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Volume 34, Issue 31
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June 24, 2021 | 50 Cents
LHISD teachers to receive 2% pay increase
By SHELLY WILKISON Publisher Liberty Hill school trustees on Monday approved a 2 percent pay increase for teachers and an increase in the district’s contribution toward employee health insurance. The additional contribution of $50 for health insurance premiums brings the district’s contribution to $400 per month per employee. In addition to the pay increase, which includes targeted adjustments for all employees, teachers and staff could see an additional retention stipend pending approval of a federal grant. Under the plan, which was approved by a unanimous vote, returning teachers will receive a minimum of $1,100 with some of the more experienced teachers receiving as much as $2,500. “That’s where our largest gap is,” said LHISD Human Resource Director Bob Mabry, referring to those teachers with
Chief Financial Officer Rosanna Guerrero and Human Resources Director Bob Mabry (back left) presented trustees with a compensation package Monday that includes a pay increase. 20 years experience. As school enrollment continues to grow and more campuses are built, one challenge continues to be to attract and retain qualified teachers. Every year, officials consider salaries of neighboring school districts when making decisions about LHISD’s compensation levels.
“The larger districts will always pay more than us,” said Superintendent Steve Snell, adding that keeping up with that is difficult. “But we need to make it a priority to try to keep up. We wanted teachers to realize a gain, although this is still too small when you think about what they deserve.”
Mabry explained that with health insurance premiums increasing $32 per month, raising the district’s contribution for the 502 employees who participate was important. “Increasing the stipend for benefits isn’t huge to add that and goes a long way to help our staff,” he said.
The new pay package will cost the district $988,381, creating a deficit budget for fiscal 2021. Chief Financial Officer Rosanna Guerrero said the increase will create a $660,000 deficit. But district officials say anticipated growth in enrollment will close the gap before the end of the fiscal year. “For fast-growth districts, it’s not uncommon to have a deficit budget,” said Snell. “Our fear is not that the growth will come, but that it will come faster than we thought it would.” With a deficit budget, Trustees discussed the status of the fund balance, which best practices recommends should maintain a balance to cover three months general operating expenses. Guerrero said currently the fund balance has about two and one-half months of operating funds. However, looking at the past 10 years, it never reached the recommended three-month level.
See LHISD, Page 7
BUSINESS
Construction underway on Liberty Hill Pediatrics building
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer The providers at Liberty Hill Pediatrics have been seeing local patients since 2015, and now, they’re preparing to bring the same small-town care to a brand-new building. Dr. Tiffani Scott, owner of Liberty Hill Pediatrics, said when she opened her practice on Jonathan Drive, the size of the clinic was fine, but now, because of the growth occurring in Liberty Hill, her practice needs more space. Scott, who is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner with her doctorate and a degree in psychology, said even though Liberty Hill Pediatrics is moving into a new building, the business will remain the same, complete with the small-town feel patients have come to love. “We are always going to have that small-town feel,” Scott said. “It’s very important to us
RACHEL MADISON PHOTO
Construction on the new Liberty Hill Pediatrics building began earlier this month. Upon completion, the new building will have separate entrances for both well and sick patients.
another. Now we are ready and we are building as fast as we can. We are hopeful there won’t be any more hold ups
EDC discusses incentives program revisions
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer After the City Council decided not to make a motion on the Economic Development Corporation’s recommendation to condense and update its incentivization programs at its last meeting, it was back to the drawing board for the EDC. The Council’s concerns with the programs included the subjective nature of some of the requirements, such as “bringing something new to the city that enhances quality of life,” as well as the desire for wanting to meet with the EDC and Planning and Zoning groups for a joint workshop to discuss what is actually needed in the city. “At the last meeting the Council deferred action due to a few questions and were also interested in meeting with us beforehand,” said Matt Powell, executive director of the EDC. “I’ve had a few meetings since then, including with the Mayor and council members, about some potential revisions to simplify [the programs] and make them more understandable.” Powell added that all the revisions suggested by the city council have been well taken and are positive changes. “The idea is to have a simple program that’s easy to follow,” he said. “I’m having multiple conversations to get this to a point that our council will be more satisfied with it and I think [the EDC Board] will be as well. We lose nothing by striking those [subjective requirements] entirely, which will be part of my recommendation for you.”
that patients don’t feel rushed, don’t feel it’s a corporation, and that their provider takes their time.” Construction began June 8 on the new building located just
to the east of Liberty Meadows Plaza on SH 29. Gage and Cade Construction is the general contractor on the project. “Our patients have been asking for updates on the new
office for a long time,” Scott said. “It took a long time to get the permits we needed, and then once we got permits, COVID hit. Then the ice storm hit, so it was one thing after
“We learned quickly that people in Leander wanted to eat good food and they didn’t want to travel into Austin to get it,” Schaffner said. “Both Shelly and I are classically French trained, so it really worked out for us.” In 2019, Pogue decided to move on from Farm to Fork— she moved out of the country and opened a bed and breakfast—so Schaffner purchased the business with help from a new financial partner, Frank Riha. “Frank and his wife, Sue, started becoming customers of ours in Leander in 2016,” Schaffner said. “They came twice a week and ate the same thing. When Frank found out Shelly was moving on, he of-
fered to help me buy her out because he didn’t want to lose his favorite burger, so if that’s what it took, he’d do it. He is not a part of the daily operation—he is 81 years old—but he is still around often.” After the transition, Schaffner said Farm to Fork continued to grow in popularity. “We modified the menu a bit and made a few changes, but that was kind of that,” she said. “By that time, we had exceeded the amount of people we could feed in Leander. We only had eight tables, and there was sometimes a two-hour wait on Friday and Saturday evenings. We just didn’t have enough seats. We did our best to expand, and even tried to move into the suite next door
for us, but it didn’t work out. We couldn’t find anything that suited us and then the pandemic hit, which slowed us down.” Farm to Fork stayed open during the pandemic, providing to-go services to the community as well as feeing first responders, elderly citizens and school children, and once the dining room was able to reopen, they opened their doors again. But then the winter storm hit in February and created another major roadblock. “On the second day of the storm we got awakened to an alarm in our building that there was glass breakage and water,” RACHEL MADISON PHOTO Schaffner said. “Something inJim and Amy Schaffner, owners of Farm to Fork, are preparing side had frozen, ruptured and to open their new location, at the former Hobo Junction, on See FORK, Page 7 July 1. The new restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and be open seven days a week.
See PEDIATRICS, Page 3
See EDC, Page 4
Farm to Fork to open in former Hobo Junction location
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Things have come full circle for Amy Schaffner, chef and owner of Farm to Fork, as she prepares to open the doors to her restaurant at the former location of Hobo Junction—a place she enjoyed as a child. Schaffner, along with her business partner Shelly Pogue, opened the original Farm to Fork in Leander in 2015. What started out as a small venture with a couple of sandwiches on the menu grew into a casual fine-dining restaurant. ©2021 The Liberty Hill Independent
Page 2
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, June 24, 2021
OBITUARIES
Ethel Josephine Myers
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Ethel Josephine Myers “Memaw” 96 of Liberty Hill, TX departed her loving family on June 21, 2021. Ethel was born in Delvalle, TX on September 12, 1924. She is the daughter of Gus and Ruth Carlson. Ethel enjoyed spending time with her friends at Grandies and at the Over the Hill Gang playing dominoes. She was kind, compassionate and a loving mother. No greater joy did she have then spending time with her family. She is preceded in death by her husband Audra Myers, granddaughter Shanna Furr, brothers Edward and his wife Bonnie, Leroy and his wife Ja-
nette and Leonard. She is survived by her children Don and Evelyn Myers, Denise and Steve Furr, Debbie and Bobby Wiginton, grandchildren Donnie Myers, Trica Myers, Alan Matthews and his wife Jennifer, Candice McCarty, Jennifer Wiginton, Shane Wiginton and his wife Stephanie. Great-grandchildren David, Laural, Kyle, Cierra, Summerlyn, Travis, Aaliyah, Brodie, Teigen, Colton and Emma. Great-great-great grandchildren Sofia, Annaelle and Peyton. All who are going to miss her dearly. Services are pending at Beck Funeral Home, Cedar Park,
TX. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Cross Tracks Church, 101 Church Street, Liberty Hill, TX 78642.
Liz Rundzieher
Graveside services will be held for Liz Rundzieher at the Liberty Hill Cemetery at 3pm on July 2, 2021. Liz lost her brief battle with cancer at her home on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021. By her side were daughters Brandie Mendiola and Chatina Teinert and granddaughter Bre Teinert. She is survived by her children - Theresa Stifflemire, Eric Stifflemire and wife Diane,
Brandie Mendiola, and Chatina Teinert and husband Anthony. Also her brothers Ernest Roy Simmons and Robert Simmons and sister Patricia Sheppard and husband Aubrey. She is also survived by her pride and joy her multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to fight the battle of the cancer of your choice.
Liberty Hill Police Blotter Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department
Week of June 14-20, 2021 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 670 incidents resulting in 10 cases, 85 citations, 131 warnings and four arrests.
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Weekly Highlights: - On June 14 at approximately 7:47 AM, officers responded to Hillcrest Lane for a trespassing complaint. - On June 14 at approximately 12:03 PM, officers responded to N. Hoot Owl to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On June 14 at approximately 1:43 PM, officers responded to King Elder to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On June 14 at approximately 9:07 PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity and arrested a male adult for public intoxication. - On June 15 at approximately 2:47 AM, officers arrested a male adult with an outstanding warrant, as the result of a traffic stop on the 15000 block of W. SH 29. - On June 15 at approximately 12:15 PM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 for a 911 hang up call. - On June 15 at approximately 12:59 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On June 15 at approximately 7:55 PM, officers responded to the intersection of US 183 and W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard.
- On June 16, at approximately 1:11 AM, officers responded to Cupreata Lane for suspicious activity - On June 16 at approximately 1:38 AM, officers responded to the 2000 block of RM 1869 for suspicious activity. - On June 16 at approximately 10:17 AM, officers responded to Old Glory Trail to assist the Liberty Hill Fire/ EMS. - On June 16 at approximately 3:44 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity. - On June 16 at approximately 9:51 PM, officers issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia as the result of a traffic stop on the 500 block of US 183. - On June 17 at approximately 1:18 AM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Loop 332 for a suspicious vehicle. - On June 17 at approximately 8:31 AM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious activity complaint. - On June 17 at approximately 1:09 PM, officers arrested a male adult with an outstanding warrant, as the result of a traffic stop on Loop 332. - On June 17 at approximately 7:34 PM, officers arrested a male adult with an outstanding warrant as the result of a traffic stop on Loop 332. - On June 17 at approximately 10:21 PM, officers responded to Becker Lane to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On June 18 at approximately
12:56 AM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Loop 332 for suspicious activity. - On June 18 at approximately 8:22 AM, officers responded to the 900 block of Loop 332 for suspicious activity. - On June 18 at approximately 5:07 PM, officers responded to Falcon Lane to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On June 19 at approximately 12:20 AM, officers responded to the intersection of US 183 and W. SH 29 for an accident. - On June 19 at approximately 1:08 PM, officers responded to Housefinch Loop to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On June 19 at approximately 3:09 PM, officers responded to Green Egret Way for a disturbance. - On June 19 at approximately 7:25 PM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On June 19 at approximately 11:12 PM, officers responded to Jonathan Drive for a disturbance. - On June 20 at approximately 1:28 AM, officers responded to Arrowhead Vine St. to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On June 20 at approximately 10:34AM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Loop 332 for a follow up. - On June 20 at approximately 2:26 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an alarm.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
PEDIATRICS
Continued from Page 1 other than normal things like building inspections.” The 6,000-square-foot building is expected to be completed in about six months, Scott added. The new building will have 14 exam rooms, as well as two separate entrances for sick and well children. “A lot of parents have made comments wishing our Liberty Hill office had that, so we are going to do it,” Scott said. “That way babies coming in for [well checks] won’t be mixed in with the sick kids.” Because the providers at Liberty Hill Pediatrics see children from birth to age 22, Scott said the office won’t just be for babies—it will be geared toward the older children and young adults as well. The new office will also have a breastfeeding room and lactation consultant onsite, in addition to consultation rooms for mental health consults. “All of our providers will see kids for ADHD, behavioral issues, depression or anxiety,” Scott said. “Especially with everything that’s gone on this last year, that’s a big part of our practice.” When the new practice opens, the hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Scott said the practice will also offer Saturday hours as well as appointments during the lunch hour. She said the
practice may also eventually offer a walk-in clinic for certain hours during the week. “When you call us, you are always going to be able to talk to somebody on the phone, even over lunch,” Scott said. “We also have an after-hours line. It’s not like calling a call center. Even though we are growing, we still want parents to think of us as a small-town practice and feel comfortable coming to us.” The current lineup of practitioners at Liberty Hill Pediatrics includes Scott, as well as Dr. Tim Spence, MD; Dr. Laura Swann, DNP, MSN, CPNPPC; and Katie Daymon, MSN, CPNP-PC. Liberty Hill Pediatrics also has a sister office in Cedar Park, called Whitestone Pediatrics. Patients are welcome to use both offices, Scott said. “Our patients are not a number,” Scott said. “We truly care about them like they are our own family. A lot of the struggles parents go through—we have been there because we are also parents. We go from diagnosing simple ear infections to cancer to depression. It’s not just one thing we deal with on a day-to-day basis. We are invested in the community.” For more information on Liberty Hill Pediatrics, visit www. libertyhillpediatrics.com.
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Throwback Thursday
Liberty Hill’s unofficial ambassador of good will
By JAMES WEAR Columnist Liberty Hill has no fewer than two schools carrying the names of former school superintendents. There’s the loop that runs through downtown that was renamed in honor of a former city council member. A park bears the name of Liberty Hill’s first mayor. And of course, with a little research, one would discover that just about every street in old town is named after someone or some family that were pioneers of the community. Today, given that this column appears on the opinion page of The Independent, it’s this writer’s suggestion that the decision makers of our community consider naming a park, a street or something after a fellow who’s a lifetime resident of Liberty Hill and who, over the years, represents the best of what this city has to offer. I’m speaking of Richard Montes. Now, Richard has never held a public office or operated a business here, but that never stopped him from playing an active role in the community. He’s what I would call a retired “honorary” member of what was once the Liberty Hill Volunteer Fire Department, and for many years has been an unabashed supporter of Liberty Hill athletic teams. It was about this time of year 10 years ago that Richard saved his father’s life. Former Independent staff
writer Kate Ludlow wrote of the incident, in which a cow attacked Richard’s father on family property, and spoke to Richard while he was recuperating from injuries he sustained during the incident. “My dad, he was calling out for help, and I helped him. After that, that cow turned around and attacked me,” he said. “He knocked me down. It hurt, and you know it broke maybe one or two of my ribs,” Richard told Kate. “I’m going to get up, try it again, when I get well,” he said, adding that he would like to make a few changes. “I wish they’d get rid of that cow,” he said. Richard’s popularity among both former and current residents of the city is reflected by the positive reactions (more than 400) of a picture of him posing in a fire truck that I recently posted on a Facebook page. Among the many comments included one from former Liberty Hill student Summer West, who noted, “…The man with the all-star smile who was always willing to help.” And help he did. Back when the fire station was located downtown, Richard would always walk down anytime the fire whistles blew…and remain at the station until all of the trucks and responders returned from a call. It would sometimes be hours, but Richard kept an eye on the station and volunteers’ belongings. He took pride in his job, and was always glad to climb aboard a fire truck during parades. During football season, Richard could always be found on the sidelines, cheering the Panthers on, and his support continued through the winter and spring sports.
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One of Richard’s friends snapped this photo of him posing with singer Dale Watson during May’s street dance. (Courtesy Photo)
JAMES WEAR PHOTO
More than 30 years ago Richard Montes agreed to pose for this publicity photo prior to a fundraiser for the Liberty Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
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By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Music was something Jason Kane White grew up with as a child in Lubbock, taking his lead from parents Don and Nancy, who were both singer-songwriters in country-mad West Texas. However, White had more of an edge to his music, playing in a rock band called Shattered Tears, in which he was lead guitarist throughout his high school years. No surprise, then, when it came time to pursue his musical calling, his journey didn’t take him east to Nashville, but west to Los Angeles. “My parents brought me up on country,” said White, whose current band, Jason Kane White and The Lonesome, will headline the Dancing Under the Stars Charity Concert Series at Shooting Star Ranch on July 2. “But, of course, I wanted to go a different path.” So, White and his bandmates packed up and soon found themselves in Tinseltown, playing venues on the Sunset Strip in the shadow of the famous Hollywood sign. It was the early 90s and the hair metal scene of the 1980s was slowly beginning to fade from the pop culture consciousness with bands such as Ratt, Motley Crue and Poison being replaced with Seattle-inspired grunge acts. However, all of it was new to White, he said. “Growing up in Lubbock, we only had exposure to so much,” said White. “There was no internet or anything back then, so whatever was on the local rock radio station was it.” But, after three years in Los Angeles, White decided he had endured enough of the West Coast lifestyle and decided to return to his home state – only chose Austin over returning to his hometown. “My dad had moved to Austin,” he said. “So, I went there instead. Funny thing is we almost moved there in the first place instead of L.A.” So, one might say his return to the Lone Star State had been in the stars all along, although from the mid-90s on
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Band’s singer back where he belongs
he continued to play guitar in rock bands for the next two decades, primarily with Austin bands illcamino and 8 Million Stories. Not until 2015 did White truly come full circle not only in a geographical sense – but musically, as well – joining country band Red Dirt Coalition, during which he began to sing along with his guitar duties, which he played in for the next few years until it was time to once again shift his musical ambitions. Upon joining Red Dirt Coalition, White had met fellow guitarist Rick Skillman and it wasn’t long until the duo set out to form a new band. “We wanted to write our own original songs,” said White. “We went through a few different phases, but we finally just released an EP – it’s the first album I’ve even done.” Along with Skillman, bassist Paul David and drummer Clay Gilbert, Jason Kane White and The Lonesome’s self-titled record is the culmination of all the years White has under his belt coming to fruition. “For me, it’s been great because as I’ve grown into being a lead singer, I feel as if my musical career has started over again,” he said. “I don’t think I would still be doing this if I hadn’t been inspired – now all I want to do is write songs and sing.” Speaking of inspiration, White said some of his more meaningful and poignant songs are ones written directly from the heart. “Usually the songs I like most are the ones that come from a personal place or by experience,” he said. “Sometimes, you just write fiction, but the others are the ones I really connect with.” Such an example is “Dark Horses,” a song that deals with the nature of relationships that have gone horribly wrong. “I’ve had close family who have been through bad relationships over and over only to keep going right back,” said White. “So, the song’s all about trying to break away.” White is an independent artist, meaning there is no contract
from a record label to pay the bills, so he still works construction during the day before picking up his guitar at night – but says even with days that begin at 7 a.m. and don’t end some nights until a gig is over as late as 11 p.m., it’s still worth it after all these years – although he certainly wishes he could completely drop one profession for the other, he said. “I just think of how much more time I could put into music if I didn’t have the daily grind to deal with,” said White. “But, that’s all about getting bigger shows.” For now, though, White is simply content to have found the right combination of musicians with which to work – as that makes all the difference, he said. “It’s very difficult to find the right chemistry,” said White. “I’ve been really lucky with how all this came together because it’s difficult to find guys who are really willing to commit – it can be a real challenge.” White lists Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and Turnpike Troubadours as artists who still influence him and said he hopes people who see his band walk away feeling equally impacted – and wanting more. “We want people to come see us again and go find our music,” he said. “Of course, we want them to enjoy it and Jason Kane White and The Lonesome will be the headline act at the Dancing Under the Stars make a good connection with event at Shooting Star Ranch on July 2. Tickets are available at L4Cares.org. (Courtesy Photo) the crowd.”
EDC
Continued from Page 1
The previous requirements and wording used in the programs included that 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 would be 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,” would be given priority consideration after applying. “The [requirements] about primary jobs and sales tax are much more measurable and
objective standards,” Powell said. “I’ve got a red line version I’m working on and when it’s done, in the next few days, I’ll send it out [to the EDC board] so you can start considering it on your own. We have three businesses currently that are interested in participating in these programs as soon as they are approved for use.” Powell also brought up the need to schedule a meeting with the Council, as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission. No dates were selected, but city staff will work with each of the groups to find a date that works in the next 30 days.
“We were hoping to see the rebound,” Powell said. “The economy was very strange a year ago, and our local economy seems to be doing what it needs to be doing.” The Board tabled action on appointing a new member to the panel, citing the Board needed to get to know the applicants better before making a decision. The EDC Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. The next meeting, which would normally take place July 21, may be moved to accommodate city staff’s vacation schedules.
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The EDC Board also plans to begin a quarterly community business presentation, where various community and business leaders will come to present on a topic of interest. “The first speaker will be [Williamson County] Commissioner Cynthia Long, who wants to talk about road projects in and around Liberty Hill that the County is involved with,” Powell said, adding that a date has not yet been set. Powell also provided an update on the City’s sales tax numbers. As of June 16, that number was $215,313—the biggest sales tax revenue month ever at this time of year.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Page 5
McCoy’s grand opening ushers in community By SCOTT AKANEWICH Staff Writer When walking into the new McCoy’s Building Supply in Liberty Hill, one is quickly met with a friendly greeting from a salesperson behind the front counter, but that’s only the beginning of the family-friendly feel the business is looking to create. “One of our goals is to get involved with the community,” said Matthew Pool, store manager. The store’s grand opening was on June 16 during which a host of local dignitaries was on hand for the festivities that included a ribbon cutting ceremony in which a 2x4 was used instead of the customary banner normally used for such occasions, and a saw in place of scissors. Liberty Hill’s location is the latest in a chain of 117 stores McCoy’s operates – primarily across the state of Texas, in which there are currently 94 – with additional storefronts in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Mississippi. Until now, the closest one to Liberty Hill was in Georgetown, but no longer – and for good reason, said Pool. “We recognized Liberty Hill was an under-served market,” he said. “The biggest thing
I’ve heard from people so far who have walked in our doors is ‘I’m glad you’re here.’” The store features 15,000 square feet of indoor retail space, along with a paved, drive-through lumber yard in order to serve both kinds of customers, said Pool. “We serve commercial clients, as well as the do-it-yourself crowd,” he said. “About 70 percent of our business comes from the lumber yard and the other 30 from retail inside the store.” Speaking of the spacious lumber yard that accompanies the store, McCoy’s is able to feature the highest-quality of wood products due to the strong bonds that the company has forged with suppliers over the years. “These days, availability is an issue for some retailers,” said Pool. “But, with the relationships and partnerships we’ve managed to build, we can always get stuff when a lot of our competitors have trouble. What sets us apart is the grade of wood we consistently have in stock – it’s just a better product.” With a distribution center right down the road in nearby Burnet – one of the largest of its kind in the state – the supply of product is always steady, but
SERVICES
support community development and affordable housing efforts for low and moderate-income areas throughout the County. The County will also reallocate $329,994 from previously funded projects that are now complete or did not utilize funding. In total, the County will allocate $2,023,034 in the FY21 Annual Action Plan. On June 22, 2021 Williamson County Commissioner’s Court approved the proposed projects to be included in the 2021 Annual Action Plan. In accordance with HUD regulations, the County encourages public participation to review and comment on the proposed projects and to review and comment on the FY2019-2023 Consolidated Plan which describes goals, objectives and the types of County activities to be potentially funded over the next five years. Notice is hereby given that the Williamson County Community Development Block Grant is presenting an updated Citizen Participation Plan. Direct written comments by July 26, 2021 to the following address: Honorable Bill Gravell, County Judge, 710 Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. The proposed plans are available for review from June 24, 2021-July 26, 2021 at the following locations: Williamson County Courthouse and Website at www. wilco.org City Halls of the following: City of Cedar Park, City of Coupland, City of Georgetown, City of Granger, City of Hutto, City of Jarrell, City of Leander, City of Liberty Hill, City of Taylor, City of Weir. A public hearing will be held by the Williamson County CDBG office on Tuesday, July
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PUBLIC NOTICES MISSING PROPERTY If you believe the police department may have a found item that belongs to you, you can call the Property Division directly at 512-548-5530 or email at ekrause@libertyhilltx.gov. When contacting the Property Division, describe the item(s) you are looking for, in detail, and we will let you know if we have it. If we do, we will make arrangements to get it back to you. (6/24) NOTICE OF PUBLIC POSTING FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY/ HUD CDBG GRANT POSTING OF 2021 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Williamson County has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocation of $1,693,040 to successfully
McCoy’s store manager Matthew Pool cuts the board during a grand opening ceremony last week at the company’s new Liberty Hill location. (Courtesy Photo by Kendra Coffer) just as important – or perhaps even more so – is the friendly, helpful service his employees By SCOTT AKANEWICH provide, he said. “Not only our pricing, but it’s Staff Writer our people and service which When Griffon Ramsey arrived sets us apart,” said Pool. “After to set up shop in front of the all, we’re in the people busi- newly-opened McCoy’s Buildness – we just happen to sell ing Supply early on a Saturday morning, all she had in front of lumber.” According to Pool, the only her to work with was a cypress way to achieve the kind of re- log. lationship with the community, Eight hours later, the big hunk which is the goal, is to take it of wood had been transformed into the likeness of Liberty Hill step-by-step. “Before you can care about High School’s mascot – a Panpeople, you need to know ther. them,” said Pool. “Before you Large piles of sawdust formed can know them, you need to a circle all around Ramsey’s SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO serve them. We want people to makeshift workshop in the parking lot while customers on Chainsaw sculptor Griffon Ramsey carved a Liberty Hill Panfeel welcome here.” thers mascot out of cypress during a promotional event at McSee SCULPTOR, Page 7 Coy’s Building Supply last week.
Sculptor uses blades to create art
13, 2021 at 5:00pm at the Williamson County Courthouse located at 710 Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. Please use the 8th Street entrance. The purpose of the hearing is to obtain comments regarding the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. Williamson County is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Please call 512-943-3757 (voice) or Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) for assistance. Williamson County also offers, to all non-speaking English persons and upon written request, translated versions of all public documents and public hearing notices. Non-English speaking persons who desire translated public documents or public notices should formally request these items from the Williamson County CDBG Office during normal business hours. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities and for non-English speaking populations will be made upon request and as appropriate. Call 512-943-3757 or write to the address above to request information, documents, records or accommodations. Bill Gravell, County Judge AVISO PÚBLICO DE LA FIJACIÓN DE WILLIAMSON COUNTY / HUD CDBG GRANT DESPLAZAMIENTO DE 2021 PLAN DE ACCIÓN ANUAL AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA El Condado de Williamson se ha adjudicado un Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) (Beca de Bloque del
CLASSIFIED ADS $15/week for Minimum 30 Words Additional Words $0.20 Deadline: Noon Mondays NEWS@LHINDEPENDENT.COM (512) 778-5577 Desarrollo de las Comunidad) la asignación de fondos de 1.693.040 dólares para apoyar con éxito el desarrollo de la comunidad y los esfuerzos de vivienda asequible para las zonas de bajos y moderados ingresos en todo el Condado. El Condado reasignará $ 329,994 de proyectos previamente financiados que ahora están completos o no utilizaron fondos. En total, el Condado asignará $ 2,023,034 en el Plan de Acción Anual de FY21. El 22 de junio de 2021 la Corte Williamson del Comisionado del Condado aprobó los proyectos propuestos para ser incluidos en el Plan de Acción Anual 2021. De conformidad con las regulaciones de HUD, el Condado fomenta la participación del público a revisar y comentar sobre los proyectos propuestos y para revisar y comentar sobre el Plan Consolidado FY2019 -2023 que describe las metas, los objetivos y los tipos de actividades del Condado para ser potencialmente financiado durante los próximos cinco años. Por la presente se da aviso de que la Subvención para el Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Williamson presenta un Plan de Participación Ciudadana actualizado. Los comentarios deben ser recibidas antes del 26 de julio de 2021 a la siguiente dirección: Honorable Bill Gravell, Juez del Condado 710 Main Street, Ste 101 Georgetown, TX 78626. Los planes propuestos están
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disponibles para revisión del 24 de junio de 2021 al 26 de julio de 2021 en los siguientes lugares: Corte del Condado de Williamson y SitioWeb en www. wilco.org Ayuntamientos de las siguientes: Ciudad de Cedar Park, Ciudad de Coupland, Ciudad de Georgetown, Ciudad de Granger, Ciudad de Hutto, Ciudad de Jarrell, Ciudad de Leander, Ciudad de Liberty Hill, Ciudad de Taylor, Ciudad de Thrall, Ciudad de Weir. Una audiencia pública se llevará a cabo por la oficina de CDBG del Condado de Williamson el Martes, 13 de julio 2021 a las 5:00 pm en el Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Williamson ubicado en 710 Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. Por favor, use la entrada de 8th Street (Calle Ocho). El propósito de la audiencia es para obtener comentarios sobre el Plan Consolidado y el Plan de Acción Anual. El Condado de Williamson se compromete al cumplimiento de la Ley de Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA) y la Sección 504 del Acta de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada. Modificaciones razonables e igual acceso a comunicaciones se puede proporcionar a petición. Por favor llame a 512-943-3757 (voz) o Relay Texas al 1-800735-2989 (TDD) para obtener ayuda. El Condado de Williamson también ofrece, a todas las personas que no hablen inglés
y previa solicitud por escrito, versiones traducidas de todos los documentos públicos y avisos de audiencia pública. Las personas que no hablen inglés que deseen documentos públicos traducidos o avisos públicos deben solicitar estos artículos formalmente en la Oficina de CDBG del Condado de Williamson durante el horario comercial normal. Se realizarán adaptaciones razonables para personas con discapacidades y para poblaciones que no hablen inglés a pedido y según corresponda. Llame al 512-943-3757 o escriba a la dirección de arriba para solicitar información, documentos, registros o adaptaciones. Bill Gravell, Juez del Condado (6/24)
LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given application is being made to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission by Thirsty Penguin LLC, for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit and a Retail Dealer’s On-Premise Late Hours License doing business as Thirsty Penguin to be located at 14751 Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, TX 78642. Manager is Brent Cloyd.
SPORTS
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, June 24, 2021 Page 6
Panthers linemen qualify for state event
Liberty Hill will compete in Abilene
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor In order for any offensive line to function properly, all five members must work in unison like a well-oiled machine and for the Panthers and their Slot-T offense, it’s perhaps even more critical due to the nature of the offense’s complexity. All that being said, with five fresh starters along the Purpleand-Gold front this upcoming season, it’s never too early to begin the process of developing the kind of cohesion that will be necessary to allow the Liberty Hill offense to roll up the amounts of yardage it’s accustomed to. So, the fact the Panthers’ blockers will compete at the Lineman Challenge state championships at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene after a third-place finish at the qualifying event in Burnet is definitely a good sign. Chance Pogue is one of the incoming seniors on next season’s squad who will be asked to carry his share of the load in clearing the way for Panthers ballcarriers. He said the chance to compete alongside his brothers-in-arms against live competition for the first
time was an experience to enjoy. “It was really intense,” said Pogue, who mans the quick guard position on the Liberty Hill line. “I had never gotten to do something like this before.” The competition consists of several events that test speed, endurance and of course, strength, such as flipping and throwing tractor tires, dumbbell relay races, bench press and tug-of-war, among others. In stark contrast to flashy 7-on-7 competitions that showcase skill players, the lineman challenge shines the spotlight squarely on the foot soldiers in the trenches who open up running alleys and passing lanes – in other words, the ones who make it all possible. Usually, battles such as these are won by sheer size and brute strength, with combatants on both sides of the line of scrimmage weighing in at up to 300 pounds or more. However, the Panthers consistently feature relative lightweights in this department, relying instead on a combination of superior speed, guile and work ethic – a fact embraced by Pogue. “People see a 180-pound
guard like me and don’t think much,” said Pogue. “We might not be as big, but we’re faster and stronger.” Despite the reputation that proceeds them, though, Kasyn Herman, who will also be a senior next season, believes he and his teammates are always underestimated by their opponents at the outset of an engagement – whether it be a game or a competition such as the Lineman Challenge. “People come out and play us and can’t handle our speed,” said Herman. “Also, we can do it for all four quarters.” Pogue said his favorite event of the lot is the bench press. “Yeah, that’s what I’m best at,” he said. “It’s a really good endurance test.” In fact, Pogue recalled how at the event in Burnet as he was getting ready for his turn on the bench, there were several opponents who were acting as if they were going to dominate. Not so fast, he said. “There were some guys who were getting all hyped going in – guys twice our size,” said Pogue. “But, then I went in and did 26 repetitions of 185 pounds.” As far as having the opportu-
Liberty Hill will compete at the Lineman Challenge state championships after qualifying with a third-place finish at the preliminary event in Burnet. (Courtesy Photo) nity to better get to know those he will be taking the field on Friday nights with, Pogue said it’s reassuring to become familiar with them in advance. “It’s really important – a team is a team for a reason,” he said. “I want to know what my team is all about and know the guys next to me can do their jobs to the best of their ability.” Herman agreed. “When we run plays, I know
where the other guys are going to be,” he said. “Chemistry is what’s important.” Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker likes the fact his linemen are getting their fair share of attention. “All those guys do a lot of work,” he said. “But, don’t always get the recognition they deserve,” Walker also buys into the camaraderie aspect of it all.
“It’s great for them to be working together and competing,” said Walker. “Anytime you can do that, you have to take advantage.” Herman said he and his teammates are ready for the challenge that lies ahead. “We’re going to state hungry,” he said. “We want to show everyone what we’re all about.”
THE LAST GAME
Teammates for the last time Lady Panthers senior sad for separation
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Baylee Laird and Kenzy Wise walked off the court together at Glenn High School in the aftermath of their season-ending defeat to the Grizzlies, the longtime Lady Panthers teammates took a moment to reflect on all they had been through over the past three years. However, while it was onward and upward for Wise – only a junior – the occasion marked the final game of Laird’s competitive basketball career. To say it was an emotional moment for the pair would be an understatement. “After the game was over, we just walked away from everyone,” said Laird. “Kenzy’s my best friend and I knew I would never play a game with her again.” In a season that saw Laird and her teammates struggle on the court in a rugged district – which featured eventual state champions Cedar Park – during the program’s first year as a Class 5A squad and off the court with pandemic-related
quarantines that depleted the roster, the Lady Panthers still had a chance to clinch a playoff berth on the final day of the regular season. A victory over Glenn would have provided Liberty Hill a chance to play into the postseason, but once the final buzzer rang on a 47-40 defeat, the curtain dropped, ending the Lady Panthers’ season with a sixth-place finish. Just like that, something Laird had been doing since the age of five was gone and with it a surreal mixture of sorrow and solitude set in, with only a short six-mile trip home to process what had just happened. However, due to health restrictions at the time, there was no bus ride to commiserate collectively. Instead, Laird rode back alone with mother Camille as the healing process began. According to Laird, though, it was more celebration than mourning. “Basketball was always me and my mom’s thing,” said Laird. “She was the one who got me into playing in the first
place, so we just talked about the good times, although it did get a little emotional.” In the days, weeks and months that have followed, Laird has graduated and begun to ready herself to begin studying nursing at Austin Community College in the fall, along with working at a local pre-school and day care center where she teaches easy curriculum in such things as numbers, reading and counting. During that time, Laird said she hasn’t had the desire to get back out on the court – at least not yet. “I’ve picked up a basketball maybe once or twice since then – I couldn’t tell you when the last time was,” she said. “But, I can use a break until I figure out how to enjoy it again.” For the time being, one thing she’s enjoying is no longer being saddled with the burden of the dedication level, which was required during her playing days, she said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a relief,” said Laird. “But, now I don’t have to wake up early or practice for three hours a day any-
ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO
Baylee Laird (#12) will most miss the competitive aspect of basketball as she moves on to pursue a career in nursing. more and I have more time.” Leading up to the Glenn game, Laird said she knew there was a distinct possibility the contest could be her last, but the glimmer of home provided by
the chance the Lady Panthers could still progress into the postseason was enough to fuel her fires in the run up to the regular-season finale. “It was really unfortunate
because we kept working really hard in practice,” she said. “So, it was really upsetting at the end. But, I’m moving on and getting my life started.”
Hoops coach hopes to encourage interaction at camp
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor As someone who was born and raised in Liberty Hill, Jareck Naylor can truly appreciate exactly what it means to bleed Purple-and-Gold. After finishing his Panthers playing career as a critical contributor on the Liberty Hill squad that advanced all the way to the Class 4A state championship game at the end of the 2018-19 season, Naylor moved on to play at East Texas Baptist University, where he is still a student. But, he still has time in his busy schedule to return to the place that shaped him as not only a player, but a person, serving as a coach at the annual Runnin’ Panther Hoops Camp. The reason for this is quite simple, he said. “My love of basketball,” said Naylor. “I want the next generation of players to love it as much as I do.” The camp is split up into two four-day sessions in consecutive weeks, with one for players in third through sixth grades and another for seventh to ninth-graders – a change
from the past when all campers attended at the same time in all-day affairs as opposed to the four-hour windows utilized this year. According to Liberty Hill head boys’ coach Barry Boren, the switch was made to accommodate more numbers. “The last time we had the camp back in 2019, we had 200 in all, but had to turn 20 away at the door once we were full,” said Boren. “I wanted it so I wouldn’t have to do that anymore.” Last summer, the camp was canceled due to the pandemic, so it was good to just be back after the business of instruction was interrupted, he said. “One of the first things I told everyone was to give themselves a round of applause,” said Boren. “Because we were able to have camp again this year.” Campers were divided up into groups of 24 – with each supervised by two or three coaches – while being put through the paces in a wide variety of drills that focused primarily on fundamentals such as shooting, ballhandling, layups, passing, offense and defense.
SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO
Players who attended the Runnin’ Panthers Hoops Camp were schooled in basic fundamentals of the game over the course of the four-day event. After that, teams squared off in half-court play to put into effect all they had been working on earlier, with ribbons given out for achievements and “Players of the Day” named.
Specific emphasis is put on a teaching progression in which the coaches start off simple and gradually increase the difficulty of the drills in order to keep the learning curve challenging without it being too
steep, with consideration also given to the age and skill level of the group. Naylor said for the younger campers, sticking with the basics is usually the best course of action – at least to begin
with. “I just stress fundamentals like playing good defense, talking and having good communication with one another,”
See HOOPS, Page 7
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Fork
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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flooded us out.” Anderson Price, owner of the former Hobo Junction building, had been a customer at Farm to Fork for some time, and had been telling Schaffner she needed to come see the building for a possible expansion of her business. “I was hesitant, because I ate there as a child and loved it, but I knew the work the building needed,” she said. “When the flood happened, Anderson took the opportunity to get to my feels and said, ‘Come and walk through it with me, and let’s talk.’ My husband, Jim, and I did, and I don’t know what it was, but walking through the doors felt like we were where we needed to be.” Schaffner, who has been a chef for 26 years, said when she was a child and she’d eat at the restaurant with her parents, it was always a memo-
LHISD
rable experience. Her parents have since passed away, which added to the feeling that she was coming full circle by moving into the space. After that, Schaffner dove right in. She left the Leander location behind and turned her focus to the Liberty Hill restaurant, which is more than double the size of her previous restaurant. What was supposed to be a 60-day remodel project turned into a longer project than expected, but now the restaurant is prepared to open July 1, as long as all building inspections go well, Schaffner said. “We will continue to do some of the fine dining options where folks can enjoy a higher-end meal on Friday and Saturday nights, but we will also be a seven-day-a-week operation, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” Schaffner said. “We
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In the recent past, the funds have been used to help pay for expenses required to open new schools, as will be the case this fiscal year as the district opens a new middle school and converts the intermediate campus to Louine Noble Elementary. Guerrero said when studying the pay raise recommendation, administrators gave special consideration to the deficit it would create. “You can look at the deficit as part of the overall budget that is .3 percent of the overall (proposed) budget,” she said. “If we were to adopt a deficit (budget), we would never realize it because of where we end up at the end of the year
Hoops
because of our growth. Looking historically, would we realize that? Not necessarily. If we decide to adopt a deficit budget, it’s about the commitment to utilize the fund balance toward that deficit.” Administrators formed a committee of teachers to seek their opinions on the proposed pay increase. “We got great feedback from them,” said Guerrero, adding that the entire budget process was explained to the group to facilitate a better understanding of the district’s finances and how compensation decisions are made. “They have a better understanding now of why, and they never had that before.”
want people to come sit at our bar and have eggs and a good cup of coffee, but we also want to offer beef wellington.” Schaffner said the menu will remain 90 percent the same as it was in Leander, but the breakfast menu will be new as well as several “blue plate specials” for lunch. Dinners will consist of Southern homestyle type foods, like chicken fried steak, grilled pork chops, beef tenderloin, collard greens, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Beer and wine will be available, and eventually a full bar will be as well, pending TABC approval. “We are super excited to be here,” Schaffner said. “Leander grew so quickly—leaps and bounds every year—and we will miss our community over there, but I take no less than 30 phone calls a day and answer private messages from
Mabry said he explained to the committee that opening new campuses this fall and adding 57 new teaching positions had further limited their options regarding increased pay this fiscal year. The district ended the school year with 764 employees. In fiscal 2021, it will add the following: 57 teachers, 11 Student Support Services, one principal, one assistant principal, two counselors, one librarian, one nurse, one instructional coach, 11 para-professionals, 10 custodians, five maintenance/ grounds, five bus drivers. Following an executive session on personnel Monday, Trustees appointed Kristine
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he said. “Once they get those things clear, we can move on to others things which are more advanced.” However, one thing most young players need to work on is not automatically swarming to the ball even if it’s not near them, said Naylor. “Sometimes it’s like ants going after it,” he said. “So, I remind them to keep their spacing, but sometimes it’s tough, so you just look for little improvements.” In addition to providing tangible instruction, Naylor said he enjoys being someone the campers can hold in high es-
Sculptor
teem as a former Panthers player. “It feels great knowing they look up to us,” he said. “So, I just want to be a role model.” Speaking of which, Naylor always has sage advice from someone who knows for those that don’t yet. “I tell them to stick with it because hard work will take you far in life,” he said. “Just have fun and stick with the game because learning to face adversity is one of the benefits of basketball.” One of the most beneficial aspect of the camp was the written evaluation each camper
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their way in and out of the store stopped by to marvel at what Ramsey had created in forming something out of nothing. But, it was how she went about shaping it that was the focal point of fascination for most passers-by. Ramsey is a world-renowned, award-winning chainsaw sculptor whose work has been featured in movies, theater and other various forms of pop culture mediums, who was on hand to fashion the piece that will be displayed at the high school. According to Ramsey, the seemingly simple design of the wood animal was more complicated than it appeared on the surface. “Actually, it was relatively difficult,” said Ramsey, an Oregon native who is based in Austin and has lived and worked in Texas for several years. “I have a hard time with wildcats because of all the detail. The challenge is to get it
done in time.” Ramsey does two kinds of work – performance pieces, like the Panther and commissioned work for organizations and individuals. When she finds herself at an event like the one at McCoy’s, Ramsey takes on the role of a performer as well as an artist as she slices and dices her way through a block of wood much to the delight of spectators. “When I’m in front of a crowd, I’m more of a performer than an artist,” said Ramsey. “I think the novelty for most people is it’s done about 90 percent by saw.” Speaking of which, Ramsey has an entire arsenal of saws at her disposal, among many other power tools that are used at various stages of the carving process. In fact, with the level of confidence and skill she wields her weapons of creativity with, it’s difficult to imagine she was once leery of the saw-toothed mechanical monsters.
customers all the time asking when we will be open in Liberty Hill. This just feels right for us—we are a family owned and operated business.” Schaffner said most of the servers and cooks she’s had for the last seven years are coming with her to the new location. She and Jim Schaffner have five children, and their kids have pitched in to run the front end and manage the restaurant as well. “One of the greatest things about being a chef and owning a restaurant is seeing people get engaged, married, have babies, go off to college,” she added. “Seeing that line of people out the door, and they’re here because they want your good food, is just the greatest. I want everyone to sit at the table and feel like they are sitting at my table.” Schaffner said she prides her
Kline, current Santa Rita Elementary Principal, as Director of Elementary Education; and Travis Motal, current Junior High Principal, as Director of Secondary Education. The two new administrative positions were created in the spring to “support student instruction and coach campus principals,” Mabry said. “We absorbed an Assistant Superintendent position so that we could add these two positions. We wanted to give more support to our campuses and felt these two positions were the best way to achieve that goal.” For more on Monday’s Board meeting, visit www.LHIndependent.com.
restaurant on sourcing as locally as possible. A local baker makes all their bread, their beef always come from Texas, the pork comes from Glen Rose and the chicken comes from Stephenville. “We try to source everything within Texas as much as we can,” she said. “If you want to know where your tomato came from, I can probably tell you. We go to local farmers’ markets to meet local farmers and ranchers, talk to them and ask about visiting their operations.” After the restaurant opens, Schaffner said the focus will turn to the restaurant’s outdoor space, which will have outdoor dining and seating, a playscape for kids, and eventually a beer and wine bar. The outdoor area will be dog friendly, and Schaffner also hopes to utilize part of the yard for small ca-
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tered get togethers. The former Hobo Junction was home to two large murals, which the Schaffners tried to preserve. The outdoor mural, of a train, was able to remain, but the indoor mural could not be salvaged because of the condition it was in, Schaffner said. She knew the importance of the mural to locals, so she had an artist take about 200 stills of the mural and put it on a canvas, which will be hung in the restaurant. “Our customers come for what we represent,” said Jim Schaffner. “It’s the total package. We want them to sit down and have a meal, and they might come in as a stranger, but they will leave as a friend.” For more information and updates on the grand opening, visit www.farmtoforktexas. com or search for Farm to Fork on Facebook.
RACHEL MADISON PHOTO
Education Foundation salutes donors
The Liberty Hill Independent School District Education Foundation hosted its first-ever donor mixer on June 17 at Hell or Highwater Brewing. The event was held as a thank you to donors, as well as an informational evening for potential donors. At the event, McCoy’s Building Supply presented a check for $1,000 to the Foundation, and Liberty Hill Beer Market presented a check for $500.
received upon the conclusion, which included a detailed checklist of everything that had been learned along with additional comments provided by the coaches based on what they had seen of the particular player over the course of the four days. Categories the campers were rated on included rebounding, shooting, ballhandling, passing, defense and perhaps most important of all – intangibles, which covered aspects such as teamwork, hustle sportsmanship, attitude and overall basketball knowledge. In fact, during his closing
comments to the campers and parents who were in attendance for the awards ceremony, Boren made reference to a crucial component often missing in today’s society. “Kids need to learn to play with others,” he said. “They need to be able to win, lose and be able to deal with it.” To further illustrate this point, he recalled a recent occurrence in which one of his grandchildren was told to go play outside only for him to object because morning was his “screen time.” “With all the technology in the world today, kids don’t
play outside anymore,” said Boren. “So, we need to model what we want them to do appropriately, expand it with guidance and then just let them play.” In addition to Naylor, former Panthers players Carson Perkins, Parker McCurdy and Cade Cole worked the camp as part of the coaching staff along with recently graduated seniors Bobby Mundy and Kadin Knight, which provided them with an opportunity to give back to the program while also getting the chance to wax nostalgic for their time on the team, said Boren.
“I think it gives them the chance to be back with some guys who mean so much to them,” he said. “They get to reminisce about a very good part of their lives.” Naylor was happy to do both – but especially the former, he said. “I love what Coach Boren has done for all of us,” said Naylor, who began attending the camp as a first-grader. “Being a part of this for all these years has taught me a lot, I’ve built relationships and knew what he wanted out of me as a player.”
“My ex-husband gave me a chainsaw as a gift,” said Ramsey. “But, I was pregnant at the time and even after that as a young mother, I was afraid to use it, so I just put it away in the basement and didn’t even touch it for about six or seven years.” Despite her initial trepidation of the tools, which would later become an extension of her creativity, the seeds for woodcarving were sown early on in her life, she said. “Back when I was a kid in Oregon, I would see my grandpa carving wood,” said Ramsey. “I was also fascinated by the totem poles I would see, but it wasn’t until I moved to Texas that I started chainsaw sculpting.” However, since she first fired up a saw, Ramsey’s career has been trending upward and her passion has fueled a career that has seen her travel all over the world for competitions, trade shows and the like – an impressive list that includes
England, Scotland, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany and France – but there’s one destination on her itinerary that is her favorite. “I loved Slovakia,” she said. “I carved a church made out of ice, which was very challenging.” You see, Ramsey doesn’t only work in wood, but frozen water, as well, which requires even more of a steady hand, she said. “With ice, you need to be a lot more careful and use different cuts, so big chunks just don’t break off,” said Ramsey. “For that, I use battery-operated and electric saws.” So, what happens if a mistake is made? After all, one can’t go back and replace wood or ice that has already been carved away. No worries, said Ramsey. “There are no do-overs,” she said. “But, you learn how to overcome mistakes by fixing them and that’s all part of the fun.”
Especially when the action is fast and furious, like when Ramsey only has a certain window of time to create a work – such as the Panther, for example. “There’s definitely an element of power and speed involved,” she said. In fact, when she’s tackling some of her tougher projects – particularly during competitions that are primarily outdoors during the warmer months, her vocation takes on more the aspects of an athletic event from her personal perspective. “Sometimes it can be very physical and takes a lot of stamina,” said Ramsey. To that end, carving must be practiced regularly to maintain proper form – just like an athlete who must work at staying on top of his or her game, she said. “It’s important to be able to stay fluid in your movements,” said Ramsey. “The only way to do that is to carve.”
Something else that tangibly affects the outcome is the type of wood used for a particular piece, as Ramsey usually uses whatever kind is indigenous to wherever she happens to be in the world – but, not all of it is suitable. “In Texas, it’s usually cedar or cypress because that’s what’s around here,” she said. “Back east, there’s white pine which is good, but not all wood is usable for carving if it’s too strong, has a lot of knots or is spongy, which is bad for trying to carve details.” At the end of the day, it was time for Ramsey to pack up all her gear as she left behind another masterpiece although she said once she finishes a piece, she usually doesn’t look back. “I’m always looking forward to the next one,” she said. “Mostly, I just love the lifestyle, spending time with other artists and going on the international trips – carving gives me a reason to go places.”
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