LHIndependent 1-2-2020

2020

Volume 33, Issue 6

www.LHIndependent.com

News@LHIndependent.com

January 2, 2020 | 50 Cents

EDC contracts with Chapman to recruit businesses

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor The Liberty Hill City Council and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) have both signed off on a contract that will bring a familiar face back for business recruiting assistance.

Former EDC Board President Bill Chapman was contracted to assist with recruiting efforts, specifically at development conventions and conferences.

Under the agreement approved Dec. 20 by the City Council, Chapman will not be paid, but will be reimbursed for travel, lodging and meal expenses connected to his recruiting efforts.

Both the EDC Board and Council voted unanimously to approve the contract, though Council member Tony DeYoung raised the question of whether the contract created a conflict of interest for Chapman who now works in real estate and owns commercial property in the area.

“We met in closed session with (City Attorney) Tad (Cleeves) and the rest of the board and discussed it quite extensively and we were all satisfied this is a good thing for the City,” said current EDC President John Johnston while addressing the Council on Dec. 20. “We talked about that extensively and we don’t feel like there is one.”

No one else on the Council spoke on the issue before a vote on the motion was made by Council member Steve McIntosh.

In an interview prior to the Dec. 20 Council meeting, Johnston explained why Chapman was being brought on board for the work.

“Basically it’s just a consulting agreement,” Johnston said. “He’s going to help represent the city with people like at ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), the big trade show at the first of the year. This is his business, it is what he does for a living is work with commercial developers.

He has the contacts and he knows the people, if not on a firsthand basis he knows who to contact to get in contact with the right people.

We just need his expertise.

“He has a wealth of knowledge in this field both in development and dealing with developers and retail and we felt it was imperative that we seek his knowledge in these matters to help us make proper decisions.”

For Chapman, as it currently stands, this is a one-time assist to the City, following last year’s success at the same conference.

See CHAPMAN, Page 3

Council to consider impact fee increases

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor The new year may bring increased fees for new homeowners and businesses in Liberty Hill.

At its meeting on Jan. 13, the Liberty Hill City Council will have its first discussion of potential water and wastewater impact fee increases and will hold a public hearing, inviting members of the community to address the issue.

“We are presenting something to the Council, at least a first pass if you will, on impact fees at the Jan. 13 meeting, but right now I don’t have even a remote answer,” said Mayor Rick Hall.

“We’re waiting for the financial analysis back from our rate study team to bring back to the impact fee committee. It will increase. How much I’m not quite sure yet. I know it will not be at the max level.”

In required public notices the last two weeks, the City published the potential maximum rate that could be set by the Council for the water and wastewater impact fees. These fees are paid by property owners or developers when they connect to the city’s water and wastewater services.

Currently, the water service fee is $3,500 for new homes, and the wastewater fee for commercial properties is $4,500 and new homes is $3,500.

The new maximum possible fee for water service is post©2020 The Liberty Hill Independent

ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO

Eli Tucker shows off his finished 3D printer product he made at Liberty Hill Intermediate after removing excess plastic.

3D printer opens new horizons for Liberty Hill Intermediate students

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer The first classroom down the hall when you enter Liberty Hill Intermediate belongs to Jennifer King. It’s hard not to notice because of the constant flow of students and staff coming and going at different in-

tervals throughout the day.

The cause of the commotion surrounding Mrs. King’s room is Liberty Hill Intermediate’s new Dremel 3D printer. The $1600 machine – paid for with money raised by students and parents – is catching the attention of students across campus,

and King intends to make the most of that interest by using the technology to enhance students’ problem-solving skills.

“I like them getting excited about solving some problems,” King said. “I like them thinking globally about the future and just being creative

and challenging themselves creatively.”

The 3D printer is capable of printing a diverse number of objects out of a variety of materials.

A variety of uses of the

See PRINTER, Page 5

EDC helping Liberty Hill makeover

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Liberty Hill is getting a makeover one business at a time as a steady stream of participants seek assistance through one of the Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) grant programs.

Just before Christmas, the EDC and City Council approved the sign grant application for Prosperity Bank, the 18th matching grant awarded

ed at $7,037 and the max for wastewater service is $5,261. The City is legally obligated to post the potential maximum rate, but Hall said it is unlikely it will be set that high when the Council votes.

“I’m confident that we won’t be at the max, but I’m also confident it will increase some only because we have so much growth coming here to Liberty Hill,” Hall said. “It’s not just Liberty Hill from the water standpoint, but we are the regional wastewater provider so it has a larger effect on the wastewater side.”

The rates are expected to increase to help cover future infrastructure needs for water and wastewater, recently identified in the capital improvement plan.

“In order to meet the requirements for the projected growth, we’ve got about $140 million in projects that need to be done over the next 10 to 15 years,” Hall said.

“All that gets calculated based on need and how fast it needs to happen.”

In November, the Council unanimously approved the 10-year capital improvement plan for its water and wastewater services, a critical step in determining if and when impact fees should be changed.

The Impact Fee Committee proposed $61 million in water infrastructure improvements and just under $76 million in wastewater infrastructure improvements.

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer At Liberty Hill Orthodontics, what used to be a one-day-aweek practice has now expanded to full-time service to provide more to the community of Liberty Hill.

Dr. Scot O’Donnell, owner and orthodontist at Liberty Hill Orthodontics, is originally from the Chicago, Ill., area, where he went to the University of Illinois for his undergrad degree and the College of Dentistry for dental school. For his residency and master’s degree, he went to the University of Oklahoma’s College of Dentistry.

“As a student I gravitated toward science classes and considered both the medical and dental fields,” he said. “What appealed to me about dentistry was the opportunity to be both a business owner and a clinician. During dental school I worked as an orthodontic assistant and I thoroughly enjoyed the long-standing relationships that my mentor had with his patients and the community. It was also very fulfilling to see the joy on a patient’s face following completion of

See FEES, Page 5

See ORTHODONTICS, Page 4

See FACADE, Page 4

The former Liberty Hill ISD Administration building on SH 29 got a facelift with the help of a facade grant. Executive Director of the Liberty Hill EDC Lance Dean (left) presents a check reimbursing the new owner for work done to improve the facade of the building.

BUSINESS

Liberty Hill Orthodontics moves to full-time service

RACHEL MADISON PHOTO

Dr. Scot O’Donnell, owner at Liberty Hill Orthodontics, has been working as an orthodontist since the mid 1990s. In 2012, he opened his practice in Liberty Hill part-time, but became full time earlier this year to accommodate the local community.

Page 2

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Shin Oak Ridge Bulletin Board Send news to: News@LHIndependent.com

Public Meetings

The following are standing open meetings that are subject to change within the guidelines set forth by the Texas Open Meetings Act. For the most current meeting postings, and meeting agendas, visit the respective websites.

- Liberty Hill City Council, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13 and 27, at City Council Chamber, 2801 RR 1869. libertyhilltx.gov/agendacenter - Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees, 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, 2020, at LHISD Administration Bldg., 301 Forrest Street. libertyhill.txed.net

Chisholm Trail Quilt Guild meets Jan. 7

The Chisholm Trail Quilt Guild meets Jan. 7. The program is with Margie Law-

rence of Retreats by Margie, who will present a program titled “Do’s and Don’ts of a Successful Round Robin Program”. There is no associated workshop although there are two mini-workshop options for Jan. 8.

Member and non-member pricing available. Visit www. ctquiltguild.org for more information on the guild and other programs/workshops.

Judge Greenleaf Fisk Chapter of DRT meets Jan. 11

The Judge Greenleaf Fisk Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas invites those who are interested in the history of the Republic, to hear Cheryl Smith New, on

Saturday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m. at the Cross Tracks Methodist Church, 101 Church Street, Liberty Hill 78642.

New will be presenting a review of THE BOY CAPTIVES, which is the story of two brothers known to survive Indian captivity. They are ancestors of New. The boys were captured on their ranch near Boerne at the ages of 9 and 11 and lived with the Indians between 5 and 6 years. They were separated from each other to lessen the chances of escape, and were later returned to their family because of the dedicated and relentless pursuit of their father, a Sheriff in San Antonio and a Texas Ranger.

One of the boys later wrote the story of their captivity. It

provides insight into Indian ways, their travels and Indian raids.

Membership in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is open to any woman of lineal descent from an ancestor who lived in Texas during the period of the Republic (1836-46).

Associate memberships are also available for those who are interested in Texas history and the work of the Daughters.

Associate memberships are $25 per year.

For more information, please contact chapter registrar Joyce Parsons at 512-423-3757 or email her at jnparsons1114@ gmail.com. You may also contact president, Mariann Laughlin at truetexaswomen@gmail. com.

Liberty Hill Police Blotter Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department

Week of Dec. 23-29, 2019 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 249 incidents resulting in five cases, seven citations, 37 warnings and two arrests.

FirstTexasBank.Net

Georgetown • Round Rock • Cedar Park Pflugerville • Liberty Hill

Weekly Highlights: • On Dec. 23, at approximately 11:12 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a theft complaint.

• On Dec. 23, at approximately 10:51 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Williamson County ESD #4.

• On Dec. 24, at approximately 1:29 AM, officers responded to La Dera Drive to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office with a disturbance.

• On Dec. 24, at approximately 9:53PM, officers arrested a male adult for possession of a controlled substance as the

result of a traffic stop at the 11000 block of W. SH 29.

• On Dec. 25, at approximately 2:30 PM, officers responded to Remuda Drive to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

• On Dec. 25, at approximately 9:11 PM, officers responded to Double File Trace to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office with a disturbance.

• On Dec. 26, at approximately 10:13 AM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 for a fraud complaint.

• On Dec. 26, at approximately 4:40PM, officers arrested a female adult with an outstanding warrant.

• On Dec. 27, at approximately 8:39 AM, officers responded to the 16000 block of W. SH 29 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office with an accident.

• On Dec. 28, at approximately

Wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year!

9:51 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a missing person.

• On Dec. 29, at approximately 11:01 AM, officers responded to Barbosa Cove to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office with a criminal mischief complaint.

Candidates may file in local races starting Jan. 15 Filing period opens Jan. 15 in Liberty Hill city and school elections.

Three positions on the Liberty Hill City Council and a pair of places on the Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees are up for grabs on the May 2 ballot.

The filing deadline is 5 p.m., Feb. 14, 2020.

Council Places 3 and 1 – currently held by Kathy Canady and Tony DeYoung, respectively – will be on the ballot, as well as the Mayor’s position, held by Rick Hall. Canady and DeYoung were both appointed in 2019 to finish unexpired terms.

The three positions on the Council will be the first to receive compensation as discussed and voted on by the Council. The Council members will each receive $12,000 annually, while the Mayor will receive a $40,000 annual salary.

In January, the Council is expected to approve a ballot measure for the May election asking voters to extend terms in office from two years to three.

The two positions on the school board are for Place 1 – currently filled by Board Vice President Clint Stephenson – and Place 2 – filled by Board President Clay Cole.

Candidates for city and school district races will be invited to participate in The Independent’s Candidate Forum in April.

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Thursday, January 2, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Throwback Thursday

Independent’s new home prompts memories

By JAMES WEAR Columnist Sunday afternoon, as longtime friend D a v i d Ramirez and I were putting the finishing touches on a 20-ft. long front counter that he and others helped me build for the new downtown office of The Independent, I couldn’t help but think back to the other locations the newspaper has called home during its 32-year history.

The first office was basically the back seat of founding publisher Jim Linzy’s car, and while I can’t recall the make or model of that vehicle, I do remember Linzy drove that vehicle back and forth to Liberty Hill from his home in Austin as he set out to give Liberty Hill its own newspaper.

It was the same vehicle that I’d ride in with Jim as we followed the Panther football team to its out-of-town games, with more than once those trips taking us through Florence where we’d be sure and stop and grab a bite to eat at a little taco stand that was owned and operated by my friend David and his family.

I had joined The Independent midway through its first year, and by that time Linzy had established an arrangement with George Sybert and James Pogue to allow him to place a desk inside of their print shop on Hwy. 29. We’d type up copy on an IBM Selectric typewriter and paste it up on grid sheets and Linzy would take it over to Round Rock where the page negatives would be shot, the plates burned and placed on the web press that was located in the back room of the Round Rock Leader.

A couple of months after I started and had gone full-time, Linzy worked out an arrangement with Mike Fowler, son of the late Mel Fowler, to rent

what’s commonly known as the Fowler building in downtown Liberty Hill. Linzy and his wife lived in the upstairs portion while the downstairs room served as our office, and I think I might have helped Jim build us some additional layout tables to put the paper together on. We were still setting editorial copy with the IBM Selectric, but by this time Jim managed to purchase a phototypesetter that we used for headlines and ad copy.

A few months later, Jim purchased a process camera, and I began shooting our page negatives, often late at night or early in the morning before the sun rose, as the old building behind the Fowler building where we’d established a darkroom had pinholes in the roof and the sun’s rays prevented us from doing any darkroom work in the daylight hours. It was a rather primitive setup, but did reduce our production costs dramatically, prompting the publisher at the Round Rock Leader to comment, “I don’t know anybody who’s ever produced a newspaper for less money than you guys.”

It was during this time that Jim and I spent as much time in Wanda Lane’s Liberty Hill Cafe as we did in the office, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes and visiting with other folks, and hatching plans for an organization that would soon become known as the Liberty Hill Community Chamber of Commerce. Later, Jim and others would plan benefit golf tournaments that would serve as seed money for the Liberty Hill Development Foundation, an organization that later obtained the land where the Lions Foundation Park and the Liberty Hill fire station are.

After a few months in the Fowler building we moved across the street to what some refer to as the Brann building...I believe Indigo Salon is there nowadays, and while Jim and his family lived in the living quarters in the back of

During The Independent’s second year of operation in 1988, the newspaper operated out of what is commonly known as the Fowler building in downtown Liberty Hill. Here Independent columnist James Wear is at work.

(Courtesy Photo) the building we utilized the Hill, moved the newspaper to front for the office. We took a an office in the P&R Propane small closet and made it into building where she rebuilt the a darkroom and could now struggling newspaper. utilize the darkroom any time The newspaper’s new home of day and for me, in my dual at 921 Loop 332 downtown role as editor and darkroom is what many of us remember tech, that was living in high as the old American Legion cotton. building. After the American Diane Pogue joined the Legion faded, Liberty Hill staff and I taught her a bit legend James Vaughan used about the darkroom and other the building to store much newspaper production skills of his valuable collection before I left the business for of, well, you name it, James a few years. It was after I probably had it, including left that Linzy and his family an old pinball machine and a moved again, this time to a record player that he’d drag house beside what was once out during community festhe First Baptist Church (now tivals and play music upon One Chapel) on Loop 332. I that would echo through the helped Jim build a darkroom entire downtown business in an outbuilding that was lo- district. cated on the property, but the The building, after a substanmain office was in a building tial investment by Shelly’s located next to what was then husband and his company J&R Tire and Automotive Charles B. Wilkison Hold(now Happy Trails) on Hwy. ings LLC, has a new roof as 29. If I recall correctly, that well as a new front fascade. was the newspaper’s home The interior has been restored for the next several years with freshly painted walls until Linzy sold the paper to and a metal ceiling, and the Diane and her husband, Dan. new front counter that, given At some point the Pogues my ties to the early days of moved the office to a red the newspaper, I’m proud to brick building, sharing the have been asked to build. space with a local realtor and And, in keeping with a famibuilder, that was located near ly tradition established by my the Liberty Hill Cemetery father’s uncle and continued Association office at Brown on by my late brother, I’ll Bridge Road and Hwy. 29, find some tiny corner on a and that’s where it remained shelf and inscribe my name until Shelly Wilkison pur- and a date and perhaps a meschased the paper in 2010. sage to some future occupant Shelly, who had been pub- of the building. lishing an online newspaper That’s the Liberty Hill way. known as Radio Free Liberty

Page 3

CHAPMAN Continued from Page 1 “This is kind of for one purpose as far as I know,” Chapman said of the contract. “Last year, Mayor Rick Hall and I went to ICSC in Fort Worth in January. It’s a big deal for commercial real estate focused toward shopping center developers and retailers. We worked that show on the floor while Lance (Dean) was in the Williamson County co-op booth.

We were surprised how many people invited us to talk to them because generally you need an appointment to get into their individual booth, but because a lot of people in this state recognize me we got audiences with a whole lot of people and we were just spreading the word about our needs and trying to bring attention to Liberty Hill.”

Chapman said he did not seek out the opportunity, adding that it was important to him that there was no perception of a conflict of interest.

“I said I’d be glad to go,” he said of Johnston’s invite. “I really would not have gone at all except Johnny is a really great guy and has done a good job with the EDC.” According to Chapman, Mayor Hall told Johnston a contract would be needed. He said there were a number of ways he intended to avoid the appearance of a conflict.

“I intend not to hand out my personal number and business card or e-mail address,” Chapman said. “I will give them city numbers and city e-mail addresses they created for me for this one show. I will wear the Liberty Hill hat and will be generically speaking of the demographics of growth and the epicenter of the traffic counts at Ronald Reagan and 29 and 29 and 183A.” Johnston added that it was a service to the City at no charge and the question of a conflict of interest had been thoroughly discussed.

“He’s basically doing this for free, we just pay his expenses,” Johnston said. “He’s not getting a salary. That’s why we went to executive session, so we could discuss all those matters and concerns and we did that and worked everything out and we’re going to hire him as a consultant.”

The issue was not discussed in open session.

When asked about the item on the Dec. 12 EDC agenda, Mayor Hall said it was an EDC issue.

“I kind of let the EDC Board run itself because it is a separate entity from the City because they get their own tax money,” he said at the time.

“My understanding is they’re wanting him to help promote Liberty Hill at the upcoming Red River ICFC Convention in January to be held in Dallas.”

Chapman resigned his position as President of the EDC Board abruptly in July, citing his intent to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

He said in a letter to the board that he was stepping down because of the EDC’s unwritten policy of not having licensed real estate professionals on the board. He said he plans to become licensed and pursue commercial real estate interests.

“I am leaving to pursue other interests and I truly believe I can do a lot for Liberty Hill and the EDC by working my private practice in consulting, real estate and recruitment. I will always be available for consult to you and would love to help in any way possible in the future,” Chapman wrote in his letter.

The issue of alleged conflicts of interest among city employees, Council members and board members was turned into predominant campaign issue in the May 2019 City election.

During the election, Council candidates McIntosh, Gram Lankford and Liz Rundzieher were each outspoken on the issue of perceived conflicts of interest among developers and those serving at the time on the Council and boards in relation to some capital improvement projects. Hall and Chapman also chimed in on the issue on social media, with Chapman urging then Council members to ask more questions and seek more information on alleged conflicts.

As far as his current commercial real estate holdings in the area, Chapman said he has only one property left that is in negotiations now.

“I’ve sold all of mine to a Houston developer called McAlister Development,” Chapman told The Independent of his own commercial property holdings. “We have five acres left over on the western end and are under negotiation to have it sold to another investor group right now. Then I’m done as far as owning any.”

The focus going forward will be on real estate services.

“My future is to help people represent their property or broker it and help them with development services if they need any help and try to identify users for particular properties that will be the right users for the city.”

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Page 4

FACADE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Continued from Page 1

under the facade and sign programs.

“I love the fact it is gaining more traction,” said EDC Executive Director Lance Dean.

“I want to try and promote it more, but it is spreading by word of mouth as well. It is really helping elevate the look around the community.”

Recently, Dean awarded reimbursement checks to Gintzler International, Wildflower Republic and the new owners of the former Liberty Hill ISD Administration Building on SH 29 as all three completed their work.

To date, the EDC has spent more than $70,000 on the programs, with the approved grant for Liberty Hill Beer Market and now Prosperity Bank not yet paid.

Dean said conveying the message to some out of town property owners has been a challenge.

“One of the things I really want to help try to get out is I know a lot of tenants are interested in the programs but the

landlords need to be educated more on it,” he said.

The amount available for downtown signage may also be something Dean wants to address in the future.

“I’d like to see the sign portion of that increased some,” Dean said. “It hasn’t really been an issue because a lot of them have been for facade signage, but we do have some houses downtown that have turned over recently and they put actual monument signs out in the yard and the $500 doesn’t really go very far for that once you get into that type of signage.”

In addition to the sign and facade grant programs, the EDC has a demolition grant program Dean said no one has applied for to date.

“We do have the demolition program that is in place, but unfortunately no one has taken advantage of that one to date,” he said. “I’d love to see that one get some use, and if people see a shortcoming in that one I’d love to hear about that

orthodontic treatment.”

O’Donnell met his wife, Barbara, who was also studying to become an orthodontist, while in Oklahoma. Because she was from Texas, the couple moved to Texas after graduation and opened Pflugerville Orthodontics in 1997.

“We originally worked together, and then we had a family, so my wife retired,” O’Donnell said. “Several years later, in 2012, I opened Liberty Hill Orthodontics. We were here on a very part-time basis, and what we found is that we weren’t providing adequate service to families in Liberty Hill.”

When the opportunity presented itself to sell Pflugerville Orthodontics in January 2019, O’Donnell jumped on it so he

could be full time in Liberty Hill.

“What I saw was potential,” he said. “Liberty Hill reminds me quite a bit of Pflugerville 20 years ago, from the standpoint of potential for growth.

I knew we could make this a full-time practice.”

In anticipation of moving his practice to Liberty Hill full-time, in 2017, O’Donnell developed the two buildings that are now home to Liberty Hill Orthodontics as well as several other local businesses, including Edward Jones, River Ranch Dentistry, Independence Title and Edward Thad Realty.

“We saw a need for a different type of office space, so the project began with us wanting to build our own build-

ORTHODONTICS

as well.”

The EDC Board unanimously approved the expansion of the facade grant program last March beyond the previous downtown district limits to include street-facing facades along SH 29 from the high school in the west to Ronald Reagan Blvd. In the east, along RR 1869 from SH 29 north to US 183 and south from SH 29 to Mourning Dove.

The program also stipulates that other properties can be considered on a case by case basis.

The sign grant program, focused on improving the facade around a business sign, offers as much as 50 percent or up to $5,000 of the cost to make the improvements or repairs. The facade grant is also for up to $5,000 to assist in covering the costs associated with facade renovation, awnings, outdoor painting and lighting, landscaping, parking lot improvements and signage.

Continued from Page 1

ing,” he said. “We were 100 percent full before we were finished construction. We had outgrown our previous space in Liberty Hill and wanted to present a facility that was more representative of the care and quality we wanted to offer to patients.”

Now that Liberty Hill Orthodontics has had its first full full-time year in town, O’Donnell said his practice has doubled in size when it comes to number of patients. He currently has five staff members, a couple who have been working with him for over 20 years.

“We’ve been together a long time and it makes for a great cohesive unit,” he said.

Liberty Hill Orthodontics primarily provides braces and Invisalign for children and

Thursday, January 2, 2020

OBITUARY Billie Wayne Turman McMillan Billie Wayne Turman McMillan was born in Paris, Texas, on March 19, 1925.

She greeted her husband of 70 years in Heaven, December 14, 2019, on Harlan’s birthday.

Billie died peacefully with her children by her side at Cedar Pointe Health and Wellness Center in Cedar Park, Texas. She was 94 years experienced at life!

Although born and raised in Texas, Billie and Harlan would move to Southern California where she raised her two children. Years later, they returned to Texas and lived in Liberty Hill for more than 35 years.

Granny loved to sew and embroider. She was an avid walker. Generous and humble in spirit, Granny’s faith in Jesus Christ guided her life always. Her most cherished gift was her family. Granny adults. Currently, the practice is serving patients who range in age from 7 to 75. The average time for braces is around 18 months, and the practice also provides 18 months of retainer checks following the removal of braces.

“My treatment philosophy is a more conservative approach,” O’Donnell said. “I don’t believe every child who walks in the door needs braces, but I do believe there is an appropriate time to intervene and intercept a problem. Our goal is to give patients a smile they’re happy with for a lifetime and be finished with it.”

O’Donnell added that a trend in orthodontics that’s becoming popular is the do-it-yourself teeth straightening kits that are advertised on televi-

never believed in getting depressed and was grateful for all she had until the moment she passed away.

Celebrating Billie’s Heavenly birthday is her son Michael (Esther) McMillan, Bertram, Texas, daughter Linda (Greg) Blue, Holly, Michigan, Grandchildren Mick (Dawn) McMillan, Liberty Hill, Shawnessy (Russell) Frost, Bertram, Logan Blue, Leander, Hannah Blue, Holly, Michigan, brother Ray Dell (Petra) Turman, Amarillo and sister Carol (Bill) Morgan, Eufaula, Alabama.

She leaves six great grandchildren, Robert and Anna McMillan, Luke, Abigail and David Frost, Oliver Blue Guerra and many treasured nieces, nephews and friends.

Mother was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Harlan McMillan, parents, JW and Elsie Turman,

her dear brothers Frank, Buddo and Jerry Turman, and her beloved sisters Gladys, JoNeta, Jimmie, Betty, Vivian, and Janice.

A Memorial Service will be held for Billie at Grace Alive Church, 16030 SH Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, Texas, on January 5, at 10:00 am. A meal will be provided following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Alive Children’s Program or Operation Liberty Hill.

sion, and while he agrees a small segment of the population could see success with those programs, he feels most people should see an actual orthodontist.

“Our team works very hard to provide an outstanding total experience that is relaxed, convenient and affordable,” he said. “We attend continuing education on clinical topics and also on providing exceptional customer service.”

Currently, O’Donnell and his family live in Austin, but when their youngest son graduates from high school in 2020, they plan on moving to Liberty Hill, where they will establish a ranch with horses.

Moving forward, his goals for his practice include continuing to grow with the community.

“I believe growth comes with great service and excellent outcomes,” he said. “We want to become someone who you feel comfortable referring friends and family to.”

Liberty Hill Orthodontics accepts most major insurances and offers discounts for those with no insurance. The practice also offers a discount program for teachers of any local school district. The practice is accepting new patients.

Liberty Hill Orthodontics is located at 14362 State Hwy. 29, Ste. 101, and is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (512) 5485040 or visit LHortho.com.

Worship Guide - Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities Andice Baptist Church

6570 FM 970 Florence, TX 76527 (254) 793-2557 andicebc.org PASTOR Derrick Norris, Senior Pastor SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9:45am Sunday Worship 11am

Cross Tracks Church

101 Church St. Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 515-0070 crosstrackschurchumc.org PASTOR John Saint SERVICES Sunday Worship (Traditional) 9am Sunday School (all ages) 10am Sunday Worship (Praise) 11am Sunday Youth 5pm

Divine Savior Church (WELS affiliated) 719 US 183, Bldg B, Ste 102 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 213-5283 divinesaviorchurch.com/dscsrr PASTOR Stephen Apt SERVICES Sunday Worship 9:30am

Sunday School (all ages) 10:45am

Fellowship Church

3600 Ranch Road 1869 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 515-5579 fellowshiplh.org PASTOR Michael S. Wright SERVICES Sunday School 9:45am Sunday Worship 8:30am Sunday Worship 11am Wednesday Children/ Student Programming 6pm

First Baptist Georgetown Liberty Hill Campus 111 Holmes Road Liberty Hill, TX 78642 fbg.church PASTORS Tim Richardson, Campus Pastor Kendall Ringler, Youth Pastor SERVICES Sunday Worship Service 11am

Grace Alive Church

16030 W. State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 778-6000 gracealivelibertyhill.org PASTORS Dawn Slack, Senior Pastor

Caleb Slack, Associate & Youth Pastor SERVICES Sunday School 9am Sunday Worship 10am Wednesday Children’s Services 7pm

Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church

5205 County Road 236 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 782-9940 annunciationtx.com PASTOR Bp. Irineos Placek SERVICES Great Vespers Saturday 6:30pm Confessions Saturday 7:30pm 3rd & 6th Hour Prayers Sunday 9:30am Divine Liturgy Sunday 10am

LifeSprings Christian Church

15611 W. State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 633-6074 lifespringschristianchurch.org PASTOR Bishop Ronald D. Rhea SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9am Sunday Worship 10am

LiveOak Church

Corner of Bagdad & Sonny Dr. Leander, TX 78641 (512) 775-5714 liveoak-church.org PASTORS Caz Minter & Staff SERVICES Sunday Worship 9am & 10am Kids Programs Sun. 9 & 10:30am Roots Youth Sun. 4:30pm Community Groups meet through the week

Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church (LCMS Affiliated) 15725 W. State Hwy 29, Suite 7 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 778-9310 missionlibertyhill.com PASTOR Rev. Dr. Mike Coppersmith, Interim Pastor SERVICES Sunday Bible Study 9am Sunday Worship 10am

New Life Church

1015 US-183 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 567-3809 newlifechurch.family PASTORS

Stephen Behrman, Senior Pastor Kimberly Behrman, Worship Pastor SERVICES Sunday Worship 10am Wednesday Bible Study/Livinit Youth 7pm

One Chapel Liberty Hill

811 Loop 332 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 729-6200 onechapel.com/liberty-hill PASTORS Andrew Fornter Adrian Gonzalez SERVICES Sunday Worship 9am Sunday Worship 11am

Restoration Church Meets at Liberty Hill Event Center 14875 W. State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 271-1976 restorationchurchtx.net PASTOR Mike Kimmons SERVICES Sunday Worship 10:30am Call (512) 778-5577 to include your church in our weekly Worship Guide.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

PRINTER Continued from Page 1 technology can be applied to open up a world of problem-solving possibilities.

Challenging her students, King is encouraging them to identify world issues and come up with ways to solve them.

“We’re talking about finding a problem and finding a solution,” said King. “We’re thinking school and we’re thinking globally. What is a global problem that we can find a solution to using Tinkercad and our 3D printer?”

Tinkercad is a free, 3D modeling program that students use to code the object they want to print. The program’s simple interface makes it an ideal choice for the campus.

While solving worldwide issues is a focus for King and her students, it all starts on a smaller scale.

“For starters, they’re thinking of things like maybe a dilemma in our school and they can find a solution for that,” said King. “How do we organize this? Is there something we can design to hold this?”

Students are invited to stop in throughout the day to see what projects are in the process of being printed. Many students bring their flash drives with the code for items they want to be printed.

The popularity of the school’s new toy isn’t reserved for only the students, as members of the faculty make an effort to drop in as well.

“It’s funny because the teachers come by just to see what’s being printed right now,” said King. “We might eventually move it into the library.”

With only one printer available and with the length of time some items take to finish, making time for every student

FEES

on campus to use the printer is a daunting task.

“One of my professional goals for the year is to get as many students coding and printing something as possible,” said King. “Sometimes I can arrange a schedule, the 3D printer runs all the time. You can come in and it’s most likely running a project.”

Eli Tucker is using the printer to aid his father at home by printing a pair of action pliers.

The tool takes 12 hours to print and is one of the longest projects to be published so far.

“I wanted to build something specifically for my dad,” he said. “My dad said he wanted me to design something and I wanted to find something easier to make, so instead of trying to get a metal one I decided to 3D print one in plastic.”

When Tucker’s tool is ready, the next step is the removal of excess plastic stabilizers and putting together the pieces.

This can be a tricky step for more complicated prints as the removal of the stabilizers can result in broken pieces.

“This past weekend I was watching videos about 3D printing,” said Tucker. “One of the things I saw was a NASA rover they tried 3D printing, but it was a complete failure.

There were stabilizers, so many that it was hard to tell what was what. He tried breaking everything off, but broke the wheel off by accident.”

King’s goal of getting every student to enhance their problem-solving abilities is slowly coming to fruition, and Tucker is a prime example. The LHI student believes the printer can help save on electronics in the classroom.

Continued from Page 1

Projections show the annual growth rate in water customers is 10.2 percent, reaching 1,958 connections by 2028, while wastewater service is expected to expand from 4,413 customers currently to 13,089 by 2028.

Projects include the current and another future expansion of the current wastewater plant, as well as a new Northfork Wastewater Plant. On the wastewater side there are a number of lift station improvements and capacity upgrades planned.

On the water side there are many capacity upgrades for

increased population as well as fire suppression, but the high-dollar items include a drinking water reservoir, raw water intake and pump station and a direct reuse drinking water plant.

The improvements would be paid for in part through impact fees.

“Those are really impactful for the City whenever it comes to expansion of the plant, and our water and wastewater, so in order for us to set the fee we have to get a timeline and something laid out for approval of what we need to use that money for so we can work

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 5

County introduces new Fire Marshal

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer As the new year begins, 2020 brings with it a new era for Williamson County under new county Fire Marshal Hank Jones.

Jones began his career in 1991 as a firefighter and EMT for the city of Belton.

He divided his time between working on a fire truck and the medic unit. In 1997, he began working part-time for the City of Georgetown, before becoming a full-time employee just a year later.

Following his hiring as a full-time employee, Jones continued to serve in the Georgetown community until accepting the county fire marshal position in late 2019.

Jones’ interest and ultimate acceptance of the position is a result of his growing interest in more of the behind the scenes work.

“As I progressed on the operational side of things, I started to become more interested in the administrative side,” Jones said. “It was a difference between the physical challenge and the mental challenge. I kind of gravitated to the position.”

Williamson County Commissioners Court established the Fire Marshal’s Office in February 2018. Effective April of that year, the court named Marty Herrin as the county’s first fire marshal.

Herrin retired in October 2019 and Jones stepped into the position shortly after.

“When the opportunity came, when the position came open, it was just good timing, and it was a good fit,” said Jones.

“This is something I have an

backwards from that,” Hall said at the time.

Once the infrastructure costs were estimated, the information went back to the rate consultant.

“The rate consultant will take this information and put it into their models to develop what the maximum impact fee can be established at based on state law and then they will bring that back to the Council for

interest in, I’m passionate about the safety of our community.”

The newly established office is in charge of running fire investigations in the county, creating fire prevention programs and providing hazardous materials response.

Jones helped lead the adoption of the 2015 International Fire Code. According to the International Code Council, the code “addresses fire prevention, fire protection, life safety, and safe storage and use of hazardous materials in new and existing buildings, facilities and processes.”

“We had just reestablished our fire marshal position at the time,” said Jones. “I moved in and the more I dug into it the more I started to enjoy the aspect of the prevention of something happening and the safety of our members and the community.”

Heading into the new year, Jones’ focus going forward is increased inclusion of unincorporated areas of Williamson County. Much of Williamson County is rural and outside of the incorporated cities.

“We’ve started a risk assessment plan, looking down the road,” said Jones. “We want to know what’s in the unincorporated areas, what commercial buildings are in the areas that could be inspected.”

The proximity of the rural and urban areas that make up Williamson County can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Jones believes that the incorporation of rural areas in the county needs to be a major priority to prevent poten-

implementation,” said Curtis Steger of Steger Bizzell Engineering. “This effects new development, the fees homebuilders pay when they come to the City to get a water meter or to get a wastewater service tap.”

Hall mentioned that Liberty Hill’s impact fees are considerably less than surrounding cities, with Steger citing the $10,000 fee in Georgetown

ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO

Hank Jones, named Williamson County Fire Marshal in October, is excited about the opportunity to expand the role and services of the office throughout the county. tial danger.

“We’re urban interface, we’re right against nature,” said Jones. “We’re right up next to farms, we’re right up next to green belts and the next thing you know it can all go up. It’s tragic to watch.”

Striking a balance between unincorporated areas and urban areas is one of the more important tasks Jones faces in his new role.

“We’re in a position to where we work directly and closely with our local fire departments,” said Jones. “On a bigger scale, we’re working outside of those parameters to constantly be evaluating risk and how we can minimize it.

It’s a matter of a coordinated effort to keep not only the cit-

ies safe but our entire county.”

While Jones admits that his new position can be overwhelming at times as he tries to gain his bearings, he is grateful for the opportunity to start things from scratch.

“With it being so new, it’s kind of a blessing that we get to start at ground level and build this thing out to where it’s protecting our community,” he said. “We’re evaluating risk assessments, we’re evaluating our vulnerability as a community, as a county. It’s a different mindset when you go from protecting 100 square miles to 1,100 square miles and you go from a population of 80,000 to 600,000.”

compared to Liberty Hill’s current combined $7,000 fee.

The Council also approved a proposed future land use map, also required as part of the process for determining rates.

“In order for us to figure out where we need to take water and wastewater service to we have to have some kind of rough estimate of where development is going to be,” Hall said. “This is not going to

be the permanent land use map and I think the words permanent and land use map should never go hand in hand because it should always be a working document. This is a start for us so we can have this to coincide with the impact fee study. We will continue this piece of it as a separate piece down the road as a true land use map for the layout of the City.”

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SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, January 2, 2020 Page 6

New season on the pitch

Girls looking for return to state title game

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor One thing the Lady Panthers of Liberty Hill had absolutely no problem with last season was scoring goals.

By the boatload.

Not to mention they rarely conceded at their own end.

Head Coach Darren Bauer’s club averaged 6.36 goals per game, while only allowing 0.36.

Numbers like those will win a lot of soccer games and Liberty Hill did exactly that, posting a sparkling 25-3-2 record on the way to the Class 4A state championship game.

However, the Purple-andGold fell just short of their ultimate goal with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Stephenville in the title match.

This season, the Lady Panthers will attempt to reach the state semifinals for the third time in four seasons, but they will do so without senior leadership of any kind, as the roster doesn’t contain a single one.

As a result, the juniors are the de-facto seniors and will be depended on to lead the way for their younger teammates.

But, according to junior central defender and team captain Bryden Bourgeios, it won’t be an issue.

“Honestly, the way our team is built, we’ve always had leadership from everyone,” said Bourgeios, who scored six goals and provided nine assists last season. “Sometimes, it’s good to have leaders who are the same age as everyone else.”

Heading into a new season with such high expectations has created a pressure-packed environment for her and her teammates, but that can only

bring the best out of them, she said.

“The people we lost from last year were really good and it’s a little nerve-wracking knowing what we have to do now,” said Bourgeios. “It’s stressful, but exciting and I think pressure helps me do better.”

Bauer said the reinforcements that have arrived will more than make up the difference for the players who were lost.

“We had three starting seniors and six overall last season – it was a pretty good class to lose,” he said. “But, the girls who have moved up from the junior varsity have gotten more mature and filled all the holes we had and this year our sophomores are taking on a lot more responsibility.”

Bauer intends for his side to employ an aggressive, attacking style of play in order to always keep the opposition on the defensive, he said.

“We want to play a possession-based game, keep the ball on the ground and press high up the field on defense,” said Bauer. “We’re going to be relentless and make you run around. We always try to play this way even as we get new girls on the team and we also want to add more pressure on defense.”

Bauer added the way last season ended provided a mixture of emotions.

“I think it was bittersweet because they finally got over the hump of making it to the semifinals and losing,” he said.

“Even though we lost in the final, I wasn’t disappointed with the effort of the players.”

Despite the fact his team continues to remain true to its tactical roots, adjustments can always be made to prevent

complacency from setting in, said Bauer.

“We’ll be fine as long as we keep our focus on what we’re doing and as long as we keep up pressure on the other team,” he said. “As long as we have our chemistry down because every year we do things a little different having to get the new girls used to varsity.”

Starting in goal will be junior Samantha Carter, who rarely allowed the ball to hit the back of her net last season in posting an impressive 18-2-2 record between the sticks to go with 16 clean sheets on the campaign.

“Sam makes exceptional saves,” said Bauer. “The best part is she teaches the younger girls very well. As a goalkeeper, she has already improved by leaps and bounds – it’s incredible.”

One thing which Carter has endured and come out better for was a broken rib suffered in last season’s state semifinal when she came out to challenge an attacking player with a crunching collision ensuing, which resulted in an even stronger and more confident shot-stopper, said Bauer.

“You always wonder how a player is going to bounce back from something like that,” he said. “But, ever since, she’s been absolutely fearless in commanding her area – there’s not much more we could ask of her.”

Along the Lady Panthers’ back line, Bourgeios will be expected to lock down opposing attacks with a combination of speed, skill and grit, said Bauer.

“Bryden’s not a natural center back, but she’s done an excellent job filling that role,” he

SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO

Abigail Janicek (#5) is part of a powerful, ball-moving midfield for the Lady Panthers. said, of Bourgeios, who played in a holding midfield role last season. “She’s an incredibly hard worker and with her speed she can really get things in our midfield started.”

Bourgeios said she’s aware of the gravity of her situation in anchoring the Lady Panthers’ defense.

“I know I have to have a good game every time out,” she said.

“I always have to be ready.”

She added the fact she and her teammates share common bonds helps in a myriad of ways – something she believes is unique not only in soccer, but Liberty Hill’s version.

“All the relationships we have with each other are great,” said Bourgeios. “I don’t know if it’s a small-school thing here or what, but soccer as a sport forces you to have those relationships with each other if you want to succeed – for us, it’s more family than friendship.”

One thing that is notably

Ready to pounce

See LADIES, Page 8

LHHS boys set for strong soccer season

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When the Panther Cup kicks off at Liberty Hill High School this week, the boys’ soccer team will embark on a new season – one which is filled with hope.

Last year, the Panthers had a fine campaign that saw them post an 18-3-3 record for the season, including a perfect 12-0 mark in district play.

However, the Purple-andGold’s quest for a state title came to an abrupt end with a 2-0 loss to Taylor in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Last season, the club was coached by Darren Bauer, who headed up both the boys’ and girls’ squads, but as the new campaign begins, former assistant Wayne Munger becomes the new boys’ bench boss while Bauer will remain as girls’ head coach.

According to Munger, it’s of the utmost importance to make sure his charges are as versatile as possible to meet any challenge the opposition might throw their way.

“My philosophy is to have two different systems ready to play so we can adapt to our opponents,” said Munger. “But, we have a lot of speed, so we want to build around that.”

However, despite the fact there will always be a blueprint in place, there will still be plenty of room for improvisation, which allows the players to think outside the box as the play unfolds around them, he said.

“We believe in setting something up and then allowing them to play,” said Munger.

“We want our players to always think through the game

and keep the other team moving, which means our team needs to work hard because defense is extremely important.”

In years past, soccer was more a game of sending the ball far downfield, then retrieving it and setting up one’s attack, but nowadays with a more possession-based style taking hold around the world, the Panthers are quickly adapting to what will serve them best in the present and future – without closing the door completely on the past, he said.

“The modern game is to pass the ball all over the field,” said Munger. “But, we have a nice combination in which we can close the opposition down when we lose the ball and win it back by pressing the ball high up the pitch, which generates a lot of chances at goal.

So, as soon as we lose the ball, we need to get it back.”

Having the ability to quickly read and break down an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses is also a critical aspect in gaining the upper hand from a strategic and tactical standpoint, he said.

“We always expect our teams to be able to pass and possess,” said Munger. “If another team isn’t able to play on the counter, then we can rest on the ball.

In this way, we can see the team we want to be and expose the weaknesses of other teams.

But, for me as a coach after watching countless hours of soccer, you can’t always play the best style – but you always expect quality.”

This season’s varsity squad is comprised of 14 players, mostly returners from last season’s team, which bore the disappointment of the aforemen-

tioned playoff defeat.

Junior center back Rhett Hofmann said it’s that experience that has been the primary motivator in lighting the fire for this season.

“So far, we’re doing pretty good in practice,” he said. “We fully expect to make it back to state and the frustration of what happened to us last year has really been coming out in our training.”

Despite the fact his primary job is to prevent goals, the Panthers’ defenders certainly have the green light to maraud forward when the opportunity presents itself – with one small asterisk attached, said Hofmann.

“When we make runs forward, we always need to cover one another at the back,”

he said. “Our wing backs are very offensive-minded, which gives us as center backs a little more room to do more offensive things – that way the other defense always has an extra player to worry about.”

Hofmann also said in order for the back line to perform like a well-oiled goal-prevention machine, the only way is to spend time together on the training pitch in building a comprehensive understanding of one another.

“For us as a back line, it’s all about chemistry and trust,” he said. “About getting as much time on the ball as possible – the more you do that, the more predictable you are for your teammates.”

See BOYS, Page 8

Jaron Frye (#10) has the speed to take on defenders and will be looked to for scoring up front.

SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO

Thursday, January 2, 2020

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 7

In charge on the court, at school Principal applies same principles to hoops, education

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Travis Motal knew he wanted basketball to be a lifelong venture.

Only one problem.

“I always loved it, but I wasn’t a near good enough player,” he said.

So, after high school, he decided in order to continue making hoops a part of his life, he would trade his jersey for a striped shirt and a whistle.

He became a referee.

Now, Motal, who is the principal at Liberty Hill Junior High, is a seasoned college basketball referee who has had many enjoyable experiences over the years as he has continued his love affair with the game from the other side of the law.

According to Motal, he wouldn’t have it any other way these days.

“I’ve always liked the aspect of having the pressure on me to always have to do the right thing out there on the court,” said Motal, who officiates NCAA Division II and III games, as well as in the NAIA. “If there’s an upset coach, I use the structure and skills I have to resolve any issues.”

As far as the in-game banter that exists between coaches and officials, there must remain a constant line of open communication in order to properly regulate the temperature of the proceedings, he said.

“Before the game, we’ll have a meeting and talk about any rules changes,” said Motal.

“But, once the game begins, all referees are different as far as what kind of tolerance level each one of us has as far as anything which goes on.”

Usually, Motal will give coaches a fairly long leash, but there’s one line you can’t cross, he said.

“No profanity when arguing about calls,” said Motal.

Of course, inevitably the lines are crossed when the frustration level boils over and things are said in the heat of battle sometimes, which are unforgivable in Motal’s book,

he said.

“The worst thing any coach ever said to me was I was a cheater,” said Motal. “It really hurts to hear something like that because as officials, all of us work very hard to be better referees and what that does degrades everything I do.”

Concerning his relationship with players during games, a different approach altogether is needed, he said.

“Before the game, when we meet with the captains, I’ll ask them, ‘Okay, who wants to call fouls today?’” said Motal. “If you don’t want fouls called, don’t commit any.”

Motal added over the past decade or so, the powers that be in the officiating community have strived to make rules interpretations more clear – regardless of who’s making the calls, he said.

“What they’ve really tried to do is make officiating more of a science than an art,” said Motal. “As far as what constitutes a foul, it should be cut-and-dry. Over the last 10 years, they’ve tried really hard to get rid of inconsistency.”

After all, Big Brother is always watching.

“Our career assignors watch our games, evaluate us and make recommendations,” he said. “So, I go into every game like it’s always the biggest.”

One thing officials must constantly monitor during games is the rhythm of the proceedings, always ensuring nobody gains an upper hand from a fairness standpoint.

“Everybody’s always looking for an advantage – whether it’s coaches or players,” said Motal. “So, I always try to see the game from both perspectives.”

One aspect of basketball officiating that differentiates it from other sports is the sometimes claustrophobic conditions under which games are played, he said.

“The size of the court and the closeness of the crowd allows everything to be contained in a small space compared to a football field, for example,” said Motal. “As a coach, you

Panther Cup great start to New Year

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor As the year 2020 is upon us here in Pantherville, let’s take a moment to think about some resolutions we might want to make as we enter the third decade of the 21st Century, shall we?

But, first, it’s also a brandnew era here at The Independent and not only because the calendar flipped.

No, your humble Purpleand-Gold Mayor of all Things Panthers has taken up residence right in downtown Liberty Hill in our lovely new office at 921 Loop 332.

Now, what that means is the actual mayor works right across the street at City Hall, but certainly there’s room in this town for the two of us, right Mr. Hall?

You can take care of all the political business in running this fair city of ours and I’ll handle everything from a sports perspective.

I sense a synergistic working relationship that will certainly benefit all of those involved – one which is very Jedi-like, indeed.

Anyway, now that we have all the political boundaries set, we can move on to the not-so-small matter of Panthers athletics as we enter the new year.

Basketball has already been hooping it up for some time now and both the girls and boys soccer squads are currently tuning up for their respective new campaigns.

Certainly, the latter fills our heart with pure, unadulterated joy.

You see, soccer (or football, as the rest of the world calls it – and three billion people can’t be wrong, can they?) is our favorite sport, so having the opportunity to be able to cover such a pair of fine pro-

grams is certainly a blessing for your humble sports scribe.

I’ll admit it.

We used to be an ugly American in the days of our formidable sports upbringing.

Baseball was always number one (and still holds a place in our heart), but soccer was never given even a second thought.

Are you kidding?

A boring sport played only in foreign countries?

Who cares?

After all, we’re the big, bad, ol’ U.S. of A. and we don’t need the world’s game!

Or, at least that’s what I used to think.

So, we first gave the beautiful game a look when the U.S. hosted the World Cup all the way back in 1994 and it was love at first sight – and the rest is history.

Despite the love we still have for all of our “American” sports and hockey (Oh, Canada!), nothing soothes the soul like 22 players moving a ball around a pitch of God’s Green Grass in the quest for goal.

On Jan. 2-4, all of us here in Liberty Hill will be privileged to see some of the best high school soccer the entire state of Texas has to offer as the second annual Panther Cup will be held.

Both the girls’ and boys’ squads will take the plastic pitch at Panther Stadium in a showcase event designed to kick off the new season in style.

However, this isn’t simply a season-opening tourney featuring cupcake opponents to let the home team burst from the gates with confidence.

No, but much more.

The LHHS coaching staff wanted to come up with a tournament right off the bat that would immediately test the mettle of their respective squads – a crucible of competition that provides a

See SOCCER, Page 9

can easily see all three officials from the sideline at any given time.”

Motal described the synergy, which must occur between everyone involved, to make a game go smoothly.

“The game can only be played with all of us – officials, coaches and players – working together,” he said.

“I always try to help players know what to do – I enforce the rules, but there’s always a mutual respect. But, I always enjoy the challenge and the intensity the coaches bring to the game.”

Of course, in this day and age of technology, sports officiating is under even more of a microscope than ever and the trickle-down that has on officials presents an entirely different layer of expectations as far as their performances are concerned, said Motal.

“The level of scrutiny we face as officials is immense,” he said. “Especially with the advent of video replay – we want to get as much right as we can without taking the feel out of the game.”

So, what would constitute a perfectly-officiated contest?

“Nobody gets hurt, first of all,” he said. “After that, all three teams – including the officials -- leave the court feeling like we gave all we could to the game.”

Motal’s officiating career has taken him far and wide from his native Texas and provided him with opportunities to call games at high levels in farflung places, such as Southern California and South Dakota, along with many other places on the map in between.

Usually, he flies to farther destinations, although sometimes the road is the way to go, with an eight-hour drive to New Orleans being the longest to this point.

One thing being an official for two decades has done for Motal is change his entire perspective on the game – even if he’s simply spectating, he said.

“I find now even when I’m just watching a game, I’m focusing on the officials and

Liberty Hill Junior High School principal Travis Motal uses many of the same management skills in officiating college basketball games as he does in the education field. (Courtesy Photo) what they’re doing,” said career is long since over, when “I think it’s an excellent Motal. “I always like to see it’s time to take the court as comparison to my job here at how other referees work.” an official, Motal said anxiety the junior high school,” said With all his responsibilities still exists, but one of a differ- Motal. “I really love working to the community of Liberty ent kind. with the kids and helping them Hill in his role as junior high “I wouldn’t say nervous, on a career path. Many of the principal in addition to his of- but there’s an anxious feeling skills I use in one I use in the ficiating, Motal said it can be while you’re waiting for the other – whether it’s an upset quite challenging to make ev- game to start,” he said. “All coach or parent.” erything fit into one nice, neat you ever want to do is go out In coming to resolutions to mosaic. there and do a good job. But, correct issues that arise, one “Definitely, it’s a delicate bal- sometimes when you make a aspect always remains the ance,” he said. “It’s tricky – a bad call, it can be gut-wrench- same for Motal – be it a playnever-ending process of what’s ing.” er in foul trouble or a student best for everyone involved. At Motal also drew a parallel who may have lost his or her any point, my schedule could between his duties on the court way. change and I have to take care and those he finds himself “The children are what’s of everything.” faced with as principal. most important in what we do However, one thing he stress“In a lot of ways, I think it’s here,” he said. “We help them es is although officiating is a the same,” he said. “As far fix problems by saying ‘Okay, passion, it’s simply a hobby as always having to be in the here’s what we need to do from his day job, as well as his right place at the right time about this’ and then hold them family, said Motal. to do the right thing. Using accountable, which is where “Basketball is second to ev- verbal and non-verbal com- my skills as an official have erything,” he said. “Although munication and being able to really helped me to be able to it’s great to have a hobby you diffuse situations.” work under pressure, perform love which you also get paid Just like he tries to guide well and stay calm and focused to do. But, I have a great wife players to remain on the right in certain situations. I need to and kids who are always very side of the rules during games, be able to project confidence supportive of everything I do – he finds himself helping stu- and stability in doing what’s they all know they come first dents at LHJH to also stay on right because life is a game in my life.” the straight-and-narrow, he which is never over.”

Despite the fact his playing said.

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO

Madi Fuller (#7) scored 26 goals and added 30 assists last season as sophomore for the Lady Panthers and is this season’s leading returning scorer.

Finding a niche on the pitch

Fuller expresses her passion for scoring goals

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Madi Fuller was looking for a way to express herself athletically.

Softball didn’t provide her the proper outlet.

Neither did track, cross country or cheer.

Eventually, she found a soccer ball at her feet and the rest has been history.

“All the other sports I tried, I never really fit in,” said Fuller, a junior midfielder/striker who is the Lady Panthers’ leading returning scorer this season.

Suffice to say, Fuller has fit in splendidly ever since she decided to make the beautiful game her primary passion.

Despite the fact she first kicked a soccer ball around as early as kindergarten, it wasn’t until years later she developed the ability to fill a net with goals, which is a by-product of her ability to move around the field in rapid fashion, she said.

“I’ve been gifted with running ability, so I can sprint onto the ball really good,” said

Fuller, who scored 26 goals and added 30 assists last season. “After that, I can still drop back and cover defensively – speed is my main thing.”

According to Fuller, moving around when she doesn’t have the ball at her feet is just as critical as when she does – and believes that element of her game makes her even more dangerous to opposing defenses.

“I think my movement off the ball is even better than when I have it,” said Fuller.

Despite the fact her teammates rely on her to provide goals at the top of the formation, Fuller adamantly believes in order for the entire machine to work properly and efficiently, all 11 players on the pitch must be on the same sheet of music at all times.

“Good teams always have great connections,” she said.

“I think in soccer, that’s better than most other sports – if we didn’t have it out there, it would be a mess – if we weren’t able to have great

passes, our shots would be off. Everything would be like a dirty room out there instead of one which is neat and in order.”

However, once she breaks loose and moves in on the goalkeeper, she only has one thing in mind and what happens next is always quite improvisational, she said.

“Mentally, I just go,” said Fuller. “I don’t worry about anything once I get to the goalkeeper. When I get my mind set on something, I have to do it.”

Just before unleashing a shot, one last bit of recon must be done before letting fly, she said.

“Before I shoot, I always take a last look to see where the keeper is,” said Fuller.

Once her playing career is over, Fuller said she wants to stay in the sports loop as a physical therapist in order to have the opportunity to assist other athletes in overcoming some of the same obstacles she has had to endure over the

course of her years on the field.

“I’m going to study pre-med, so I can be a sports physical therapist,” she said. “I’ve always liked science and health and want to be able to help people and get them back to what they love to do. Besides, I’ve hurt myself a lot over the years, so I’m interested in how to fix things.”

But, right now, Fuller’s only concerned with helping her Lady Panthers teammates win games.

“I think we’re moving forward and showing we can do this,” said Fuller. “We’re learning from our mistakes and making good progress.”

One thing Fuller doesn’t need much help with is scoring goals at a prolific pace – after which she’s always fulfilled, she said.

“I really like scoring,” said Fuller, who once netted five goals in one game as a freshman. “The feeling I get is the best ever – it’s like, ‘Yes, I did it!’”

Page 8

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, January 2, 2020

SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO

Goalkeeper Samantha Carter (#00) is an excellent shot-stopper who was 18-2-2 with a 0.33 goals-against-average last season.

SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO

Rhett Hofmann (#3) will help set the tone for the Panthers’ defense this season.

BOYS

Continued from Page 6

Munger added the three primary central defenders must always be on the same wavelength in order to maximize the group’s collective cohesion.

“All of them need to click together as a unit,” said Munger, of his center-back trio. “They need to be able to go forward, which means we need to find the back line with the most chemistry. Subbing our defenders isn’t something we want to do.”

In behind the Liberty Hill back line will be senior goalkeeper Uriel Diaz, who will be expected to provide the last line of defense for when opposing attacks do breach the Panthers – a role Munger is confident the experienced shot-stopper can handle.

“Uriel’s been here with us his entire high school career,” said Munger. “He’s got amazing hands, reaction speed and sheer athleticism – he’s also working on being a strong leader.”

The Panthers’ midfield remains a bit of a mixed bag at the moment, with plenty of competition for the open spots, he said.

“We have a couple people in mind and four returners coming back from last season,” said Munger. “A lot of people have their names in the hat and we’re still trying to identify some spots.”

Up front are a pair of strikers back from last season’s squad including sophomore Kegan Taggart and junior Jaron Frye, who will provide him with plenty of attacking flair, he said.

“Both of them are very confident,” said Munger. “But, we’re not going to have a clear-cut forward who we only depend on to score goals.”

Frye is certain if the Panthers are allowed to play their high-powered, offensive style, they’ll be very difficult to defend, he said.

“I don’t think anybody can stop us,” said Frye. “We’ve just put our mind to beating everybody.”

Frye added after all the years he’s spent at the top of formations and expected to deliver goals on a regular basis, he’s relatively unaffected by the mental and physical demands of the position.

“For me, it’s pretty easy,” he said. “I’ve been a forward since I was seven, so pressure only pushes me forward to score even more goals.”

Having a strike partner up front certainly helps when it comes to keeping opposing defenses off balance, said Frye.

“One of us can drop back into the midfield, which helps us to stay in the game longer,” he said. “Then our defense tries to stop everybody at the back and then helps the midfield get the ball to us.”

After all the pieces are in place, the season will begin at Panther Stadium on Jan. 2-4 with the second annual Panther Cup, an event that includes some of the top Class 4A squads from Central Texas and is an excellent way to evaluate one’s club right out of the gate against high-level competition, said Munger.

“We wanted to create a tournament which would have good quality to start the season,” he said. “We have teams coming here who are top-15 in the state, so it’s definitely a good gauge to see where we are and what changes we want to make moving forward.”

However, although that’s true, there’s a flip side that presents an element of risk, as well, said Munger.

“It can really work two ways,” he said. “A tournament like this can really be a positive motivator if we can really get behind our system so early on in the season, but it’s also a chance to get blown out of the water. But, regardless of results, we can still work on our formations and positions.”

Hofmann agrees with his coach as far as the significance of the tournament.

“We get to see some of the best times right away,” he said. “It gives us a good look at what the postseason will be like and even though it’s not district, it counts mentally for us because problems don’t begin in district.”

As for how it affects he and his fellow defenders as they plunge headlong into the new season, it can only bring about positive progression.

“You have to be able to be able to prevent goals in order to score them,” said Hofmann.

“What we want to do is open up the field and move the ball – attack comes from defense.”

LADIES

Continued from Page 6

absent from the Lady Panthers’ set-up is infighting and any kind of adversarial situations, she said. “(Coach) Bauer does a really good job of not letting us have any drama or anything,” said Bourgeois. “I think it’s one of the reasons we’ve gotten so far in recent years.”

Bourgeios also said what will make the Lady Panthers successful again this season is an all-inclusive mindset without reliance on any one individual.

“We’re working on a lot of different things and depending on everyone,” she said.

“Nobody’s the star – we’re all working together all the time.”

However, it’s the Liberty Hill midfield that will be the crux of everything, said Bauer.

Junior and team captain Madi Fuller is the leading returning scorer, with the midfielder having netted 26 times last season, to go with 30 assists.

“I don’t think you’ll find a better midfield in the entire state,” he said, of Fuller, along with fellow juniors

Abigail Janacek (also a team captain) and Mykenna Russo and sophomore Emma Stephens. “All of them have speed, vision, movement and the desire to improve.”

Bauer said although there is a definite blueprint as to how he wants them to play, there’s also plenty of room for creativity.

“They have a lot of freedom because of what they can do,” he said. “All of them can see the field and work together in realizing who does what.”

Up front will be junior striker Piper Tabor, who is the second-leading returning scorer from last season’s side with 23 goals and nine assists and provides the Lady Panthers will a clinical finisher in the final third, said Bauer.

“Piper’s like our cherry on top,” he said. “Because our midfield is allowed to do what they want, she can get in behind and stretch defenses – she has a great shot, is an excellent all-around striker and is very complimentary to our system.”

Bauer has plenty of talent at his disposal entering the new season, but all of it will ride

on proper cohesion in how his side is able to work together like a well-oiled machine, he said.

“The big thing for us is our chemistry,” said Bauer. “We have a lot of good returning sophomores who are all stepping up big and in our freshmen we have hope for the future – we’re really getting along in practice so far.”

Bauer views his roster as an ever-changing work-in-progress – something that must always be adjusted and adapted not only for the present, but with one eye always on what’s ahead, he said.

“It’s not just about this year, but building for the future,” said Bauer. “We’re always getting ready for the year after by bringing in experienced freshmen and sophomores in order to have plenty of squad depth.”

But, first there’s still some unfinished business for this season’s club, said Bourgeois.

“First, we made it to the semifinals and lost, then we made it back and won, but lost in the final,” she said.

“Hopefully, the third time will be the charm.”

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Address: LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Attn: Ms. Jennifer Hanna, Chief Financial Officer 301 Forrest Street Liberty Hill, TX 78642 All bids received at, or prior to, that time will be opened and read aloud. Bids received after that date and time will be returned unopened to the bidder. Faxed or e-mailed bids will not be accepted.

(1/9)

Thursday, January 2, 2020

BOYS BASKETBALL Panthers finish third at Whataburger

Liberty Hill’s boys basketball squad celebrated its last appearance at the Whataburger tournament in Fort Worth with a third-place finish after winning three of four games on Dec. 27-28.

First up for the Panthers on Friday morning was a matchup against Kennedale, a contest which would see the Purpleand-Gold prevail by a score of 62-59.

Walker Baty led Liberty Hill with 23 points, including a 3-pointer and a perfect 2-of-2 effort from the free-throw line in a game which saw the Panthers trail 35-25 at the half.

However, Liberty Hill stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Kennedale by an 18-8 margin and 19-16 in the fourth.

According to Liberty Hill head Coach Barry Boren, a much-needed spark off the bench was provided by senior Cole Ondrasek and junior Hunter Clayton.

“Both of them made big plays for us in the last two minutes of the game,” said Boren.

“Cole had a steal, which led to a basket and Hunter had a couple of steals for us.”

Kaleb Bannon hit a shot for what provided the winning points for the Panthers.

“It was a good win against a good program,” said Boren.

Carson Perkins added 12 points for Liberty Hill, while Bannon had 10.

LHHS 60, Grandview 39 On Friday afternoon, the Panthers faced Grandview and emerged with a 60-39 victory, as Kadin Knight scored 26 points including four threes,

SOCCER

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

with Perkins and Walker Weems adding 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Liberty Hill led 15-9 after one quarter and 29-19 at the half, as the Panthers hit six 3-pointers for the game.

“Our defense was good, we pressed well against them and shot good enough from the outside,” said Boren.

Decatur 58, LHHS 38 On Saturday, the Panthers’ first opponent was Decatur, who they defeated in last season’s Class 4A state semifinals, 53-51.

However, this time around the Eagles prevailed by a score of 58-38.

The score was even at 22-22 at halftime, only for Decatur to outscore the Panthers, 21-9 in the third quarter on the way to victory.

Boren attributed the second-half turnaround to a change in strategy by the Eagles.

“They ambushed the post, ran a double-team half-court and a matchup zone in the high post,” he said. “They made adjustments and we didn’t.”

Last season at the same tournament, the Panthers also lost to Decatur, 57-37, but this time around the final score failed to tell the entire story, said Boren.

“In that game last year, they beat us from the opening tip,” he said. “But, this time, we were tied at the half.”

Perkins led Liberty Hill with 20 points, including a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line.

LHHS 75, Connally 60 In the final game of the tournament on Saturday evening, the Panthers defeated Waco Connally, 75-60 to claim third place overall.

Perkins led four Panthers in double-figures with 28 points, while Knight had 14, Bannon 12 and Baty 11.

Continued from Page 7

challenge to see where they are as they move forward to navigate the waters of a new season.

We say “Bravo!” to such a concept.

But, now back to our resolutions, which after all is the point of this entire column.

Now, I know Texas is Football Country – I get it and respect the massive gridiron history The Lone Star State is so famous for and proud of.

But, now, the Liberty Hill football team has played its last game of what was a very interesting season to say the least, so what are we left with here to tickle our sports fancy from here on out the rest of the school year?

I’ll tell you what we have.

Football!

As in soccer and the Panthers are darned good at it.

Who says we can’t have Tuesday and Friday Night

Lights at Panther Stadium as both the girls and boys pound opponents into submission with superior goal differential?

But, here is where your part of the bargain comes into the picture, Pantherville.

Soccer has always had a passionate following in this country – after all, nearly everyone is originally from somewhere across The Pond, where the game is prevalent.

It’s just not always evident when surveying the American sports landscape, due to the constant bombardment of all of the different athletics we have here to consume our time with.

However, we believe the game’s roots run deep here in Liberty Hill.

There might not be as many Purple-and-Gold supporters who show up to cheer on their respective soccer sides, but the ones who are present have the

Liberty Hill led 19-14 after one quarter and 40-32 at halftime.

Boren said he employed different tactics from a defensive standpoint to limit the Cadets offensively.

“Instead of pressuring all the way up the court like we usually do, we played a soft press and made them handle the ball,” he said. “Then we played a flat zone and made sure they didn’t get rebounds.”

Liberty Hill (14-6) will next play at St. Michael’s on Jan. 3 and Boren is optimistic of his club’s continued improvement.

“We have a chance to be really good,” he said. “But, we have to bring it every night.”

LIVE

inspired

as Berzin led Liberty Hill with 11 points.

The Lady Panthers trailed 3320 at halftime.

Berzin was named to the all-tournament team.

LHHS 50, Fredericksburg 44 Jessica Holliday led Liberty Hill with 18 points in the Lady Panthers’ 50-44 road victory against Frdericksburg on Dec. 17.

Liberty Hill trailed 17-12 after one period of play, but rebounded to lead 28-26 at the

half after outscoring the Billies by a 16-9 margin in the second quarter.

The score was deadlocked at 37-37 after three, but the Lady Panthers outpointed Fredericksburg 13-7 in the fourth quarter, which saw Holliday sink a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line to seal the victory on a night when she failed to miss a shot, going 4-of-4 from the floor including 2-of-2 from the arc.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

(TOP LEFT) Walker Weems (#34) had contributed at both ends of the court for the Panthers following his move up from the junior varsity.

Lady Panthers play at Lake Travis

The Lady Panthers played in the Lake Travis tournament Dec. 26-28 and posted a 2-2 record.

On Thursday, Liberty Hill faced the hosts and came away with a 48-37 defeat.

Baylee Laird led Liberty Hill with seven points, while Kailey Berzin and Emma Hubbard each added six.

Emma Hubbard added 13 points on the evening, while Morgan Jackson hit a trio of 3-pointers on the way to nine points in a game which saw the Lady Panthers trail 21-18 at the half.

LHHS 58, Wyatt 27 On Friday, the Lady Panthers defeated Fort Worth Wyatt, 58-27, as Olivia Shelton led Liberty Hill with 12 points, while Regan Walker added 10 and Jessica Holliday six.

The Lady Panthers led 29-13 at the half.

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTOS

(CENTER) Kaleb Bannon (#24) provided the game-winning points in Liberty Hill’s 62-59 victory against Kennedale on Dec. 27.

(BELOW) Reagan Walker (#3) scored 10 points in the Lady Panthers’ 58-27 victory against Wyatt at the Lake Travis tournament on Dec. 27.

game in their blood.

What we need to do is increase our numbers.

Can you imagine being a visiting team arriving at Panther Stadium only to be greeted by a sellout crowd, creating a uniquely European atmosphere complete with singing and flag-waving with a distinct Texas accent?

Hey, we can dream, can’t we?

Anyway, although that might be something that only comes to fruition in a galaxy far, far away, what we can provide is a fine environment to support our local footballers in an absolute gem of a venue.

Ask yourself this.

What would Prowler do?

So, no excuses, Panther Nation.

Let’s make Liberty Hill a year-round football mecca of both the American and global varieties, shall we?

Up the Panthers!

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LHHS 50, Pflugerville 46 In Saturday’s finale, the Lady Panthers prevailed against Pflugerville by a final score of 50-46.

Berzin had 18 points, while Laird added 14.

Liberty Hill trailed 15-14 following the first quarter, but then took a 25-24 lead at halftime.

Cedar Ridge 60, LHHS 48 Saturday afternoon saw the Lady Panthers lose their final contest of the weekend to Cedar Ridge by a score of 60-45,

Page 9

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