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2021
Volume 34, Issue 21
www.LHIndependent.com
Canady dominates Council meeting, again
By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor One week removed from a meeting of only three members, the Liberty Hill City Council met again Monday with a quorum of three once again in a gathering with much the same flavor as before. After Council member Tony DeYoung and Steve McIntosh were absent from the April 5 meeting, McIntosh was again absent April 12, along with Liz Rundzieher. McIntosh’s term expires in May after choosing not to seek reelection, but his social media posts show he has already moved from Liberty Hill. He attended only two of five meetings in March and neither April meeting to date. The Independent inquired with City Administrator Lacie Hale whether McIntosh had officially resigned from the Council, but did not receive a response. Council member Kathy Canady continued to show her disdain for items mentioned by Mayor Liz Branigan, and took time to publicly chastise another elected official over a cell phone. Who is leading? Branigan sought Council approval for a meeting to create an emergency management task force with the help of Liberty Hill EDC Executive Director Matt Powell. “We will have a two-hour meeting and we’re going to invite the police, fire and EMS, the ministerial alliance, the school district, other cities, Operation Liberty Hill and representatives of Williamson County,” Branigan said. “I asked Matt (Powell) because he was previously certified in emergency management.”
She said the purpose of the meeting would be to critique the City’s response to the February ice storm and best way to move forward with emergency management plans. “Have we checked with our city administrator?” Canady asked. “Lacie, do you have any thoughts on this?” Branigan said Hale would be invited, to which Canady abruptly responded, “I’m asking Lacie.” The response by Canady mirrored again her approach to Branigan since the mayor was elected, deferring to Hale on issues rather than Branigan. In an e-mail to The Independent after the meeting Canady explained why she has reacted to Branigan’s leadership role so differently than she did to former Mayor Rick Hall. “I was not overly fond of the combination of city admin/ mayor, but I was definitely dissatisfied with our previous city admin (Greg Boatright). It seemed reasonable at the time to try something different. Liberty Hill has always thought outside the box. As someone new to the council I might have been a little naive - as it is a huge undertaking to be a city admin. For me at the point that I realized/felt we needed to go back to a strong council weak mayor form of government (which we as a city have primarily been and involves having a city admin) I started working towards that goal. Our current city admin has done a fantastic job handling all that has been thrown at her. I think the city admin needs to do the admin things, the council needs to do the council things, and the mayor
See COUNCIL, Page 5
LIBERTY HILL VOTES 2021
Full ballot awaits Liberty Hill voters
There’s no shortage of issues or candidates on the May 1 ballot in Liberty Hill as voters will make decisions in five races for school board and city council and determine the fate of a number of propositions. Early voting at the Liberty Hill Municipal Court, 2810 RM 1869, begins Monday, April 19 and runs through April 27, with no voting on Sunday. Polls are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1924, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 26-27. All 14 early voting sites in Williamson County can be found on the Williamson County elections page at wilco.org. In the school board race, four candidates will be on the ballot for Place 3 – Steve Messana, ©2021 The Liberty Hill Independent
Michael Ferguson, Charlene Stevens and Antonio Canas – while incumbent David Nix did not seek reelection. In Place 6, most recently held by Vickie Peterson who resigned in January due to work obligations, there will be six candidates. On the ballot for the one year remaining on Peterson’s term are Aurora Trahan, Robert Baughn, Lockie Ealy, Cory Milam, Kristi Hargrove and Jennifer Williams. It is not necessary for any candidate to achieve a 50-percent majority in either race, so a runoff election will not be necessary in the pair of crowded places. Incumbents Kathy Major (Place 4) and Anthony Buck (Place 5) did not draw an opponent in May and will serve another three-year term. In the race for three City Council seats, Chris Pezold
See ELECTION, Page 4
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April 15, 2021 | 50 Cents
The Panther in the room Second high school plan raises questions, concerns
By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Since students first walked into the current Liberty Hill High School in 2013 the specter of this growing community having to build a second high school has rattled around quietly in the back of everyone’s minds. That concern became a proposed reality when the district’s long range planning committee suggested in January that a second high school be included in a May bond package. “It was a very difficult decision because as we talk about it amongst ourselves – inside Liberty Hill ISD and with the community – because everybody loves Liberty Hill with one high school,” said LHISD Superintendent Steve Snell. “Having to split
the high school into two is a very, very tough decision. We get and totally understand the desire to be a one high school town, but as large as we’re going to be we just didn’t think it would be good for kids.” The committee proposed a $165 million second high school as part of the $491.7 bond package and the school board agreed, putting the issue to the voters on May 1. In working with the long range planning committee, all scenarios were discussed and all options were on the table, from maintaining one high school, building a second, or considering a ninthgrade center. “At the end of the day as we talked about what we value in the high school, it was the size, it was the fact that kids
LH INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO
Part of the 2010 bond election, Liberty Hill High School opened to students in Fall 2013. A second high school is being proposed as part of the current bond election on the ballot in May. can compete – at the highest try and make a single high level and win – with the cur- school, with potentially 6,000 rent size we have,” Snell said. So rather than deciding to See HIGH SCHOOL, Page 4
Dungan honored as Burden Teacher of the Year
By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Jima Dungan fought back tears when she found her husband, children, parents, and every kindergarten student on the Buden Elementary campus eagerly waiting in the hallway to surprise her. Dungan was named the Bill Burden Elementary Teacher of the Year and everyone wanted to celebrate. “The Principal [Tanya Lambert] knocked on the door and asked me to come out and help her,” Dungan said. “Every kindergartener was sitting there in the hallway silently, which is a miracle in itself. They handed me flowers. It was a special
See DUNGAN, Page 5
Bill Burden Elementary’s Teacher of the Year Jima Dungan was shocked when her family and kindergarten students surprised her with cheers of surprise and flowers. (Courtesy Photo)
BUSINESS
Local businesses come together to help a Bertram boutique
Local businesses came together recently to help Bertram and a fellow boutique. The seven boutiques from Hop Around the Hill -- Simply Home Decor & More, The Blue Door Gift Store & Boutique, Two Brand It, Wildflower Republic, Pep & Punch, Radiant Salon, Ginger Roots Boutique -- plus Royal Bliss Day Spa sold Small Town Strong T-shirts to benefit Bertram Blend & Boutique whose building was totally destroyed during a recent storm. All of the proceeds benefited Bertram Blend, and the owner, Amanda Powell, was presented a check for $13,193 to help with her rebuild. (Courtesy Photo)
Page 2
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Sales Tax Holiday for emergency supplies is April 24-26
With the potential for severe weather approaching, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds Texans they can purchase certain items tax-free during the state’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 26. “While we can’t know when the next flood, tornado or hurricane may strike, we can make sure our families, homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these and other emergencies,” Hegar said. “This tax holiday can help Texans save money while stocking up for emergency situations.” The Comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save more than $1.8 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, which was approved by the Texas
Legislature in 2015. There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. These include: household batteries, fuel containers and flashlights priced at less than $75; hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced at less than $300; and portable generators priced at less than $3,000. For purchases made online, note that delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. Consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax-free during the holiday. For example, if you purchase a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, the total sales price is $309. Be-
cause the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price. Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes, are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a “Drug Facts” panel in accordance with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Purchases that do not qualify include: batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles; camping stoves and camping supplies; chainsaws; plywood; extension ladders and stepladders; and tents. A list of emergency preparation supplies that may be purchased tax-free can be found on the Comptroller’s website.
April is Community Banking Month
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Liberty Hill Police Blotter
Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department
Week of April 5-11, 2021 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 563 incidents resulting in 20 cases, 58 citations, 86 warnings and two arrests. Weekly Highlights: - On April 5 at approximately 11:23AM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On April 5 at approximately 2:28PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On April 5 at approximately 2:57 PM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 for a criminal mischief complaint. - On April 5 at approximately
6:10 PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious activity complaint. - On April 6 at approximately 2:01 AM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On April 6 at approximately 7:14 AM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Loop 332 for school zone enforcement. - On April 6 at approximately 3:00 PM, officers responded to the 11000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity. - On April 6 at approximately 7:50 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Liberty Hill Fire/ EMS with a vehicle fire. - On April 7 at approximately
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7:10 AM, officers responded to Hillcrest Lane for a theft complaint. - On April 7 at approximately 8:32 AM, officers responded to Hillcrest Lane for a burglary complaint. - On April 7 at approximately 11:46 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a theft complaint. - On April 7 at approximately 7:49 PM, officers responded to San Miniato St. to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On April 7 at approximately 9:12 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On April 8 at approximately 2:01 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity. - On April 8 at approximately 7:26 AM, responded to the 2000 block of Loop 332 for suspicious activity. - On April 8 at approximately 3:03 PM, officers responded to Liberty Meadows for a terroristic threat complaint. - On April 8 at approximately 6:29PM, officers responded to the intersection of US 183 and W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On April 9 at approximately 10:44 AM, officers responded to Parry Cove for a fraud complaint. - On April 9 at approximately 11:50AM, officers responded to Callahan Lane to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On April 9 at approximately 4:50 PM, officers responded to W. SH 29 and CR 266 for a traffic hazard. - On April 9 at approximately 6:35PM, officers responded to Earl Keen St. to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
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OPINION Throwback Thursday
A photo of Oakalla from many years back, date unknown. (Courtesy Photo)
Memories of more simple times can be found in Okalla
By JAMES WEAR Columnist A troubled night of sleep, punctuated by occasional sharp p a i n s perhaps due to too many years of an unhealthy lifestyle, finally yielded to a pleasant sleep before daybreak as thoughts of a short drive up the road to visit a small community yet largely uncorrupted by development came to mind. Of course, to get to Oakalla (pronounced as if one were saying “oak alley,” confirming what our parents had taught us many years ago) one must drive down US 183 for a few miles and yes, it’s true, what once was a lonely stretch of road between Seward Junction and Watson, some 15 miles shy of Lampasas and at which point one may turn onto FM 963 and travel the last few miles before arriving in Oakalla, is now a busy highway. You’ll pass the Andice/Florence turnoff along the way, and yes, there was a time not so many years ago that, while driving to Liberty Hill, I could come to basically a rolling stop on FM 970 and easily get onto 183. Not anymore, it
can be more often than not a five-minute wait for the traffic to clear long enough to get on 183 and that’s just about any time of day. You’ll pass through Briggs where there’s a beer barn and a convenience store and downtown, a quaint little feed store in a building that once was home to the Briggs Volunteer Fire Department. Just past the feed store is the community center that once was the Briggs school house, and once was considered by some as a viable option for Liberty Hill students to attend school at when Liberty Hill High School was closed some 50 years or so back. Oakalla itself is located near the intersection of FM 963 and FM 2657 and it’s quiet nowadays, with some estimates saying as few as 45 persons call it home, a far cry from its heyday in the 1930s, when the population was at 250 with 10 businesses. The Texas State Historical Association, in its online handbook, reports that Oakalla was first settled in the 1850s with its location near Rocky Creek and the Lampasas River perhaps being a draw. A post office opened in 1879, followed by a cotton gin, general store, blacksmith shop and several other businesses in short order. By 1896, 14 businesses were operating and the population
grew to 175. A school was eventually built, and two churches were formed. The school would eventually consolidate with Lampasas schools, but before that, high school and eventually elementary students attended classes in Briggs. According to a post on its social media page, the “Oakalla Library has moved to 28981 FM 963 in Oakalla. It is now in the old Methodist Church built in 1925. We are a small country library...mostly unplugged and we like it that way. The people come for the books and the programs. We are family friendly!” Also to be found in Oakalla is the volunteer fire department, which according to its social media page “is a rural department located in North East Burnet County, Texas. We are an all-volunteer department serving the Oakalla, Briggs, and Watson communities and an area of approximately 200 square miles.” Coming up on May 15 is Oakalla Old Home Day, which will be held at the community library. The event is free and according to a spokesperson, “Oakalla history will be on hand inside library. Come browse pictures and documents of Oakalla family’s history.”
EDITORIAL: ‘Change’ is relative
Every politician campaigns on change. When Rick Hall campaigned for Mayor in 2018 he promised change. When three candidates came together to run in support of Hall’s agenda in 2019, they also promised change. They all kept their promise. But change is relative, and can be good or bad, and that’s what’s on the ballot in Liberty Hill’s City Council races this time around. This is a referendum on change – past, present and future. Consider the many changes made or endorsed by the City Council in the last two years. Since May 2019, the current Council has stumbled through project management, first pledging allegiance to former Mayor Hall’s whims – which never had a long-term focus or evolved into a developed plan – then stepping into the unknown after Hall’s departure to take a tight grip on projects and plans it proved to know little about. Change. First, two road projects were canceled – including the roundabout at Loop 332 and CR 279 that had already been awarded for construction. The swim center – which had broken ground months earlier – was mysteriously shifted to the back burner. Change. But that meant funds were available elsewhere, right? No one really knows how the funds from those projects were allocated once they were scrapped, because this Council fired the City Administrator and handed the checkbook and decision-making authority to Hall -- no questions asked. Change. We do know there were cost overruns on two construction projects – the Municipal Court remodel and downtown streets and utilities project – costing taxpayers nearly $435,000 more than those projects were bid for. That increased cost didn’t come to the attention of the Coun-
cil until those projects were nearly complete. The excuse was, “cost overruns happen.” Change. This Council was left holding the bag when the City was sued over the wastewater plant, and left to fund the extra $3 million in construction costs for the plant expansion after Hall decided mid-construction to change companies for the technology used in the plant. The Council approved the change, then each subsequent change order that added about 35 percent to that project. Change. A lack of long-term planning became evident when someone forced the issue on the swim center and the Council learned there was no money for that project. In fact, the swim center, which the City had funds earmarked for in early 2019, and the new community center that Hall said would be funded with available monies – were both left with no money to start, so the Council put together a bond package to come up with new monies for them. That still left three intersection projects the Council wanted addressed without funding. Change. The City’s general fund budget increased from $2.96 million in 2018 to $4.2 million in 2019 and sits at $5.68 million this year. Last May, according to city payroll information, the combined expense for city staff was $2.88 million. Today it is $3.25 million without the budgeted emergency management and director of development positions – a 12.9 percent increase in 12 months. Change. The City’s reserve fund, which totaled $2.7 million at the end of the 2018-2019 fiscal year, was drawn down to cover other projects with no plan in place to replace those funds. In 2020 budget discussions the Council seemed surprised there was not a plan to build the reserve account, with some going so far as to
shift blame for the lack of funds to the previous administration. Change. The current council – without much explanation to either the employees or the community – terminated or forced out nine staff members, and severed ties with the firm that was providing attorney services. Change. To date, there has been no evidence of unethical behavior from anyone previously involved in the City. The ethics questions hanging over the last two years remain unanswered as the Council repeatedly refused to consider allegations made against Hall, and later refused to hear an ethics complaint against Council member Kathy Canady when it was revealed she had no residential address in Liberty Hill and was residing in her downtown auto repair business in violation of city codes. Even after being asked again this week, Canady has not provided any proof that she has a legal residence in Liberty Hill, and still the Council doesn’t really care. Change. There were plans before – a drainage master plan, transportation plan and parks plan – all of which have been treated as though they didn’t exist and questioned, but they have not been altered or acted upon in the three years since they were approved. Change. The Council certainly provided change. Business has come, more people have moved here and city revenues have increased, but there’s nothing that demonstrates this Council’s version of change had much to do with that, and it could be argued that progress came in spite of our city’s leadership the last few years. Change is inevitable, but with an election May 1, this is a good time to decide if the change we got was the change we needed, and whether a different direction is needed today in favor of new change.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, April 15, 2021
DECA pair market for success
By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Ashleigh Dubbs and Peyton Lilienthal found success at this year’s state DECA competition, combining awareness of a good cause with a flair for marketing. “Our achievement means to us that we were able to accomplish and learn so many great things within this project,” said Dubbs. “We have something to show for our hard work as well as to spread the seriousness of the topic.” As with other academic events, the Texas Career Development Conference (CDC) competition was in a virtual format. Dubbs and Lilienthal were
among several DECA students to make state CDC, joined by Lane Shaw and Leroy Fick in the Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making Event; Cassidey Sudekum and Analysa Caskey in the Team Community Awareness Project Event; and Neiry Samaniego in the Entrepreneurship Start-up Business Plan Event. Dubbs and Lilienthal found their success placing as finalists in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Event “We submitted a 10-page paper discussing in detail our topic as well as a virtual,” said Lilienthal. “We also submitted a 10-minute presentation through Zoom of us speaking.
OBITUARY
Gerald Dewayne Sanders
Services for Gerald Dewayne Sanders (Joe Bass) were held Thursday, April, 15, 2021, at 3:00 p.m., 810 San Gabriel Ranch Road, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 at his home. Gerald Dewayne (Joe Bass) was born April, 17, 1960 in Phoenix Arizona. He was born to his mother Daisy Mae Brooks and his father James Sanders. He is survived by his wife Barbara Bingham Sanders of Liberty Hill, two daughters Michelle Charlton of Florida, Matalin Sanders of Texas, his sister Anna Mae Schmit (Jerry) of Nebraska, Patricia Sapp of Texas, Charles Amerson (Betty) of Arkansas, Lonnie Amerson (Arlene) of Georgia, and Joyce Piper (Joe) of Texas. Also step-daughter Anna Marie Riggs and Donvona Owens of Pflugerville TX, with grandchildren Issac Taylor, Janae Taylor, and Jasmine Harden and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Most knew Gerald under the name of Joe Bass. Joe Bass was a nickname because of his love for bass fishing. Joe joined the Air Force shortly after high school in 1980 and served until 1985, where he ended his service at Bergstrom Air Force
Base in Austin, TX. He also served as a member of the Texas National Guard until 2011. He made his home in Texas living in and around the Austin area making his final home in Liberty Hill. Joe was friendly, caring and full of life. He never met a stranger due to his outgoing personality and was a friend to many. Joe was loved dearly by his family and friends and will be truly missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the following: https://preventchildabuse.org/ Homeless Veterans Services of Dallas. Arrangements under the direction of Beck Funeral Home, 1700 E. Whitestone, Cedar Park, Texas 78613 (512) 259-1610. www. beckchapels.com
ELECTION Continued from Page 1 filed, along with Kim Sanders to run in Place 1. Incumbent Steve McIntosh did not file for reelection. Place 5 Council member Liz Rundzieher is seeking another term, but Angela Lynn Jones has filed to run against her. Crystal Mancilla is running against incumbent Gram Lankford in Place 3. In addition to the School Board and Council places on the ballot, voters will decide the fate of a $491 million bond election that will appear on the ballot as four separate propositions. The first proposition totals $457.7 million, and makes up most of the total bond package. It includes funds for new schools, campus renovations and expansions, planning funds for additional new campuses, land purchases and a variety of other infrastructure projects. The second proposition voters will decide on is $8 million for technology devic-
es for both teachers and students. Proposition 3 is for $6 million for the expansion of Panther Stadium at the high school, and Proposition 4 is for $20 million to construct a stadium on the second high school campus. The ESD – or Liberty Hill Fire Department – currently receives one cent of sales tax revenues within the district, but if its May proposition passes, then all of the maximum 8.25 percent in sales tax would be sewn up in the area, with a quarter cent going to the Library District and 6.25 percent to the state. Inside the Liberty Hill city limits, the 1.75 above the library’s share and the state’s portion goes to the City, not the ESD. The three quarters of a cent available outside the city limits is what will be voted on, and in some areas outside the Library District the ESD could gain an entire cent if the measure passes.
We also included a poster board filled with graphs and the summarized version of our paper.” The duo’s project for the competition involved putting together an event called Day and Night. Their Day and Night event included hosting a golf tournament during the day and a gala at night with a silent auction, dinner, and speakers to spread awareness of an issue. “We planned to kick off the event in Pebble Beach, California, the world-famous golf course at the Monterey Peninsula Club,” said Dubbs. “We then would move on to Dallas, Texas, to another notorious golf course at the Dallas Country Club. By hosting these events, we planned to fundraise money to donate to charities dealing with sex trafficking. We were planning to develop a program where speakers such as Tim Ballard, would come to different schools to educate the young children about the dangers of sex trafficking and preventative ways to stop it from happening.” Dubbs and Lilienthal prepared for their events by doing indepth research on the most effective ways to demonstrate the real-life issue of sex trafficking. “We felt obligated to talk about this topic since we felt
it isn’t talked about enough,” said Dubbs. “We have a lot of empathy towards all the young children who are in this horrific situation. To make the most of it, we turned solemnity into a passion. With this, we were able to stand up for what is right and developed solutions to prevent sex trafficking from occurring to begin with.” Despite placing as finalists, Dubbs and Lilienthal believe there were still things that could have improved their presentation. “We think we could have reached out to more charities and motivational speakers that are experts on sex trafficking,” said Lilienthal. “Although we had the opportunity to speak to a wonderful expert, it would have been good knowledge for ourselves and for the project to reach out to more.” Dubbs and Lilienthal’s favorite thing about competing in DECA is being able to work together. To experience starting a business or creating a marketing campaign. “With all of our research and reaching out to professionals through this project, we have learned so many amazing things about the business world and what it all encompasses,” said Dubbs. “We both are very excited to pursue our careers to one day be successful businesswomen.”
students, work in LHISD, the decision was made to aim for two campuses with an enrollment around 2,500. The primary reason was to make sure all opportunities were available to all students. “It was more than just about sports, it was the other enrichment activities like career and technology opportunities, the opportunity to be in advanced academics,” Snell said. “The committee decided the sweet spot for the high school was 2,500, maybe flex a little bigger if it has to, but that would give us the opportunity to be successful and have more opportunities for kids to participate in everything.” Dividing into two different high schools is not something Snell believes will divide the community in its support of students. “This community supports kids, and I think they’ll support kids at both schools, and if you look well beyond the 2020s and into the 2030s, we’re going to have to have a high school beyond these two, and possibly even more,” he said. According to projections included in the most recent demographics report from Population and Survey Analysts (PASA), the low-end projection for district enrollment by 2030 is 18,805, more than three times today’s enrollment. High school projections show the 2021 enrollment of 1,705 is expected to reach 5,896 by 2030. Even in the next five years that high school enrollment number is expected to double to more than 3,000 students, far surpassing the capacity of the current campus even with current ongoing additions. Snell also said the argument can be made that maintaining one high school at such a high
enrollment can erode the culture in the district as well. “What makes Liberty Hill schools great is the fact that we know the kids and the kids know us, and the parents are involved,” he said. “We want to be those schools, whether elementary middle or high school, that the kids love to go to, have pride in their school work, achieve academically, in fine arts, through sports and clubs. Having two high schools just gives more kids opportunities to do that.” Some have questioned the expansion of the current high school, saying the campus has empty classrooms, but Snell said there is no truth to that. “The high school is built for 1,600 and next year we will have 1,700, there won’t be any space,” he said. “We will add on space, so there will be a little extra space for a couple of years but that school will be full again and we will have to expand again.”
HIGH SCHOOL
Ashleigh Dubbs and Peyton Lilienthal continued the run of success this year for Liberty Hill High School academic clubs. The duo placed as finalists in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Event of the DECA Texas Career Development Conference. (Courtesy Photo) The friendship Dubbs and success of getting through this Lilienthal share galvanized year’s events fall entirely on through another shared inter- the shoulders of their talented students. est, their love of volleyball. “We were so ecstatic that the “We both are on the Liberty Hill High School varsity vol- students advanced this year, leyball team,” said Lilienthal. especially as the competition “We both are very creative was for the first time conand think alike. This is key ducted virtually,” said Webb. to our teamwork on this proj- “These students are very comect because we know how to mitted to spending many extra work together and have found hours outside of school. They that we replace each other’s prepare for rigorous academic weaknesses with the other’s events that are judged by restrengths. This tactic was ef- al-life business professionals. fective for us to enable us to We are very proud of these take our project to the next upcoming business professionlevel.” als.” For DECA advisors Tammy Webb and Mikyela Tedder, the
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Projection questions Questions have been raised about the reliability of student enrollment projections over a 10-year period, but Snell said the community should keep in mind this bond is not about being ready for the 2030 projections, but to be prepared for the next five years, with a projected 12,000 student enrollment. And he is confident in those projections. “That data is a three-inch binder full of information and (demographers) are talking to every home builder and developer and they have when houses will start, when they’ll close, analytics by neighborhood on what types of families will buy there,” Snell said. “When you go out three years, the difference between high and low is very small,” Snell said of future projections.
“When you get five years out the difference is greater. Even if we get to (11,000 in five years) which is the lowest projection, that’s still doubling in size in five years. As we get 10 years out those differences are a little wider. “The final decision was to get it down to five because we’re very certain about the next five years, and this gives us the opportunity to adjust, and start planning after three and a half to four years for the next bond,” Snell said. “The last thing we wanted to do was go out for a 10-year bond and ultimately have it not be enough because the growth came quicker.” There is the possibility of an unexpected downturn in the economy, but such a change is something that can’t be foreseen and therefore doesn’t change today’s growth projections. Even if the bond package is passed, construction will stay on pace to meet demand, and doesn’t have to continue in the face of a dramatic turn in the economy. “We will sell bonds and build schools as needed, and there are enrollment trigger points which we look at,” Snell said, adding it will take six months to design a new high school and two years for construction. “We have to be proactive enough to have schools completed, ready for students when we need it. If the growth slows, everything in our process slows with it.” Snell said he does not have a crystal ball, but nothing from demographers or what the district is seeing in the housing market makes anyone believe a dramatic change is on the horizon. “There are always economic sways good or bad,” he said. “When you look at the companies moving to Austin and the
jobs created, they’re moving from other states and coming here and those jobs are going to continue to be there. All economic indicators show that we are slated to boom. There will be ebbs and flows along the way, but we don’t see an economic downturn in the next few years.” Some have cited the example of Hutto ISD’s situation in the last economic recession just over a decade ago, but Snell, who was in that district during part of that time, said Hutto made the best of a difficult situation. “There’s been some misinformation about what happened in Hutto,” Snell said. “There was a brand new school that was open for a year, and when they decided to close it the decision was made for efficiency, but actually a junior college moved in, transformed the building, and Hutto ISD was able to gain revenue from that and create a great partnership for our community and high school kids. To me, Hutto is an example of how schools got creative during an economic downturn.” Even the argument that Hutto has forgone a second high school in favor of a ninthgrade center is not totally accurate, according to Snell. “What people might or might not know is Hutto had a ninth through 12th grade high school and they actually built a ninth-grade campus onto that building to get it up to 1,400 students and eventually 1,600 students,” Snell said. “Now that school is overcrowded and they’re building a new high school. They’re starting with a ninth-grade center and as they build the school it will eventually be ninth through 12th.” The second high school in
See BOND, Page 10
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Thursday, April 15, 2021
DUNGAN
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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moment. Lots of tears.” Looking back on the school year, Dungan and her peers found themselves filling roles they never thought they would. “I was surprised because I feel like there are so many amazing teachers here at Bill Burden,” she said. “Being chosen out of all of them is a big honor, especially during this year. Everybody is asked to do so many things we’ve never done before. I feel many teachers could have gotten the award. It was definitely surprising.” Dungan was raised in Brady and she always knew she would become a teacher. After eight years teaching elementary in Georgetown, Dungan took a job teaching kindergar-
COUNCIL
ten at Liberty Hill Elementary. She has spent the last five years at Burden. Working with kindergarten students is a fulfilling experience for Dungan, and she says she learns as much from her students as they do from her. She sees it as an honor to be there for her students’ earliest educational experiences. “The kids at this age love you no matter what,” she said. “Anything you do is exciting because it’s the first time they’ve gotten to experience school. That makes for the exciting experience of getting to see them experience firsts. Being their teacher is the biggest part of it all. We, as kindergarten teachers, get to experience
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needs to do the mayor things,” she wrote. Canady repeatedly voiced her support for Hall throughout his term as Mayor. Ultimately, the Council agreed that Hale should take the lead on the issue and that meetings should not include representatives from so many different organizations and cities. Liberty Hill terminated former Emergency Management Coordinator Casey Cobb in January but has not indicated whether the position will be filled or not. Contract or no contract? The use of the Over the Hill Gang building was back on the agenda after a motion by Canady and unanimous vote by the Council April 5 denied Branigan’s request to discus the agreement with Our Village for the use of the building. Branigan again brought the issue to the agenda with a proposed lease agreement for the Over the Hill Gang, saying the agreement would clarify the use of the facility for both groups. Canady argued no such lease was necessary, despite supporting a use agreement for
Our Village. Canady and Branigan continued to clash over the issue, with the Council ultimately asking Hale to look into establishing a city policy for use of city facilities, and a sit-down discussion with both Our Village and Over the Hill Gang. Attorney job description The Council unanimously approved a job description for the city attorney position, which will be used in the search and evaluation of a new attorney hire. According to Hale, when the Council severed ties with the Bojorquez Law Firm and hired Tad Cleaves as city attorney in March 2020 there was no job description in place. Phone frustration In the middle of Monday’s meeting, Canady stopped mid-sentence to voice her frustration over repeated noises coming from someone’s phone. “Every meeting somebody down there has a ding, ding, ding, and it’s annoying,” she said. “We’re not supposed to be dinging on our phones during these meetings. I don’t know who it is but it is distracting, it’s annoying and it’s
the joy of helping them learn how to read. To actually get to be a part of watching them grow so much and seeing how much they learn is probably my favorite part.” Dungan believes that walking parents through their firsttime experiences is just as important as guiding students through theirs. “As a kindergarten teacher, our job is to also send the parents off on the right foot as well,” she said. “To give them that support that they need to let their babies go off to school. I feel like you get to be part of a super special journey because of that. They’re trusting you with a lot.” Dungan’s role for the last year
not supposed to be happening.” DeYoung immediately spoke up saying it was his phone, saying “I apologize, can we get back to the agenda item please?” In the same e-mail she explained her view of the mayor and city administrator’s role, Canady clarified her frustration over the phone issue. “As far as the phone issue. Let me set you straight. It is very disrespectful to have cell phone usage at the dais. It is annoying, distracting and possibly illegal. I don’t know how much of it was actually from Tony’s phone, but I do know that it has been happening at most meetings. It is multiple notifications every meeting and the sound comes more from the middle chair. Repeated dings throughout the meetings. We should come to the meetings prepared and willing to give up our phone usage. It also continued at this meeting after the request to stop,” she wrote. The “middle chair” Canady mentioned would be Branigan’s seat on the dais.
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PUBLIC NOTICES LIBERTY HILL ISD is seeking Proposals for a Food Service Management Company. All interested proposers please see RFP #21-003 available at www.libertyhill.txed.net click Departments - Business Office - Purchasing - Current Bid Opportunities. Or request a copy by emailing: proposals@libertyhill.txed.net. (4/22) MISSING PROPERTY If you believe the police department may have a found item that belongs to you, you
can call the Property Division directly at 512-548-5530 or email at ekrause@libertyhilltx.gov. When contacting the Property Division, describe the item(s) you are looking for, in detail, and we will let you know if we have it. If we do, we will make arrangements to get it back to you. (4/29)
LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF INTENT TO INTRODUCE NOTICE This is to give notice of intent to introduce in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, a bill to be entitled an Act relating to the creation of the Liberty Hill Municipal Utility District which bill shall pertain to the creation, and to the administration, powers, additional powers, duties, operation and financing of the Liberty Hill Municipal Utility District located in Williamson County, a Conservation and Reclamation District to be Created Under Article XVI, Section 59 and Article III Section 52 of the Texas Constitution created to Acquire, Construct, Finance, and Operate Water, Sewer, Drainage, and Road improvements serving the following respective tracts of land: BEING ALL OF THAT CERTAIN 223.942 ACRE TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND OUT
OF THE HENRY FIELDS SURVEY, ABSTRACT NUMBER 233, THE JOHN INGRAM SURVEY, ABSTRACT NUMBER 335, AND THE JOSEPH M. GLASSCOCK SURVEY, ABSTRACT NUMBER 254, SITUATED IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID TRACT OF LAND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS BEING ALL OF THE REMAINDER OF A CALLED 99.57 ACRE TRACT OF LAND (TRACT NO. 2) DESCRIBED IN DOCUMENT NUMBER 199961486 OF THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS (O.P.R.W.C.TX.), AND CONVEYED TO JSB HOLDINGS, LTD., IN DOCUMENT NUMBER 2002103000 (O.P.R.W.C.TX.), ALL OF A CALLED 126.90 ACRE TRACT OF LAND (TRACT NO. 1) DESCRIBED IN DOCUMENT NUMBER 199961485 (O.P.R.W.C.TX.) AND CONVEYED TO JSB HOLDINGS, LTD., IN SAID DOCUMENT NUMBER 2002103000 (O.P.R.W.C.TX.), AND ALL OF CALLED 7.957 ACRE TRACT OF LAND CONVEYED TO JSB HOLDINGS, LTD., DESCRIBED IN DOCUMENT NUMBER 2014076250 (O.P.R.W.C.TX.) Notice was paid for by Andy Barrett or Andy Barrett & Associates, PLLC. (4/15p)
More Liberty Hill Living to Love in 2021
Page 5
has been as the remote teacher for her grade level. A very different experience for someone who is more familiar with the traditional classroom experience. Despite her own adjustments, Dungan’s thoughts lie with her parents’ struggles. “This year was different, to say the least, with the remote stuff added in and the online learning,” she said. “I can’t even imagine what parents experienced this year. They weren’t able to walk them in like normal. They put a lot of trust in us.” Wading into the unknown waters of a pandemic-affected school year proved to be in-
timidating at first, testing Dungan’s teaching strengths. “I was really concerned because I feel one of my biggest strengths in teaching is building relationships with the kiddos and their families,” she said. “I was afraid that through a computer screen I wouldn’t be able to do that. Very quickly, I learned that’s not exactly how it is. As we’ve had kiddos return back to in-person learning, I got to see that I was able to connect with them. More than I thought I could.” When Dungan was finally able to start meeting her students in person, she was able to see the immediate connec-
tion. For the final weeks of the school year, she is set to have her students in person, something she has longed for all year. “When I met them, the majority of them were so excited,” Dungan said. “They want to run up and hug you even though we couldn’t. Kiddos at that age, that’s how they show affection. Even though we couldn’t hug, they were so excited. Of course, some were a little standoffish or thought that I wasn’t a real person beyond a character on a computer screen.”
NOTICE OF ELECTION (AVISO DE ELECCIÓN) Notice is hereby given that Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 4 (the “District”) will hold an election within the District on May 1, 2021, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of increasing the rate of local sales and use tax in the District to a rate not to exceed two percent (2%) in any location in the District. (Por lo presente se avisa que el Distrito de Servicios de Emergencia Número 4 del Condado de Williamson (el “Distrito”) llevará a cabo una elección el 1 de mayo de 2021, entre las horas de 7:00 a.m. y 7:00 p.m. dentro del Distrito con el propósito del aumento en la tasa del impuesto local de ventas y uso impuesto por el Distrito del uno por ciento a una tasa que no exceda el dos por ciento (2%) en cualquier localidad del Distrito.) The proposition will appear on the ballots in the following form: PROPOSITION A FOR
( )
AGAINST
( )
The increase in the rate of the local sales and use tax imposed by Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 4 from one percent (1.0%) to a rate not to exceed two percent (2.0%) in any location in the District.
(La propuesta aparecerá en las boletas como sigue:) PROPOSICIÓN A A FAVOR
( )
EN CONTRA
( )
El aumento en la tasa del impuesto local de ventas y uso impuesto por el Distrito de Servicios de Emergencia Número 4 del Condado de Williamson del uno por ciento (1.0%) a una tasa que no exceda el dos por ciento (2.0%) en cualquier localidad del Distrito.
ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACE (SITIO DE VOTACIÓN EN EL DÍA DE ELECCIONES:) Polls Open (Horario de Sitios de Votación): 7:00 AM -7:00 PM On Election Day, eligible voters may vote at any location within Williamson County. The locations can be found online at https://www.wilco.org/Departments/Elections/Voting-in-Person/Election-Day. Voters are not limited to voting in the precinct where they are registered to vote. (El día de elecciones, votantes elegibles podrán votar en cualquier sitio de votación dentro del Condado Williamson. Los sitios de votación se detallan en línea, en https://www.wilco.org/Departments/Elecciones/Votar-en-Persona/D%C3%ADa-de-Elecci%C3%B3n. Votantes no están limitados a votar en el precinto en donde estén registrados para votar.) For voter reference, the Election Day polling places located within the boundaries of Williamson County ESD No. 4 or adjacent to Williamson County ESD No. 4’s boundaries are (Para referencia de los votantes, sitios de votación en el día de elecciones ubicados dentro del Distrito No. 4 de Servicios de Emergencia del Condado Williamson o adyacente a los límites del Distrito No. 4 de Servicios de Emergencia del Condado Williamson): City (ciudad) Austin Cedar Park Georgetown
Leander Liberty Hill Round Rock
Location (ubicación) Anderson Mill Limited District Lord of Life Lutheran Church Vista Ridge High School Cedar Park Library Cedar Park Randalls Cowan Creek Amenity Center First Baptist Church-Georgetown Williamson County Inner Loop Annex Georgetown Housing Authority GISD Technology and Nutrition Building Leander Public Library Annex Pat Bryson Municipal Hall Rouse High School Liberty Hill Municipal Court
Liberty Hill High School Baca Senior Center Brushy Creek Community Center Round Rock Randalls Round Rock High School Williamson County Jester Annex
Address (la dirección) 11500 El Salido Parkway 9700 Neenah Avenue 200 S. Vista Ridge Boulevard 550 Discovery Boulevard 1400 Cypress Creek Road 1433 Cool Spring Way 1333 W. University Avenue 301 SE Inner Loop 210 W. 18th Street, Building 1 603 Lakeway Drive 1011 S. Bagdad Road 201 N. Brushy Street 1222 Raider Way 2801 RR 1869
16500 W. SH 29 301 W. Bagdad Avenue, Bldg 2 16318 Great Oaks Drive 2051 Gattis School Road 300 N. Lake Creek Drive 1801 E. Old Settlers Boulevard
Zip 78750 78717 78613 78613 78613 78633 78628 78626 78626 78628 78641 78641 78641 78642
78642 78664 78681 78664 78681 78664
EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE WILL BE CONDUCTED AT: (LA VOTACIÓN ADELANTADA EN PERSONA SE LLEVARÁ A CABO EN:) During early voting, eligible voters may vote at any location within Williamson County. The locations can be found online at https://www.wilco.org/Departments/Elections/Voting-in-Person/Early-Voting. Voters are not limited to voting in the precinct where they are registered to vote. (Durante la votación adelantada, votantes elegibles podrán votar en cualquier sitio de votación dentro del Condado Williamson. Los sitios de votación se detallan en en línea, en https://www.wilco.org/Departments/Elecciones/Votar-en-Persona/Votaci%C3%B3n-Temprana. Votantes no están limitados a votar en el precinto en donde estén registrados para votar.) For voter reference, the early voting by personal appearance locations within the boundaries of Williamson County ESD No. 4 or adjacent to Williamson County ESD No. 4’s boundaries are (Para referencia de los votantes, la votación adelantada en persona ubicaciones dentro del Distrito No. 4 de Servicios de Emergencia del Condado Williamson o adyacente a los límites del Distrito No. 4 de Servicios de Emergencia del Condado Williamson): Georgetown Austin Cedar Park Cedar Park Georgetown Georgetown Leander Liberty Hill Round Rock Round Rock Round Rock Round Rock
Main Location (ubicación principal) Georgetown Inner Loop Annex 301 SE Inner Loop Branch Locations (ubicaciones de sucurales) Anderson Mill Limited District 11500 El Salido Parkway Cedar Park Public Library 550 Discovery Boulevard Cedar Park Randalls 1400 Cypress Creek Road Cowan Creek Amenity Center 1433 Cool Spring Way Georgetown ISD Technology Building 603 Lakeway Drive Leander Public Library 1011 S. Bagdad Road Liberty Hill Municipal Court 2801 RR 1869 Baca Senior Center 301 W Bagdad Street, Building 2 Round Rock Randalls 2051 Gattis School Road Brushy Creek Community Center 16318 Great Oaks Drive Williamson County Jester Annex 1801 E Old Settlers Boulevard
Monday, April 19 to Saturday, April 24 (el lunes, 19 de abril a sábado, 24 de abril): 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday, April 26 to Tuesday, April 27 (el lunes, 26 de abril a martes, 27 de abril): 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Applications for early voting by mail shall be mailed to: (Las solicitudes para boletas que se votarán en la votación adelantada por correo deberán enviarse a:)
Six years after the launch of the first annual issue of Liberty Hill Living, we’re excited to announce the community magazine will be delivered to Liberty Hill area homes five times in 2021! Packed with more indepth articles, professional photography and regular features on local business, cooking, home and garden, travel, history and entertainment – each issue holds something for everyone without the long wait!
CONTACT US TODAY FOR SALES OPPORTUNITIES! (512) 778-5577 or Stacy@LHIndependent.com www.LibertyHillLiving.com • 921 Loop 332, Liberty Hill TX 78642
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 April 20, 2021. (Las solicitudes para boletas por correo deberán recibirse para el fin de las horas de negocio el 20 de abril de 2021.)
SPORTS
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, April 15, 2021 Page 6
Seeing it from both sides Pitching and catching provides unique perspective
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Garrett Neeley is on the mound staring in to the catcher for the sign before delivering a pitch, he knows exactly what his backstop is thinking. On the other hand, when the roles are reversed and he’s the one wearing all the gear behind the plate, he can also properly relate to what’s going on in the mind of the man on the mound. All this is possible because the Liberty Hill junior both pitches and catches for the Panthers – a juxtaposition that provides a unique perspective at life on both ends of the 60 feet, six inches between rubber and plate. These days, Neeley finds himself catching more often than pitching, but one occasion when he was handed the ball was in the Panthers’ home-opener this season against Lampasas – a contest that saw him matched up against the Badgers’ University of Texas-bound Ace Whitehead, who started for the visitors. No worries, as Neeley out-dueled his opposite number over the first three innings, allowing
only one hit and no runs with six strikeouts to earn the victory. “It was the best outing of my life,” said Neeley. “I felt like I had to prove to everybody I could do it because people have always doubted me because of my size.” However, it’s catching that is where Neeley’s heart really is. “I’ve been catching for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I love being involved in every play and it’s a rush when someone tries to steal a base.” According to Liberty Hill head coach Steve Hutcherson, Neeley has a definite advantage having a knowledge of what his battery mate is going through regardless of which side he’s on. “I would think it helps a lot,” said Hutcherson. “He knows what the hitters are looking for, as far as his thought process behind the plate.” Back on the mound, Neeley certainly doesn’t possess a blazing fastball, but compensates by having the ability to locate his pitches, he said. “I need to have good control and command of the strike zone,” said Neeley, who hasn’t
Home run hero to strikeout sensation
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Garrett Neeley (#2) pitched three scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out six in a victory over Lampasas in the Panthers’ season opener. pitched since the Lampasas game due a strained rotator cuff. “You have to be able to hit your spots when it’s called.” Once the Central Texas heat begins to set in later in the season, Neeley said donning
the catcher’s gear is something he can handle despite the conditions and that it’s actually more taxing for him when he’s on the mound. “I’ve built up a lot of endurance and caught when it’s 105,” he said. “But, pitching
drains you more and it gets in some guys’ heads, so mental toughness comes into play.” All that being said, Neeley knows when to add a bit of levity to the situation when he pays a pitcher a visit to the mound during a rough patch of
play. “It’s always good to have a guy to talk to so you can clear your head,” he said. “So, I might crack a joke to get his mind off things.”
Sophomore does damage at plate, on mound
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Kylie Kirk strode up to the plate in the bottom of the first during Liberty Hill’s home softball game against No. 1 Leander – who just happened to have a Division I-signed pitcher in the circle, she took the same approach with her as she always does. “This year, I’ve just been trying to get base hits,” said Kirk. “Usually, I make really good contact.” Did she ever on this occasion. With the count at 2-2, Lions hurler SJ Geurin – who is on her way to the University of Oklahoma after next season – unleashed a riseball in hopes of collecting yet another strikeout. But, Kirk had other ideas, she said. “With two strikes, I have to expand my strike zone and hit anything close,” said Kirk. “I was able to hit the ball before it had a chance to really go up.” The ball did go up, but not until Kirk crushed it and sent
it towering over the left-field fence for a two-run homer to give the Lady Panthers the lead. Entering the confrontation, Kirk said she received some sage advice regarding her upcoming showdown with the Lions’ ace. “My parents and (Liberty Hill head) Coach (Kristen) Brewer told me it doesn’t matter where she’s going off to play in college,” said Kirk. “But, it made me feel really good about my future because of the fact she’s going to play Division I and I’ve wanted to hit against her all season.” Following her home run heroics to begin the game, Kirk ended the evening on the mound herself, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts against a powerful Leander lineup that has a .383 team batting average and is scoring more than eight runs per game. Less than 24 hours later, Kirk found herself back on the mound, only on the diamond
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Kylie Kirk (#11) approaches her teammates at home plate after rounding the bases following a two-run homer off Leander ace SJ Geurin before pitching a shutout with 10 strikeouts the following day. at Rouse as the Lady Panthers had a road matinee against the Raiders. So, what did she do to follow up her performance from the night before? Kirk twirled a masterclass – a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts and added a double and run batted in at the plate to boot.
Do the math. Eight-and-one-third innings spanning the two appearances, allowing only two hits while racking up 13 strikeouts featuring a deadly screwball that bores in on right-handed hitters and fades away from lefties. Not a bad day at the office for a softballer who’s still only a
sophomore, racking up results that provide much momentum moving forward, said Kirk. “I’m really excited for the next two years to see what I can do,” she said. More performances like that and Kirk will be the one heading off to a big-name college. One more thing. Kirk said she keeps each and
every one of her home run balls on a shelf in her room and now has 15 to proudly display from blasts over the past few years – along with a freshly-added orb to the collection courtesy of her Friday night drive. “Hopefully,” she said. “I’ll need more shelves soon.”
2021 a season of change on the pitch for Lady Panthers
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Life on the soccer field proved to be quite different this season from what the Lady Panthers of Liberty Hill had been accustomed to in previous seasons since the program’s inception eight years ago. Close games against district opponents and having to work much harder for results became more of the usual fare than an anomaly, as moving up to Class 5A provided a more rugged path to success. Still, the level of success remained. Liberty Hill won a hardfought district championship on the way to a 21-4-2 overall record, which included a 13-1 league mark – a campaign that saw the Lady Panthers avenge their only defeat with a stirring 3-1 away win over Georgetown after having lost the first meeting against the Eagles at home by a 1-0 score. However, after breezing past its first two playoff opponents, their quest for an elusive state title came crashing down in the regional quarterfinals with a 2-0 loss to Dripping Springs after also having dropped the season-opener to the Tigers. According to Liberty Hill head coach Darren Bauer, his
Kaylie Fowler (#9) was the Lady Panthers’ leading scorer this season with 23 goals. side acquitted itself well on er. “Short of our goal, but we to keep working hard and keep the field of battle during its proved we still belong with pushing through the tougher maiden voyage into Class 5A the powerhouses of 5A and we times.” waters. aren’t going to stop playing Indeed, tougher times were “I think this season was a tre- the way we always have. To something altogether new for mendous success,” said Bau- keep improving, we just have the Lady Panthers this year, a
reality that was never more evident than when they walked off their own field following the loss to Georgetown – although even that darkest cloud had a silver lining, said Bauer.
“In the past at 4A, if we played well and missed opportunities we could pick up the pieces and usually finish the game out still on top,” he said. “We were taught a valuable lesson in that game and I believe it gave the girls an extra mental edge for the rest of the season.” Sophomore striker Kaylie Fowler finished the season on top of the Liberty Hill scoring charts with 23 goals, followed by seniors Mykenna Russo (20) and Piper Tabor (19), while junior Emma Stephens netted 14 times and senior Madi Fuller 10. Senior midfielder Abbey Janicek proved to be the Lady Panthers’ primary playmaker, serving up a squad-best 20 assists on the season to go with seven goals, while senior goalkeeper Kylee Bush posted an 18-4-2 record with a 0.54 goals-against-average and 15 shutouts. Bauer has always believed in a reload-not-rebuild philosophy in shaping his roster year after year – meaning despite the value of experience, there are certainly young players waiting in the wings ready to swoop in and take the place of this season’s core group of
See SOCCER, Page 8
Let’s play two in Pantherville
Thursday, April 15, 2021
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Nothing like a baseball game on a warm summer night to soothe one’s soul. Okay, so it’s not actually summer yet, but this is central Texas and with temperatures already breaking the 90-degree mark, the solstice may as well have already passed despite the fact we’re still in April. But, we digress. In fact, on this night we had a doubleheader in Pantherville, with the baseball and softball squads both in action simultaneously, which meant field-hopping back-and-forth between the adjacent venues, during which we were able to take in a wide variety of things – on and off the field. On the larger diamond, the Panthers’ baseball team was up against Glenn, who happened to have a lad by the name of Harris Holden on the mound,
a young man who is only a sophomore, but has already committed to Texas Christian University, while for the home side, it was senior right-hander Ryan Rhoden who took the ball – appropriately enough on Senior Night. What we also had between the starting pitchers was a proper flow battle, as both hurlers featured shoulder-length locks, although Harris’ ‘do is straight and full, while Rhoden’s is more of a mullet. In any event, the two dueled for the opening four frames of the game before Rhoden was removed after a fine effort in keeping the Purple-and-Gold in the game. Whoever won the hair battle is still up for debate. Speaking of starting pitchers, on the other field the Lady Panthers were wielding their bats against Leander’s Savannah “SJ” Geurin, who will be pitching after next season for the University of Oklahoma and get this – committed to the Sooners as an eighth-grader! Geurin is an imposing physical presence in the circle,
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
standing six feet tall and although she doesn’t have a blazing fastball – she deals in the 60 mph range – she has a devastating change-up that makes her fastball seem even faster. Add in the fact the rubber is only 43 feet away on a softball field – compared to 60 feet, six inches on a baseball diamond and you can add 15 mph as far as the reaction time hitters have at the shorter distance. Well, on this balmy evening, the Lady Panthers’ Madison Hodges had the measure of Geurin, going 3-for-3 with a double against the north-ofthe-Red River recruit, while Kylie Kirk launched a two-run homer to left. Unfortunately, those were the only runs Liberty Hill could muster against the master in a 10-2 defeat, as Geurin racked up 10 strikeouts in a complete-game victory. But, consider this. Geurin has only allowed 15 runs all season and the Lady Panthers have scored four of them after reaching her for two runs in the teams’ first
meeting. So, well done, indeed. But, back to baseball. With fundamentals being all but a lost art across the sports spectrum these days, it was refreshing to see Andon Thomas, the Panthers’ all-world linebacker during football season and a guy who looks like he can hit the ball a country mile with one arm tied behind his back and his eyes closed, lay down a perfectly-placed sacrifice bunt to move a pair of runners into scoring position. We witnessed all this from the comfy confines of the metal bleachers in and among the good citizens of Pantherville, which provided all sorts of entertainment in addition to what went on between the lines. One of the coolest things about baseball compared to other sports is the relatively relaxed atmosphere one experiences during a game. Unlike the more intense environment of football and basketball – and the fact the game isn’t governed by a clock – our national pastime lends itself more to a lazy gathering on a
warm spring or summer evening. There certainly isn’t the same amount of vitriol directed at umpires from the crowd like at football and basketball games, that’s for sure. One thing we want to know, though, is this. Why does everyone refer to umpires as “Blue” when in fact, they’re actually wearing black? One of the great mysteries of the universe. The gentleman behind home plate for this one must’ve been an atheist because three different Panthers – Kash Durkin, Ryan Leary and Garrett Neeley – were all forced to remove the crosses from around their necks before they stepped into the batter’s box. Now, we would expect such nonsense back in our former home state of California where unbelievers run wild, but certainly not here in our new home deep in the heart of Texas. Besides, it’s usually pitchers who are forbidden from dangling jewelry that might dis-
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tract a hitter. Well, the good Lord was still with Durkin when the big first baseman successfully blooped in a base hit between three defenders shortly after having to lose his religion – so to speak. Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t highlight the heroics of one Jackson Knox, who sent seven Grizzlies back to the bench with the bat in their hands on the evening during a three-inning stint on the mound, as well as fouling off multiple foul balls with a 3-2 count before getting his pitch and driving it to left for a single before scoring the tying run in the bottom of the seventh with the Panthers down to their last out before going on to win in extra innings. So, overall, a great night at the ballpark – or ballparks, if you will. Best part is we finally didn’t need a coat, even once the sun went down – now that it’s summer (sort of) and all, you know.
Running, jumping for glory Panthers track athletes looking to advance
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Greta Coker and Kaden McMahan compete at opposite ends of the track and field spectrum, but both Liberty Hill athletes have one thing in common. After both Panthers had successful outings at the district meet, they qualified for the area meet with the hopes of moving on further to the regional and state events. Coker, a junior, competes in the pole vault, an event which requires a special kind of athlete – one who chooses to hurl his or her body up and over a bar as high as possible and putting all of one’s trust in a pole which bends almost to the point of breaking. According to Coker, she only took up the discipline after not making the volleyball team in junior high. “After that happened, I thought I would just do track,” said Coker. “I don’t know exactly why I picked pole vault – I must’ve seen it on TV or something.” One thing led to another and Coker soon found herself trav-
eling back and forth to Killeen three days a week to hone her skills with a personal coach and currently has a personal best of 10-1, an upward swing in fortune following a sophomore season that was riddled by injuries. “This year, I’ve been a lot more consistent with higher jumps I couldn’t get last year,” she said. “Also, I used to get really nervous before a meet, but I’ve learned to control that a lot better so now I can just focus on having fun. I do much better when I’m happy and relaxed.” McMahan is a junior who stands 6-foot-4 and competes in the 200 meters, 4x200 relay and triple jump, although the latter is his favorite, he said. “I just like jumping,” said McMahan, who also plays football and basketball. “At first, I did the long jump, too.” One thing McMahan does now in addition to his jumping is running, although it wasn’t an activity he really dedicated himself to until the pandemic hit and he had plenty of time on his hands to train. “I got a lot faster during quar-
antine because I worked really hard,” he said. “I really pushed myself.” McMahan only joined the track team last year as a sophomore and competed on the junior varsity before making the jump to the varsity squad this season and said he particularly enjoys being the anchor on the Panthers’ 4x200-meter relay team – especially when he gets the baton and has someone to chase down to the finish line. “I love being the last runner because then the race is in my hands,” said McMahan. “Especially when there’s someone in front of me because it pushes me.” Liberty Hill had three triple jumpers qualify for the area meet, as Konnor Bye, who won the event and Collin Lyons joined McMahan in moving on and there’s definitely a rivalry between the trio – albeit a friendly one, said McMahan. “No matter if we do good or SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO bad, we’re always happy for Greta Coker has a personal best of 10-1 in the pole vault and finished third at the district meet. one another,” he said. McMahan is a multi-sport ath- playing more than one helps and I really enjoy doing dif- plosiveness in football.” lete – a rarity in this day and him in more ways than one. ferent things,” he said. “Also, age of specialization – and said “I’ve always played all sports track helps my speed and ex-
LHHS tennis squad enjoys a renaissance this season
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When the fall tennis season ended for Liberty Hill head coach Sherry Rhoden, her job was only half done for the year, as the spring campaign awaited once the temperatures warmed up once again. Ever since, the Panthers have been enjoying much success and fulfillment. According to Rhoden, one of the most gratifying aspects has been off-the-court cohesion to go along with on-the-court improvement. “We’ve shared many team dinners on the road together to build the inner workings of Panthers tennis and the players have worked hard on our beautiful, purple courts and many are getting in extra hours after practice, as well,” said Rhoden. “There isn’t much more a coach could ask for.” The spring season features an individual tournament format, as opposed to team tennis in the fall, which creates an opportunity for players to concentrate on a single discipline, said Rhoden. “I think most of our players enjoy spring individual tennis because they can focus on either doubles or singles and zone in on their weaknesses and strengthen their overall game plan,” she said. “The coaching staff has given each player one or two weaknesses to focus on and we keep those front and center for practices and each match at every tournament. Some are working on starting quicker and getting more games on the board in the
beginning of a set, while some players are working on positive self talk and self-assessments. Others are learning to play different types of players with confidence. Of course, all of us are working on fast feet followed with consistency and smart shot selections.” Rhoden added the many miles that the team has covered this spring to compete was only possible with the support of those involved with the program. “The booster club has been wonderful to us and (Assistant) Coach (Sue) Davidson has been a rock star on and off of the court,” she said. “I’ve also enjoyed all of our parents’ enthusiasm.” Liberty Hill Junior High launched its tennis program in January, further strengthening the relationships needed to ensure a strong program at all levels, said Rhoden. “The junior high program has 49 players and when you add parents to the bleachers to spectate and cheer them on, the Panther Tennis facility is hopping with excitement,” she said. “I’ve been super- impressed with how many varsity, JV and freshmen players are staying to help with the junior high practice and matches. Their mentorship and volunteer hours have been priceless to this program. Kudos to the parents for raising players who choose to be selfless and want to give back to the program. We’re truly building champions together.” Not even unseasonably cold weather could dampen the en-
thusiasm. “We did have a few bad weather days early in January when we were able to go into the gym and workout,” said Rhoden. “We have three mini-nets the players set up and we run a full cardio tennis workout in the gym. This option is keeping us on our toes and moving in the right direction both physically and mentally. We’re very grateful to basketball and volleyball and all the other sports for sharing their facilities with us – it’s been huge for us this spring.” Liberty Hill now plays as a Class 5A school, but that doesn’t have as much of an effect in the spring as it does in the fall, she said. “We’ve played great teams from wonderful tennis comLAURA COLEMAN PHOTO munities that represent all Senior Mackenzie Coleman and her Liberty Hill tennis teammates have continued to strengthen UIL classifications,” she said. the Panthers’ program during the spring season. “In tennis, the classifications are just a number with the UIL. Great tennis players come from small A and big A schools. We focus more on the Universal Tennis Rating of the players in our brackets for tournaments – this tells us more about who we’re playing than the size of the school.” In conclusion, Rhoden said she’ll look back on her first spring season as Panthers coach with fondness. “The spring season has been a blast,” she said. “We’ve played tons of tennis in some fun tennis towns and tournaments. I love how many parents are traveling to spend the day with us at these tournaments – it makes it that much more memorable for the players.”
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Page 8
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, April 15, 2021
PANTHER OF THE WEEK
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Kash Durkin (#24) is one of Liberty Hill’s offensive leaders, but also provides the Panthers with solid defense at first base – a position he only returned to this season.
Playing the ‘other’ corner Panthers first baseman thrives after switch
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Kash Durkin first arrived on the Liberty Hill baseball scene, he could be found stationed at third base – what’s known as the “hot corner” – dealing with all manner of line drives and sharply-hit ground balls. However, once he moved up to varsity his sophomore year, he found himself exiled to the outfield and left to wander the wide-open spaces that exist beyond the infield. Until this season, when Durkin returned to where he had spent most of his baseball life – only now it was at the opposite side of the diamond at first base. Safe to say, going back to the position he had played as a youngster has been a blessing for him, a boon to the Panthers and has given him the chance to once again be more engaged. “I like playing first because you’re involved in every play,” said Durkin. “I get a lot of action.” According to head coach Steve Hutcherson, the fact Durkin has experience at third helps him in his new spot. “For a big guy, Kash moves very well,” said Hutcherson, of the 6-foot-2 Durkin. “We know he’s going to be able to get to most balls hit his way and he’s a big target over there, so it’s a good thing to have.” As far as being a target is concerned, Durkin said he’s fine with the other infielders getting plaudits for great plays, even if they wouldn’t be possible without some exquisite glove work on his end of the bargain. “They’ll usually point at me or say ‘good job,’” he said. Durkin said he can recognize immediately when a rushed
throw to get a fast runner has the potential to go horribly wrong. “I can see the ball right out of their hand,” he said. “So, sometimes I need to get off the bag or even jump – it happens more than you think.” Durkin is more likely, though, to encounter low throws – or even ones that bounce on the way – based on the philosophy Hutcherson preaches to his infielders. “We tell our first baseman there’s no such thing as a bad throw if it’s low,” said Hutcherson. “We want our infielders to aim low and give our first baseman a chance to pick it.” Durkin does exactly that many more times than not – something that adds up over the course of an entire season, he said. “I think it probably happens two or three times per game,” said Hutcherson. “So, that’s probably about 20 or 30 fewer errors for the year.” With Durkin’s height, one might assume he had played some hoops growing up and they’d be right, as he spent some time on the court, even playing basketball during his freshman year. However, he traded the shiny, wood floor of the Liberty Hill gym for the turf of the Panthers’ baseball field after one thing became abundantly clear to him, he said. “I realized I was pretty average at basketball,” said Durkin, who was a center on the court. “But, I also knew I was good enough at baseball to be on the varsity as a sophomore.” Which is exactly what happened and Durkin hasn’t looked back since on a sports past which also included soccer along the way. Although at one point earlier
TENNIS BRIEFS
Liberty Hill’ tennis team visited Lampasas in its final set of matches before district. Ellis Young played girls’ singles and won 6-0, while Sophie Sherman played two singles matches, winning the first 6-2, 6-1 and the second, 6-2 and Madi Sudekum 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Mackenzie Coleman and Jennifer Merrill played two girls’ doubles matches, winning the
Soccer
first, 6-2, 6-6 (9-7) in the tiebreaker and also the second, 8-2. Eliza Homorodi and Peyton Buckley played two doubles matches, winning 6-2, 6-0 and losing, 5-8. Joseph Sherman played one singles match and won 6-0, 6-0 and Will Gray also won, 6-1, 6-3. In boys’ doubles, Patrick Fay and Ethan Wukasch played
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seniors, he said. “We’ll miss this group of seniors, they’ve been instrumental in the success the program has had over the past four years,” said Bauer, of the group of Bush, Russo, Athena Brown, Janicek, Fuller, Tabor and Bryden Bourgeois. “But, I don’t think there will be any upheaval. We also have some great players coming in next year to throw into the mix. We should be at the same level if not better.” Neeley Giessinger and Carson Glenn are counted among the attacking options at Bauer’s disposal moving forward after successful varsity debuts as freshmen, while the trio of Alyssa Lee, Cordelia Brown and Katie Wilson will return to shore up the defense, with Kei-
ra Garcia in line to inherit the gloves in goal. Bauer said critical to his team’s future is the ability to constantly strive for improvement. “We continually push our limits,” he said. “Just because we’ve had success doesn’t mean we aren’t going to try something new to add to our arsenal.” All that being said, Bauer believes there is a lesson to be learned and carried forward for his returning players as a result of this year’s experience. “While we’re still a top team in the state, the road to state is much harder at 5A,” he said. “We’ll need to worker harder to get there.”
on during his pre-high school days, he temporarily gave the game up after a discouraging experience. “I quit playing for a whole year when I was about 12 or 13,” said Durkin. “I got burned out and had some coaches who weren’t the greatest at the time.” These days, he’s focused strictly on the diamond with one eye on a dream, while his feet remain planted firmly on the ground. “Sure, I’d love to play pro,” he said. “But, I’m going to study for a career in computer engineering because I like math – it seems to come easier for me than other subjects.” Despite a mild-mannered disposition off the field, Durkin said he tends to be one of the more vocal Panthers on game days. “I’m really a quiet person,” he said. “But, during games, I like to be loud – probably because I’m around my friends and we like to have a snowball effect.” Durkin isn’t all that big on style, but there is one item he chooses to accessorize with on the field – a white compression sleeve he wears on his right arm that features a lightning bolt. So, is it fashion or function? “Both,” he said. “I used to get cuts and scrapes on my elbow. But, I also think it looks good on me.” One last thing. About his name. “My mom’s name is Kimber, so she wanted me to have a name beginning with ‘K,’” said Durkin. “But, my dad’s a big Johnny Cash fan, so they changed the spelling.” What Durkin spells for the Panthers’ defense is a sure glove that can always be depended on.
two matches, winning both by scores of 0-6, 6-3, 2-6 and 8-2. Cash Terry and Jon Kizer also played doubles and lost 0-6, 1-6, while in singles, Terry lost, 2-8 and Kizer lost, 6-8. Ava Ortega and Michael Evans played mixed doubles and won, 6-4, 6-3, while Colin Garner and Abby Gates won 6-1, 6-4.
(TOP) Liberty Hill’s Bo Stubblefield and Colton Kloesel finished first at the Faith Angler Network tournament on Lake Buchanan with a combined catch of five bass at 15.7 pounds. (ABOVE) Landon Warr caught the Big Bass of the event for the Panthers at 7.72 pounds. (Courtesy Photos)
FISHING BRIEFS Liberty Hill’s fishing team recently competed at the Faith Angler Network tournament on Lake Buchanan. The Panthers’ team of Bo Stubblefield and Colton Kloesel won the event with five
bass weighing in at 15.7 pounds. Also placing for Liberty Hill were Hoyt Brown and Jake Carter in third with five bass weighing 14.6 pounds and Christian Hunter and Mason
Hunter, who were eighth with five bass at 11.77 pounds. Big Bass went to the Panthers’ Landon Warr at 7.72 pounds.
SOFTBALL BRIEFS
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Reese Albrecht (#14) delivers a pitch during Liberty Hill’s 10-2 home loss to Leander. Liberty Hill 7, Rouse 0 Kylie Kirk pitched a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts in a 7-0 Liberty Hill road victory against Rouse. At the plate, Tannis Brewer went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, two runs scored and three runs batted in, while Molly Cochran was also 3-for-4 with a triple, Katelyn Castleberry went 2-for-3 and Desiree Garza was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles for the visitors. The Lady Panthers struck for the decisive runs with three in the third, including RBI singles by Cochran and Castleberry to open the scoring before adding four more
runs in the six, highlighted by a three-run homer off the bat of Brewer to provide the final margin. Leander 8, Liberty Hill 2 Kirk hit a two-run homer in the first to give the Lady Panthers a 2-1 lead, but Liberty Hill fell short by a score of 10-2 against No. 1 Leander. Madison Hodges went 3-for3 for the Lady Panthers including a double, while on the mound, Reese Albrecht was charged with the loss after allowing six runs on six hits before being relieved by Hannah Kline, who allowed four runs and Kirk, who closed the game with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Glenn 6, Liberty Hill 3 After trailing 3-1 following four innings, the Lady Panthers scored a pair of runs to tie the game in the fifth, but allowed three unanswered runs in the final two innings of a 6-3 away loss to Glenn in its final contest of the campaign. Brewer and Cochran each had a pair of hits and Kirk tripled, while Albrecht got the loss on the mound, allowing four runs on seven hits in five innings. Liberty Hill ended its season with an overall record of 13-16-1, with a 4-10 mark in district play.
BASEBALL BRIEFS Liberty Hill 5, Glenn 4 Andon Thomas grounded into a fielder’s choice to drive home Jack Stavinoha with the winning run in an eight-inning 5-4 Liberty Hill home victory last week over Glenn. Ryan Rhoden rebounded from a shaky first inning in which the senior right-hander allowed a pair of singles, a base on balls and a run to pitch four strong innings only giving up two runs on three hits with three strikeouts before being relieved by senior Jackson Knox, who struck out seven over three innings. Connor Sherburn closed the game with a scoreless frame in the eighth to earn the win. The Panthers trailed, 4-3, entering the bottom of the
seventh before tying the game and forcing the extra inning when Knox singled and was driven home by a Kade Neuenschwander double. Knox went 2-for-3 with a double and a run batted, while Stavinoha was 2-for-4 in the game. Liberty Hill 10, East View 5 The Panthers swept the season series with the Patriots with a 10-5 road victory, as Thomas, Knox, Logan Dyer and Stavinoha all had a pair of hits each in a 12-hit Liberty Hill attack. Liberty Hill led, 7-0, after 2 ½ innings before the home side answered with four runs in the third, but the Panthers plated three more runs in the sixth to secure the victory.
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Jackson Knox (#8) had seven strikeouts in three innings of relief during Liberty Hill’s 4-3, extra-innings home win over Blaze Milam started and got the win for Liberty Hill, going three innings, while allowing four runs on five hits with
four strikeouts and a base-onballs, then gave way to Logan
See BRIEFS, Page 9
Thursday, April 15, 2021
BRIEFS
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Continued from Page 8
Bailey, who hurled three scoreless frames with four strikeouts before Tyler Williams closed the contest with an inning of relief. Rouse 2, Liberty Hill 1 Sherburn pitched a complete game, allowing only two runs on five hits in six innings, but it wasn’t enough in a 2-1 away Liberty Hill loss to Rouse Tuesday. The Panthers outhit the Raid-
ers, 6-5, but were victims of excellent defense by the home side, while committing a pair of errors themselves. Rouse scored both of its runs in the first and kept the Panthers off the board until the seventh, when Kash Durkin led off with a double and then scored on a wild pitch. Knox went 2-for-3 with a triple in the loss. Liberty Hill (17-9-1, 5-4) fell
one game behind both Rouse and Georgetown in the district standings and are currently in fifth – meaning they are currently on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs are concerned, as only the top four teams qualify and will next host No. 6 Cedar Park on April 16 and play at Marble Falls on April 20.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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Liberty Hill ISD is not slated to be a ninth-grade campus, but is planned to be opened in phases. “We’re very strategic with how we plan and how we open schools,” Snell said. “It’s not like you open a school and immediately it is full. You’ve got to build the capacity and in the case of a high school it is likely three years before you get all four grades in that school.” Financial questions While little has been said in community discussions, some have voiced displeasure with the school district’s financial accountability, and that’s something Snell vehemently disagrees with. “We continue to receive a Superior Rating with the state FIRST rating, which is our state accountability,” he said. “People should look at the work done by our business office to achieve an exceptional bond rating, and all the cost-saving approaches we’ve brought to the district. Separate from the bond, I will talk business and financial accountability all day long and how proud I am of the business department.” On the transparency front,
Snell also said the community should not forget about the district’s website where all bond plans and finances can be found. “Every dollar we spend is online,” he said. “It is an overwhelming amount of information on our website, but we will answer any questions asked. Online relief?
With the online opportunities created for students through the COVID-19 pandemic, the question has been asked whether a more permanent online education opportunity in the district might be one way to ease the stress on facilities as the student population grows, but Snell said as of now, that is not something that LHISD is considering.
Thursday, April 15, 2021
“It’s a good conversation to have,” Snell said of the future. “While a lot of that is driven by the desires of the community, most of it is driven by how schools are funded. TEA (Texas Education Agency) tweaks their plans off and on all year, and plans for next year right now in Liberty Hill is to have 100 percent in-person school and not have a remote op-
option. “My personal belief is we have an excellent teacher in the classroom and the best way to get your education in Liberty Hill is in person. I understand there will be members of our community who might like the remote option or might want to do that. Right now we’re not planning to have that option for next year.”
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tion. Those plans can always change.” The district is currently at 82 percent in-person schooling, demonstrating that most families, even through the COVID-19 pandemic, prefer in-person learning. The district is not closing the door on future opportunities, but Snell still believes having students on campus is the best
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