2021
Volume 34, Issue 29
www.LHIndependent.com
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June 10, 2021 | 50 Cents
Liberty Hill EDC Board to update business incentives
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Gettin’ after it
Panthers running back Noah Long (#21) eludes a pair of defenders during Liberty Hill’s 7-on-7 game against Georgetown this week. The Panthers will play various opponents on Monday evenings at Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex throughout June. See more sports coverage on Page 5.
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer The Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation’s board approved a motion at its last meeting to update and replace the City’s existing incentivization programs with two new programs. Matt Powell, economic development director for Liberty Hill, said the EDC has several incentivization programs, but they all do the “same thing and are slightly confusing.” “The Board requested to get rid of all of them and consolidate [the programs] into two or three easily understood programs, so we came up with two programs,” he added. The first program is called the INVEST Incentive Program, which covers things like exterior signs, facades,
Sweet Heat Jam offers opportunities to students
By ANTHONY FLORES Every Monday and Thursday morning at LIFE Church in Leander, the aroma of jalapenos, bell peppers, and habaneros fills the air. These are the days when students from Liberty Hill ISD’s special needs program arrive at their paid internship with Sweet Heat Jams. Nolan Stilwell is the mind behind Sweet Heat Jams. Nolan has Down Syndrome but doesn’t let that get in the way of his culinary dreams. With the support of his parents Randy and Christine Stilwell, Nolan’s Sweet Heat Jam is on H-E-B shelves. “The reason we started the program was that, as our son was graduating from high school, we saw that he wanted to do something culinary,” said Stilwell. “There wasn’t a program available, so we said since there isn’t a program, let’s create one. This was 10
See SWEET, Page 4
ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO
Gabriel Callaway, Kristopher Draper, Jacob Labay, Bryan Mapel, Austin Neusaenger, Walker Raney, and Caity Bridgeman are part of Sweet Heat Jam’s 18 plus internship program. The program gives students with developmental disabilities the opportunity to work and earn a paycheck.
Living Grace Canine Ranch provides forever home to senior dogs
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer BERTRAM -- Rhonda Minardi doesn’t just love dogs. She also believes they deserve respect, especially as they age. That’s the main reason she started Living Grace Canine Ranch in Bertram in early 2020. “My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” Minardi said. “Her first worry was about her dog, Lucy—not the shock that she had cancer or was given just a couple weeks to live, but what was going to happen to her dog—the love of her life. That right there was inspiring for me. I thought, ‘Who is going to take care of these dogs?’” Minardi, who is a Georgetown resident, said after that experience, she started to see the great needs surrounding senior dogs because they were not adopted ©2021 The Liberty Hill Independent
as much as younger dogs. “The shelters near me were inundated with senior dogs,” she said. “Either their pet parent would pass away, and they’d go to the shelter, or people wouldn’t want to be bothered with the bills that come with a dog’s old age.” Now, Living Grace Canine Ranch, a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization, is the only dedicated senior dog sanctuary in Texas, and Minardi’s ultimate goal is to provide a home-like environment that promotes physical and emotional wellness for its canine residents. The five-acre ranch currently has one building that houses the approximately 30 dogs living at the ranch, but a second building is under construction, thanks to a sizable donation from Jack and Camille Garey, who also donated the lands and funds to build Garey Park in Georgetown. “Rhonda is having a second building built, and the plan is that the big dogs will be over there and small dogs will [stay in the original house],” said
Jolene Wells, volunteer groomer and overnight employee for Living Grace. “There will be a veterinary office in there as well to take care of the dogs. It’ll be called Garey’s Big Dog House, and the first building will be the Little Dog House.” The second building’s construction has been delayed the last few weeks due to weather, but the hope is to begin working on it again this month and have it finished within the next few months. Wells added that besides the handful of people on the actual payroll, most of the work done at the ranch is done by volunteers like her. Volunteers do everything from walking and cuddling the dogs to playing with them and soothing them during anxiety-ridden times such as storms. “There is somebody here 24 hours a day,” she said. “When the second building is finished there will be someone in each building. We try to take turns staying the night with the dogs. Rhonda is basically here 24-7. She doesn’t technically live here, but the kitchen is
painting, and other building improvements. Its purpose is to encourage positive business development and redevelopment within Liberty Hill city limits. The INVEST program will offer a 50 percent match up to $10,000 in improvements, and a further 25 percent match up to $20,000 in improvements, with the total matched not to exceed $7,500. The program will offer a one-time grant fund that is available on a firstcome, first-serve basis. The second program is called the Booster Incentive Program. This program covers primary jobs as well as construction costs for buildings that will house jobs or boost municipal sales tax. Its purpose is to encourage primary job and sales tax creation within Liberty Hill city limits. The per-job incentive will be paid one year after the opening of the business or the expansion of the business. Fulltime equivalencies more than $80,000 annually will be at $2,000 per full-time equivalency, while those in excess of $45,000 annually will be at $1,000 per full-time equivalency. Only 40-hour-per-week jobs will count for full-time equivalencies. The total maximum award for any one business is $100,000, with no more than $50,000 for jobs and no more than $50,000 for construction. Applications for both incentive programs will be reviewed to see if the business has the potential to diversify the local economy, support other local businesses, and align with the City’s preferred redevelopment strategies. In addition, businesses that are able to accomplish the creation of primary jobs, new local sales tax, new local advalorem tax, and bring something new to the city that “enhances quality of life,” will be given priority consideration after applying. The funding cycle for both programs will align
See INCENTIVES, Page 3
fully functioning and the bathroom is fully functioning, and she sleeps here with the dogs more often than not.” About 70 percent of Living Grace’s residents are there because their pet parents passed away or went into hospice or assisted living. The other 30 percent come from area shelters, Minardi said. A dog must be 7 years or older to be considered a senior. While some of the dogs come to the ranch with few issues or concerns, others have had difficult and often abusive pasts. There’s Little Red, the newest resident of Living Grace, who was thrown out of a car window in Waco and left on the side of the road. He has a cracked vertebrae in his neck and will need care the rest of his life. There’s also Jack, who was shot in the mouth by his owner for barking and went through multiple surgeries to repair the damage. Other dogs have serious health complicaRACHEL MADISON PHOTO tions because of their age and Rhonda Minardi, founder and executive director of Living need around-the-clock care to Grace Canine Ranch, cuddles with senior chihuahua Tai Chi outside the ranch’s main building. Minardi opened her ranch See GRACE, Page 2 for senior dogs in 2020.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
GRACE
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Continued from Page 1
keep them comfortable. “That’s what’s important to me,” Minardi said. “Some of these dogs have never known love. If we can give them love, and we are taking care of them and they know what love is, we’re doing God’s work.” While the dogs are not allowed to be adopted—the ranch is their forever home— they are allowed to be fostered. Ginny Stubblefield, fundraising and events director at Living Grace Canine Ranch, got involved at the ranch after losing her senior dog last fall. “I was heartbroken, and I saw something about Living Grace, so I decided to look into it,” she said. “The next thing you know, I was fostering two dogs, Cupcake and Molly.” Stubblefield said applying to foster a dog can be done online, along with signing up to volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age or can be 12 and up with an adult chaperone. “We always need volunteers,” Minardi said. “We are going to need more employees soon. I’m not advertising that because it comes from within. I believe you come here because you love it, and then it goes from there.” Because Minardi wants to make the ranch feel as much like a home as possible for the dogs, many steps have been taken to keep the dogs as comfortable as possible. “Rhonda doesn’t want them to feel like they are in a kennel or imprisoned,” Wells said. “We have three different
enrichment yards the dogs can use, with a pool to swim in and platforms to train on. Dogs are very much mentally motivated. Mental stimulation is very good for them and it’s especially important for older dogs.” Ally Johnson, who sits on the ranch’s board as enrichment coordinator, also works as a dog trainer for the ranch residents. She trains the dogs on everything from nose work to keeping their minds sharp with puzzle toys. “This training is for them to live the best life they can,” Johnson said. “We want them to feel like nothing is scary and make things as low stress as possible.” Minardi envisions her ranch creating awareness for Texas and the country when it comes to the way people view senior dogs. “I want to start changing the laws, like tethering and treatment of animals,” she said. “There has to be a punishment for that. I also want to teach our children. I want to go in and talk to our schools or invite schools to come out here. I want to teach children that it’s important to teach seniors with respect, whether it’s a senior person or a dog. You don’t just get rid of them because they’re old. We will change that. We are here for more than just a handful of senior dogs. This is bigger than that.” Minardi said having volunteers out to her ranch is teaching people to look at senior dogs in a different light, be-
RACHEL MADISON PHOTO
Volunteer Jolene Wells provides grooming services for the senior dogs at Living Grace Canine Ranch. cause they are able to see the result of dogs who were mistreated during their lives, or dogs who were loved but no longer have their pet parent and feel lost. “It’s all about what we can do to make the rest of their lives the greatest ever,” Minardi added. “This ranch is for senior dogs like an assisted living center is for your grandma. We don’t settle, and we don’t skimp. We are setting the bar high. We aren’t just getting by and doing the bare minimum. When others have their eyes on us, we want them to want to model us. We want to be their model.” A fundraising Bingo night for Living Grace Canine Ranch is being held on June 24 at 7 p.m. at Agape BBQ. Donations will be accepted for Bingo cards, and the theme is “Dogs Rock Music Bingo.” For more information on Living Grace Canine Ranch or to sign up as a volunteer or foster parent, visit www. livinggracecanineranch.org.
Shin Oak Ridge Bulletin Board Send news to: News@LHIndependent.com
Liberty Hill Lions Club teams with McCoy’s for OLH
The Liberty Hill Lions are working on a Million Meals
Campaign for its international president’s program. Club members will be collecting non-perishable food items Saturday, June 12th, from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. at the new McCoy’s Building Supply at SH 29 and RM 1869. Bring those items to the front of the store. All items will be donated to Operation Liberty Hill to help folks in our community.
Garden Club offers community service hours
The Liberty Hill Garden Club is helping Operation Liberty Hill get its raised gardens refreshed, planted with vegetables, and maintained, to assist the Food Pantry with fresh vegetables for local citizens in need. Students looking to gain community service hours should contact the club. Volunteer service is not restricted to youth. Interested volunteers, all ages, middle school to senior citizens, are welcome. This is an ongoing project. Volunteers are needed on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Operation Liberty Hill is located at 1401 North US Hwy 183. Dress appropriately for gardening and wear closed toed shoes. No sandals. For more information, contact Jeanette Roache, cell 619-9931400.
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Thursday, June 10, 2021
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Throwback Thursday
Shin Oak Ridge Road Race attracted world-renowned cyclists
By JAMES WEAR Columnist I believe it would be a safe bet that nine out of 10 folks currently living in Liberty Hill know that Willie Nelson once held one of his picnics here, and just about as many folks are aware an international sculpture symposium, held nearly 50 years ago, was the source of most all of the works found in the sculpture park. But how many newcomers, and for that matter, how many old timers, recall that Liberty Hill once held a two-day bicycle race that attracted professionals from around the state and the world? It happened back in the spring of 1990, when the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce held its first festival. I served as chairperson for the festival that year and played a minor role in organizing the race, having attended a road race in Bastrop where I met a couple that served as promoters of the Tour de Bastrop. According to an article that appeared in the May 2, 1990 issue of the Williamson County Sun, “Kathy Glaze, race promoter along with her husband Bill, explained why James Wear and the chamber of commerce were ready to think big with a cycling event: ‘He saw how much glitz the racing brings to an event,’ said Glaze, describing her meeting with Wear at the last Tour de Bastrop. ‘He asked us to come out and promote it.’” And folks, other than riding
around with Bill Glaze one morning to determine where the race might be held, that was about the extent of my role in it. I asked a fellow Chamber member, Michael Dunn, to chair the event, and he took over from there. Sponsors included the Liberty Hill Chamber, Bank of the Hills and the New Ramada Inn of Georgetown. The race included 14 categories. Saturday’s race was a 21mile trek along county roads… the race began in downtown Liberty Hill with the cyclists headed down CR 279 to Leander and from there, they eventually made their way back to Liberty Hill utilizing CR 282. Sunday’s race, dubbed as the Liberty Hill Criterium, was held in the subdivision across from Liberty Hill Elementary. The seven-eighths of a mile track was along Lynn Lane and Panther Path. Back in 1990, there wasn’t but maybe three or four homes in that subdivision and so there was little logistical problems in holding the criterium there. Joel Rierson, a University of Texas student, took first in that race. Other well-known cyclists that were in town that weekend included Manuel Youshimatz, the 1984 Olympic bronze medalist from Mexico, and Thomas Prehn, the 1986 World Road Champion. Both are now retired from racing, but maintain some involvement with the sport. The Sun reported that 207 individuals competed in Saturday’s race while 165 took part in Sunday’s race, and quoted Dunn. “They loved yesterday’s course,” he said when it was all over. “I thought today’s was going to be boring…but they also seemed to love it.”
Thomas Prehn, the 1986 World Race Champion, was among several professional cyclists to compete in the Shin Oak Ridge Road Race that was held in conjunction with the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce’s spring festival in 1990. (Courtesy Photo)
Manuel Youshimatz, the 1984 Olympic bronze medalist from Mexico, took fourth place in a cycle race that was among the activities that made up Festival ‘90, a spring event sponsored by the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy Photo)
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OBITUARY Janet Morse Sandlin Janet Morse Sandlin, 79 years old, died Thursday, June 3rd at her home in Leander. She was born June 8, 1941 in Houston, TX, the daughter of George and Mary Alice Morse. Janet was a lover of animals and a wonderful person with a very infectious laugh. She loved Jesus Christ. She also loved visiting with friends and family, and we will sorely miss her. She was married to Thomas E. Sandlin for the last eight years. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Sandlin; her brother, Marvin Morse; her sister, Laura Cox; and several nieces and nephews. There will be a small family ceremony honoring her life.
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INCENTIVES Continued from Page 1
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with the City of Liberty Hill’s fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. “We’ve created a greatly simplified process,” Powell said. “Our intention is not to rewrite the standards for the City, but to create higher standards for incentivization. We want to offer a carrot, not just a stick.” Now that the EDC Board has approved the change, it will move on to the City Council for final approval. Also at the board meeting, members discussed the appointment of a new director to the board to replace the late Liz Rundzieher, who passed away last month from complications due to cancer. “The decision was made [at the last meeting] to not immediately place an appointment, because it felt disrespectful,” Powell said. The EDC Board has received about a dozen applications from those interested in filling the position. In addition, two local citizens attended the meeting to express their interest in the position: Tiffany Stillwell and Kathy Canady, who currently sits on the City Council and Parks Board.
The Board adjourned to an executive session to discuss the appointment, but ultimately decided to delay any action on appointing a new director until their next meeting, citing the need to get to know each of the candidates better before making a decision. Lastly, Powell provided an update on the City’s sales tax numbers for the months of April and May. In April, the City earned $150,345, which was up almost 21.68 percent over the previous year. In May, the numbers were down 6 percent from $169,000 in 2020 to $159,000 in 2021. “I’d be curious to find out for whatever reason the May numbers were extraordinarily high [in 2020],” Powell said. “If I had to guess, that’s when we hit pandemic mode.” Powell added that while the sales tax revenue has had an overall upward trend throughout 2021, he won’t be surprised if for the next few months 2020’s revenues are higher because of the pandemic. Jamie Etzkorn and Eric Bailey were absent from the meeting. The next meeting of the EDC Board is set for June 16.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Library nixes fines, adds new lending program
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer At the Liberty Hill Public Library, fines are officially going to be a thing of the past. Library Director Angela Palmer said the library has already been waiving late fines over the last year due to the pandemic, but she decided to make the elimination of fines permanent. “This is something a lot of libraries are doing now,” she said. “Libraries have discovered that people who owe fines—even if it’s not much— it’s keeping them from using libraries. What revenue we get from fines is so little that we would rather have people come to the library, borrow materials and then return them without having to worry about a dollar fine here and there.” The length items can be checked out will remain at two weeks, but if patrons are a little late, they won’t be penalized. “People will still get reminders to return their items, and if
SWEET
they lose or damage a book, they will have to pay full cost for that,” Palmer said. “After they’ve had an item out for a long time, it’ll automatically go to lost status and they’ll have to return it before they can check more items out.” Palmer said her decision was made in part because she’s learned that fines aren’t really that effective. “People return things more when they don’t have fines,” she said. “We want to limit the barrier of access.” In addition to doing away with fines, the library has also added a new lending program in the form of games, from classics like Scrabble and Checkers to more recently popular picks like What Do You Meme? and Exploding Kittens. Palmer has purchased more than 50 new games for the library that can be checked out for a week at a time. “We wanted to have a program that is family-oriented and non-screen time,” she said.
Continued from Page 1
years ago.” Inspired by Nolan’s success and personal growth, Randy and Christine Stilwell realized they could help other kids like Nolan by employing them through an 18 plus internship program. “Not only was Nolan able to work, but we were also able to bring in additional students,” said Stilwell. “To us, that’s the greatest blessing. It’s not just about Nolan. It’s about creating opportunities for these young people who we feel still need overseeing but don’t need hand over hand. They might not have great success in a retail type of environment, but they flourish here. They still have some independence, and they’re making decisions.” An average day in the kitchen is four hours long. Workdays start with the Stilwells welcoming their employees with a round of applause and a thank you. After that, it’s serious business. Prepping vegetables
and fruits, working the stove, filling jars with jams, and doing the dishes are only some of their daily tasks. Walker Raney is from Liberty Hill. He started working with Sweet Heat in 2018 and since then has flourished, opening up in ways he hadn’t before. “I love cutting stuff and doing the dishes. Sampling stuff is good, too,” said Rainey. “We usually have to clean the vegetables and get them ready. It’s invigorating. It feels good to be working here. I started after my birthday. It’s an exciting job for me. I was a bit nervous at first, and then I got over it when I made a friend out of Nolan. It helps my confidence.” Nolan’s friendship is the first step for many of the kids involved in the program. He serves as a guide and mentor, showing others what to do. It’s a regular occurrence for Nolan to move around the kitchen, helping others when he sees
“We have all sorts of classic board games and card games. Also, to get the program going, when someone checks out a game this summer, they will receive a bag of snacks to go with it.” Palmer said most of the games are family friendly, while a few are geared more toward teens and adults. The games will be available for checkout starting June 14. “We’re going to have a display that will have the pictures of the board games, and people can bring the picture to the front desk to check that game out,” she added. “Plus you’ll get a bag of goodies to go with it.” The library recently reopened after being closed to the public due to the pandemic. Hours at the library are now Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Curbside services are still offered on Thursdays to seniors and others who feel vulnerable, Palmer added. The Liberty Hill Public Library now offers a variety of board games and card games for patrons to check out. More than 50 different games are available, from old classics to new finds.
them struggling. As each student grows and learns their tasks, they take on the roles of mentors as well. “They have to teach others,” said Christine Stilwell. “It’s critical that they get that opportunity because most of their lives, people have been instructing them. This gives them a new power they’ve never had.” Austin Neusaenger is a student restricted to a wheelchair. He uses a computer to communicate. Despite his limitations, Neausaenger is still a part of the team. When he comes in to help, the first person to offer guidance is Nolan. With experience under their belts, Raney and fellow Liberty Hill graduate Gabe Callaway join Nolan in aiding other students. “I’ve been showing Grady since he got here in the summer,” said Rainey. “Now that I have a lot of time and experience, I’ve been showing others
how to do things and helping them.” Mistakes in the kitchen are inevitable. When one of the students makes a mistake, they get some guidance and are right back at their task. For Christine and Randy, the kids learning from their mistakes is critical to their independence. “When they make mistakes, it’s about us bringing them back in,” said Christine Stilwell. “I can have them working on the stove without any issues. We really like to oversee and let them do their work. We only fill in when we need to. I feel like we can step away. We don’t leave the room but we can trust them.” The atmosphere of the Sweet Heat Kitchen is robust. Conversations about pro wrestling, video games, sports, and new jam flavors permeate the air at all times. “They all have their little isms, the things they like do-
ing to make each other laugh,” said Christine Stilwell. “Sometimes students we’re working with need to be corralled when they start going down a rabbit hole a bit. It’s never a dull moment here with them.” As the school year ends and summer vacation begins, many of the students leave the program. The focus shifts squarely onto the core group of workers. “Our core team will stay the same over the summer,” she said. “We’ve asked them to be with us full time. In the fall, we’ll probably bring on new students. When they have mastered things, we ask them
to come in and work with the core team. They take the responsibility of helping new students get comfortable.” With their business model, a success, and a group of eager workers, the Stilwells are proud of where the program is going in the future. “Within this nurtured environment, their success continues to outshine any obstacles,” said Christine Stilwell. “We tell them they have ownership of the company. This gives them an incentive and lets them know they’re part of things. This is their product just as much as it’s ours.”
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SPORTS
Former Liberty Hill player Alexa Solis and 8th-grade award winners Aubrey Spellman-Black (Most Improved) and Josie Perkins (Top Scorer), with varsity assistant Patrick Hughes during a presentation ceremony. (Courtesy Photo)
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, June 10, 2021 Page 5
Lady Panthers player Madison Walker, along with 9th-grade award winners Taylor Gaines (Top Scorer) and Mehkayla Mulski (Most Improved), accompanied by Liberty Hill varsity assistant coach Haley Hudnall at the conclusion of the Lady Panthers hoops camp. (Courtesy Photo)
Creating hoops passion at camp Over 100 prospective players learn valuable court skills
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Kenzy Wise was quite overwhelmed by it all. When the Liberty Hill post player is on the court for the Lady Panthers in her customary spot beneath the basket fighting for rebounds, she gets plenty of attention from opposing players. However, on this day, it was an altogether different crowd clamoring for her consideration. One-hundred-and-twelve girls ranging from fourth to ninth grade attended the Lady Panthers Hoops Camp in the high school gym and a good number of them wanted an audience with Wise, who will
be a senior next season for the Purple-and-Gold and is apparently quite popular with those who look to emulate her on the court. “It’s a blast,” said Wise. “I like it a lot.” In fact, Wise’s rock-star status among the youthful hoopsters was evidenced by the many campers’ nametags that wound up plastered to her instead of their intended recipients. “Once one kid does it, they all do,” said Liberty Hill head girls’ coach Chris Lange. “They all love Kenzy.” Aside from the ability to mingle with their role models, the campers spent four days soaking up instruction from Lange and his assistants, as well as
current and former players who served as instructors, covering staples such as ball handling and defensive positioning and just about everything else in between that can occur on a court. The occasion marked the fifth year Lange has hosted the camp – after last summer’s event was canceled due to the pandemic – and he said just being able to see it all happen once again was a breath of fresh air. “Really good to see all the young kids’ faces again,” he said. “We can all be back not worrying about those things anymore and get back to some normalcy – it’s refreshing.” According to Lange, the
camp also serves as a scouting opportunity to see which future Lady Panthers are on the hoops radar down the road – with particular aspects of a player’s game acting as indicators of what they’re capable of. “Some kids can really handle the ball, are aggressive and are more knowledgeable about the game,” said Lange. “Also, you can just see sometimes who the players are – they have a certain walk and swagger about them. You put a ball in her hands and she looks like a player.” A trio of such talent are Gabby Mundy, Evie Bruce and Taylor Gaines, who will all be freshmen next season and
could very well play a role on the varsity squad as rookies, he said. “All of them have good size,” said Lange. “They’re aggressive, shoot well and can handle the ball.” Lange added Avery Demars, Kate Bednarz and Addison Shifflett as other players to look for in the near future. Speaking of which, a pair of hopefuls on hand for the festivities were Kelsie Leary, who is an eighth-grader and younger sister Addison, who will enter fifth grade in the fall. “I’m hoping they’ll learn more basics and get more skills to go with what they already have,” said mother Kristie Leary, who was a Division
III player at Plymouth State College. “Ballhandling is a big thing and just basic skills, but the biggest thing to me is to make sure they’re coachable in being part of the team aspect.” Lange added one of the camp’s biggest objectives is to simply get youngsters to fall in love with the game – something that must be passed on to them by those charged with showing them the way. “We want them to come in and get to know everybody, including their coaches,” he said. “As a coach, you need to bring passion to what you do and energy to the game.”
See HOOPS, Page 7
THE LAST GAME
Liberty Hill’s volleyball season ended abruptly with playoff loss
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Kindsee Escamilla just sat there. Her high school volleyball career had just ended, as opposing players celebrated victory right in front of her eyes while the Liberty Hill senior was left to ponder what might have been. “I didn’t get up,” said Escamilla. “Because I didn’t want it to end.” What the 5-foot-9 outside hitter wanted to prolong was a Lady Panthers playoff run that ended all too abruptly with an opening-round, straight-sets loss to Alamo Heights after a campaign that saw her and her teammates scratch and claw their way past adversity during the program’s first season as a Class 5A team. However, following a regular season that saw them finish with an overall record of 16-6 and a 10-4 district mark – good for a third-place finish and a postseason berth – it all came crashing down in the blink of an eye. Escamilla said the team felt good about their chances in the days leading up to the match – a six-day break following a five-set defeat to Rouse in the finale of the district schedule in a contest that saw the Lady Panthers claim the first two sets before dropping the next three. “I genuinely thought we could go far in the playoffs,” said Escamilla. “We were pretty confident because we knew we were capable.” Escamilla had certainly done her part, finishing the season with 118 kills – good for fourth on the squad – and said the mood on
See LAST, Page 7
ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO
Kindsee Escamilla (#2) will take fond memories of her four years with the Lady Panthers as she moves on to play at Cisco College next season.
Following in father’s footsteps New Panthers coach always emulated his dad
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor All David Seaborn ever wanted to do was be just like the man he looked up to more than anyone. “My dad was always my biggest role model,” said Seaborn. “I always wanted to be like him.” This fall, Seaborn will be in charge of the Panthers’ defensive secondary as the newest member of the Liberty Hill coaching staff after having served in similar positions at Jarrell, Vista Ridge and Travis. His playing days were at Travis and LBJ where his father, also named David, was head coach at both schools. Following a year of playing in college at Texas Southern University in Houston, Seaborn transferred to Texas State after his mother objected to the Tigers’ insistence he stay over the summer for off-season workouts. At that point, his college playing days were over, but his time on the gridiron continued as Seaborn was a member of the Austin Vipers, a semipro
squad and the Austin Turfcats of the Indoor Football League before finishing his degree at Huston-Tillotson University. He now teaches special education. According to Seaborn, the wisdom he will impart to his Panthers cornerbacks and safeties will be one of attention to detail. “My biggest philosophy is to do all the small things correctly,” said Seaborn, who played safety himself. “Where your eyes are before and after the snap, if your stance is correct and your hands are in the right place – all the way down to the most minute detail – those are the things I intend to express to them on a daily basis.” Despite the fact his focus is on the defensive side of the ball, Seaborn said he was well aware of what Liberty Hill is famous for on offense long before he became part of the program. “All I’ve heard about is the Slot-T mafia here,” he said. “But, I also knew they were a successful program because they have kids who always
work hard. I’ve already seen what they do in the weight room.” Another point of emphasis for Seaborn is something that goes right along with the Liberty Hill mantra, he said. “I want my players to be able to play without thinking,” said Seaborn. “Knowing what your assignment is every single play.” However, there is one aspect of defending that sits New Liberty Hill football coach David Seaatop the list for born always wanted to emulate his father and has done so as a player and during his Seaborn. “Technique is the coaching career. (Courtesy Photo) most important with respect and admiration. thing,” he said. “Some guys “I want them to be able to reccan hit, but safeties have to ognized they’re a well-coached make some of the toughest group,” said Seaborn. “Always tackles one-one-one in the flying around with a lot of enopen field.” ergy.” Seaborn added he wants othJust like Dad would’ve wanter coaches to view his players ed.
7-on-7 brings back playground memories
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Standing on the sidelines at Birkelb a c h Field in Georget o w n watching the Panthers participate in 7-on-7 drills brought back memories for us from our days playing football pickup games during recess or P.E. in the days of our youth. As one of the taller kids in class, we were always quite adept at going up and getting the ball before speeding away from defenders with long strides. Seems like everyone else wanted to be a quarterback – kind of like pitcher or shortstop in baseball – but, I was perfectly happy letting someone else drop back in the pocket and look downfield. Just like 7-on-7 drills, there are no rushing plays in sandlot football – only passing – which is fine with me because
it always seemed much easier and effective to heave the ball 25 or 30 yards in one fell swoop than to try to advance it the old-fashioned way. Speaking of which, it seems a bit odd to see Panthers players throwing and catching footballs when we all know how Liberty Hill plays the game on offense, with a premium on the ol’ three-yardsand-a-cloud-of-dust style (or in modern-day parlance and the Panthers’ case, about 10 or 12 yards and a flurry of little, black, rubber pellets). However, it’s certainly good practice for Panthers defenders who see conventional offenses in which there is a runpass balance. During these drills, there is no tackling – or hitting of any kind – as there are no pads or helmets for collision protection, only foam head coverings that offer minimal padding for being hit upside the noggin by a wayward hand, forearm, elbow or even the ground.
See 7-ON-7, Page 7
Page 6
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HOOPS
Continued from Page 5
In addition to various drills, the players participated in a Round-the-World event, as well as one-on-one and fouron-four tournaments, with special awards being given out to the top scorer and most improved player in each age group. Lange had 15 current and former players at his disposal and was appreciative of the dynamic the group brought to the proceedings. “We have kids who love Liberty Hill, love basketball and want to be a part of what we do here,” he said. “It’s really a blessing – all of them asked about helping because they want to give back to the community.” Coaches for the camp included Madison Walker, Alexa Solis, Sierra Bittner, Wise, Payton Hanson, Lizzy Buck, Carissa Vickers, Abbie Billingsley, Paige Sterling, Regan Walker, Abby Swieczkowski, Allie Vineyard, Jordan Wilson and Katelyn Shull, along with varsity assistants Haley Hudnall and Patrick Hughes and Kimberly Tuley and Sue Davidson, while Paige Lange and Izzy Amthor handled concessions. “A ton of work goes into it and some 12-hour days,” Lange said. “It seems like a pain looking at it, but then you see all the smiles and happiness and how the kids get a ton of joy out of it.” In fact, Wise said being on the other end of the coach-player relationship – if even only for a few days – definitely opened
her eyes from a logistical standpoint. “Now I know why Coach Lange is always spinning around in circles,” she said. On the serious side, though, having a different perspective from what she’s accustomed to as a player provides her with valuable insight. “When I’m watching, I notice all the little things about the game,” said Wise. As a physical player herself, she attempts to impart on the campers the importance of the rugged side of the game – although it usually requires some encouragement. “There is no blocking out or rebounding at all,” she said. “So, I tell them every time the ball goes up, they need to be doing those things instead of just running back the other way.” Sometimes a crash course in the rules of the game is needed, but communication is never an issue said Wise. “Some of them don’t know you can’t start dribbling again after you stop,” she said. “But, all of them are loud and talk a lot.” By the end of the four days, Lange said he hopes the biggest intangible for the campers is an overall enjoyment of the game. “Not all of them will go on to play in high school or college,” he said. “But, basketball is fun and we want them to be able to someday sit down and watch a game with their parents or their own kids and have those memories.”
Also, we’ve heard of twohand-touch football, but this is one-hand, which obviously makes it twice as hard for ball carriers to elude “tacklers” and twice as easy for said defenders to stop them. Doesn’t seem fair, but anyway. A regulation gridiron can house two games for the price of one, as the field is divided in half with a pair of teams contesting simultaneously on each 50-yard patch of plastic. Each game last 25 minutes with a running clock kept by officials (you know it’s June when the refs are rocking shorts with their stripes) and fly by with the kind of urgency as if the team bus was double-parked outside the stadium. There are separate games for varsity, junior varsity and freshmen to showcase their skills to coaches who stand and watch each and every movement with the intensity of a hungry hawk spying its dinner from above. Also, no linemen because there’s no blocking or pass rush (so, no one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi – you know how the rest goes). Just like schoolyard ball. “Okay, everyone go out!” Only, there’s a bit more to this version, as the quarterback is actually allowed to carry a coach’s clipboard chocked with play calls out on the field, so there is a method to the madness. One other thing. For some reason, a penalty marker is used to mark the spot of the ball before each snap despite the fact no infractions are called during play.
Although one Panthers freshman did get a bit overzealous and shoved an opposing receiver to the ground with a two-hand-touch tackle and was sternly warned about it by the nearest official. Now that’s the kind of spirit we want to see from potential Purple-and-Gold pugilists, as if to say, “I got your one-hand touch right here!” On this day, there were opponents in attendance from both the present (Georgetown, East View) and the past (Burnet, Salado), which provided a juxtaposition of seeing the kind of players the Panthers used to face in their Class 4A days and the caliber of ballers who they find themselves across the line of scrimmage from nowadays. But, back to us. Seeing some of the woeful passes (which more resembled wounded ducks on their last wings shortly before crashing back to earth and meeting their demise) and bad hands as balls clanked off extended extremities before landing incomplete made us want to go out there and show these sparkies how it’s done. Alas, those days are long gone and in their place resides a time in which we simply observe others who still have youth on their side in throwing the ball all over the lot, so let the kids have their fun. You see, that’s one of the great things about sports. Memories from many moons ago can come flashing back in an instant when properly triggered, which is what will always tie one generation to the next. But, we could indeed catch the ball.
7-ON-7 Continued from Page 5
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the 106-mile journey south for the match was jovial among her and her teammates. Almost too much so. “We were getting really hyped – probably too much at the beginning,” she said. “So (Liberty Hill head) Coach (Gretchen) Peterson had to calm us down and told us to chill.” But, once they got close enough to their destination, the floodgates of enthusiasm were once again opened. “About 30 minutes out, we started up again,” said Escamilla. “It was really fun to be able to bond like that.” One time-honored sports tradition for athletes facing a big game or match is to simply treat it like any other and the Lady Panthers did just that – or at least tried to, she said. “We wanted to go about it like it was just another match and we knew were 100 percent capable of winning,” said Escamilla. “So, there was no need to get all nervous about it as long as we went out, had fun and did our best.” Following a first set that saw Liberty Hill lose, 25-19, the Lady Panthers came back in the second stanza with a ven-
geance. Escamilla contributed a pair of kills in the set and late on, it was even at 18-18 before she blocked a shot that gave the Lady Panthers a brief advantage at 19-18 before Alamo Heights was once again able to fend off the Purple-andGold and take the set by a score of 25-20. On this night, it just wasn’t meant to be, as Liberty Hill lost the third and decisive set, 25-19, leaving Escamilla dumbfounded as she looked on from the sidelines as the winning point played out and her Lady Panthers career came to an abrupt end. “I was just sitting there on the bench next to (fellow senior) Ashleigh (Dubbs) and it sunk in right away,” she said. “It was unbelievable.” After retreating to the locker room in the direct aftermath of the match, Escamilla and her teammates walked out to the team bus in the parking lot for the long ride home, but the mood wasn’t as gloomy as one would’ve thought, said Escamilla. “I just wanted to enjoy my last bus ride and the last time we were all going to be to-
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erty Hill at 13740 Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 on Thursday, July 1st, 2021 at 12:00 noon. Cleanup deposit required. Contents of storage units sold for cash to highest bidder. Property includes the unit contents of the following tenants: Tracy Forester: 2 units containing boxes and miscellaneous items. Susan Kulbeth: 1 unit containing boxes, furniture, and miscellaneous items. (6/10p) LIBERTY HILL ISD IS SEEKING PROPOSALS FOR FUEL. All interested proposers please see RFP #21-005 available at www. libertyhill.txed.net click Departments - Business Office - Purchasing - Current Bid Opportunities Or request a copy by emailing: proposals@libertyhill.txed.net. (6/17) MISSING PROPERTY If you believe the police department may have a found item that belongs to you, you
Andice Baptist Church
The Hill Church Invites You to Worship The Hill Church is a church that strives to LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE & HELP OTHERS DO THE SAME. It is our desire to love and serve the community of Liberty Hill with the love of Jesus Christ. We invite you to be our guest on Sunday Mornings at 10:15am. Our service consists of authentic contemporary worship and relevant Bible based messages. Come join us as we help you take your next steps with Jesus Christ.
6570 FM 970 Florence, TX 76527 (254) 793-2557 www.andicebc.org PASTOR Derrick Norris, Senior Pastor Matt Koehler, Associate Pastor of Students & Families SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9:45am Sunday Worship 11am Wednesday AWANA 6:30pm Sunday Online www.facebook. com/andicebaptist/
Cross Tracks Church
101 Church St. Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 515-0070 www.crosstrackschurchumc.org PASTOR Michele Lott SERVICES Sunday School 9am Sunday Worship 10am Sunday Online https://cross tracks-church.freeonlinechurch. com/live
Walk to restaurants, salons, corner grocery and more! Just minutes to highly acclaimed Liberty Hill Schools.
LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC HEARING Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) Liberty Hill ISD will hold a public hearing on June 21, 2021 at 6:00 P.M at the Liberty Hill ISD Board Room located on 301 Forrest Street, Liberty Hill, Texas. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss Liberty Hill ISD’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) federal stimulus allotment. (6/17)
Fellowship Church
3600 RR 1869 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 515-5579 www.fellowshiplh.com PASTORS Tim McIlhaney, Dan Riemer, Ed Billock & Angel Perez SERVICES Sunday services in person & online! Sunday Worship 8:30am Sunday Bible Study/All ages 10am Sunday Worship 11am www.fellowshiplh.com/hub-sundays www.facebook.com/fellowshiplh/
The Hill Church
111 Holmes Road Liberty Hill, TX 78642 www.fbg.church PASTORS Tim Richardson, Pastor Kendall Ringler, Youth Pastor SERVICES Sunday Worship 10:15am Sunday Online 10:15am www.facebook.com/thehill church.church
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ance Peterson provided has gone a long way in helping shape who she is as an athlete and a person. “Coach Peterson always has something positive to say,” she said. “She does a really good job of caring about you as a person individually, as well as wanting you to get better as a player.” Peterson’s influence even extends to outside the lines on the court, said Escamilla. “There was one time this year when I was struggling with a personal issue in addition to being upset about volleyball,” she said. “Not many coaches will help with mental health.” Of course, there will always be the one that got away on that November evening in Seguin – with a pair of indelible memories Escamilla said she will always take with her wherever she goes. “The first one was when I had a really good line shot during the match,” she said. “The second is at the end, just sitting there not wanting it to be over.”
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gether,” she said. “I loved playing for Liberty Hill and our group of girls.” Escamilla will next be off to play at Cisco College, where she will join a Wranglers squad that went 17-15 last season and loses its top two kills collectors – who were both sophomores – which leaves an opening for her to break into the lineup as a freshman. “It was time for a change,” she said. “I’m ready for the next chapter.” However, before she moves on in matriculating at her new academic and athletic atmosphere, Escamilla has plenty of fond memories of her four years of varsity volleyball and isn’t about to let how her senior season ended put a damper on her Liberty Hill career as a whole. Included in those memories are lessons that she will certainly put to use as she moves forward – in sports and life. “Being here taught me a lot,” said Escamilla. “Volleyball is a team sport, which has helped me grow up mentally as I’ve learned how to treat others.” Escamilla added the guid-
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Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities
Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church
5205 County Road 236 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 782-9940 www.annunciationtx.com PASTOR Bp. Irineos Placek SERVICES Vespers, Sat. 6:30pm Divine Liturgy, Sun. 10am Online Services www.facebook. com/annunciationTX/
LifeSprings Christian Church
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15611 W. State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 633-6074 lifespringschristianchurch.org PASTOR Bishop Ronald D. Rhea SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9am Sunday Worship 10am Sunday Online www.youtube.com/c/ LifeSprings/live
Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church
(LCMS Affiliated) 15725 W. State Hwy 29, Ste.7 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 778-9310 www.missionlibertyhill.com PASTOR Rev. Mike Cofer SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9 am Sunday Church Worship 10am Sunday Online 10am https://missionlibertyhill.com/ onlineworship/
One Chapel Liberty Hill
811 Loop 332 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 729-6200 www.onechapel.com/liberty-hill PASTOR Andrew Fortner SERVICES Sunday Service 10am Indoors with Outdoor Livestream Option Online Service at 10am https://online.onechapel.com
Restoration Church
Meets at Liberty Hill Event Center 14875 W. State Hwy 29 New Life Church Liberty Hill, TX 78642 1015 US-183 (512) 271-1976 www.restorationchurchtx.net Liberty Hill, TX 78642 PASTOR (512) 567-3809 Mike Kimmons www.newlifechurch.family SERVICES PASTORS Stephen Behrman, Senior Pastor Sunday Service 10:30am Kimberly Behrman, Worship Pastor Online Service on YouTube SERVICES Sunday Worship 10am Wednesday Bible Study/Livinit Call (512) 778-5577 Youth 7pm to include your church in Sunday Online https://new lifechurch.family/media/livestream our weekly Worship Guide.
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EXCLUSIVELY FOR CUSTOMERS 55 & UP
Versus comparable unlimited plans (Play More/Do More). Plan features may vary.
Exactly $70/month with AutoPay. Two free smartphones with 24 monthly bill credits when you switch to T-Mobile. For well-qualified customers; plus tax. If you cancel, you may owe up to full device amount on required finance agreements. During congestion, customers on this plan using >100GB/mo. may notice reduced speeds until next bill cycle due to data prioritization. Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet at DVD quality (480p). Unlimited while on our network.
Find out more at T-Mobile.com/Discount55 Limited-time offer; subject to change. Qualifying credit & deposit may be required. May not be combinable with some offers or discounts. Free Smartphones: If you cancel your line before receiving 24 bill credits, you may owe up to the full value of your devices (e.g. $252– LG Stylo 6); if canceling your account, you can contact us first to instead make discounted monthly balance payments. Tax on pre-credit price due at sale. If you have cancelled lines in past 90 days, you may need to reactivate them first. $10 SIM cards & $30 assisted or upgrade support charge may be required. Up to $252 via bill credits; must be active and in good standing to receive credits; allow 2 bill cycles. Max 12/account. Magenta 55: Sales tax and regulatory fees included in monthly rate plan price. Postpaid only. Participating retail locations only. Capable device required for some features. U.S. roaming and on-network data allotments differ: includes 200MB roaming. Unlimited high-speed data US only. Unlimited talk & text features for direct communications between 2 people; others may cost extra. Video streams at up to 1.5Mbps. Optimization may affect speed of video downloads; does not apply to video uploads. Netflix: Receive Netflix Basic (1-screen, up to a $8.99/mo. value) while you maintain 2+ lines in good standing. Value may be applied to different Netflix streaming plans. Not redeemable or refundable for cash. Cancel Netflix anytime. Netflix Terms of Use apply: www.netflix.com/termsofuse. 1 offer per T-Mobile account; may take 1−2 bill cycles. See t-mobile.com/netflix for add'l info. Like all plans, features may change or be discontinued at any time. Tethering: 5GB high-speed data then unlimited on our network at max 3G speeds. For the small fraction of customers using >50GB/mo., primary data usage must be on smartphone or tablet. Smartphone and tablet usage is prioritized over Mobile Hotspot Service (tethering) usage, which may result in higher speeds for data used on smartphones and tablets. AutoPay Pricing: Without AutoPay, $5 more/line/mo. May not be reflected on 1st bill. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks. Network Management: Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See T-Mobile.com/OpenInternet for details. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. T-Mobile, the T logo, Magenta and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2021 T-Mobile USA, Inc.
T:20.875"
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Plus get 2 free smartphones and Netflix On Us.