ferocity from the unit – something which starts during the week, he said.

“We definitely need to pick up our level of intensity in practice,” said Walker.

Offensively, the Panthers have continued to roll up rushing yards at their usual prolific pace, averaging 418.5 yards on the ground through two games.

Last year’s leading ground-gainer, Trey Seward, leads the way thus far this season, with 44 carries for 311 yards and three touchdowns, while fellow seniors Blake Simpson (37 carries, 267 yards, three touchdowns) and Eric De La Cruz (30-228-3) have teamed up to form a potent trio out of the Panthers’ backfield, led by senior signal-caller Charlie Calabretta, who already had a pair of scoring passes – one in each game.

Before Monday’s practice, the Panthers emerged from the fieldhouse and trotted onto the field earlier than usual, a detail noticed by Walker as he looked on and in step with the sense of urgency he wants his players to feel, he said.

“We have a lot of room to improve,” said Walker. “But, the good thing is our kids see that and they show up every day ready to work and get better – that’s all we can do right now.”

Liberty Hill’s new district opponents went a combined 1546 last season and don’t look to be a whole lot better this fall, but in typical fashion,Walker isn’t concerned with who the Panthers are playing.

“We don’t care if it’s Alabama coming out of the tunnel onto the field,” he said. “All we worry about is getting to where we want to be.”

Walker does rue the fact he only got two non-district

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Preston Shepherd (#27) ran back a blocked extra-point for a safety during the Panthers’ 44-27 road victory against Del Valle on Oct. 2 – exactly the kind of defensive intensity the veteran coach is looking for more of from his team despite a 2-0 record entering district play. games in this shortened sea- and Dad trying to knock it out “Right now, I think we’re also adamant in his vigilance son – missing out on contests of your hands, so not having a real similar to last year,” said to prevent, he said.

“I think there are a few teams against Georgetown and LBJ, full offseason – which we real- Walker. “Which is frustrating who certainly would’ve pro- ly needed -- has hurt us.” because we have a lot of se- in our district which we need The reason the Panthers need- niors who aren’t stepping up to play better against than vided tougher tests for his what we’ve shown in order squad than either Killeen Elli- ed a strong offseason regimen the way we need them to.” son or Del Valle did, but at this was a 7-6 campaign, which The way Walker sees it, his to beat,” said Walker. “So, we saw them struggle mightily team can probably continue need to correct some of the point, it is what it is, he said.

“I think we’re a bit behind before rebounding and ad- to get away with the same things we’re doing. We could in the process from where we vancing to the fourth round of kind and amount of mistakes probably be sloppy, but there’s would normally be at this time the playoffs and is something they’ve made in the first two always that chance a team of year,” said Walker. “We’re Walker is determined not to games without necessarily be- could come out and beat you lacking focus at the moment, see happen again any time ing punished due to the level – we see upsets all the time.”

But, it probably just won’t be but that’s not something you soon, which would explain his of competition the Panthers can necessarily work on in criticism of his team despite a will be facing during district this week.

Maybe Sonny Crockett would the offseason. After all, it’s 2-0 record, as he sees signs of play – for the most part, anynot like you carry a football last season beginning to enter way – something the veteran have a better chance. around the house with Mom into the picture, he said. coach finds disturbing, but is

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, October 8, 2020 Page 9

‘One of the best I’ve ever had’

Liberty Hill linebacker leads defense tangibly, intangibly

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Liberty Hill head football coach Jeff Walker has pretty high praise for junior linebacker Andon Thomas.

“Andon’s one of the best I’ve had in my 25 years of coaching,” said Walker. “If not the best.”

But, no pressure.

Thomas led the Panthers in tackles last season in his varsity debut, racking up 121 stops in 13 games, averaging 9.3 stops per contest and is at it again this fall, already atop the tackle charts with 21 through the first two games of the new campaign, or 10.5 per game.

Which is right where he wants to be, he said.

“One of my goals this season is to average 10 tackles per game,” said Thomas, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 215 pounds. “I feel like if I can do that, I can count on the rest of my defense to do the rest – I know I can count on all my brothers to get it done.”

Notice Thomas referred to them as his defense.

Which is one of the reasons Walker has such high praise for his star linebacker – the uncanny ability to inspire others

by just doing his job without saying a single word.

“Andon’s just a natural leader,” said Walker. “Sure, he could be a little more vocal, but other players follow him even when he doesn’t talk.”

Whether it’s on the field during practices or games, in the weight room or studying film, Thomas said he can’t quite put a finger on the reason he seems to exude such a leadership aura and prefers to lead strictly by example.

“I think maybe it’s how hard I try to work,” he said. “I guess I figure if I work harder than everyone else, other people will follow along.”

Thomas was the starting quarterback for Liberty Hill’s freshman team during his rookie campaign with the Panthers two years ago, but was switched to the other side of the ball last year as a sophomore and there’s been no looking back as he’s established himself as a force for the Purple-and-Gold, displaying the ability to range from sideline to sideline and hone in on the ball like a heat-seeking missile.

Just how versatile is he?

“Right now, Andon could be

Andon Thomas (#10) leads Liberty Hill in tackles this season, but is also a leader of his teammates on defense. our starting quarterback or our starting fullback,” said Walker. “He’s one of those players who is head-and-shoulders above his peers – he’s a very talented young man.”

So, where would Thomas rather play if he had his choice?

“I’d play linebacker,” he said.

“I like the fact it’s a mix, like a hybrid between being a lineman and a safety in that you

Shaping up to be a scuffle

stop the run game, but also drop back into pass coverage.”

As the Panthers’ main man on defense, he is responsible for calling the defensive plays once defensive coordinator Kent Walker sends in the stunts and he sees how the offense is lining up – something which requires quick thinking in order to call effective audibles – but an aspect of his game which he said doesn’t

add any pressure to his job description.

“No, I don’t think so – I feel the expectations, but I remain calm,” said Thomas. “I just tell the other guys where to go – a lot of it comes from studying film – I pretend like I’m in the game.”

As if all that weren’t enough, Thomas also handles the Panthers’ punting duties – not to mention the fact he also plays

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

baseball and basketball when he’s not creating chaos on a gridiron.

However, between the sidelines is definitely where he feels most at home, he said.

“Baseball’s a close second,” said Thomas. “But, I just love football – all the contact and the brotherhood I have with my teammates – there’s nothing else quite like it.”

LHHS volleyball to be challenged like never before

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor If Liberty Hill’s district volleyball opener against Rouse was any indication of how this season is going to pan out, it should be one ferocious battle, indeed.

After losing the first two sets against the Raiders, the Lady Panthers stormed back to force a decisive fifth set, before going down to defeat by a score of 3-2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 12-15).

To properly put the result into perspective, one must consider the three sets Liberty Hill lost in the match were three more than they dropped during the entire district schedule last season – their final campaign as a Class 4A team.

This season – their maiden voyage in Class 5A waters – has provided an altogether different, much more difficult challenge for head coach Gretchen Peterson’s club, something the veteran bench boss is well aware of as she and her squad move forward.

“We know every match is going to be a big one,” she said.

“The bar has been raised, so our girls have to be willing to get after it.”

According to Peterson, her team’s job has been made even more rugged due to the fact the Lady Panthers are the latest arrivals in District 25.

“I think teams are going to play a little different against

us because we’re the new kid in town,” said Peterson. “All the of programs in our district are strong and the level of expectation is so much higher for everyone, so we know every team is going to play their best against us.”

Such was the case against Rouse, who was 34-10 overall last season, with a 12-0 district mark and advanced to the regional semifinals, but that kind of challenge on a regular basis – even when it ends in a loss -is exactly what her team needs to ready them for the postseason after the disappointment of last year’s second-round playoff defeat, she said.

“In a weird way, we’re more confident than we were last year,” said Peterson. “We always get better through adversity, so it’s helped us a great deal.”

Previous to the Rouse match, the Lady Panthers also lost to Brenham – the state’s No. 2-ranked team in Class 5A – 3-0 (23-25, 23-25, 24-26) and despite the fact it was a straight-sets defeat, the margin in each set was as close as possible, which is something a positive can be gleaned from, she said.

“I don’t think our girls knew how good Brenham was,” said Peterson. “But, every loss is an opportunity to get better.”

The last time Liberty Hill lost back-to-back, best-offive matches were the final

two contests of the 2018 season, when they were defeated

by Georgetown in a playoff warm-up match before losing to Fredericksburg in the opening round of the postseason.

However, it’s certainly not all doom-and-gloom for the Lady Panthers, by any means, said junior setter Emma Becker.

“We understand it’s not going to be like last year anymore,” said Becker, who leads Liberty Hill this season in kills (72) and is tied with teammate Ailie Hair with 20 blocks. “But, I think as long as we keep getting better, we won’t be losing much.”

Sophomore outside hitter Kaileigh Truslow has burst onto the varsity scene this season and is currently second on the team in kills (65) and first in aces (25), providing Peterson with some potent punch on the front line, including a 23kill performance in the Rouse match.

Despite being without starters and seniors Kindsee Escamilla and Lilli Wilkins since Sept.

19, the Lady Panthers have continued to fire on all cylinders due to the contributions of some fresh faces in junior middle blocker Bailey Becker and outside hitter Reese Williams, as well as a familiar one in senior outside hitter Ashleigh Dubbs, who have all filled in more-than-capably – a fact not

See SCUFFLE, Page 13

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Kaileigh Truslow (#18) led the Lady Panthers with 23 kills in Liberty Hill’s 3-2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 12-15) district-opening away loss to Rouse on Sept. 29.

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Page 8

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Williamson County launches first-ever Parks Pass

GEORGETOWN -- Williamson County Parks Department launched their first-ever Parks Pass that will offer special benefits for those interested in spending time outdoors at a Williamson County park facility. The goal of the program is to encourage residents to visit County parks and reward those who are frequent users of county parks with discounts.

“We are excited to launch the new parks pass program. We worked really hard to build in user benefits that have an

application at all Williamson County park locations,” said Parks Department Senior Director Russell Fishbeck. “I believe that park users will find value in the pass and that their loyalty and repeat use will be rewarded accordingly.

As the holiday season nears, the Parks Pass will make a wonderful gift for your family and friends who also enjoy the outdoors.”

The Parks Pass will waive some day-use fees and provide discounts on overnight

camping, and pavilion rentals, among other benefits like: - Unlimited free day use at River Ranch County Park, when the County’s newest addition opens later this year.

This benefit applies to the passholder and up to 14 guests in the same non-commercial vehicle - Discounts on overnight camping - Equestrian use fee discount - Unlimited disc golf play (restrictions apply) - Discount ($10) on Open Are-

Liberty Hill Police Blotter Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department

Week of Sept. 28- Oct. 4 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 332 incidents resulting in seven cases, 13 citations, 19 warnings and no arrests.

Weekly Highlights: - On Sept. 28 at approximately 6:11 AM, officers responded to the 16000 block of W. SH 29 for traffic hazard.

- On Sept. 28 at approximately 10:41 AM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Loop 332 for a fraud complaint.

- On Sept. 28 at approximately 2:22 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On Sept. 28 at approximately 8:19 PM, officers responded to CR 279 for a mental health issue.

- On Sept. 29 at approximately 4:10 AM, officers responded to E. Myrtle Lane for a suspicious incident.

- On Sept. 29 at approximately 10:34 AM, officers responded to American Avenue for a suspicious incident.

- On Sept. 29 at approximately 5:53 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29

for a motor vehicle theft complaint.

- On Sept. 30 at approximately 7:55 AM, officers responded to Brady Creek to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On Sept. 30 at approximately 12:21 PM, officers responded to Spotted Rail Ridge for an alarm call.

- On Sept. 30 at approximately 5:09 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On Oct. 1 at approximately 5:06 AM, officers responded to the 2000 of US 183 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On Oct. 1 at approximately 5:53 PM, officers responded to the 11000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On Oct. 1 at approximately 7:37PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity.

- On Oct. 2 at approximately 3:17 AM, officers responded to Arrowhead Vine Street to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On Oct. 2 at approximately 9:59 AM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH

29 for an accident.

- On Oct. 2 at approximately 2:18 PM, officers respond to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On Oct. 2 at approximately 10:52 PM, officers responded to the Sundance Trail to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On Oct. 3 at approximately 12:41 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious incident.

- On Oct. 3 at approximately 12:44 AM, officers responded to the 3000 block of US 183 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On Oct. 3 at approximately 1:48PM, officers responded to Holmes Road for an alarm call.

- On Oct. 4 at approximately 10:47 AM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious incident.

- On Oct. 4 at approximately 1:46 PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On Oct. 5 at approximately 5:02 PM, officers responded to IH 35 and Westinghouse Rd to assist the Liberty Hill Fire / EMS.

na Ride at Expo Center - Discount ($10) on Group Pavilion rentals The Parks Pass can be purchased for $50 at the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park office, located at 3005 CR 175 in Leander, and at the Williamson County

Expo Center, located at 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor. The purchase is a final sale, and it cannot be refunded or transferred to another person.

At the time of use, the passholder must be present to receive the benefits and provide staff with a form of identifica-

tion. All benefits and rates are subject to availability. Policies and benefits may be subject to change without notice.

Please visit www.wilco.org/ parks for more information.

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION (AVISO DE ELECCION GENERAL)

To the registered voters of Liberty Hill Independent School District, Liberty Hill, Texas: (A los votantes registrados Liberty Hill Independent School district, Liberty Hill, Texas) Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., on November 3, 2020, for voting in a general election to elect Trustees to the Liberty Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees.

Williamson County Joint General and Special Elections Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Election Day Registered voters of the jurisdictions participating in the November 3, 2020 election may vote at any location listed below Los votantes registrados en las juridicciones participantes en la elecion del 3 de noviembre del 2020, podran votar en cualquiera de los lugares de votacion listados abajo Vote Center Locations 7:00 am-7:00 pm Locaciones de Centros de Votos

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SERVICES SELL YOUR UNIQUE home made or grown items locally!

The Market At Indian Mound Ranch is currently accepting Vendors for the 2020 Season.

Saturday’s 9-1 weather permitting. $20 space fee. 12805 SH 29 W. Send email to imr1873@ gmail.com for details.

PUBLIC NOTICES LIBERTY HILL ISD is seeking bids for Athletic Supplies and Equipment. All interested

vendors please see RFP #21001 at: https://drive.google. com/file/d/1KhLCxphjwyJZbzUKGXY_KgvCEwHBqjIP/ view?usp=sharing Or request a copy by emailing: mvance@ libertyhill.txed.net (10/8)

bility for support and consent to adoption. As well as the approval of permanent entrustment signed by the mother, Windy Kern.

It is ordered that Degooyer, Julien appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before MISSING PROPERTY 01/20/2021 at 1:30 p.m.

If you believe the police de- Date: 09/29/2020 partment may have a found Clerk: L. Pritchard, dep. item that belongs to you, you (10/29p) can call the Property Division directly at 512-548-5530 or CITY OF LIBERTY HILL email at ekrause@libertyhill- ORDINANCE NO 20-O-51 tx.gov. When contacting the TAX RATE LEVY FOR Property Division, describe FISCAL YEAR 2020 - 2021 the item(s) you are looking for, AN ORDINANCE OF THE in detail, and we will let you CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, know if we have it. If we do, TEXAS, ADOPTING AN AD we will make arrangements to VALOREM TAX RATE AND get it back to you.

LEVYING AD VALOREM (10/29) TAXES FOR USE AND SUPPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL FOR THE LEGAL NOTICES GOVERNMENT CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS, AS MAY BE NECORDER OF ESSARY TO PROMOTE PUBLICATION THE GENERAL HEALTH, Commonwealth of Virginia SAFETY AND WELFARE VA. CODE 8.01-316 FOR THE 2020 - 2021 FISCase No. JJ008994-01-00 CAL YEAR, PROVIDING Bristol Juvenile and Domestic FOR APPORTIONING EACH Relations District Court - JuLEVY FOR SPECIFIC PURvenile Division POSES; REPEALER; SEVCommonwealth of Virginia, ERABILITY; EFFECTIVE in re Degooyer, Anevay SaDATE; AND PROPER NOkari. Bristol VA DSS /v. DeTICE AND MEETING. gooyer, Julien.

(10/8) The object of this suit is to: Locate Julien Degooyer, father CITY OF LIBERTY HILL for the purposes of foster care ORDINANCE NO 20-O-49 proceedings.

BUDGET FOR FISCAL It is ordered that Degooyer, YEAR 2020 - 2021 Julien appear at the aboveAN ORDINANCE OF THE named Court and protect his CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, or her interests on or before TEXAS, MAKING APPRO10/15/2020 at 9:30 a.m.

PRIATIONS FOR THE SUPDate: 09/03/2020 PORT OF CITY SERVICES Clerk: L. Pritchard, dep.

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR (10/29p) BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2020, AND ENDING SEPORDER OF TEMBER 30, 2021 APPROPUBLICATION PRIATING MONEY TO A Commonwealth of Virginia SINKING FUND TO PAY VA. CODE 8.01-316 PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST Case No. JJ008818-07-00 ON THE CITY’S INDEBTEDBristol Juvenile and Domestic NESS; AND ENACTING THE Relations District Court - JuMUNICIPAL BUDGET FOR venile Division FISCAL YEAR 2020 - 2021; Commonwealth of Virginia, FUNDING MUNICIPAL PURin re Degooyer, Raven Nevaeh POSES; AUTHORIZING EXKyler. Bristol VA DSS /v. DePENDITURES; PROVIDING gooyer, Julien.

FOR FINDINGS OF FACT; The object of this suit is to: ENACTMENT; FILING OF Terminate residual parenBUDGET; REPEALER; SEVtal rights of the said Julien ERABILITY; EFFECTIVE Degooyer, father, including DATE; AND PROPER NObut not limited to the right of TICE AND MEETING. visitation, right to determine (10/8) religious affiliation, responsi-

Early Voting: October 13, 2020 thru October 30, 2020 Dates and Times for Full-Time Locations: Fechas y horarios para localidades de tiempo complete Tuesday, October 13 through Friday, October 30: 7:00am - 7:00pm (except Sundays) Martes 13 de octubre a Viernes 30 de octubre: 7:00am - 7:00pm (except domingos) Sunday, October 18 and Sunday, October 25: 1:00pm - 6:00pm Domingo 18 y domingo 25 de octubre: 13:00-18:00 Main Location - Localidad Central: Williamson County Inner Loop Annex, 301 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown Branch Locations - Otras localidades: See Attachment C - ver adjunto c Williamson County Early Voting Schedule Horario de la Votación Adelantada del Condado de Williamson Joint General and Special Elections – November 3, 2020 Elecciones Generales y Especiales Conjuntas – 3 de noviembre del 2020 Dates and Times for Locations: Fechas y horarios para localidades de tiempo completo: Tuesday, October 13 through Friday, October 30 Del Martes 13 de octubre al Viernes 30 de octubre 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Sunday, October 18 and Sunday, October 25 Domingo 18 y domingo 25 de octubre 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Main Location - ubicación principal Georgetown: Georgetown Annex, 100 Wilco Way, HR108, 78626 Branch Locations – ubicaciones de sucurales Georgetown: The Worship Place Church, 811 Sun City Boulevard, 78633 Georgetown: Georgetown ISD Technology Building, 603 Lakeway Drive, 78628 Georgetown: Georgetown Randalls, 5721 Williams Drive, 78633 Georgetown: Parks & Recreation Administration Building, 1101 North College Street, 78626 Austin: Anderson Mill Limited District, 11500 El Salido Parkway, 78750 Austin: RE Hartfield Performing Arts Center, 5800 McNeil Drive, 78729 Austin: Spicewood Springs Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, 78759 Cedar Park: Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Boulevard, 78613 Cedar Park: Cedar Park Randalls, 1400 Cypress Creek Road, 78613 Hutto: Wilco Hutto Annex, 321 Ed Schmidt Boulevard, Suite 100, 78634 Jarrell: Jarrell ISD Administration, 108 East Avenue F, 76537 Leander: Pat Bryson Municipal Hall, 201 N Brushy Street, 78641 Liberty Hill: Liberty Hill Municipal Court, 2801 RR 1869, 78642 Round Rock: Baca Senior Center, 301 W Bagdad Street, Building 2, 78664 Round Rock: Round Rock Randalls, 2051 Gattis School Road, 78664 Round Rock: Brushy Creek Community Center, 16318 Great Oaks Drive, 78681 Round Rock: Williamson County Jester Annex, 1801 E Old Settlers Boulevard, 78664 Taylor: Taylor City Hall, 400 Porter Street, 76574 Georgetown: Limited Ballot Voting – Georgetown Annex, 100 Wilco Way, Conference 105, 78626 Locations Subject to Change (sujeto a cambio) Applications for ballot by mail shall be mailed to: (Las solicitudes para boletas de votacion adlantada por correo deberan enviarse a:) Early Voting Clerk Williamson County elections PO Box 209 Georgetown, TX 78627 Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on: Friday, October 23, 2020

Continued from Page 4

Agape BBQ’s trio firmly believes in meeting a high standard of only using the highest quality meat to serve the best possible product.

“The major thing that I’ve found is that you have to start with the highest quality meat.

We will always use prime, certified Angus beef. It’s a standard that we have all accepted,” said Archer. “That’s where it starts, with the best cut of meat. That’s what we use. You’re also a little more careful when you’re dealing with a piece of meat that might cost twice as much as another one. You tend to check the fire a little more often when you have that kind of money out there.”

The trio believes in keeping a simple and easy to read menu that they can perfect before expanding. Limited items will be offered on weekends to keep the menu fresh but not bloated.

November 3, 2020

BS 16

11

3 de noviembre de 2020

Joint General and Special Elections of Williamson County, Texas

Elecciones Generales y Especiales Conjunta del Condado de Williamson, TX

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protect ourselves from.”

Ellis and Harrington believe the Liberty Hill community and parents of athletes need to be aware of the heightened risks of long-term issues for athletes.

“I know that on the athletic side of it, we’re very cautious when a kid comes back from COVID. There have been several athletes that haven’t been allowed to play. Whether it’s NCAA, professional, or high school because there are heart issues months after this,” said Ellis. “When an athlete comes back, we make sure to look at them a little closer, so they don’t have any issues with their heart. We’re talking about long-term brain issues, contusion issues. There’s plenty out there, and we’re just learning about long-term effects.”

Harrington is grateful for the support of the district’s administration. For Harrington, the support makes constant new challenges that arise more manageable.

“We’re super blessed to have the leadership we have with our superintendent and assistant superintendent. They’re amazing to work with, and they support us 100 percent,” said Harrington. “The hardest is that every day something new comes up and when you implement new things people don’t like change, but it’s going to happen.”

Together, Ellis and Harrington are navigating a thick fog of the unknown, but the determined duo is learning to make their way through and come out on the other end.

“This has been two people learning to lean on each other that are pretty strong women on their own and realizing we’ve had to figure it out together,” said Ellis. “We’ve made a lot of mistakes, but we’ve learned, and it’s for the greater good. If I’m down, she picks me up, and if she’s down, I pick her up.”

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3 de noviembre de 2020

November 3, 2020

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LE

it’s COVID. There are a few symptoms that are different from COVID that are the Flu, so Williamson County gives us a chart. We have to rely on the practitioners to tell us which one it is. Our campus nurses do such a great job on the front line.”

Ellis stresses the importance for families to take COVID seriously because it can affect anyone and everyone. Ellis takes pride in knowing the work they’re doing, while uncomfortable for some, is helping all.

“It doesn’t discriminate. I don’t care if you’re two or 100, it does not discriminate,” said Ellis. “It doesn’t discriminate if you have pre-existing conditions or if you’re healthy.

It can affect anybody at any time. One of the bigger things Michaella and I have learned while doing this is, we do not know what battles out families are fighting at home. If we’re taking that one extra step and upsetting that one family to make sure everyone is healthy at home. We’re proud to keep everyone safe.”

Harrington understands some people’s frustrations but appreciates the many grateful responses they’ve gotten from parents.

“We’ll take that 95 percent of grateful parents to that 5 percent who get angry because we have to quarantine their child,” said Harrington. “The 95 percent are so grateful because they know we’re looking out for everybody and not just an individual. It’s all taking care of each other.”

A critical thing people need to know that overcoming COVID’s initial symptoms doesn’t mean the battle is over.

It is well-documented there can be long-term complications after initial recovery.

“People have long-term issues and it can either be heart or lung, not one person knows how it’s going to affect them,” said Harrington. “The sad thing is that until it affects their family, some people won’t believe it’s something we need to

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4

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Ciudad de Liberty Hill Proposition A

M P

Continued from Page 1

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Kevin Patrick Yeary

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difference in closeness between first and second cousins.

“We figure out which parents, staff members, or students were exposed for a long period and are the most likely to have been exposed to COVID,” she said. “What we tell people is that its kind of like first and second cousins. If you’re the first cousin, then you’re the first one in line. That’s what close contact is. A second cousin is the next contact.

Those are typically a little safer than the first.”

Performing a thorough investigation and going through things with a fine-tooth comb takes time.

“We go through all of that, and sometimes on average, it can take us anywhere between 8 hours and 10 hours to complete the process,” said Harrington. “To be able to tell where it exactly originated from is the same as the flu, no one will ever know. We can only take the case that comes in, and we comb through every single piece of evidence that might be in front of us. It depends on how big the case can get.”

The duo’s job isn’t over after completing their investigation.

The next step requires reporting to multiple agencies.

“The job doesn’t stop after we’ve contacted everyone.

We still need to report to the TEA. We need to report to the Williamson County Health Department,” said Harrington.

“Every week, we have to put in COVID illnesses versus flu illnesses. There is a lot of documentation that goes into this.”

The difference between COVID and the Flu is razor-thin to the average person.

For trained individuals like Harrington and Ellis, there are specific telltale symptoms to seek.

“We have certain symptoms that we seek out. If somebody hasn’t tested positive for COVID or the Flu, and symptoms correspond with COVID, doctors will say it is clinical probable,” Harrington said. “That means they believe

Democratic Party

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Chrysta Castañeda

Chief Justice, Supreme Court

Howie Hawkins Angela Walker Green Party

Elizabeth Davis Frizell

Juez, Corte de Apelaciones Criminales, Lugar Núm. 4

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having elotes, some Mexican street corn.”

For those worried about their morning coffee disappearing in this transition, there are zero plans to remove the coffee aspect. Guests will have the option of coffee and breakfast during the morning hours. To remain consistent, Agape BBQ is bringing on the staff already in place.

“It’s a new world for us. Luckily, we were smart enough, and Josh and Ellen were gracious enough to integrate their staff with us. We’re keeping all the coffee knowledge through their staff.”

Agape BBQ will host its soft opening today, Oct. 8, and officially open its doors Saturday, Oct. 10.

For more information and menu options, Agape BBQ is on Facebook and Instagram.

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TRACING

“To start, we’re going to be open during the day. We anticipate the demand is going to push us into evening hours pretty quickly. We’ll have specials on Friday and Saturday or one of the two days. We’ll have beef ribs, pork loins, pork steaks and things like that that aren’t on the menu as a standard rotation.”

A significant part of barbecue is complimenting it with sides and beverages. Customers can expect to have various rotation craft beer options as well as some traditional and non-traditional sides.

“We’re going to have the standards, a mustard-based potato salad. There’s a couple of sides people go crazy over. We have our twist on pinto beans that are more like a cowboy or charro type of bean. They love the beans. We’ll also have a hatch green chili mac and cheese. We’re also looking at

number of patients I’d like to see by the end of the year, and I’ve almost met that goal,” she said. “It’s actually taking off a little bit more than I initially anticipated it to. The future is unknown a lot right now, but my hope is to continue to really have a hometown health center where patients can get care and have a team of NPs who are experts that come together to really provide excellent care for the community.

That may include new specialties down the road or may just mean adding additional services—I’ll have to see what the community needs.”

Patients are seen by appointment only. For more information, visit www.resiliencytx. com.

PL

well.

“All three practices work together,” Thurman said. “Our patients don’t come with individual problems. A patient who has high blood pressure may also have a mental health concern. One of our nurse practitioners might see a need for functional wellness, so we all discuss together and we’re able to collaborate in real time with all our different knowledge sets.”

Thurman expects functional medicine to become much more popular over the next couple of decades and wanted Liberty Hill to be at the forefront. Since opening Resiliency in June, she has seen a positive reaction from the community.

“I actually had a goal of the

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Condado

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AGAPE

Continued from Page 4

M

who is married to their job and gets by on little sleep and is stressed, we might start by looking at stress and hormone testing first. On the functional side we also take a deeper look at the body itself, which includes looking at your tongue, nails and hair, and identifying easy physical markers for health. We track as we go and figure out what works and what doesn’t and the biggest thing is we want to find the cause of the problem. The goal is to get my patients to a place where they feel better and their health is better.”

Thurman has coined the term “hometown health center” for Care First and Resiliency, and also houses Renew Psychiatric Associates, owned by Anastasia Corker, in her practices as

Page 7

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Thursday, October 8, 2020

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Continued from Page 1

solid decision making.

“It is expanding pretty fast, with new schools opening and I just see in a way it is a very tight community,” he said.

“The challenge in the district will be learning how to put strategic priorities in place.

Sometimes when you grow so fast you might think something is a priority, but it might not be. That will be a challenge.

That is any place if you don’t keep priorities in place and in order.”

The key to making those right decisions and choosing the right path is simple for him.

“Being engaged with the actual people who will be effected instead of being engaged with the top people,” Canas said. “Getting feedback from the community before we start doing things we think is the right thing. We can’t make commitments that might not benefit the community.”

Like every parent in the school district, Canas has watched and experienced firsthand the district’s response to COVID-19, and he applauded everyone involved from the top down, saying the only thing he might put even more focus on would be communication.

“The key to it is communication,” he said of the district’s response. “The more engagement and the more preparation parents had, this is something that nobody planned for or expected, was the key. I give my total appreciation to the teachers and school district. I know this is a hard time and I appreciate all they’re doing for our kids.”

Carter Originally from North Texas, Kendall Carter and his family came to Central Texas after a brief time in Florida. He has been in Liberty Hill for just over nine years, with two children in Liberty Hill schools.

Carter works in the building and construction industry and his wife is a teacher at Burden Elementary.

“I hope my career experience can help bring something to the board,” he said. “I’ve been a national account manager calling on builders for over 10 years, local, medium-sized and national builders. I manage sales and manage people as well as contracts.”

Whether it has been volunteering for campus programs or his participation with the Panther Pit Crew, Carter hopes that involvement has better prepared him to serve.

“I’ve been involved in the schools quite a bit, being a volunteer for Watch Dogs the last three years and have been around the school seeing what all is going on,” Carter said.

“That’s the main reason I’m running is the future betterment of the policies and pro-

Lawsuit

cedures the board has in place right now.”

The role of the Board is a unique one among elected officials, Carter said, adding that he has a point of view not many on the Board have today.

“The board helps enforce and review policies in place, and I feel like I would be good at that, helping manage that side of things,” he said. “I feel like I bring a unique and different aspect when you look at the people on the board now because my kids are younger, so I feel like I would bring a slightly different perspective.”

Questioning everything is the key to making sure “When I think of the district I look at campuses and think, is one campus better than another? Is anything unfairly zoned?

Are teachers overworked?” he said. “I don’t know the answers to all those, but those are the kinds of things I think about. Are there chances to look at something not in place today that could be in place to help improve or is there something in place that might have a different review process that could be better for the whole district?

“There’s always room for improvement,” he said. “Over the last couple of years there’s been a lot of change, and a lot of positive change. You take (Board member) Megan Parsons for example. Last year one of the things she was focused on was communication and you saw how the Board helped with the communication process. There are always ways to improve things.”

Like for many involved in LHISD, Carter points to growth as the biggest challenge.

“Liberty Hill has had huge growth over the last 10 years and people move here and they say it’s because of the school district,” Carter said. “That’s what stands out the most is people outside know this is a great school district.”

He volunteered on both the last bond election committee and the district’s recent strategic planning committee.

“That was very enlightening,” Carter said of the bond committee work. “As far as cost goes, the procedures of how it’s run, how many different people have to be involved just to get it submitted and then get it to an election was very eye opening.”

He also had a lot of praise for the school district in its response to COVID-19.

“Do I think it’s perfect? No,” Carter said. “Do I think it’s really good? Yes. Are teachers nervous? Sure. I still think people are nervous out there, but I think we’re headed in the right direction and I think (the district) has done a great job in being prepared to handle the situation.

Continued from Page 1

under the three-year term. It’s breach of contract primarily.”

One of the key pieces to Campbell’s challenge is an alleged lack of proper procedure in the termination.

“The other basis for the lawsuit is the fact that there is a provision in the Texas Government Code that says you can’t fire a police officer – a law enforcement officer – based on a complaint that’s not in writing, signed and investigated by the department, or in this case the City,” O’Brien said. “There was nothing of that sort involved here. That’s also a problematic issue for the City in this termination.”

The legal action stems from the firing of Campbell in March, which was followed by a grievance filed by the former chief in April, a subsequent investigation by the City and a recent unemployment compensation hearing won by Campbell against the City.

Liberty Hill officials produced documents representing an investigation of Campbell the day after his termination, but at no time in that process did City officials talk to Campbell or his attorney as part of the investigation.

When asked about the validity of the City’s investigation that was conducted at the request of Campbell and his attorney as part of the grievance filed, O’Brien dismissed it.

“Number one, they made the decision to terminate him before that,” he said. “Once

you’ve made the decision to terminate somebody, and you’ve done so without investigation and you terminate then you’ve already violated the law. I can promise you that an investigation after the fact, when someone has gotten an attorney, is always going to favor the City. That is simply not sufficient under the circumstances.”

The lawsuit also raises questions regarding the termination in light of a three-year contract extension in May 2019, as well as multiple pay increases and a lack of any disciplinary action documented in his file.

“I would point anybody to Maverick’s disciplinary record prior to his termination, which was nonexistent,” O’Brien said.

All along, Campbell has contended that the incident in New Jersey, originally cited by the City as cause for his termination, was used as an excuse to fire him. The long list of allegations Campbell expressed in his grievance are included in the lawsuit filed last week because O’Brien believes those issues are the real cause for termination, and the termination was retaliation for opposing Hall’s demands.

“There are descriptions of a lot of the things alleged because I believe those provide the basis and the motivation for the Mayor to push for Maverick’s termination,” he said.

What’s different in the suit, though, is that Campbell

Candidates for Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees participated in candidate forums Monday and Tuesday evenings from the downtown newsroom of The Independent. The forums were broadcast via Facebook Live on Facebook.com/libertyhillindependent. The forums will remain available on the Independent’s Facebook page and will be posted at www.LHIndependent.com.

(ABOVE) Managing Editor Mike Eddleman (left) outlines the format for the Place 2 forum featuring candidates Antonio Canas and Kendall Carter. (BELOW) Independent Photographer Alex Rubio (right) manages the video equipment and lights for the broadcast.

SHELLY WILKISON PHOTOS

“I’ve heard and seen firsthand that they are putting in more hours and energy than they ever have before,” he said.

“Mr. (Steve) Snell has done a fabulous job and that’s one of the reasons I’m interested in becoming a school board member. I’ve seen his leadership and I’ve seen the changes he has made.”

Munguia Dana Munguia has been in Liberty Hill a little over a year, saying – like many others who make their way to the area – she wanted to get out of Austin.

Her career has included time as an Austin Police Officer, an investigator with the State of Texas, and is now working as a risk manager.

Her two daughters are both grown and out of school, but that hasn’t stopped her from looking for a way to give to the community.

“I wanted to be involved in the community,” she said. “I think that’s so important and I wanted to specifically be

involved in the education process, again because it’s so important, and I thought this was the best opportunity to be able to do both.”

The combination of her past work with schools and her career are experiences Munguia believes make her a good candidate.

“When my kids were in school I was PTO president and very involved, and I just think that my professional background has enabled me to look at things objectively and see the best course and weigh options,” she said. “I think on the school board, to be able to sit back and look at all the options would make me a true asset to the community.”

When she talks about the biggest issues facing Liberty Hill ISD, COVID comes up first, only because it is the most looming challenge for everyone everywhere.

“That’s difficult, because I think for all districts, it’s dealing with the current situation with COVID and how to navigate that,” she said. “I think

(the district) is doing a great job navigating an unknown environment in terms of the virtual piece and the in-class piece. I know this is new for everyone and I think everyone is doing the best they can, but I think Liberty Hill is excelling in that.”

Citing her background, she also pegged school safety as a critical issue.

“It’s a number one priority in this day and age,” Munguia said. “I think (the district) has done a really good job, especially now that they’ve added a K-9 unit to the mix. I think they’re trying to be proactive, which is super important when it comes to safety issues.”

She has no doubt coping with growth is a challenge, but Munguia hopes that looking at other communities who are or have dealt with similar issues will help make it smoother for Liberty Hill.

“Growth is always difficult but I think looking at how others have dealt with it in similar situations is always the best way to navigate that issue,”

she said. “In putting together a bond package it is really important to get input from the community in terms of what they feel is a priority and then pushing it through based on that priority. I’d like to get in and see what is happening and see what they’ve dealt with in the past and look at what the current underlying issues are that maybe I am not aware of.”

Understanding that school board members have a limited role, Munguia said she is excited about the opportunity to learn more about the inner-workings of a school district.

“I see it as an advisory role and know there are a lot of things they can’t do, but I think the role is to help guide the educational process in an overarching role,” she said.

“I’m ready to learn and look at issues hopefully from a different perspective than maybe in the past and I see that as an asset.”

claims to have witnesses and proof there was a prior effort to terminate him and concerns from others about Hall’s alleged behavior.

In the filing, Campbell has a statement from former City Secretary Barbara Zwernemann – who was terminated in May – alleging that City Human Resources Director Becky Wilkins told her that “she and Hall didn’t want to waste an opportunity to terminate Campbell”, according to the suit.

The suit also cites two meetings – one in December 2019 and one in February – with two members of the City Council “to discuss his concerns about Hall’s behavior, including Hall’s threats to have Campbell fired. Therefore, Hall and the council members were aware of Campbell’s intentions to file formal criminal complaints before they made the decision to terminate him.”

Campbell confirmed this week that those two Council members who met with him at his home were Liz Rundzieher and Kathy Canady. He also said Canady told him specifically that the issues – including the behavior of public officials at City-sponsored functions – would be placed on a Council agenda for further discussion.

Canady has spoken out against Campbell in The Independent on numerous occasions since the decision was made to terminate him.

The narrative of the lawsuit

includes details of Hall’s alleged meddling in the operation of the police department, as well as issues previously reported regarding Hall’s behavior during ride alongs, one of which documented Hall accessing the computer in the patrol car of former officer Jeff Farmer. The City originally resisted turning over the dash and officer body camera footage to The Independent following a public information request, but after 127 days that included a complaint filed with the Texas Attorney General and subsequent efforts by an attorney for the newspaper, the footage was released.

Questions remain regarding what Hall was doing on the computer, and about the abrupt ending of the video that both officer Farmer and Campbell claim was cut off.

When The Independent acquired a copy of the grievance filed by Campbell, it also detailed allegations of drunken behavior at City functions, including the 2019 City Christmas party and a January 2020 Council and staff retreat.

Campbell’s allegation that Hall threatened his two sons and used a racial slur in reference to them is also repeated in the lawsuit.

“What seems clear to me is that Mayor Hall is reckless,” O’Brien said. “Because of his recklessness the City has lost a very experienced, honorable and competent police chief who has done a lot of good

for the city. While Maverick has his own individual grievances with the City that we’re pursuing in the lawsuit, I think that the citizens of Liberty Hill should be upset that the Mayor, and bad decisions of the Council members, has brought the City to this position.”

When The Independent asked about the suit Monday, Hall said by text message he was not aware of it and had no comment. According to Campbell, Hall and the City were served with the lawsuit Tuesday afternoon.

From the first time any of the allegations were made against Hall, he has categorically denied there is any truth to them, but has not addressed anything specifically.

“I can tell you this, that the comments made in (the grievance) are not valid,” Hall said in a previous interview regarding the grievance. “At the initial point some of these comments were made, Becky (Wilkins) spoke to every one of the employees and there was no comments from any of the employees that came remotely close to all that. This is the typical thing that happens with a disgruntled employee, or ex-employee trying to divert the real things from them to someone else to try to discredit somebody else when they’re the ones in trouble.”

At the time, Hall reiterated his belief that if the allegations were true they would have been made previously.

“In my opinion, when you bring up something that has supposedly happened for 18 to 20 months, after you’re terminated, but nothing is said before, then to me it looks like a witch hunt,” Hall said. “If any of it, even a small piece of it has any truth behind it, why wasn’t something said before?”

Despite Hall implying the allegations are fabricated, Campbell is also at risk in filing the lawsuit if it is proven the allegations were made up.

O’Brien dismissed the notion that the allegations made by Campbell would simply be made up, saying that if a court deems a lawsuit to be frivolous the court can rule for sanctions against the party and their attorney.

The suit requests a jury trial if the case makes it that far.

“Any civil case can always be settled, that’s always a choice between the parties,” he said.

“If we don’t settle it I’m happy to take this to trial and I wouldn’t expect that to be any sooner than nine months from now.”

The suit specifies Campbell is seeking “monetary relief over $250,000 but not more than $1 million. He further seeks a judgment for all other relief to which he deems himself entitled by law” that could include compensatory damages, as well as attorney fees, plaintiff costs, expert witness fees, and pre- and post-judgment interest.

Thursday, October 8, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

CTRMA to begin 183A extension work

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer With the environmental process completed, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) is moving on to the construction phase of the 183A Phase III project.

“We awarded the contract to Lane Construction this last week. We anticipate executing that construction contract later this month,” said senior project manager Oscar Solis.

“There will be a known delay.

We incorporated a 180-day delay into the contract to further advance utility relocation on the project. So, people may not start seeing construction equipment and construction signs going up until probably April of next year.”

Before the actual construction of the toll extension begins, people in the area can expect to see utility relocation work between now and April.

Place 1

“What people will see between now and then is utility relocation work,” Solis said.

“There will be power poles moved. There will be underground fiber lines moved to start now through April of next year. The bulk of the construction from Hero Way up to 29 is going to go on between the frontage roads.”

Solis says citizens will not be impacted heavily through the construction process.

Construction will take place primarily overnight and not during peak traffic periods.

“We don’t anticipate significant impacts to the traveling public, definitely none during peak times. There will not be any lane closures,” he said.

“There are no approved lane closures during peak time currently. If you do see any significant lane closures, they’ll most likely be overnight.”

The extended toll lanes will

Continued from Page 1

Stephenson When Stephenson looks back on his first term it is easy to see how eventful it was. His term included the proposal and voter approval of a $98.6 million bond package, the hiring of new Superintendent Steve Snell, and the district’s response to COVID-19. He is proud of all that has been done in those three-plus years.

“It’s been very rewarding and fulfilling,” Stephenson said of his first term. “It has taken up a lot more time than what I had anticipated in the beginning, but it’s one of those things that you get out of it what you put into it, and I’m happy to do it. It’s very eye-opening, and there’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that the general public doesn’t really ever know about. There’s a lot that goes into it.”

When Stephenson talks about challenges for the district, it always begins with the ongoing growth he expects to explode even further in the coming years.

“It has started, but now we’re right on the cusp of tremendous growth and that was the reason why I signed up in the first place,” he said. “I just want to help and this is kind of in my wheelhouse and what I do for a living. I enjoy longrange planning and that sort of thing. It’s a type of chess that I enjoy playing.”

There is some stress in it, but he points to the teamwork in the process as something that makes the district successful in taking on the challenges.

“I’d be lying if I said what we’re about to go through doesn’t keep me up at night,” Stephenson said. “But we’ve got a great team and that makes it worthwhile. I’m excited about the strategic plan that we’ve got now in our district. It’s really going to help set the tone and help us with our growth.”

Coming up with facilities for the number of new students is the big focus, but behind the scenes there is the hurdle of still being a rural area in many ways.

“Because our district is still pretty rural as far as infrastructure, that makes it a tremendous challenge on where schools can go,” he said. “If it doesn’t have infrastructure in place we have to account for that and how far away from the infrastructure it is going to be, as far as water and sewer, and what impact that will have on the cost of the school.”

The latest demographic reports will be coming out soon, and Stephenson said that information will reinforce for the community the growth needs for the district. It also reminds him of a related concern, and that is keeping what is special about the school district as it booms.

“One of the biggest challenges is maintaining our culture,” Stephenson said. “People move to Liberty Hill for a reason, and it’s for the schools.

Maintaining that culture is going to be difficult. When you go through the growth we’re going to it is difficult, but that is also part of our strategic plan. We want to keep what’s great about Liberty Hill, but at the same time understand we can always be better.”

The criticism Stephenson takes from his opponent, Terry Smith, is over a September

2018 incident where Smith’s son was unaccounted for by the district for nearly 40 minutes after he was mistakenly sent home on a school bus rather than being picked up by Smith as usual at Burden Elementary. Smith has long-criticized the district’s mistake, and still contends the incident wasn’t handled properly in the aftermath.

Stephenson said there were mistakes on both sides and the issue was dealt with through the implementation of the SMART Tags program that now helps track the whereabouts of students who get on and off of district school buses.

“We did mess up as a district and the SMART Tags being put in place was because of that incident,” Stephenson said. “What (Terry Smith) is not addressing is his actions when that happened, and that he was banned for a year from that campus. We actually banned him two years but then we decided to let him in a year early to try to bridge a gap there because we’re not here to fight with our people in the district. We messed up, but what he did up there was completely over the line. The police were involved, there was damage done to school property and it’s unfortunate that he did what he did up there because if he wouldn’t have reacted that way we would have been the only ones with egg on our face.”

Stephenson, who has lived in the district for 20 years and has one child who is a graduate of Liberty Hill High School and one who is a junior this year.

“I’m very passionate about this community. I care,” Stephenson said. “I’m going to care after my kids leave. When I commit to it, I commit to it.

It’s the same thing with everyone else on the board. We’re all dedicated and committed to it. I just believe I am the right person.”

Smith Terry Smith is retired from the U.S. Army and has been a resident within LHISD for just over two years, with two children in Liberty Hill schools.

This is his second run for school board, and as in 2019, he has made it clear his focus is on security issues, specifically pertaining to the incident involving his son in September 2018.

Smith’s involvement in the district has been a challenge due to a ban from campus following an outburst at Burden when the incident occurred with his son, but he is now a frequent visitor to the campus and more involved again.

He believes that involvement and his military background make him a good choice for the school board.

“I have been involved heavily with (Burden Principal Tanya) Lambert and I continue to be involved with my son’s education and my daughter’s at Liberty Hill Intermediate School,” Smith said. “The knowledge I have of being able to read, interpret and enforce policies the way they need to be enforced instead of just saying this policy we can look over at this grade level versus this policy we need to enforce at this grade level.”

While applauding the establishment of the district police department, Smith continued

go under SH 29 and are to be the most critical segment of the construction process.

“The most significant part of the construction will be the intersection at 29, where we’re taking the toll lanes under 29,” said Solis. “So, 29 is going to stay at the surface. We’ll be digging a hole to place the 183A toll lanes under. The construction work on the 29 is where we’re adding a bridge.

When the project is completed, 29 will be on a new bridge, and the bridge accommodates any new plans by the county for the westbound frontage roads.”

Several obstacles presented themselves while the CTRMA team laid out their plans. What would serve as the best option for the SH 29 intersection?

“I think two main things stood out, utilities and what to do at SH29, the deal at 29 was whether we should take

to take issue with safety and security on campuses, and his dissatisfaction with how the district responded to his complaint and concerns following that incident.

“The SMART Tag system was implemented because two years ago my son went missing from Bill Burden Elementary School, which the Board did nothing about,” Smith said.

“My kids both walk or drive to school and we have a SMART Tag that’s just kind of there, so that’s kind of a waste of money. The police force has been doing a good job, and I didn’t know about the K-9 unit, but the more officers we have, the more police presence, we can probably keep some of the problems down.”

Smith went on to say that he believes if problems would have been reported with the SMART Tag system nothing would have been done to correct it, but he did not offer any examples of known problems with the program.

While he admits implementation of the SMART Tag program was a result of the incident with his son, Smith doesn’t believe it was enough to resolve the issue.

“It was too little too late,” he said. “The school board never addressed the issue of my son being missing for a period of 40 minutes. Security has improved since Ms. Lambert has taken over at Bill Burden, but you know it was reactionary rather than proactive and if they would have addressed the situation with me all the way through without trying to sidestep a bunch of issues with policies, procedures and rules that human resources manager Bobby Mabry sidestepped then it could have been done a lot quicker.

“With the SMART Tag they did a good job, and I applaud them for that. But with the response of Bill Burden Elementary and the school district was totally, totally, unsatisfactory.”

Regarding the constant growth in the district, Smith said the district has to grow, but mentioned concerns over current bond debt and issues with messaging over the tax burden of new debt.

“We’re growing exponentially by leaps and bounds,” Smith said. “You can see the influx now of what’s been going on with all the housing going up.

You have to do it where this bond is paid off before you ask for another bond, and then when you campaign for a bond you don’t say your taxes aren’t going to be raised because if anybody has done their research they are already at the state maximum.”

Smith added that he believes the district should work more within the funds it already has access to rather than bond money.

“You have to take the money you already have available and build what you can with what you have instead of overextending yourself even more,” he said. “Obviously you’re going to have to go more into more planning with money that is available instead of maybe pay raises to senior officials in the school district.”

In many cases, though, salary money and capital improvement monies can’t be mixed in school districts.

the toll lanes under or should we take them over,” Solis said.

“We wondered if we should elevate 29 and leave the toll roads at the existing ground.

Part of that went back to an ultimate interchange concept that the county performed about 10 years back. What we ended up doing is staying consistent with that.”

With a project of this scale and the amount of digging necessary, there is a risk of an underground cave or void.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife designates karst zones from one to four, with one having the highest chance of having a cave or void and four having the least chance.

“When you’re digging out like that, there is a risk. We are in what U.S. Fish and Wildlife call karst zone 3 and 4. Karst zone 1 and 2 are most significant, but 3 and 4 are at less of a risk for caves and voids,”

said Solis. “We don’t anticipate issues, but in the situation where a void is found, our design plans have mitigation measures in there for our contractor to abide by. As part of our oversight team, we’ll have an environmental compliance manager on sight to ensure from an environmental standpoint everything is being done to protect all aspects. From voids to water quality.”

Solis said one of the difficult aspects of the project was planning around the way 29 naturally drops off.

“Another aspect was the vertical grains; we looked at what a vertical profile would look like for the toll lanes going over 29. What the problem was, is the natural ground when you go north on 29 drops off, or the flow drains north,” he said. “This means as we’re going over 29 and trying to tie back in, the existing ground is

Page 5

going further down too, so we can’t tie in. Our goal was to tie in further south by county road 258. To tie back in, going under SH29 made more sense.”

Despite the various obstacles before them, Solis and the CTRMA team were able to develop their plan and expect the open toll date somewhere around late 2024.

“We wanted to be consistent and build something compatible with the county’s ultimate plans for future widening or build-out of the US 183 and SH29 intersection. By doing this, we’re being good partners with the county,” Solis said. “I think it’s going to cost us a little more to go under, but it’s the best solution all around.

So, our open to toll date is late 2024. Our contract allows for 818 working days. That doesn’t account for weather or things like that.”

Mayoral candidate participates in forum

SHELLY WILKISON PHOTO

Elizabeth Branigan, the challenger in the race for Liberty Hill Mayor, participated in a candidate forum hosted by The Independent on Monday. Branigan’s opponent, incumbent Mayor Rick Hall, did not participate. The question-answer session was broadcast live on the newspaper’s Facebook page where it can still be seen. The video will also be posted on the website www.

LHIndependent.com. Early voting runs Oct. 13-30 at any Williamson County early voting location, or from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Liberty Hill Municipal Court building at 2801 RR 1869.

Salvation Army expands rent, utility assistance resources in WilCo

GEORGETOWN – Since shelter-in-place orders were issued in late March, The Salvation Army Williamson County Service Center has received a 60 percent increase in the number of requests for rent and utility assistance.

With an expected spike in requests for help during the coming months, The Service Center has ramped up its resources to meet the community need, including the addition of six temporary employees to support the massive client financial assistance distribution through Dec. 30.

The Salvation Army is working with the Wilco Forward Phase III program, along with The Caring Place and the Round Rock Serving Center, to distribute $5 million in CARES Act funding for rent and utility assistance to county residents. The Service Center is also partnering with three area agencies to assist clients who do not have access to a computer or need help with the required documentation. Once the application is finalized, it can be processed by The Service Center.

People who need assistance can contact one of these agencies for an appointment: Community Resource Centers of Texas, Inc. Phone: 512-548-5091 Address: 155 Hillcrest Lane, Suite B Hours of operation: 9:30 am12:30 pm; 1 pm-3 pm Contact name: Robbie Shader, Site Coordinator Hill Country Community

Ministries Phone: 512-259-0360 x 201 Address: 1005 Lacy Drive, Leander, TX 78641.

Hours of operation: Friday 9 am-noon; 1 pm-3 pm Operation Liberty Hill Phone: 512-778-4175 (Ask for Susan) Address: 1401 N Hwy 183, Leander, 78641 Hours of operation: Tues. 9 am -5 pm; Thurs. noon-6 pm CARES Act eligibility requirements • All residences needing assistance must be in Williamson County • Funding will include the rent amounts for up to three months based on the lease agreement, including late fees • For approved applications, the resident must request additional funds after the first month of assistance as needed • Up to $1,500 of utility assistance per residence • Applicant must show evidence that assistance is needed due to COVID-19 repercussions In addition to CARES Act funding, The Salvation Army has been awarded $50,000 from the Georgetown Health Foundation to be used for families affected by COVID-19.

“Through grants, federal assistance, and the generosity of those who give to our organization, we are rising to the challenge of helping those in our community who have been impacted by the pandemic,” said Laura Spradlin, Williamson County Service

Center Director. “We have been a beacon of light for so many in Williamson County, but it’s going to take a collective effort from our partners, donors, and government agencies to support those in need.”

A large portion of donations from the annual Wilco Gives fundraiser on Sept. 24, which raised tens of thousands of dollars, will also be allocated for rent and utility assistance for 2020-2021. The event was streamed online for the first time in its history and is an example of how The Salvation Army is innovating its fund-raising techniques to support those devasted by the pandemic.

The Salvation Army has been supporting those in need for more than 131 years in Central Texas. The Williamson County Service Center provides financial assistance and a food pantry, along with other programs and services to Williamson County individuals and families who are living in the first stages of financial crisis. The goal is to prevent homelessness by helping people become self-sufficient again. Other programs offered by the Service center are a character building and music program, summer camp for the children and community outreach to a disadvantage neighborhood. For more information, go to SalvationArmyAustin. org/williamson-county-service-center

Page 4

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 8, 2020

LIBERTY HILL BUSINESS NEWS

Agape BBQ offers a unique experience Resiliency Functional

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer As Liberty Hill continues its rapid growth, more and more dining options are becoming available for the community. Joining the influx of new restaurants, Agape BBQ is bringing traditional Texas barbecue into the mix.

Originally Archer BBQ in Cedar Park, the transition to Agape BBQ began when founder Jeremy Archer partnered with Brandon Reinoehl.

“It was a little kiosk in a Cedar Park. My lease was up in March, the weekend that the world shut down. At that point, I had a decision to make. Do I renew the lease and with everything going on with COVID? I decided no because it just wasn’t smart,” said Archer. “I pretty much came to the point where I was trying to decide if I go back into the career world or keep pursuing this. I started looking for jobs, and Brandon was a regular customer of mine. He came every Friday.

He heard I was hanging it up and came to me and asked if I’d be interested in partnering and continuing down this path.”

Reinoehl, feeling the time was right to chase his passion, decided this was an opportunity he couldn’t let slip through his hands.

“Barbecue is just a big passion of mine, and that’s where it was coming from,” said Reinoehl.

“The opportunity was there, I was ready to move on from my job in sales, and my kids are grown. We had the opportunity to do this, and several factors brought us together. It’s been a great fit all around.”

A close friend to Reinoehl, Lonnie Wendling joined on as a business manager, completing the barbecue trinity.

“Brandon and I have been friends for several years, and we’ve been talking about want-

Wellness brings ‘root cause medicine’ to Liberty Hill

ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO

From left, Lonnie Wendling, Brandon Reinoehl and Jeremy Archer at Agape BBQ plan to offer residents an experience with their unique combination of craft barbecue, craft coffee, and craft beer. ing to do something entrepre- shop in the morning and a family home brings a responneurial. When God brought BBQ restaurant for the rest of sibility to honor their friends Brandon and Jeremy together, the day. as best they can. The trio is and they started heading down “When we ended up meet- more than willing to tackle this path, there was some talk. ing the McGintys, and they that obstacle.

My passion is craft beer, and opened up that door, God “This is her family home, so my wife’s passion is coffee, just brought everything back there’s a lot of responsibility so we were thinking about not together. It just all fit togeth- to carry that legacy forward,” a brewery but a craft beer and er. Even though they’re step- said Reinoehl. coffee kind of thing. We set ping out, we’re carrying their The product that aside and noticed the op- hearts with us.”

Archer prefers a simple but portunity for Jeremy and Bran- With a large backyard area effective approach to barbedon to be able to focus on the with oak trees providing cue. Liberty Hill residents operations. We’d take my exec- shade, plenty of room to ac- can expect a product where utive business background and commodate guests, and a the meat’s natural flavors focus on the business side.” stage for live music, the bar- shine through and speak for Falling into place becue trio is looking forward itself.

While searching for a location to offering the community “With all barbecue, I like to in Liberty Hill, an opportunity more than food. They want to keep everything simple and presented itself in the form of give them experience. let the meat and flavor prothe McGintys -- Josh, and Ellen “Before Lonnie came into the files of the meat themselves -- the owners of Agape Java. picture, Brandon and I were come out,” said Archer.

Initially interested in the home driving around Liberty Hill. “Some people will put a rub for sale next to Agape Java, the We got a Realtor to drive us on that has 20 or 30 different trio was presented with an offer around and look at properties. ingredients, there’s nothing from the McGintys to merge We were running the gambit. wrong with that, and it makes two ideas into one. A coffee Our desire was because we a great product, but I want the have a good barbecue prod- flavor of the meat to come uct, we also wanted to have out. The best way I’ve found the experience with it. It had for that to happen is the old to be a destination type of lo- Texas-style way of doing it cation.” with just salt and pepper.”

Taking over the business that is also Ellen McGinty’s See AGAPE, Page 7

The Market at

VOTE NOV 3 JUDGE 26TH DISTRICT

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Kaela Thurman didn’t intend to open a new business during a global pandemic, but that’s exactly what she did. She opened Resiliency Functional Wellness in late June—and while everything wasn’t ideal, she’s glad she did.

“Now is a good time to focus on having a really healthy body and strong immunity, and that’s where functional medicine really shines,” said Thurman, family nurse practitioner and owner of Resiliency, which is housed in the same building as her other business, Care First Walk-in Clinic. “The easiest way to explain functional wellness is ‘root cause medicine.’ It’s about looking at a person as a group of systems as opposed to just one system.

For example, in a conventional medicine practice, if you come in for high blood pressure, the majority of the focus is on treating the blood pressure instead of figuring out why you have high blood pressure in the first place. That’s where functional wellness steps in.”

Thurman first got passionate about functional medicine after working on the primary care side at Care First for a few years, and seeing the same patients coming in who needed to get prescriptions renewed every few months.

“We were not looking to heal them or cure them -- we were just looking to control the numbers and labs and symptoms. But for those who eventually want to be off medication or want to find a cure, that’s where functional really shines,” she said. “I’m super passionate about it. I believe most people who have the will to get to a place where they can be living a really quality life and not taking very many prescriptions can get there.”

Thurman, who is working on a certification from The Institute for Functional Medicine, said functional wellness looks at a person as a whole, from their emotional, mental, spiritual

and physical health, as well as things like food, water and toxicity levels.

“All of these things combined impact our well-being,” she added. “The really exciting thing is out of the patients I have, I have seen some really awesome improvements and found diagnoses that I never would have looked for in the conventional model.”

Resiliency doesn’t accept insurance, which is largely because each patient’s visits are 60 to 90 minutes long, Thurman said. The initial visit for patients is $375, and the additional hourly rate is $300.

“The insurance model just doesn’t work for this,” she said. “Functional medicine is not for acute problems, like a sore throat. It’s for chronic health problems and optimal wellness. I see a lot of people who have been feeling bad for years, or dealing with something for months and months, and we’re not going to be able to heal that in one visit. It’s typically a process and a journey that we take together over at least six months.”

Thurman also offers a free initial phone call with potential patients, to make sure functional wellness is right for them.

“The majority of people don’t know what functional medicine is and why they need to pay that much for it,” she said.

“This way I can provide guidance as to whether or not it makes sense to come see me.”

When a patient sees Thurman for the first time, the initial visit is typically spent discussing their life’s timeline and figuring out potential triggers for disease along that timeline.

“Depending on what they’re presenting, we make decisions together on where to start first,” Thurman said.

“For someone who is eating a standard American diet and has very little education about food, we would probably start with food. If I have somebody

See WELLNESS, Page 7

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Nurse practitioner Kaela Thurman opened Resiliency Functional Wellness in June in the same building as her other clinic, Care First, to provide a more whole-body approach to wellness.

Functional medicine focuses on discovering the root causes for illness and improving health from there.

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OPINION

‘You’re not from here and you don’t know,’ said the Comanches to the first outsiders in Liberty Hill

By WILT CUTTER Columnist “You’re not from here and you don’t know,” said the Comanches to the first outsiders trying to settle out here on the Shin Oak Ridge.

The historic newspapers tell the story of the Wilford Johnson family massacre on Aug. 15, 1863.

If you’ve not heard, the story is about a Comanche tribe making a daring raid killing several settlers and subsequently kidnapping an infant girl. Accounts by a surviving sibling say the baby was crying and may have been tossed away by the marauders. Another possibility is that the Comanches knew that an armed citizenry with fast horses would soon follow and in their haste the child fell.

Either way, the baby lands in the bough of a cedar bush and is discovered and saved. She lived to be an old lady.

The Comanches’ politicians believed in their inherent rights to the land they had been on for years. They had big meetings, made major decisions, pushed around the little people and were the big daddies - -until they weren’t.

One of the strangest things about human beings who seek to hold power through politics is not just the incredible sense of their immediate entitlement but more their belief that God, the Great Spirit, and the current Flag have bestowed permanence and greatness to them. It’s a temporal stop on the highway at best, with the next crossroads being insanity if you truly believe your own narrative.

Politicians and power grabbers sure make big plans. They drill down deep and build up high, apparently never considering that we humans are just little creatures on a dirt planet that revolves every 24 hours.

We even say the sun is rising when in fact our little villages are actually turning past the sun.

Political power has brought to our little town the absence of ethics and complete political absolution when it then becomes obvious we’ve violated the very rules we’ve put in place to protect us from those “who aren’t from here.”

The Puritans sailed all the way to Plymouth Rock to get away from folks telling them they had to join the King’s church. Fifty years later they were cutting the ears off of the Quakers in the public square because they refused to “hear” the word of the Lord. How’s that for freedom of religion and tolerance of other’s beliefs?

Funny thing about tribalism and most all the other isms is that we look back on them later and ask what were they thinking? Loving vs. Virginia, etc.

As a boy, I scurried around listening to old men declaring that seatbelts were an affront to their liberty. They actually used the mailbox and wrote a letter or two to our congressman declaring that seatbelts shouldn’t be put in cars. They stood around laughing and smoking saying it would never happen.

I’ve watched their sons gnashing their teeth over equal rights for women, interracial marriages and the evils of Rock and Roll and then their grandsons pounding the pulpit screaming about same sex marriages. But the slow arc to justice continued to roll on like a mighty river.

We Cutters were more about trying to keep all the rocks picked up out of our own pastures and keeping the fences up and in good enough condition to keep the goats out of the road. Other folks ought to be left alone unless they laid a hand on one of us.

My daddy, Rock Cutter, used to grin and tell me they were wasting good money on stamps and wasting time on letter writing to the government. Daddy

wasn’t actually educated in the classic sense, he just believed that his time was better spent sighting along his rifle on a frosty morning and quietly admiring large antlers. He once stared at a picture of a large taxidermized fish in the newspaper and wondered out loud why they didn’t just take its picture first and then eat it?

Can’t the politicians see that it doesn’t matter what you name your colosseum? It will be renamed by another people in another time, and renamed again and again. Saddam Hussein was told his statues would stand forever. U.S. military drug him out of a hole in the ground and his own people hanged him, his head snapped off and they sent the video around the world on their phones.

So, now your crosses are burning fast.

So, no matter how much power you get…soon it will all be undone. If not next month, then whenever the grand jury gets around to you. Or the cholesterol gets thick enough or your liver finally quits.

Deep in the night you know whether you used your time for good or to help yourself to power and money. Deep down the shaman really knows what the drunk blues picker knew from birth -- that the ticking of the clock is mocking you and your silly power moves to get more Jell-O. Truth is, we sometimes need to listen to the human beings who aren’t from here. We need to welcome their insane ideas of basic ethics, common sense financial practices and political morality since none of us non-Comanches are really “from here.” Tribalism, narrow provincial views, and xenophobia isn’t very welcoming to a town whose motto is “Freedom to Grow”. https://williamson-county-texas-history.org/ Indian_Massacre_On_The_ Shin_Oak_Ridge_in_Williamson_County_Texas.html Wilt Cutter is the only man in the Free World whose name is his profession. Wilt’s typewriter hates injustice. He is a man who finds beauty in the people and naturally occurring poetry of the Shin Oak Ridge.

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, October 8, 2020 Page 3

EDITORIAL: 20 questions for Mayor Rick Hall Pick your word: transparent, accountable, open, forthcoming? Any one or all of these should be easily applied to your local government. The City of Liberty Hill government represents you. It spends your money. It acts on your behalf to better the community. It has a responsibility to you.

But Mayor Rick Hall has created a culture that is not accountable, and does not like being questioned.

It is worth saying again, a question is only a problem if there’s no good or honest answer. If the City is doing all the right things, terminating the right people in the right way, spending money the right way, and acting ethically in the best interest of its residents, then every question should be fairly easy to answer.

Instead, the questions are treated as personal attacks, and The Independent can only assume it is in the category now of the “disgruntled” that Hall and other members of the council like to point to as the source of all their troubles.

Hall chose not to participate in the newspaper’s candidate forum this week and that’s his prerogative as a candidate. But it doesn’t seem to be very transparent.

It doesn’t seem eager to set the record straight, clear the air, or show that the concerns raised over his actions and management decisions are illegitimate.

The Independent is once again offering to sit down any time and let Hall clear the air on the long list of questions that have hung in the air for months. These are the 20 most burning questions that have either been met with silence or a glossedover explanation void of real accountability. The answers to these questions could resolve many concerns.

• Why can’t we see a resume for your work experience?

• Why did you say you would hire an administrator and not follow through?

• What were you doing on that computer during a ride-along with Officer Jeff Farmer?

• Why was the municipal court building remodel more than $130,000 over budget?

• Why weren’t cost increases calculated before changing technology companies for the wastewater plant project?

• Why did you scrap the roundabout project only to come back two years later with a new plan that shows no cost savings?

• How does the City justify more than doubling the staff in two years?

• Why didn’t you recuse yourself from the negotiations with the Chamber of Commerce regarding its use of a City building?

• Why will you not provide the City’s monthly revenue and expense reports to the public as were provided prior to your administration?

• Why did you not follow through with the promised investigation of alleged unethical dealings following the 2019 election?

• Why is it not a conflict of interest to take campaign contributions from developers currently engaged with the City on projects?

• What is the status of the City Transportation Plan?

• Why does it always take the maximum-allowed 10 days for any response at all to an open records request from the City?

• Why was funding not earmarked for the swim center after it was previously approved and set aside?

• Why was it necessary to increase the City budget by a third this budget cycle?

• Do you deny the alleged violent outburst occurred in September 2018 with former City Secretary Barbara Zwernemann?

• Why did you not look at or consider the past reviews and work history of the six City employees you terminated – or chose not to renew their contracts – before terminating them?

• Why did you attempt to scrap the previously approved master drainage plan without thorough analysis by engineers?

• Why have you not provided to the public requested information on what was purchased and how much was spent on security upgrades at City Hall?

• Why have you made it your preference to discuss City issues behind closed doors rather than in open session more often than not?

Hall has recently called into question the newspaper’s intent, and credibility, but a video interview, shared unedited with the public presents nothing but the questions and Hall’s answers. If the worry is alleged “manipulation” by the paper, Hall is invited to bring along his own video crew for the occasion.

Again, answers to hard questions are only hard when those answers would not be well-received.

Doesn’t Liberty Hill deserve real answers from its Mayor to any question?

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Page 2

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, October 8, 2020

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

County to host free COVID-19 testing

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GEORGETOWN -- Williamson County Office of Emergency Management in partnership with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and in coordination with the City of Georgetown will be hosting free COVID-19 testing this month.

Testing will be held Oct. 8, 9, 10 and 11, and again Oct. 14, 15 and 16. Testing will be conducted at the Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow Street, Georgetown, 78626. It will begin at 9 a.m., and it will close by 1 p.m. or until supplies last.

This is a walk-up site that will not require an appointment prior to being tested. People interested in getting tested will be asked to park and line up for their turn. It is important to note that this is a cheek swab test, so people cannot eat, drink, or use tobacco products 20 minutes prior to the test. Please avoid bringing pets, unless it is a service animal. Residents should bring a cell phone for on-site registration. Also, please be aware that due to demand there may be a wait time. Bring items as a form of shade to cover from the sun such as a hat or umbrella.

COVID-19 testing at this site is available for all Texans, whether they are Williamson County residents or not. For more information on this and future testing sites, please visit www.wilco.org.

Liberty Hill Garden Club meets Oct. 13

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.

Cemetery Association reschedules annual meeting

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s annual meeting of the Liberty Hill Cemetery Association will be held at the pavilion at the Liberty Hill Cemetery. The Liberty Hill Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12 for the election of officers. The meeting will be held at the pavilion located at 16101 W. SH 29.

We will be following whatever Gov. Abbott’s current mandate is for the procedure to hold an outdoor meeting during this ongoing pandemic.

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