LH INDEPENDENT 9-16-21 by The Liberty Hill Independent

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2021

Volume 34, Issue 43

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September 16, 2021 | 50 Cents

Council adopts new drought contingency plan

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer The City Council called a special meeting Monday to adopt a new drought contingency plan to align better with the City of Leander’s current plan. “We are mirroring what’s going on in Leander so we don’t have restrictions that are more strict than the City of Leander,” said City Attorney Marianella Joseph. The Council voted unanimously to adopt the new ordi-

nance. City Administrator Lacie Hale said information is posted on the City’s website and on social media so that the changes “are clean and clear and understood as far as what goes for our water.” Under the new ordinance, water restrictions will be slightly relaxed, but Liberty Hill will remain in Phase 2. The slightly relaxed water restrictions mean that residential customers are now allowed to use an automatic irrigation

system or hose-end sprinkler one day per week between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. The watering day for street addresses ending in 1, 5 or 9 is Friday; street addresses ending in 2, 4, 6 or 8 is Wednesday; and street addresses ending in 0, 3 or 7 is Sunday, according to the new ordinance. The same parameters apply for commercial, multi-family and homeowners’ association customers, but with different watering days. These customers with street addresses end-

ing in 1, 5 or 9 may water on Fridays; street addresses ending in 2, 4, 6 or 8 may water on Wednesdays; and street addresses ending in 0, 3 and 7 may water on Sundays. According to the ordinance, there are no limits for watering from a hand-held hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation system. All other nonessential water uses are still prohibited. Violations of the restrictions is punishable by a ﬁne of up to $2,000 per day. Lastly, according to a state-

ment released by the City of Liberty Hill Wednesday morning, Wetzel Park will remain closed for the season, and will re-open in 2022. Also at the meeting, the Council unanimously approved the job description for a new finance director for the City. Hale said she removed all the human resources duties, which were previously given to the City’s finance director, so that whoever is hired will have more expertise in the finance arena. The job was post-

ed this week. Interim Finance Director Misti Hancock will stay on board to assist the City with its ﬁnances until a new director is hired and trained. The Council terminated the employment last month of Becky Wilkins, former ﬁnance director, for substandard productivity and workmanship and discourteous conduct. The Council met Sept. 8 for a monthly workshop. During

See COUNCIL, Page 4

All classes, grade levels learning on campus this week

RACHEL MADISON PHOTO

Garry and Nancy Goerdel stand together in the gallery they built on their property to house his numerous works of art. Garry Goerdel has been painting since he was a child and has decided to share his art with the community through private and invitation-only showings.

Local painter uses memories as inspiration

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer When you look at Garry Goerdel’s paintings, it’s a lot like looking inside his memories -- like the times he helped to brand cattle as a young man or the places he has traveled that left an impression of their beauty. Now, he’s sharing those memories with the community inside his “Gallery on a Hill”, a gallery he built just outside his home in Liberty Hill. The gallery opening is set for Sept. 17 and 18, and he hopes it will be the ﬁrst of many showings of his work. “I would like to host these showings frequently,” he said. “I’m painting new things regularly, so I will be able to switch out what’s on display about

every six months. The gallery won’t be open to the public, but we want to share the art with the community, so we will be doing these showings frequently.” Goerdel, who has been hooked on painting since he won third place in an art competition at the age of 8, said his work is all based on his childhood and life experiences. “I can give you a story for almost every painting,” he said. “I don’t ever just pull something out of the air. I’m motivated by my past experiences.” Goerdel attended Stephen F. Austin University where he earned his degree in art education. He spent much of his career working for the Texas Water Commission, where

he designed everything from magazine covers to brochures. Following his 21-year stretch there, Goerdel became a creative partner in a t-shirt business that designed Texas-inspired wares. He retired in 1996 and spent some time doing freelance work for various organizations, designing book covers, brochures and more, but once he ofﬁcially exited the working world, he turned back to his original passion -oil painting. “I’ve always enjoyed doing oil painting, but I got so busy with life and my family it dropped to the wayside,” he said. “The work I did professionally was with watercolor or acrylic paints. Since I got back into my studio, all I’ve done is work in oil paints.

Liberty Hill Public Library creating Friends program to raise funds

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer A new building for the Liberty Hill Public Library has been a dream of Director Angela Palmer for the last eight years. One way she hopes to help ﬁnance it is by creating a Friends of the Liberty Hill Public Library District program. “As we move toward a new building, I’d like to have a Friends group to advocate for us, help us build support, do some fundraising and a number of other things,” she said. “The Friends program can be a 501(c)3 organization and can apply for grants that we can’t ©2021 The Liberty Hill Independent

as a library. It’s basically going to be a support group for the library.” Palmer said she is looking for people from all areas of the community to join, including local business owners, school leaders, community members and representatives from City Hall. “We want to form a broadbased coalition to help us as we move forward with a new building,” she said. “The new building won’t cost the taxpayers anything because the library funds are sales tax based, but we still need to raise money for a new building.” The need for a larger building is becoming more and more of a necessity, Palmer said, citing the area’s growth as the main reason. “We are at the very beginning of the process, trying to ﬁnd

My collection includes some of my earlier work, from the 1970s, and then my most recent work that I’ve done in the last few years.” Goerdel’s wife, Nancy, said he has worked in a variety of different styles over the years, which has led him to create a wide range of paintings. “A lot of artists can be put into a category of what they’re known for, but I enjoy working in all areas,” he said. “The contemporary and abstract I enjoy doing as much as landscapes. My paintings are not truly photographic; they are more impressionism.” Garry Goerdel said he changes his painting style frequently, so he never gets bored.

See PAINTER, Page 3

By CHRISTIAN BETANCOURT Staff Writer More than 1,000 Liberty Hill students returned to their classrooms Monday after a week of distance learning due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Liberty Hill ISD ofﬁcials say all classrooms and grade levels are continuing classes as usual this week, and they are hopeful that case numbers will drop. “So far, it’s been a good week,” said LHISD Superintendent Steve Snell. “Right now, all of our classrooms and grade levels are open, and we’re working hard to keep it that way. Our cases are lower than the week prior. I was able to visit and walk the schools on Monday. Everybody is settling down. We’re seeing cases go down on the campuses, and hopefully, that will continue. Things are going well in our district.” Snell said distance learning helped stop the rapid spread at Liberty Hill Middle School where all grade levels were sent home Sept. 2 for six days. “We had a high spread last week,” he said. “Overall, we feel we stopped the spread, and it has been slow.” According to the district website, which tracks cases in the schools, there have been 578 student cases and 92 staff cases reported for

the school year. Of that total, 154 student cases and 24 staff member cases remain active while 424 students and 68 staff have recovered as of noon Wednesday. On Sept. 9, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill providing funds for school districts across the state to offer virtual learning for up to 10 percent of their student body. Snell said the district is weighing the interest in a remote option. “We sent out a survey, and we had about 178 parents respond (interested in virtual learning),” said Snell. “We met with principals today to see what that would look like.” Snell added the option for virtual school would be available sometime in October once all details have been worked out. So far this school year, students interested in having a virtual opportunity had to drop out of LHISD to do so. “The cap for us for us would be 10 percent or a rough ballpark of 680 students,” Snell said. “Based on our initial survey response, I don’t see us getting to that cap. Our biggest challenge is staff since we still have openings in the district. As soon as we have the logistics worked out, we can talk with the parents. Once we have a plan, we will send out applications.”

See COVID, Page 3

WCSO team revived to respond during mental health crisis calls

some land,” she said. “We will be going through the process of reaching out to the community to ﬁnd out what they want the library to do for them. What do you want the library to be like? How can we help local businesses? What resources can be supplemented for the schools? What are we not doing as a library that the community would like to see? There are a thousand different questions we need to have answered, and the Friends of the Library can help with that.” In addition to raising money through fundraisers and grants, Palmer said she sees the Friends of the Library group as an ambassador group for the library’s future. “Liberty Hill is so spread out, and our boundaries as the

By CHRISTIAN BETANCOURT Staff Writer GEORGETOWN -- A mental health crisis can create a revolving door in the county’s criminal system causing overpopulation in jails and overwhelm the courts. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce (WSCO) restored the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to alleviate those issues. The program, which started in 2005, was discontinued in 2016 and revived on Jan. 1. “One of our goals is jail diversion and emergency rooms diversion,” said Lt. Frank Saenz. “We don’t believe in taking people to the emergency rooms just because it’s easy. We really try to minimize the trauma

See LIBRARY, Page 3

See CIT, Page 9

CHRISTIAN BETANCOURT PHOTO

Williamson County Sheriff’s Crisis Intervention Team Lt. Frank Saenz (seated) and Sgt. Ron Leboeuf are part of a revived unit within the department that responds to mental health crisis calls to assist deputies in dealing with psychiatric episodes.

Page 2

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Thursday, September 16, 2021

OBITUARIES Andrew J. Posey III Andrew J. Posey III passed away peacefully at his home in Liberty Hill, on Wednesday, September 8. Andy was born in 1951 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Andrew Posey Jr. and Lillian Anne Posey, of Yonkers, NY. He graduated from Walt Whitman High School, from University of Maryland, and enjoyed a 20-year career as an artilleryman in the US Army before retiring at Fort Sam Houston. After pursuing a second career in counseling, Andy medically retired in 2012 as Chief of Airman and Family Readiness Center at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, Texas. Andy married Donna K. Burns in Brownwood, Texas in 1997. He was preceded in death by

his parents in 2010. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Donna Posey of Liberty Hill; his daughter Alison Posey (Aaron) of New Braunfels; his son Andrew Posey IV of New Braunfels; his son Daniel Bishop (Stacy) of Burnet; his son Christopher Bishop (Tiffany) of Austin; his sisters, Anita Glickert (Bob) of Austin, Alicia Bogley (Ken) of Palm Coast, Florida and brother, Alan Posey (Erika) of Simi Valley, CA. Andrew is survived by six grandchildren ranging from 22 to 15 months: Allie Posey, Kara Posey, Audrey Posey, Jaxon Bishop, Tanner Bishop and Rogan Bishop. A Memorial Service will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home at 1:00

PM on Monday, September 20, 2021. In lieu of ﬂowers, the family has asked that you please consider sending a memorial gift to: The Salvation Army (www. salvationarmytexas.org) the Navigators (www.navigators. org) or Operation Liberty Hill, 1401 N. Highway 183 in Leander, Texas.

Billie Jean Floyd

Billie Jean Floyd, 82, of Liberty Hill, TX passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 09, 2021. Billie Jean was born July 31, 1939, in Hutto, TX to the late Roland and Esther Stark. Billie Jean is proceeded in death by her sisters Jessie Weisser (Dennis), Margie Davis (Jack) and Janice Barker. Billie Jean is survived by her loving husband of 65 years,

Booner Floyd, brother Ralph Stark (Barbara), brother-inlaw Melvin Barker, children, Theresa Kitchens, Reba Beck (Mike), Curtis Floyd, Janet Milam (Rusty), Jerrod Floyd (Ginger), Connie Cockerell (Dale), 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and two on the way, as well as her Aunt Donna and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be greatly missed.

Liberty Hill Spring

For citizens who reside within Liberty Hill City Limits

Curbside Pickup 8AM to 3:30PM on

Wednesday-Sept. 22, Thursday-Sept. 23 and Friday-Sept. 24 for those who are unable to transport discarded items on the drop-off day of Saturday-Sept. 25. Pick-Up piles at curb should be no larger than 10’ x 10’. The City crew is unable to go onto residential property -

PLEASE LEAVE AT CURB.

How to Schedule CURBSIDE PICKUP

(MUST BE SCHEDULED PRIOR TO SEPT. 22) • Call City Hall at 512.778.5449 and provide your name, phone number, address, and email • Place items for pickup near the curb and mark “City Pick Up” • Small items must be in boxes or trash bags • No items will be picked up on Saturday; any items left at your curb on Saturday must be brought to the Drop Off location at 2801 RR 1869 (Municipal Court parking area) on Saturday – Sept. 25th

DROPOFF SATURDAY Drop off is available from 8:00 AM until dumpsters are full or 2:00 PM, whichever comes first, on Saturday-Sept. 25th at 2801 RR 1869 (Municipal Court parking area). What to bring to DROP OFF LOCATION:

Water or Wastewater Bill and your identification (Driver’s License, etc.) for proof of residency

The following items will NOT be accepted:

Tires • Paint • Paint Thinner· TV’s • Batteries • CFL Light bulbs Computers • Printers • Refrigerators • Freezers • All Appliances Any Hazardous Materials or Substances including Oil

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Thursday, September 16, 2021

PAINTER

Continued from Page 1

If he works on a particularly tedious piece with several small details, then he likes to do something more colorful and ﬂuid for his next piece. “Some of these pieces takes a lot of patience, so I need to loosen up and do something more fun,” he said. “I love color and being more spontaneous.” Garry Goerdel likes oil painting best because it’s the most forgiving, he said, so if a mistake is made, it can be corrected easily. “I like the feel of that medium better as well,” he said. “The textures are almost 3D with those paintings.” The idea to build Gallery on a Hill came from Nancy Goerdel, who told her husband he had so much work he had done that was just sitting there and not being seen.

COVID

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“I never thought about displaying them or selling them, but she suggested we make some prints of my favorite paintings, build a gallery and display them there, so that’s what we did,” he said. The gallery was built in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, which Garry Goerdel said was a blessing. “What I do today is what I want to do and I do it for me,” he said. “I will go through periods where I don’t paint much and then when I get back into it, I hit it pretty hard.” The gallery opening on Sept. 17 and 18 is by invitation only. For more information on Gallery on a Hill and future showings, visit garrygoerdelart.com or email glgoerdel@gmail. com to schedule a private showing.

Continued from Page 1

New teachers for virtual learning would have to be hired since the law states that no educator can teach both in-person and virtually. “Depending on where the students come from will dictate who we need to hire,” said Snell. Guidelines and recommendations at the district remain the same. Snell said they remain vigilant of COVID and continue to make changes as necessary. “We’re following the plan and moving diligently,” he said. “We’re evaluating everything, and any new procedures would be presented for the Board Monday during the school board meeting.” Snell said he continues to

encourage the community to use any and all protections available to them and continue monitoring their children and keeping them at home if they show symptoms. “We thank the community for the support,” he said. “Thanks for working with us to keep our children safe.” The Williamson County and Cities Health District on Tuesday reported 57,981 COVID cases in the county, 583 deaths, with 340 daily new cases. WCCHD also states about 67.42 percent of the population is fully vaccinated, and 77.31 is partially vaccinated. About 12.9 percent of total cases are linked to Liberty Hill’s zip code 78642.

Clariﬁcation

Throwback Thursday

Monahan was among those at Iwo Jima

By JAMES WEAR Columnist Recent events concerning the United States and its enemies abroad have reminded the public once again how important the American military is, and always has been, in regards to the freedom and security we enjoy. The late William Monahan is among many Shin Oak Ridge residents to have served. Prior to his death in 2006, he could count among his memories of being one of the 30,000 Marines to have fought at Iwo Jima during World War II. More than 6,000 American soldiers died in the battle that lasted 45 days, while the number of wounded topped 24,000. Historians recall that Admiral Chester Nimitz said, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue” as he reﬂected on a battle that resulted in 27 Marines and

LIBRARY

sailors receiving the Medal of Honor for their deeds. Sadly, 14 of these were awarded posthumously. Monahan, who was featured in the March 2, 2005 issue of The Bertram Telegram, had the opportunity to visit a reenactment of the Iwo Jima conﬂict that was held on the 60th anniversary of the battle, and told the writer that the experience was “painfully real” and that he was “one of the lucky ones.” Monahan, whose nickname was “Monty,” was a resident at the Bertram Nursing Home at the time the story appeared and admitted attending the reenactment “was emotionally hard and not something you talk about.” He had much fonder memories of his career in minor league baseball. Monahan, who was born in Los Angeles, returned from the war and rejoined a club based in Sacramento before coming to Texas where he played with teams based out of Waco and Austin. He eventually wound up in Louisiana and signed up with

Continued from Page 1

library district are the same as the school district,” she said. “We want people from different subdivisions and areas to carry the message out and talk to people in their parts of the community.” Palmer hopes to attract at least 30 to 40 community members to start the Friends

of the Library program and envisions the group having an executive council to lead it. “We are hoping we can get enough people where it’s not a lot of work for anyone,” she said. “Once the Friends program gets going, I won’t have much to do with it. They will support the library and I’ll be

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William “Monty” Monahan was among those Americans to ﬁght at Iwo Jima during World War II. After the war he enjoyed a successful career as a minor league pitcher. (Courtesy Photo) the Lake Charles Lakers where a coach at Bertram Elementahe proved to be a formidable ry. He and wife Laura lived in pitcher, recording 18 victories Austin for a time before movin 1948. ing to a home located between After leaving baseball in 1951, Bertram and Liberty Hill. he would spend some time as He is buried at the Liberty a test driver for Firestone be- Hill Cemetery. fore eventually winding up as

here to guide them, but they can decide what they’d like to do and run with whatever they want to do for the library.” The ﬁrst meeting of the Friends group will be held at the Liberty Hill Public Library on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m., and refreshments will be served. “This is going to be an orga-

nizational meeting to see what the interest is,” Palmer said. “It will mostly be for people to talk and see who wants to be a part of it. The Friends program is something we’ve needed for a while, and I’m glad we’re ﬁnally starting it.”

Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities

After the publication Sept. 9 of “Improper Surveillance? Cameras, equipment used to secure City buildings, monitor staff”, City Administrator Lacie Hale reached out to The Independent to clarify that she was not City Administrator at the time that some purchases of surveillance equipment should have been brought to Council for approval. While she was aware that such equipment was in place, she was serving as Chief Operating Ofﬁcer at the time and said it was not her responsibility to take items to Council for consideration. At the time, Mayor Rick Hall was serving as City Administrator. Hale was promoted to City Administrator in October 2020. She added that her computer was not equipped with the software to monitor security equipment until recent weeks.

Page 3

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Council

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Continued from Page 1

the workshop, they once again discussed the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) created for the Butler Farms subdivision, and whether the amount for the TIRZ was 50 percent, which was written in the original development agreement, or 30 percent, which was found on one document. The Butler Farms developers maintain the 30 percent was a clerical error. However, the Council agreed that because there was no way to infinitely prove whether the TIRZ should be 50 percent or 30 percent, they couldn’t say if the 30 percent was truly a clerical error. Council member Chris Pezold said if the developers had come back with better documentation or a sworn statement from former City Administrator Greg Boatright, who initiated and worked closely on the Butler Farms project, then he would be willing to honor the 50 percent. “If it was clear and I had a signed affidavit from somebody that it was a clear path to the 50 [percent], I’d be making a motion for that, but I do not have that,” Pezold said. “Without having that it’s doing a disservice to the people I represent.” But because that didn’t happen, he made a motion to approve the 30 percent TIRZ for the Butler Farms project. The Council voted 4-1, with Council member Tony DeYoung opposed, to approve the motion. Also during the workshop, Hancock provided the Council with a rough draft of the City’s 2021-22 budget, which will be adopted along with the tax rate during the Council’s meeting on Sept. 22, following a public hearing. However, because the previous year’s audit won’t be finished by then, she said the new budget must be ultra conservative. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were unaccounted for

during the City’s 2020 audit, which has caused it to take months longer than normal to complete. Under best practices, the 2020 audit should have been completed in March 2021. The proposed overall budget for the new fiscal year is $14,410,170, compared to a budget of $14,627,170 adopted the previous year. Actual expenditures for the previous year, as of Aug. 15, sat at $19,258,718. The difference in that number comes from the wastewater department’s budget, where Hancock was still calculating numbers for capital outlay projects. “This is strictly a work session to explain what’s in here, for Council to ask questions, for us to go back and do more research and calculations, and talk through the process,” Hancock said, adding that she would go through the budget line item by line item at the next meeting. She discussed in a general sense the expenditures and revenues for the general fund, street maintenance fund, wastewater fund, sewer fund and water fund. She also discussed each department’s proposed budget, which Hancock said would remain mostly flat and on par with the previous year’s budget because the 2020 audit is not complete. Once the audit is complete— which should occur within the next month, she said—the Council can come back again and revise the budget to better reflect the City’s position. “This is a painful process,” Hancock said. “Moving forward we want to put review processes in place, so every department knows what they are spending, and they have everything coded right. We want to have confidence on what we see for any given line item. It’ll take time to pull all this together, but I’m here to

move you all forward.” The proposed budget for administration is $1,836,860, compared to $1,815,950 approved in fiscal 2020. The proposed budget for the Economic Development Corporation is $458,500, which is the same amount approved in the previous budget. For the police department, the proposed budget is $2,036,771 compared to the previous year’s $2,073,050. The sewer department’s proposed budget went down from $1,005,000 approved in last year’s budget to $755,000, while both the streets and wastewater budgets did not change from the previous year’s approved budgets of $173,500 and $5,931,000, respectively. When it comes to employee salaries, again, Hancock kept the proposed budget mostly flat or less than what was approved in the previous year’s budget. For administration, proposed salaries in the new budget were listed at $741,622, compared to $935,000 from the previous budget. For the police department, salaries were proposed at $1,062,702, compared to $1,075,000 approved in the previous budget. The water, wastewater, property maintenance and development services departments each had a slight increase in the proposed salaries in the new fiscal year,. Hancock added that the new tax rate will raise more total property tax revenue than last year’s rate by $774,266 -- a 40.79 percent increase. Of that amount, $460,769 is the tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll in 2021. The workshop consisted of two executive sessions. Council member Crystal Mancilla was absent from the Sept. 8 workshop. The next meeting of the City Council is Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

THE INDEPENDENT IS THE ONLY LOCAL TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE! Support Local Journalism - Subscribe Statements required in notice if the proposed tax rate exceeds the no-new-revenue tax rate but does not exceed the voter-approval tax rate, as prescribed by Tax Code §26.06(b-2).

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASE

A tax rate of $0.454559 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of City of Liberty Hill.

PROPOSED TAX RATE NO-NEW-REVENUE TAX RATE VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE

$0.454559 per $100 $0.390124 per $100 $0.455934 per $100

The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2021 tax year that will raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Liberty Hill from the same properties in both the 2020 tax year and the 2021 tax year. The voter-approval rate is the highest tax rate that city of Liberty Hill may adopt without holding an election to seek voter approval of the rate. The proposed tax rate is greater than the no-new-revenue tax rate. This means that City of Liberty Hill is proposing to increase property taxes for the 2021 tax year. A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE PROPOSED TAX RATE WILL BE HELD ON September 22, 2021, at 5:30 PM at 2801 Ranch Road 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. The proposed tax rate is not greater than the voter-approval tax rate. As a result, City of Liberty Hill is not required to hold an election at which voters may accept or reject the proposed tax rate. However, you may express your support for or opposition to the proposed tax rate by contacting the members of the governing body of City of Liberty Hill at their offices or by attending the public meeting mentioned above. YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE TAX RATES MENTIONED ABOVE CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: Property tax amount = ( tax rate ) x ( taxable value of your property ) / 100 (List names of all members of the governing body below, showing how each voted on the proposal to consider the tax increase or, if one of more were absent, indicating absences.) FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

Chris Pezold, Kathy Canady, tony DeYoung, Angela Jones None None Crystal Mancilla

The 86th Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. The following table compares the taxes imposed on the average residence homestead by City of Liberty Hill last year to the taxes proposed to be imposed on the average residence homestead by City of Liberty Hill this year. 2020 Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

$0.454559

2021

Change

$0.454559

0.00% increase

Average homestead $203,238 taxable value

$235,887

16.06% increase

Tax on average homestead

$924

$1,072

16.01% increase $148.00 increase

Total Tax levy on all properties

$1,897,949

$2,672,215

40.79% increase $774,266 increase

For assistance with tax calculations, please contact the tax assessor for City of Liberty Hill at 512-943-1601 or proptax@wilco.org, or visit www.wilco.org/propertytax.

SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, September 16, 2021 Page 5

Defense riding wave of dominance

Panthers’ unit coming up big in clutch

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor There’s an old saying in sports. “Defense wins championships.” Well, the Liberty Hill defense has certainly done its fair share of heavy lifting this season, allowing only 25 points through the first three games of the campaign – an average of only 8.3 per contest. Only time will tell if that prowess will lead to a trophy at season’s end, but so far, so good. With 11 new starters on offense, there have been some growing pains on that side of the ball for the Panthers, but no such issues on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage, as the defense is rich in senior leadership and the experience only going through the battles can provide. Carter Hudson is one of those who has been seasoned by the crucible of competition and proved what he brings to the fight in the Panthers’ 17-13

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Carter Hudson (#24) exults after breaking up a pass to help preserve the Panthers’ 17-13 road victory over Georgetown. road victory over Georgetown last week. Hudson was beaten for a 75yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter, but was able to weather that storm before rebounding to break up another pass on the Eagles’ final offensive play of the game to

help preserve the win. All in a day’s work when playing such a precarious position, he said. “At first, it was kind of stressful,” said Hudson. “But, you can’t go off one play for the rest of the game, so the next series I just went back out

SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO

Liberty Hill’s Will Gray and Colin Garner get advice from Panthers head coach Sherry Rhoden during a break in their doubles match against Killeen.

Communicating in the heat of battle

Mid-match conversations can lead to success

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor During a changeover in their doubles match against Killeen, Colin Garner and Will Gray wandered off to the sidelines where head coach Sherry Rhoden was waiting with some sage advice. “Coach just reminded us we needed to keep hitting crosscourt shots,” said Garner, a senior, who plays singles and doubles for the Panthers. “Sometimes, when you’re in the moment, you don’t remember basic skills and other things you practice.” Of course, instances such as those are examples of how mental makeup can manifest itself in the form of physical mistakes, but sometimes the problem can require a bit of psychology, said Rhoden. “The first thing I always ask a player in that situation is ‘How do you feel?’” she said. “Usually, they’ll already know what their mistakes are.” Does she always get truthful answers? “Now, I do,” said Rhoden. “I think last year, some of them were trying to impress me, but I’m getting straighter answers this season.” Rhoden said common responses to her opening question usually involve a technical aspect of how the match is playing out – but, not always. “Sometimes, they’ll say they’re tired or frustrated or something along those lines,” she said. “But, nothing I’ve heard has shocked me so far.” One situation that can cause consternation is when line calls don’t go the way one may believe they should and as the players themselves are their own officials, emotions can sometimes run high,

which in turn will affect the mental aspect, then influence the physical side. Garner said he’s much better now at handling such conundrums compared to when he was a younger player. “I’ll wait until it happens three times in a match where I don’t agree with a call,” he said. “After that, I can get a line judge, but it’s best to just move on to the next point.” Rhoden cited an example of Garner’s newfound poise from a recent home match against East View. “Colin needed to go to a tiebreaker in his singles match and he was immediately able to trust me more with the advice I was giving him,” she said. “He’s really matured, so he can hear things I tell him and be able to arrange things in his head the right way – I’m so proud of him.” For the record, Garner went on to win the match. Rhoden said being squeezed on line calls is one of her squad’s biggest bugaboos. “For our team, the biggest thing is when they think they’re being cheated,” she said. “Our kids are very black-and-white – they believe things should be done the right way and when that doesn’t happen, they can get emotionally frustrated.” The tempo of how a match is played can also have an affect on the psychological scale due to the speed – or lack thereof – under which the proceedings are unfolding. “When we’re playing a team who isn’t as good and the returns are coming back slower, it gives the players more of a chance to execute the things we work on in practice,” said Rhoden. “They can play more free and relaxed.”

However, if the opposition happens to be of a higher caliber – such as district rivals Georgetown, for example – it’s a different story altogether. “Matches like those are good because they have to work harder for everything they get,” she said. “Every ball they hit comes back because teams like that have players who play smarter, think better and are quicker to react.” Garner said part of avoiding pitfalls once a match begins is to get a good read of an opponent during warm-ups. “When you’re hitting them balls, you’re trying to see if they have a weak forehand or backhand,” he said. “Then, if you’re playing doubles, you can tell your partner.” Would he ever consider attempting to deceive an opponent in that situation by intentionally not hitting to his strengths? “No,” said Garner. “Because if you’re doing that, you’re not hitting your full variety of shots to get ready.” Following a season during which Garner had several different playing partners on the mixed doubles side, he’s settled in this year with Will Gray in boys’ doubles and the results have spoken for themselves, as the duo has been competitive in all of their matches – something Garner attributes to the chemistry that exists between the pair. “We’re friends off the court, so it’s been really good,” he said. “As far as communication goes, we’re on the same page.” Rhoden said it’s advantageous for doubles partners to have a solid relationship off

See TENNIS, Page 8

there and played ball.” Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker said having the ability to shrug off a mistake and come back with a strong performance is something only players with experience can pull off – and Hudson is a prime example.

“Carter’s matured so much just since last year,” said Walker. “Often times in sports – as in life – we worry about what we did instead of moving on. But, he did a good job of focusing and has made a huge jump.” Hudson contributed eight

tackles against the Eagles and continues to excel at one of the toughest spots on the entire field due to the nature of many times being alone in coverage when one wrong move or error in technique can cost one dearly – as on the earlier scoring pass. “I think corner back is the hardest position on the field,” said Hudson. “Sometimes it’s stressful to be good at it.” Hudson credited first-year Panthers secondary coach David Seaborn with infusing an attention-to-detail approach as far as pass coverage is concerned. “The one thing Coach Seaborn always says is it’s the little things that make the difference,” he said. “Things like making sure your hips are lined up right, staying on the inside and having your eyes in the right place.” Hudson said the objective is to be able to do all the right things without having to think. “At this point, it’s all starting to be muscle memory,” he said. “But, I used to have to remind myself.” Across from Hudson at the Panthers’ opposite cornerback

See DEFENSE, Page 8

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

“Mamaz,” a baby doll that has been adopted by the Lady Panthers’ volleyball squad, is examined by Keegan Walton, Peyton Lilienthal and Emma Becker during a match.

Talismans turn tide for Lady Panthers Quirky items build team bonding, morale

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When the Lady Panthers boarded a bus bound for Canyon Lake for the season opener, they had with them an extra, unexpected passenger. By the time they had arrived at their destination some 80 miles away, the stowaway had been radically transformed into what has become a source of great joy and motivation, which has helped propel the Purple-and-Gold to a sparkling record as they entered the gauntlet of district play exactly one month later. Okay, well maybe it’s not all that – but what the item has done is provided the players with a commonality in the form of a baby doll that has become an unofficial mascot of sorts for the team. Bailey Becker is the mastermind behind the doll – known as “Mamaz” – and said she was inspired to introduce her – as it is female – to the Lady Panthers after witnessing another team with a similar charm. “When we had our home scrimmage here, I saw one and thought it would be a good idea for us to have one, too,” said Becker, a senior middle blocker. “So, (Lady Panthers junior) Macy Land went to Target and got a doll.” Of course, Mamaz came equipped with a dress and a diaper as stock apparel, but the former certainly wasn’t going to last very long, said Becker. “When I first saw it, I was like ‘Oh, take that dress off it right now!’” she said. “So, for the time being, it had just the diaper.” With that much skin showing, the Lady Panthers felt some adornment was needed – which came in the form of an entire body full of Sharpie

tattoos that were all added on the fateful bus ride to Canyon Lake – and voila, when the team got off the bus, Mamaz looked more like an inked-up rock star than a tender infant and the legend has continued to grow ever since. In fact, the Panthers’ football team has also gotten in on the act in helping care for Mamaz during a recent home match, as the volleyball team had their hands full with Copperas Cove, so a babysitter was needed, with seniors Andon Thomas and Lloyd Johnson, Jr. the ringmasters, said Becker. “LJ (Johnson) was over at my house and really liked Mamaz,” she said. “He was holding her and even asked if he could take her home.” Lady Panthers head coach Gretchen Peterson has gone along with and approved of the doll’s presence, as she believes it’s simply an extension of the personality of her squad. “It just came about organically,” she said. “It’s something fun they’ve bonded over and anytime you can get that, it’s good.” However, all that being said, Peterson said she’s not in on the meaning behind it. “I don’t completely get it,” she said. “But, it’s their thing and it’s not a distraction.” As if Mamaz wasn’t enough to stoke the squad’s spirit, senior Haley Kuhlmann also came up with her very own magical talisman in the form of the “Spirit Stick.” According to Kuhlmann, it all came about quite by mistake. “One day at practice, I found it in the ball basket, took it out and started hitting volleyballs with it like they were softballs,” said Kuhlmann. “Coach Peterson said ‘So, you

think you’re funny?’ and I said ‘Yeah, I do.’ So, she told me I should go do something with it, so I did.” What Kuhlmann did was endure a painstaking threehour ordeal during which she painted the stick purple – including a second coat – then added accoutrements such as sparkle and streamers until the finished product was a shining beacon the entire team could look to for inspiration. Just don’t drop it, or there are severe consequences, said Kuhlmann. “At first, we said whoever drops it gets kicked off the team, but I don’t have that kind of power,” she said. “So, that never really happened.” As far as Mamaz is concerned, Kuhlmann said she expressed profound disbelief upon hearing of it. “At first, I thought it was a joke,” she said. “We’ve never had anything like that before.” At the moment, the Lady Panthers need whatever additional motivation they can muster, as the district schedule is upon them, but with a full preseason run of matches to ready them for battle, Peterson is confident her charges are duly prepared to take on whatever competitive challenges they may face. Besides, now that they have additional support in the form of the Spirit Stick and Mamaz, district play should be a breeze, right? Not exactly, but perhaps a team tradition has begun that can be passed down from one generation of volleyballers to another, said Kuhlmann. “It’s cool to have something like this for senior year,” she said. “I’m definitely going to pass it along.”

Page 6

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, September 16, 2021

LHHS rebounds with win over Leander By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor LEANDER -- With the way the Lady Panthers’ road match against Leander started, it looked as if it was going to be an easy, straight-sets victory for the Purple-and-Gold. Well, it ends up that assessment was only half correct, as Liberty Hill indeed picked up the win in three sets, but nothing about its 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-23) victory over the Lions was easy. Maddi Rowley had 10 kills in a contest that saw the visitors jump out to a 9-0 advantage in the ﬁrst set, a lead they built to as much as 17-7 on the strength of four kills by Bailey Becker, a pair from Morgan Poulain and a trio of spikes by Rowley. However, the wheels began to come off a bit after that, as Leander went on a 14-7 run to close the score to 24-21 before Liberty Hill ultimately held on for the set win. According to Rowley, there was a bit of a letdown once she

and her teammates got out to the early lead. “I think sometimes when we come out firing like that and get a lead, we think we can make a mistake and say ‘It’s okay, we’re still ahead,’” said Rowley. “Then, all of a sudden the other team comes back.” The near-miss after a colossal comeback seemed to energize the home side, as the Lions came out in much more competitive fashion in the second set and briefly took a 7-6 lead before the Lady Panthers re-established momentum and wrested control back. Kealy Dirner contributed a pair of kills to go with back-toback bombs from Poulain for the final two points of the set. The third set began much like the first had, with Liberty Hill building as much as a ninepoint lead midway through at 16-7, but once again had trouble delivering the hammer blow to kill off the match. Eventually, Leander closed to with a single point at 22-21 before the Lady Panthers were

finally able to close the deal on the victory, with Rowley collecting the match-winner. Head coach Gretchen Peterson attributed her club’s second-set struggles to an influx of personnel changes. “We changed our lineup because we need all our players to get touches,” she said. “One thing we learned from last season was the unpredictability of everything, so we need to make sure our bench is ready.” Underclassmen such as Keegan Walton, Olivia Hodges, Kylie Hutchinson and Macy Land all saw significant playing time in addition to seniors Peyton Lilienthal and Reese Williams, who normally function in backup roles. In addition, junior varsity player Ava Hight was called up to replace Gigi Mason, who was out of the lineup. However, despite the constant shuffling of the deck, Peterson admitted the match was a bit more difficult than she had anticipated. “It was closer than it needed

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Bailey Becker (#6) blocked a pair of shots bringing the Lady Panthers to a 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 2523) away district win over Leander. to be,” she said. “But, all of have a clear upper hand. didn’t do then.” our district matches are must“On Friday, we struggled to Dirner added six kills, as the wins.” ﬁnish,” said Peterson, of the sophomore continues to thrive The veteran coach also ad- team’s four-set home loss to after being pressed into the dressed her squad’s struggles Rouse. “But, tonight we got in closing out sets when they better and did some things we See REBOUND, Page 8

Trail runner also plays soccer - burning the candle at both ends

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor In this day and age of specialization, the overwhelming majority of high-school athletes choose one sport once they reach the prep level and concentrate strictly on that lone endeavor. However, there are still those left of the rare breed who determine the best path to take is a multi-faceted plan which sees him or her still participating in more than one. Caden Glenn is one of these. The Liberty Hill sophomore has continued to run riot on both the cross country trails in the fall, while also holding down a central defender spot on the Panthers’ soccer team in the spring. Glenn also played football from seventh through ninth grades, but even for him, that kind of heavy athletic load proved to be too much, he said. “It was really just too much on my body,” said Glenn, whose twin sister Carson also plays a pair of sports in volleyball and

soccer. “I would run 10 miles for cross country and then have to go to football practice.” Glenn said he’s happy, though, to have ﬁnally had the chance to grace the gridiron after years of having the desire to don helmet and shoulder pads. “My parents made me wait until junior high to play,” he said, of his time as a safety and swingman for the Purple-andGold. “So, I’m glad I ﬁnally got to because we’re a big football family.” Now, he’s content to do plenty of running in both of his current sports and even has designs on running track in the spring, which would push his sports count back up to three once again. Glenn has been a varsity athlete from the get-go, gaining valuable experience which will only help him as he moves forward with his Panthers career – particularly on the pitch, he said. “Last year in soccer, I learned a lot from the upperclassman,” said Glenn. “Being on varsity

for the ﬁrst time, the players had a lot more athletic ability.” As for cross country, Glenn enjoys the individual aspect of the sport woven into a team concept. “I like going out there and competing against other people,” he said. “But, one of my favorite parts is just getting to spend time with all my teammates.” So far this season, Glenn’s best showing was a 10thplace result at the Pro-Fit Invitational in Temple, when he crossed the ﬁnish line in a time of 16:59.20 and believes he and his teammates are really rounding into form as the current campaign progresses down the road toward the big meets at the end of the season. “I think our top six are really strong,” said Glenn, of a stable which includes Ryan McCarn, Brandon Escobar, Jacob Russell, Greg Miller and Cayden Branch, among a group of others who are always knocking on the door to break into the points. “We’re always close

together in the races and you can never predict who’s going to be ﬁrst. I think we have a real chance to win district this year.” As every cross country course is laid out on different terrain, sometimes running faster on certain layouts can depend on the kind of footwear which is chosen, said Glenn. “I like to wear track spikes because they’re so much lighter and provide traction,” he said. “But, if it’s a course with a lot of concrete, they don’t work as well.” Glenn has also embraced a very vital aspect of cross country culture – the ability to operate in the pre-dawn hours when practice takes place. “I don’t mind waking up early,” said Glenn. “Besides, it’s so hot in the afternoon.” As with many multi-sport athletes, Glenn said each one of his chosen pursuits indeed helps the other. “Running so much helps a lot in soccer because I can push through when I’m tired,” he

ABBY GLENN PHOTO

Caden Glenn plays soccer and runs cross country, as opposed to many high school athletes who choose to focus strictly on one sport at the prep level. said. “It’s all about condition“I would say I like both equaling.” ly,” said Glenn. “As long as However, he’s not ready to I’m in good enough condition say he favors one over the oth- to do both.” er at this point.

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Page 7

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

Breaking into the big time Freshman impresses beyond her years

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Avery Frank crosses the finish line of a cross country race, it simply marks the end of yet another exercise in energy exertion – something she’s been doing for as long as she can remember. “I was always running around ever since I was old enough to walk,” said Frank, a Liberty Hill freshman who has quickly claimed status as the Lady Panthers’ No. 1 runner this season. “I’ve always just had a lot of energy.” However, Frank has just recently taken up competitive running – as she’s only been active in both cross country and track for two years. No, it was another undertaking altogether in which she used to apply her never-ending motor. “I always played soccer since I was little,” said Frank. “But, now I’ve decided to just focus on running.” Giving up the sport she had grown up with was no easy task, though. “It was definitely a difficult decision – it took me a couple weeks to finally write the email to my coach,” she said. “But, I’ve put so much blood,

sweat and tears into soccer over the years and it took a lot out of me, so I think this is what’s best for me and my body – especially my legs.” Frank has finished second three times already this season, along with a fourth-place result in helping the Lady Panthers burst from the starting gate as a team, but said her speed is something she’s acquired. “I wasn’t ever the fastest kid in grade school,” she said. “But, I began to run faster when I worked harder.” Whatever Frank is doing, it’s certainly working, but she’s quick to credit the support she continues to get from multiple sources, she said. “I feel like the people around me have helped so much,” said Frank. “My coaches, my parents and my whole family.” But, on race day, it’s just her out on the course against the competition and it’s all on her shoulders to perform up to her own – as well as others’ – expectations, which can sometimes turn the tide of emotion the wrong way. “When I went to compete at the Junior Olympics in Houston this summer, I had my whole family there to cheer

me on,” she said. “I was super-nervous and I even threw up before the race because I felt like I had to do really good for them.” Along those lines, Frank said she always welcomes well-wishers while traversing a course – but only retains what she believes to be pertinent encouragement – and from the proper sources. “My mom tends to be very enthusiastic, so I try not to hear her,” joked Frank. “But, I always try to hear what my coaches are saying.” One of Frank’s coaches is Liberty Hill assistant cross country and head girls’ track coach Susie Kemper, who just also happens to be her English teacher – which makes for an enjoyable learning environment – whether on the trails or in the classroom, she said. “She’s my favorite teacher because I know how she is as a coach,” said Frank. “It’s not so much the English.” Many freshmen may have no idea of what kind of career they will wish to pursue in the distant future of a young life, but Frank already has that part figured out – or at least, she’s narrowed her choices down. “I really love the ocean, so

maybe a marine biologist, which really interests me,” she said. “Or a labor and delivery nurse because I love babies or a veterinarian because I love animals.” In fact, there’s one cuddly creature Frank favors over all. “Since I was little, I’ve always like elephants – I don’t know what it is about them,” said Frank. “I have a stuffed one named Ellie who I still sleep with.” Frank enjoys spending time outdoors with her family as one of her favorite pastimes. “I have a crazy family,” she said. “They’re pretty loud.” Despite the fact Frank takes impeccable care of herself in order to be at peak performance on race days – including monitoring her nutrition – she does allow for one particular vice to treat her taste buds. “Whataburger is my mom’s favorite place,” said Frank. “So, I’m completely allowed to have it.” (RIGHT) Avery Frank has a seemingly endless energy supply, which has made her a natural on the trails for Liberty Hill’s cross country team. (Photo by Abby Glenn)

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Liberty Hill’s Grady Flinn (#43) looks for running room while Will Szewczyk (#11) and Devin Riley (#7) get out front to block during the Panthers’ 17-13 road win against Georgetown.

Defense comes up big again for Panthers Liberty Hill defeats Georgetown, 17-13

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor GEORGETOWN -- Carter Hudson had some making up to do after being the defender beaten on a 75-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter of Liberty Hill’s 17-13 road victory over Georgetown at Birkelbach Field on Friday night. After all, the Panthers had just opened the scoring with Joe Pitchford’s 11-yard touchdown run finishing off a 6-play, 80-yard scoring drive to take a 7-0 lead over the Eagles. So, the last thing the visitors needed was to give the momentum they had just gained right back to their hosts. But, indeed that’s exactly what happened when on Georgetown’s first play from scrimmage following the ensuing kickoff, Eagles senior quarterback Darson Herman hooked up with junior wide receiver Drayden Dickmann with a long, arching spiral down the left sideline which the wideout caught in stride over the outstretched arms of Hudson and took it to the end zone to tie the score at 7-7. So, fittingly, it was again Hudson, who made the biggest defensive play of the entire night when the senior cornerback successfully defended a 4th-and-17 pass late in the fourth quarter to all but seal victory for the Purpleand-Gold.

According to Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker, it was indeed poetic justice. “What I like most about that play is the fact he didn’t let the earlier play affect him the rest of the game,” said Walker, of the young man known as “Rocket,” for his blazing speed. “He showed a lot of maturity and senior leadership.” Only three touchdowns were scored in the gritty, gutty battle between nearby neighbors and the Liberty Hill defense left the first calling card of the contest when a claw of Panthers descended on Herman as he scrambled toward the sideline desperately seeking a receiver downfield, a group which included Drake Torno, Reid Bynum and Hollis Brady, resulting in a loss on the play. On the following down, Herman’s pass fell incomplete, resulting in a 29-yard fieldgoal attempt that missed the mark, leaving the game scoreless. However, it wasn’t all about the defense, as the Liberty Hill offense began to chip away at the Georgetown defense, with the primary protagonist being sophomore running back Noah Long, who broke into the Eagles’ secondary on a spectacular 58-yard jaunt on his second carry of the evening, which helped set up Pitchford’s scoring run three plays later.

On the Panthers’ opening possession of the second stanza, the offense set up shop on the Georgetown 39-yard line after the Liberty Hill defense stopped the Eagles on a 4thand-1 to take over on downs already well inside Georgetown territory. Will Szewczyk was sacked on the Panthers’ first pass attempt of the contest – sandwiched between runs of eight and seven yards by Long and Grady Flinn, respectively – in entering the Eagles’ red zone, where senior Devin Riley ran in from 10 yards out three plays later to give the visitors as 14-7 advantage with 6:30 left until halftime. Walker said Riley provided a spark in the ongoing quest to find the next two running backs in the Panthers’ pecking order after Long. “We’re still in nondistrict and trying to find out who our best three backs are,” he said. “Devin is definitely in that mix.” Long headed to the halftime locker room with 102 yards already on his resume for the night – including a 23-yard burst in addition to the 58-yarder – on only eight carries in the opening pair of periods, but was only getting started on his yardage haul for the evening. The Panthers were forced to punt of their opening series of the second half, which gave the ball to the Eagles at their

own 10-yard line. But, Herman and the Eagles offense was undaunted by the distance between themselves and the Panthers’ end zone and embarked on a methodical 10-play, 90-yard march that ended with Herman’s 1-yard run to close the gap – a touchdown which would’ve leveled the proceedings if not for a missed extra point, which left the score at 14-13 in favor of the visitors. It certainly didn’t take long for the guests to respond, though. On the ensuing series – Liberty Hill’s second possession of the third quarter – Long took a handoff from Szewczyk on a 1st-and-10 play from the Panthers’ 20-yard line and raced 70 yards down the right sideline before finally being caught from behind at the Georgetown 10 for a 1st-and-goal situation. However, it wasn’t meant to be for another six points this time, so the Panthers’ settled for an Ethan Minix 22-yard field goal to increase their lead to 17-13 with 4:52 left in the third quarter. Georgetown only got its hands on the ball twice in the final period and on both occasions, the Panthers’ defense produced a pair of fourthdown stops, including Hudson’s heroics near the death. Liberty Hill got the ball

See GEORGETOWN, Page 8

ABBY GLENN PHOTO

Nina Burnett finished fifth in the girls’ varsity race in 20:11.50 at the Liberty Hill Invitational.

CROSS COUNTRY BRIEFS

Liberty Hill hosts Invitational

The Panthers held their one and only home meet of the season Saturday and came away with a pair of promising finishes in the team standings at the Liberty Hill Invitational. When the final runners had crossed the finish line at Liberty Hill Middle School, the Panthers’ girls were fourth in the seven-team field, while the boys placed third among six squads. Once again, freshman Avery Frank was the highest-placed Panthers runner on either side of the competition with a second in the girls’ varsity event in a time of 19:46.70 behind winner Mckenzie Bailey of Georgetown, who blistered the field in 17:17.90, as the Eagles also finished atop the team standings with 23 points in easily outdistancing runners-up Medina Valley (80) by placing five runners in the top eight. Nina Burnett continued her strong freshman season on the trails with a solid fifth-place result in 20:11.50, while rounding out the top five for Liberty Hill were Avery Holland (23rd, 21:35.90), Nanci Sanchez (27th, 22:04.20) and Eimilie

Taylor (29th, 22:07.80), giving the Panthers 86 points. Also finishing for Liberty Hill were senior Emma Hiebner (36th, 22:17.10), Ella Egizio (37th, 22:22.60) and Ashley Price (42nd, 22:27.10) On the boys’ side, Brandon Escobar scored a ninth-place finish in 16:36.70 in claiming top spot in the Panthers’ running order, with senior Jacob Russell just missing the top 10 with an 11th in 16:45.50. Also scoring points for Liberty Hill were Cayden Branch (15th, 16:50.10), Caden Glenn (19th, 17:01.20) and senior Greg Miller (27th, 17:37.20). Other Panthers finishers included Ryan McCarn (38th, 18:04.60), Jack Roth (39th, 18:08.30), Brandon Colicher (44th, 18:23.60) and Chay Luna (49th, 18:38.40). Liberty Hill’s 76 points was third behind winners Georgetown (33) and Bowie (49). Nicholas Manire of Bowie won the race in a time of 16:15.30. Liberty Hill will next compete at the Islander Splash at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Sept. 18.

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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starting lineup when senior Emma Becker was lost for the season due to injury. “Kealy had a complete match,” said Peterson. “Defense is her strength, but offensively she was very effective tonight.” Emma Parsons led the Lady Panthers with 21 assists and 16 digs, while Rowley blocked three shots to go with a pair by Becker. Dirner also served a pair of aces, with one each from Parsons, Haley Kuhlmann and Ailie Hair, while Kuhlmann also had 13 digs in the win. Peterson added her players

can’t be at all hesitant as they move forward in district play. “We have some work to do and we need to trust the process,” she said. “But, we can’t be afraid to take big swings because to finish, you need to do it wholeheartedly.” Rowley has already bought into the concept. “All you can do is go out there and control what you can control,” she said. “Which is to do your job.” Liberty Hill (27-8, 1-1) will next host East View on Sept. 17, then travel to Glenn on Sept. 21 before returning to host Georgetown on Sept. 24.

Georgetown back with 3:30 left in the contest and it was Long who turned the lights out on the Eagles in converting a 3rd-and-5 from the Panthers’ 39 into a first down with a 7-yard gain, after which point all which was required was for Szewczyk to kneel with the ball in the victory formation and it was done deal. Long ended the evening with 16 carries for 195 yards, as the Panthers piled up 300 yards on the ground with contributions from six different ballcarriers on the night. But, once again, it was the Panthers’ stonewall defense which won ultimately won the day – a point of satisfaction for senior defensive end Lloyd Johnson, Jr. “This win means everything for us,” he said. “Going against Georgetown, we didn’t know what to expect.” Johnson added the multiple stops he and his defensive mates were able to produce provided momentum which the Panthers’ offense could feed off and use to their advantage in returning the favor to their teammates across the

Defeat to Rouse in district opener Liberty Hill opened district play with a 3-2 (24-26, 17-25, 25-19, 16-25) home loss to No. 5 Rouse. Rowley had 13 kills to lead the Lady Panthers, while Parsons, Poulain and Hair each added five on the night. Parsons also supplied 30 assists, while Kuhlmann had 13 digs to go with 10 apiece from Dirner and Walton, with Mason blocking three shots and Hair serving four aces with two each from Walton and Brooklyn Escobar in the match.

Continued from Page 7

line of scrimmage. “When the offense can move the ball, it gives us a break,” he said. “Which gives us even more momentum because energy is contagious.” Following a pair of close games – one win, one loss – and a blowout victory so far this season, the Panthers are still trying to determine what their true identity is, said Johnson. “I think we’re still finding ourselves,” he said. “But, this win is amazing and we feel great.” As the ante has been upped in each of the Panthers’ first three games of the campaign, Walker is duly pleased with how his team has responded in kind – especially against a quality Eagles opponent, he said. “Georgetown is a good football team and we held them to 13 points,” said Walker. “I’m proud of them, but there’s still a lot of things we need to work on – we’re still a work in progress.” However, the fact his players pulled it out in a close contest – away from home, no less – showed him something, he

said. “We needed a tight game to see how we would react,” said Walker. “Even if we only win by one point, it’s fine with me.” For the first time this season, the Panthers failed to commit even a single turnover, although they were still called for a few too many penalties, he said. “We still have some stuff to clean up,” said Walker. “But, I think we played well in all three phases of the game.” Liberty Hill (2-1) will next wrap up its nondistrict schedule with a rare Thursday night home game against LBJ before opening the league slate at Crockett the following week, but for the time being, Walker said he’s proud of how more and more of his players continue to step up their respective games – especially as the lights begin to shine a bit brighter as the season wears on. “Playmakers make big plays in big games,” he said. “We had some kids make some big plays tonight.”

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PUBLIC NOTICES LIBERTY HILL ISD is seeking Proposals for Construction Mgr. at Risk - Elem. #6. All interested proposers please see RFP #22-001 available at www.libertyhill.txed.net click Departments - Business Office - Purchasing - Current Bid Opportunities Or request a copy by emailing: proposals@libertyhill.txed.net. (9/23) LIBERTY HILL ISD is seeking Proposals for Construction Mgr. at Risk - LHMS Renovations and Additions. All interested proposers please see RFP #22-002 available at www.libertyhill.txed.net click Departments - Business Office - Purchasing - Current Bid Opportunities Or request a copy by emailing: proposals@libertyhill.txed.net. (9/23) LIBERTY HILL ISD is seeking Proposals for Construction Mgr. at Risk - Middle School #3. All interested proposers please see RFP #22-003 available at www.libertyhill. txed.net click Departments Business Office - Purchasing Current Bid Opportunities Or request a copy by emailing: proposals@libertyhill.txed. net. (9/23) INVITATION TO BID SOLICITATION NUMBER: 0921-001 Wastewater Laboratory Services for the City of Liberty Hill, Texas BID OPENING DATE: October 1, 2021, 2:00 PM, CENTRAL STANDARD TIME The City of Liberty Hill, Texas (“City”) is seeking bids from laboratories approved or accredited by the State of Texas under the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) to perform all necessary services in connection

with analyzing and reporting on samples from the City’s Wastewater Treatment facilities to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as all Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements for sampling and testing concerning to the City’s wastewater. The wastewater samples will be collected by the City. All samples will be picked up at an agreed upon time at one of the various City’s Wastewater Treatment Facilities. The City will require provision of environmentally suitable sample bottles and transport containers for samples to be placed in. The wastewater laboratory services (“Services”) will be ordered on an as needed basis to supplement the City’s internal laboratory capabilities. Bidders are required to review Plant permits (Exhibits 2A through 2E) to ensure there is a clear understanding of the Plant’s requirements. It is the City’s intention that the Services be awarded in total to one (1) vendor, however, the City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, to accept any bid deemed advantageous and to waive irregularity in the bids. Schedule of Event It is the City’s intention to observe the following solicitation timeline: Event Date Solicitation Release 09/16/21 Deadline for submission of questions 09/22/21, 5:00 PM, CST City responses to questions or addendums 09/17/21, 5:00 PM, CST Deadline for submission of bid 09/30/21, 2:00 PM, CST Estimated Contract Start Date 10/01/21 The City reserves the right to modify these dates. Discussion with Bidders All questions submitted or discussions with bidders during the bid process must be through the City of Liberty Hill Public Works Department. City of Liberty Hill – City Hall PO Box 1920, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 Attn.: Lindsey Sherrill Public Works Admin. Phone: 512-778-5449 E-Mail: lsherrill@libertyhilltx.gov Bidders’ contact with employees or officials of the City other than the above-mentioned Public Works staff member regarding this Bid may result

in disqualification from this procurement process. Any oral communications are considered unofficial and non-binding with regard to this Bid; all communication shall be in writing (e-mail preferred). (9/23) INVITATION TO BID SOLICITATION NUMBER: 0921-002 Sludge Hauling Services for the City of Liberty Hill, Texas BID OPENING DATE: October 1, 2021, 2:00 PM, CENTRAL STANDARD TIME The City of Liberty Hill, Texas (“City”) is seeking bids for sludge hauling services to include pumping sludge, transporting sludge and transporting biosolids for disposal from the Liberty Hill waste-water treatment plant and collection system. And this will include special services as needed for instance hydro excavation. The city will require Successful Respondent(s) to provide environmentally acceptable storage containers for biosolids to be placed on city site for filling by City staff. The sludge pumping, sludge and biosolids transportation and biosolids disposal services (“Services”) will be ordered on an as needed basis or regular scheduled intervals. Schedule of Events It is the City’s intention to observe the following solicitation timeline: Event Date Solicitation Released September 16, 2021 Deadline for submission of questions September 22, 2021, 5:00 PM, CST City responses to questions or addendums September 24, 2021, 5:00 PM, CST Deadline for submission of bids September 30, 2021, 2:00 PM, CST Estimated Contract Start Date October 1, 2021 The City reserves the right to modify these dates. Discussion with Bidders All questions submitted or discussions with bidders during the bid process must be through the City of Liberty Hill Public Works Department. City of Liberty Hill – Public Works, PO Box 1920, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642 Attn.: Lindsey Sherrill

Tennis

Continued from Page 5

the court, as it translates to on-court cohesion – and ultimately, success. “I think it’s huge because they feel comfortable with each other,” she said. “Players in this situation feel like they’re in their element, which allows them to play more free as a person.” One thing Rhoden definitely doesn’t want her players to do, though, is to give each other directives during a match – regardless of however much chemistry exists between the pair, she said. “We always tell out players not to coach each other,”

Defense

said Rhoden. “But, we do want them to listen to one another and then suggest what might be a good idea – then I’ll come in and say ‘Why don’t you try what your partner is suggesting and see if it works? If it doesn’t, you can always switch right back.’” Despite its many intricacies and eccentricities, tennis is no different from any other athletic endeavor in that lessons learned in the heat of battle can be valuable long after victory or defeat is decided, said Rhoden. “When you’re in the moment and the pressure’s high,

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position is junior Aden Burrell, who has already begun to come into his own, said Walker. “Aden’s continuing to get better,” he said. “He’s already made a few big plays, which is going to be huge for us.” However, there are many cogs to the machine and another big reason for the early-season dominance of the defense is senior defensive end Lloyd Johnson, Jr., who had four quarterback hurries against Georgetown, but has yet to record a sack this season – although it’s only a matter of time before the 6-foot2, 245-pound speed rusher breaks out in that department, said Walker. “LJ’s time is coming,” he said. “He’s doing very well for us.” But, the lynch pin for the unit remains senior linebacker Andon Thomas, who leads Liberty Hill with 38 tackles – including 20 against Georgetown. “Andon does exactly what an inside linebacker is supposed to do,” said Walker. “Always be around the ball.” Walker said the fact Thomas always finds himself in the midst of the action is no Public Works Admin. Phone: 512-778-5449 E-Mail: lsherrill@libertyhilltx.gov Bidders’ contact with employees or officials of the City other than the above-mentioned staff member regarding this Bid may result in disqualification from this procurement process. Any oral communications are considered unofficial and non-binding with regard to this Bid; all communication shall be in writing (e-mail preferred). (9/23)

mistake, but rather a result of meticulous methods. “He’s always studying what the offense is going to do,” he said. “For us, Andon is like having a coach on the field, as far as lining everyone up and making sure we’re ready.” A welcome addition to the Panthers’ defense this season is senior Drake Torno, who moved in from Class 6A Vandegrift and has plugged the hole in the middle of the line in the absence of graduated senior Blake Wilson, who is now plying his trade at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene – and has done good work in Liberty Hill’s 3-4 scheme, said Walker. “Drake’s played very well in a position he’s never played before,” he said. “He’s a different body type than Blake (Wilson), but he keeps playing better and better each week – he plays hard and low.” Hudson said Torno defies logic with how he plays based on his dimensions. “Drake is like 5-6, 200 pounds,” he said, of the stocky nose tackle. “He’s like a bowling ball, but I’m really impressed with him.” But, Hudson wasn’t done

Thursday, September 16, 2021

how are you going to react?” she said. “Which is something which translates directly to life.” Rhoden said she always imparts two more pieces of wisdom on top of her first question when she meets with players in the middle of matches. “After I figure out their emotions and feelings, I point out their opponent’s weakness and give them one thing to work on,” she said. “Once we get past our emotions, hopefully we can end up with something positive.”

heaping praise on his defensive teammates. “Carlton Schrank has done a really good job this season,” he said, of the junior safety. “(Senior linebacker) Reid Bynum is also surprising me.” But, perhaps the biggest compliment was saved for senior safety Aaron Brewer, who has an ability to keep everyone loose, said Hudson. “Aaron’s like the class clown,” he said. “He’s the funniest guy on our team.” One thing is for sure, though – the Panthers’ defense has been no joke in the early going this season, something Hudson said will continue under one condition. “All each one of us can do is to go out and do our job,” he said. As for his goat-to-hero act against Georgetown, Hudson said it was definitely gratifying to atone for his mistake – but there was much more to the win than his late heroics. “Making that play at the end make me feel a little better about what happened before,” he said. “But, I don’t like to think any one play wins us a game.”

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All contact with the City shall be through the individual named above. Proposers shall not attempt to contact the City staff or management directly during the pre-proposal or post proposal period. Proposers’ contact with employees or officials of the City other than REQUEST FOR the Public Works Director rePROPOSALS FOR garding this RFP may result in Water and Waste-Water disqualification from this proTreatment Chemicals curement process. Any oral Notice to Proposers: communications are considThe City of Liberty Hill (the ered unofficial and non-bind“City”) is soliciting proposing with regard to this RFP. als for Request for Propos- (9/23) al (“RFP”) for chemicals to support the City’s water and REQUEST FOR waste-water treatment faciliPROPOSALS ties. JOERIS GENERAL The City will require Four CONTRACTORS, LTD. (4) printed copies (one orig- Joeris General Contractors will inal plus three copies) and an be accepting competitive Proelectronic copy (CD, DVD posals Suppliers for the: Libor thumb drive) of the entire erty Hill ISD - Hill ES and proposal must be sealed and Noble ES steel decking, until returned to the City of Liberty 2:00PM on Tuesday, Sept. Hill, Attention: Public Works 28, 2021. Proposals will be Director, P. O. Box 1920, Lib- received by email at bidsAuserty Hill, Texas 78642 (mailing tin@joeris.com or by fax. address) or 926 Loop 332 Lib- Project Description: This erty Hill, Texas 78642 (phys- GMP1 includes all steel deckical address) by 2:00 p.m., ing, including roofs and floors Central Standard Time, Sep- for both Elementary School’s, tember 30, 2021. All responses the Hill and Noble. must be plainly marked with Plans may be reviewed at: the proposal name and RFP For plans contact Ancle Davis number: “City of Liberty Hill at adavis@joeris.com. Water and Waste-water Treat- Participation by S/M/W/DBE ment Chemicals”. firms & Certified HUB firms Proposer is responsible for is encouraged. Joeris General delivery of response by the due Contractors is an equal oppordate and time set. Responses tunity (EEO) employer. received after the due date and (9/23) time will not be considered. The information contained MISSING PROPERTY in these specifications is con- If you believe the police defidential and is to be used only partment may have a found in connection with preparing item that belongs to you, you this proposal. can call the Property Division The City of Liberty Hill re- directly at 512-548-5530 or serves the right to reject any email at ekrause@libertyhilland all proposals and waive tx.gov. When contacting the informalities in proposals re- Property Division, describe ceived. the item(s) you are looking for, All questions concerning this in detail, and we will let you RFP must be addressed to the know if we have it. If we do, following point of contact: we will make arrangements to Lindsey Sherrill get it back to you. Public Works Admin. (9/30) 926 Loop 332. Liberty Hill, Texas 78642 Office: (512) 778-5449 Email: lsherrill@libertyhilltx. gov

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LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Liberty Hill has been asked to review and approve the following application(s), to wit: A request for an administrative variance from the design specifications set forth in Section 4.2 of the Round Rock Design and Construction Standards: Transportation Specifications pertaining to the sidewalks typically being constructed on both sides of the road and parallel to the roadway. Due to topographical considerations, the builder is requesting to omit the sidewalk along the frontage road at the below address: 13575 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 The Board of Adjustment’s jurisdiction extends to and includes the following final actions: 1. Appeal of an Administrative Decision 2. Administrative Exception In accordance with Section 211.008, Texas Local Government Code, a public hearing on the application will be conducted by the Board of Adjustment at the Liberty Hill Municipal Courthouse, 2801 Ranch Rd 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 5:30 PM. After the public hearing, the Board of Adjustment will take final action on this matter. For more information, you may either visit the Development Services Department at 100 Forrest Street, call (512) 778-5449, or send an email to planning@ libertyhilltx.gov. By order of the Director of Planning on September 13, 2021. (9/16) WALDEN WRECKER SERVICE, 939 N 183, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642, 512-5743367, 0651983vsf, www.tdlr. texas.gov White 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 LP# 6CEW45 MO $390.90 fees accrue daily. (9/16)

Thursday, September 16, 2021

CIT

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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to the patient and the family. We primarily focus on mental health crises, whether it’s adults or children. We work closely with mental health providers. We will follow up with people in case they need further help. It’s not just mental health but also if someone is struggling with substance abuse. We have access to resources to help that person.” Sgt. Ron Leboeuf said the unit helps families who are afraid a sibling might hurt themselves or others. “We’re not talking about a crime,” he said. “We’re talking about your family member in crisis. They haven’t committed a crime, and we don’t want them to go to jail. But there’s some danger there, either to themselves or somebody else. We will come in and sit down and talk to them.” According to Leboeuf, the plain-clothed 11-person unit is designed to end the tendency of a criminal to re-offend. A mental health crisis-trained 9-1-1 operator acts as the ﬁrst line of defense and can redirect the call to ensure those needing the program can get the right resources. “Their sole mission in life is to bring a resolution to a crisis,” said Chief Deputy Ken Evans. “It’s an entire shift in our mod-

el. It is solely designed around truly trying to address mental health at the root cause and how to minimize the impact to the families.” To become a law enforcement ofﬁcer in Texas, basic CIT training is required. Members of the specialized unit take additional training and classes. Saenz said patrol deputies and 9-1-1 operators help determine if his crew needs to respond. “As a stand-alone unit, our deputies are experts in the ﬁeld,” he said. “We have built great working relationships with psychiatric hospitals and providers. We’re able to work together helping that person as quickly as possible.” Evans knows all too well how living with someone with mental health issues can affect a family. “I have a son with Asperger’s who is 21 today,” he said. “He’s been on meds since he was 3-years old. I’ve been in the ER for more hours than I want to remember. I still have to provide for a roof over his head because he can’t function in society by himself.” Saenz began his career in

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law enforcement working with inner-city gang youth in San Antonio. He has a Master’s Degree in Counseling. “I was hired in Williamson County to start the Mobile Outreach Team, which was a crisis response team created to support law enforcement,” he said. “That’s where I learned about CIT, and I fell in love with the program. To me, it became very interesting, and I joined the academy, and here I am 13 years later.” Leboeuf comes from a military background. He said he joined the team after hearing the impact that the program had on veterans and wanted to help his comrades in arms. “I had two of my troops commit suicide, and I wanted to know why,” he said. “I needed to be able to help. I intended to do this for a couple of years. I kept doing it, and I kept seeing results, and I’m still here.” CIT services are available for any resident of Williamson County. Saenz said any individuals suffering from a mental health crisis can call 9-1-1 and ask for help.

County-wide baking contest

Liberty Hill bakers are invited to participate in a county-wide Baking Contest in conjunction with the Williamson County Fair and Rodeo Oct 20. Pick out your prize-winning recipe(s), ﬁre up the ovens and get ready to compete with others for bragging rights and awards. • Print your recipe using the form under the participate tab at https://www.wilcofair.com/ • Choose appropriate age group: YOUTH (Age 8-18) and ADULT (Over 18) • Bring the recipe form, your baked goods, and $5 per entry to Project Registration and Check-in booth at the Expo Center on Oct. 20, between 8 a.m. and noon. For information visit https:// williamson.agrilife.org/events/

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60,000 .394 acres

$ 379,000 $ 175,000

$1,600,000 $ 207,000 $ 538,000 $ 235,000 $ 203,000 $ 237,000 $ 217,000 $ 201,000 $ 201,000 $ 201,000 $ 204,000 $ 250,000 $ 275,000 $ 750,000

$ 420,000 2507 sq ft

Cheryl Stephens

$ 510,000 2100 sq ft

Amy Gandy

$ 430,000 1855 sq ft $ 200,000 1671 sq ft $ 765,000 2800 sq ft $ 350,000 2044 sq ft $ 350,000 968 sq ft

$ 315,000 1404 sq ft $ 429,250 2950 sq ft $ 225,000 1704 sq ft $ 800,000 2739 sq ft $ 230,000 1440 sq ft

$ 197,500 4.25 acres $ 430,000 1611 sq ft

RE/MAX Town & Country 13561 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill shanetwhite@remax.net www.ShaneTWhiteTeam.com

512.515.5263

Amy Gandy

Sabrina Jordan Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby

Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White

Cheryl Stephens Cheryl Stephens Dax Oglesby

LIBERTY HILL’S REAL ESTATE GUIDE Feature your property listings weekly! (512) 778-5577

Real Life. Real People. Real Estate.

Residential • Farm and Ranch Minerals • Land and Leasing

Is NOW the time to sell your home? Call us ... We know the answer! Kristen Childers

Dax Oglesby

REALTOR®

REALTOR®, RPL daxoglesbysgrhomes@gmail.com

REALTOR®

(512) 501 501-0777

(512) 635-7529

AustinAndHillCountryRealEstate.com

3103 Ranch Road 1869 Liberty Hill

www.DaxSellsTexas.com

900 Quest Parkway Cedar Park, TX 78613

“Our family of seasoned professional agents is what makes us unique. We’re here to help you, whether it’s selling your property or assisting in finding and purchasing the home of your dreams.”

Adrienne Hughes

Cheryl Stephens

512-810-0185

512-417-0026

Broker/Owner

Tammy Wise

Realtor ®, GRI, MRP

3106 Ranch Road 1869 | Liberty Hill, TX 78642 | www.Hughes-and-Company.com

From Waco to New Braunfels, Llano to LaGrange and everywhere in between.

Amy Gandy, Broker/Owner | MCNE, CLHMS 512-589-9005 | amy@agandyandco.com www.agandyandco.com