LH Independent 4-22-21

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2021

Volume 34, Issue 22

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April 22, 2021 | 50 Cents

Liberty Hill area sales tax numbers continue to climb City says increased revenue allows more funds for city budget and operations

Many property owners in the area where the proposed Corridor I-2 could be built connecting SH 29 near the Burnet County line to US 183 north of SH 29, are looking for ways to fight the plan. (Courtesy Graphic)

Potential road project raises resident concerns

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor One of dozens of road projects that can be found listed on the Williamson County website as part of the longrange transportation plan cuts a conceptual path through an area north of Liberty Hill, from US 183 to the east and arching around to SH 29 near the Burnet County line.

But many residents in the potential path of what is known as Corridor I-2 are not planning to wait to see what the County has in mind for the project’s future.

“My family found out about it about five weeks ago,” said area resident Kerri Plaskon.

“Not a lot of people have heard about it, so when I shared it people had no idea it was something even being discussed or talked about.”

She was surprised to find the project she said she’d never heard of coming through her own land.

“The route they want for the corridor would cut through our property, probably hundreds of other people’s as well,” Plaskon said. “A lot of people are super concerned. Obvi-

ously nothing has been set in stone yet, as far as we know, but I know they’re looking at the area.”

Many residents in the area have rallied together, discussing how they might fight the project, even forming a Facebook group – Liberty Hill Bypass – to share information and communicate about it.

Plaskon said even being near the road would change their lives dramatically.

“If it’s not on their property it is going to be near it, then there’s going to be a lot more road noise,” she said. “We have a lot of hunters in this area and people who enjoy the wildlife.

We’ve got endangered species out here. If there’s more road noise, more traffic through this area makes us wonder how it is going to affect us, and will it just keep expanding?”

Even though the plan has been part of the transportation plan, Plaskon and her neighbors are troubled by what she feels is a lack of information.

“If this is the proposed plan, you’d think you’d see it somewhere,” she said. “We had to

See ROADS, Page 5

County vaccination wait list going away

Williamson County has stopped accepting names on its county COVID vaccination wait list. With both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines more readily available through local and private providers, this is the first step toward ending the county’s mass vaccination hubs.

According to Williamson County, 29.36 percent of the county population is fully vaccinated, and 46.21 percent has had the first dose. Texas Health and Human Services is reporting that 30.12 percent of residents 16 and older and 59.79 percent of residents 65 and older are fully vaccinated.

The state also shows that 42.57 percent of residents 16 and over and 77.05 percent of residents 65 and over have received at least one dose.

As of April 19, Williamson ©2021 The Liberty Hill Independent

County officials say that more than 193,000 Williamson County residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination. According to Williamson County, the total confirmed COVID cases are 38,033 with 461 deaths.

“The supply has caught up with the demand. We have made great progress in helping people get vaccinated, and we still have a way to go, but the form in which we do it will change,” said County Judge Bill Gravell. “Going forward, people can directly schedule an appointment with Curative or another provider of their choice just as they would for a flu shot.”

There are just over 30,000 people left on the waiting list.

The county estimates that only five percent of those who receive an invitation to schedule an appointment follow through and says the leading reason for this is the availability of the vaccine through another provider.

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Not only can the growth across the Liberty Hill community be seen on a drive east or west on SH 29, but it is also reflected in the ever-rising sales tax revenues.

With four months of revenues reported for 2021, the City of Liberty Hill, Williamson County ESD #4 and the Liberty Hill Public Library are all on pace to eclipse last year’s total.

Liberty Hill has generated $699,366 in the first four months of this year, which reflects sales from November 2020 to February 2021. That puts the City on pace to bring in just under $2.1 million for the calendar year, an increase of just over $100,000 for the year.

The current City budget estimated $1.49 million in sales tax revenues for this year.

The division of the City’s

two-cent local sales tax allocation directs one cent to the general fund, a half cent going to the Economic Development Corporation, and a quarter cent each to the library district and street maintenance fund.

“Long term this provides a sense of sustainability for us to continue providing quality of life services for our residents,” Liberty Hill City Administrator Lacie Hale said.

“It seem like it is continuing to increase and it is exciting.

It allows more for our budget and operations.”

She is optimistic the revenue increases will continue with recent business openings and new ones opening their doors soon.

“We haven’t even included McCoys. Higginbotham is seeing success and doing well, and it is exciting what our future holds with the businesses that are coming to our

A starring role

community,” Hale said.

The library has also seen its revenues increase annually, jumping just over $190,000 from 2019 to 2020 with $212,150 coming in through April for this calendar year – on pace for more than $600,000 for the year for the first time.

For the Emergency Services District – Liberty Hill Fire Department – the economic growth across the district has led to sizable increases each year, and has already brought in $560,824 in four months this calendar year. In 2017, the ESD brought in $468,434 and by 202 that amount had increased to $1.28 million.

The payments across the state from the Texas Comptrollers office totaled $677.3 million in April, down slightly from year to date from the same period last year, and April numbers were down 3.5 percent this April from last.

SALES TAX REVENUE City of Liberty Hill

2021 to date $699,366 2020 $1.99 million 2019 $1.5 million 2018 $1.26 million 2017 $1.15 million

Williamson County ESD #4

2021 to date $560,824 2020 $1.28 million 2019 $807,832 2018 $633,820 2017 $468,434

Liberty Hill Public Library

2021 to date $229,150 2020 $597,781 2019 $406,293 2018 $347,794 2017 $282,854

Community working toward preserving local night sky

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor For many, there’s a bright future for Liberty Hill with the amount of commercial and residential growth coming to the area.

But for some, they see a dark side – literally – that they believe can be an important positive as well.

There’s a movement afoot in the area to shine a light on the benefits of being a Dark Sky community, and making sure the beauty of the night sky and the stars don’t disappear with urban growth.

Donna Leonard, who moved to Liberty Hill with her husband in 2015, said growing up in the suburbs meant they really didn’t know what they’d been missing for so long. But an unexpected benefit of having her own few acres in the area was what she saw above at night.

“The skies, we would just marvel at them,” she said.

“There were thousands of stars. I could sit out any night and if I sat there 10 or 15 minutes I’d see a shooting star.

One of my favorite things to do when we moved to Liber-

Liberty Hill Rodeo awards scholarships

ty Hill was to lie down in the bed of the truck and my husband would drive down the road, and it is sort of a winding road, and with every turn I’d watch the whole universe turn. It was just amazing.”

That nightly show in the sky began to fade slowly over time, though.

“Over the years, growth in Liberty Hill and also Leander, was creeping our way and little by little we couldn’t see the stars like we used to,” Leonard said. “To be honest, I thought maybe I’d been imagining it.”

But an inconvenient power outage served as a reminder of what had been only a few years ago.

“In February, when the whole town was without lights, the high school wasn’t lit up like it was Las Vegas, the baseball field lights were off and all of 29 was dark, and I stepped out on to my back porch and saw it. I’m not crazy, it really used to be this dark. I could see everything. That was the moment that put me into gear on this.”

See DARK SKY, Page 5

SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO

Six scholarships were awarded during the Liberty Hill Rodeo last weekend, including Liberty Hill students Tannis Brewer (second from left) and Zachary Aiken (second from right). The scholarships were presented by Liberty Hill Mayor Liz Branigan (center).

The City of Liberty Hill was the major sponsor of this year’s rodeo at Harvest Ranch Arena, contributing $20,000 -- $10,000 more than last year.

Page 2

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Liberty Hill Police Blotter

Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department

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Week of April 12-18, 2021 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 631 incidents resulting in nine cases, 35 citations, 121 warnings and three arrests.

Weekly Highlights: - On April 12 at approximately 10:05AM, officers responded to the Trellis Blvd, for a suspicious activity complaint.

- On April 12 at approximately 4:16PM, officers responded to the intersection of Brown Bridge and RM 1869, for an accident.

- On April 12 at approximately 4:57 PM, officers responded to the intersection of Loop 332 and Grange St., for an accident.

- On April 12 at approximately 6:52 PM, officers responded to the 16000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On April 13 at approximately 8:42 AM, officers responded to the 16000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Williamson County

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- On April 13 at approximately 12:28 PM, officers responded to the 20000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard.

- On April 13 at approximately 4:54 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for an animal complaint.

- On April 13 at approximately 10:13 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a welfare check, resulting in the arrest of a male adult for driving while intoxicated.

- On April 14 at approximately 7:15 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard.

- On April 14 at approximately 2:06 PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On April 14 at approximately 4:20PM, officers responded to US 183 to assist the Liberty Hill Fire/ EMS. - On April 14 at approximately 9:14 PM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 20 for suspicious activity.

- On April 15 at approximately 7:08 AM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for a disturbance.

- On April 15 at approximately

11:22 AM, officers responded to the 3000 block of RM 1869 for a disturbance.

- On April 15 at approximately 4:32 PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On April 15 at approximately 11:21PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On April 16 at approximately 10:07AM, officers responded to the 2000 block of RM 1869 for case follow up.

- On April 16 at approximately 3:41PM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On April 16 at approximately 7:47PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for a disturbance.

- On April 16 at approximately 9:18 PM, officers responded to the 13000 W. SH 29 for an agency assist.

- On April 16 at approximately 9:43 PM, officers responded to Filifera Ct. for a welfare check.

- On April 17 at approximately 12:40 AM, officers arrested a male adult for driving while intoxicated, as the result of a traffic stop.

- On April 17 at approximately 8:28 AM, officers responded to the 500 block of Loop 332 for an aggressive animal complaint.

- On April 17 at approximately 10:00 AM, officers responded to Flexus Ln., to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On April 17 at approximately 4:42 PM, officers responded to Barton St. for an animal complaint.

- On April 17 at approximately 8:35PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident.

- On April 18 at approximately 12:28 AM, officers responded to Windflower Ln. to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On April 18 at approximately 8:45 AM, officers responded to Trellis Blvd. for a fraud complaint.

- On April 18 at approximately 10:30 PM, officers arrested a male adult with an outstanding warrant as the result of a traffic stop.

- On April 18 at approximately 10:37 PM officers responded to the 100 block of US 183 for a disturbance.

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Thursday, April 22, 2021

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 3

Skalak named LHJH Teacher of the Year

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer A Texas flag hung on the wall in Alicia Skalak’s college apartment, but she wasn’t a Texan. She was born and raised in Centennial, Colorado, and attended college at the University of Wyoming. The only time Skalak visited Texas was during spring break in seventh grade.

“We went to Fredericksburg, San Antonio to see the Alamo, to the Capitol in Austin, and to Corpus Cristi,” Skalak recollected. “We went all over Texas and visited a lot of the historical sites. I fell in love with the history and the area.

I thought the people of Texas were warm and welcoming. I loved the Texas culture.”

Skalak’s week-long vacation left a Texas-sized hole in her heart. The vacation planted a seed, a seed that sprouted into her desire to teach Texas history in Texas.

“Ever since that trip, I had fallen in love with Texas. I did several projects on Texas,” said Skalak. “I was fascinated with Texas history.

Some college friends thought I was from Texas, but I would say that I love Texas, and I couldn’t wait to move there.

All of my friends knew when I graduated, I was going to be looking for a job in Texas.”

Staying true to her aspirations, Skalak’s first job after college was with Taylor Middle School, where she spent six years teaching and coaching.

It was on this campus that she worked with current Liberty Hill Junior High Principal Travis Motal. With an open position to teach Texas history, Motal later reached out to Ska-

lak, bringing the transplanted Texan to LHISD. Two years later, Skalak stood before her LHJH peers, earning the title of LHJH Teacher of the Year.

“It was very humbling because I was not expecting it at all. Our staff is full of excellent teachers,” said Skalak. “At our professional development, he [Motal] called up all of the teacher of the year nominees and announced who the teacher of the year was.”

For Motal, Skalak’s earning her peers’ votes come as no surprise. Motal has had a front row seat to much of Skalak’s journey.

“Mrs. Skalak is one of the most amazing and humble people I have ever met and had the pleasure of working with. She has a calm and firm demeanor and she can always be counted on to lead with her heart. Mrs. Skalak builds solid and meaningful relationships with students, and parents always appreciate the time and energy she dedicates to them.

Liberty Hill ISD and Liberty Hill Junior High are fortunate to have her on our team.”

As the school year marches to a close, Skalak ponders the adjustments she and the staff made in the last 14 months.

“Having to brainstorm new ideas, it’s been a learning curve for all of us -- both the teacher and the student,” said Skalak.

“We had to teach and learn in new ways with everything going on this school year. I’m thankful for my Texas History team and the planning we put into place to ensure our students were successful, whether they’re learning in person or remotely. We were a team, and

we’re all in this together.”

Skalak’s teaching method revolves around establishing a relationship with students and branches out from that point.

“Building relationships is my number one goal as a teacher because I feel like you can’t educate or teach them unless you have a relationship with them,” she said. “It’s my focus point with my students.

Checking in with them and asking them how their day is going or about an extracurricular activity. I also try to set high expectations and routines to meet those expectations.”

With a new set of COVID restrictions and many students remote learning, balance was important.

“Once I got that down, it was trying to ensure that I reached those students that weren’t in the classroom,” Skalak said.

“Having those conversations to reach them in the same capacity through Zoom as if they were in the classroom. Finding that balance at first was challenging.”

Despite the circumstances, Skalak was still excited to teach some of her favorite sections to her kids.

“I love the Texas Revolution era. The Battle of the Alamo, the Battle of San Jacinto, and the stories that surround them captivated me,” she said. “I especially love when we get to that unit. Not only for the stories. I love showing the kids all of the events leading up to the Texas Revolution and the events of the revolution itself.”

Understanding that the pandemic learning experience is similarly stressful for parents as it is teacher and student, Skalak prioritized keeping par-

AUSTIN – Spring is in the air and with that comes one of Texas’ best spring traditions, angling for catfish. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program enables friends and families to stay close to home, enjoy time in the outdoors, and have the chance to reel in a catfish.

Starting this week, TPWD will begin stocking thousands

of catfish at 18 Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes, including five in Dallas-Fort Worth, four in the Houston area, two each in the Austin and San Antonio areas, and one each in Amarillo, College Station, San Angelo, Waco, and Wichita Falls.

“Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are conveniently located in urban and suburban areas so that Texans don’t have to travel to have a great experience,” said

Craig Bonds, Director of Inland Fisheries. “Catfish are fun and easy to catch for anglers of all ages and experience levels.

If you’ve never fished before, these are the perfect places to get started. If you are an experienced angler, these are the perfect places to introduce fishing to a friend or family member.”

Each of the lakes will receive channel catfish every

Texas History teacher Alicia Skalak was voted Liberty Hill Junior High’s Teacher of the Year by her peers. Skalak was presented the award by Principal Travis Motal during a teacher work day.

(Courtesy Photo) ents informed.

“It was constant communication,” she said. “Reaching out and keeping parents up to date with upcoming tests and projects. It was keeping them in the loop and having continual communication on specific assignments or their child’s progress.”

Looking toward next year, Skalak is eager to get back to traditional teaching but plans to keep one or two digital aspects of learning in her classroom.

“Some of our projects that we made digital opened some new doors,” she said. “Especially talking with students through

some of the platforms that they’ve used. I might have an idea, but they may be able to take it further with some of the things they’re learning in their computer classes. Keeping some of those digital options would be great moving forward.”

two weeks through the end of October – with a brief pause during the heat of August.

Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are located in city and county parks with ample parking, restrooms, lighting, and other recreational amenities, in addition to fishing.

All anglers can keep up to five catfish of any size per day without a minimum length limit. At some locations,

cleaning tables are available nearby to make it easy for families to clean their catch.

Children under 17 fish for free, but a fishing license is required for all adults who fish. Fishing licenses can be purchased for as little as $11 for “one-day, all-water” access. All proceeds go toward management and conservation of the fish and their habitats.

To find the Neighborhood

Fishin’ lake near you or to sign up for email updates, visit www.neighborhoodfishing. org. Stocking location information and dates can also be found on the Neighborhood Fishin’ website.

Neighborhood Fishin’ is supported by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation through a donation from the 2020 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest and many local partners.

Catfish stocking heading back to neighborhood fishing lakes in Texas

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Page 4

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Belles, Stars rack up hardware at contest

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer In an uneasy year of question marks, limitations and COVID-19 protocols, the Liberty Hill High School Liberty Belles and Stars dance teams were able to wrap it up with a well-decorated competition season that outshined all the challenges.

When the Belles and Stars started the school year, they knew that at any moment, things could change. At any moment, they could quarantine or even go completely remote, something they experienced last Spring.

“In normal circumstances, football season normally ends around November or December, depending on playoffs.

Then we switch gears into our contest season preparation as soon as it is over, or we get back from winter break,” said Dance Instructor Melanie Bivone.

“However, this year, football season lasted well into January. This adjustment caused the dancers to multitask and work overtime while we were in both seasons at the same time. This whole year came with challenges, but these dancers never gave up their hope, determination, and passion. They continued to face each challenge head-on and overcome all the obstacles.”

Taking on the mantra of expecting the unexpected, both squads were ready to make many adjustments throughout the school year.

“There were many obstacles to overcome,” said Junior Varsity Coordinator Shaylee Sjolander.

“We had many morning practices before school, took more precautions about wearing masks, and had to prepare for something to change at any time. But we have been blessed to have great dance leaders to guide us to some normalcy, as we have had to adapt to changes that COVID has thrown our way.”

“I feel that the team came together as a whole to do our best for competition,” said 1st Lieutenant Caitlyn Mutchler. “Although I do wish things hadn’t been canceled and we could’ve

Despite a less than normal school year, the Liberty Hill Belles and Stars achieved great success during their competition season, including multiple top three finishes in various dance categories. (Courtesy Photos) done more competitions.”

In the competitions they were able to participate in, both squads found great success.

“I feel very proud to be on this dance team,” said Junior Lieutenant Jessica Calhoun. “This season has shown how hard our team can work and come together. It has shown our dedication and passion for dance, and we were able to entertain many people throughout this season.”

The desire to dive into their passion was difficult to contain for the squads. When it was time to compete, the teams allowed that pent-up energy to flow freely.

“One of my favorite things about this season was after being quarantined for so long, we had this energy flowing all through us that made practice and competition so fun,” said Stars Major Hailey Richardson.

“One thing that I found difficult was wondering whether the competition was going to go on or not. It was rocky there for a little bit.”

A satisfying farewell For a few members of the Belles, this is the end. They will graduate next month. The final performance for the graduating seniors is their Spring Show, April 30 and May 1.

“I am super thankful to be a part of this team. I’m thankful for all the beautiful memories

and friendships I’ve made,” said Mutchler. “I am proud to be teammates with all these kind and wonderful people, and I love dancing with them every day. I am so very excited for the future of the team.

They are all so dedicated and hardworking that I know they will find high measures of success.”

Social President Kalli Witt says she will never forget her time with the Belles. Witt is

confident in the group taking over as she exits.

“I am so grateful for being part of this team and for all of the amazing memories and friendships. It’s been a good year, and it’s awesome that we were able to finish this season with a huge win,” she said.

“I’m excited to see what the team’s future holds. Everyone is extremely talented and hardworking, and I’m sure they will have an amazing year.”

Captain Dominique Berzin prefers to see the silver lining of a year filled with the unexpected. For her, this is another adventure, an experience to share with future generations.

“It’s amazing to be able to get up in the morning and attend a team that challenges me every time I walk in,” said Berzin.

“Although there were times we couldn’t attend a football game or a contest due to the snowstorm and COVID. I

would say it’s been an interesting adventure I can tell for years. We’ve had times when we were down from not attending events. The entire team showed such positivity by posting or showing support and practicing for the next thing on our to-do lists like contests or the spring show.

We are always prepared and ready for more adventures.”

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Dark Sky

Leonard started Facebook group (Liberty Hill Save Our Stars), with over 200 members already, aimed at reversing some of the light pollution that has come to the area, and working to spread the word on how to preserve that night sky.

“The change has been gradual,” she said. “It has been little things, businesses going up on 29 and putting up signage, and little by little that glow, that used to be Cedar Park and used to be Leander is now us,” she said, adding that she is not saying she doesn’t want growth and business to come to the area.

“Growth is inevitable and change is inevitable,” she said.

“I’m not anti-business, I’m not anti newcomers. The thing is that nobody moved to Liberty Hill for it to be just like it was wherever they left. People don’t realize that it is really small things, and ways we can have growth and promote development, but have some guidelines on what kind of lights we can use.”

There is a global community focused on dark skies initiatives, and even a designation communities can earn to let others know that stars and the night sky are important to area residents and businesses.

That’s something Liberty Hill City Administrator Lacie Hale hopes to use to bring awareness and change to what is happening locally.

“I think it would be great for our community,” Hale said. “It would be another tool to help manage our growth and help limit light pollution, which is the biggest thing for Dark Skies, so that we can see the stars above.”

Earning such a designation is not quick or easy.

Roads

- Purchasing - Current Bid OpSERVICES portunities. Or request a copy by emailing: proposals@liberCOMPUTER TUTOR At your place, at your pace, I tyhill.txed.net. can help you with your com- (4/22) puter, iPhone, iPad, or tablet.

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Continued from Page 1 “It is not something we can just do overnight,” Hale said.

“The City is going to have to reevaluate our code of ordnances, our lighting and outdoor lighting. I’ve researched other cities that are Dark Sky compliant, like Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Lakewood Village and printed their ordinances to compare to ours.

That’s going to be the first step.

“We have to be nominated by an adjacent Dark Sky community, so it’s not something we can just apply for and get it,” Hale said. “We have to build relationships, we have to make sure our ordinances represent a Dark Skies friendly environment, and then get that formal nomination. We also have to have broad community support for this.”

It also does not mean a community must forego its lighting at night, but it must be managed differently in an effort to limit that light pollution.

“The point is about dark skies, not dark ground,” she said. “No one is expecting people to walk around in darkness. You can have light but it doesn’t have to be lit up 24 hours a day for no reason, and when you start looking into the movement you learn the idea that light means safety and security is a myth. You can put a light on a motion detector, or have lights that turn on at a certain time. They don’t need to be pointed up, they should be pointed down, and be the right color of lights.”

Changes to city ordinances can make some change for the future, but Leonard knows with the city limits being so small that it will take more education and individual effort to do the most good.

Continued from Page 1

go online and do a lot of digging before we could find it on the Williamson County website.”

According to the County, the corridor was added to the long-range transportation plan in 2016. The original plan was approved by the County in 2009.

Currently, a planning and right of way preservation study is being done on Corridor I-2 – funded by the 2019 county bond package approved by voters – by K. Friese & Associates. It began in 2020 and is expected to be completed in early 2022.

County Public Affairs Manager Connie Odom said there are no funds available for the construction of the project and if funds become available later the project would be done in phases, likely beginning with a two-lane road to be expanded, probably over several decades.

To Plaskon, such a road project in the area also means more development that worries her and her neighbors.

“The next thing is if it is not on our land, it concerns us that people will be wanting to buy up our land for more subdivisions,” she said. “That’s really what it’s for is to be put in for these really nice, big subdivisions that are going in.

“I’ve been here over 20 years

and there are some things that money can’t buy,” she said.

“Even if you get offered money for your land, you’re not going to be able to get again what you have now, not only because it is sentimental and full of memories, but because you put so much into your land in improvements and hard work that you’re never going to get back what you put in.”

Plaskon said that in addition to the personal property issues, that there are historical preservation issues to consider.

“We have historical land that’s right on the path of the proposed corridor down country road 202 is the Concord School that was established in 1883,” she said. “There’s a German wall that runs through our land and many others.”

With the new awareness of the possible corridor, and a Facebook page with more than 300 followers now, Plaskon said they are counting on getting attention as a group.

“I’m a firm believer in the power of numbers,” she said.

“If 100 people show up versus five, you’re going to get your point across better. We’re trying to get as many people as we can to start showing up at these meetings.”

Beyond that, some residents are already seeking legal guidance.

“I think through education we can make change,” Leonard said. “I experienced Liberty Hill right before the boom.

We already had dark skies just because we were so small, and now as people and businesses move in, if you’re not thinking about it they won’t realize what we once had and how quickly we’re going to lose it. Future generations won’t know because they won’t see it.”

With the pace of growth, action sooner rather than later is important.

“We have to do this now, because it is much harder – for businesses especially – to tell hem they have to make changes,” Leonard said. “Hopefully, this grass roots group can organize for change.”

With a number of sources available online, Leonard said there are many things residents and business owners can do on their own to help.

“People can join our Facebook group, or certainly get in touch with me,” Leonard said.

“There are lots of resources available.”

Having grown up in Liberty Hill, Hale agrees that the effort to reverse the impact of the growth on the local night sky is well worth it.

“This is a long-term commitment, but there is benefit to it to really preserve our ability to see the stars,” Hale said.

“I know that’s something I appreciate living in Liberty Hill. I think of being able to preserve what Texas is known for and what Liberty Hill can be known for. It’s the preservation of a natural beauty and the ability to do that here I think would be great.”

Page 5

Local early voting runs through April 27

Early voting for the City of Liberty Hill and Liberty Hill ISD elections will continue through April 27 at the Liberty Hill Municipal Court, 2810 RM 1869.

On the first day of early voting Monday, 121 people cast their ballots in Liberty Hill.

There is no voting on Sunday, but polls are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

April 26-27. The sample ballots below show which races and propositions are on each ballot, depending on whether a voter lives in the city limits or not.

Those outside the city limits will not vote for Liberty Hill City Council, but will vote on the WCESD #4 sales tax proposition. Inside the city limits, voters will not vote on the sales tax election because all available sales tax is already allocated.

In the school board race, four candidates will be on the ballot for Place 3 – Steve Messana, Michael Ferguson, Charlene Stevens and Antonio Canas. Incumbent David Nix did not file seeking 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 will be 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

CITY OF LIBERTY HILL BALLOT:

another term.

In the race for three City Council seats, Chris Pezold filed, along with Kim Sanders to run for 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 the incumbent.

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 ESD #4 sales tax proposition will determine whether the fire department will continue to collect one cent of area sales tax or bump that up to two cents.

OUTSIDE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL BALLOT: “There are several residents that have already teamed up with attorneys,” Plaskon said.

“They want to get a jump on it because you don’t want to wait until you’re getting knocks on the door from contractors doing surveys when they are about to be building. We want to stop it before it gets any further.”

The group does not believe the plan will assist with traffic issues in Liberty Hill, due to where they believe the traffic through town is coming from.

“A lot of that is coming from Marble Falls and Burnet,” she said. “You’ve got thousands of people coming from those places who work in Austin, so it’s not just Liberty Hill. It is congested. It takes me 45 minutes to get to Cedar Park, but I want to live out in the country and know I will have a longer commute. That’s the whole point.”

And a simpler fix to her is improving a road that is already heavily traveled.

“We’re thinking, why they aren’t trying to improve County Road 200?” Plaskon said. “It’s nice up until the Clearwater Ranch subdivision, where they expanded and put in the center lane, but once you get past that it becomes super narrow.

It would be great if they could also expand 29.”

GET NOTICED!

Call 512.778.5577 NEWS@LHIndependent.com

SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, April 22, 2021 Page 6

Early-season win proves purposeful for Panthers

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor After years of dominance at the Class 4A level of competition, Liberty Hill head baseball coach Steve Hutcherson always knew moving up to Class 5A was going to be a massive challenge.

However, a 5-4 win against state-ranked and new district opponent Cedar Park at the Round Rock ISD tournament on March 6 proved to be a bell weather for his club and a precursor for the potential the Panthers had against the more rugged sides they would face when the league schedule rolled around.

“I think if that first win against them did anything, it showed we could play with that caliber of team,” said Hutcherson.

“It was like, ‘Okay, we can do this.’”

In that matchup with the Timberwolves, the Panthers scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to send the contest to extra innings before prevailing in the eighth when Carson Riley drew a one-out walk before Jack Stavinoha doubled on a 3-2 pitch to plate courtesy runner Ty Maldonado with the winning run in walk-off fashion.

Exactly the style of baseball Hutcherson knew his team was

going to have to play in order to be successful this season.

To a large extent, the Panthers have done exactly that – moving runners around the bases in a workmanlike manner – which they’ve needed to do, only hitting three home runs to this point in the campaign.

In order for a station-to-station offense that manufactures runs to win, the Panthers needed to master the art of winning low-scoring games and to do that, good pitching is needed and it’s been a trio of underclassman who have shouldered much of the load on the mound in junior Connor Sherburn, sophomore Logan Bailey and freshman Blaze Milam, who are the top three in innings pitched for Liberty Hill this season.

Milam has been particularly good in posting a 5-0 record with a 1.84 earned-run average and 32 strikeouts in a squadbest 41 2/3 innings – numbers Hutcherson attributes to Milam’s poise beyond his years and the ability to pitch with passion without it consuming him, he said.

“Blaze does a really good job of pitching with emotion, but without letting it control him,” said Hutcherson. “For a young guy like him to be able to do that speaks to his level of ma-

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Good pitching from the likes of underclassmen Blaze Milam (14), Logan Bailey and Connor Sherburn has allowed the Panthers to be successful in low-scoring games this season. turity – not only as a player, but as a person.”

Hutcherson has so much confidence in his young ace, it was Milam who he handed the ball to start the Panthers’ home game against Cedar Park following an earlier 9-5 away loss to the Timberwolves in a game they needed to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Milam sure delivered and then some, hurling a complete game in allowing only one run on three hits in a 90-pitch masterpiece – a contest that saw him fight off early trouble and maintain composure keeping his team in the game until the

Panthers found their way offensively in a 3-1 victory.

“We feel confident in what Blaze can do for us,” said Hutcherson after the game.

“He’s not out there trying to do anymore than he’s capable of.”

Over the first two weeks of April as the district stretch run kicked in, five of Liberty Hill’s six games were decided by three runs or less, placing a premium on being able to prevail in such situations, said Hutcherson.

“Sure, we’d like to score more runs,” he said. “But, we’ve been pretty good in low-scoring games and looked

comfortable on defense.”

How opportunistic is the Panthers’ offense?

Consider the fact they failed to get a hit in their home game against Rouse and still won by a 5-2 score by taking advantage of miscues in the form of walks and errors by the opposition.

But, recently the clutch hits which were missing earlier in the season have begun to be hammered out, said Hutcherson.

“We weren’t getting that big hit to tie games, then go ahead and pad the lead,” he said.

“Lately, we’ve been getting

them.”

Such as in the third Cedar Park contest when Ryan Leary, Stavinoha and Kash Durkin all came through with RBI hits in the late innings to spark a come-from-behind win.

“We showed tonight we belong,” said Hutcherson. “We can play with anybody if we can do what we like to and taking two out of three from a team like Cedar Park shows we’re getting to where we want to be.”

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Katelyn Castleberry (#2) had a solid season in center field and at the plate for the Lady Panthers during a tough first year in Class 5A.

Lessons learned for Lady Panthers on diamond in 5A debut

SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO

Liberty Hill’s Collin Lyons (triple jump) was one of three Panthers to qualify for the regional track and field meet in San Antonio.

Panther quintet to compete at regional track meet

When the Class 5A Region 4 track and field meet takes place at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio, there will be five Liberty Hill athletes competing under the banner of the Purple-andGold.

Kenzy Wise (high jump), Taylor Sims (discus), Konnor Bye (triple jump), Kaden McMahan (triple jump) and Collin Lyons (triple jump) all qualified for the event with their recent performances at the area meet at East View.

However, Bye was the only

one to win his event – the triple jump – with an effort of 44-03 only two weeks after also winning at the district meet with a leap of 43-0, both being new personal bests for the senior.

Lyons was third at 43-04.75, while McMahan finished fourth with 42-02.75.

Wise finished third in the high jump at 5-04 and Sims was fourth in the discus with a throw of 102-00.50.

Wise said she’s a bit anxious in the buildup to the meet and in order to avoid her season

being over, she’s going to need to improve over what she’s already accomplished.

“I’m kind of nervous, but I’m just not thinking that much about it,” said Wise, a junior. “I believe I need to do way better at regionals than I did in area because the competition is definitely better and there’s definitely more pressure, because if you don’t qualify it’s over. But, I think it would be a great experience to make it to state.”

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Liberty Hill head softball coach Kristen Brewer knew this season was going to be the most challenging of her 17 years in charge of the Lady Panthers’ dugout, as she and her squad made the move to Class 5A and the veteran bench boss was right.

Despite a 3-3 start to the district campaign – including a pair of 10-run victories against Cedar Park and Rouse – the season quickly went awry with the result being a league mark of 4-10, which tied Marble Falls for seventh in the standings on the way to an overall record of 13-16-1.

Not helping the Lady Panthers was the fact there were four ranked teams in their new district, including No. 1 Leander, along with Georgetown, East View and Glenn.

However, Brewer certainly wasn’t going to use tougher competition as an excuse for her side’s struggles.

“I don’t think it was necessarily more difficult,” she said. “Besides, we’re the one coaching staff who doesn’t talk about ranks. We tell our

players we can beat anybody if we show up every day and love the game.”

Liberty Hill suffered a power shortage at the plate this season, connecting for only eight home runs, with senior Amber Williams and Katelyn Castleberry tied for the team lead with two each – meaning there was more of a reliance on manufacturing runs and playing good defense – although that’s a concept her team had difficulties with, said Brewer.

“I think more than anything, we were playing against ourselves this season,” she said.

“We were still wanting to hit high pop-outs and couldn’t overcome our errors.”

Senior Tannis Brewer led the team in hitting with a .368 average, right in front of Castleberry (.367) Madison Hodges (.360), Molly Cochran (.352) and Kylie Kirk (.302).

Castleberry led the Lady Panthers with 18 runs batted in, while Brewer scored 23 runs to lead the squad.

Brewer praised the efforts of Castleberry, who solidified herself in the outfield and the No. 3 spot in the batting or-

der.

“Katelyn really took command out in center field,” she said. “She also moved up in the lineup and did a good job for us.”

Brewer said Reese Albrecht had a solid season in filling multiple roles.

“Overall, Reese was good,” she said. “She stepped up when we needed her to.”

On the mound, the bulk of the pitching was handled by Ashleigh Heiderscheit and senior Hannah Kline, who hurled 41 1/3 and 41 innings, respectively, along with Kylie Kirk, who threw 39 2/3 on the season.

“Hannah did a good job this season,” said Brewer. “She was able to keep hitters off balance.”

Kline posted a 4-2 record with a 3.75 earned-run-average, while Heiderscheit was 4-4 with a 5.75 ERA and Kirk went 3-4 with a 5.11 mark and led the Lady Panthers with 45 strikeouts.

Kirk provided perhaps Liberty Hill’s highlight of the season when the sophomore

See SOFTBALL, Page 8

Thursday, April 22, 2021

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 7

Rodeo continues to grow About 5,000 attended four-day event

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Twelve years ago, Corey Ross wanted to bring one of his professions as a professional rodeo cowboy home and marry it to his other one as pastor of the Williamson County Cowboy Church.

So, the Liberty Hill Fair and Rodeo was born.

Fast-forward to the present and the event has grown in popularity to the point where approximately 5,000 people attended the four-day event at Harvest Ranch Arena on Highway 1869.

“We’re up to standing-room-only – over a hundred percent,” said Ross.

“Which is what happens when you put on a professional event.”

Ross certainly knows a professional rodeo event when he sees one, as he is a veteran cowboy who is currently ranked in the top 20 in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s steer roping standings, but said what makes the Liberty Hill Rodeo special is the connection to the community.

“We add all the kids’ events, along with high school and junior high rodeo,” he said. “We also have contests with local teachers to see who can bring the most kids.”

This year’s event was held in the midst of cooler temperatures – including mid-50s for Saturday night’s performance – something Ross said might change in the future.

“We’re looking at moving it to May,” he said. “So, we can get some better weather.”

Events included steer wrestling, tie-down, steer roping, saddle bronc, barrel racing, breakaway roping and everyone’s favorite – bull riding.

However, despite the intensity of the competition taking place in the arena, the atmosphere around the event is one which is much more relaxed, said Ross.

“Rodeo’s not high-paced like a car race or a football game,” he said. “But, the competition is incredible.”

Scholarships were awarded at each performance – including one in the memory of late Liberty Hill head football coach Jeff Walker – as the awardees

included Ashton Jordan, Eric Applegate, Karsyn Grace Hamrick, Tannis Brewer, Christopher Alegria and Zachary Aiken in the categories of military, higher education and vocational.

Ross said community involvement such as that is what makes the Liberty Hill rodeo stand out in comparison to similar events.

“The school activities are what makes ours a unique rodeo,” he said. “I want there to be a clean, family atmosphere.”

Results Bareback – Bradlee Miller score 82, $645. Junior Breakaway (Friday) – Shaylee Edmison, 18.550, $190. Steer Wrestling – Dalton Walker, 7.34, $780. Tie-down – Landon McClaugherty, 8.60, $720. Breakaway Roping – Shay Jessee, 2.80, $800. Saddle Bronc – Bruce Cox, 69, $695. Team Roping – Casey Gattis/Seth Smithson, 4.69, $890. Steer Roping – Scott Snedecor, 10.40, $1,245. Barrel Racing – Janet Staton, 17.743, $985.

Junior Breakaway (Saturday) – Sutton Wood, 18.472, $170.

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO

Team roping was one of the many events during the Liberty Hill Rodeo at Harvest Ranch Arena.

Rodeo provides rootin’ tootin’ time

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Let’s make one thing perfectly clear right off the bat.

When we arrived at the Harvest Ranch Arena on Saturday evening, it wasn’t our first rodeo.

But, it was our first Texas rodeo, so that’s still something.

After a formal introduction to the sport during our stint in Wyoming – which is known as the “Cowboy State,” by the way and features a bucking horse as its unofficial mascot which also adorns license plates – we were certainly already familiar with the comings and goings of the world of steer wrestling, bronc busting and bull riding.

So, we knew what to expect.

A large crown had already gathered despite temperatures in the mid-50s and a damp chill in the air, as vehicles filled the entire parking area to the point where we were relegated all the way to the back 90, which required a short hike to reach the arena.

One thing you learn real quick concerning attending a rodeo is to always watch where you step, never knowing where that next big pile of you-knowwhat will be waiting to attach itself to your shoes.

Not saying if we learned this one the hard way or not.

Just good advice.

Anyone who knows anything about rodeo knows the events are all designed after chores one might find oneself having to do while working on a ranch.

Might need to rope that rogue calf that always wants to wander off or wrestle that ornery steer who never plays nice.

However, one thing no rancher ever really needs to do is saddle up a 1,500-pound bull and try to stay upright for eight seconds.

No, we’re pretty sure it was just a bunch of drunk wranglers on a Saturday night who decided this activity was a good idea.

Anyway, people like danger, so it’s always the marquee happening at any event.

One thing that is quickly evident about these creatures is the sheer power they possess – especially when they’re mad.

In fact, the best way to deal with them is probably the Hulk treatment.

As in don’t make them angry because you wouldn’t like them when they’re angry.

Instead, that’s exactly what they do in riling the bull up to the point of an explosion of rage when the gate to the chute flies open with a brave cowboy aboard holding on for his life.

Tell you what – it takes some serious courage to climb about

one of these beasts and these guys have it in abundance.

Aside from the events in the ring, rodeos always produce the kind of downhome environment no other sport can provide.

It’s like if a huge crowd of people decided to show up at someone’s ranch to cheer on the hands while they do their daily chores, with all manner of interesting folk meandering about, many dressed in traditional western garb.

Some are actually really cowboys and cowgirls, while others are simply playing the part for a night, but it’s all good because it lends to the ambiance of the atmosphere.

One of the more entertaining aspects of the proceedings is the ongoing monologue between the ring announcer and the rodeo clown.

Most of the humor is downright corny, but it seems to fit the mood.

Besides, how many other sports feature a stand-up comedy act simultaneously going on while the competition is happening and by the way on the same surface?

Talk about a rough crowd.

But, that’s what rodeo is all about.

Rough.

In a place like our new, beloved home deep in the heart of Texas, such a shindig is only fitting.

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Amber Williams (#10) plays four different musical instruments among other artistic activities when the Liberty Hill senior isn’t on a softball field.

All the world’s a stage

Senior softballer a renaissance girl

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Amber Williams walks onto a softball field, it’s simply another stage for her to perform on.

Or, at least she feels that way inside.

“I always get nervous and have butterflies before I go up to bat,” said Williams, a Liberty Hill senior. “But, I know I have people backing me up.”

Williams is on her way to play at Ranger College next season after finishing her Lady Panthers career, but knows the end of one chapter is simply the beginning of another.

“I’m going to be away from home, so I’ll need to be independent and self-aware,” she said. “But, I don’t think playing in college is going to be that big of an adjustment.”

One thing Williams will take with her is a passion for anything creative and artistic, as she enjoys painting, drawing, singing and plays four musical instruments, including the ukulele, piano, clarinet and guitar – although there’s one she clearly prefers over the others, she said.

“Definitely the ukulele,” said Williams. “It’s really easy to pick up.”

According to Williams, she got her musical influence

from her parents, who sang for their church while she was growing up, which only contributes to her wide variety of interests off the field.

“I think I’m pretty well-rounded,” said Williams.

“Really, I like anything that has to do with the arts.”

However, despite the fact she has such a keen interest in such things, Williams said she plans to study law in college for the stability the profession would provide.

“I’d rather have a job with a steady income,” she said. “I’d like to eventually be a judge and the ultimate would be to be on the Supreme Court. I’m very intrigued by the criminal side of things.”

Williams’ grandparents have a ranch in Briggs and it’s there she goes to spend quiet time with her best four-legged friend, a horse named Diesel – an activity that provides her with much solace, she said.

“It’s very peaceful – there’s really nothing out there,” said Williams. “Also, riding makes me feel really free, going so fast on something so powerful.”

Williams began her softball career at age eight and played soccer and basketball along with being a cheerleader, but it was the diamond that eventually won her heart.

“I like it when it’s just you

and the pitcher,” she said.

“It’s a question of ‘How will you do?’ But, softball is 95 percent mental – if you believe in yourself, you can do it.”

An interest in literature also stimulates Williams, whether it’s her words or someone else’s.

“I’ve always put my thoughts on paper and I absolutely love to read,” she said. “Especially anything dystopian in nature or about the future which sheds a different light on reality.”

Williams – who is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes – said her faith is the one thing she always leans on to get through whatever life throws at her and has a Bible verse ready for any situation – but especially if it’s a rising fastball.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” she said, quoting Philippians 4:13. “I always say that to myself when I’m up at bat.”

As her senior year winds down, Williams is nostalgic about what she’ll miss, but excited at the same time about what lies in store, knowing she’s ready.

“I’ve been able to find good influences in my life,” she said. “All of them have helped me become who I am.”

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ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Hannah Kline (#6) has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska.

Hurling in the heartland Lady Panthers pitcher signs with college in Nebraska

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Hannah Kline throws her next competitive pitch on a softball diamond, it won’t be deep in the heart of Texas, but in America’s heartland.

The Liberty Hill senior righthander signed a national letter of intent to play at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska – a choice that was made easy by the way she was welcomed, said Kline.

“The coaches there brought so much joy to the field,” she said, of the NAIA school that plays in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. “They made it feel like a home away from home – it felt like a safe place.”

Kline’s new stomping grounds are actually quite far from home – 780 miles, to be exact – not to mention nasty Midwestern weather that can infringe on spring sports unlike back home in the Sun Belt, but, no worries.

“I’ll just have to get used to the weather,” said Kline.

“Whether it’s snow or tornadoes or whatever. But, they

have an entire indoor field to practice and play on.”

Kline was the ace of the Lady Panthers’ pitching staff this season, posting a 4-2 record and a 3.75 earned-run average along with 22 strikeouts in 41 innings, but doesn’t consider herself a strikeout pitcher, she said.

“I’m more of a movement pitcher,” said Kline. “I have a lot of spin and a slow curve, which is an amazing pitch and my favorite one to use.”

When she’s not busy baffling batters with her stuff on the mound, Kline plans to study for a career in journalism, with a focus on one particular part of athletics.

“I’m really interested in the mental side of the game,” she said. “I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was 10 and always kept journals.”

Kline said she’ll definitely miss much about Liberty Hill when she goes off to college, but there’s one aspect of local life which will be most painful to leave behind.

“All the bonds I’ve made

with friends here,” said Kline.

“We all go to church together and support each other – we’re like family.”

However, when she arrives in her new home, she knows a brand new page will be turned – one which will be filled with all-new adventures.

“I think the best part I’m looking forward to is meeting new people and being around the community,” she said. “It’s a new chapter of my life and a great opportunity.”

Kline had encouraging words of advice to any young athletes who aspire to someday reach the heights she has.

“Don’t be afraid,” she said.

“Figure out what you want to do and do it.”

As far as the moment when she put pen to paper in committing, Kline said it was one of sheer emotion.

“It was a relief because it’s something I’ve been working on my whole life,” she said.

“Now, I get to keep playing at the next level, so it’s a blessing and definitely huge for me and my family.”

Page 8

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

AREA EVENT CALENDAR

Thursday, April 22, 2021

TENNIS BRIEFS

APRIL 2021

Submit event information: anthony@lhindependent.com

April 23

Dan Guevara Live Georgetown Sweet Lemon Kitchen, 812 S Church St. 6 p.m.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Cedar Park Haute Spot Event Venue, 1501 E New Hope Dr. 7 p.m.

April 24

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Cedar Park Haute Spot Event Venue, 1501 E New Hope Dr. 7 p.m.

April 25

Tunes on the Patio ft. Richard Watson Georgetown Barking Armadillo Brewery, 507 River Bend 2–4 p.m.

San Gabriel Brewery 5th Anniversary Liberty Hill San Gabriel River Brewery, 500 Chaparral Dr. Noon to 8 p.m.

Fabulous Blackwood Quartet Cedar Park Shenandoah Baptist Church, 3003 Blue Ridge Dr. 10:45 a.m.

Travis Van Dame Benefit Liberty Hill Tracie’s Outlaw Saloon 3–5 p.m.

April 27

Mitchell Tenpenny Cedar Park Haute Spot Venue, 1501 E. New Hope Dr. 7 p.m.

RUSTY MëTAL Georgetown Hardtails Bar and Grill, 1515 I-35 S 8–11:59 p.m.

Outdoor Skills: Family Fishing Georgetown Garey Park, 6450 RM 2243 8 –10 a.m.

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EVENTS Lamesa – Chicken Fried Steak Festival April 22-25.

Fireworks, FlippinOut Trampolines show, 5k run, parade, team roping, Chicken Fried Steak cookoff, live bands block party style street dancing, car show, Chicken Fried steak dinner (Tickets: 806-872-2181), home run derby, kickball tournament, volleyball tournament, pageant, dance performers, young music performers, story time, craft vendors, food vendors, quarter board/carnival games, pictures with Perkins our Mascot. For more info: www.ci.lamesa.tx.us, 806-872-4322 or 806-309-9448.

New Braunfels Area Car Club Swap Meet & Sunday Car Show, April 30-May 2, Comal County Fairgrounds, 801 E. Common St., New Braunfels. www.newbraunfelsareacarclub.com. Face Masks Required!

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April 30

Bill Mullarky Live Liberty Hill Agape BBQ 6–8 p.m.

Cody Hibbard Cedar Park Wild West Cedar Park, 401 E Whitestone Blvd.

8 p.m.

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Liberty Hill’s tennis team had three players qualify for the regional tournament with their showings at the district event in Georgetown, while four others will serve as alternates, including Sophie Sherman, Ellis Young, Joseph Sherman, Patrick Fay, Ethan Wukasch, Jennifer Merrill and Mackenzie Coleman. (Courtesy Photo)

Panther trio qualifies for regionals

Liberty Hill had three tennis players qualify for the regional tournament at the district event in Georgetown.

Ellis Young finished second in girls’ singles, while the boys’ doubles duo of Ethan Wukasch and Patrick Fay will also move on.

Young was the No. 2 seed entering the district tourney and advanced to the championship match in dropping only two games along the way before losing to Georgetown’s Isabella Cepeda, 2-6, 4-6.

Sophie Sherman was the No. 4 seed and finished third after losing the second-place match to Young, who prevailed by a 6-0, 6-4 score.

In boys’ singles, Joseph Sherman and Will Gray represented Liberty Hill, with Sherman finishing third, while Gray lost in the first round.

The Panthers had a pair of girls’ doubles teams to be reckoned with, as the top tandem of Mackenzie Coleman and Jen-

nifer Merrill faced teammates Peyton Buckley and Eliza Homorodi in the third-place match, which Coleman and Merrill won, 6-4, 6-2.

Boys’ doubles saw Wukasch and Fay and the pairing of Jon Kilger and Cash Terry – who lost in the first round – compete in a bracket in which the Wukasch/Fay combination defeated Marble Falls and Cedar Park in the first two rounds before losing to Georgetown in the semifinals, then rebounding to beat the No. 2 Georgetown team for third and Cedar Park to earn second place overall.

In mixed doubles, the Panthers’ Abby Gates and Colin Garner won their first-round match before being defeated in the second round, while Ava Ortega and Michael Evans lost in the first round.

Liberty Hill head coach Sherry Rhoden said the crowd of Liberty Hill supporters who made the trip to cheer the Pan-

thers on was an example of the continued growth of the program.

“There was a sea of purple at the Georgetown courts – I mean it was impressive,” she said. “We had past players come and support. We had current students show up and cheer us on. Our parents took two days off to show their support. Many times, tennis is thought of as the ‘quiet sport.’

No longer is this the case. We were loud and proud and everyone knew Liberty Hill was there. We were a force to be reckoned with and we’re only getting started.”

In addition to Young, Wukasch and Fay, Sophie Sherman (girls’ singles), Joseph Sherman (boys’ singles) and Coleman and Merrill (girls’ doubles) will serve as alternates for the regional tournament in San Antonio on April 27-28.

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Liberty Hill’s Ty Maldonado (#9) scores the eventual game-winning run in the Panthers’ 3-1 home district win over Cedar Park.

Liberty Hill 3, Cedar Park 1 Blaze Milam pitched a complete game, allowing only one run on three hits with four strikeouts in Liberty Hill’s 3-1 home district victory against No. 8 Cedar Park.

The visitors plated their only run of the game in the top of the third, before the home side struck back to tie the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth when Garrett Neeley doubled to left with one out before Ryan Leary singled home courtesy runner Ty Maldonado with the equalizer.

Milam then struck out the first two Cedar Park batters in

the sixth on the way to retiring the side in order, bringing the Panthers back to the plate in the bottom half of the inning.

Logan Dyer drew a leadoff base-on-balls and was sacrificed to second by Kade Neuenschwander, then scored on a Jack Stavinoha double to make it a 2-1 game.

Kash Durkin then doubled to drive Stavinoha in to provide the final margin.

Milam set the Timberwolves down in order in the seventh to seal the win, increasing his record on the season to 5-0, with a 1.84 earned-run-average and 32 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings.

“I was a little nervous yesterday,” said Milam, only a freshman. “But, then I woke up today and was ready to go.”

Liberty Hill head coach Steve Hutcherson said critical to Milam’s success is the fact he doesn’t get carried away with himself regardless of how he feels inside.

“Blaze does a really good job of pitching with emotion without letting it control him,” he said. “For a young guy like him to be in control like that speaks a lot to his maturity not only as a player, but as a person.”

hit a two-run homer off Leander ace SJ Guerin and pitched a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts less than 24 hours later.

According to Brewer, her squad showed flashes of brilliance, but were unable to maintain momentum, using both games against the topranked Lions as an example – particularly the first matchup between the sides when the

Lady Panthers clawed back from a 9-0 deficit before losing, 9-6.

“Games like those are a glimpse of what we can do,” said Brewer. “I was proud of how we came back in that game. One thing our girls never do is roll over and quit.”

On the back wall of the press box at the Lady Panthers’ home field is a large sign listing the program’s postseason

accomplishments over the years – one which won’t be added to for 2021 – due largely in part to a roster which was missing that one extra ingredient needed for a winning recipe, said Brewer.

“You want to be able to come back and see your team on that board,” she said. “But, everyone needs to be working and playing for one another.”

Softball Continued from Page 6

Thursday, April 22, 2021

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 9

Santa Rita Ranch launches branded, mobile lifestyle app for residents

Santa Rita Ranch, a 3,100acre historical ranch redesigned as a master-planned community in Liberty Hill ISD, has collaborated with real estate technology company Alosant to launch a branded, smartphone app for residents.

The new mobile lifestyle app is designed to inspire, inform, and engage residents of the community. Now available on both Android and Apple

devices, the app serves as an all-in-one communication and resource hub for Santa Rita Ranch residents and will allow them to connect directly with the community’s lifestyle programming and amenities straight from their smartphones. Residents will receive up-to-the-minute updates and access to the many amenities that make Santa Rita Ranch such a remarkable place to

live. Taking advantage of all that Ranch living has to offer will be easier and more convenient than ever before!

Through the app, residents can quickly and easily browse calendars to RSVP for events, book communal spaces, reserve amenity passes, share information with members of the neighborhood, see what events are coming up, and more. The app will also allow

businesses local to Santa Rita Ranch to create a dedicated page where they can connect directly with Ranch residents.

“With the new Santa Rita Ranch app, residents will be able to enjoy all that Santa Rita Ranch has to offer with the help of a wonderful new resource that they can carry with them wherever they go,” said Santa Rita Ranch developer Ed Horne. “The app has

the power to become an integral part of daily life here on the Ranch, bringing the whole community together in one place. We look forward to working with the Alosant development team to scale up the app as new amenities, businesses, and more are added to our growing community.

What better way to stay connected while enjoying Ranch Code values like blazing your

own trail, getting to know your neighbors, and having fun along the way?”

“We are thrilled the Santa Rita Ranch app continues to be well received and highly regarded by the community,” said April LaMon, CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. “We look forward to supporting the community’s growth and consistently delivering an unmatched, enjoyable user experience.”

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Page 10

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Traditional dish brings Whitt family together

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer In the kitchen of Marie Whitt, one of her favorite pastimes is conjuring up memories of a generations-old family tradition, and visiting childhood memories in the smells that fill her home in Liberty Hill.

“My great-grandparents arrived at Ellis Island in the early 1900s from Czechoslovakia,” said Whitt. “Slum was a constant meal served at supper and lunch for the next few days after they arrived. It came from the basics of a Russian goulash. Slum became the name as it’s all items you could find in the slums of their city. The meat -- ground beef -- was added here in America.

They didn’t have much meat in the country.”

The story of Whitt’s grandparents is familiar to the decedents of many immigrants.

From 1892 to 1924, nearly 12 million immigrants arrived at the Ports of New York and New Jersey; they were processed there under federal law. Ellis island, like America, was a shining beacon in their minds.

“They were poor people with no land or homes. They were called nomads,” said Whitt.

“Traveling for work and food.

America was the promised land, where they thought they would make a good living and have a nice apartment.”

For many immigrants living wages were found in American factories, giving birth to generations of factory workers.

“I barely remember my greatgrandpa. He died when I was very young,” said Whitt. “My great-grandmother was the matriarch of the family. She was an amazing cook and ruled with a cast iron frying pan. They moved to Milwaukee and had factory jobs. As their six kids all matured, they as well took on factory jobs.”

Whitt’s grandmother inherited the role of family matriarch from her own mother, and took on the task of passing down the family dish to the next generation, a practice that continues today.

“My grandma was a stern lady and kind of scary, but I remember the love she had for feeding her large family and the pride of passing down the basics of cooking,” said Whitt.

“She always had an apron on, except at church. My entire family enjoys Slum to this day.

Usually, on the first cold day of winter, we make a pot and

freeze some. I smile each time I smell it cooking. It reminds me of my great-grandma, my grandma, and my mom making it. The best feeling was sharing it with my own daughters and passing on the tradition to the grandchildren.”

Having experienced it with her own family, Whitt believes the importance of the family dining experience is vital to creating lasting bonds and traditions.

“I don’t care what dish it is, tacos, soup, Slum, or a roast,” she said. “Family is formed around family food and traditions. Love abounds through the history of a family and meals shared at the dinner table. If you think about it, the one time you could hear the adults talk openly was at the dinner table. The stories and memories that passed over the years are what makes us who we are.”

HOMETOWN FLAVORS 3 cans beef consommé soup To start the Slum, boil the cabbage in three cups of water, with salt and a heavy amount of pepper. Brown the ground beef and onions in a large soup pot.

Add in salt and pepper as the ground beef browns. Drain the grease, then add all other items including the cabbage and water it was boiled in. Once it’s all mixed together, simmer on low for two hours or longer.

(RIGHT) Marie Whitt’s great-grandparents, Ruth and James Adamec, arrived in America through Ellis Island in the early 1900s from the former Czechoslovakia.

(Courtesy Photos)

Slum

Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 Lean) 1 medium onion diced 3-4 potatoes diced (bite size) 3-5 carrots peeled & sliced 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped small) 1 bag frozen peas (optional)

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