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2020

Volume 33, Issue 22

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Area EDCs reaching out to their business communities

By MIKE EDDLEMAN out that we need to do someManaging Editor thing for them.” There’s no business like the The Leander program is offerbusiness that’s already a part ing grants for between $2,500 of the community, and that re- and $5,000, while the Bertram ality is not lost on local com- plan is for $1,000 per business munities as everyone feels the for up to 15 total grants. crunch of the pandemic. Both programs were conTo try and ease the pain felt ceived and launched quickly, by existing businesses, a pair knowing how important it of local area economic devel- is to get assistance funds in opment corporations – in Ber- the hands of business owners tram and Leander – have rolled quickly. out plans to use some of their “We spent quite a bit of time funds on hand to help those on it to come up with the probusinesses make ends meet. gram,” Custer said. “We’re “This city council is putting fortunate enough to have a their money where their mouth few bankers on the EDC, some is,” said Evan Milliorn, Eco- Realtors, and we all live right nomic Development Manag- there. It was something we felt ing Partner in Leander. “They we had to do and we needed to are truly wanting to do what- do it then and not drag it out ever they can. It is not a lot by into a next meeting. We wantany stretch, but it’s something. ed to make sure when we sat I think it is great to watch down we’d work it out while our council and city manager we were there.” step up to the plate and try to In Leander, they saw quick provide some relief in this “We’re not a big EDC, we don’t stressful time our local busi- have deep deep pockets, but we felt nesses are exlike we have enough businesses periencing.” that create a tax base in our city The Leander C O V I D - 1 9 and help us out that we need to do Emergency something for them.” Business Grant ~ David Custer program is being funded City of Bertram EDC President through the Old Town Incentive Program, which cur- grants as a way to help while rently has $208,000 in unused businesses waited for other funds for 2020. programs to be funded. In Bertram, the EDC has also “What the Mayor had asked taken funds -- where it has several weeks ago was for us them to spare -- to lend a hand. to come up with a way to pro“We saw that Burnet, Cedar vide some gap ﬁnancing bePark and a few others were fore all the federal money rolls doing things for their small in for all the small business businesses so we came togeth- owners,” Milliorn said. “We er as a group and decided we have had the Old Town Grant should do something for the Program for a long time, so we small businesses in our city found our funding source. We because we knew there were were able to tap that grant prosome that were hurting,” said gram, and amend it to create a Bertram EDC President David sub program.” Custer. “We’re not a big EDC, Both programs require city we don’t have deep deep pock- council approval, and have a ets, but we felt like we have variety of stipulations. enough businesses that create a See GRANTS, Page 6 tax base in our city and help us

News@LHIndependent.com

LHISD focused on future, closing out academic year

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor With the bulk of the logistics behind it, and conﬁrmation last week from Gov. Greg Abbott that students would not return to school during the academic year, Liberty Hill ISD has been able to turn its attention to ironing out policies for ﬁnishing this year and preparing for the next.

those who need them – whether it’s tangible needs or simply a chance to somehow better their respective situations. During the current global COVID-19 outbreak, it’s been business as usual for the organization – albeit with a few necessary adjustments, said Lauren McAndrews, director of development. “Since the COVID-19 outbreak, we have continued to provide meals to our homebound seniors, as well as our congregate attendees – we’ve just adapted meal delivery,” she said. “We’re currently delivering two weeks of meals to home-bound seniors. These meals are freshly prepared and ﬂash-frozen. We still have volunteers as well as staff who are

“We’ve come a long way in a month, not just Liberty Hill, but every school district,” said Superintendent Steve Snell. “I can’t thank parents and teachers enough. You want to talk about a group effort, there’s no way this could be done without parent involvement and support.” But the announcement from the Governor was bittersweet

Cases continue to rise, testing scarce

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor The ﬁfth death attributed to the COVID-19 virus in Williamson County – a male in his mid-30s – was announced Monday afternoon, following nearly two weeks without a death. The announcement came as calls have become louder across Texas and the nation to pull back stay home orders and reopen businesses to ease economic strains. Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell addressed that issue indirectly this week by focusing

on the families that have lost loved ones to the virus. “Every time we have someone who has lost their life to this horrible disease I’m mindful of the kids and grandkids, parents and grandparents that have to deal with this tragedy,” Gravell said. “I’ve heard individuals say, ‘Well, look at the cost and what it’s done to our area businesses and we’ve only had four or ﬁve people pass away.’ Perhaps for them, and through that ﬁlter maybe their

See UPDATE, Page 4

for district personnel. “It’s hard for teachers and students when we got word we were extending (at home learning) until the end of May,” said Dr. Toni Hicks, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability. “I think everybody cried. It’s so unusual to not have the things we are accustomed to and traditions

to celebrate one another, the friends and connections we have with one another. We’ve just kind of ended things without getting to say goodbye or wrap up.” Liberty Hill ISD has established how grading will be done for the entire Spring semester, and how that will ﬁt

See LHISD, Page 8

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS CASES & DEATHS Williamson County Cases Williamson County Deaths Texas Cases Texas Deaths U.S. Cases U.S. Deaths

APRIL 1

APRIL 8

APRIL 15

APRIL 22

55 1 3,997 58 186,101 3,603

97 4 9,353 177 395,011 12,754

128 4 15,492 364 605,390 24,582

167 5 21,096 543 802,583 44,575

SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

CASES BY COUNTY

HARRIS 5,143 DALLAS 2,602 TARRANT 1,333 TRAVIS 1,233 BEXAR 1,080 WILLIAMSON 167

81 CASES

86 CASES

CASES BY AGE 0-17 18-40 41-60 Over 60

6 54 66 39

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES 4/22/20

CASES BY LOCATION IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY

AUSTIN CEDAR PARK GEORGETOWN HUTTO LEANDER ROUND ROCK LIBERTY HILL

12 21 27 15 14 66 2

TESTED IN TEXAS APRIL 1 APRIL 8 APRIL 15 APRIL 22

47,857 96,258 151,810 216,783

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY & CITIES HEALTH DISTRICTS 4/22/20

LHJH All Girls Considered

ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO

Mobile meals working overtime during coronavirus outbreak

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Even under ordinary conditions there are those who need help. Be it home-bound seniors who need meals delivered to them, underprivileged children growing up in a needy home or families who ﬁnd themselves up against overwhelming odds just to survive, the need is always there. Since 1965, Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties (OWBC) has been there for

April 23, 2020 | 50 Cents

doing ‘no contact’ deliveries and our site managers are having regular contact with our clients. Congregate members can either have their meals delivered or can pick them up at their local site. We’re also taking new clients into the Meals on Wheels program, using a telephone assessment instead of a face-to-face home visit.” OWBC is currently delivering approximately 3,000 meals per week – 1,800 to seniors and 1,200 to students. However, it’s not all about providing meals, as the organization provides additional services for those who need them, she said. “We continue to provide

See MEALS, Page 4

Liberty Hill Junior High seventh graders Monique Achumama and Gabriella Vargas interview Williamson County Emergency Management Services deputy director Shantelle Brannon (left) for the school’s ﬁrst episode of its “All Girls Considered” podcast, which is available this week. Brannon is the ﬁrst female to hold the position in Williamson County and was able before spring break to talk to the students about planning for pandemics like COVID-19. The podcast can be downloaded on various platforms including Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Local manufacturer shifts gears to focus on mask making

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Liberty Hill resident Michael Caird has spent the last 10 years locally manufacturing high-end hats, scarves, socks and gloves for clients around the world, but since the coronavirus pandemic started, he has since switched gears to make and sell knitted masks. Caird, owner of The Knitting Mill, has seen his business grow steadily over the last decade, and like many businesses, had plans for more growth this year. Now, because of the coronavirus, his growth is on hold, and so Michael Caird, owner of The Knitting Mill, wears one of his is his business with many of knitted, 100 percent Egyptian cotton masks with a ﬁlter insert. He started manufacturing masks when his other business See MASKS, Page 6 slowed to a halt. (Courtesy Photo)

Page 2

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, April 23, 2020

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Week of April 13-19, 2020 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 268 incidents resulting in four cases, six citations, eight warnings and no arrests. Weekly Highlights: - On April 13 at approximately 3:48 AM, officers responded to Sierra Mar Loop to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On April 13 at approximately 12:06 PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for a theft complaint. - On April 13 at approximately 3:21 PM, officers responded to Ford Street to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On April 13 at approximately 7:55 PM, officers responded to Taylor Smith Drive to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On April 14 at approximately 1:14 AM, officers responded

to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious vehicle. - On April 14 at approximately 3:46 PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious incident. - On April 14 at approximately 3:50 PM, officers responded to Stubblefield Lane for loose livestock. - On April 15 at approximately 1:13 AM, officers responded to the 2000 block of RM 1869 for a disturbance. - On April 15 at approximately 12:05 PM, officers responded to Liberty Meadows for a prior accident. - On April 16 at approximately 2:22 AM, officers responded to Larkspur Park Blvd to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On April 16 at approximately 11:44 AM, officers responded to CR 260 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On April 16 at approximately 4:00 PM, officers responded to

the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a welfare check. - On April 17 at approximately 5:20 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard. - On April 17 at approximately 10:48 PM, officers responded to Hillcrest Lane for a disturbance. - On April 18 at approximately 3:28 AM, officers responded to the 20000 block of W. SH 29 for a citizen assist. - On April 18 at approximately 8:20 PM, officers responded to Tucana Street to assist the Liberty Hill Fire/ EMS. - On April 19 at approximately 6:03 PM, officers responded to Lola Drive for a disturbance. - On April 20 at approximately 12:07 AM, officers responded to Moorhen Cove to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On April 20 at approximately 12:46 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a theft complaint.

AUSTIN—Texas State Parks began reopening for dayuse only April 20 as part of a broader effort to begin reopening the state of Texas. New restrictions in effect include requiring visitors to wear face coverings and maintain a sixfoot distance from individuals outside of their party, and prohibiting the gathering of groups larger than ﬁve. Due to limited stafﬁng, weather conditions and continuing construction projects, some state parks will not be open at the current time. Park visitors should check the Texas State Parks Alert Map regularly for the latest information about the status of individual parks. The resumption of overnight camping will be announced to the public once a date has been

determined. TPWD recommends visitors continue to adhere to local, state and federal travel restrictions and other guidance for safety and social distancing before traveling. Additionally, visitors are required to pre-purchase and print dayuse permits through the Texas State Parks Reservation System before traveling to a park. Day-use reservations can be made online at www.texasstateparks.org orby calling 512-389-8900. Visitors are encouraged to bring all necessary provisions, such as hand sanitizer and face masks, with them in order to help local businesses have enough goods to properly serve their communities. This will also help park staff have

necessary supplies available for all guests during their stay. Anyone traveling to a Texas State Park should continue to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) public health recommendations and adhere to strict social distancing and cleanliness standards while in public spaces. Operational changes still in effect at parks include the suspension of all transactions at parks, equipment rentals and in-person interpretive programs. All group-use facilities, visitor and nature centers, headquarters and other enclosed spaces where people congregate will also remain closed. For the latest information, please check the TPWD website.

State Parks reopen for day use

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

OPINION

Testing, 1, 2, 3... Is this thing on?

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor I am thankful to say that over the past six weeks I have not suffered anything but the occasional inconvenience. The COVID-19 virus has forced me to adjust my habits, and I now track my calendar by daily statistical updates I post on Facebook. I sit at my home office desk and contemplate numbers, curves, data points, new studies, old studies and conflicting reports. As readers, you got “lucky”. You got stuck with a COVID-19 reporter who was once a long-time sports reporter, and that means I am drawn deep into statistics and the need to analyze and interpret them. You can thank me later for the endless numbers and percentages. Think of me as your bad astrologer – the statistical nightmare that spins endless circles of numerical insanity until we are all sick to our stomach. It’s really not that bad, because I find much of it too useless to share, but I have made myself dizzy trying to make sense of all this data on a number of occasions. How many have been tested for COVID-19? How many have the virus, how many have recovered? Who has died, who might die? All those questions are being asked before we ever turn a single number into a dreaded percentage. Each time I am close to a reporter-level breakthrough – which simply means there’s no MD or PhD after my name – the boat springs a leak and the conclusion sinks like a box of rocks. Why? Because there’s never enough context to any of the numbers we consider,

and most of all, the testing pool is as shallow as any “Real Housewives” show you’ve binged on in quarantine. Tests. Americans love tests. We demand them and use them for good and for evil. We use them to evaluate and judge. We have learned that we can use the right test to generate any outcome we need. We may not have invented the test, but we are so good at it, we have essentially tested out of testing. But testing in America succumbed to its own extinction episode in early 2020 when we failed as a nation to be prepared to properly test for COVID-19. If we can’t test, we can’t know. And widespread testing just doesn’t exist. To even be tested today – more than two months after people began to pay attention to the alarms about this virus – public health officials or private doctors need good reason to believe a patient may already have it. That’s like giving a final exam only to the students in a class who already have an A or B average. Local officials aren’t being stingy with tests -- they just don’t have them. Texas doesn’t have them. Williamson County doesn’t have them. If the only way to determine the spread of this virus is through testing, then there is little to know about it without widespread testing. I can tell you that just over 10 percent of all those tested in Texas have been positive for the virus. I can tell you that just under 3 percent of those who have tested positive have died. Can I apply those numbers to the entire population of Texas – about 29 million – and tell you how many people do or will have the virus and how many will die? No. There are too many unknown variables, and with a testing pool that represents less than 1 percent

of the state’s population it would be statistically criminal to make any assumptions. We haven’t even talked about hospitalization or recoveries, which come with their own variety of complicating questions. The testing failure is the glaring failure of the U.S. response to COVID-19. Without reliable data we can’t decide with any comfort whether we are succeeding with social distancing or when we can “reopen” the economy. But we can project and forecast, you know, like the weather. Healthcare professionals project between ﬁve and 80 percent of all carriers are assumed to be asymptomatic – meaning there would be no sign of symptoms – and the incubation period for the virus runs between two and 14 days. That means maybe the virus could only spread to you from one in 20 people you’ve come in contact with over the last 48 hours. Then again, maybe it could spread to you from eight of 10 people you have come in contact with over the last two weeks. But that’s splitting hairs, right? Mass testing is impractical in general in a country of 360 million people, but is there any other way to be sure? Well, there is, and that’s where stay at home orders, nonessential business closures, mass gathering prohibitions, and social distancing demands come into play. If you can’t know who has the virus, you have to stay away from everyone. But now people are beginning to get restless and frustrated over having to stay at home and away from work. So they begin to use reported numbers to tell the wrong story. If we can’t use the numbers to assume the worst, we also shouldn’t use them to assume the best. Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell has said he is “la-

ser-focused” on testing. But he also admits the county has been able to purchase only 2,500 test kits. Gov. Greg Abbott has regularly reiterated the state’s dedication to testing, yet nearly 40 days into Texas’ testing efforts we haven’t tested even one percent of the population. There’s a jumbled mass of public and private testing efforts, mangled by different criteria and slow results. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has had to spend as much time cautioning the public about testing scams as it has promoting the mass production and delivery of legitimate tests. Healthcare providers, local and state governments are all looking for a “hook up” to find tests to purchase. Williamson County spent $112,500 on its 2,500 kits and doesn’t know yet where it will find more. But if the County magically finds and can pay for 10 times as many tests as it has dug up so far it will be able to test only 10 percent of residents. The Governor announced Monday the National Guard would send out 25 mobile testing teams throughout the state, with each having the ability to test 150 people per day. If these teams were up and running without any setbacks between now and May 20, they would test 112,500 Texans. See how impractical this is 40 days into this pandemic? We need testing to make educated decisions, but it is somewhat too late to address the question with piecemeal solutions. The Texas problem is not unique. Maryland used a connection to South Korea to get 500,000 tests. Maybe it is time to call in that real favor from all of our sister cities, right? It’s just not enough. Why didn’t the federal

Page 3

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Letters to the Editor

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Liberty Hill Cemetery Homecoming

Dear Editor & Friends: Our reunion at the Liberty Hill Cemetery was scheduled for the ﬁrst Sunday in May. Our national and state leaders have issued guidelines for social distancing. Adding to the

criteria is the fact that an especially high percentage of our attendees are in the age range of seniors. Many of us have pre-existing conditions such as COPD, Asthma, Diabetes, Heart conditions, and so forth. After consulting with the board of directors of the Association, a unanimous decision was reached to cancel the

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reunion on May 3rd, though it saddens us all. To do otherwise, however, would be to put at risk the health of many of our treasured members, family and friends. Please consider making a donation to the Liberty Hill Cemetery Association Fund. The operation of the cemetery goes on and we are dedicated to the

maintenance of the grounds to the standards we are accustomed to. We send our best wishes to each of you for good health and a happy day when we all meet together once again. Judge Billy Ray Stubbleﬁeld President of the Board of Directors

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Page 4

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Liberty Hill Public Library revamping plans for summer reading program

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Libraries are meant to be gathering places, a destination for exploration and fun, so each day the doors remain locked on the Liberty Hill Public Library is a frustrating one for staff and patrons alike. “We’re very anxious,” said Librarian Angela Palmer. “It’s very hard to sit back and not do anything. It’s just not what libraries do, so it is very difficult. What we want to be is a gathering place for the community, but we’re not going to be able to do that for a while. As that gathering place we have to be overcautious.” Closed doors and dark shelves don’t mean nothing is happening, though, as Palmer and her staff are doing what they can to make resources available. One of the library’s first responses after temporary closing was to make sure the community knew that wi-fi would be available from the parking lot for those who needed it. Now they’re trying to make sure everyone can at least make use of the electronic collection online. “We’re doing virtual cards, so if anybody needs a card right now and they don’t have one, they can send us an e-mail,” Palmer said. “We’re trying to get people cards because all of our electronic stuff is available.” There’s no speculation about when the library may open its doors again, but Palmer is working on plans to be ready when it is safe to do so. “What we’re going to do is a staged rollout to reopen,” she said. “We’re probably going to start with like a curbside pick up. When we open I’m almost positive we will have to limit the number of people in the library, maybe change our hours a bit. I’d like to have a time where seniors, or people with compromised health issues could come in earlier.” There are currently about

10,000 items out, all checked out before orders came to stay home, and just getting those back in and ready for check out again will be a huge task. “We have to sanitize them and let them sit a couple of days before we can shelve them,” Palmer said. This unexpected quiet time became the ideal time for some of the not so fun, but necessary annual library tasks. “We’re doing inventory,” Palmer said. “Once a year we scan all the books and look for problems, things that are missing. We’re doing database clean up, which is not very exciting at all. We’re working mostly from home, but doing some things at the library, having to stagger staff and just trying to keep everybody working.” With a reopen date up in the air, and everything that has impacted the community over the last two months, Palmer knew it was time to rework this year’s summer reading program. The theme was to be super heroes, which will now shift to next year. “I’ve been revamping my entire summer reading program, which I had already ﬁnished,” Palmer said. “We’re putting together kits to go for summer reading, getting lists of books together, so we’re doing a lot of projects.” Everything has to be done differently, and set up in a way to be prepared for continued social distancing and limits on gatherings. “It’s going to be very different this year because it is going to be all virtual,” Palmer said. “It’s not what I want to do, but it’s what we have to do. We will not get to see the kids and how excited they get about the books, take heir pictures to put on the wall or have in-person events and programs.” One key piece will be online program sign up. “I’m trying to ﬁnd an affordable option for patrons of all

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ages to register for summer reading and keep track of their books and minutes online,” Palmer said. “People won’t have to do it online. We’ll have an option where they can do paper, but we’re trying to keep that to a minimum. We want to be as ﬂexible as possible with all of it.” The past popularity of kits to go has made them a big part of this summer’s plan now that activities can’t be held at the library. “The last few years we have done science kits to go, so we’re putting those together, with other activities to go,” Palmer said. “We will also be doing some virtual things like science experiments they can watch, story time, maybe cooking demonstrations, or a book club. That’s all still coming together.” It will not be all screen time, though, as Palmer knows kids need an escape from computers. “It’s hard to do virtual things because the poor kids have been stuck on the computers for weeks and months now,” she said. “We hope to plan some things in the community like scavenger hunts, maybe some geocaching or letterboxing. I’m trying to think of things like some challenges we can do to get them outside and moving and away from the screen.” In addition to health concerns, funding is also an issue with local businesses tightening their belts. “We depend on donations and the huge generosity of our businesses each year to do summer reading,” she said. “It has become such a big summer reading program. But I don’t feel like I can ask businesses for donations this year. It’s just not the right thing to do.” As plans are ﬁnalized and the program kicks off, more information will be available online through the library’s social media channels and website.

MEALS

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Continued from Page 1

educational services to our Head Start students through Facebook and videos and also continue to provide breakfast, lunch and a snack to these children,” said McAndrews. “Parents can come by the center to pick up meals or we’re delivering to the home. In our community services program, our case managers and staff continue to process applications for utility assistance.” As the pandemic is a constantly-evolving phenomenon, changes must constantly be made on the ﬂy as the situation dictates, she said. “As a result of the pandemic, we’re having weekly senior leadership meetings to discuss what is working well, what needs some adjustment and what the needs are of staff and clients,” said McAndrews. “We’ve developed no-contact delivery systems and a check-in system so we know the speciﬁc needs of our clients. In addition, we’ve provided staff with masks, gloves, education on sanitizing and additional resources as we’re following the recommendations of the CDC.” Maintaining proper communication remains a critical element in ensuring needs are met. “We continue to have contact with our clients and families through telephone conversations, visits from a safe distance (driveway/parking lot conversations) and follow-up with family members,” she said. McAndrews has been with

UPDATE

free after a positive test. Both cases announced in Liberty Hill are reported as recovered, according to Mayor Rick Hall. The erratic rise in cases in the county, along with an average of 839 new cases per day announced in Texas over the last two weeks highlights the importance of much-needed testing of the general public. “Something we’ve struggled mightily with is test kits, and test kits were very difﬁcult and complicated to get,” Gravell said, adding that the

pen, OWBC must run a tight financial ship in not only keeping the entire operation afloat, but making sure proper word gets out to those in need, said McAndrews. “The biggest challenges facing all our programs is funding and awareness. We keep our administrative costs below 15 percent in order to give as much to our neighbors in need as we can,” she said. “Many of us wear many hats and do what it takes to meet the needs of our community. I use the quilt analogy to make my point – each organization, donor, partner and business are a patch. Each patch has a purpose, yet when the patches are sewn together, we can literally blanket our community with the services needed.” McAndrews added the pandemic has made everyday life even more of a hardship than before for some. “As the official community action agency for the two-county area, we’re more than aware of the number of individuals and families who are living below the federal poverty line,” she said. “What we also know is the long-term impact of this pandemic will affect our clients significantly. Most of our clients were food-insecure and having difficult times before this pandemic. Now, with the addition of lost jobs, lack of personal contact, lost wages, cut hours and additional stressors, our families and clients are even more vulnerable than before.”

nationwide need complicates the effort to get kits. “It’s never been that simple when you have a nationwide crisis and disaster it is really difﬁcult.” In spite of that challenge, Gravell said testing for the public is a primary focus now. “The two main focuses in the days ahead is testing locally for our residents and if possible, free testing for our residents to learn if they are COVID positive,” Gravell said. “We can’t know how large the problem is until we

See COVID, Page 8

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attitude is right, but for those five that have lost loved ones this is a nightmare they’re having to live.” Nine new confirmed cases Wednesday ended and a three-day slowdown where the County total rose by only three cases. The County total Wednesday was at 167, with 101 being reported as recovered. County health officials consider a patient recovered following a negative test after a positive test or seven consecutive days of being symptom

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OWBC for five years after working for Child Protective Services for more than 13 years after taking a position as a temporary grant writer became a full-time opportunity. “I saw it as a great opportunity for myself and the agency, as there was no development department prior to me,” she said. “Since my hire, we’ve established three annual fundraisers, additional grants, new outreach programs and several new partnerships and collaborations.” But, none of what OWBC does can be without resources in the form of people and funds, said McAndrews. “We’re always in need of volunteers – currently to deliver meals – which is no-contact delivery. Volunteers can contact either the Head Start or Meals on Wheels programs via our website OWBC-tx. org or at (512) 763-1400 and follow the prompts,” she said. “Monetary donations are most-needed at this time. The cost of shelf-stable meals used to supplement, as well as a shortfall of funding created when we were adapting a system of meal delivery to the children has significantly impacted the agency. Many of our families in all our programs are significantly food-insecure and we’re trying to find the best means to ensure people are getting enough to eat, as well as being able to pay their rent and meet their other needs.” In order to make it all hap-

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 5

District, students ﬁnd footing in at-home instruction

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Lessons are being learned every day in Liberty Hill ISD – by both students and teachers – as the learning from home program launched in late March continues to build steam toward the May 21 end of school. The district has been intent on making sure students have the tools to learn and solid lessons to learn from, but has tried to focus on a balance that recognizes the challenges in the new situation.

“Our intent was to go slow because we knew kids needed time to adjust as well as families in trying to ﬁnd that balance,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability, Dr. Toni Hicks. “Our whole mantra has been grace over grades and consideration over compliance. We want to be sensitive to what’s happening in the lives of our kids and our families, and understand the access to materials and resources varies depending on the household.”

Hicks said the district and teachers are in learning mode as well as the new learning environment evolves. “Our teachers have been incredibly understanding and very cognizant of what they’re putting out for our kids to ensure it is adaptable to the many households we serve,” Hicks said. “Our ﬁrst module that went out last week, while our teachers did an amazing job with it, we also learned things from that and the second module is reﬂecting those lessons learned.”

The focus has been shifted from detailed instruction to comprehension of larger concepts. “What they’re ﬁnding is what we would want in our classrooms is not what we should expect in our households and we’ve got to be mindful of every kid in our class and our district and how they will be able to reach the big idea of the lesson and what supports can we provide to assist them in reaching those big ideas,” Hicks said. “It’s not all the details of a lesson we would typ-

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PUBLIC NOTICES LHISD REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Liberty Hill ISD is seeking bids for Perimeter Fencing at two school locations. All interested vendors please see RFP #2-2019-2020 at: https://drive.google.com/ file/d/1v7OT2dFncDuBBo7_ nDtyESZbn03koIwn/view?usp=sharing Or request a copy by emailing: mvance@libertyhill.txed.net (4/30) NOTICE TO VOTERS IN LIBERTY HILL NOTIFICATION OF POSTPONEMENT OF THE MAY 2, 2020, GENERAL ELECTION TO NOVEMBER 3, 2020 Texas State Governor – Greg Abbott issued a proclamation postponing the May 2, 2020 Uniform Election due to the ongoing emergency related to the public health and safety crisis arising from COVID-19 Pandemic and pursuant to Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code. Under the Governor’s Proclamation, political subdivisions must postpone their May 2, 2020 Uniform Election until November 3, 2020. In compliance with the Gov-

ernor’s Proclamation and Texas Secretary of State’s Order regarding the May 2020 Uniform Election, the City Council of Liberty Hill approved postponing the City of Liberty Hill election to the November 3, 2020 Uniform Election. The City of Liberty Hill will conduct an election on November 3, 2020 for Mayor, Alderman Place 2, Alderman Place 4 and Special Election for Proposition One to extend Council Member’s terms from two (2) years to three (3) years. Early Voting and Voting the day of the November 3, 2020 election will be conducted at Municipal Court located at 2801 Ranch Road 1869 in Liberty Hill. When the dates of Early Voting are available, the information will be posted at www.libertyhilltx.gov. If you have questions or need additional information please contact the City Secretary of the City of Liberty Hill, Texas - Barbara Zwernemann at 512548-5512 or bzwernemann@ libertyhilltx.gov. (4/23) NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bid proposals addressed to Clayton Properties Group, Inc. dba Brohn Homes on behalf of Williamson County Municipal Utility District No. 23 (the “District”), c/o LandDev Consulting, LLC, Attn: Caylea Pogue, will be received from qualiﬁed bidders until 2:00 pm CST on May 7, 2020 at the ofﬁces of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735, for furnishing all labor, supplies, and supervision necessary for construction of Morningstar Phase 3, Section 4 and Phase 4, Section 1 & 2 Subdivision (the “Project”). The Project involves construction of subdivisions and associated infrastructure including grading, roadway, water quality ponds, waterline, gravity wastewater

line, storm sewers, erosion controls, and associated appurtenances. Bids will be opened and publically read aloud at 2:00 pm CST at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735, on May 7, 2020. No faxed bids will be accepted. Any proposal received after the closing time will be filed unopened. Bids must be submitted on the form included in the bid documents, in sealed envelopes marked “Bid for Morningstar Phase 3, Section 4 and Phase 4, Sections 1 & 2 Subdivision Project”. Plans and Specifications for the Project may be examined without charge at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735. Bidders must contact Caylea Pogue at LandDev Consulting, LLC in order to view and/or obtain electronic access to proposal forms, plans, specifications, and contract documents without charge (telephone: 512-872-6696 or email: caylea.pogue@landdevconsulting.com). A bid must include Bid Security in the form of a certified or cashier’s check or a bid bond issued by a surety legally authorized to do business in Texas, payable to the District, in an amount of at least 5% of the total amount of the bid, in accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.271(c), as a guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will promptly enter into a contract with Clayton Properties Group, Inc. dba Brohn Homes on behalf of the District and furnish bonds on the forms provided. If a Bid is Accepted, the contractor will be required to furnish, at the contractor’s expense, (i) payment and performance bonds in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 2253; (ii) a one

year maintenance bond in the amount of 10% of the contract price, in a form and substance, and with a surety satisfactory to the District, upon final payment and acceptance under the contract; (iii) worker’s compensation insurance coverage in accordance with Texas Labor Code Section 406.096; and (iv) general liability insurance insuring against liability for bodily injury, personal injury, death, or property damage. No Bid may be withdrawn for at least 90 days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Award will be made on the basis of the lowest responsible bidder that is considered the most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project in accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.273(c). The right is reserved to waive any informality in the bidding and to reject any or all bids. The Project is being constructed by Clayton Properties Group, Inc. dba Brohn Homes on behalf of and in the name of the District. The contract will provide that the contractor will look solely to Clayton Properties Group, Inc. dba Brohn Homes for payment of all sums coming due thereunder. Minimum Wage Scale: The contract will require compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2258, Subchapter B, pertaining to prevailing wage rates. In accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.279, the District specifies the prevailing wage rates for public works established by Williamson County, Texas as the District’s prevailing wage rates. The contractor for the Project must pay not less than the specified prevailing wage rates to workers employed by it in execution of the contract. (4/23p)

ically do in a classroom, rather it’s capturing the big ideas of the lessons.” To make sure the comprehension is there and make teachers available to students, the district created guidelines for meetings between students and their teachers. “That ﬁrst week we sent some guidance out to our principals and said our teachers need to communicate with our kids via Zoom once a week and then with phone calls twice a week, and I think teachers are probably doing more than that,” Hicks said. “It is a balance, making sure to not overwhelm but also making sure to provide the right level of support for our kids.” But that meeting time has served a much broader purpose than just questions and answers on lessons. “Our teachers created ofﬁce hours so they have time built in to each week where they can video chat with students, not just about their understanding of the lesson, but about their well being,” Hicks said. “The struggle has really been that there is a grieving process in this. We miss our kids and we miss our teachers so part of that video conferencing is for our kids to be able to see their teachers and also allow our teachers to keep that connections with our kids.” Soon, the district website for learning from home will include a place for parents to provide feedback for the district as well. “We’re adding a feedback link to our learning from home website to get feedback that we will them share with principals

and learning coaches,” Hicks said. “We want to make sure that our site is easily accessible, that everything is there for our families that they need, then we will give that feedback to our principals so we can continue to adapt.” Whether it is encouraging band students to practice outside for all to enjoy, or family-focused physical education lessons, teachers across the spectrum are finding ways to adapt lessons to home versus the classroom. “As one example, our kids are utilizing measurements through cooking then reporting back to our teachers on that,” Hicks said. “Our teachers are being very mindful of the resources that are in the home that they can tap into because the resources we would use in our classrooms are not in every home.” The challenge doesn’t stop once school is officially out on May 21, as Hicks said there will be a plan in place when students return in the fall to make sure any gaps in learning are filled to prevent any students from falling behind next school year. “What our goal is that our students are making progress and they are having access to the learning big ideas we would want in our classrooms,” Hicks said. “Do we recognize there will be gaps in learning? Absolutely. We’re going to have a plan in place at the beginning of next school year for that. Every kid is going to be different in narrowing and closing those gaps and our goal is that no one slides backwards.”

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Grants

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Continued from Page 1

“You are eligible for the grant pending City Council approval, but then each applicant must show how they spent the money,” Milliorn said. “They have to demonstrate that the money went toward utilities, payroll, critical business supplies, items along those lines.” In Leander, lease expenses are a primary concern. “Approximately 70 percent of our small business owners lease a space,” Milliorn said. “Rent can range from around $1,000 to as much as $7,500 a month for some of these businesses.” The Bertram EDC decided to manage the program on a first-come first-served basis, assuming some basic parameters were met. “We talked about doing loans, but decided to let the banks do loans for this,” Custer said. “We are just doing this as grants, as long as businesses aren’t delinquent on sales tax

• Must employ 50 or fewer personnel. • Must be registered with the State Comptroller’s Office. • Must be current on all property and sales taxes due and must show evidence of payroll taxes withheld and remitted. • Applicant must demonstrate that a negative financial impact occurred due to COVID-19. • Applicant must submit a balance sheet. Other financial records such as a profit-andloss statements may also be requested for review. Bertram businesses must meet the following guidelines: • Applicant must be a retail, restaurant, or service business. • The business must have a physical location in the corporate city limits of the city of Bertram. (Bricks and mortar, not solely a home business or online sales). • All funds provided by the EDC must be used solely for operating expenditures for the

payments and up to date on codes and ordinances. We debated quite a bit how to do it and we said the first 15 to turn it in as the only way to decide without being biased.” Both city councils will consider the first batch of applicants this week, and any remaining funds will be considered at their next meeting based on applications received. “We anticipate there will be another batch later in April or the first part of May,” Milliorn said of applicants in Leander. “Our goal will be to, once council has approved the applicants, is to have a check in their hand within seven business days. This is not going to be a drawn out process.” In Leander, applicants must meet the following criteria: • Must be located in the corporate city limits of Leander. • Must comply with all applicable zoning, land use, and other ordinances.

business located at the address provided for in the application. • The need for the funds must be a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. • Proof of applicant’s ownership of the business (W-9) shall be required. • Business principals who have ownership in multiple businesses may only receive one grant. • Non-profit organizations are not eligible for this program. • The applicant must have a valid sales tax number and be in good standing with the State Comptroller. They must have generated (collected and remitted to the State) city sales tax for the past 12 months or since start date and must furnish corresponding documentation with the application. • The applicant must not be delinquent on property or sales taxes due and must be compliant with all city ordinances and codes.

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Applications for both grants can be found on the respective city websites. Both cities know the importance of supporting existing local businesses, and like other programs, this new grant is one more way to lend a hand. “It is hard to keep businesses and we do a few things we can such as sign grants, and other ways to help make upgrades,” Custer said. “We try to do a good job of retaining people and helping the businesses that come into town.” It is about investing in those who have made an investment in the community. “This is critical,” Milliorn said. “Business retention is the backbone to what we call economic development at the local level. It is absolutely critical to

Masks

The 2020 Census is accessible for everyone. Beginning in mid-March 2020, you can respond to the census by answering a handful of questions online, by phone, or by mail.

If you have blindness or low vision, you can print a guide to the questionnaire in braille or large print from 2020CENSUS.GOV. Endorsed by the Williamson County Complete Count Committee

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2020CENSUS.GOV D-OP-GP-EN-126

Continued from Page 1

his usual clients. “My business has dried up at the moment,” he said. “Everything I manufacture is heavy knit for the fall and the winter. I’m usually starting to crank up my production now so I’ll have stock for companies up north. All my customers are still there, but they can’t commit right now because they don’t know if and when they’ll get back to normal. My hand has been forced a little bit to see if my knitting machines could produce masks.” Caird’s knit accessories are produced on Shima Seiki WholeGarment machinery, which produces seamless, 3D knitwear. “I don’t have sewing machines—I can only knit,” Caird added. “Everything I do is

Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone who lives in the country, regardless of age, nationality, or ability. It is important for everyone to respond to the 2020 Census so that communities like yours can receive the funding they need for health care, accessibility services, and more.

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help your existing investors who have already made that investment in the community and are creating employment opportunities. I know our City Council and city management fully understand the importance of the business retention component and that’s exactly why you see a grant program like this come to be.” To date, the Liberty Hill EDC has not made an announcement regarding loan or grant opportunities for local businesses, and the issue was not on the board’s agenda at its last meeting March 16. Mayor Rick Hall said April 17 that he has mentioned the idea to the EDC and it would be discussed, but no timetable has been established.

Michael Caird of The Knitting Mill is knitting masks in two sizes in a variety or colorways with 100 percent Egyptian cotton yarn and selling them online. (Courtesy Photo)

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

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seamless, so there’s no waste. Everything comes off the machine ready to go. We hand-finish a couple of ends, wash it, dry it, press it and it’s ready to go.” Caird said while he is producing the masks to give people some protection when they have to go out and about, he is also trying to get some business for The Knitting Mill due to a complete halt on orders from his regular customers. “I need to get some business or else I’m in trouble,” he said. “I have a lot of yarn left over from previous projects, so I’ve been using it to make the masks because I can’t get yarn right now with everything in lockdown. Every mask I make is 100 percent Egyptian cotton.” Caird’s masks also have an opening in them to fit a PM2.5 filter insert, which will come with each mask purchase. So far, Caird has only been able to get a shipment of 100 filters, but he expects to be able to get more soon. Caird hadn’t produced this type of mask product before, so he had to develop the mask data from scratch. This involved using the Shima Seiki APEX design system to tell the machine how to make the item. He also has a patent for a technique used for knitting sweaters that he earned in 1995 when he was in Japan training on WholeGament technology. Caird will be knitting the masks in two sizes, small and medium/large, and will offer them in a variety of colorways. Cost for the masks will be approximately $15 each. The masks are machine washable and dryable. “This is interesting for me because the way my business works, I’m just the manufacturer,” Caird said. “My customers mark up my products two or three times, and it goes to all these boutiques. Everything I do is high end because I use very high-quality yarn. The way I’m doing these masks will be under our own label, even though I don’t usually do this. Every mask I produce will be high quality, so if you treat it right and wash it right it will last many years.” Caird hopes that in the long term, the masks will become a regular part of the products he knits. “These masks are not just a quick fix to keep my business going,” he said. “When this is all over, we’ll be living in a very different world. I think people will have masks in their vehicles or their bags, and a lot of people will have masks on when they go out even when things get back to normal.” The Knitting Mill has been operating in Liberty Hill since 2011 and has a 3,000-squarefoot manufacturing facility. Currently, the Mill serves about 20 regular customers, including boutiques like Weatherford, Texas-based Buffalo Wool Co.; and Santa Fe, N.M.,-based GoLightly Cashmere. For more information or to purchase masks from The Knitting Mill, visit Caird’s Shopify store at https://studio.theknittingmill.com.

SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, April 23, 2020 Page 7

UIL shuts down activities for remainder of school year

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Ever since March 19, when the UIL announced all sports and activities would be suspended indefinitely due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Liberty Hill athletes and coaches had hope their respective seasons could be resumed. Now, that hope has been snuffed out. Initially, the shutdown was supposed to last only until May 4, when practices would resume with the plan being to finish all seasons in their entirety. However, on April 17 -- 28 days after the initial announcement -- it became clear it was no longer practical for activities to resume and after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all schools to remain closed for

the remainder of the current school year, the UIL followed suit in officially canceling all springs sports, as well as state championships. For Liberty Hill athletic director and head football coach Jeff Walker, the move has already had quite an impact – not only on himself and his coaches, but the athletes themselves. “We were holding on to a glimmer of hope until the announcement on Friday, but now things are definitive,” said Walker. “The announcement hit me hard for our athletes and coaches. Our kids and coaches put so much time and effort into their sports and not being able to finish the season hurts – especially for the seniors.” Walker went on to say not

“The announcement hit me hard for our athletes and coaches. Our kids and coaches put so much time and effort into their sports and not being able to finish the season hurts – especially for the seniors.”

~ Jeff Walker LHHS Athletic Director, Head Football Coach

only was the cancellation the right thing to do, but the entire Panthers athletic program will be affected moving forward – but to an unknown degree. “I believe it was the correct decision since the health of our kids and community are the priority,” he said. “How it affects us in the future really depends on how long this pandemic lasts. Right now, we’re just taking it week by week.” At the time of the initial halt to activities, the girls’

and boys’ soccer teams were readying for the postseason, the baseball and softball teams were both in the midst of their regular seasons and the track team was competing with its focus on district, regional and state meets. Now, it’s all gone. No longer is resuming ordinary everyday activities a possibility for the Purple-andGold – something that is especially agonizing for those who compete, said Walker.

“There’s not a lot you can say. We hope we can be there for them as much as possible and give them whatever support we can,” he said. “Obviously, it’s very sad for both the schools and the athletes that are looking to continue playing. I imagine the disappointment is devastating.” Walker added the Panthers’ football team may be as affected as anyone due to the important work that goes in during the spring to make sure players are ready when the lights go on in the fall – creating even more of a sense of urgency upon their return to the gridiron – although the playing field will certainly be level. “Not having a spring is going to make the time we have when we go back much more

important,” he said. “Football is not a game you can just go play – there’s a lot of preparation from the coaches and players. Of course it’s disruptive, but everyone in the state is in the same boat.” Regardless of what the future holds, Walker is confident the entire Liberty Hill leadership staff will always keep the kids they coach and teach at the top of the priority list. “We have great administrators that always put the student-athletes first,” he said. “I’m sure there will be a lot of new things considered as we work on plans to go back to school and activities. While I don’t know what things will look like, I know it will be centered on putting the student-athletes first.”

Perspectives in disappointment

Soccer season ends, affecting players, coaches, parents

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When a soccer player makes a mistake on the field during a game, he or she must quickly compartmentalize and move on in order to prevent a single blunder from snowballing into an avalanche of errors. Just keep going. However, usually the opponent for Liberty Hill soccer players like junior defender Rhett Hofmann is a speedy winger or a powerful striker attempting to breach the Panthers’ defense. Hofmann and his teammates were getting ready to face district rival Lampasas in their final regular-season game of the schedule when on March 19 the UIL suspended all activities due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Now, there was a brand new, altogether different kind of enemy to defend against. Time. Initially, activities were to resume as early as May 4, but after the current conditions became more and more untenable, it was clear the season would indeed not continue and the campaign was canceled on April 17, leaving Hofmann and the rest of the Panthers a team without a purpose and having an impact that affected both individuals as well as the collective group. “It’s frustrating for us as a program because we had such a good chance of going all the way this year,” said Hofmann. “Especially in relation to how hard we’re going to have to fight in Class 5A next year to do as well as we’re used to. As an individual, it’s a really emotional situation since the boys we’re losing are really good guys and they’ve worked so hard to get us to where we are now. To see them not be able to finish out their senior season and not be able to go fight for them is really tough.” Liberty Hill finished the shortened season with an overall record of 16-6 with a 10-1 district mark and at the time of the cancellation was riding the waves of an eight-game winning streak. Junior striker Jaron Frye was the club’s leading scorer with 41 goals and 20 assists, including 10 multi-goal games and eight hat tricks with three fourgoal games and a five-goal outburst in a 7-2 away victory against Lampasas on Feb. 18. But, now everything has ground to an agonizing halt, which has left Hofmann exasperated, although he’s also confident he’ll be back on the pitch at some point soon. “It’s been pretty frustrating -- not going to lie, but there will inevitably be an end to it all and we’ll see some sort of normalcy, so I’m not too stressed,” he said. One of the biggest challenges for soccer players during a down period is not only to maintain proper fitness levels, but to keep one’s ball skills sharp without teammates to train with and Hofmann has

SHANNON HOFMANN FILE PHOTO

Rhett Hofmann (#3) and teammates Garrison Clopton (#6), Jaron Frye (#10), Kegan Taggart (#11) and Hayden Ersham (#8) had plenty of goals to celebrate during the Panthers’ shortened soccer season. done his best to ensure that, of schoolwork can be a chore, certainly leaves an even big- happened otherwise – such as community and may not have employing his own training but I’ve found as long as I ger void in her everyday life, extra family time and oppor- support close by. Therefore, regimen on the same ground stay on top of it and stay pro- as she has had a child in the tunities to help others when we need to be that family. I’m Liberty Hill Youth Soccer As- active, it’s completely doable program every year since its we’re usually too busy to do also working on some photo sociation calls home. and I can still find time for the inception in the 2013-14 sea- so.” projects, which keep me smil“I’ve been going to the (CR) things I want to do,” he said. son. Shannon has tried to remain ing as I relive the games the 200 fields to work on shots Shannon Hofmann has an enShannon fully realizes the as involved as possible despite kids did get to play.” and been doing touch, agility tirely different perspective of gravity of the current situation the current restrictions and in Shannon’s multiple Purpleand weight training at home,” what’s currently taking place. and the hardships – both tan- doing so is at least somewhat and-Gold hats within the Pansaid Hofmann. “The obligaAlong with being the mother gible and psychological – the filling the enormous void she thers soccer program is cause tory runs as often as I can are of Rhett and former Lady Pan- pandemic has had, but remains finds, with some help from her for an extra dose of sorrow as keeping my endurance up, but ther soccer player Emma Jane philosophic and positive. stock-and-trade, she said. she can both empathize and in all honesty I haven’t created Hofmann, she has been up“As far as how I’ve gone “In regard to dealing with sympathize with everyone afa schedule for running like I close-and-personal with the about dealing with the entire this situation as it relates to fected. should.” Liberty Hill soccer program situation, it’s been one day at a my level of involvement in “I’ve been privileged to be Speaking of the clock, from its inception, witnessing time basically,” she said. “I go my children’s sports, I’ve tried the on-field photographer as Hofmann said although it’s events through the lens of a through a range of emotions to stay engaged with our soc- well as the parent of a team challenging to remain aca- camera on the sidelines. daily -- from sadness and frus- cer coaches and families by member on both the boys’ demically on point during this As one who is not only parent tration about all the things that touching base occasionally,” and girls’ teams since our intime, as well as staying physi- and photographer, but also the should’ve been, worry over said Shannon. “While some augural high school soccer cally fit, it’s certainly possible president of the booster club the people who have been af- of our teammates have lived season here in Liberty Hill,” with enough effort. for the boys’ team, Shannon is fected negatively and then joy here for years and have solid she said. “I get to reach out “Time management in both much more involved than your and peace in the blessings I friendships and family close See PERSPECTIVES, Page 8 working out and staying on top average soccer mom, which can see which wouldn’t have by, others are fairly new to the

Cancellation brings closure to season

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Wait ‘til next year. On April 17, it became official. What many expected finally happened as the UIL announced all spring sports and state championships were being canceled as schools would remain closed for the rest of the semester. As the COVID-19 pandemic refused to loosen its stubborn grip on society, it was really only a matter of time until it was evident it would be impractical to try to resume the season and finish it in its entirety. So, we won’t be picking up right where we left off when the UIL announced all activities were “suspended” on

March 19. Perhaps it was wishful thinking to plan to resume so soon, but did anyone have even a slight idea this monster would keep growing with this magnitude of unprecedented ferocity? Well, folks, an awful lot has changed during those 28 days between announcements. Thousands of people around the world have died from this dreadful plague and one would be very hard-pressed to find a single individual on God’s Green Earth who hasn’t been affected in one way, shape or form. As each day passes, the unthinkable becomes more and more of a distinct possibility. People talk about the “new normal” and speculate about exactly what that might be. Can the world ever really be the same after this? Check out video of the Las

Vegas Strip these days. Those people don’t shut down for anything. Even in the days after 9/11, slot machines could still be seen with spinning wheels and cards were still drawn. But, not now. Places usually bustling and bursting at the seams with human activity like Times Square in New York are like something from a post-apocalyptic movie with their eerie silence and stillness. Almost as if everything and everyone has been stopped dead in their tracks. Only thing is, life doesn’t have a pause button. Regardless of what the new normal is, at some point we all must assume some kind of risk and get on with our existences. One thing we can’t do is try to make up for lost time. No Stanley Cup or NBA Finals this spring.

Major League Baseball is desperately trying to find a way to salvage its season and the NFL having its operations affected – something which only a few weeks ago seemed preposterous – is looming on the horizon of the current sports landscape. Back closer to home, though. One can only imagine and feel sympathy for high school seniors who have had their respective seasons – not to mention prep careers – ended by this pandemic. For an overwhelming percentage of them, this was to be their final hurrah as athletes, as very few are fortunate enough to continue their playing careers at the college level. Now, there won’t be stories to be told and retold years from now about that one particular game senior year. Now, there will be an enormous void that should’ve been

filled with precious memories. However, at least now we all have closure. As humans, we all need hope. Sometimes it’s all that keeps us going. When we had a date – be it May 4 or whenever – when the Panthers of Liberty Hill might return to their various athletic arenas, we still had a glimmer of that invaluable emotion to hold onto. No longer. But, it must also be pointed out that now the decision has been handed down, we can leave behind the state of limbo we were in and move forward with a rueful shake of the head. Indeed, April 17 was the day high school sports for the spring of 2020 died in Texas. Wait ‘til next year.

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Smaller colleges eliminating some sports due to COVID-19

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Imagine for a moment being a Liberty Hill High School senior with enough talent to compete athletically at the next level upon graduation. Perhaps not at a Division I dream destination such as the University of Texas or Texas A&M, but at a smaller school – be it NCAA Division II or III or even an NAIA college. Also imagine participating in a non-revenue sport, like soccer, golf or tennis. There’s the painstaking process of selecting just the right school to attend – from both athletic and academic standpoints until finally settling on the place to call home for the next four years. Then, just as the future appears settled, the plug is pulled. This is a scenario currently playing out at many small colleges and universities across the United States – and even in Central Texas – as some athletic programs have made the decision to drop certain sports as a result of the impact the global COVID-19 pandemic

is having on all corners of society. St. Edward’s University in Austin is an example of one of these institutions, as the NCAA Division II school recently announced it will be discontinuing men’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s tennis, while competitive cheer will be downgraded to a club sport. According to St. Edward’s associate vice president for athletics Debbie Taylor, the school needed to make these moves in order to remain financially solvent – both now and in the future. “As the effects of the coronavirus continue to impact every sector of the economy, higher education is no exception,” said Taylor. “Along with other universities across the country, St. Edward’s is making difficult, but financially-sound decisions for the future of our institution.” Taylor added the decision was made after careful consideration and a thorough analysis of the implications was carried out – with multiple factors playing a role.

and touch the ‘thrill of victory and the agony of defeat’ on the sidelines with these young men and women – many of whom I’ve known 10 years or more. I know what both of these teams expected out of themselves this season and they’re capable of achieving those goals. I know the battles they’ve fought together and I know what should’ve been for both of them, so it’s double disappointment for sure.” Aside from the game itself, there is also a cornucopia of sights and sounds, which usually provide the senses with ample stimulation, now missing, said Shannon. “I miss the hugs and the smiles, I miss the competition and capturing moments in space and time with the cam-

era,” she said. “I miss hearing hilarious banter and laughter between teammates, I miss the parents. I even miss the freezing rain and the late-night drives. But, most of all I miss their time together.” Shannon added now that the current campaign has gone by the wayside, she believes the players are ready to accept the fate they’ve been dealt and move forward with an eye on whatever the future brings – although she has particular admiration for those who don’t have a next season to look forward to. “From what I can tell, our soccer players are disappointed, but they aren’t dwelling on this moment,” she said. “They’ve already turned their enthusiasm toward next year as we were having to adjust to

Perspectives

LHISD

Testing

The high school is offering a credit recovery option for students that failed a class the first semester. “Any high school student who failed first semester, we are providing an opportunity for them to recover that grade for a maximum of a 70 and we’re using credit recovery to do that,” Hicks said. “Teachers who have students who failed a course are reaching out to those students, creating modules for them to indicate understanding concepts they did not show in the first semester so that they can earn a grade up to a 70.” While instruction will continue through the original last day of school – May 21 – there will be no final exams. “As we go through this COVID crisis we certainly understand it is a very challenging time for our kids and our families and not knowing what access they have to resources and the situation all families are dealing with right now there will be no final exams for this semester,” Hicks said. Snell is pleased with how much has been accomplished by LHISD and other school districts since spring break.

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government make developing, producing and distributing tests the number one critical task back in early February? An overwhelming task, right? But did you know that in six years of production during World War II, the U.S. manufactured 295,959 planes for the war effort? That’s 135 planes per day over that span. Eighty years later, in the face of a different challenge, American innovation has been less than impressive on this issue. The Centers for Disease Control had to start over with test rollout due to contamination issues. Abbott Laboratories rolled out a new testing device, but a month into the process the company has failed to get more than 150 tests worth of the necessary reagents to each state. It’s about priorities. It’s about how long it took the federal government to take this virus

grams were cut, only men’s soccer was eliminated, while the Hilltoppers’ women’s squad will play on, a decision Taylor said was based on myriad reasons. “We had to make decisions based on the comprehensive evaluation conducted by the university and follow the recommendations based on the resources available, program costs and what would best address the university’s need to immediately cut expenses,” she said. The uncertainty of what lies ahead for all of society makes the situation even more complicated, as there can be no temporary measures taken at this point. “Obviously, I would love to bring them all (affected sports) back,” said Taylor. “But, I don’t think any of us can predict the future. These are challenging times for all of higher education. Our university leadership will continue to evaluate our operations and make financially-sound decisions for the university.” Southwestern University in nearby Georgetown currently

has no plans to make similar cuts to their athletic program. Liberty Hill seniors Cheyenne Floyd and Ashton Dirner have already signed to play college softball at McLennan Community College and Angelo State University, respectively, next season and will continue on as planned as both schools’ athletic programs will remain unchanged. However, that doesn’t mean future Lady Panthers will be unaffected by the cutbacks as far as it relates to opportunities to gain scholarships and play at the next level, said Liberty Hill head softball coach Kristen Brewer. “I imagine that’s scary for those athletes that currently had commitments or scholarships to those schools,” she said. “It also dwindles the pool of available teams for high school kids to get their shot at continuing their passion at the next level. This could take some time for schools to bounce back from, but I hope that it’s possible and it happens quickly as it’s the kids that are suffering because of this.”

Taylor made it very clear the moves will not create extra cash in the coffers and reiterated the school’s desire to hold up its end of the bargain for the affected student-athletes. “These very difficult decisions were not made to create a surplus,” she said. “The university has a responsibility to create and maintain a balanced budget for the fiscal health of the university and the students we serve.” So, although the athletes who are victims of the cuts will no longer compete, they will certainly have the same academic opportunity as when they chose the school, said Taylor. “I understand the difficult and disappointing predicament this creates for current and incoming student- athletes,” she said. “We want to support our student-athletes in every way we can and that includes honoring their athletic scholarship throughout their undergraduate enrollment.”

a new normal anyway, moving from Class 4A to 5A. As far as our seniors, it’s really remarkable the positive attitudes I’ve seen. Even when they express their sadness and disappointment, they show wisdom and maturity. They know all the ways they’ve been shorted, but they’ve turned their eyes to the future and the blessings each day brings. They will have a story completely unique to anyone else in their generation.” Concerning what the future may or may not hold on the other side of the pandemic, Shannon isn’t dwelling on speculation. “I try not to spend too much time wondering about it,” she said. “I think eventually our sports will get back to something that resembles what

we’re used to as will most everything else. Humanity in general is pretty resourceful and creative and we’ve been through pandemics before and sports have survived. We need that outlet.” Although it’s cliché to say the outbreak has caused many to look inward and examine the priorities society tends to put on pursuits such as sports, Shannon said all this has done is reinforce what she already knew. “I wouldn’t say this has changed my perspective on the importance we put on sports as a society. I think we can all agree there are some unhealthy dynamics inherent in the system,” she said. “However, the current situation certainly highlights for me the positive aspects of our high

school sports in particular. For example, being separated from caring, dynamic mentors such as our LHHS soccer coaches and our beloved trainer, Mrs. (Melissa) Harrington is gut-wrenching. Not to mention the camaraderie of teammates and the physical and emotional stress relief of the workouts and games. Of course, any true competitor is going to miss the game they’re passionate about. There are intangible qualities of being a member of a team which are irreplaceable. Take those things away and you’re going to have some really sad athletes and parents.” According to Rhett, technology has played a critical role in helping him and his teammates remain as close as possible during this no-contact

period – not only for members of the squad who will return next season, but those who will move on, as well. “The team is almost constantly in contact. We have group chats that keep us all updated in what’s going on and we keep our friendships going with a continuous stream of memes and roasts,” said Rhett. “We obviously care about our chemistry for next year and we want to be as active in the lives of the seniors we’re losing as we can. I can genuinely say I wouldn’t be the player I am if it weren’t for those guys, so I want to keep those relationships healthy and beneficial for us all.”

“Having teachers reinvent the wheel has been an amazing process to watch, but it’s also been very inspiring to see how school districts across the state have come together,” he said. “The amount of communication, support and collaboration from Williamson County school districts and Austin area districts and statewide has been awesome to see. I’ve never seen anything like it in my 25 years of education. “Texas has dealt with hurricanes frequently, they’ve dealt with tornadoes and with the explosion in West,” Snell said. “We have manuals that help us with these things, but there’s nothing to prepare us for this and it changes rapidly. People have just stepped up and done it. We understand there has been a lot of frustration along the way, but you want to talk about teamwork and positive attitudes, this has shown the championship culture of Liberty Hill shining through for the entire community.” A new hurdle for the district is how to get materials back from students and allow them to get their belongings from the closed campuses. “We’re working on how we’re

going to gather materials such as textbooks and library books and there will be more to come on that to make sure it is done safely and these resources get back to our schools so we don’t lose them,” Hicks said. There is no definitive plan or schedule as of yet, but Snell said it is coming soon. “The logistics of social distancing and getting 5,000 kids up to the school to get their personal items will be a little bit problematic but we think we have a good start on a plan,” he said. Then there is the question of how to celebrate graduation for the Class of 2020. “I would like to see, personally, without putting anyone at risk health wise, to have a graduation ceremony on the night scheduled at Panther

Stadium,” Snell said. “In order to do that we would have to do some crazy social distancing and probably limit the amount of spectators to be allowed into the stadium.” He added that the district has about five weeks to nail down plans, and that all options are being considered. “From there we’re looking at anything like a possible drivethrough graduation ceremony or a live ceremony with people in their cars,” Snell said. “No idea is a bad idea, we want to put it all out there and see what happens.”

“We narrowed it down to three leading firms independently,” said project engineer Casey Sledge. “We allowed all three firms to bring furniture to us and we used Rancho Sienna as a location and we got a lot of good staff feedback. After that we followed up and asked for a pricing package.” The recommendation after staff communication was to go with Meteor Education. “This will be to fully furnish Santa Rita Elementary including freight, delivery and installation,” Sledge said. The purchase covers four pre-k classrooms, six classrooms for each other grade level, five collaboration rooms, music room, maker space room, art room, cafeteria, library and administrative offices.

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into grade point calculation at the high school. The determination was made that beginning with the fourth six weeks grading period, a grade of pass or incomplete will be given. “We are taking into account all students,” Hicks said. “That’s why we went with a pass or incomplete system. Students that we can’t reach or maybe don’t have the level of access and therefore aren’t able to indicate progress are why we went with an incomplete. Our teachers and staff will get together with our administrators based on what they know of the student, based on their understanding of the big ideas and their progress, the grade placement committee will make a decision to move that student forward with supports.” There are still some students the district has had trouble getting to or maintaining contact with through the campus closures. “It’s a very small number of students we haven’t been able to reach and we’re still working toward that so I feel confident in saying we will be able to reach all kids by the end,” Hicks said.

“First, I want to stress that we didn’t want to discontinue any of our programs. These difficult decisions were made after a comprehensive evaluation of the entire athletics program,” she said. “We looked at sport sponsorship requirements for the NCAA and Lone Star Conference, gender equity, the condition of our available facilities, the cost of running the programs and the immediate need for the university to cut expenses.” As for those who will no longer have a sport to compete in, they will still receive scholarship benefits in order to continue pursuit of their degrees, said Taylor. “We want to support our student-athletes in every way we can and that includes honoring their athletic scholarship throughout their undergraduate enrollment,” she said. “It is paramount that student-athletes have the opportunity to earn their degree and experience the other aspects of St. Edward’s that drew them to the university.” Although both men’s and women’s golf and tennis pro-

seriously. The federal government failed to make this a priority early on and states were left to their own devices. In general, the response of local leaders is quite commendable. In many ways, local decisions can best address specific local needs in a disaster. But there are some challenges that can’t be as easily overcome locally. Making sure we could test enough people to make educated decisions without being accused of overreacting or assuming too much is one of those challenges. In the absence of more specific data that tells a clearer story on this pandemic, we will continue to share the information we have. We can tell you how many are being tested, but need to remind you it is not enough to draw any conclusions from. We can tell you how many have tested positive and who has died from the

virus, and we can even give you a reasonable idea how many patients have recovered – assuming you remember that number is only based on those we know had the virus in the first place. Some information is better than no information, as long as we keep in mind how limited it is and are cautious about the assumptions we make. What I know for now is that each day at noon when I scour local, state and federal reporting sites for updated numbers they are always high. With new cases in the thousands and deaths in the dozens on a daily basis in Texas, I can’t come to any conclusion other than this is far from over and caution is what we need most. We failed this test, and now we’re all grounded. I hope we’ve learned our lesson and we make sure we are better prepared for future tests.

COVID

New furniture On Monday, the Board of Trustees approved a proposal for furniture for the new Santa Rita Elementary campus in the amount if $892,800.95.

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know how many individuals have or haven’t been tested.” Planning for community testing has begun with discussions on how to establish testing sites in the county. “We’re having conversations right now about how to stand up testing sites internally as a county and how to partner with our state and federal friends,” Gravell said. “I’m not going to be comforted until I know we have broader testing. What we’ve learned is that if we can test people and discover where the virus is we can have them self-quarantine in a way that helps others. I think testing is certainly a top priority and the health district is discovering as quickly as it can how we stand up our own testing facility and who would be the prescribed folks that would fall under that.” But the bigger issue than setting up sites is coming up with the test kits themselves. Williamson County has been able to purchase a total of 2,500 test kits from American Institute of Toxicology Inc., and has paid $112,500 for those kits. The County did receive 500 free kits to be used in nursing homes. Gravell said at present, there are 2,082 kits on hand designated for first responders and

the 500 kits designated for nursing homes or senior care facilities. Gravell remained adamant, though, that testing has to happen. “We don’t make decisions based upon nonscientific data,” he said. “We make good decisions based upon science and based upon the law. It’s not realistic that we test 600,000 (people) but it’s not realistic either that we’ve tested 1,000. We don’t even know all the residents that have been tested in Williamson County. We only know the ones tested through our health authority.”

Options for business At the same time Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced schools would not reopen during the current academic year, he issued new statewide guidelines April 17 on limited reopening for nonessential businesses. However, the new rules had little impact on business in Williamson County. The order comes with many stipulations, with the primary requirement being that customers may purchase items from a retail location for pickup, delivery by mail, or delivery to the customer’s

doorstep, but may not enter the premises. Abbott was asked how his announcements impacted the stay-at-home order that he issued late last month, which is effective through April 30, and he noted the new guidelines were “additional exceptions to that stay-at-home policy.” He said if the data shows Texas is continuing to slow the spread of the coronavirus by April 27, it’s possible the state could go back to the statewide standards it had prior to the stay-at-home order. Guidelines from Abbott expected on April 27 are expected to go into effect May 4. Abbott said additional testing and monitoring would be required should the economy open up more to be ready for a resurgence in the virus. “There is a possibility of a resurgence of COVID-19,” Abbott said. “That’s one of the reasons why we will utilize enhanced testing strategies, enhanced containment strategies, to make sure that when it does arise we’ll be ready. If a spread does arise in a very meaningful way, there may need to be pockets of the economy shut down.”

Thursday, April 23, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Create beautiful landscapes while staying home

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer During this unprecedented time, we’re all staying home much more than we probably ever thought was possible. However, extra time at home can come with its perks—like being able to cultivate a beautiful summer garden. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, with a few tips from local pros, you just might find a new hobby. Val Black, master gardener for Williamson County, said the number one rule that should be followed with planting any flower garden is to stick with native plants. She added that May is the best time to plant flowers in the yard. “The best native plants are Texas superstars,” she said. “Texas A&M [University] trialed different plants in all different categories, and these plants were proven to be disease and pest resistant. Very little amendments have to be made to the plants. If you go to a plant nursery, these plants will have tags on them that say Texas superstars. Those are the ones I recommend, especially if you’re new to the area.” Mid-spring is a good time to get started with planting vegetables, said Vicci Conway, president of the Liberty Hill Garden Club. “Use organic soil, because if you use all organic you won’t burn your plants,” she said. “Synthetic soil can burn your plants. April is good for planting most veggies.” The use of organic fertilizers is also important, Conway said, adding that this goes for the grass in the yard as well. “Don’t fertilize until you’ve cut your yard twice, which is usually the end of March or first part of April, and always

try to use something organic,” she said. “Again, if you use synthetic fertilizers and you’re not careful about how much is used or where you put it, you can burn your plants because it doesn’t break down as easily. It’s also really good to water thoroughly anytime you use fertilizer.” After planting and fertilizing your garden, Black recommends putting down mulch for a variety of reasons, such as a weed deterrent, natural fertilizer and for temperature control. “People don’t like to use mulch because they don’t want to have to replace it every year, but it’s great,” she said. “It can reduce the soil temperature by as much as 30 degrees in the summertime, so if your plants are stressed out easily, just keep three inches of mulch over the dirt around them. If you use rocks, they really heat up. You can cook your plants, because even at night, rocks still disperse heat.” Black added that right now, it’s best to let the earth warm up before putting down any mulch. The best time to put mulch in the yard is toward the end of April or ﬁrst part of May. Conway added that mulch should not be placed directly next to the trunk of any trees, as it will stay wet longer and could rot the tree, so place mulch a few inches away from the base. She also suggests using leaves that have fallen off trees as an initial layer under the mulch. “Don’t throw the leaves away because they make a natural mulch,” she said. “They have good nutrients in them and are really good for your yard. You can use the lawnmower to chop them up.” When it comes to watering

RACHEL MADISON PHOTO

Vicci Conway, president of the Liberty Hill Garden Club, has a butterfly and hummingbird garden in her back yard. She recommends planting milkweed and installing a butterfly house to attract butterflies to your garden. the garden, especially in the hottest months, Conway suggests a drip irrigation system and watering about two hours before sunrise. If the leaves of the plants are watered directly, she added that they could scorch in the sun, so it’s important to water at the base of the plant. “You could also try to get a rain barrel or two, which will collect the rainwater off the roof of your house and can be used to water your plants,” she said. “I have 960 gallons in my yard that I use.” It’s also important to follow guidelines for Liberty Hill’s growing zone. Central Texas is in the 8b growing zone, which means plants zoned up to 8b are safe to grow in the area, Black said. “If it’s a plant for a 9 or 10 zone, that means those plants

can’t handle a hard freeze,” she said. “In our zone of 8b, a lot of tropical plants can’t tolerate that. At nurseries they should only have plants that will grow in our zone, but you still need to check to make sure you can plant these plants in your area.” Another important thing to note is that the soil in Central Texas is very different. “Our PH is higher than most areas, and most people move here from places where soil is acidic,” Black said. “Our soil is more alkaline. With a higher PH soil here, sometimes the soil locks up and it does make it harder to grow things, but if you stick with native plants, they know the soil and are used to weather, so they do well here.” Keeping pests out of the yard is another big part of garden-

ing, Conway said. The smallest of pests, aphids, can be eradicated just by spraying them with a hose three days in a row—meaning no pesticide is needed. When it comes to deer, it’s important to plant deer-resistant plants, especially in the front yard where they may have better access. It’s also important to protect vegetables by surrounding them with fencing or netting to protect them from birds and squirrels, Conway added. Attracting certain wildlife, such as bees, butterﬂies and hummingbirds, also has a lot to do with what is planted in the garden, Conway said. “If you want to attract them, you need to plant anything that produces a lot of nectar, and milkweed,” she said. “You can also put in a butterﬂy house, which is like a birdhouse, but

the openings look straight and narrow, like a really tall thin door. You can also put in a very shallow watering station. Get something that looks like a bird bath, put ﬂat stones in it, and then the butterﬂies can stand on the stones to drink the water.” The Liberty Hill Garden Club typically meets the second Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon at Life Springs Church, 15611 W. Hwy. 29, from September through May. As of now, the April meeting has been canceled, but the May meeting is still scheduled. For more information on the club, visit sites.google.com/ view/libertyhillgardenclub. For more information on native plants, visit Texassuperstars.com.

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Whitewater Springs Greystone Ranch - Bertram

Houses For Sale 3B/2BA 3B/2BA 3B/3BA 4B/3BA/3 car garage + pool 3B/3.5BA 3B/3BA Lots For Sale

$ $ $ $ $ $

320,000 190,000 797,000 610,000 396,000 475,000

1806 sq ft 1511 sq ft 2608 sq ft 3060 sq ft 2560 sq ft 3473 sq ft

Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Amy Gandy Shane T. White Adrienne Hughes

South Creek Circle Lot 150B Greystone Ranch Lot 14-B Commercial For Sale

$ $

26,000 130,000

1.610 acres 10.03 acres

Shane T. White Shane T. White

1,092,000

City of Florence Meadows at Bluebonnet Hill Bear Creek - 2.3 acres Sundance Ranch Bent Tree Rock - Round Rock Stonewall Ranch Sundance Ranch William Hamilton - survey 17.7 acres

102 Ledger St 1953 CR 250 125 W Bear Creek 261 N Showhorse Dr 2116 Red Oak Cir 149 Granite Path 261 N Showhorse Dr 1200 County Road 284

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

195,000 555,000 305,000 475,000 285,000 218,000 475,000 950,000

Berry Creek (Georgetown) Santa Rita Ranch Ph 1 Dove Meadows Dove Meadows Bear Creek - 7.3 acres Rio Ancho - Cul-de-Sac Lot Stonewall Ranch Georgetown Jenks Branch Stonewall Ranch

31451 Kingsway Rd 200 Hedgerow Lane 433 Dove Trail 429 Dove Trail 100 Hidden Bear 129 Quiet Oak Cove 204 Drystone Trail 5626 FM 3405 107 Matthews Circle 83 Prospector Lane

Luciano Cabasas - 2.38 acres

502 Willow St

Page 9

3 Bldgs - 14 units Pending Contract 4B/2BA 3B/2.5BA 4B/2BA 3B/2.5BA 3B/2BA 3B/2BA 3B/2.5BA 4B/4BA Sold! 6B/4BA 4B/3.5BA 3B/2BA 3B/2BA 3B/2BA Lot 25 3B/2BA 2 Tracts 4B/2BA 5B/3BA

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

390,000 525,000 258,900 258,900 499,900 94,900 1,695 868,000 259,900 2,550/month

+/-10,736 sq ft Shane T. White 1522 2909 2130 2620 1806 1379 2620 3550

sq sq sq sq sq sq sq sq

ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft

3884 sq ft 3250 sq ft 1786 sq ft 1787 sq ft 2037 sq ft 1.51 acres 1785 sq ft 31 acres 1838 sq ft 2854 sq ft

Shane T. White Shane T. White Cheryl Stephens Cheryl Stephens Cheryl Stephens Shane T. White Cheryl Stephens Amy Gandy Cheryl Stephens Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Cheryl Stephens Adrienne Hughes Adrienne Hughes Adrienne Hughes Shane T. White Adrienne Hughes

“Buying or selling a H ME is one of the most important financial transactions in your lifetime. First-time homebuyer, empty-nester, or in-between – call me first and I can save you up to $10,000.”

Missy Franklin, REALTOR®

512-240-4088

missyfranklin.fathomrealty.com

ADVERTISE YOUR AGENCY! Feature Your Listings CALL 512.778.5577

Page 10

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, April 23, 2020

RESTAURANT GUIDE LOCAL TAKEOUT, CURBSIDE & DELIVERY OPTIONS LIBERTY HILL

Sun-Sat: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Goldenchick.com Takeout

AGAPE JAVA Coffee Shop 3610 RR 1869 (630) 234-3767 Mon-Sun: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Agapejava.com Takeout and Curbside

GRAND DONUTS Donuts 14125 W. SH 29 a101 (512) 548-6003 Sun: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon-Fri: 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat: 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Granddonuts-donutshop.business. site Takeout

BOOMERS Convenience Store/Taqueria 13801 SH 29 (512) 515-5288 Sun: 7am-11-pm Mon-Thur: 5 a.m.to 11 p.m. Fri: 5 a.m. to midnight Sat: 6 a.m. to midnight

HAPPY WOK Chinese 13750 SH 29 (512) 548-0095 Sun-Sat: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. google.com/view/happywoklibertyhill Takeout and Curbside

DAIRY QUEEN Fast Food 13266 HWY 29 W (512)-548-6500 Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dairyqueen.com Takeout and Curbside

HELL OR HIGH WATER Brewery and Pub 933 Loop 332 (512) 548-6877 Mon-Thu: 4-9 p.m. Fri-Sun: noon to 9 p.m. Hellorhighwaterbrewing.com Curbside

DAHLIA CAFÉ 2450 RR 1869 (512) 515-7772 Tue-Thu: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dahliacafe.com Takeout and Curbside

JARDIN CORONA Mexican Food 15395 W. SH 29 (512) 778-6770 Mon-Fri: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat-Sun: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jardincoronarestaurant.com Mon-Fri: Curbside Thu-Sun: Curbside and Delivery

DOMINO’S PIZZA Pizza Delivery 14220 W. SH 29 (512) 778-9300 Sun-Thu: 10:30 a.m. 11 p.m. Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m. to midnight Dominos.com Takeout and Delivery Donuts 12701 SH 29 (512) 778-6790 Sun: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tues-Sat: 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Takeout

LIBERTY HILL BEER MARKET Bar and Pub 13851 SH 29 (512) 548-6802 Mon-Fri: 4-9 p.m. Fri-Sun: Noon to 9 p.m. Pickup and Deliver

ELENA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Mexican Food 14801 W. SH 29 (512) 778-6901 Sun-Sat: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. elenasbarandgrill.com Takeout and Curbside

LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA Pizza 13625 W. SH 29 (512) 515-5007 Sun-Thu: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Takeout

GOLDEN CHICK Fast Food 13282 W. SH 29 (512) 548-6352

MAJOR’S BURGERS American Cuisine 14011 SH 29

DONUT PALACE

(512) 548-6781 Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sat: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Majorsburgercompany.com Drive Thru and Curbside MALTED GRAINS Sandwiches, Salads, Family Meals 1004 Loop 332 (512) 548-6086 Tue-Thu: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fri: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. maltedgrainstx.com Takeout MARGARITA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Mexican Food 10280 W. SH 29 (512) 515-0808 Sun-Thu: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Margaritason29.com Curbside PERKY BEANS Coffee Shop 2080 US 183 (512) 548-5050 Sun: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Perkybeanscoffee.com Drive Thru SABINO’S PIZZA Pizza 2082 US 183 #110 (512) 548-6963 Sun-Thu: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sabinospizzapub.com Drive Thru

SUBWAY

Sandwiches 13750 SH 29 W, Suite 101 (512) 778-6321 Sun-Sat: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. order.subway.com Takeout TEXAS TACO KITCHEN Tacos 14125 W. SH 29 (512) 548-5383 Sun: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sat: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Curbside and Delivery

FLORENCE BOONE’S COUNTY STORE AND CAFÉ American Cuisine 713 E. Main Street (254) 793-3000 Mon-Thu: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat-Sun: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Takeout FLORENCE DINER American Cuisine 208 E. Main Street (254) 793-3220 Tue-Sat: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5-8 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Takeout

SCHLOTZKY’S Sandwiches 13613 W. SH 29 (512) 778-4207 Sun-Sat: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Schlotzskys.com Drive Thru and Curbside

FLORENCE DONUTS Donuts 106 N. Patterson Ave. (254) 793-2266 Sun: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon-Sat: 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drive Thru

SONIC DRIVE-IN Fast Food 14240 W. SH 29 (512) 778-9276 Sun: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon-Thu: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri: 6 a.m. to midnight Sat: 7 a.m. to midnight Sonicdrivein.com Drive-in and Drive Thru

HI WAY CAFÉ American Cuisine 103 N. Patterson Ave. (737) 240-9788 Sun-Mon: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tue-Sat: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Takeout

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SMOKEY MO’S BBQ 717 US 183 (512) 515-0668 Sun: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sat: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Smokeymosbbq.com Takeout and Curbside

214 E. Main Street (254) 793-2870 Mon-Fri: 3-7 p.m. Takeout

BERTRAM MAMBO ITALIANO RISTORANTE Italian Cuisine 100 W. FM 243 (512) 355-8169 Tue-Sat: 4-9:30 p.m. mamboitalianotx.com Takeout EL RANCHO Mexican Food 535 E. SH 29 (512) 355-3759 Sun-Sat: 6 a.m. To 10 p.m. Takeout FRATELLI PIZZA Pizza 240 W. SH 29 (512) 355-8157 Sun: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sat: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pickup only JUNCTION CAFÉ American Cuisine 102 Castleberry Ct (512) 355-8147 Sun: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon-Wed: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thu-Sat: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Takeout Add your restaurant to our list. Send email to anthony@LHIndependent. com.

LA FUENTE RESTAURANT Mexican Food

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